Cabin Fever At The White House. Already.
(White House photo by Pete Souza)
“It’s safe to say,” said spokesman Robert Gibbs when asked if the President was already feeling cooped up.
“He’s a bit of a restless soul,” said Gibbs of Mr. Obama. “His idea of a crazy day is to take a long walk.”
On Tuesday, the President and First Lady visited with a group of 2nd graders at a public charter school here in Washington. Mr. Obama said he and the Mrs. had three reasons for coming to visit, the first one being “we wanted to get out of the White House.”
And today, Gibbs announced Pres. Obama’s plans to travel next week to Indiana, Florida and Illinois.
“I think the president looks forward to getting out of town for a few hours,” said Gibbs. Actually, Mr. Obama will be out of town next week on five of seven days.
The cocoon effect of the White House has been felt by all of its occupants – especially since the days of the JFK assassination – as security measures were repeatedly expanded.
Several past presidents have referred to the White House as the crown jewel in the federal penal system.
Former White House Chief Usher Gary Walters views it as one of the most difficult aspects of First Family life.
“It’s just being in the fishbowl,” he said. “The lack of privacy - every family has that difficulty.”
In a CBS News interview, Walters said the First Family lives inside of an 18-acre park and museum. “There are people 24 hours a day around that fence: tourists, visitors, guests and protestors.”
“It’s something that each family has to adjust to,” says Walters, who served in the White House for 31 years. But some First Families adjust better than others.
One thing that helps is the ability to get away to Camp David, the presidential retreat in the Catoctin Mountains of Maryland – a 45-minute helicopter ride from the South Lawn of the White House.
And Gibbs announced that’s exactly what the First Family will be doing this weekend.
During the last Administration, Pres. and Mrs. Bush came to love Camp David as a getaway from the White House.
During his eight years in office, Mr. Bush made 149 visits to Camp David – spending all or part of 487 days there.
Tomorrow will be the Obama’s first visit.
Mark Knoller is a CBS News White House correspondent.
Best-selling author Mitch Albom on his first nonfiction work since "Tuesdays with Morrie."
- 1
- 2
- next
See all 26 CommentsToday, the Republicans in Congress are obstructing the progress of reviving our national economy for the average working class that has suffered (been victimized my frienthzzz) under the Conservative Fascist Regime that has be resoundingly voted out of office.
"Tax-Cuts"
"Tax-Cuts"
"Tax-Cuts"
Is the only thing Republicans covet seeing that they are the one%u2019s that have the most to pay from their Conservative Agenda windfall from the Bush Years and his unnecessary and costly war on Saddam Hussien and Iraq.
It%u2019s time for change.
Not surprising from an idiot that was unprepared to hit the ground running from day one.
The Dems took only 2 years, since taking over Congress, to WRECK the economic growth we enjoyed during President Bush''s first six years. Do us a favor and GTF out of the country, you fascist bastages.
Posted by usanative1 at 10:30 AM : Feb 07, 2009"
This, from the same left-wingnuts that called to impeach President Bush BEFORE he took office in 2001.
Hypocritical *********.
I would like some answers as to why he is allowing lobbysits to have such high level jobs?? His press corp head, the shill, wouldn''t answer the question when a reporter from ABC had the AUDACITY to ask the names of lobbyists with postitions be released.
Old helen thomas just about had a cow.
So, no privacy, poor,poor spoiled brat.]
He wanted the job, his handlers and big bucks got him the job. Deal with it and stop crying.
Posted by chetthor
P.S. chetthor your above comment makes you look like TRASH!
President Obama never promised miracles: he promised a restored nation through all of us working together. Has it really been so long that people in the USA have forgotten how leadership and participatory government works? So not only does Obama need your help, he has to first re-teach you how democracy works, hold your hand, and calm your fears... sheeesh no wonder he is frustrated!
In this day and age, no matter where a US president goes, his job is taken with him 24/7. Even if he was Ronald Regan or Bubya cutting brush on his ranch, all the basic resources to be Commander in Chief of the US armed services were at his command. Now if FEMA (federal misaligned actors) could ever become half as organized as DoD...... The presidents work could be half as much stressful.
Send those Kentuckians without power to a cruise ship! Even if it was harbored in or near New Orleans this would be better than a trip to disney for everyone suffering the cold, hunger, and lack of power
From what I hear of the streets of DC, I am sure if he walks a few blocks in any direction, his idea of a crazy day will be dodging bullets.
You people cry as much as a policeman squeals when things do not go exactly your way.
Get out of your chairs and make a change.
You are right, Shanev, he has done more harm and promoted more immorality in 18 days than President Bush did in 8 years. Good call.
- 1
- 2
- next
See all 26 Comments