VIDEO-- President Obama speaks at State Dep't: "America's moral example" will guide policy

By GottaLaff

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Here is the video of President Obama's speech at the State Department. That would be the very same one that got the "rousing ovation" that brought the crowd to its feet.

He's not so much a breath of fresh air as a hurricane. Hurricane Barack.

President Obama speaks on foreign policy, names envoys

By GottaLaff

(AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

Secretary of State Clinton and V.P. Biden have just addressed the State Department. President Obama is there, and the following additions to Team Obama are being announced:

George Mitchell has just been officially named Middle East Envoy by Secretary of State Clinton, and he just said there is no conflict that cannot be resolved.

Ambassador Richard Holbrooke is now being announced as Special Envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan.

President Obama is about to speak and is getting a standing O. Liveblogging:

He's paying tribute to the State Department. "I have given you an early gift: Hillary Clinton."

She has my full confidence. Thanks the Senate for the quick confirmation. The Foreign Service will be critical. America's strength comes from our enduring values... This [new] era has to begin now.

He's discussing his new executive orders. Big applause for the "we do not torture" line. Gitmo's closure, and trying terrorism suspects... We will be unyielding in our country's security... We need a durable framework... The orders sent an unmistakable signal that our actions will be as just as our cause... America's moral example must be the bedrock of our leadership...

Progress will not come quickly or easily, nor can we right every wrong in the world. But we can use our power to protect our people and principled ideals.

I'm calling on your hard work... My policy is to seek lasting peace... [He's discussing Mitchell's resume] There is a sense of urgency.... He'll be going to the regioin a.s.a.p...

America is committed to Israel's security... Hamas has attacked Israeli citizens... Hamas must meet clear conditions [lists them].

[Sympathetic words for Palestinians]

I'll stop here, and we'll put up the video as soon as we find it.

In one day, President Obama has begun to tackle the overwhelming problems in places that Bush couldn't even spell.

George Mitchell Under Consideration for Middle East Envoy

By GottaLaff

This one seems obvious:

George Mitchell, the former Senate Democratic Majority Leader, is under serious consideration as the Middle East envoy for the Obama administration, Obama officials confirmed on Monday.

Mitchell is highly regarded as a negotiator for his work in the successful Northern Ireland peace process, and his selection would put a clear stamp on the Middle East as a top priority. [...]

The Mitchell plan for the Middle East helped form the basis for the international "road map" plan that helped guide Middle East diplomacy throughout the Bush years.