CQ POLITICS NEWS
Aug. 18, 2009 – 12:01 a.m.
Maybe Obama Needs a ‘Stay-cation’
By Tracie Powell, CQ Guest Columnist
For the most part, President Obama has been hard at work his first eight months on the job.
He has traveled to the Middle East, Germany, Russia and most recently Mexico.
He has pushed through a stimulus package (PL 111-5) — though the verdict is still out on that — and he found time to insert himself into an overheated racial profiling debate. He’s even fighting off a potential flu pandemic..
In fairness, U.S. voters also gave Obama a long list of chores when they elected him. Among his tasks: fix an economy left largely in shambles by a few of the previous stewards; recast our sullied image abroad; figure out how to get our military out of Iraq responsibly; and do something about the ailing health care system.
With the kids out of school and such a hectic schedule, it is understandable that the Obamas just might need a break. So the first family is headed to Martha’s Vineyard next week, some would argue, for a much-deserved vacation.
According to celebritycafe.com, Martha’s Vineyard — a favorite spot for the elite and celebrities — is buzzing with not only Secret Service personnel, but Obama-mania as well: “From drinks called the Obamarita, to ‘I vacationed with Obama’ T-shirts.” And the folks at Offshore Ale in Oak Bluffs are brewing “Ale to the Chief”
That all sounds really nice. But — and I’m not trying to be a spoilsport — with real health care changes hanging in the balance, maybe the president ought to rethink spending time at an exclusive island hideaway and take a stay-cation instead.
CQ’s Craig Crawford advised Congress to do the same a few weeks ago but they didn’t listen. Confusion and fury directed at lawmakers over health care overhaul at town hall meetings are perhaps why Crawford suggested members stay in Washington and finish the job.
Of course, Obama’s advisers will say the president will be busy working the phones trying to ramp up support for his health care goals while vacationing. But in politics — as with any other business — perception is reality.
It’s way too risky right now.
You think supporters of a reportedly abandoned public health care option are hopping mad now? Just wait until they see photos and video of our “too cool” commander in chief kicking back at Blue Heron Farm, a 28-acre retreat in the town of Chilmark, once deemed one of the most expensive towns in America?
That alone conjures up images of George W. Bush flying over a sinking New Orleans during the aftermath of a deadly Hurricane Katrina. Before Katrina made landfall on Aug. 29, Bush was finishing up a monthlong vacation in Crawford, Texas, but had been briefed the day before on the potential devastation that could occur.
Look, I’m empathetic. But the Obamas and their children went to Ghana earlier this summer and walked through a slave castle, where Michelle Obama and her daughters’ African ancestors were perhaps held captive. (every African American should have that experience as I did in 2005). They also went to Paris in June. Just last week the family toured a few of our national treasures out West. So it’s not like the president and his family haven’t already taken in some sights.
No slight to Martha’s Vineyard or the president’s desire to relax: I’m just saying that maybe Obama can put it off until next year. With the economy still in bad shape, and job losses still taking a toll, many of us have had to make similar decisions.
If Obama stays, not only could he put in some more work on an actual health care bill, but it’s also good public relations.
Work now, play later.
Tracie Powell is a former American Political Science Association congressional fellow who writes regularly on politics and policy.
Comments
Agree the President and his family needs a vacation. Seems to me the timing and the place is not well chosen.
Maybe Obama needs to stop being such a Communist/ I know that goes against his liberal tendencies, but seriously. Let's try to get one social program "RIGHT" before letting the government handle Healthcare reform. Canada is telling us that it doesn't work, why are we still trying except for the Socialist Idiots that the masses elected last year. Good news is that Democrats only vote every 4 years. http://letterstoliberals.blogspot.com
He's a hard working citizen...he and his family deserve a vacation...and in regards to Cindy Sheehan....life goes on after death, it's part of life. We all feel your pain but you need to move on for your own health.
Our President needs to take a permanent vacation from this health bill he has let Congress create. Just can the whole thing and start over. Right now he is giving the Republicans a free pass. Obama needs to call Congress back into session and start all over again by forcing Republicans to come to the table and hammer out a bill that is palatable to John Q. Public.
He just as well take a vacation he hasn" accomplished anything else other than throw the country into debt and fly around on Air Force 1
This "vacation " of Ombama's and his family is an act of elisitism and that is all it is. Why doesn't he stay home like the rest of the American people have to - due to the wreck of our economic state. He could work on that instead of flitting to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Martha's Vinceyard, etc. And how many children get to that these days?? Come on , we know he is the President and they are the first family but should that mean they have priviledges that 99% Americans don't have? Give me a break!
How many of us would love to take a vacation but are afraid to spend the money (in case the government finds more things to spend it on). The economic climate is the worst in decades and we have a president who is taking the family on most of his trips abroad and in the U.S. on our taxpayer dollars. Then we have Michelle the queen of what, hiring aides to the tune of 1.5 million annually. I ask is all this necessary when MOST can't even go out to dinner? We all are trying to cut back as much as possible because the future looks extremely grim (I am still waiting for that stimulus money to trickle down to the everyday people) good thing I am not holding my breath, I would certainly be dead by now (just like the economy).....
Give the man and his family a break and stop hateing! He's one of the hardest working presidents we have ever had. At least he is trying and not lying like the past administrations. Miserable people like all of you are not happy unless you are sitting around complaining about something in regard to our president. Get a life and try being supportive.
renee, get your head out of the sand. who is paying for these trips, taking the kids to europe, all these so called programs. they cant even afford cash for clunkers!! gary, gene, marilyn and sharon keep up the good work. it's also my understanding all govt. officials will be exempt from new health care program. whats wrong with this picture!!!!!
Teenagers have a expression, "Take a chill pill" Maybe that is what is needed in times like these. Just chill out.
Why not take yet ANOTHER vacation. Hell, its on our dime!!!!! Why to go New Pres!
Renee !. I would have a life if the prez. and his crew will stop increasing taxes , push his no good health care ,( what is good for the people is good for the gov. give them the same health care they want on us ), increasing the WAR in Afghanistan ( I would love see him as commander and chief to be right in the front with our soldiers and you will see how fast this stops, he is not the one getting kill.). and paying for the aborting of the children and the list goes on you call this a man not to me Iam a latino and really have no respect for this man he is full of B--ST..
Lets get over the color of the skin of Our President and give him Praise for " all " he has acompolished in just over six months. No one critisized past presidents on the number or the cost of their many vacations and trips. Betty
What is the matter with you people. He was in Arizona, adressed the VFW Convention and had been to several states for Town Hall Meetings on the way. Doesn't he deserve at least one day to have a day off with his family? Get a live...........
POST A COMMENT
Oops! The following errors must be addressed: