Obama: Keep Hope Alive on Thanksgiving

Most believe Iraq war was unsuccessful

(NEWSER) - After a decade of war, America's troops aren't feeling very war-like. President Obama currently leads Mitt Romney among veterans who have served since the Gulf War by seven points—a wider lead than he has among the general populace—according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll , and many say it's because of his stance on defense. One former master sergeant, for instance, says he's a Ron Paul supporter, but in the general election he's voting for whoever he thinks is less likely to start "knee-jerk reaction wars," even if it means voting for "that Democrat." More»

President announces increased military presence in Australia

(NEWSER) - The US and Australia announced a new security agreement today, seen by many as a response to China’s growing power, but President Obama insisted that “the notion that we fear China is mistaken.” Under the agreement, the US military presence will be expanded, with about 250 Marines heading to Australia next year. Ultimately 2,500 US military personnel will be based there, and the US will have increased equipment and access to Australian bases. But officials are calling it a “sustained” military presence, not a permanent one, the AP notes. More»

President uses Thanksgiving address as a call for unity

(NEWSER) - President Obama gave his weekly address a few days early in order to wish the country Happy Thanksgiving—and call for bipartisan cooperation, CNN reports. Today, the first family will give thanks for “the God-given bounty of America and the blessings of one another,” he said, adding that the nation will “come together and do what's required to make tomorrow better than today.” But we can only do that “as one people,” he said. “I hope that we can work together, Democrats and Republicans and independents alike, to make progress.” More»

Birds will head to George Washington's estate

(AP) - It's official: President Obama has pardoned the National Thanksgiving Turkey. Continuing a decades-old White House tradition, Obama issued pardons today to a gobbler named "Apple" and its alternate, “Cider.” The two 21-week-old, 45-pound turkeys were raised on a California farm. Obama said it “feels pretty good to stop at least one shellacking this November.” More»

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama is set to prohibit waterboarding and other enhanced interrogation techniques by mandating the CIA follow the US Army Field Manual when questioning suspects, the AP reports. But as the president-elect debates whether to make the changes through legislation or presidential fiat, the incoming administration is also considering a loophole that would allow controversial methods in pressing situations. More»