President Obama is preparing to escape wintry Washington and lob the finger at chilly Chicago, departing Dec. 18 for a Hawaii vacation lasting at least two weeks.
But – oh no – the trip may be delayed, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs acknowledged today.
“The president will be here for as long as he needs to be here to get progress on and to make progress on the issues . . . that he outlined in the meeting,” Gibbs said.
The concern here is that the Republicans want not only to make Obama a one-term president, but also to screw up his 2010 vacation. They can do it by dragging out the Bush tax cut negotiations, which are the main thing that both Obama and the Republicans want to get done before Congress leaves town for the year.
Democratic leaders say they want to get the START treaty approved, pass the DREAM immigration bill, and do a couple of other major things in the lame duck. Obama plays along, but he knows Republicans aren’t going to consider these items until they seat all their new members next year, so such things won’t affect his Hawaiian idyll.
One potential incentive for Republicans: The closer Obama gets to a two week vacation in his Hawaiian paradise, the harder it may be to argue that he’s battling for the middle class and hates tax cuts for the rich.
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Balmy breezes, warm beaches, more lobster, and golfing in the tropical sun sounds really nice. Thousands of miles away from all those pesky problems and people who don’t appreciate how hard the O’s work while living about the store and never having time for themselves.
Have a good time, send us a postcard.
srdem65 – what DisneyLand ride are you on? Work hard???? The O’s don’t have a clue what hard work is after what…10 vacations???
I think it’s strange that the First Family wouldn’t want to experience one of their four Christmases (is that spelled correctly?) in the White House. I guess they don’t feel it’s any kind of honor to be there.
I don’t care what the kids are used to doing — four Christmasses (a variation in case this is the right spelling) in the White House would be a very special memory.
Not to mention a little snow on Christmas, perhaps . . . I hope they do spend one there.
Back to the place of his birth…aw, just joshing.
Star, I think there’s an Africa trip next year.
How much is this going to cost the Americans? Most people can’t buy gifts for their families never less go on a vacation.
What does this make….#10?