angela merkel. dr.first east german to serve as chancellor of the united federal republic of germany and made history when she became germany's first female chancellor. a dedicated public servant, chancellor merkel has promoted liberty and freedom in her own country and throughout the world. >> you can all applaud. [applause] i've got to do the toast. i want to conclude by inviting all of you to stand and join me in a toast. and i want to do so with the words that angela spoke two years ago when she became the first german leader to address our congress since chancellor adenaeur all those years ago. her words spoke not only to the dreams of the young girl in the east, but for the dreams of all those who yearn for rights and dignity today, to freedom, which must be struggled for and defended anew every day of our lives. cheers. [applause] >> mr. president, dear barack, dear michelle, ladies and gentlemen. the first political event during my childhood that i distinctly remember is the building of the berl

as you saw this morning, angela's english is much better than my german.ting the chancellor and professor zao at tonight's state dinner, where i'll have the privilege of presenting angela with the medal of freedom. as i said earlier, germany is one of our strongest allies. we see our partnership in the drive of our workers and businesses who sustain the largest trade relationships in the world. we see it in the students and teachers, the scientists and researchers who are unlocking new innovations, including the clean renewable energy sources that we need to combat climate change and create the industries of the future, we see our partnership and the courage of our service members who stand shoulder to shoulder in afghanistan, where germans serve under americans and americans serve under germans. chancellor merkel, i want to thank you and the german people for your strong commitment to this vital mission and our hearts go out to the wounded warriors and all the families, american and german, and others, whose loved ones have given their lives to keep us sa

as i said earlier -- angela the medal of freedom.the students and teachers, scientists and inventors unlocking innovations including that clean and renewable sources we need to create a climate of the future. we see our partnership in our service members to stand shoulder to shoulder in afghanistan, word germans serve under americans and americans are under germans. chancellor merkel i want to thank you in the german people for your strong commitment to this vital mission. our hearts go out to the wounded warriors and all of the families and others whose loved ones have given their lives once rigid their lives to keep us safe. we see our partnership and the skill of our diplomats to prevent the spread of deadly weapons and stand up for democracy in europe and beyond. and in the passion of our development experts as they worked to avert suffering in countries like sudan. this is the essence of our lands, to people's committed to the security, prosperity, and the dignity not just our own citizens but those far beyond our borders. and t

angela merkle represents something that she touched on.ist police state and resisted those who tried to oppress the millions of german citizens of east germany for many years. as she said, she could never imagine she would be in the white house, receiving the medal of freedom. she says remember -- things can change dramatically. your most profound dreams -- the reality can exceed your fondest dreams. this happened to her. she is saying once again that totalitarians are a danger in the world. the muslim totalitarian regimes are now facing a change. she was raising an issue that possibly they could also disappear and they could have freedom for the muslim peoples. that is what she is working for, and hopefully obama and the other leaders in europe. let us pray that they succeed. >> there is no question that you are right that she represents a historic figure in some sense, and that she did grow up in eastern germany, in a totalitarian system. now she is standing in the rose garden, getting the medal of freedom as chancellor of germany. you h

and i think angela shares that same view.'re going to have to work through this issue methodically, and we will be supportive in any ways that we can to make sure that all of the best ideas are brought to bear on the problem. but let me just make one larger point about -- because it relates also to the question that steve asked earlier. i think people on both sides of the atlantic are understandably frustrated with the ups and downs of the economy. the world economy. and it's just very important to -- for folks to remember how close we came to complete disaster. the world economy took a severe blow two-and-a-half years ago. and in part, that was because of a whole set of policy decisions that have been made, and challenges that had been unaddressed over the course of the previous decade. and recovering from that kind of body blow takes time. and recovery is going to be uneven. and there are going to be times where we are making progress, but people are still skittish and nervous. and the markets get skittish and nervous. and

i think angela has shared that same view.ue methodically and we will be supportive in any way that we can to make sure that all the best ideas are brought to bear on the problem. mitt -- but let me make a larger point relates to the question that steve asked earlier. people on both sides of the atlantic's are understandably frustrated with the ups and downs of the economy -- the world economy. it is just a very important for folks to remember how close we came to complete disaster. the world economy took a severe blow to a half years ago. -- 2.5 years ago. ofbecause of a whole set policy changes made in challenges that were unaddressed over the previous decade. recovering from that kind of body blow takes time. and recovery will be uneven. and there will be times when we are making progress but people are still skittish and nervous and the markets get skittish and nervous. so they pull back because they're still thinking about the traumas of just 2 1/2 years ago. economic data that, in better times, would pass without comment

angela americangela merkel willg one.who would like to be there, any one of the people who want to take the president's job. why eyiowa could be the pivotale to get those votes. arizona tackles its worst wildfires in years. there is a new threat making things worse. we'll update you after a break. or annuity over 10 or even 20 years? call imperial structured settlements. the experts at imperial can convert your long-term payout into a lump sum of cash today. over a million people have discovered how easy it is to use legalzoom for important legalocuments. so start your business, protect your family, launch your dreams. at legalzoom.com we pu. - because it's completely invisible. - because it's designed to help me hear better. male announcer: introducing amp, a new kind of hearing aid, so tiny, it's invisible. female announcer: amp is comfortable to wear and easily removable. amp, the hearing aid for people who aren't ready for a hearing aid. male announcer: call: to find an amp hearing professional near you. only $1,500 a

and i think angela shares that same view. and so we're going to have to work through this issue methodically, and we will be supportive in any ways that we can to make sure that all the best ideas are brought to bear on the problem. but let me just make one larger point about -- because it relates also to the question that steve asked earlier. i think people on both sides of the atlantic are understandably frustrated with the ups and downs of the economy, the world economy. and it's just very important for folks to remember how close we came to complete disaster. the world economy took a severe blow two and a half years ago. and in part that was because of a whole set of policy decisions that had been made and challenges that had been unaddressed over the course of the previous decade. and recovering from that kind of body blow takes time. and recovery is going to be uneven, and there are going to be times where we are making progress but people are still skittish and nervous, and the markets get skittish and nervous, and so

get behind a plan of a third being a lot of the massive greek debt in order to stabilize the euro angela merkel was very polite in saying that germany understands its responsibilities but basically said if you want should mind their own business again in a very good player matic way take a listen. concerning the situation in the us i think each and every one has to deal with her own problem we know you have our hands food made with what we need to do and i'm absolutely convinced that it is we should all responsibility so will the united states of america well angela merkel has won a claim at home for resisting obama's calls for cash to help the poor members of the e.u. will cover the losses from unsustainable social welfare programs so she is calling for more international participation in dealing with the european debt crisis which threatens to bring a lot of uncertainty in the world economy she she has earlier said washington should not be in a position of calling all the shots of the world bank and the international and the international monetary fund so there's a certain background o

angela merkel. >> suarez: a child of the cold war who grew up in east germany, angela merkel joined a select few foreign dignitaries who have received that award at the state dinner in the rose garden. >> tonight, we honor angela merkel not for being denied her freedom or even for attaining her freedom, but for what she achieved when she gained her freedom. determined to finally have her say, she entered politics, rising to become the first east german to lead a united germany, the first woman chancellor in german history, and an eloquent voice for human rights and dignity around the world. >> suarez: president obama said he hopes to make a return trip to berlin. at the end of this visit, though, both leaders said their meetings helped strengthen the german-american relationship at a very challenging time. >> ifill: we'll be back shortly with an update on the huge fires in arizona. but first, this is pledge week on pbs. this break allows your public television station to ask for your support, and that support helps keep programs like ours on the air. >> woodruff: for those stations no

in november, 2009, angela merkel visited washington, d.c. to make good on a rare honor and address a joint session of congress. she told a very personal story of revision of america. >> for much of my life, the land with unlimited opportunity was the land of unattainable opportunity. then on 1989, the wall fell. the iron curtain, that for decades had separate it people into separate world, came open. i'm here today to give thanks. >> modern relations began with the allied victory of world war ii. u.s. occupations as sheriff as a bulwark against communist -- occupation serve as a bulwark against communists. the two superpowers to had to ted in a divided turning. >> i am proud to say [speaking german] >> most people know that famous phrase. that is taught in history classes in both countries. this plays only a secondary role at the volkswagen plant. the emphasis here is on building high-quality automobiles. this man is also an engineer with more than 20 years experience. he sees -- as a colleague like any other and volkswagen as in the employe

today, angela merkel backed down. that means more pain for the german taxpayer. >> europe and the euro hang together. our economic strength depends on a strong year ago. because of this, i would a thing to ensure the stability. >> the debt mountain stands at 298 billion pounds. just year ago, agrees was loaned 95 billion in a bailout. this did not do the trick and a second bailout of about 106 billion is now being considered. >> this is the end game because europe has to make up its mind whether it will have the political will and the financial resources to address this finally and definitely will whether it faces a kind of chaos. >> the next big test will come early next week with the confidence vote in the prime minister. >> no easy to this is there in europe. you're watching bbc world news america protested the come, the volunteers who descended on the small town to help clean up from a terrible tornado have something in common, a name. scientists in england have believe -- have made what they believe is a signific

german chancellor angela merkel will arrive at the white house this morning for meetings. the white house will hold a state dinner for the chancellor and we will have live coverage at 8:00 p.m. eastern. before that, you can watch live coverage of guest arrivals. we'll have more about angela merkel's schedule and a moment. >> jill abramson will be the first when an executive at"a tour of the new york times there c." she was editor of the legal times. you can watch clips of her online at the cspan video library. you can watch any time. it is washington your way. >> "washington journal"is next. we will look at the news and take your phone calls. before tonight's state dinner at the white house, president obama and german chancellor angela merkel will hold a joint news conference. we will have live coverage this morning here on c-span. this afternoon, a group of former directors of the congressional budget office will meet to discuss the federal debt. live coverage is at 3:00 p.m. eastern. coming up this hour, a discussion on the global war on illegal drugs. we will talk with

german chancellor angela merkel and her husband were the guests of honor at the dinner in the rose garden. mr. obama used the event to present the chancellor with the presidential medal of freedom. >> to freedom. you struggled for and defended a new every day of our lives. >> no dictatorship can keep down the forces of freedom for so long. >> she is an ally known to differ with the obama administration. >>> plenty of local disappointed golfing fans this morning after word that tiger woods has pulled out of the u.s. open. the tournament begins on the 16th at the congressional

behind an iron curtain and one of those millions in a small east germantown was a young girl named angela. she remembers when the wall went up and how everyone in her church was crying, told by the communists that she couldn't pursue her love of languages, she excelled as a physicist. she was asked to spy for the secret police and she refused. the night the wall came down, she crossed over, like so many others, and finally experienced what she calls the incredible gift of freedom.

today, angela merkel backed down. that means more pain for the german taxpayer. >> europe and the euro hang together. our economic strength depends on a strong euro. and because of this, i will do everything to ensure the euro's stability. >> greece's debt mountain is at 298 billion pounds. a year ago greece was loaned $95 billion in a bailout. it didn't do the trick and a second bailout of around 106 billion pounds is now being considered. >> this is the end game because europe has to make up its mind whether it's going to have the political will and the financial resources to address this finally and definitely or whether it faces chaos. >> the next big test will come early next week with a confidence note in the prime minister's leadership. gavin hewitt, bbc news, athens. >> you're watching bbc world news. coming up, the latest international sport and why the energy-rich state of the united arab emirates is facing petrol shortages. mexico's liquid gold is falling into the hands of criminals. that's according to one

well angela merkel has won a claim at home for resisting obama's calls for cash dom's to help the poor members of the eagle cover the losses from unsustainable social welfare programs so she is calling for more international participation in dealing with the european debt crisis which threatens to bring a lot of uncertainty in the world economy she she has earlier said washington should not be in a position of calling all the shots of the world bank and the international and the international monetary fund so there's a certain background of differences and i made all this really splendid reception that she's getting here in washington. two thousand and five started off as a very pro american leader so why is this apparent shift from. the exactly angela merkel when she became chancellor six years ago was expected to be very pro-american because she grew up in communist east germany and she was in many ways at the beginning of her career then with the wars in iraq and afghanistan her support for the u.s. policies as they did in a way when president obama you need to off is that true got

angela merkel took a tough line. t was clear that the chancellor did not want to offer 1 cent in help. eyue speculation that greece and other members might grow polk. the breakup of the year eurozone was suddenly no longer uninbl it had all started with some much hope. oob, 2007, the leaders celebrated after signing the lisbon treaty. a hard-fought compromise was ppedoakevytng better and bring europe closer together. of all, guarantee peace and prosperity in a uniteeupe this concept of a united europe of joining east and west has taken quite a battery. but why? a few days ago in brussels, the eu president, a position created by the treaty gave policy think tank, an insight into how he saw things. >> the state of the union is n bad even if the mood is not so good. >> there is a sense of frustration even in brussels where manyrevi supporters. >> we need a little bit more of atag pio of the values on which europe is built. the rights that citizens have, the freedoms that they enjoy. >> this is probably because the geopo

well of course when they met the press they focused on the positive in the relations and angela merkel the german chancellor is being received with great pomp here in washington but many doubt that this is visit means anything more than photo ops given that the two nations or more divided than ever on the issues of the day including of ghana spent in libya on libya germany chose to withhold its support for military action in libya the u.n. security council siding with russia and china here despite being under a lot of pressure from the u.s. the u.k. and france on of germany has supported the war there but now analysts say its contribution is on likely to survive even the next election cycle but of course that full leaders would rather evasive addressing the differences choosing mainly general rhetoric you know about coordinating efforts and so long but analysts say the rift between washington and burling is not just on wars but on other policies as well on the economy germany has a completely different approach they have high taxes better welfare traits or applause they produce more th

angela merkel says that a move to end nuclear power is the right thing to do. moammar gadhafi is holding on to what he can while much of the rest of the world is planning a at the b l what he is history. leaders from the u.s. to kuwait met to map out a post-gadhafi libya. they poured millions of dolls into an international fund to help the rebels. he said that the end of gadhafi may come sooner than we think. >> delegates believe that gadhafi's days in power are numbered. hillary clinton says that the closest allies are seeking talks on a transfer of power. >> we are putting the economic and political pressure on gadhafi. his isolation is growing. the list of officials that have abandoned him are growing. >> at a nato meeting in brussels, germany said that it was willing to help with reconstruction and the defense minister did not rule out sending troops if there was a u.n. mandate. >> we are hopipi for a solution that does not involve a military presence. perhaps helping to set up new security forces. if things turn out differently, and when -- we will examine

angela chan. officer lowis borilla. she took a particular interest in working with youth and with schools. she was a sro , school resource officer. during that time, she worked with middle schools throughout the district and in many areas where they were experiencing violence. she has been an invader. i would like to acknowledge captain masha ash. captain ash has done a tremendous amount of work. she worked on protocols that would work with children taken to the youth facility. during the parent's arrest and from trauma. thank you very much officer pri lo and captain nash. i am going to go over the panel discussion. we are try find solutions which includes violence to and from school and on the site. our goal is to move forward solutions. we ask that all questions be reserved today end. please feel free to jot down questions you have. those questions we are not able to get to, we are interested in collecting them. we are going to collect information with respect to solutions as well as action items that they are going t

. >>> elsewhere last night in the white house, it was all about elegance at a state dinner for angela merkel. she games one of the few dignitaries to receive the prtal award for freedom. prior to the low key dinner, the president tack eled more seriou issues, including bad news on the economy. steve handelsman has more. >> reporter: president obama was on the defensive in a news korns with german chancellor angela merkel. >> the recovery that we're on is not producing jobs as quickly as i wanted to -- to happen. >> reporter: he says the biggest problem now is high fuel prices. the labor department reported private sector hiring dropped almost 5% in april. it leaves him open to attack by republican candidates like tim pawlenty. >> the president wrongly thought the stimulus, the bailout were working. >> reporter: president obama takes credit for avert ago disaster and for future hiring. >> we have set a path that will lead us to long-term economic growth. and so our task is to not panic, not overreact pb. >> reporter: a plea for reporters to hang in, even though the recovery has stalled

. >>> german chancellor angela merkel is at the white house this hour for a state visit. president obama and the first lady greeted heard this morning on the south lawn. the two heads of state will spend much of the day discussing nato operations in afghanistan and libya and tonight mr. obama will award angela merkel the presidential medal of freedom at a state dinner. >>> also a busy day for the candidates balun to oust president obama. in just a few minutes the latest from the campaign trail and a look at a new head to head presidential poll. >>> getting a warm start out. this is just the beginning of what could be another major heatwave. adam caskey is here with a look at the first forecast. sock it to us, adam. >> really what it is. record high temperatures not today but the next couple of days. across the viewing area some reporting stations will likely see some record highs fall for wednesday and thursday afternoon. right now we have what is left over from a thunderstorm complex moving southward just clipping some friends in garrett county. beginning to see light sh

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and i think angela shares that same view. and so we're going to have to work through this issue methodically and we will be supportive in any ways that we can to make sure that all the best ideas are brought to bare on the problem. let me make one larger point because it relates also to the question that steve asked earlier. i think people on both sides of the atlantic are understandably frustrated with the ups and downs of the economy. the world economy. and it is just very important for folks to remember how close we came to complete disaster. the world economy took a severe blow two and a half years ago. and in part that was because of a whole set of policy decisions that had been made and challenges that had been unaddressed over the course of the previous decade. and recovering from that kind of body blow takes time. and recovery is going to be uneven. and there are going to be times where we are making progress, but people are still skiddish and nervous and the markets get skiddish and nervous. and so they pull back bec

let's talk about angela merkel. for all of the sweetness and light at these meetings, there's a lot going on behind the scenes. disagreements over libya, germany rejecting a role, abstaining on libya, and deep disagreements over the economy. and then at the end of the news conference i noticed someone actually asked about the brandenburg gate. when i was over there covering candidate obama in the election, preelection run-up in his visit to berlin, angela merkel did not let him make his big rally in front of the brandenburg gate. >> reporter: right. the interesting thing about the press conference, it was no surprise, right? they both tried to paper over these differences. you pointed out the two big differences. number one on libya. you had the president go out of his way to say, you know what, germany stepped up some things in afghanistan, doing a little bit extra there to free -- which ape low s them to have resour freed up. it wasn't as if chancellor merkel said anything new, somehow saying she was supportive of

the white house, where the president going to be rolling out the red carp forth german chancellor angela merkel, the whole meetings this morning, the topics will be afghanistan. in an interview monday, the president went as far as he has ever about how close we are being done with our mission there take a listen. >> by us killing osama bin laden, getting al qaeda back on its heels stabilizing much of the country in afghanistan so the taliban k take it over it is now time for us to recognize that we have accomplished a big chunk of our mission and it is time for the afghans to take more responsibility. >> let me repeat, he said we have accomplished a big chunk of our mission. nbc's kristen welker live for us at the white house. that on the heels of that leaked "new york times" trial balloon of yesterday shows that the president may be leaping much harder toward a larger withdrawal this summer than we thought. also, tell us about what to expect today with chancellor merkel. >> right, chuck. good morning to you. first to start with that "new york times" article, just to put it in perspectiv

. >> angela merkel is relieved at the outcome. the chancellor says greece had to approve the austere to measures for itself and for europe. >> it is an important step for the future of greece and also for the stability o of the euroa a whole. greece has shown it is willing to put in what will likely be a difficult path. >> at the german bundestag, high-level talks were under way when the news came in. the ceo of deutsche bank and others expressed satisfaction. they have been negotiating the issue of involving commercial banks in rescuingn greece and giving athens more time to repay their debts. he indicated he was ready to help. >> i am assuming we will attrit ---- conibute to a solution. we are not doing it gladly, but we are acting to do what needs to be done to avoid a meltdown tomorrow. >> the german government is relieved at the news. though the greek crisis is far from over, the euro zone has won itself some much-needed time. >> investors have been betting on the greek government approval of the us. package. -- approval of t

president obama will meet with angela merkel today. the chancellor will get a red carpet welcome, including a 19-gun salute. they are expected to discuss unrest in the middle east, the war in afghanistan, and the global economy. she will also be awarded the presidential medal of freedom later tonight. this is the first official visit by a german chancellor since 1995. >>> the public opinion that the president has been riding since the death of osama bin laden has been crashing down because of poor economic news. president obama's approval rating is back down to 47%. it's even worse when it comes to the economy. 40% of americans approve of the way he is handling the economy, economic recovery and only a third of the nation approves of his approach to the deficit. on top of that, more than 50% say an economic recovery has not begun and two-thirds of all americans say the country is on the wrong track. >>> and the bad economic news doesn't stop there for the president. the white house top economist goolsby is stepping down. he says he pla

. >> reporter: despite losing their home to floodwaters, josh hawkins and his wife angela consider themselves fortunate to have somewhere to stay. >> we kind of figure we'll be here until at least september, october maybe depending. >> we have no idea how long we're going to be here, so. >> reporter: angela is two weeks from delivering their second child. >> our family is safe, the baby will have a place to go when he or she is born. ♪ we are waiting >> reporter: their pastor, andy perry is also displaced after his home went under water. >> going through this has been worth it because it is drawing us closer together and reminded us of what is truly valuable. >> reporter: the river is flowing fiercely at six feet above major flood stage through the neighborhoods in minot. people who evacuated their homes can't get close enough to see how bad the damage is and it could be weeks before the river drops to a level that allows them access. over at minot's municipal auditorium the red cross shelter, some of the 11,000 evacuees have fewer choices. >> here we are until we find a place to stay for a w

. >>> president obama is hosting german chancellor angela merkel today for her first official visit. but whale they talk about international issues, mr. obama has some pressing domestic problems. steve handelsman has the latest. >> obviously, we're experiencing some headwinds. >> reporter: president obama was on the defensive in a news conference with german chancellor angela merkel. >> the recovery that we're on is not producing jobs as quickly as i want it to happen. >> reporter: he said the biggest problem now is high fuel prices. the labor department reported today private sector hiring dropped almost 5% in april. as he welcomed merkel today, the president was paying the price. his job approval that spiked up after the killing of osama bin laden is down below 50%. and 59% disapprove of mr. obama's handling of the economy. a new low in "the washington post"/abc news poll. it leaves him open to attack by republican candidates, like tim pawlenty today in chicago. >> the president wrongly thought the stimulus, the bailouts and the takeovers were the solution. he says they worked. the

president obama toasted german chancellor angela merkel and singer james taylor entertained the crowd with his classic, you've got a friend. >>> we still have plenty ahead, your weather, traffic and all of your top stories. fox 5 morning news at 4:30 starts now. >>> good morning. we want to start off with the fact that we are following breaking news this morning. this is a live look at the beltway at river road where police are investigating a deadly motorcycle crash. we'll have a live update in just a few minutes and julie wright will have the latest on that situation in traffic. good morning. i'm sarah simmons. welcome to fox 5 morning news. let's get a look at weather. gwen is in for tucker barnes this morning. how are you? >> bright and early. i'm here. it will be a sunny day but a scorcher day definitely. it is already warm outside for this hour of the morning. so a pretty good indication of where we're headed. it is 73 degrees right now in the district. we've got 64 degrees at culpeper. 69 at baltimore and 68 at hagerstown. off to a mild, warm start this morning. 62 at boston. a

still to come but first a nineteen gun salute fanfares and drums the german chancellor angela merkel's official visit to the u.s. started with a bang but behind the smiles and warm words not everything is sweet in relations between president obama and the leader he calls a trusted partner. and has more for us now from washington d.c. . angela merkel the german chancellor is being received with great palm it's her first official visit to the united states she'd been here quite a few times but this one is supposed to be special because it's official but many doubt that this is it means anything more than photo ops given that the two nations are more divided than ever on the issues of the vein hooting of gannets then iraq and levy or germany chose to withhold its support for military action really good siding with russia and china here being under a lot of pressure from the u.s. the u.k. and france germany is supported the war in afghanistan but now analysts say it's admonition contribution is unlikely to survive even the next election cycle so there is a rift between washington and liter

. >> angela merkel blagojevich red carpet welcome at the white house today -- angela merkel will get a red carpet welcome at the white house today. kate amara ask the president. >> the president told us by killing osama bin laden and stabilizing much of afghanistan, it is time to recognize we have accomplished a big chunk of our mission. president obama said he is nearing a decision on how many troops to withdraw from afghanistan next month. >> this summer is the summer of transit will start handing over more responsibility for the security of afghanistan to the afghan the government. >> we sat down with the president on monday. five american soldiers killed when a rocket hit a base in baghdad. we ask whether the developments might need a steeper drawdown. >> where slated to of all of our troops out by the end of this year. i'll be making an announcement with respect to afghanistan. >> the latest economic news dominated our conversation. the 9 per 1% unemployment rate -- 9.1%. are there plans for additional aid to state and local governments? >> state and local governments will have

and today the issue trumped world events during a joint press conference with german chancellor angela merkel. and the president tried to sound reassuring. >> i'm not concerned about a double-dip recession. i am concerned about the fact that the recovery that we're on is not producing jobs as quickly as i want it to happen. >> reporter: look, this issue of the economy is becoming the issue in the 2012 presidential race. tim pawlenty went to the president's home town of chicago to unveil his own economic plan, and he came armed with some barbs. >> how are you enjoying your recovery summer? now, that's what the president said we were having. but that was last year, the recovery summer. >> reporter: look, white house aides are being inundated with a ton of advice on how to message on this tough economy. the president himself today fired back at republican critics, reminding them when this economic crisis started. >> and it's just very important for folks to remember how close we came to complete disaster. and recovering from that kind of body blow takes time. >> reporter: now, lester, aid

in washington d.c., a grand reception is planned for the german chancellor hot angela merkle.e she is with president obama. they have a grand ceremony planned for her today. there will be a 19 gun salute and then a formal accord dinner tonight were merkle will get the presidential medal of freeman. they have a lot of business to get to as well. talking about a wide range of policy issues such as an aid operations in afghanistan and libya and the middle east peace process and what is happening there and of course the world economy. >> an industry group is unveiling plans for airport security aimed at reducing check-in times. it will feature iris scanners to match the passengers eyes to their passports and information chips inside of those passports to identify passengers who could pose as a security risk. passengers could be subject to different degrees of searches depending on level of risk. that should be in place within the next five years. >> the california ethics board has rejected a request from the las angeles democrats or to investigate whether schwarzenegger violated s

. >>> angela merkel, the german chancellor is here in washington tonight for her first official visit with president barack obama. merkel and her husband just arrived at the white house for a state dinner in their honor. the president and first lady michelle obama greeted them at the north portico just a few moments ago. dinner will be held in the rose garden. earlier today, the president and the chancellor met privately. and while they talked about international issues, mr. obama is face something pressing problems on the home front. steve handelsman has our report. >> obviously, we're experience something headwinds. >> reporter: president obama was on the defensive in a news conference with german chancellor angela merkel. >> the recovery that we're on is not producing jobs as quickly as i want it to happen. >> reporter: the biggest problem is high fuel prices. the labor department reported private sector hiring dropped almost 5% in april. as he welcomed merkel today, the president was paying the price. his job approval that spiked up after the killing of osama bin laden is down bel

joining me is angela hassle tine pozzi. we have henry the fish made up of aluminum cans, dish soap bottles. you'll give people an idea how this comes together. it starts with one scale made up of plastic stuff. >> right. i mean, if you really want to go back it starts with every piece of plastic that we pick up off the beaches has been purchased by somebody at some point. every piece of plastic that is made up of all of these is picked up off the beach. we sort them by color. we drill them. then we wire and stitch everything together. it's a massively labor intensive process. we have student interns at our institute. artists in residence work with us. and we're continuing to make sculptures all the time. each piece of the sculptures has to come together to make the giant thing. it's how i think we're going to solve a lot of problems of the world. we all need to work together. >> what i think is great is that you can inspire people to do this. next time you're at the beach, collect the litter that you find and you can sort i

it was started by this woman, angela hazelteen.t out and picked up this trash along the oregon coast. >> and we're still doing it. >> how long did it take? what's the purpose of this exhibit? >> well, the real purpose is raise awareness about the plastic pollution in the ocean and to wake people up and have us rethink our use of plastics and what we're doing. >> reporter: allen is giving you a look at the sea jelly. this is made up of plastic bottles. >> we find more plastic water bottles on the beach than possibly anything. that and white plastic. and so we create sculptures based on what washes ashore. we get people to get them and i work with hundreds of volunteers, school kids, tourists that drive by, art 101 in banden, oregon. i've started a nonprofit corporation and it's really a way of bringing this whole thing to the forefront through having people experience it first-hand, you can't really deny that we've got a problem when you see it and interact with it. >> i think you summed it up the best. angela said that this is beau