Free Republic

The White House announced that President Barack Obama will award the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award, to 16 recipients including television star and businesswoman Oprah Winfrey, legendary Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee and former President Bill Clinton. “The Presidential Medal of Freedom goes to men and women who have dedicated their own lives to enriching ours,” Mr. Obama said in a statement released by the White House. “This year’s honorees have been blessed with extraordinary talent, but what sets them apart is their gift for sharing that talent with the world.” Mr. Obama will award the medals...

President Obama became the first sitting president to appear on late-night when he visited The Tonight Show With Jay Leno in March 2009. Now he is set to return to the NBC show August 6 — it will be his sixth appearance, the most recent one coming in October.

In a video posted on YouTube by audience members at the concert, the singer delivers a rousing, profanity-laced political speech on freedom during her show. "Now, it's so amazing and incredible to think that we have an African-American in the White House ... we have a black Muslim in the White House ... it means there is hope in this country, and Obama is fighting for gay rights, so support the man," Madonna said. Mr Obama, who stands for re-election on Nov 6, is Christian. Madonna said later: "I was being ironic on stage. Yes, I know Obama is not...