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His talking points were about jobs and energy. But President Obama's trip could end up being remembered in Savannah more for harbor deepending and Ft. Stewart expansion. During his brief four-hour trip to the coastal city on Tuesday, Mr. Obama gave a speech urging passage of a federal jobs program. It was aimed partly at Congress. He wants federal lawmakers to include a program called HomeStar in economic recovery efforts. But while Mr. Obama was here, local leaders had different items on their agenda. A few said they got brief moments of the president's time. Political analyst and Dean of the School of Liberal Arts at the Savannah College of Art and Design, Robert Eisinger, says it'll take years to gauge the visit's local impact. "The real issue, ultimately, is when the mayor of Savannah, Congressman Kingston and Congressman Barrow meet with the President, talk with the President and generate some ideas," Eisinger says. "Those are the kinds of effects that one does not measure in one day." Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson rode with the president in Mr. Obama's limosine. It was a relatively brief trip from Hunter Army Airfield and Savannah Technical College to downtown Savannah. But in it, the Mayor says, he pushed Mr. Obama on the need to deepen the Savannah harbor. Georgia business leaders agree that the harbor needs to be deepened by six feet in order for it to remain competitive when the Panama Canal goes deeper in 2014. Mayor Johnson, a Democrat, also told the president about Savannah's interest in being one of several cities selected for the so-called Promise Neighborhood program. In that program, cities are given grants to start up projects modeled on the Harlem Kid Zone, helping low-income students achieve educational goals. The one-on-one interaction could prove to be important. "When you hear that Congressman Kingston flew on Air Force One back to Washington with President Obama, one has to think that if he got 20 minutes or even 10 minutes of speaking time with the president, that has residual positive effects for Savannah," Eisinger says. A spokesman for Jack Kingston says, the Congressman used his face time with Mr. Obama to press the need to lessen the effects of the Army's recent decision not to locate a new combat brigade at Ft. Stewart. The decision means thousands of soldiers won't be stationed at the Hinesville-based military installation. Rep. Kingston also talked about Savannah harbor deepening and the importance of agriculture to the state's economy. The Congressman, a Republican, also requested that Mr. Obama name him to a bipartisan commission on fiscal responsibility.

President Obama visited Savannah today in a whirlwind tour that focused on jobs and energy-efficiency. Mr. Obama was in town for just four hours. He first toured Savannah Technical College, where he met with students and pushed for a new federal program that would give rebates to encourage energy-efficent home repairs. Mr. Obama mentioned the "HomeStar" energy program in January during his State of the Union address. Here in Savannah, the President said, homeowners could be eligible for up to $3,000 in rebates for energy-saving home repairs. "Now let's say you decide to use this rebate to seal up and insulate your attic because you want to save electricity, but also because you're tired of a drafty house," Mr. Obama said. "Think about all the ways in which that will stimulate jobs and growth." In the audience were contractors that he said could do some of the energy-efficient work. "These are companies ready to take on new customers," Mr. Obama said. "They're workers eager to do new installations and renovations, factories ready to produce new building supplies. All we got to do is create the incentives to make it happen." Mr. Obama is pushing Congress to include HomeStar, which is modeled on the Cash-for-Clunkers program, in a new jobs bill. About 250 people were in attendance at the Savannah Technical College's auditorium. Among them were a few top Republican officials, including Gov. Sonny Perdue and Rep. Jack Kingston. Reaction to the visit was tinged with excitement. Following the speech at Savannah Technical College, attendees could be heard asking which among them got to shake the President's hand. Likewise, the invited business and political leaders applauded the President's HomeStar idea. "This is a good investment that will give a return on the investment for individuals, families and the country," said Richard Clarke of Mascoe Home Services, which manufactures a range of home products. "There is a tangible reward in energy efficiency and comfort for homeowners." The program's $6 billion price tag didn't seem to concern U.S. Rep. John Barrow. "This has a direct impact on people's pocketbooks and also on jobs," Barrow said. "I think there's a growing appetite for that in Congress because some of the things we do take such a long time to filter down to individuals." The President then toured an old-line manufacturer, Chatham Steel, where sparks flew out of a giant machine. Mr. Obama spoke to several men in hardhats manning a large piece of machinery that looked like something out of a Terminator movie. Then Mr. Obama toured a new business on the west end of town, Meddin Studios, a new media company involved in film and digital production. "The main reason that we wanted to highlight what they're doing is they took advantage of an SBA loan to get this thing started, " Mr. Obama said. "I'm sort of doing a customer satisfaction survey here." In between, the President surprised diners at Mrs. Wilkes, an iconic Southern restaurant that features family-style seating. About 50 people packed the dining room, and all stood as Mr. Obama shook hands in the low-ceilinged room. Ed and Carol Enciso of Chicago got to shake hands with the President and she got a photo. "This is the most exciting thing!" she said. Mr. Obama sat with six guests and Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson, who sat to his left. Fried chicken was piled on a plate in front of them. As Mr. Obama chatted with a man from Charlotte, N.C., he spooned baked beans and ambrosia on his plate. "I don't want any lectures about my cholesterol," he told the press. "Don't tell Michelle."

Savannah is preparing to welcome President Barack Obama Tuesday. But he won't be meeting with the general public The President is scheduled to speak at Savannah Technical College. He's expected to highlight programs to boost the economy and create jobs. But the event is invitation-only and it's very unclear who's being invited. Some business and political leaders have confirmed they'll be there. That leaves residents like Karen Grainey standing on the outside. A local environmental activist, Grainey is planning a demonstration against the President's nuclear policies. "I would have loved if he were able to pull off a more public event, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen and that's too bad," Grainey says. The school has cancelled some classes. The atmosphere is described as excited. "We're taking lots of calls," says Gail Eubanks, a spokeswoman for the college. "It's an honor to be selected." Eubanks declined to give further details about the President's visit. "I know that the auditorium is set for 250 people," Eubanks said. "And that's all I can say about that." Many details aren't being released for security purposes. The White House has scheduled a briefing to answer questions from reporters late Monday. The contents of that briefing, however, have been embargoed until 6am Tuesday morning.

President Barack Obama is scheduled to visit Savannah next week on Tuesday. It'll be the city's first Presidential visit in nearly six years. The President is expected to highlight jobs and the economy. Although Barack Obama narrowly lost Georgia to John McCain in the last election, the Democrat got 57% of Chatham County's vote. Much of that support came from Savannah's majority black population. At the city's Black Heritage Festival last weekend, the president's popularity was on display. In the Civic Center, tucked between a creole shrimp vendor and an artist, a man selling all things Obama hardly had a free moment. Christine Boyd-Bassette bought two calendars, one of the President for her office and one of the First Lady for her kitchen. "I wanted a visible reminder and a presence of the President and First Lady in my home," Boyd-Bassette says. Others walked away with Obama T-shirts, framed pictures and books. Like many of them, Boyd-Bassette, a nurse, said, she hopes Obama's visit will focus the President's mind on jobs. "I would like for him to see the economic conditions, to look at where some of those stimulus dollars have been sent," Boyd-Bassette says. And she is sure to get her wish. The White House says, the Presidential visit is part of a so-called Main Street tour of areas hit hard by the Recession. He'll also visit Pennsylvania and Ohio. Savannah's 8.4% percent unemployment isn't as high as in the industrial northeast, but it is biting for those surrounded by persistent poverty. Among them is 17-year-old Octavius Hill. He's busy digging out a foundation for a new house in a run-down neighborhood. "It'd be a great deal if I could just shake his hand one time," says Hill. Hill is employed thanks to the economic stimulus package. The high school drop-out is working toward his G.E.D. He's in a program Obama could highlight here called YouthBuild. It uses government funds to build homes with young adults as the workers. Program supervisor Ronald Hamilton says, the goal is to prevent a future in povery. "What we do, we transform lives and neighborhoods," Hamilton says. "We transform the lives of our students by helping them get to the point where they are responsible citizens." YouthBuild has built three new homes here. The program received $792,000 in stimulus funds. Other stimulus items Obama could highlight include a long-delayed highway project now set for spring construction and dredging for ships and boats. Chatham County Republican Chairman Frank Murray says, he disagrees with the President's debt-spending ways, but respects the office of the President enough to try to see Obama. "I think it's good that any President comes to town," Murray says. "And I'd like to be there because I'd like to ask some questions." For Democrats, the Presidential visit is sparking a wave of questions as to how one can see the man himself. Those details are expected in a few days. One person who shouldn't have any trouble getting a front-row seat is State Senator Lester Jackson. It was his persistent requests that led to the Savannah visit. He's the first Savannah-area representative on the Democratic National Committee since the 1990's. "It says that the President isn't concerned about the state of Georgia being a red state," Jackson says. "He's not concerned about red states or blue states." Jackson hopes to get Obama's ear on jobs and health care. And in the unlikely scenario that the President wants to ditch all that policy and political talk and just have a Savannah moment for a few hours? Jackson has an idea. "I would take him to the Savannah State University gymnasium and have a two-on-two basketball game with him and his Chief of Staff with my brother Arnold Jackson and see who has the better game," he jokes. President Obama loves basketball. Whether his Savannah visit is a political slam dunk or bad shot won't be known until the next election.

Senator Saxby Chambliss is leading a congressional delegation from Georgia that's visiting Afghanistan and the senator says the U.S. must increase its troop strength there. The delegation includes Republican Representatives Tom Price and Lynn Westmoreland, and Democratic Representative John Barrow. On Thursday, the delegation had Thanksgiving dinner with troops from the 48th Infantry Brigade, which is part of the Georgia Army National Guard. President Barack Obama is expected to announce a major increase in U.S. troops in Afghanistan next week. Chambliss is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. That means he'll have a say in sending additional troops to Afghanistan.

A federal judge in Georgia yesterday fined a leader of the so-called "birther" movement, which claims President Barack Obama is not a U.S. citizen. In a scathing 43-page order, U.S. District Judge Clay D. Land said California lawyer Orly Taitz filed "frivolous" litigation and attempted to misuse the court system to promote her political agenda. Taitz filed suit in a Georgia federal court on behalf of Army Captain Connie Rhodes. Rhodes was trying to avoid deployment to Iraq, claiming Mr. Obama wasn't born in the United States and, therefore, not commander-in-chief. The President was born in Hawaii. The judge had already dismissed the lawsuit, but Taitz continued to file motions. Land fined her $20,000, saying it’s necessary to protect the integrity of the courts. Taitz called the fine an absolute outrage.

President Barack Obama says Georgia’s request for federal disaster aid will receive his prompt attention. A spokesman for the President says Obama called Governor Sonny Perdue Tuesday night to express his condolences and concern for residents affected by massive flooding. Perdue has requested more than $16 million in aid, covering everything from emergency help for individuals and equipment for cleanup. Across north Georgia, the storm cleanup and damage assessment continues from torrential rains earlier in the week. Georgia insurance officials on Tuesday put early damage estimates at $250 million. The latest updates: Roads/bridges — Numerous roads and bridges remain closed. The latest report from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency this morning shows 12 bridges and seven state roads closed — most in the metro Atlanta area. Earlier this morning, a portion of Interstate-20 west of Atlanta was still flooded from the waters of Sweetwater Creek. Among the worst-hit areas are Carroll, Douglas and Paulding counties. Flood deaths — Officials have confirmed nine people have lost their lives due to the flooding — six in Douglas County, one in Carroll County, one in Chattooga County and one in Gwinnett County. Schools — Five school districts remained closed on Wednesday: Cobb, Douglas, Chattooga, Paulding, and Newton. Reservoirs — Water levels at Lake Lanier are rising. The lake is Atlanta's main source of water but in recent years its water levels were depleted. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it expects water levels at the lake to exceed 1,068 feet by Saturday. The lake is full at 1,071 feet. Middle Georgia concerns — GEMA officials say the Oconee River near Dublin is rising, and should crest at flood stage early Sunday. The Ocmulgee River near Macon is currently at flood stage and rising to crest early Thursday morning. Meanwhile, heavy rains and flooding left about 150 homes in rural Crawford County without water. The area about 10 miles southwest of Macon was without running water on Tuesday, five days after floodwaters caused a large water pipe to burst. Flood economic impact — Emin Hajiyev, assistant director of the Economic Forecasting Center at Georgia State University, says the impact is likely to be very bad. "We know that the fiscal situation in the state of Georgia is not in very good shape and this flood will put in another dent in the state economy in terms of the monetary damage and infrastructure damage.” Flood insurance — People without flood insurance may be out of luck. "Whether or not people get financial aid from the government is totally dependent on whether that request for federal disaster declaration is approved or not," says Ken Davis, spokesperson with GEMA. Governor Perdue says Georgia does not have any money in its depleted budget to assist them, but he adds that the state will do everything it can to help all Georgia citizens.

Former President Jimmy Carter spoke out last night on the controversy surrounding South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson. At a town hall meeting in Atlanta, Carter said the outburst of "you lie!" by the Republican Wilson last week during President Obama’s speech to Congress was an act "based on racism." Carter called Wilson's comment "dastardly" and said the president should be treated with respect. The former President went on to say the incident is part of an “inherent feeling” of some in the country who feel a black man should not be president. The town hall was held at the Carter Center. Carter made his comments in response to a question. On Wednesday night, Carter is scheduled to give his annual address to the freshman class at Emory University.

Click here to listen to U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson's reaction to Obama's health care speech.

Thousands of students across Georgia listened to President Barack Obama's back-to-school speech Tuesday, even as some districts chose to not air the controversial talk. At Jones Elementary in southwest Atlanta, fifth-graders cheered as Obama appeared on the television in their science classroom. They listened intently and took notes as he encouraged them to stay in school, to use failure as inspiration to do better and to find careers that play on their passions. But some Georgia school districts, like Forsyth County, didn't air the speech, avoiding controversy that bubbled up when Republicans accused Obama of trying to politically brainwash their children. And some parents, like Mollie Cushing of Marietta, said they don't want their children to listen to the speech because they don't think the president is doing a particularly good job.