Obama's day: Even more on the Buffett Rule

Obama's day: Even more on the Buffett Rule

Good morning from The Oval, on what will be President Obama's third straight day of promoting the so-called "Buffett Rule."

After speeches on Tuesday and Wednesday, Obama gives interviews on the proposal to local television stations in four swing states: Columbus, Ohio; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; St. Louis, Mo.; and Reno, Nevada.

"The Buffett Rule is a simple principle for fairness that ensures that millionaires pay at least the same effective tax rate as middle class families pay," the White House says.

Those states also include Republican senators who oppose the plan as nothing more than an election year gimmick. The Republicans are likely to block the plan when it comes to a Senate vote on Monday.

In his television interviews, Obama may also be asked about the Trayvon Martin case; a USA TODAY team reports on the murder charges against George Zimmerman.

In other news:

Obama is currently facing a trio of foreign policy changes in Syria, Iran, and North Korea, reports USA TODAY's Richard Wolf.

North Korea prepares its missile launch.

Mitt Romney tries to win over women voters, reports USA TODAY's Jackie Kucinich.

A new poll shows Republican support slipping for the Afghanistan war.

The Obama administration is ma king its case against South Carolina's voter ID law.

The administration will not -- at least not yet -- be issuing an executive order banning discrimination against gays by employers with federal contractors.

The Oval will be here throughout the day to report on the president's day, so please join us. And thanks for your support.