Obama's day: Hot dispute, cold beers

Good morning from The Oval. Exactly 90 years ago, federal troops were called out to respond to race riots in Chicago.

The patchy road of race relations has run throughout American history. Today marks a unique milepost: Beers at the White House between a president, an African-American college professor, and a white police officer who arrested the professor at his home.

President Obama, Henry Gates, and James Crowley meet at 6 p.m., at a picnic table behind the Oval Office. Obama is hoping for a "teachable moment."

Meanwhile, reactions to the Henry Gates-James Crowley flap have landed some public employees in big trouble. And the woman who made the initial 911 phone call has spoken out.

A few hours before the "beer summit," Obama meets with Phillipines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

We're not sure if the president will say anything about health care, but things are happening on Capitol Hill. House Democratic conservatives have struck a deal on a health care packages, but how will liberals react? And what about the public?

In the meantime, a series of reports show the economy is improving, while Obama says he is not anti-business.

The "cash for clunkers" program has cost the government $68.9 million so far. Check out our DriveOn blog, including Chris Woodyard's "Clunker of the Day."

The Oval will be here throughout the day and into the evening, reporting on White House beers and anything else that might happen. Have a good day -- and tonight, if you're inclined, celebrate America with a cold, frosty one.

(Posted by David Jackson; photo from Associated Press)