Obama Watch: Week of Nov. 29

The First Family kicks off the Holiday Season at the White House, President Obama meets with Governors and the GOP, plus much more!

Turkey Day at the White House - The Obamas had a quiet Thanksgiving celebration at the White House.

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Turkey Day at the White House - The Obamas had a quiet Thanksgiving celebration at the White House.

Stitches for the President - President Obama was accidentally elbowed in the mouth by an opposing player during a pickup basketball game Friday. The incident resulted in the president needing 12 stitches in his upper lip. Rey Decerega, director of programs for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, caused the injury and said afterward, “I learned today the president is both a tough competitor and a good sport.”

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Stitches for the President - President Obama was accidentally elbowed in the mouth by an opposing player during a pickup basketball game Friday. The incident resulted in the president needing 12 stitches in his upper lip. Rey Decerega, director of programs for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, caused the injury and said afterward, “I learned today the president is both a tough competitor and a good sport.”

The Official Christmas Tree - The First Lady was presented with the official White House Christmas tree on Friday. The 18.5-foot Douglas-fir from Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Leighton, Pa., arrived in a horse-drawn carriage. It will be displayed in the White House’s Blue Room during the holiday season.

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The Official Christmas Tree - The First Lady was presented with the official White House Christmas tree on Friday. The 18.5-foot Douglas-fir from Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Leighton, Pa., arrived in a horse-drawn carriage. It will be displayed in the White House’s Blue Room during the holiday season.

Obama on Sarah Palin - In a Barbara Walters ABC special on Friday night, President Obama addressed the Sarah Palin 2012 rumors. “I don’t think about Sarah Palin,” he said. “Obviously, Sarah Palin has a strong base of support in the Republican Party, and I respect those skills. But I spend most of my time right now on how I can be the best possible president.”

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Obama on Sarah Palin - In a Barbara Walters ABC special on Friday night, President Obama addressed the Sarah Palin 2012 rumors. “I don’t think about Sarah Palin,” he said. “Obviously, Sarah Palin has a strong base of support in the Republican Party, and I respect those skills. But I spend most of my time right now on how I can be the best possible president.”

Family Time at HU - The president made the short trip to Howard University on Saturday to watch his brother-in-law, Craig Robinson’s team, the Oregon State University Beavers, take on the Bison. He was joined by the whole family—Sasha, Malia, Michelle and her mother Marian Robinson. This is the second year in a row that he’s attended a game Robinson has coached on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

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Family Time at HU - The president made the short trip to Howard University on Saturday to watch his brother-in-law, Craig Robinson’s team, the Oregon State University Beavers, take on the Bison. He was joined by the whole family—Sasha, Malia, Michelle and her mother Marian Robinson. This is the second year in a row that he’s attended a game Robinson has coached on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

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Father-Daughter Basketball - On Sunday, just days after his injury, President Obama took to the court again—this time with daughters Malia and Sasha. The family played ball at the Department of Interior.

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Father-Daughter Basketball - On Sunday, just days after his injury, President Obama took to the court again—this time with daughters Malia and Sasha. The family played ball at the Department of Interior.

Gov. Salary Freeze - The president met with senior advisors after receiving his daily briefing on Monday. Afterward, he spoke to the press, announcing that he will propose a two-year salary freeze for some 2 million federal government workers. The move, if approved, should save more than $5 billion over the first two years.

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Gov. Salary Freeze - The president met with senior advisors after receiving his daily briefing on Monday. Afterward, he spoke to the press, announcing that he will propose a two-year salary freeze for some 2 million federal government workers. The move, if approved, should save more than $5 billion over the first two years.

Coming to the Table with the GOP - On Tuesday, President Obama held a bipartisan meeting with congressional lawmakers for the first time since November’s elections. Following the session, Obama referred to it as a “good start” on efforts to work together to tackle big issues such as taxes and national security.

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Coming to the Table with the GOP - On Tuesday, President Obama held a bipartisan meeting with congressional lawmakers for the first time since November’s elections. Following the session, Obama referred to it as a “good start” on efforts to work together to tackle big issues such as taxes and national security.

Mrs. O Welcomes Military Moms - On Wednesday in the White House’s East Room, First Lady Michelle Obama welcomed military families who organized the Anacostia Branch of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive. During the event, the families made holiday cards, ornaments and treats.

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Mrs. O Welcomes Military Moms - On Wednesday in the White House’s East Room, First Lady Michelle Obama welcomed military families who organized the Anacostia Branch of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive. During the event, the families made holiday cards, ornaments and treats.

Friday - President Obama will attend meetings at the White House today.

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Wednesday Meetings - The president attended a White House meeting on Wednesday.

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Reaching out to Governors - On Thursday afternoon, President Obama and Vice President Biden met with over 20 of the nation’s newly elected governors. "There are going to be times where we do believe that having basic national standards are going to be important...We need to maintain some consistency across the states," he told the audience.

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Reaching out to Governors - On Thursday afternoon, President Obama and Vice President Biden met with over 20 of the nation’s newly elected governors. "There are going to be times where we do believe that having basic national standards are going to be important...We need to maintain some consistency across the states," he told the audience.

Hanukkah Celebration - President Obama hosted a Hanukkah celebration for children and their parents at the White House on Thursday evening.

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Hanukkah Celebration - President Obama hosted a Hanukkah celebration for children and their parents at the White House on Thursday evening.

White House Meetings - On Thursday and Friday the president will attend meeting at the White House.

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More Meetings - At the White House on Friday, President Obama listened intently as he attended meetings.