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President Obama on Oil in the Gulf; Gays in the Military
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President Obama on Oil in the Gulf; Gays in the Military

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As scientists concluded today that the Gulf oil spill is the worst in the nation’s history, President Obama spoke to reporters who asked him again and again if federal response has been too little, too late. We have more on his news conference and a progress report on "Top Kill." Also, a White House compromise on repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is now on Capitol Hill. It would not end the ban on gays in the military, so what's the rush?

Banner image: President Barack Obama speaks during a press conference today in the East Room of the White House. Photo: Tim Sloan/AFP/Getty Images

Main Topic

President Obama on the Oil Spill, Tougher Offshore Drilling Policy ()

At the White House today, President Obama conceded widespread frustration, but defended federal government actions since Day One. He said that BP has superior expertise and technology, but that the government must approve everything the company does. He also revised policies on offshore oil drilling and canceled some current operations. We have more on his news conference and a progress report on "Top Kill."

Guests:
  • Ben Geman: Environment and Energy blogger, The Hill
  • Rick Jervis: Reporter, USA Today
  • Erika Bolstad: Regional Correspondent, McClatchy Newspapers
  • Richard Charter: Chair, NOAA's Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
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Main Topic

Deal to Repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' ()

The law forbids gays and lesbians from the US military, but it's widely acknowledged that many serve their country anyway. In 1993, President Clinton signed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," which allows them to stay as long as they don't reveal their sexual orientation. As a candidate, President Obama promised repeal, but the Chiefs of Staff want to wait until they study the impact of completely lifting the ban on gays in the military. Now the White House is pushing a compromise. Will it pass the House? Will Senate Republicans stage a filibuster?

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