Final JFK PT-109 Rescuer Dies
November 30 , 2013 - The last surviving member of the crew that rescued future President John F. Kennedy during World War II in the Pacific has died. This last living member of the PT-157 that rescued JFK and his crew of the now famous PT-109 was Jack Gardo who passed away on November 27, 2013 at the age of 87.
On August 2, 1943, PT-109 was rammed by a Japanese destroyer off the Solomon Islands. Two crews members of Kennedy's crew died in the collision. JFK then led the remaining crew by swimming to a nearby island. Eventually Kennedy made contact with a native islander, who then carried a coconut JFK had etched the coordinates of their location on to American forces. Later in 1963 , Hollywood made a film about the story of PT-109 that starred Cliff Robertson as the young JFK.
On his 1960 run for the White House , PT-109 became a symbol of Kennedy's heroism that could frequently be scene by people sporting PT-109 lapel pins on their shirts and jackets.
Clinton and Christie in Dead Heat in Ohio
November 27, 2013 - A new poll out for the important battle ground state of Ohio shows former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in a virtual tie. Clinton earns 42% followed by Christie with 41%. This poll continues the trend of Christie gaining ground on Clinton. Last week, a poll for the state of Colorado showed Clinton trailing Christie by eight percentage points. Its not all bad news for Clinton though. She easily beats any other Republican in the Ohio poll including current Ohio Governor John Kasich , former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. In more Presidential news the Iowa Caucuses are only about 25 months away.
Christie Takes Over Republican Governor's Association
November 21, 2013 - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today became the Chairman of the Republican Governor's Association. Christie said his priority for 2014 is to re-elect Republican Governor's and maybe even pick up a few seats. As Chairman of the Republican Governor's Association , Christie will be able to travel around the country meeting many candidates, party leaders and financial donors who could become supporters should he make his expected run for the White House in 2016.
Current State of the 2016 Race for The White House
November 19, 2013 – The current state of the 2016 race for the Republican and Democratic Party presidential nominations shows a tight race for the GOP and a runaway for the Democrats.
An average of several polls shows Republican New Jersey Governor Chris Christie with 17% followed by Kentucky U.S. Senator Rand Paul 16%, Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan 12%, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Florida U.S. Senator Marco Rubio with 11.8% each, Texas U.S. Senator Ted Cruz with 11% and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal tied at 4.5% each.
For the Democrats former Secretary of State Hillary is supported by 65% of poll respondents followed by Vice President Joe Biden with 10%, Massachusetts U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren with 6%, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo 3%, and finally Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and Virginia U.S. Senator Mark Warner are tied at 1% each.
Obama To Honors Presidents John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton
November 16, 2013 - President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama along with former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will travel to Arlington National Cemetery the week to honor President John F. Kennedy. During the ceremony on Wednesday November 20 , the Obamas and Clintons will lay a wreath on the grave of JFK. This Friday November 22, 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of President John F. Kennedy, who was slain as he rode in motorcade through Dallas ,Texas.
Also on Wednesday President Obama will present former President Bill Clinton with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Through Executive Order on February 22, 1963, President Kennedy directed that the Medal of Freedom would now be known as the Presidential Medal of Freedom. President Kennedy died before the first Presidential Medals of Freedom were awarded on December 6, 1963. President Lyndon Johnson posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to JFK.
In addition to former President Clinton receiving the honor, other 2013 recipients will be baseball great Ernie Banks and activist Gloria Steinem. In a tribute to President Kennedy, many of the past receipts will be present at the ceremony.