i think we heard a, figure out when dakwon turns 35, so we can run him for president. also to carol smith and rose smith. our next speaker is a national treasure and part of his job is to worry about the state of our national treasure. jean the machine by some, for his work ethic, he has been an extraordinary public servant across administrations. first, as director of the economic counsel under president clinton, then to timothy geithner and now as assistant to the president and director of economic counsel for president obama. what's more, a good midwesterner from minnesota, a great tennis player and a good lawyer. given this year's grad nation theme, education and the economy, he is a perfect speaker for the occasion. to close out this plenary section with keynote remarks, please warmly welcome from the white house, gene sperling. >> well, thank you very much. john got most of that right. it is true i went to college in minnesota, but i'm actually from ann arbor, michigan. that's my home. i am a huge michigan fan. and i'm still in my third day of mourning over the t

give a huge around of applause to carol and rose and dakwon. these are champions of this movement. thank you very much. the associated press is reporting a u.s. official says army staff sergeant robert bales will be charged with 17 counts of murder in the massacre of afghan villagers. they say the charges against bales include six counts of attempted murder and six counts of aggravated assault and other violations of military law. the official spoke to the associated press on the condition of anonymity because the charges had not been announced. earlier today general john allen, commander in afghanistan, testified before the senate armed services committee. we'll show you that entire hearing tonight at 8:00 eastern on our companion network c-span. the general said specifically about the killings in afghanistan and other incidents they have, quote, struck a blow at the core of the relationship but he believes afghan president hamad karzai is committed to partnering with the u.s. and nato. here is part of the opening comments at the hearing. >> chairman levin, senator mccain, disting