Michelle Obama and President Obama traveled to Martha’s Vineyard just hours apart, costing taxpayers thousands in additional expenses so she could have just a bit of extra vacation time.
Mrs. Obama and her daughters arrived just before 2 pm Thursday on a U.S. government jet, according to the Martha’s Vineyard Times, which got its information from the local airport. The first lady’s office has been silent on her travel. President Obama arrived in the evening along with the family dog Bo.
The extra costs related to Mrs. Obama’s solo trip mainly include the flight on a specially designed military aircraft she took instead of Air Force One, as well as any extra staff and Secret Service that had to be enlisted to go with her. She would also have had her own motorcade from the airport to her vacation residence.
Mrs. Obama’s separate jet travel sends the wrong message on a host of issues, from global warming to the budget deficit to the economy – in which currently so many people can’t afford to take a vacation at all.
This is not the first time Michelle has gone on vacation ahead of the president on the taxpayers’ tab. Last December, she racked up what was likely more than $100,000 in expenses leaving early for their Hawaii vacation.
Thanks to one of our readers, who goes by Lizzy, for noting the double dip.
675 thoughts on “Michelle’s Separate Travel Costs Taxpayers Thousands”
I’d be interested to know how much that four hour head start cost us? Couldn’t wait four hours?? Obviously, they could care less about the message they are sending. Disgusting.
…it’s COULDN’T care less..
Yes, I agree. These people have no clue to the daily struggle that so many Americans are suffering through.
Obama’s and staff can’t be this stupid, in an absolutely down turn economy, taking a vacation after touring just three days in million dollar bullet proof super buses, and then fly to a vacation on different planes!!
To run up over $100,000.00 in extra costs, and do it twice must be for a reason.
I AM LOOKING OUT OF THE BOX AND IT APPEARS TO ME THAT IT WOULD BE CATASTROPHIC
[FOR IT TO GET OUT IN THE PRIME ELECTION PERIOD WHICH OBAMA MUST PRESENT HIMSELF AS A POPULAR PRESIDENT FOR HIM TO WIN}
IF IT GOT OUT THAT HE IS GETTING SO MANY DEATH THREATS, AND THEY AS A FAMILY ARE TAKING THIS WASTEFUL TACTIC TO AVOID THE FAMILY BEING HARMED IF OBAMA IS TARGETED.
Think about it , Barack went to the military service of the seals ALONE,
Barack stumped 3 days with out Michelle.
I tell you something is up !!
I totally agree, American Man…something’s up. Obama doesn’t seem to care one whit about his plunging poll numbers. What’s he know that we don’t?
Double Whammy Obammy doesn’t even consider that he might lose the election. He’s entitled. Remember, these leftist believe it’s so just because they say it.
Exactly, it’s like he was told the world is going to end , and well, lets just party on baby, do all the things I always wanted , cause in a matter of a year , it will be all over. If this is a possibility , I would say nice guy, what about all of us, is it screw all of you, what ?, it seems that way even if things weren’t to end .
Yet all our fellow Americans can do is come back with short twitter phrases
PSA from The Usurper and The Hamburgler – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyK5-kJ-je8
What is up may well be that Mr. and Mrs. Obama are quarreling and do not want to spend even an airplane flight together. Or Mrs. Obama has had some plastic surgery and wants to avoid the official leave taking photos that are snapped when the Prez departs.
It’s more logical that a personal issue of vanity or emotional conflict is the cause of this waste of taxpayer money than there is something big going on. Consider the people about whom we’re talking.
Like the freaking Republicans in congress and running for president do? Everything these people do is for the benefit of their corporate masters and they make no bones about it. Yeah, Obama and the Democrats also suck the corporate teat big time as well, except that their policies do benefit the middle class and the “have nots” every once in a while.
No flaming please. Removed part of the comment.
As one of the middle class taxpayers, I strongly disagree. They haven’t done anything to help and thanks to their “spread the wealth” philosophy (although not THEIR wealth), I’m working even more hours a week for less money while cost of living continues to rise. But it’s all working according to the Lefts plan…destroy from within, control the youth, ruin the economy, promote class warfare, they’ve been very successful. And Thanks to Big Govt and Big Union Labor, we are witnessing the end of a once great country…
As smart as you sound to be, I would hope you’d consider that the real solution to most of the USA’s problems, very easily curable;
In six years or less, the simple act of electing out of office ANYONE who has been in the House for three terms or more, and the Senate two terms or more. Include ALL the Democrats with Progressive leanings, as well as all the RINOs.
Replace these bums / thieves with people who answered directly pre-election/primary questions on these points – Submit bills and support for:
Term Limits;
Drastically reducing or dissolving EPA, Interior, Labor, Dept of Ed,, and other non-functioning Cabinet entities; An example exec order would do something like this:
Pay the released people their full salaries for two years, but close down operations’ locations and utilties. Two years should be enough time to find a job for these crats. No extended bennies or retirement goodies.
By Exec Order, require all gasoline vendors to install LNG, Propane, and Biodiesel vending equipment / promote public education based upon reality as to risks and etc. / give the petroleum companies tax credit for these vending installations.
BTW, cheat on the expenses submitted for this tax credit, go to jail for 5 years for EACH person involved or responsible including their CEOs.
Find an independent Auditing firm (not one of the big anything) in the Private Sector to audit Congress, the Senate, and the agencies with Cabinet level connections. Perhaps one could offer breaks for those people who help auditors find disprepancies;
…There are many things which could be done to clean up the GOV by just applying common sense to these issues, but it all has to start with the removal of career politicians, their staffs, and replacing them with the citizen/politician truly doing public service and then going home.
I’m very sure other folks like yourselves could add more and better ideas, hope this could be a start.
Cheers,
George
Conserver, what planet are you on? This creep is taking money from the middle class and giving it to illegals and those who won’t work. Its the Dumocrats that have created a welfare group who will not work and have chosen to use welfare as a way of life. Welfare was not started to become a way of life. It was started to help those who lost their jobs or fell on hard times and needed a short lift in life to get going again. Ever heard the saying: Nothing is for free? Well, we the middle class pay for this nonsense. This SOB is taking from our elderly and giving it to his staff and to those who won’t work not to mention illegals. Its the Dumocrats policies that are killing this counry. You have a SOB President who has more than tripled our debt and can’t stop spending. His way to to spend us out of debt. It doesn’t work. Try it in your own house hold. You can’t spend your way out of debt. I’m sorry, I just can’t believe some people can be so stupid. Put the blame where it belongs and thats squarely on the shoulders of this SOB thats called President.
http://www.RightsOfMan.org. Words from the man who first said the words “United States of America”
No outrage from environmentalists over the carbon footprint this trip added to? It’s blatantly obvious that this so called environmentally conscious administration never even thought about their actions which is so typical. Hypocrites.
Ah ha. That’s it! The reason the left is so paniced about global warming, even the possibility it might be true, the Vinyard might get flooded.
@Just2old wrote “Obviously, they could care less about the message they are sending”.
No they do care about the message they are sending and that message is screw you whitey…I’d doing it on your nickel!
The parasitic obummers have spent so long feeding at the public trough that they think they own it. We haven’t seen such freeloading since the white trash clintons infested the White House.
I have alaways stated they are the pot calling the kettle black.
Why ever should the queen be inconvenienced by waiting a few hours LIKE THE REST OF US DO to accompany her spouse? Oh, could be Michelle was toting along so many friends and relations that they needed two planes to carry everyone (and of course then there’s the issue of the dog….)
Last year they flew the dog (and Reggie, I think) up on a separate plane. This time it was Obama’s turn. Are they both neutered?
You don’t expect Michelle to suffer any guilt pangs over shredding hundreds of thousands of taxpayer money for her numerous junkets, do you. Or Obummer himself, for that matter. The rules he wants to apply to us (can’t have our thermostats as high as we like, can’t eat as much as we want) it is clear he truly believes do not apply to him. He is an “elite.” That’s another word for parasite.
Is there not a Budget for the White House travel? Or is it an opened ended Amex card? When Moochelle goes on vacation how does she pay for something, She does not get paid. Does she use Otaxma’s credit card, cash, or is that all planned ahead of time???
Are these people this tone deaf or just don’t give a dam??
The “darn” one.
Just don’t give a dam*
“Tone deaf or just don’t give a dam”?
Probably a bit of both. He sure uses poor juedment for a smart guy.
so far he hasn’t given any evidence of the “smart” part.
They DON’T care! These jerks MUST go. Today is not soon enough. It’s no wonder so many people hate these two worthless bags of dung!
Yes they hate it but all the dim’s will vote for him as well as the illegals and let us not count out the Chicago dead who will vote twice…
They just don’t give a dam…He is arrogant and condecending…When he speaks he talks down to people…I saw a picture in the Stern a German magazine showing the first family eating dinner consisting of nachos and dip with the plates on a fabric covered foot stool watching TV…you can take the man out of the g…o but you can’t take the g…o out of the man…
They don’t give a dam!!
I am just shocked that it took you this long to realize that.
I guess you were afraid of being labeled a racist!!
You forgot C) All of the Above.
Those who think this is naivete on the part of the Obamas or those who believe they “just don’t give a damn” are missing the core message of this Soros’ produced administration; i.e., a figurative punch in the face to all Americans with an unspoken “there is nothing you can do about it.”
“People will only do to you what you allow them to do” certainly rings true today re the apathy on the part of Americans.
I’m pretty sure they don’t give a damn.
the latter, they don’t give a damn, by golly we won and we are going to enjoy it, their thoughts not mine
President Obama: We’re not following your act on Twitter, We;re not fans of your facebook page, Your 15 Minutes are Up Get Off the Stage
Take the next 15 months off too!
And, we borrowed $ .42 of every dollar she spent. My Grandkids appreciate it !
Michelle, our Material Girl, does not give a hoot about costs – she and Barry truly believe they deserve the luxuries…and like all true cons – they will take as much as they can get…while the getting is good.
Just how much fuel do the Obama’s burn through in a year? Not very green, is it?
Its not real money anyway…at least not anymore.
She has earned that extra time at Marxist Vinyard
Cosst means nothing to this arrogant family. Vacation while unemployment rises, economic markets fall and these idiots think nothing of putting the cost burden onto the backs of the American taxpayer.
Vote in 2012 as you voted in the mid-terms of 2010. We must rid out Great Nation of the insanity that this administration represents.
The country is broke, the morals of this family are even more broken.
VOTE THESE IDIOTS OUT!
Do as I say, not as I do, the liberal mantra
Leeches!
Get ready for another Drudge link to bring in the comments.
Here it comes . . .
Yeah, we’re here
Continuing thanks to Lizzy, Keith and Drudge for making this Presidency transparent. Because transparency to this President is a one-way glass, “I see you but you can’t see me”.
For the life of me I can not understand what liberals see in this person other than they must be exactly just like him.
This is a comment from a not so wealthy disabled veteran Republican.
yeah, you were all very transparent about your baby Bush, right. see where that got you.
Bill, your so ahead of the game. Congrats :)
So what? Are you afraid of comments? Do you not want the rest of the country to know about this? Do you really think you will see the covered by the nightly news or the New York Times???!!
Nope. Just pointing out that the comments section goes from a few dozen to several hundred.
So I take it, Will, you’re ok with his level of hypocrisy? Just jetting off (on separate jets) is ok with you? I guess you’re working your executive-level job and able to pay all your bills, play in the market, and send your kids to school debt-free? Wouldn’t it be a great country if everyone could make that claim?
Some of us are daily readers….welcome : )
I don’t think William meant it negatively – it’s just that it’s a few hundred more comments than usual!
As if to suggest that comments from Drudge aren’t to be taken seriously? That’s your implication, correct? Ok. How about you take a moment to contemplate this gross misuse of taxpayer money at a time like this, and the message it sends to the millions on food stamps or those unemployed, losing their homes, average people having to struggle with near $4 gas and non-stop inflation hitting the grocery stores? How about you take a moment to justify the massive extra fuel used to cart her sorry butt to MV, while they all proclaim global warming is KILLING US ALL. Haven’t you heard, the aliens are coming because of it?
But yeah, here come the Drudge people. {eye roll}
For those of us who hang out at Keith’s blog and know about William, the kindest thing I can say about your rant is “you are way off base in taking him to task” followed by “if you only knew, you would see how foolish you look.”
Yes, a Drudge link. Aaaaaahhhh! Does that frighten you, Billy? Would you prefer only HuffPo “super users” comment on Dear Leader’s misperformance and his wife’s brazen behavior?
Yeah, how dare anyone criticize the Prez! They must be racist! Right, William?
Everyone, I think there’s a misunderstanding here. William is a regular reader, and BTW, a stand up guy. Ironically enough, he recently made a comment that it’s good this blog gets Drudge hits because it’s helpful to the blog.
That’s what I was going with. It’s simply the fact that the comments go from the usual 20-30 to 300+.
SO?????
Wow! I never thought a simple statement about how the number of comments goes from a few dozen to a few hundred would offend so many! Meh. Whatever. I’m a big boy. I laugh at criticism.
Wow, lighten up people. There was nothing negative in Will’s statement. Talk about distraction. Save your righteous indignation for Michelle Antoinette!!!
It’s implied in his comment….
No, it wasn’t. You’re seeing exactly what you want to see. You have a lot in common with Ed Shulz, Jeanine Garafolo and the rest of the petty implication crowd.
How ridiculous and what a waste of energy. Meanwhile Obama is playing golf on your grandkid’s dime…
Get a grip people!
William,
I feel your pain. Simple observation taken so out of context and content. We, the regulars, know your character and, as Keith said, you are a stand up guy.
I know you’ll let it roll off your back because the critics know not what they are criticizing. Maybe the Drudge link will bring more regulars to this site, and they will see your honesty, integrity and forthrightness.
And that’s bad because??? Drudge only gets the facts out there… you rather no one knows about this?
what is that supposed to mean? Is that some sort of problem for you? Perhaps better if people came from MSNBC or dailykos?
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I can’t wait to see Mrs. Obama on welfare. November 2012 can’t get here soon enough, can it?
They ARE on welfare!
They have never worked in their life and they will never have to after leaving office. Most worthless president in history. I can’t believe that blacks and liberals are up in arms over this do nothing president. The riots that will complete the destruction of our country cannot be far off. Be ready.
Mrs. Obama on welfare come November 2012? Don’t forget the reason they did all this – the book deals that will be forthcoming. If you think for one minute that The Obama’s ran for President for anything other than the paycheck at the end of the gig, you are wrong.
They already live in government housing. Hoping the fat lady sings November 7, 2012 and we send the Messiah back to parts unknown.
oh come on now….they really needed three jets…one for moochele,one for barry and one for the kids and bo the dog.
RON PAUL 2012.
Voted against the bailouts, against the healthcare bill, against the banksters and their buddy BO, and against the Federal Reserve.
Just spreading the message. Revolution is within reach!
She dresses like she is on welfare.
She is already on welfare. We, the people, have been paying for everything already! This is just disgusting.
Bring out the drug tests!
Hold on there! We are going to see a year of unprecedented pandering. As an example, amnesty by fiat for illegal immigrants. It is also likely that the GOP will run the weakest candidate with a very poorly managed campaign. (Just like 2008) I predict that we will see Jimmy Carter’s third term re-elected in 2012.
Let them eat Cake !
This is understandable. A.F. 1 is not large enough for 2 egos that big.
They don’t care about how it looks, it is clear now that the Marxist and the Moocher will be vacating the White House after the 2012 election and they intend to get as many free gov perks as they can in the meantime…. just like the welfare parasite class who still votes for him.
Sigh. I begin to think that there is absolutely no hope for our country. No hope for the ‘Hobbits of Middle America.’ Soon, we will need to go, on foot, to Mt Doom and cast the ‘ring’ into the fires, if we are to survive. Our ‘Frodo’ has yet to throw her hat into the race.
Aragorn: We have time. Every day Frodo movies closer to Mordor.
Perhaps.
grrrrrr
movies = moves of course.
One word about all this: Reparations.
Amen, brother. The biggest Affirmative Action Hire in history…
They’re just thumbing their noses at us!!
I guess obama and wife aren’t fond of eating their peas.
Not many. Remember the life time secret service coverage, pension, etc.
Due to new law passed during Clinton’s second term, barry’s secret service coverage ends 10 years from the day he leaves office. GWB will be first under this rule, starting 1/20/2019.
You mean Clinton didn’t make it RetroActive what a surprise.
Hey, do you blame him? :D
Right, and the bush’s were in for eight years and did not travel as much on taxpayers money as the Obamas do. Take their planes and buses away now.
The “Let them eat cake” Duo on display again.
I am not suprised by this at all. Who are we kidding here………the O’s think of themselves and they don’t care about the ‘optics’.
Gibbs is already laying the ground work for an Obama loss. “He(Obama) dosen’t really care if he gets re-elected.”
OK, complaining about his vaction is a bit much, everyone deserves one. However, taking TWO planes a few hours apart is off the charts. Are you kidding me? Then we will hear from King and Queen Obama how WE should be sacrificing to be more environmentally aware. Yeah, they are aware and just don’t give a damn.
Check out ObamaGetaway.com from the GOP, over 40,000 postcards sent so far. Pretty clever.
The ultimate welfare couple. Getting all they can from the government and getting it now. The worst President ever, Michelle sports thousand dollar handbags, five hundred dollar sandal, my God how was such a couple ever elected.
Michelle doesn’t give a rats a$$ how much anything cost to taxpayers. She thinks she’s entitled to whatever it is she wants to do because commie liberal. Queen of Welfare Momma’s!
Yes. Michelle Antoinette has scoped out all the ways she can work the privileges that are given to the spouse of the President and unlike our first LADIES, MoochMORE is werking the perks to get all she can out of them.
I think she’s very bitter that she lost her $350,000 salary to become First Lady. Remember the chatter about how hard the First Lady works and how she should be paid? MoochMORE is taking hers out in trade — using the jets, etc.
what do you expect from them. they do not care. hope they move to LA instead of back to chicago as they will fit in better there.
sorry, LA doesn’t get cold enough in the winter to have the full krimlen effect.
Let’em eat cake. We’re vacationing in Martha’s Vineyard while thousands stand in the at a job fair. Too bad they’re not President or the First Lady. Life’s tough, but we’re having a good time.
How many know she, along with her daughter, mother, others just returned from a vacation visiting her brother…hardly had time to pack before leaving again…didn’t hear about that vacation on the news, did we? She left DC in the middle of the night, didn’t want to draw attention to that trip!
Why do we have to continue to pay travel expenses for her mother and her daughters? Why aren’t they reimbursing the taxpayers especially for all the European, Asian and African trips?
Obama just doesn’t have a clue…and Michelle could care less.
The two BOs are in the dog house together. I knew BO the dog would be dusted off and brought back.
Can you blame MO? BO, not the dog, dissed her wardrobe, hamburger fetish, and love of tameles. It’s the WAR of the POSEURS!
Golf today. 77th golf outing.
Glad we got to see Bo ( the dog )….he is the best looking in the family and I do worry about him. The rest of the bunch, not so much.
Let them eat cake
What in the world are they thinking? They keep poking us in the eye with their self-indulgent extravagance. They have absolutely no consideration for the suffering of their fellow Americans. I don’t understand how any of my countrymen can justify the behavior of these grifters.
i cant decide who is a bigger POS the potus or his bride
Are we watching the first President to ever “take a dive” and destroy his own chances for re-election? Sure seems that way.
srdem,
If/when Obama is NOT re-elected, is he eligible for unemployment benefits?
“Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy; its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.” -Winston Churchill-
Well put!
I think i shall do some CASH business to compensate me for their
American Hating behaviors!
our trump card!..taxes paid or not
Well, come ON! Be reasonable! You’re so partisan. How can you live with yourself?
At least they didn’t send the family DOG in a separate jet. Wait…
Not only do the Obamas not care about the message, they don’t care about the cost.
When my family went on vacation recently, we had to take two cars because 1) our daughter was in the final game of a soccer tournament and 2) I had to get to the campground and reserve a spot. We literally had to be in two places at once.
But unlike our regal first family, that choice cost us twice the amount of gas money. I was fine with bearing my own expenses, but I’m sick of paying for Obama’s dual vacation plans…
I hope the rest of the country is watching. I am sick of seeing these parasites enjoying a premium life at our expense. How may families in this country are wishing they could just take their kids on a vacation no matter how brief. PLEASE pass the word, we have got to clean out the White House in 2012.. To the families who are struggling, hang in there, CHANGE, IS on it’s way in 14 months.
AMEN!! Lets get’r done in 2012!
they are cutting back in this economy- the dog is now traveling with Potus or Flotus as opposed to sending a jet for the dog and its trainer-
Typical nonsence from the King and Queen of the USA.
Good lord. Why do we put up with this?
We don’t have to. But enough of us thought it would the honorable thing to elect this man to the most powerful position in the world. What a huge mistake..
there is a bright side,hope his plane crashes into flames
You might always keep an eye on the UK papers as they are not covering
the Obama’s derriere 24/7! They will have pictures too a blackout means
nothing to the Brits remember the treatment of Princess Diana no means
nothing to them. So I stand by my objection to this double dip vacation. And I hope this will be picked up for all to see!
Good eye Lizzy!
Good point, Lizzy. There are indeed codes of conduct in the White House press corps that the Brits could give a damn about.
These people really get on my last nerve and if the press will cover
for them it’s up to us to make sure the truth comes out for all VOTERS to see. I am always vigilante:)
That’ll show those Princeton dinner club members!!
You people are just denyin our President fun and relaxation because he is black. Obama has dune everything he can to clean up the economy after Bush destroyed it. All of this mess is Bush’s fault. Obama has been a great Prez.
That’s very interesting Rev…Let me ask you something?
Are you talking about people being racists or realists?
Or maybe you are just upholding the man because his, so called birth right, is a mix of white and black?
Or, maybe that fact seems to escape you.
Which side is it…Rev?
Which side of this man is more narcissistic?
Anyway you slice it…Barry is “dune”.
I thought that I would use your own word…
By the way… you might learn how to spell before you start dealing out those cards off the bottom of the deck.
i hope there planes crash and burn,down with the obamas
Secret Service needs to pay you a visit stat!
Our modern day Marie Antoinette can spend taxpayer dollars without qualms while Americans are making do with what they have. Very wrong in many ways!!!
Typical to the point of being ludicrous. Do as I say, not as I do. What a tone-deaf pair this is; if they care at all.
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