Grapevine: Armenians angered by Obama statement

Response to comments on Armenia's Remembrance Day

And now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine...

Remembrance Day

Today marks Armenia's Remembrance Day recognizing the estimated 1.5 million Armenians killed at the hands of the Ottoman Empire roughly a century ago.

ABC's Jake Tapper points out, President Obama has broken his campaign promise for a fourth year in a row, choosing to avoid the word genocide in his presidential statement.

Then-Senator Obama called it genocide numerous times, even saying -- quote -- "America deserves a leader who speaks truthfully about the Armenian genocide...I intend to be that president."

Today, President Obama's statement read - quote -- "I have consistently stated my own view of what occurred in 1915. My view of that history has not changed."

The Armenian community calls the lack of recognition a betrayal and a capitulation to Turkey.

Under Pressure

The chairman of the North Carolina Democratic Party says he will not run for re-election next month.

David Parker was pressured to resign by other Democrats, including the governor, in the fallout over sexual harassment allegations at party headquarters.

Executive Director Jay Parmley has already resigned.

He was accused of sexually harassing a male employee and then firing a subordinate.

Parmley denied any harassment.

As Ed Henry reported earlier, President Obama was in North Carolina today, no word yet if Chairman Parker attended that event.

The Proposal

Finally, some churches would be forced to rent out their facilities for gay weddings and parties, if a proposed ordinance is passed in Hutchinson, Kansas.

The city council there in Hutchinson, is considering adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the protected classes in its human relations code. It would apply to churches that rent their buildings to the general public.

Church leaders say the law would override religious freedom.