Obama Headed Home

Tells Ghanaian Parliament the African people need to shed corruption and conflict in favor of peace in Saturday speech.

"I say this knowing full well the tragic past that has sometimes haunted this part of the world. I have the blood of Africa within me." Permalink

The president uses his weekly radio and Internet address to dismiss the notion that the nation may need a second stimulus package.

Click above to watch. Permalink

White House aides confirm the president says he'd work to reduce number of abortions in America with Pope visit.

POOL REPORT: Read it here. Permalink

Obama shakes hands with Pope Benedict XVI after arriving at the Vatican Friday, says it's "a great honor" to meet him.

They then sit at the pontiff's desk, exchange pleasantries before reporters and photographers are ushered out.

Plus: Obama gives Pope stole belonging to sainted 19th century Catholic American, private letter from ailing Senator Kennedy.

POOL REPORT: Read it here. PHOTOS: Obama in Italy. Permalink

The Washington Post reports GOP Rep. Mark Kirk is not planing to seek Burris' Senate seat in 2010. Permalink

Treasury Secretary defends the Recovery Act on Friday in testimony before Congress.

Plus: Administration pushes expansion of foreclosure prevention measures. Permalink

Obama, his wife meet with a group of pregnant women at Ghana's La General Hospital to talk prenatal care, reducing infant mortality rates.

Jokes with the women, saying: "Nobody's going to have a baby right now, right?"

POOL REPORT: Read it here.
Permalink

President Obama met with his Ghanaian counterpart John Atta Mills Saturday. He said the point of the trip was to show that "Africa is not separate from world affairs."

POOL REPORT: Read it here.

White House sent out release on events surrounding Obama's arrival. Read it here. Permalink

Says he isn't seeking re-election for Obama's Senate seat in 2010 because of the burden of raising money to pay for a campaign.

"I was called to choose between spending my time raising funds, or spending my time raising issues for my state." Permalink

--GOP judiciary point-man Senator Sessions says Sotomayor confirmation not "a foregone conclusion."

--CNN/Opinion Research Corp. finds 47% say they want to see the SCOTUS nominee confirmed, 40% don't.

--Sotomayor preps for next week by taking on insults, probing questions in mock hearings. Permalink

Reiterates he really wants health care reform by the August recess during press Q&A across the globe in Italy Friday.

EXCERPTS: More of what he had to say here. PHOTOS: Obama in Italy. Permalink

The Republican-turned-Democrat hits back at Senate challenger Rep. Sestak on Thursday, questioning his party bona fides. Permalink