by Mark Silva
With President Barack Obama today identifying a branch of al Qaeda and vowing that all responsible for the attempted attack on a U.S.-bound airliner on Christmas Day will be held accountable, the president also is calling on Americans to unite against a common enemy.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also is delivering a message of unity and bipartisanship today, summoning the spirit of the Continental Army, in the Republican Party's first weekly address of 2010.
However, the first week of the aftermath of a thwarted airliner attack sponsored by a branch of al Qaeda in Yemen has been marked with partisan rancor -- with Republcans and Democrats divided over the appointment of a new Transportation Safety Administration director and some within the GOP -- from Sen. Jim DeMint to former Vice President Dick Cheney -- contending that Obama doesn't get it when it comes to fighting terrorism. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, a Michigan Republican running for governor, has found a campaign fundraising tactic in his complaints with the handlng of terrorism.
The president today also delivers his most direct personal description of an attack carried out by a man from Nigeria who trained in Yemen at the direction of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula -- underscoring the threat as new support for his admnistration's strategy of targeting al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan and withdrawing from Iraq.
"As president,'' Obama says in his weekly radio and Internet address today, "I've made it a priority to strengthen our partnership with the Yemeni government-training and equipping their security forces, sharing intelligence and working with them to strike al Qaeda terrorists.''
Since his inauguration, he said, he has made it "very clear-our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred, and that we will do whatever it takes to defeat them and defend our country, even as we uphold the values that have always distinguished America among nations.
"And make no mistake, that's exactly what we've been doing. It's why I refocused the fight-bringing to a responsible end the war in Iraq, which had nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks, and dramatically increasing our resources in the region where al Qaeda is actually based, in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It's why I've set a clear and achievable mission-to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Qaeda and its extremist allies and prevent their return to either country.
"But as we go forward, let us remember this-our adversaries are those who would attack our country, not our fellow Americans, not each other. Let's never forget what has always carried us through times of trial, including those attacks eight Septembers ago.
"Instead of giving in to fear and cynicism, let's renew that timeless American spirit of resolve and confidence and optimism. Instead of succumbing to partisanship and division, let's summon the unity that this moment demands. Let's work together, with a seriousness of purpose, to do what must be done to keep our country safe.''
McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, delivers a new year's address citing the valor of the soldiers who fought as one in George Washington's Continental Army, and summons a similar spirit of unity.
"In this new year we can be filled with new hope and optimism that our greatest challenges will be met, that better days are ahead ... and that in these difficult times, we will persevere as we always have -- not just for our own individual good, but for the good of all our countrymen, because we believe that for those to whom much is given, much is expected,'' McConnell says.
"Some look at Washington and wonder how lawmakers who always seem to disagree can ever solve any of our problems,'' the Republican leader says, "And while it's true that many of us approach the issues differently, at the beginning of a new year, it's important to remember that we're all united by our love of country, and by a common faith that no challenge is too great for the American people to overcome. ''
See the president's address above, the Republican leader's address below and read the texts of both below the fold, here in The Swamp:
This is the tet of the president's weekly address:
"It has now been more than a week since the attempted act of terrorism aboard that flight to Detroit on Christmas Day. On Thursday, I received the preliminary findings of the reviews that I ordered into our terrorist watchlist system and air travel screening. I've directed my counterterrorism and homeland security advisor at the White House, John Brennan, to lead these reviews going forward and to present the final results and recommendations to me in the days to come.
As I said this week, I will do everything in my power to make sure our hard-working men and women in our intelligence, law enforcement and homeland security communities have the tools and resources they need to keep America safe. This includes making sure these communities-and the people in them-are coordinating effectively and are held accountable at every level. And as President, that is what I will do.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the Christmas Day incident continues, and we're learning more about the suspect. We know that he traveled to Yemen, a country grappling with crushing poverty and deadly insurgencies. It appears that he joined an affiliate of al Qaeda, and that this group-al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula-trained him, equipped him with those explosives and directed him to attack that plane headed for America.
This is not the first time this group has targeted us. In recent years, they have bombed Yemeni government facilities and Western hotels, restaurants and embassies-including our embassy in 2008, killing one American. So, as President, I've made it a priority to strengthen our partnership with the Yemeni government-training and equipping their security forces, sharing intelligence and working with them to strike al Qaeda terrorists.
And even before Christmas Day, we had seen the results. Training camps have been struck; leaders eliminated; plots disrupted. And all those involved in the attempted act of terrorism on Christmas must know-you too will be held to account.
But these efforts are only part of a wider cause. It's been nearly a year since I stood on the steps of the U.S. Capitol and took the oath of office as your President. And with that oath came the solemn responsibility that I carry with me every moment of every day-the responsibility to protect the safety and security of the American people.
On that day I also made it very clear-our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred, and that we will do whatever it takes to defeat them and defend our country, even as we uphold the values that have always distinguished America among nations.
And make no mistake, that's exactly what we've been doing. It's why I refocused the fight-bringing to a responsible end the war in Iraq, which had nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks, and dramatically increasing our resources in the region where al Qaeda is actually based, in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It's why I've set a clear and achievable mission-to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Qaeda and its extremist allies and prevent their return to either country.
And it's why we've forged new partnerships, as in Yemen, and put unrelenting pressure on these extremists wherever they plot and train-from East Africa to Southeast Asia, from Europe to the Persian Gulf. And though often out of sight, our progress has been unmistakable. Along with our partners, we've disrupted terrorist financing, cut off recruiting chains, inflicted major losses on al Qaeda's leadership, thwarted plots here in the United States, and saved countless American lives.
Yet as the Christmas Day attempt illustrates, and as we were reminded this week by the sacrifices of more brave Americans in Afghanistan-including those seven dedicated men and women of the CIA-the hard work of protecting our nation is never done. So as our reviews continue, let us ask the questions that need to be asked. Let us make the changes that need to be made. Let us debate the best way to protect the country we all love. That is the right and responsibility of every American and every elected official.
But as we go forward, let us remember this-our adversaries are those who would attack our country, not our fellow Americans, not each other. Let's never forget what has always carried us through times of trial, including those attacks eight Septembers ago.
Instead of giving in to fear and cynicism, let's renew that timeless American spirit of resolve and confidence and optimism. Instead of succumbing to partisanship and division, let's summon the unity that this moment demands. Let's work together, with a seriousness of purpose, to do what must be done to keep our country safe.
As we begin this New Year, I cannot imagine a more fitting resolution to guide us-as a people and as a nation.''
This is the text of the Republican leader's address:
T"his is Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
The new year always brings with it renewed hope and a spirit of optimism -- qualities that have exemplified our nation and its people from the very start.
One such moment that stands out took place on this very day in 1777, along the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border.
The Continental Army, under the direction of George Washington, had just finished a daring but successful surprise attack on the British at Trenton.
In retaliation, the British launched an attack of its own on the Continental Army.
But instead of retreating, Washington ordered his troops to stay and fight.
It was a daring move.
When the soldiers in the Continental Army saw the size and strength of the enemy arrayed against it, many of them were filled with dread.
But, as one historian put it, even in that awful moment ... "these men had a sense of their own strength, a confidence in one another ... and a feeling that Providence was with them that night."
Against impossible odds, these rag-tag patriots broke the enemy column, forcing the British to retreat. And at the moment of victory, the entire continental line is said to have triumphantly shouted as one.
The second battle of Trenton was a great victory for Washington's troops. And it was a great moral victory for a young nation that had become exhausted and discouraged by war.
Two hundred and thirty three years later, Americans haven't lost the spirit of Trenton.
Two long and difficult wars, a prolonged recession, double-digit unemployment -- these are difficult days for our nation.
And in this new year, we're grateful for the courageous men and women of our own day who keep a lonely watch to defend the cause of liberty. We're also painfully aware of how many Americans were out of work this Christmas.
But these challenges don't define us as a people. What's always defined America is its ability to overcome even the most daunting difficulties.
So in this new year we can be filled with new hope and optimism that our greatest challenges will be met, that better days are ahead ... and that in these difficult times, we will persevere as we always have -- not just for our own individual good, but for the good of all our countrymen, because we believe that for those to whom much is given, much is expected.
Some look at Washington and wonder how lawmakers who always seem to disagree can ever solve any of our problems. And while it's true that many of us approach the issues differently, at the beginning of a new year, it's important to remember that we're all united by our love of country, and by a common faith that no challenge is too great for the American people to overcome.
Political disagreements will continue in the year ahead. This is an essential part of any vibrant democracy. But Americans expect and deserve their elected leaders to put country first, and work together to solve our common problems.
Powerful forces may be aligned against us, just as they did against the Continental Army on that cold January night in 1777. But when the challenges are greatest, Americans always join ranks. It was true in Trenton. It's no less true today.
Thank you, and Happy New Year.''
Comments
This is all you can expect from the non-American Party, The Republican-Libertarians. They want President Obama to meet his " Waterloo ", says the very Senator, who is saying union workers aren't good enough to do the job. Well, then tell that to the hundreds of union firefighters' families, who walked into the jaws of death to save people's lives during 9-11. Senator DeMint verges on the demented !! A once proud Party, the Republican Party, is now the last refuge of the scoundrels of American politics. It is unfortunate, but true !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, TO THE WOMEN AND MEN OF OUR ARMED FORCES.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, IL | January 2, 2010 10:48 AM
Republicans love war, just as long as they and their children aren't the ones sent overseas to fight in them.
Posted by: BC | January 2, 2010 11:26 AM
In this coming year if you are a political watcher you should be well entertained. The healthcare bill is still going and will be for most of the year I would imagine. Once it is signed if it gets that far it will get put on hold by the court challenges. Cap & Trade is all but dead but I am sure Democrats will try to revive it. Just like with a healthcare bill the people will turn against this one to once all the details start to come out. And then team Obama and the Democrats want to take up immigration, some Democratic members of Congress have already stated they want a free pass for all illegal aliens already here. That's is going to be a battle royale in the Congress and I can see the rallies now against anything like that. Already because of this spending, stimulus, and healthcare bill Democrats are feeling the heat back in their home states. Several Democrats running for office in the next election have dropped out, five Democrats have announced their retirement, and one Democrat has switched parties. Reid and Dodd are both in a bad spot back home. It would appear that seven Democratic governorships may be Republican by the end of the year. It would seem that the mainstream media has finally caught on to why their ratings are so low. Most people can see the bias and know that most news outlets were in the tank for team Obama and the Democrats this last election. I believe it was Time magazine or Newsweek that reported in January or February how they did not do their job (all news outlets) when it came to Obama and the Democrats. Most people know that Fox is towards the right. But, most people can tell the difference between a news program and opinion programming. CNN is trying to do a better job after picking up the nickname the Clinton news network need not go any farther about them. Over at MSNBC they have allowed their bias to show up in their news programs. And the evening news programs over on the big three have shown their bias by how they question a Democrat compared to a Republican. Also this past year Democrat Congress members took to calling concerned citizens names. And the media started using a childish and sexual deviant nickname for members of the Tea Party Movement. The Liberals with the help of the media would have you believe that the Tea Party Movement is a GOP ran organization. What they will not report is that most elected officials are not welcome at the rally's because Tea Party members blamed both parties. The media cannot even get the meaning of the Tea Party Movement right or state what they stand for. Which is less government, personal responsibility, reasonable taxation, removal of the political elite, and less spending along with a true balanced budget. They want the government to stop hiding the true deficit, they want the true cost of Social Security, Medicare, and other entitlement programs to be shown. Will the media give the same coverage to the pro-amnesty for illegals rallies versus the anti-amnesty for illegal rallies. Will they cover the Tea Party rallies fairly or like CNN did which was a joke. Yes the year 2010 is going to be fun and come November which party will come out on top. As in 1854 can 2010 be the birth year of a new political party, in 1854 legislation passed by one party sparked the birth of a new one and the downfall of another. In less than 10 years this new party had taken control of the House of Representatives and the Senate followed shortly by the presidency can history repeat itself we shall see. And for all the people that say it will never happen just remember this not too long ago people were saying we could never elect a black president.
Posted by: Crooks_In_DC | January 2, 2010 11:36 AM
"dramatically increasing our resources in the region where al Qaeda is actually based, in Afghanistan and Pakistan."
........................
Once again, out of touch with reality. Where did the person who tried to carry out the Christmas day attack get his training, Mr President? AQ in Yemen.
This enemy is NOT just in Afghanistan, nor Pakistan. They are from around the world. Hence the "Global war on terrorism"
Posted by: MAJMark | January 2, 2010 11:48 AM
More "words of wisdom" from BC:
Republicans love war, just as long as they and their children aren't the ones sent overseas to fight in them.
Posted by: BC | January 2, 2010 11:26 AM
BC, you do know that Sarah Palin's son is over there, right? Or how about Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter, who recently served in both Iraq AND Afghanistan?
And then we have more "words of wisdom" from good ole Don Fitzgerald. Somehow he equates Republicans and Libertarians as the anti-American party.
Course, those with a clue know that the true Americans, the true folks who fight and defend this country and seek to keep it great generally are the Republicans. There is the occasional patriotic Democrat that serves. But they are nearly extinct, being replaced by the likes of Nancy "The CIA and military lies to me" Pelosi, Harry "The War is Lost" Reid, and Barack "I apologize for the U.S." Obama.
Posted by: John D | January 2, 2010 12:57 PM
Couple of observations. First, I thought the excuse from the Administration for why BO waited several days to address the terror attack was so he can be fully briefed and know what he is talking about. Yet he called this on 12/29 an attack by an "isolated extremist". Where did that come from? Assuming he had no clue what he was talking about, why would his default be that? Is he trying to downplay the threat of . . . . man made disaster makers?
-------
Second, the BO Administration does not like the term "war on terror". Too vague. Fair enough. But replace it with war against "a far-reaching network of violence and hatred"? Yeah, I feel a lot better with that than war on terror. BO seems more worried about a war on rhetoric.
----------
Lastly, let me get this straight. If this nutball who tried to blow up an airplane was at an AQ training camp in Yemen plotting an attack, he would be attacked by a predator drone without charge, judge or jury. Only death. He would clearly be treated like an enemy our country is at war with. However, if he follows through on the plans and actually does attack the US, then he is given our Constitutional rights? Treated like a criminal who got caught shoplifting at Wal-Mart? This Administration is in way over its head. It seems more concerned with rhetoric and the illusion of "change" from the prior Administration than it is with confronting threats to this country.
Posted by: Herbie H. | January 2, 2010 1:28 PM
Also reported this morning is that a second passenger had been detained from the flight to Detroit. There goes the "isolated extremist" theory.
"I've made it a priority to strengthen our partnership with the Yemeni government" - I wonder how many things BO apologized to the Yemenis for?
Hats off to BO for launching a few cruise missles into Yemen a couple of weeks ago.
Posted by: Terry | January 2, 2010 3:43 PM
Palin's son? Was that one of those offers from a judge?
I.e., enlist or do time?
Posted by: ornery | January 2, 2010 4:01 PM
Posted by: ornery/Jan. 2,2010.
Palin's son? Was that one of those offers from a judge? Enlist or do time?
Excellent proof of how the wacko looney left and their scum sucking base view our military.
Up in arms over thier deaths a few years ago about the Iraq military death toll, but now they reveal their real thoughts.
Thanks onery, you A$$ H_le
Paulo
Posted by: Paulo | January 2, 2010 6:01 PM
Ornery,
Sarah Palin's son doing the job the job that John Edward's children, John Kerry's children, Al Gore's Children, Bill and Hillary Clinton's children won't do.
Posted by: Terry | January 2, 2010 7:16 PM
Republicans love war, just as long as they and their children aren't the ones sent overseas to fight in them.
Posted by: BC | January 2, 2010 11:26 AM
In an all volunteer army, who do you THINK (key word here, try it sometime) is doing the fighting? My son is in the service, and was a block away from the Fort Hood shootings. But, I may not be a Republican...sure as heck not a Democrat.
Speaking of thinking: It is now reported that the cost of the government run Cash for Clunkers program cost up to $45,000 per vehicle. Proving once again the the government is the most inefficient and wasteful way to "Stimulate" the economy. But, I'm sure that the program saved or created at least 3 million jobs, in Japan and China.
Can't wait until inflation hits later this year; should be great. High unemployment and skyrocketing inflation. Gee, where do I remember that from? Oh, yeah Obowdown's mentor Jimmy Carter.
Posted by: Free to Watch Whatever I Want | January 2, 2010 7:41 PM
"Some look at Washington and wonder how lawmakers who always seem to disagree can ever solve any of our problems."
Ya think? Also, you are much more dangerous (lawmakers) when you can agree. Now THAT'S SCARY.
Please take the rest of the decade off. Go home; you've done enough damage last year. We the people can take care of our country. We don't want or need you. We have enough laws that allow special interests to thrive and give breaks to you and you financial supporters. We are tired of paying for you.
Posted by: Free to Watch Whatever I Want | January 2, 2010 8:02 PM
America has been untited aganist the common emeny all the time- seems to be the Obama Admirstration that not UNITED.
The in the old days this was called "Passing The Buck".
Posted by: Inky | January 2, 2010 8:10 PM
More "stuff" from the whacked-out world that is ornery:
Palin's son? Was that one of those offers from a judge?
I.e., enlist or do time?
Posted by: ornery | January 2, 2010 4:01 PM
In the spirit of Mark Silva's attempt to keep things "nicer" here in the ole Swamp, I'll refrain my retort here.
No, ornery, Palin's son is not in trouble, nor was he in trouble. He is a patriot and volunteered to join the service. He was brought up, in a good home with a loving family. He did this to give back to the country he loves. Good thing, too, ornery, because it allows you to spew your lies and filth on a regular basis!
Posted by: John D | January 2, 2010 8:56 PM
Ornery, it's posts like yours and the pure filth that has been directed at Sarah Palin and her family, including the constant attack of underage girls and an innocent baby from the MSM and their minions (bloggers) that will continue to motivate us to do whatever it takes to defeat the wacko leftist crazies that are currently running the country.
Posted by: Free to Watch Whatever I Want | January 2, 2010 11:00 PM
Since his inauguration, he said, he has made it "very clear-our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred, and that we will do whatever it takes to defeat them and defend our country, even as we uphold the values that have always distinguished America among nations.
How can we not be cynical? Since Obama's inauguration, he has done nothing but appologize and bow down. Those aren't my values, and that is not what has distinguished America among nations. And with every step his administration and the Congress takes, we become more like Socialist Europe and further away from the unique independance that is American. Don't be cynical? Give me a break. Obama and both parties of Congress are beyond cynical. Lying politicians lecturing about unity...I think I'm gonna heave.
Posted by: Free to Watch Whatever I Want | January 3, 2010 3:13 AM
It would seem that the Democrats had no idea of what the American taxpayers want. Even though the American voters show through polling that they are against certain bills working their way through Congress the Democrats are hell-bent on making them become law. In the coming weeks and months not only will they be working on healthcare and energy bills they will also be working on a new job package (son of stimulus) and immigration. Polling has shown that most voters believe that the first stimulus has done more harm than good and now the Democrats are pushing a jobs bill, why if the first bill has not worked. Most jobs created are in the government and that is not the way to come out of a recession. The new immigration bill is said to have amnesty for illegals, most voters know this to be a ploy used by the Democrats for votes. A bill like this is sure to enrage a lot of voters and bring more rallies to DC and Townhall meetings. The Democrats in Congress and the Obama administration keep pushing the healthcare bill calling reform while the voters know this to be a lie. This is not a reform bill, a reform bill would not need to be over 2000 pages long. When what it would take is a few smaller bills such as insurance companies cannot deny people coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, making insurance companies not-for-profit, setting up a fund from any profits from the insurance companies for the uninsured, and setting up any enforcement unit with teeth to make sure that all parties are doing the right thing and then give part of the oversight to the citizens. More people in this country believe that the country as a whole is heading down the wrong track. It has now been shown how the unemployment figures have been played with but, what is not being reported is the real unemployment rate which is now approaching 18.5%. The mainstream media make a big deal out of unemployment dropping from 10.2% to 10.1% during the holiday season. When most working people know that unemployment usually goes down for the holiday shopping season. In January a lot of companies have new hires so to get a good figure for unemployment March will be the first good month to see (I'm hoping) if unemployment is really heading down. This administration with the help of the Democrats control of Congress have enacted a lot of programs that are supposed to stimulate different parts of the economy. But at some point we must ask ourselves how can the government really stimulate the economy. I believe that government can do very little but to prop up for a short period of time a sector of the economy but in the long-term it will take the people to pull us out and sustain the economy. But, because of all of the new spending and programs the national debt and deficit had grown quite a lot over the last year and because of this inflation is just around the corner. I believe inflation has already begun and is slowly starting to build a head of steam. When I can go to restaurants and merchants and notice price increases on just about everything during a recession that means to me inflation has begun. A lot of people who voted in the last election had never really seen what a high rate of inflation can do to this country. I have seen and is not fun to say the least. In parting I will say this being liberal just as being conservative is an ideology not a political party and liberals only account for 20% of the voters were conservatives and others make up the rest.
Posted by: Crooks_In_DC | January 3, 2010 11:26 AM
Here's another short cook book to go on y'all's shelves:
The Sarah Palin Cookbook.
A one-liner, in fact:
"I couldn't stand the heat, so I got out of the kitchen."
Yeah, and don't give me that crap about politicians' children.
Gore and Kerry were in the line of fire in VietNam while Bush guarded the airspace over Texas, when he wasn't AWOL.
And how about the heir apparent to the Bush Dynasty?
"P".
The one who ran around saying "Viva Bush!"
Remind me what branch of the Service he's in again.
Remind me what branch Cheney was in......
Posted by: ornery | January 3, 2010 11:41 AM
The verdict of history will be that the Bush Dynasty, and particularly W and sidekick Shooter, have alienated if not inflamed the moslem world.
Only about 1.5 billion people.
What did Barack "apologize" for?
Quotations, please.
This is just another "birfer"-type canard.
Let's trot out your quotes where he apologized for anything, and examine them, if any there be, in context.
AQ may well be forced to retreat into cyberspace.
But "how to" websites aimed at disaffected youth may well be enough to inspire lots of little pants-on-fires.
So maybe the militancy will fizzle out, like his explosive underwear.
Obama has single-handedly raised America's favorability ratings world-wide.
Don't ever confuse that with "apology".
Posted by: ornery | January 3, 2010 12:37 PM
They really want President Obama to fail. This black man cannot get a break. He catches hell from both sides. Racism, death threats, no respect from the teabaggers, GOP, repubs. Prez Obama is doing a really good job, and people are still not satisfied. It's that skin color. May God continue to watch over and protect Obama. There will be no Waterloo.
Posted by: buggey | January 3, 2010 1:38 PM
Ornery,
Gore was not in the "line of fire" in VietNam. He was in VietNam for five months as a journalist.
What has the higher favorability rating around the world got us? Bumpkis!!!
Posted by: Terry | January 3, 2010 4:40 PM
"What did Barack "apologize" for?"
Ornery,
They make this stuff up out of whole cloth. It's called 'truthiness'.
Posted by: C.Morris✧ | January 3, 2010 6:49 PM
Sorry, Ter.
Journalists in the war zone are in the line of fire.
Like the photographers who sometimes flew with the B 24 crews on bombing missions in WW II.
When the ship got hit they went down with the crew.
Ever hear of Ernie Pyle?
I thought not.
Posted by: ornery | January 4, 2010 1:09 AM
T,
Re. Gore's service.
Everyone in VN were in the line of fire. There was no 'safe area'.
Everyone was in the hostile fire zone.
Of course there were more or less dangerous places/assignments, but everyone that went, be they a cook, mechanic, clerk, all got the ribbon.
BTW, it's a thousand times more than that gibbon GWB did.
Posted by: C.Morris✧ | January 4, 2010 7:49 AM
Ornery,
Al Gore is no Ernie Pyle, more like Gomer Pyle.
CM,
I know a vet that sat behind a desk for a year in Nam, never came close to ant action.
Some contend that AlGore had a "bodyguard".
http://www.slate.com/id/1004078/
If you want to compare the military service of Track Palin and AlGore, go right ahead.
Posted by: Terry | January 4, 2010 7:01 PM