Here’s your weekly quick look at few developing stories in the political arena:
- Breaking on Friday, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki resigned amongst heavy criticism from both Democrats and Republicans for the recent Veterans Affairs scandal. President Obama, who accepted the resignation, said,” That was Ric’s judgment on behalf of his fellow veterans, and I agree. We don’t have time for distractions. We need to fix the problem.” Critics have applauded the resignation…… Also breaking on Friday, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney announced he is leaving the position in mid-June. President Obama said of Carney, “He’s got good judgment. He has good temperament and he’s got a good heart, and I will miss him a lot.” Carney, who was Obama’s 2nd press secretary, will be replaced by deputy press secretary Josh Earnest.
- President Obama on Wednesday spoke at the U.S. Military outlined his foreign policy vision of “might doing right.” Obama said, “America must always lead on the world stage, and the military will always be the backbone of that leadership,” but U.S. military action “cannot be the only — or even primary — component of our leadership in every instance.” The President also said of critics that those “who suggest that America is in decline, or has seen its global leadership slip away, are either misreading history or engaged in partisan politics.” The President has been criticized for a “passive” approach to foreign policy and in this vision of his foreign policy he argues that global leadership requires military might, alliances and diplomatic tools.