Obama's day: Iraq and gospel music

President Obama spends Tuesday grappling with ongoing challenges in Iraq before honoring the spiritual legacy of gospel music.

In the morning, Obama meets with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi, who is seeking more U.S. help in the fight against the Islamic State (also known as ISIL).

Al-Abadi told reporters Monday that U.S. airstrikes and its training of Iraqi forces have helped roll back the Islamic State, but "we want to see more." Facing major budget problems, the Iraq leader is also seeking financial assistance from the U.S. and international organizations.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Monday, "if there are specific ideas that Prime Minister Abadi has for stepped-up assistance, then we'll obviously consider them seriously."

The White House schedule says the two leaders "will discuss a range of issues, including continued U.S. support to Iraq to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL (the Islamic State)."

Other topics, according to the schedule: "The Government of Iraq's actions to address the needs of the Iraqi people and to strengthen cooperation between all communities in Iraq, and advancing a broad U.S.-Iraqi partnership through expanded political, commercial, and cultural relations under the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement."

In the evening, the president and first lady Michelle Obama host the latest edition of their "In Performance at the White House" series, this one honoring gospel music.

"The event will pay tribute to the fundamental role gospel music has played in the American musical tradition and the important artists and repertoire that have marked its vibrant history," the White House says.