OBAMA FAMILY IN MAINE
White House wanderers tour Acadia
By Rebekah Metzler rmetzler@mainetoday.com
MaineToday Media State House Writer
BAR HARBOR -- Julia Freifeld, of Raleigh, N.C., was absolutely certain she knew where the Obamas would make a stop during their weekend getaway on Mount Desert Island.
AFOOT IN MAINE: Acadia National Park Superintendent Sheridan Steele leads President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha, on Friday during their visit to Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor.
AP photo
Clarification: Today's story about the arrival of the Obamas said the Obama's dog and one aide arrived on a small jet before the First Family, but there were other occupants on the plane, including several other staffers. The presidential party took two small jets to the Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport in Trenton because the airport was too small to accommodate the president's usual jet.
She staked out Ben & Bill's Chocolate Emporium on Main Street in Bar Harbor.
"They are going to bring their daughters here," she said Friday afternoon.
Walking down the streets of the popular tourist town, everyone knew where the president, first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia, 12, and Sasha, 9, would be going -- or thought they did, anyway.
As it turns out, the first family was just down the street, having ice cream at Mount Desert Ice Cream, according to the White House pool report.
Freifeld, her husband, Mark, and his brother, Richard, were staying on the island through the weekend, the couple's second trip to Maine.
"It's charming, scenic and beautiful," Julia Freifeld said of why they chose to revisit the popular vacation spot.
Earlier Friday, the Obamas were greeted by Gov. John Baldacci and U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, D-2nd District, when they arrived in Trenton about 12:25 p.m.
The president was the first to walk onto the tarmac, dressed casually in a pale blue Oxford shirt and khakis. A few minutes later, the first lady, dressed in black capris, a tank-top and sandals, walked onto the runway. Shortly afterward, Malia and Sasha joined their parents.
Baldacci and his wife, Karen, presented the family with gift bags full of Maine-made goodies, including baskets made by the Passamaquoddy Tribe, popcorn from Little Lad's Bakery in East Corinth, iconic L.L. Bean bags, University of Maine ice hockey hats, and an assortment of other Maine foods and books.
Karen Baldacci said the bags for Malia and Sasha contained one loon toy and one chickadee toy that sound their natural calls.
Arriving in a small jet before the Obamas was the first dog, Bo, a Portuguese water dog given as a present by the late U.S. Sen Ted Kennedy, D-Mass.; and the president's personal aide Reggie Love, who chatted with Baldacci.
"We're ready. We're going to do it all," Love said with a big smile.
Air traffic at the small Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport in Trenton was shut down for the presidential arrival. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter patrolled the air in anticipation of the first family's touchdown, and a pair of local fire and rescue trucks stood ready on an otherwise empty tarmac at the private air hangar.
The Obamas then traveled onto Mount Desert Island in a motorcade of at least 16 vehicles. It was led by two Maine State Police cruisers and included five black Chevrolet Suburbans.
The early-morning fog quickly burned off, and the sky was bright blue for the arrival of Air Force One, which in this case was a G3 Gulf Stream.
Technically, Air Force One is whatever aircraft the president is traveling on. It usually is a 747, but a plane of that size would be too large for the Trenton airport runway to accommodate.
Dozens of members of local and national news media were on the tarmac to capture the Obamas' arrival in Maine.
Within 40 minutes of arriving on the island, even before making a stop at their hotel -- the Bar Harbor Regency on Route 3 -- the first family went bicycling for more than an hour around Witch Hole Pond in Acadia National Park.
They proceeded straight up Cadillac Mountain, which at 1,532 feet is the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard.
At the summit, the Obamas were given a personal tour by Acadia Superintendent Sheridan Steele, and they chatted with several families who happened to be touring the mountain at the time.
The first family then took a leisurely stroll along a lower pathway offering stunning views of Frenchman's Bay. Walking by themselves as spectators and the news media watched from a distance, Barack and Michelle Obama held hands for a spell as they strolled along the path, with Sasha and Malia trailing closely behind.
Continuing their aggressive agenda, the Obamas checked into their hotel around 4 p.m. and, about an hour later, boarded a National Park Service boat at the hotel pier for a brief tour of the harbor.
Surrounded and trailed by five smaller, faster Coast Guard boats as well as other crafts, the president cruised around Bar Island and Sheep Porcupine Island but turned around to head back into downtown Bar Harbor as a thick fog began to roll in.
The presence of the presidential motorcade downtown and the approach of the small fleet surrounding Obama's boat drew a large crowd to the piers, many of whom greeted him with cheers.
With one arm around his eldest daughter, Malia, the president waved to the crowd.
The family then dined at Stewman's, a downtown restaurant, while onlookers clogged the sidewalks.
Kevin Miller of the Bangor Daily News, representing Maine in the White House Press Pool, contributed to this report.
Rebekah Metzler -- 620-7016
rmetzler@mainetoday.com
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124 COMMENTS
Snoot said...
I hope the Obama's have a wonderful stay! What an honor to have them choose our state for their vacation!
July 17, 2010 at 2:09 AM Report abuse
Tired said...
Maybe the should have gone to the gulf coast like he told everyone else to do.
July 17, 2010 at 6:02 AM Report abuse
DTOM said...
“Michelle Obama: Take your Vacation in the Gulf, America — ... If You Need Us, We’ll be In Maine” ++++ A trip to the Gulf Coast, of course, would hardly be much of a vacation for Mr. Obama, whose political fortunes were undercut by the spill. But the flap does point up how politically fraught the modern presidential vacation — or, for that matter, presidential leisure time in general — has become. ++++ Every president’s calculus is different. Mr. Bush quit playing golf after the August 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad; he later said, “Playing golf during a war just sends the wrong signal.” ++++ Mr. Obama, too, is a wartime president, yet he does not conceive of himself as one in the way Mr. Bush did. ++++ He is also an avid golfer, and has maintained a steady diet of the sport, DESPITE its appearance as a rich man’s endeavor in economic hard times. ++++ http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/17/us/politics/17memo.html?src=me
July 17, 2010 at 6:07 AM Report abuse
heyrube said...
bs- look at the number of vacations bush took-- how many times did bush fly over NO after katrins-- you're doing a great job brownie--ooops i meant DT i bet obama doesnt get an dui
July 17, 2010 at 6:11 AM Report abuse
Sam said...
A factual comparison done by non partisan news sources of vacations taken by presidents Reagan, Bush & Obama in their first year in office shows: Bush - 151 days; Reagan - 99 days; Obama - 15 days. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-6019535-503544.html?tag=contentMain%3bcontentBody
July 17, 2010 at 6:19 AM Report abuse
Sam said...
A factual comparison done by CBS News of vacations taken by presidents Reagan, Bush & Obama in their first year in office shows: Bush - 151 days; Reagan - 99 days; Obama - 15 days.
July 17, 2010 at 6:24 AM Report abuse
DTOM said...
Here's some numbers for you : Just 23% now believe the federal government has the consent of the governed. ++++ Sixty-eight percent (68%) believe the nation’s Political Class doesn’t care what most Americans think. - Rasmussen ++++ UNEMPLOYMENT RATES, state by state comparisons... http://money.cnn.com/news/storysupplement/economy/gapmap/index.htm ++++ Obama quote - "Now, every economist who has looked at it has said that the recovery did its job," Obama said. "It put a brake on the collapse of the economy. We avoided a Great Depression. We are now growing again. The problem is, No. 1, it’s hard to argue sometimes, things would have been a lot worse. Right? So people kind of say, yeah, but unemployment is still at 9.6. Yes, but it’s not 12 or 13, or 15." ......... or 17, or 20, or 33%. Right Mr. President ?
July 17, 2010 at 7:02 AM Report abuse
homerman said...
He doesn't even dress like a vacationer.
July 17, 2010 at 7:29 AM Report abuse
usedtolivein said...
CBS the same factual news agency that used forged documents to lie about Bush. I believe their story. Who wrote that piece Dan Rather? I have two words for the family vacationing in MDI. GO HOME.
July 17, 2010 at 8:25 AM Report abuse
HesterPrynne said...
homerman said... He doesn't even dress like a vacationer. _____ I know you meant that as a slander. But as a supporter, I too have wondered if he ever dresses down? He's hiking and he's wearing dress shirt, pants and shoes. He wore trunks in Hawaii (to the delight of millions of women everywhere). But I've never seen him informal since that time. There is so much unfair criticizm of a president for every tiny thing, maybe he has to dress that way. But I'm kind of thinking, he's a professor, day and night. And just in case you're wondering, no, I didn't criticize Bush when he took vacations. Presidents, more than anyone else, need what little relief they can get. I never spoke of how stupid President Bush was either. I see no reason to attack the person personally. I'll attack the Bush administration and policies til I'm blue in the face. But never the person or their family.
July 17, 2010 at 8:30 AM Report abuse
bastaa said...
Sam: Good job, they run from their Glen Beck "facts" just like rats in sunlight. The self serving conservative radicals steep in worn out tea bags in the cup of selfish greed. A bitter cup indeed. Enjoy your stay first family.
July 17, 2010 at 9:19 AM Report abuse
bastaa said...
Used toll vein: Molly Ivins got the Bush AWOL story correct. CBS bought the wrong one. Shrubby did everything the good little rich oil boys do, "join" up so as to get the "fame" but not the combat, that's for the poor. The SOB showed up when he felt like it and let his flying privilege go in lieu of the first pee test.
July 17, 2010 at 9:25 AM Report abuse
patsgal said...
What would ANY President do to satisfy you people? With their job they are damned if they do and damned if they don't. There is no way to make you happy. Yes, there's the situation in the Gulf, there's a war but that doesn't stop you from taking some R/R ? Just because he's on vacation doesn't mean that his mind is.Give him a break.
July 17, 2010 at 9:32 AM Report abuse
DTOM said...
bastaa said... Sam: Good job, they run from their Glen Beck "facts" just like rats in sunlight. ++++ ++++ I'm curious... what 'specifically' are those facts you reference please ?
July 17, 2010 at 11:14 AM Report abuse
DTOM said...
"Give him a break." ??????? I assume you mean the same kind of 'break' GWB was given for example ?
July 17, 2010 at 11:16 AM Report abuse
WW91ck1vbQ%3D%3D said...
A STUPID DOG gets his own jet. ARE YOU FREAKIN KIDDING?!?! There are people in this country who are homeless! There are people who have no idea how they are going to feed their children or pay their mortgage! How can those idiots in D.C. be so insensitive to the plight of millions of their fellow Americans?
July 17, 2010 at 11:24 AM Report abuse
VmlsbGFHZW5pdXM%3D said...
"Arriving in a small jet before the Obamas was the first dog..." Who paid for the Obama's "rescue dog" (not) to fly in his own private jet? Look in the mirror, America. Bo's 1st class accommodations smack of the same Obama hypocrisy that allows B. Hussein and M. LaVaughn Robinson to enroll their daughters in Sidwell Friends while killing the school voucher program for poor African-Americans in D.C. Hope? Change? Who voted for these effete elites, anyway?
July 17, 2010 at 11:36 AM Report abuse
Admirer said...
I just love how Obammy likes wasting taxpayer dollars buying flying their dog in on his own jet? Can't wait until November and then 2012 when we vote some common sense back into the WH! No more Libs! PS Add the days in spent playing golf to the vacations for a comparison! LOL
July 17, 2010 at 11:41 AM Report abuse
Admirer said...
Obammy- Alcoholic on the button, I feel safe already! lol
July 17, 2010 at 11:43 AM Report abuse
RightwMainer said...
he VACATIONS EVERY 10 DAYS !
July 17, 2010 at 11:45 AM Report abuse
Rudderfish said...
Sam & bastaa, Why the comparison to Bush? Didn't all ya'll lefties start a little thing called "move on"? Well...time to take your own advice and MOVE ON! What about the deficit? How's that Gitmo closing going? See how easy that was to bring up timely and current issues?
July 17, 2010 at 11:51 AM Report abuse
Admirer said...
People are unemployed, losing their house and are struggling to eat and here Obammy is flying his dog in on his own private jet! What a crock! Can't even get an unemployment extension approved with a Democrat majority in Congress for all those who are unemployed through no fault of their own and who the unemployment is their sole source of income, but can fly their "pooch" around in his own jet! That's an Elitist Lib for you! Makes me sick and ashamed!
July 17, 2010 at 11:51 AM Report abuse
Ym9vYmhv said...
Liberals are pathetic. IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA
July 17, 2010 at 11:57 AM Report abuse
MrKelly said...
Wow, if you think President Bush vacationed 151 days in the first year. Might want to research that a little. I work from home about 170 days a year and get 2 weeks vacation. Does that mean I vacation 184 days a year? That's the logic CBS used. The crawford Ranch was dubbed the second white house. They worked there, but also vacationed there. CBS didn't differentiate. (Which would be tough for anyone to do of course)
July 17, 2010 at 11:58 AM Report abuse
Ym9vYmhv said...
George Bush has character. Obama fakes character.
July 17, 2010 at 12:06 PM Report abuse
Ym9vYmhv said...
I forgot to sign-off: IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA
July 17, 2010 at 12:08 PM Report abuse
Ym9vYmhv said...
Forgot to sign off: IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA ! ! ! ! (boobho)
July 17, 2010 at 12:12 PM Report abuse
TmFIMk8%3D said...
They sent the dog on his own plane?? What, Air Force One was not big enough? I certainly hope that extra expense is billed directly to them. I don't have a problem with them using government provided transportation for themselves but to incur additional expense for the dog? Umm, was there no on left at the White House to care for him. Also, for the record, Bush was not on vacation every time he went to Crawford and you all know it. Presidents have been retreating to do their WORK at their other residences for decades, doesn't mean they were on vacation just because they weren't at the White House.
July 17, 2010 at 12:18 PM Report abuse
Admirer said...
That figures! You can't trust anything dealing with politics coming from CBS (Comrade Barack Syndicate) or the other Lib controlled propaganda networks! They cannot criticize that which they worship! The only criticism you hear from them is against Conservatives and that is usually spun and is exaggerated more often than not!
July 17, 2010 at 12:21 PM Report abuse
QW5keU4%3D said...
It's bad enough we taxpayers pay for an Obama vacation ever two weeks ... but a PRIVATE JET FOR A DOG ????? What is WRONG with this man?
July 17, 2010 at 12:24 PM Report abuse
HesterPrynne said...
QW5keU4%3D said... It's bad enough we taxpayers pay for an Obama vacation ever two weeks ... but a PRIVATE JET FOR A DOG ????? What is WRONG with this man? _________-- a private jet for his advance crew. CNN reported that at this same time in his term, Bush had vacationed double the time Obama has. It's an irrevelant point, people. They are working vacations!
July 17, 2010 at 12:33 PM Report abuse
Rick+Blaine said...
The DOG came on a separate jet?? THE DOG CAME ON A SEAPARATE JET????? . . . . This SOCIALIST wants to jam through Cap & Tax to crank up our energy costs... and the DOG CAME ON A SEPARATE JET????? . . . . Please get rid of these people as fast as possible!!! We need a Republican Congress to STOP this garbage RIGHT NOW... then send him back to Chicago in 2012!!! Before it's too late to recover from the damage. THE DOG CAME ON A SEPARATE JET!!!!! (Ever hear the phrase: "LET THEM EAT CAKE"??????????)
July 17, 2010 at 12:37 PM Report abuse
pete518 said...
Their just movin on up, the dog too.
July 17, 2010 at 12:39 PM Report abuse
Ym9vYmhv said...
Bush's ranch was no vacation. It is nothing but sand and sagebrush, so nothing to do but work. IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA ! ! ! !
July 17, 2010 at 12:41 PM Report abuse
QW5keU4%3D said...
Hester, that's an outright lie. Bush's "vacations" were him going to his home in Crawford to work, not Obama's flitting around the entire country, often with his family members or even the pet dog coming in separate jets. Obama has already spent over 200 hours just playing GOLF! Calling these "working vacations" is a joke. And let's not forget all the big parties at the White House, inviting singers and Hollywood stars. I suppose he's doing "diplomacy" there too eh?
July 17, 2010 at 12:45 PM Report abuse
QW5keU4%3D said...
Hester, that's an outright lie. Bush's "vacations" were him going to his home in Crawford to work, not Obama's flitting around the entire country, often with his family members or even the pet dog coming in separate jets. Obama has already spent over 200 hours just playing GOLF! Calling these "working vacations" is a joke. And let's not forget all the big parties at the White House, inviting singers and Hollywood stars. I suppose he's doing "diplomacy" there too eh?
July 17, 2010 at 12:45 PM Report abuse
Superpower said...
Better check the expiration date on that Kool-Aid you're still drinking.
July 17, 2010 at 12:50 PM Report abuse
bGluZGFtb20yNQ%3D%3D said...
Most of Bush's vacation time was spent at his own ranch in Crawford, Texas, not jetting around at taxpayer expense. And I would venture to say that the reason most people seem so resentful of the Obama's flying off here and there to relax and enjoy has to do with the economy. American's are staying home, struggling to make ends meet, losing their homes, changing their way of life to suit lower or non-existent incomes, and here are the Obama's, jetting off to somewhere or other for yet more time relaxing. It just doesn't sit well in times of economic turn-down for the leader of our country to be so self-indulgent.
July 17, 2010 at 1:09 PM Report abuse
RG9jdG9yaXNJbg%3D%3D said...
What Rick and Blaine said is what I wanted to say. I can't believe he flew the dog on a seperate plane. Of course it was a gift from Teddy. He is so cool.
July 17, 2010 at 1:11 PM Report abuse
SG90c3B1cg%3D%3D said...
"Arriving in a small jet before the Obamas was the first dog ... and the president's personal aide Reggie Love ... 'We're ready. We're going to do it all,' Love said with a big smile." Someone here tried to spin the "small jet" as containing Pres. Obama's "advance crew." Crew of one dog and one aide? No conspicuous consumption here, right folks? No excess carbon emissions, right?
July 17, 2010 at 1:15 PM Report abuse
Mitchie said...
All that poor Bo is and ever will be is a prop for photo ops. It began back during the presidential campaign, when Obama pledged to get the girls a rescue/shelter dog. He was strictly pandering to potential voters--if he had really wanted the girls to have a dog, the family would have had one. So, why is it so shocking that the dog is actually taken care of by staffers? Likewise, him saying that they would try to get a rescue/shelter dog was strictly for votes--a hypo-allergenic dog could have been obtained from a breed-specific rescue group. However, a dog possibly without a pure-bred pedigree wouldn't have been good enough for Obama. I imagine whenever Obama leaves the White House the same thing will happen to Bo as happened to Bill Clinton's cat Socks--some staffer will end up giving the animal a good home. He will not go with Obama. The need for a photo-op prop will not exist anymore.
July 17, 2010 at 1:31 PM Report abuse
Pablo said...
Obama could care less about the gulf coast states and people. These are red states and as long as they are red Obama will keep stepping on their neck as he is doing now. Maine is as blue as the face of our economy as he chokes the last bit of life out of it. By the time he is done there won't be one person who will be able to survive without government assistance. All part of the plan and the lemmings are all following....
July 17, 2010 at 1:33 PM Report abuse
usedtolivein said...
OK every president uses Camp David. Now CBS calls it a vacation when Bush used it. It has always been a place to go but has everything the White House has and more. CBS (Constant Bush Spinner). And we taxpaters did not pay for the private plane the dog flew on. I am sure George Soros chipped in. Bastaa how many days does your community organizer have in any US uniform. He had more days wearing that rag head outfit. Remember that picture. I do.
July 17, 2010 at 1:53 PM Report abuse
VmlsbGFHZW5pdXM%3D said...
The Leftists who most amuse us? Those who criticized Bush for clearing brush in Crawford, TX and then defend Obama for seemingly endless rounds of golf, jetting around the nation, privately flying his dog on its own jet while telling us that he's working tirelessly. Hypocrisy, thy name is Liberalism.
July 17, 2010 at 1:55 PM Report abuse
Jasonn13 said...
Who do you think paid for the First Dog to fly in on his own private jet? Anyone? Anyone?
July 17, 2010 at 1:57 PM Report abuse
VillaGenius said...
Who galls you more? The Obama supporters growing fewer in number and more tepid in their slavish worship of their 'messiah', or the Obamassiah himself? Still guzzling the Kool-Aid, I see...
July 17, 2010 at 2:02 PM Report abuse
Q3VyaW91c0d1eQ%3D%3D said...
What an honor it must be for you liberal nut jobs in the formerly great state of Maine to have the One, the Only, the Blessed, the Revered, the Most Munificent Barack Hussein Obama in your midst! Even if only for a few, precious days, Our Dear Leader will walk your shores...float on your bays...eat your ice cream...and smile the smile of socialism across the land of Maine. He will spread his fairy dust over you and you shall believe as he does...in collective salvation, endless racism and destroying what is America and replacing it with a 3rd world economic model designed to keep elites like him and his cronies in power for years. But it all makes sense...the Maginficent One and his bitter woman feel comfortable in a land that elected losers like Snowe and Collins to be his handmaidens and to do his bidding. And Isn't it wonderful that you and generations yet to come will pay for the mess they will leave behind. But, beware! Beware the coming of November! BEWARE!
July 17, 2010 at 2:18 PM Report abuse
Sy5PLkEuTS4%3D said...
Seriously. A separate jet for his aide and his dog? Not only is there a nice carbon footprint, what about the cash? I'm sure there was room for them both on Air Force One.
July 17, 2010 at 2:21 PM Report abuse
TW9udW1lbnQ%3D said...
How cute that the little dog gets to fly on his own jet!
July 17, 2010 at 2:56 PM Report abuse
UGl4ZWw%3D said...
In the story it is stated that ... "They proceeded straight up Cadillac Mountain, which at 1,532 feet is the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard." Not correct. Mount Washington in New Hampshire is much higher than Cadillac Mountain and IS the "highest point on the Eastern Seaboard" at 6,288 feet above sea level. Then again, some might consider North Carolina on the "Eastern Seaboard", so in that case, Mt. Mitchell would be the best candidate for the honour of being tallest point 6,684.
July 17, 2010 at 2:59 PM Report abuse
cmVhZGFsb3Q%3D said...
November!
July 17, 2010 at 3:19 PM Report abuse
YW50aWxpYjIx said...
How much taxpayer money was wasted flying the dog on a separate plane???
July 17, 2010 at 3:26 PM Report abuse
TomS1969 said...
I suppose the first family paid the carbon offsets for first dog Bo's own "small" jet.
July 17, 2010 at 4:02 PM Report abuse
ObamaLies said...
You Obama supporters with children will appreciate the following: In just 14 months, Obama has added $5 Billion per day of debt to our children.....3 times that of Bush's entire 8 year term. [Washington Times - June 3, 2010] That is the equivalent of 2 Nuclear Nimitz aircraft carriers each day!
July 17, 2010 at 4:24 PM Report abuse
libsRidiots said...
obama and his family are dirt bags wasting our money. obama must be stopped from ruining America
July 17, 2010 at 4:28 PM Report abuse
Q2xpZkwtUg%3D%3D said...
As an unemployed person who hasn't been able to afford to put my car on the road for 19 months now, it's really disheartening to read that the family dog rode in a private jet to Maine. The shoes I have on as a type this have holes in the heels, my other pair having a split sole on one shoe. I have to walk everywhere I got or pay for a cab. How can such behavior be justified by them? The Obama's haven't a clue what it's like living day-to-day in this country . . . their arrogance is truly shameful.
July 17, 2010 at 4:34 PM Report abuse
RG9ubnlN said...
I wonder if Oprah will join them? Mabye not. Michelle said dessert is not a right plus Oprah's C-130 Loadmaster is in the hanger for maintenance.
July 17, 2010 at 5:06 PM Report abuse
UHJlT2JhbWFWZXQ%3D said...
I'll bet we could raise enough money to keep them on vacation until he gets voted out...if we'll still get to vote, of course.
July 17, 2010 at 5:50 PM Report abuse
VHJ5b24%3D said...
Okay, let me get this straight. El Supremo made a big issue about State and local authorities doing anything whatsoever with respect to the illegals in Arizona, but didn't say a thing about State police as well as local fire trucks and ambulances being part of his royal presidential parade? The point being that "presidential protection" is a federal function of the Secret Service. Local cops shouldn't be involved in this in any way, shape or form.
July 17, 2010 at 6:14 PM Report abuse
MnN1bmZsb3dlcnM%3D said...
We have to "tighten our belts and make sacrifices" according to Obama. However, his dog has a private jet??? We waste too much energy, yet his dog has a private jet??? What a hypocrite. Those of you with young children need to research Kevin Jennings. He is Obama's "Safe School Czar" Look up FISTGATE on Google. They now want to teach 6th graders that sexual intercourse includes “using the penis, fingers, tongue or objects.” Read more on Fox news under, Obama supports kindergarten sex-ed
July 17, 2010 at 6:33 PM Report abuse
UmFjaXN0MQ%3D%3D said...
Sam said.../heyrube said... A factual comparison done by non partisan news sources Thats BS. ITry checking your facts first next time.
July 17, 2010 at 6:36 PM Report abuse
a2VsbHkyMDEw said...
Not only does the dog get his own jet, at taxpayers' expense, he gets to stay in a hotel where dogs aren't allowed. At least that's what they told me when I tried to make reservations for me and mine.
July 17, 2010 at 7:48 PM Report abuse
ZGlzZW5jaGFudGVk said...
let's see the dog gets its own private jet. That means there is a cost for the jet, the pilot, the dog handler, the fuel used for the jet, the inconvenience of other planes having to circle while the jet that holds the dog departs and arrives. yep that is exactly what I want my tax payer money spent on. all this man does is go on vacations and party. this guy is a traitor to our country and I hope and pray someone has the fortitude to impeach him soon. Guess what now the health care is deemed a tax for EVERYONE, the taking over the wall street will have an adverse effect on the people of the United States. socialism works until those who continually pay run out of money. -think about those who are still swilling the kool aid.
July 17, 2010 at 8:18 PM Report abuse
QVNLTEVK said...
Why isn't Mrs. Obama watching the family's weight? Going to an ice cream store, my heavens! She surely doesn't want their body mass index to increase, does she? And she should talk. She could use a few lbs herself.
July 17, 2010 at 8:22 PM Report abuse
TDH1920 said...
They flew the pooch on another plane in the unlikely event of a crash of Air Force One. The dog would be able to take over the government without interruption.
July 17, 2010 at 8:47 PM Report abuse
TDH1920 said...
They flew the pooch on another plane in the unlikely event of a crash of Air Force One. The dog would be able to take over the government without interruption.
July 17, 2010 at 8:48 PM Report abuse
bastaa said...
All of these "Df62354kjgndj" posters are sure proud of their identities. Sounds like organized hate mail from the Republican Rove circus.
July 17, 2010 at 8:48 PM Report abuse
Russ1802 said...
Careful with what you wrote Sam - you're playing fast and lose with facts: 1. CBS is hardly "nonpartisan". My best example is Killian forged documents. 2. You counted the days President Bush spent at Camp David but did not count the days President Obama spent at Camp David. You need to be consistent - otherwise folks won't believe you.
July 17, 2010 at 8:59 PM Report abuse
a2VsbHkyMDEw said...
Dear Bastaa: It is a shame our country has come to a point where those of us who are proud of our identities are reluctant to be open about them in certain venues. Big Brother is definitely watching these days.
July 17, 2010 at 9:06 PM Report abuse
ZGlzZW5jaGFudGVk said...
bastaa said... All of these "Df62354kjgndj" posters are sure proud of their identities. Sounds like organized hate mail from the Republican Rove circus. ============= there is a glitch in the system because that is not my sign in and I am betting it isn't the other posters either. lighten up. oh and I am sure that is your real name too?
July 17, 2010 at 9:24 PM Report abuse
Q3JhY2thTmF0aW9u said...
In all fairness to president Soetoro, they are never on vacation. Except when they have a bunch of Czars to do the kings bidding. Czars didn't do the Romanov's any good though.
July 17, 2010 at 10:08 PM Report abuse
Ym9vYmhv said...
Baasta (or whatever) I tried to register with my name, but this weirdo system put me in as jidfhvnasdfuhvndasfhcnasduifnv. What can I say.......they are messed up. However, with this admin., maybe I'm better off with anonymity. Whatever, Obama is worse than the worst nightmares I ever had about him. I hope some miracle happens....this country cannot take much more of this guy that intends to destroy us. Look at all the fascist things he has done. Unbelievable! The left is about to put this country into the abyss. The strange thing, to me, is that the wacko nutty liberals really believe all their crap and can't see the take-over of our country by these Marxist fascist. Anyway............... IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA! ! ! (May his soul find peace after all this evil.)
July 17, 2010 at 11:03 PM Report abuse
Tim said...
Yeah, great vacation. I wish I could take a nice vacation, too, my family and I, but we can't since I haven't had a job in two years.
July 18, 2010 at 12:34 AM Report abuse
Racist1 said...
Sam said... Your numbers are BS. Try fact check first.
July 18, 2010 at 7:55 AM Report abuse
NamVet said...
Spewing insults, small-minded complaints about Obama's vacation, and delusional howls about "fascist/Marxist" takeovers is a lot easier than considering how a unified nation might address such genuine problems as the decaying infrastructure -- or an educational system that produces minds so incapable of critical thinking.
July 18, 2010 at 9:35 AM Report abuse
Ym9vYmhv said...
Yes, it would be nice to address problems but the attack on our nation by the "fascist/Marxist" must be defended. No need worrying about hanging curtains while the Indians are attacking. And, sir, I am NOT delusional. IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA ! ! ! !
July 18, 2010 at 10:07 AM Report abuse
MrKelly said...
"NamVet said... considering how a unified nation might address such genuine problems as the decaying infrastructure -- or an educational system that produces minds so incapable of critical thinking." Your exactly right, why didn't the left unify with Bush? But now we are supposed to unify with President Obama? The problem is that we on the right want BETTER schools, not worse. We want the infustructure we HAVE repaired, but only when it needs it. And not on projects that are proven failures or cost more than they are worth. I'm not unified with the President or the left on these two issues specifically because his ideas are exactly 100% the things we believe you would do if you wanted to make these things worse.
July 18, 2010 at 12:21 PM Report abuse
RG9ubnlN said...
President's deserve vacations, but there's a difference that is key in these economic times. When W. Bush and H.W. Bush vacationed, they went to their own properties, not high end resorts courtesy of the US taxpayer. Sotero is just like an African dictator whose own country is collapsing. "Screw the masses, I need my luxury resorts, Kobe beef, veal for my mutt and weekly celebrity filled White House parties." Only an imbecile, ie., Democrat,Liberal,Progressive,Marxist or most professors would vote for this guy. PS: Barry's Maoist admirer, Robert Reich just stated that if you are over 55 and out of work you are not ever likely to get back into the workforice. So much for the summer of recover that Joe Bite Me is hawking like a fool.
July 18, 2010 at 1:17 PM Report abuse
openminded said...
as warm as it has been here, I notice no one is carrying water bottles?? Maybe they have servants in tow??
July 18, 2010 at 4:24 PM Report abuse
U2lyb2Q%3D said...
Don"t you realize why Bo, the dog, had to fly in is own jet. I can only tell you that cab driving Muslims will not take seeing-eye dog in their taxies. I guess BO (not the dog) can't fly or drive with one on board. How much more is he going to cost us and the USA?
July 18, 2010 at 5:02 PM Report abuse
RWRkaWV2ZWdhcw%3D%3D said...
If anyone had seen the PBS special about Air Force One you would have known that whenever the president flys anywhere there is always a second jet sent along as a backup. As the article states for this trip it was necessary to use the smaller C-20B gulfstream jet which only has 12 seats. Four the Obamas, one for the guy carring the nuclear football, one for the staff doctor and the remaining seats were most likely taken up by secret service. The other jet was coming along anyway with the support staff that has to travel with the president so there was space for the dog onboard that jet. As far as muslims not riding in cabs with seeing eye dogs? If you are going to make stuff up at least try make it realistic.
July 18, 2010 at 6:35 PM Report abuse
Ym9vYmhv said...
So, even if the second plane is legitimate, it still is fun to bash Obama. And as far as Muslim taxi drivers not taking dogs, it WAS in the "news." So I guess it was not made up and is "realistic." IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA ! ! ! !
July 18, 2010 at 7:48 PM Report abuse
Ym9vYmhv said...
So, even if the second plane is legitimate, it still is fun to bash Obama. And as far as Muslim taxi drivers not taking dogs, it WAS in the "news." So I guess it was not made up and is "realistic." IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA ! ! ! !
July 18, 2010 at 7:48 PM Report abuse
TheLeRue said...
Thank you President Obama for being the intelligent, pro-middle class President that the United States deserves. It was such good fortune that you were elected after eight years of the worst President in U.S. History, George W. Bush, destroying everything he touched. We also know that you need time to correct the enormous damage done by Bush and Republicans. Thanks again and we hope you enjoyed your trip to Maine.
July 18, 2010 at 7:54 PM Report abuse
Ym9vYmhv said...
"IT'S BUSH'S FAULT!" What dribble. What left-wing brainwashing. What little thanks for an honest man that did so much for his country. What ignorance in not recognizing this current charlatan. What a maroon (ha). IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA ! ! ! !
July 18, 2010 at 8:01 PM Report abuse
bmFtcGljczY3Njg%3D said...
The DOG flew on HIS OWN JET?? I don't blame him!! I wouldn't want to fly with the Obummers either! That dog has class!!
July 18, 2010 at 9:52 PM Report abuse
indie3256 said...
For those falsely stating that Obama's dog flew in on his own private jet - PLEASE CHECK YOUR FACTS. The dog flew on the same plane as the media pool. The media always travels with the President, regardless of who that President is, so there was no extra cost to the taxpayer. Bo the dog was not on his own private jet. Please stop getting your news from Drudge.
July 18, 2010 at 10:16 PM Report abuse
Ym9vYmhv said...
Hey Indie, do you think anyone would have been reading this rag if it was not linked on Drudge? What is it about Drudge you apparently don't like? Who cares if the use of a second plane was legitimate? The point is, there is still plenty to bash Obunble-butt about. IMPEACH BROCC0LI OBAMA ! ! ! !
July 18, 2010 at 11:14 PM Report abuse
Ym9vYmhv said...
Oh, and Indie, how did you know this was linked on Drudge? Doing a little trolling? IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA ! ! ! !
July 18, 2010 at 11:54 PM Report abuse
ValdezGreene said...
It's so sad that Republicans who post here are so ignorant and driven by their fetish for the RepubliCON party that they can't grasp that our terrible economy is the direct result of the past eight years while Bush was President, which ended with a near global financial collapse. Republican: We deny reality!
July 19, 2010 at 10:23 AM Report abuse
Ym9vYmhv said...
The current economic problems are a direct result of failed mortgages that were pushed down banks throats by Barnie Franks and Chris Dodd. So, Mr ValdezGreene (legal?), unless these two bozos are Republicans, then your vile is aligned at the wrong party. Get a life and a true view. IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA ! ! ! !
July 19, 2010 at 10:38 AM Report abuse
MELLO said...
The War of 1812 was over. His administration was nearly at an end. So Madison, tired and eager to get away, slipped out of Washington in June 1816 and didn't return until October. His four-month vacation was the longest of any president. In other years his vacations lasted three months. who cares about bush and obama look at madison this guy had it made!!!
July 19, 2010 at 10:59 AM Report abuse
Ym9vYmhv said...
Madison's long "vacations" were probably mostly travel time: horse and buggy versus 747's.
July 19, 2010 at 11:01 AM Report abuse
TheSaint said...
Imagine having flip-flop John McCain as President with side-kick doesn't have a brain Sarah Palin next in line. Yikes!!!
July 19, 2010 at 11:20 AM Report abuse
ValdezGreene said...
YM, You are so involved in your own anti-rational reality! You're saying Dodd and Frank pushed mortgaged "down the throat" of banks?? Well, it was REPUBLICANS who controlled the Banking Committee and the White House until 2007! Also, the Bush administration sued the state of New York in FEDERAL COURT TO STOP THAT STATE FROM REGULATING THE SUB-PRIME MARKET! You Republicans are saying then, that Republicans who CONTROLLED CONGRESS somehow allowed Dodd and Frank to "force" banks to engage in the sub-prime market? is that right? Well, if that's true, then Republicans who CONTROLLED CONGRESS were doing a terrible job, right?! Also, if Dodd and Frank "forced" banks to take on sub-prime mortgages, was this during 2007? That's when they got control of the Banking Committee? The time line isn't correct ... REPUBLICANS ARE PATHETIC CHILDREN! YOU JUST PROVED THAT! EXCUSES! It's all ignorant Republicans have, along with DENIAL OF REALITY! Republican: We're children!!
July 19, 2010 at 11:29 AM Report abuse
Ym9vYmhv said...
To "TheSaint:" As a conservative, I agree McCain/Palin is a little weak. However, I would take them a million times over the current bumbler that WANTS to destroy our country. "Doesn't have a brain" is harsh for Palin. Cute and smart ain't all bad! IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA ! ! ! !
July 19, 2010 at 11:32 AM Report abuse
Ym9vYmhv said...
To "TheSaint:" As a conservative, I agree McCain/Palin is a little weak. However, I would take them a million times over the current bumbler that WANTS to destroy our country. "Doesn't have a brain" is harsh for Palin. Cute and smart ain't all bad! IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA ! ! ! !
July 19, 2010 at 11:32 AM Report abuse
Ym9vYmhv said...
vALDEZgREENE' It was called SHAKEDOWN ! ! eat some more broccoli............
July 19, 2010 at 11:35 AM Report abuse
Ym9vYmhv said...
Now the Chief Bumbler is having another White House party tonight. (Monday.) "It's good to be king." IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA ! ! ! !
July 19, 2010 at 12:03 PM Report abuse
said...
SIODJFMC IASDUFHNCA[ sdiojfm osdf osdfjmc oda qqowe v ofk aklsdf posdkfaspodfk [[opsdf Sorry. Forgot to click on the liberal bizarro-world interpreter program. IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA ! ! ! !
July 19, 2010 at 12:09 PM Report abuse
said...
Libs....................Libs.................Libs.............. Come out and play............ It's O.K. Ally,ally in come free............. IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA ! ! ! !
July 19, 2010 at 1:06 PM Report abuse
said...
You're just embarrasing yourself as a child, which is to be expected, since Republicans think like children.
July 19, 2010 at 2:06 PM Report abuse
Mick Russom said...
If you support Obama and his Regime, you support a Statist authoritarian who is an empty suit who speaks in platitudes who is beholden to the oligarchical collectivists and banking cabals. You are against freedom, liberty and our constitutional republic and the notion that all of our rights are inborn and are given by our creator. Some autocrat in Washington does not grant rights - the constitution simply enumerates them for added protection. The constitution also limits the Powers of the Federal Government yet an expansionist authoritarian view is used in modern times contrary to what Madison had intended. If you support Obama you support the biggest threat to our free will in our history, and when the last bastion of freedom in the USA falls, there is nowhere else to go.
July 19, 2010 at 2:22 PM Report abuse
said...
Well said, Mick ! (From "the child.")(I wish I was.) IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA ! ! ! !
July 19, 2010 at 2:46 PM Report abuse
Valdez Greene said...
Mick, you don't even know the definition of communism, you're clueless, and you're revealing more about your own brand of ignorance than anything about the current administration. If you had protested the fascist Bush administration, you might have some shread of credibility, but you're clueless, merely an unthinking, ill informed far right kook, and so, off with you then. You're just another ignorant Republican child. Republican: We're children!
July 19, 2010 at 3:43 PM Report abuse
Valdez Greene said...
GOP’s 2010 strategy revealed: Exploit donors and ‘fear’ of Obama "What can you sell when you do not have the White House, the House, or the Senate?" asks a Republican National Committee PowerPoint presentation. Answer: "Save the country from trending toward Socialism!" That -- along with a heavy dose of fear-mongering about President Barack Obama, sums up the Republican Party's strategy heading into the 2010 mid-term elections, according to documents obtained by Politico. PROOF THAT REPUBLICANS WHO CALL OBAMA A "COMMUNIST" ARE IGNORANT RUBES WHO ARE BEING USED!!
July 19, 2010 at 3:53 PM Report abuse
said...
V.G., Why, in the world, would you think that fear of the Obama administration is NOT a perfectly logical and strategically effective political position? ? ? ? .................................. I think it makes perfect sense to, now, a majority. ................................... IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA ! ! ! !
July 19, 2010 at 4:10 PM Report abuse
Valdez Greene said...
In democracy you will have a multitude of opinions but you can debate because you are debating on what is best for the country as a whole. Now the whole debate is where one side believes that the individual that the majority elected is a non American, a marxist, and intent on destroying this country. That means either the majority that elected this president are either stupid or that they are intent on destroying this country too.
July 19, 2010 at 4:49 PM Report abuse
said...
One commentor says, "So, even if the second plane is legitimate, it still is fun to bash Obama." So even if you know the truth, it is more fun to lie? Sad state of affairs. The negative comments about Pres. Obama's family are deeply disturbing. In fact, the hostility in many of these posts appears to be taken from "Hatemongering Talking Points 101", and earns an A for blowhard sputtering, following lock-step with hate-spewing talk show hosts (who earn hundreds of millions from their "bands of followers" feeding the ad revenue, and out of touch with reality. As soon as you mention socialism in relation to this adminstration, the average American tunes you out as being on the flapping ends of the extreme fringe. You lose all credibility.
July 19, 2010 at 4:51 PM Report abuse
said...
"The majority that elected this President were either stupid or.........." They probably were stupid or DUPED! ! ! .................................... IMPEACH BROCCILI OBAMA ! ! ! !
July 19, 2010 at 5:12 PM Report abuse
said...
Oh to the contrary, smart guy. I believe most people in this country would, now, equate "socialism" with "this administration." ......................................... Why the name calling? (It is SO predictable from the left.) .................................... IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA ! ! ! !
July 19, 2010 at 5:34 PM Report abuse
said...
From a commentor: "Oh to the contrary, smart guy. I believe most people in this country would, now, equate "socialism" with "this administration. Why the name calling? (It is SO predictable from the left.)" You have a right to believe what you want, regardless of how irrational it may be. I don't recall calling anyone a disparaging name, I referenced extremist beliefs and activities. You made several false assumptions regarding my comment - which further validates my notion that many commentors shoot from the hip with the latest Beckism or Rushism. They are leading their flocks of followers down a path, based less on any political savvy, proclivity, belief, or truth, and more on "there's a sucker born every minute" love of the almighty dollar. Their followers gobble it up hook, line, and sinker. They feed on people's fear and bigotry. A little more thinking and a little less devotion to the "talking heads" would be welcome. And no, I do not watch Olbermann or Maddow, lest you assume.
July 19, 2010 at 6:04 PM Report abuse
said...
Fair enough. I went back and read your posts. You said things I don't like and I disagree with, but you did not directly call names. However, you are quite disparaging towards groups of people. I happen to believe in the things you disparage; and I think I'm a good person. I know a lot of this country believes the same; and they are good people. So go on with your beliefs, but I know you are wrong.
July 19, 2010 at 6:16 PM Report abuse
Granny said...
Bo the dog has his own private jet?! Don't lecture me on global warming when a dog gets a plane of its own. What a load of garbage.
July 19, 2010 at 8:35 PM Report abuse
bren said...
I am sure he is the only person to vacation in Maine this year. NOT!!! I hope they had a wonderful time in this beautiful state and I hope they get to come back for a longer stay.
July 19, 2010 at 9:12 PM Report abuse
said...
Bren, They can stay there forever!!!!!! .................................... IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA ! ! ! !
July 19, 2010 at 9:43 PM Report abuse
said...
This post is probably about over and I want to say one more thing: .................................... IMPEACH BROCCOLI OBAMA ! ! ! !
July 19, 2010 at 9:58 PM Report abuse
said...
"Fair enough. I went back and read your posts. You said things I don't like and I disagree with, but you did not directly call names. However, you are quite disparaging towards groups of people. I happen to believe in the things you disparage; and I think I'm a good person. I know a lot of this country believes the same; and they are good people. So go on with your beliefs, but I know you are wrong." I'm impressed you reread the post. Let's just say we agree to disagree. A person can be a good person and still be suckered in by those whose real motive is their own pocketbooks (Beck and Rush). There motives, fellow commentor, are not good and not pure of heart, intellect, or reason. Their motive is singular - pure greed. It saddens me to see so many sheep mindlessly following them.
July 20, 2010 at 2:32 PM Report abuse
Valdez Greene said...
Anon above, sorry you are wrong. You cannot be a "good person" and side with the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck. That is no more intellectually honest than siding with the Natzis and saying it was merely a "choice." The far right of America is attempting to systematically take it apart in service to the most crass wealthy corporations. That's sick! That's tyranny. Sorry, you don't get a pass if you're a Rush Limbaugh ditto head. You are a pawn in the intellectual deceit enabling a cancer to spread. That's not only disgusting, it is defining the character of those who "side" with that type of abhorrent "belief" system. There is one central problem facing the future of American: Republicans.
July 20, 2010 at 4:12 PM Report abuse
Verity said...
hmmmmmmmmmmm... any body with a brain here???? the dog got it's own jet??? 16 cars in 1 motorcade ?? anybody wanna guess at the carbon "paw" print???
July 21, 2010 at 12:58 AM Report abuse
said...
V G, Vile, evil, ignorant, hateful, misguided, and anti-American is no way to go through life.
July 21, 2010 at 2:20 PM Report abuse
Valdez Greene said...
Anon (too addled to figure out how to post a name)... Vile, evil, ignorant, hateful, misguided, and anti-American is no way to go through life, so you ought to quit the Republican party and get a life. But really, if you're far gone enough not to know that the Republican party is a sick, sadistic shell game to use ignorant knuckle draggers like you to enrich a wealthy minority, then you're too far gone to reach.
July 21, 2010 at 5:34 PM Report abuse
Private Jet said...
He should have shown support and went to the Gulf Of Mexico instead, but what does Barry do..he goes to Maine far far away and he sends his dog with a private jeton top of it...CHANGE!!!! Actions speaks louder than words!!!!
July 22, 2010 at 12:43 AM Report abuse
NamVet said...
"Vile, evil, ignorant, hateful, misguided, and anti-American is no way to go through life." Physician, heal thyself.
July 28, 2010 at 7:25 PM Report abuse