The Reign In Spain
About Michelle Obama's summer vacaction, I agree with The Atlantic's Megan McArdle:
I don't think there's anything wrong with Michelle Obama vacationing in Spain; they have the money, so why not? But I agree with Doug Mataconis that, while there's nothing actually wrong with it, it's really quite unbelievably politically stupid. When we're in the middle of the worst recession in living memory, it's not a good idea to take a luxury vacation that most of your countrymen could never possibly afford in the best of times, at considerable taxpayer expense for the security, in a foreign country. Whether or not people should resent it, they will, and his party's already in big enough trouble without reinforcing the Red State sense that this administration is full of out-of-touch elites. I'm astonished that Obama's advisors gave this trip the green light.
And that's the disturbing thing. This is the White House. A junior publicist at a tiny P.R. firm in East Nowhere would know better.
Short memories, too, in the White House. July, 24, from the Chicago Sun-Times, the President says he can relate to ordinary Americans' financial struggle:
President Obama says he can relate to the plight of Americans striving in the struggling economy to pay bills while saving for their kids' education.
Psst! Let me know when I can cut back by going to a luxury hotel in Spain instead of putting off going to the dentist.
All that money and (temporary) jobs or at least work going to Spain...
I cannot confirm is this is true or a joke. I heard that Clinton polled about his vacation and decided to go to Yellow Stone to seem more common American. Well, until his second term after which he couldn't be re-elected.
The Former Banker at August 10, 2010 12:17 AM
Amy Alkon
http://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/2010/08/10/the_reign_in_sp.html#comment-1741289">comment from The Former BankerLook, they're rich, and this is a rich people's vacation. But, with all this talk from the White House of stimulating the American economy, couldn't they have found some nice resort to vacation at in the USA?
It's kind of like my parents, who live in Detroit, and always buy American cars -- even though they have had lots of problems with them over the years, unlike me with my tiny Honda. You don't drive a Honda in Detroit. But, apparently, if you're Michelle Obama, you do vacation in luxury in Spain with dozens of your friends while your husband's telling people he understands their misery and he's doing everything he can to amp up the economy to change it.
Amy Alkon at August 10, 2010 12:28 AM
Unbelievably dumb, from an entire administration that's shown they have no ability to be anything but. DH and I just got our new voter reg cards. I can not WAIT to use them to vote some asshats out of office.
momof4 at August 10, 2010 5:15 AM
They have the money and should be able to vacation how they want but people will resent it. As a politician, especially one who made it to the highest office, it doesn't seem the smartest move in this economy. There is a trade off when you reach their level. Sometimes you can't do what you want. You have to suck it up like many of other Americans who are seriously struggling. Pictures of the First Lady pulling up to a palace in Mallorca don't exactly endear the Obamas to many middle and low class Americans who are wondering not about future college costs for their kids, but exactly how they're going to put food on the table. Right now that scenario is more common than people realize.
Kristen at August 10, 2010 6:07 AM
Amy Alkon
http://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/2010/08/10/the_reign_in_sp.html#comment-1741353">comment from Kristenmany middle and low class Americans who are wondering not about future college costs for their kids, but exactly how they're going to put food on the table. Right now that scenario is more common than people realize.
This describes friends of mine. Father: architect and university prof whose architecture firm fired 30 people (2/3 of the family's income was from his architecture job). Stay-at-home-mom was an architect, been teaching math at kids' school to pick up a few dollars, and is looking now for a job at an architecture firm. Not a lot to be had. They aren't going to Spain; they're trying to avoid going under.
Amy Alkon at August 10, 2010 6:15 AM
Anyone remember "Hairgate" early on in Clinton's first term when so many went ballistic to learn Bill had the audacity to get himself an expensive haircut aboard Air Force One at LAX that shut down a couple runways for an hour? Oh the humanity!
I agree that the Obama's destination wasn't the best "political" decision, but then again everything and anything the Obamas do is going to be politicized. Michelle could order Chinese food delivered to the White House and people would get mad at her for not "buying American."
So why don't we check back in 17 years and see where Vacaygate fits in the big scheme of things.
Clearly the reports that Michelle and her guests are footing their own food and lodging bills is little or no consolation to those getting so worked up over the trip. But all this outrage about the taxpayer burden we're bearing for security for her and her family doesn't seem to be taking into account that such costs are a relative constant, whether she summers in Spain or Spanish Harlem.
Will Campbell at August 10, 2010 6:23 AM
Is Michelle actually footing her own tab, or are one of the "friends" (i.e. hanger-ons, i.e. entourage) footing it? I wonder. And if it is being footed by a "friend," what's the quid pro quo? I wonder.
kishke at August 10, 2010 6:48 AM
@Will -
It's the appearance of the thing. We've got Michelle and Barack telling us that we have to cut back on travel to save the planet, we have to learn to get by with less.
And here they are sending Michelle and 40 of her BFFs to Spain on a jumbo jet to go on a two week shopping spree.
Hence the comparisons to Marie Antoinette. It's the credo of the left in America: "I've got mine, fuck you."
brian at August 10, 2010 6:48 AM
Yes, on the one hand, it's their money, they can blow it all on gold plated poodle figurines if they want to. But it also comes off the heels of them telling us to spend vacation dollars in the gulf. It's completely irrational, but it still pisses me off. I don't have any vacation dollars. My company is on the verge of going under because of something that isn't our fault. Our household has gone from six figures to about 36k and we recognize we're still in a pretty good position (neither of us carries much debt and we rent). So while money problems are relative, it get you right in the emotional center to be told "we're just like you; we're scared and struggling" and then watch the person who told you that take off for a super overseas vacation.
Elle at August 10, 2010 7:22 AM
What happened to Obama's claim that Chicago was going to be his Kennebunkport? Short memories, indeed.
Jason S. at August 10, 2010 7:41 AM
Well the Obamas only hang out with rich people. That's why the President touts the Chevy Volt as the savior of the U.S. auto industry, even though at $41,000 no one can afford it.
Pirate Jo at August 10, 2010 7:44 AM
The Obama's are child-like and are infatuated with playing King and Queen, their messages rarely coincide with their actions. I imagine their private response to the criticism would be "kiss my ass".
jksisco at August 10, 2010 7:50 AM
"But all this outrage about the taxpayer burden we're bearing for security for her and her family doesn't seem to be taking into account that such costs are a relative constant, whether she summers in Spain or Spanish Harlem."
No those costs are not. Otherwise we would all be vacationing in Spain. Furthermore, the benefits of that spending do not go to the Americans who pay for it.
This is precisely the attitude that created the trillion dollar deficits in the first place. Profligacy with other people's money is in poor taste in the best of times. This is not the best of times.
MarkD at August 10, 2010 7:51 AM
"But all this outrage about the taxpayer burden we're bearing for security for her and her family doesn't seem to be taking into account that such costs are a relative constant, whether she summers in Spain or Spanish Harlem"
Not really. Her security team lives in DC. Anywhere else she is, there is travel and food and lodging expenses for the dozens if not hundreds of people that are on her security teams. Plus, they have to thoroughly check out anywhere she goes, which is an advance team needing travel, food, and lodging as well.
It's a 4 year job with plenty of travel required. You're telling me they really need to do additional travel? I haven't had a vacation in over 4 years, nor am I likely to the next 4.
momof4 at August 10, 2010 7:57 AM
Well, MarkD and momof4 since I have the appreciative honor of you quoting me verbatim let me point out the word "relative" that I used -- but not conspicuously -- enough within the fragment you cite.
By employing it I attempted to represent an understanding that the costs wouldn't be to-=the-penny exact but rather not all that different in this trillion-dollar deficitocracy my attitude has been accused of so tastelessly helping create.
No doubt this attempt at a clarification will be used in some way to dismiss my entirely valid point and enforce your strident counters, so I'll close by simply wishing I had the means to send you both on the vacations of your dreams, hope that for Michelle's next time off she opts just to pitch a tent in the Rose Garden, and reiterate my suggestion that we all get back together in 17 years on the approximate 34th anniversary of Clinton's Hairgate to reevaluate how important this episode was. No doubt by then, should I be blessed to still be around, my fiduciary myopia and I will have succeeded in creating a deficit in the brazillions.
Will Campbell at August 10, 2010 8:34 AM
Will, you completely miss the point. It's all about the "optics". Regardless of how this vacation can be rationalized or how valid the rationalization is, it's simply bad politics. I would sure like to see some kind of competence from this administration but I wait in vain.
Bob S. at August 10, 2010 8:55 AM
I've been trying to care about this topic, and to write about disillusionment with Obama and with Bush and with every other President I've voted for over time, and it all boils down to the fact that they all spend too much money and take too many vacations while the rest of the nation goes down the drain blahblahblah...
This, too, shall pass. Probably in one term. Then we can all pile on the next guy.
I gotta admit, though, this one has been a doozy. Was it Nixon who wrote "My Twelve (or was it six) Crises"? I think Obama might have him beat.
Pricklypear at August 10, 2010 8:59 AM
Clinton changed his behavior after Hairgate. He avoided further $200 haircuts in public and vacationed in Martha's Vineyard (still a ritzy vacation, but one on this side of the Atlantic). He made sure people saw him working hard as president. Because he heeded the warnings and was cognizant of public opinion (a little too cognizant at times), Hairgate ended up having litte effect on Clinton's overall approval ratings.
Up to this point, the Obamas have been tin-eared on public opinion and have ignored criticisms of elitist behavior and being out-of-touch. If they're truly as smart as their supporters want us to think they are, they'll heed the warnings and dial down the royal treatment agenda a touch.
Conan the Grammarian at August 10, 2010 9:03 AM
Bob S., I respectfully submit that you might have completely missed me not missing the point... that part near the top of my original comment that acknowledges the decision was not the best one that could've been made. I'll even call it boneheaded.
I'm just looking beyond that boneheadedness and trying to the incredulity of some to put it in a context. But I guess I should've waited 17 years.
Will Campbell at August 10, 2010 9:10 AM
"By employing it I attempted to represent an understanding that the costs wouldn't be to-=the-penny exact but rather not all that different in this trillion-dollar deficitocracy my attitude has been accused of so tastelessly helping create."
Much like the people who say "what's one more dinner out" when they're $10k in debt on credit cards. Yes, really, what does that amount matter, except that it's the attitude that turns all those little amounts into huge debt.
Does it cost as much as the war or obamacare? No. Does it matter? yes. I imagine the difference in costs would pay for quite a few people's extended unemployment benefits.
But really, I do fucking hate the lady and her man, so it irks me. I don't remember either Bush lady doing this sort of tasteless thing (and I dind't like either of their men, either).
momof4 at August 10, 2010 9:12 AM
Here is the issue: BOTH of the Obamas have been hectoring the rest of us about spending habits and carbon footprints etc for quite some time now. He sets the oval office temp to 80 in the winter when others are told they need to cut back. He said in the campaign that he wants to make electricity prices skyrocket... for the rest of us.
We are nagged to put on the hair shirt, and then she goes to Spain. That's the issue. Not how much she might have spent, if it is indeed her own money.
I am tired of the hectoring, and would like them both to shut the hell up.
DragonHawk at August 10, 2010 9:19 AM
MomOf4 says: I don't remember either Bush lady doing this sort of tasteless thing (and I dind't like either of their men, either).
Of course not. Laura and Jenna Bush's 2007 14-day safari in Africa was perfectly tasteful. They both wore impeccable pearls and St. John's Bay knit outfits as they were carried about by the porters.
Steve H at August 10, 2010 9:43 AM
Is this a thing? Are sitting presidents usually encouraged to vacation in the States? It makes sense, but I've never heard of it before.
snakeman99 at August 10, 2010 10:26 AM
I think they should be able to vacation wherever the hell they want. But maybe out of the public eye.
They will get criticized no matter what they do, but its a vacation, not a working trip. If someone tried to tell ME where to take my vacation I'd tell them to go to hell.
vi at August 10, 2010 10:38 AM
If they were paying for it themselves, fine. But the fact is, that because she is the First Lady, that is impossible. It's costing 375,000 dollars A DAY just to house the Secret Service. That doesn't count the Agent's food, which of course, is paid for by the American tax payer. The cost of flying our First Lady works out to about 40,000 dollars AN HOUR, all of which, again, is paid for by us.
I am sick of people saying that she or the President "deserve' vacation time. No one held a gun to his head and made him run for President. In my opinion, when you choose to run for public office, you leave a lot of personal freedom and choices at the door. Don't want that? Then don't run.
And if you do "deserve" a vacation, do your damn job as the American First Lady and showcase the many cool places in OUR country. Go to New Orleans. Go to Carmel. Go to New York City. Go to the Grand Canyon.
I hate to reduce my thoughts to an inarticulate grunt, but whenever I see her on TV right now, all that crosses my mind is "Bitch".
UW Girl at August 10, 2010 11:06 AM
@Steve H: Laura Bush went to Africa as a representative of the government. She toured aluminum smelting plants, visited the huts of impoverished Africans which had been doused in DDT to prevent malaria, and raised awareness of the AIDS plight in Africa. I see your point; Très chic, those aluminum smelters and huts doused in DDT.
AllenS at August 10, 2010 11:11 AM
I don't know if they're encouraged to vacation stateside specifically. But the politically-astute ones usually stick to stateside venues.
Reagan took most of his vacations to his California ranch and GW Bush to his Texas ranch. GHW Bush took most of his vacations to his family's Kennebunkport house (where he was criticized for racing around in his cigarette boat). Clinton even exchanged Martha's Vineyard for Jackson Hole for two years to avoid charges of elitism.
Conan the Grammarian at August 10, 2010 11:39 AM
From CBS News:
Few details of the Spain trip are known. Purely personal parts will be paid for by Obama and friends. Official portions - the first lady will visit the king and queen - will be on the taxpayer's dime. That includes:
• Transport on the Air Force version of a 757. That's $146,000 for the round trip, not counting four to five days' ground time.
• Expenses for the first lady's support staff
• Mandatory Secret Service detail, which could number 70 agents. At the $273-a-day federal per diem for five days, that's $95,550 for Secret Service room and board.
Conan the Grammarian at August 10, 2010 11:42 AM
Apparently the story now is that she went to Spain to be with her ob/gyn who is grieving over her father's death.
Sio at August 10, 2010 11:45 AM
The Obama's family friend (and OB/GYN) went after her father had promised his granddaughter a trip to Spain for her birthday but died before he could take her. So, mom took her daughter and asked family friend, Michelle Obama, and her daughter to come along. Michelle said yes.
Which then got involved 70+ Secret Service agents, the East Wing staff, and the US Air Force.
From the Chicago Sun-Times:
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2010/08/michelle_obamas_spain_trip_the.html
Conan the Grammarian at August 10, 2010 12:15 PM
President Obama and his wife don't live in the real world with everyone else. Like typical libs Clinton, Gore, Ted Kennedy and John Kerrey they espouse being in touch with the common folk.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
They use people and play dumb when they have to and people buy it.
Remember Obama saying he had been in Reverend Wright's church for 20 years and never heard the guy espouse anything racial! Yeah! Pull my finger if you believe that. And remember when he said he could never cut the Rev. Wright out of his life? Until it became politically expediante to do so?
Obama has really taken the libs and voters for a ride. Lol.
David M. at August 10, 2010 12:45 PM
One of the rare occasions when Obama-bashers have it right.
I felt the same when the Obamas moved to Washington DC--and put their kids into the most elite private school in town. They did not decide to get involved in the local elementary school and make it better.
It also reminds me of when Bush jr. declared the GWOT, and the supreme crucial importance of our pan-galactic battle against Islam terrorists.
When the Bush twins signed up and served in Iraq in the face of this mortal terror, I nearly cried with pride and patriotism.
BOTU at August 10, 2010 2:32 PM
Like others have mentioned it's the hectoring, and the resulting image of hypocrisy. The Obamas are both prone to pointing their fingers at groups of people whom they believe to be unworthy or profligate. They both advocate a simpler more humble approach to life. But the way they live is diametrically opposed to the lifestyle that they advocate for everyone else. That's why this is a story.
She's chosen to criticize people who live much less ostentatiously than she does. So she look like a hypocrite when taking exotic vacations in high end designer fashions, much less taking 2 or 3 a month accompanied by an entourage.
Mr. J at August 10, 2010 2:41 PM
By employing it I attempted to represent an understanding that the costs wouldn't be to-=the-penny exact but rather not all that different in this trillion-dollar deficitocracy my attitude has been accused of so tastelessly helping create.
No doubt this attempt at a clarification will be used in some way to dismiss my entirely valid point
-Will
What valid point?
That cost of an extra 5 bedroom house or two or three is nothing when we're already so far in debt?
Ever think that "valid points" like yours are the reason our economy is so fucked?
lujlp at August 10, 2010 3:05 PM
A leader is supposed to lead by example, and the Obamad have proven once again that they do not deserve being called the leaders of this country in crisis.
Tony at August 10, 2010 5:05 PM
It's like Al Gore, who nags us about the environment, but has a carbon footprint the size of Texas. Hypocracy.
Kris L at August 10, 2010 7:53 PM
It would be much smarter for them to combine vacations with business trips... ie, go on a state visit to Spain and take an extra couple days to go to a resort or something.
NicoleK at August 11, 2010 5:46 AM
Laura Bush went to Africa as a representative of the government. She toured aluminum smelting plants, visited the huts of impoverished Africans which had been doused in DDT to prevent malaria, and raised awareness of the AIDS plight in Africa. I see your point; Très chic, those aluminum smelters and huts doused in DDT.
Memo to Michelle: be sure to talk to a homeless person and visit a Spanish thrift store while you're there. That'll justify the whole thing.
Steve H at August 11, 2010 1:49 PM
From Dick Morris on Newsmax:
Some have compared Michelle Obama's travels to those of former first lady Hillary Clinton. But in Hillary's defense, her trip schedules were filled with visits to day care centers, women's shelters, village health programs, and the like.
The only official event on Mrs. Obama's schedule is a lunch with the king and queen of Spain. But the political damage Mrs. Obama's trip will leave behind will hurt her husband's efforts to keep control of Congress in November.
And, they will compound the damage by vacationing in Martha's Vineyard after her return from Spain. We already know how that plays in the polls.
Conan the Grammarian at August 12, 2010 6:01 PM
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