BP Watch: Obama Plays Tough

On day 54, President Obama returns today to the Gulf of Mexico for a two-day tour (his fourth, notes AP) of three Gulf states to assess the damage and cleanup ahead of a busy week. In response to White House pressure, BP stepped up its spill containment efforts yesterday ahead of a critical week for the company and Obama, whose re-election and leadership will be determined by what happens this week:

Politico: In an exclusive interview, Obama says he plans to make BP create and fund an escrow account for spill payouts if the company doesn't do so voluntarily, saying the oil spill "echoes 9/11" and will change how Americans think about energy and the environment for years to come.

AP: BP's board will meet today to discuss suspending its 2nd quarter dividend (some $2.5 billion) in an emergency meeting over oil spill costs and U.S. measures.

WSJ: BP's oil spill costs to date? $1.6 billion.

NYT: Obama's first Oval Office speech, tomorrow night, will update Americans on the spill progress and any sanctions against BP.

The Guardian ponders: Is Obama "playing dirty" with BP to win back voters?