Santorum criticizes Malia Obama's Mexico trip

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum said Tuesday that President Obama set a bad example by letting his 13-year-old daughter Malia travel to Mexico during her Spring break, even though the State Department has issued a travel warning to U.S. travelers considering a trip to Mexico.

"What I would say is that the president's actions should reflect what his administration is saying," Santorum said in a phone interview with conservative radio talk show host Glenn Beck. "If the administration is saying that it's not safe to have people down there, then just because you can send 25 Secret Service agents doesn't mean you should do it... And when the government is saying this is not safe, then you don't set the example by sending your kids down there."

The State Department's travel warning notes that "millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year" and that "the Mexican government makes a considerable effort to protect U.S. citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations." Still, because of "Transnational Criminal Organizations" involved in drug trafficking and other criminal activity, "crime and violence are serious problems throughout the country."

However, there is no State Department warning in effect for the state of Oaxaca, where Malia is reportedly on a school trip.

Several news outlets on Monday published reports about Malia's school trip, but the stories were removed at the White House's request.

"From the beginning of the administration, the White House has asked news outlets not to report on or photograph the Obama children when they are not with their parents and there is no vital news interest," Kristina Schake, communications director to First Lady Michelle Obama, said in a statement. "We have reminded outlets of this request in order to protect the privacy and security of these girls."

This afternoon, a strong 7.4 earthquake with shook central southern Mexico. Schake confirmed that Malia Obama is safe and was never in danger.

[boondoggles]

If this was a school sponsered trip and Malia was doing community service the Obama WH would not have scrubbed this by the liberal media. Believe me the American electorate are not ignorant of what this adminstration does. They are all smoke and mirrors and I might add alot of lies. Santorum was wrong in what he said but the fact remains if Obama could milk this for political gain he would not have had this scrubbed. Something does not pass the smell test here. I know of no schools that are sending kids to Mexico when it is a dangerous country unless you are being promised by the POTUS you will send upteen military jets as escorts, 25 secret service, marine one. As he hid the Halloween story for over two years I suspect the truth about this will come out in a couple of years. That is about how long it takes the liberal media to come out with the truth.

[nirak2-2009]

What an Idiot
The Presidents daughter can't visit her own family?
God help you all, should this ignorant human being becomes President.

[rokkitgurl]

I'm pretty sure there is something in the bible about judging others... specifically a child.

There is no political spin to this story... It is a simple ethical and moral issue. No matter who is in the highest office of our nation, a Republican or a Democrat, whether you agree with his politics or not, you DO NOT under any circumstances EVER use the President's children as political cannon fodder for your own benefit. Santorum is lower than the word the internet deemed worthy for him.

Not only did he BLATANTLY disgrace the office of the President, but he brought up the President's children in a very negative light. You should be fking ashamed, Santorum... And you should fking apologize.

Is there no more moral fibre even among self righteous deluded Christians?

[Ben_Johnson50]

This is a window into a Santorum presidency. Running the lives of every american from his religious view. This guy is dangerous. This guy represents the American taliban.

[kfosterNJ]

What a MORON. A kid can't even provide community service without being criticized? She's a snob right? Wow, and the travel warning DOES NOT include the area that she is performing community service. I think the secret service protecting her is a hell of a lot more worthy of my tax money than having them protect Frothy boy.

[stevex47]

Why do birthers like santorum have big stupid mouths?

[superfash]

25 secret service, 12 friends of Malia's extra staff plus expenses= how much to the weary, over-taxed U.S. citizens.

[kfosterNJ]

It is a SCHOOL SPONSORED trip providing community service! Did you have a problem with the Secret Service detail that had to follow the Bush brats around while they bar-hopping drunken slobs?

[javila2]

Santorum and his Clowns...try reality for once. His ignorance must be contagious.

[BOB-C]

Does anyone doubt Malia had proper protection? American xenophobes, take heed.

[psrd]

I'd be leary of a President who has no better grasp of the geography of Mexicao than Santorum does. He should have checked the State Department warning advisory before speaking--Oaxaca is NOT among the states where tourists are advised not to go. Wonder if his knowledge of Canadian geography is as poor?

But most of all--WHY THE DEVIL DID HE DRAG A CHILD INTO THE POLITICAL DIALOGUE???

[euge005]

Because he has nothing to offer. And for men of small minds, like his handfull of ignorant supporters confusing a school trip with "sending your child down there" is a minor bit of missinformation they would be unlikkely to catch. Basides I am surprise that Taliban Rick did not mention keeping the female child at home for home schooling and away from risky social interaction that has a libralizing influence or some other nonsense. She is in clear danger of having a mind or opinions that Pat Robertson would not approve of.