Posted on 08/22/2010 5:46:46 AM PDT by Zakeet
For the second straight year, the first family has landed on this island of quaint seaside towns, second homes and working farms for a late-summer getaway.
But this year, more so than last, political opponents are trying to hang a question over the visit: Does President Obama deserve a vacation?
The Republican National Committee has taken to calling Obama "the Clark Griswold president," a mocking reference to the Chevy Chase character in National Lampoon's "Vacation" movies. With unemployment claims climbing again, the GOP was hoping its criticism would have a certain national resonance. And maybe it will.
One potential complication: Obama has spent far less time on vacation than his Republican predecessor, George W. Bush, had at this point in his presidency.
Veteran CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller, a fastidious keeper of presidential statistics, has kept count. By his tally, Obama has embarked on nine "vacations" since taking office, bringing his total days off to 48. Some of those trips lasted a day and some, like his Christmas holiday in Hawaii, more than a week.
By comparison, Bush had visited his ranch in Crawford, Tex., 14 times at this point in his administration and spent 115 days there.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Wonder what the vacation days count would be with fundraising included?
...Is he including the Date night and Broadway Show junkets at taxpayer expense?
Also, how many swank concerts and lavish parties have they hosted.
These people always seem to be on vaca!
For the second straight year, the first family has landed on this island of quaint seaside towns, second homes and working farms for a late-summer getaway.
In OB’s case, vacations are good for the country. The less time he spends in DC, the less time he has to futher screw up the country.
On the flip side, the more time he does spend in DC, the more he does to drive down his poll numbers.
Maybe if he does finaly run the well dry, and all the “obama money” hand outs are exhausted,even the bottom feededs who supported him will wise up - hope so!!
The Journolist numbskulls have their marching orders. Soon every drek with a keyboard and a microphone will repeat the crap in this article.
If he blows it, the worst that will happen he gets voted out of office. Has his presidency considered a disaster. A
blow to his bloated ego, but his life goes on.
As he takes these “necessary” vacations, does he ever ponder what the real life American his age deals with on a day to day life?
Just a day off without the worry of real life problems would be a welcome vacation to most.
One potential complication: George W. Bush, had at this point in his presidency, a much more robust economy than Obama.
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