American Journey: Pandacam star's role in saving its species
Bao Bao the giant panda cub was born at the National Zoo back in August. She quickly became a star of the zoo's popular pandacam. Just days from now, Bao Bao will make her public debut in front of zoo visitors. Tom Foreman looks at how this panda is playing a key role in the fight to revive her species.
Is Chris Christie a bully?
During today's press conference, Governor Chris Christie denied allegations that he is a bully. He suggested he's not the kind of politician who pushes people around. Tom Foreman takes a look at Christie's prickly public persona.
Barbecue joint helps at-risk young people
CNN’s Tom Foreman has the story of Inspire BBQ, a restaurant committed to helping at-risk young people in Washington.
American Journey: NYC Marathon
After the bombings at the Boston Marathon, backpacks are now banned at the New York City Marathon and family members waiting at the finish line will be screened. Those are just some of the increased security measures. Last year's race was canceled because of Superstorm Sandy, so this year's marathon takes on special meaning. Tom Foreman has one runner's American Journey.
What newly unsealed documents say about the JonBenet Ramsey case
American Journey: Delta Rescue
Actor Leo Grillo rescues dogs after they’ve been abandoned in the wilderness in Los Angeles. CNN’s Tom Foreman reports.
American Journey: Excitement about science growing on college campuses
It was the college convocation speech heard around the world. A Georgia Tech sophomore's excitement about mechanical engineering is lighting up the internet. Video of his speech has gone viral, it is comes during a big push to get more students just as excited about the sciences. Tom Foreman has the story.
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American Journey: The Mosaic Project
Saint Louis has far fewer immigrants than other American cities of its size. Now, a program called the Mosaic Project is trying to change that. Tom Foreman has the story.
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Letters to the President #1463: 'Congratulations...at last'
Reporter's Note: President Obama is enjoying his public inauguration today and preparing for four more years of work. I, on the other hand, will be taking a break. The letter below is the same one I sent on the day of his first inauguration when I began this unbroken string of missives. It is also the last one.
Dear Mr. President,
Congratulations! Watching you on that podium today, surrounded by so many hundreds of thousands of Americans I could not help but feel inspired by the miracle of Democracy and the greatness of our nation. I also have a question: Do you have any idea what you’ve gotten yourself into?
I know you are busy today, but call when you can.
Regards,
Tom
Letters to the President #1462: 'Final words of advice'
Reporter's Note: President Obama’s second inauguration take place today, then tomorrow there will be a big public ceremony.
Dear Mr. President,
Well, we’ve come down to the end. You will raise your hand today and take the oath to continue being President for the next four years, and I’ve already sworn to my wife that I won’t continue writing to you. I’ll send a little note tomorrow, but this is the last time I will send any kind of substantial letter your way.
This all started because you said before you took office the first time that you would appreciate ideas from your fellow Americans. The extraordinary length of this letter writing campaign suggests I took that a tad too seriously, and in any event I think I’d be a little concerned if you’d had time to read them all.
Still, I was thinking back over everything I’ve said and wondering if it could be boiled down to a few key points that might serve you or any president well. So here goes.
1) Listen more than you talk. I realize this is an odd sentiment coming from the guy who wrote 1,463 letters, but I believe it. We learn from others, not from ourselves.
2) Don’t imagine you are the smartest person in the room. Although you seem clever enough, at any given moment in any given place we should all see the wisdom of others.
3) Treat your opponents with dignity and respect, no matter how they treat you. It is not only the hallmark of maturity and intelligence, it is also shrewd politics.
4) Know that people who think you are wrong are not stupid, evil, or shortsighted…and sometimes they are even right.
5) Remember (and this one if unique to presidents): For all the pomp and honor, for all the trappings of success and power, you work for the citizens of America. They do not work for you.
I hope for you, as I would hope for any president, that the next four years go well. I hope you have gained not just experience, but also wisdom. I hope you call one day.
Best of luck.
Regards,
Tom
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