[Paine in the Neck]

Besides the dopey reason, I got stuck on "...asked the president for the scaffolding...". Is it the President's scaffolding to give? Is it part of his stash? I don't think so. Maybe the construction company wants to keep their scaffolding. Maybe they're willing to sell it. But it's not the President's call.

[a fool in paradise]

Obama will keep it in case he needs to erect any more Barrycades to keep WWII veterans at bay on Veteran’s Day.