First Family Visits Martha's Vineyard

(CBS)  Martha's Vineyard has it all - beaches, bike riding and a summer population of almost one hundred thousand tourists, soon to include the first family, reports CBS News correspondent Randall Pinkston.

"I love how you can walk past all the signs in the windows," says a local. "Everybody's welcoming the Obama family."

There are presidential signs and t-shirts and at least two food groups - beefy Bo-Bama treats for the dog and Ale to the Chief for the grown ups.

"We decided, how about a Presidenti-Ale?" said Phil McAndrews, owner of Offshore Ale Microbrewery.

Shopkeepers hope the visit will bring an end-of-summer economic boost.

"Everything related to Barack Obama and the presidency is a hot seller here, whether it's a sticker or t-shirt or hat," said a local.

The Obama's will be staying at The Blue Heron Farm where they can enjoy golf, a pool, a basketball court, and a private beach on 28 acres that rent for up to $50,000 a week.


1st Vacation for 1st Family
Paper: Obama, Woods to Tee Up in Vineyard
White House Not Shy About Calling it a Vacation


The Vineyard has a long history of presidential visitors beginning with Ulysses S. Grant, who first vacationed on the island in 1874. President Clinton came here four times while in office.

Other presidents preferred more rural locales. Lyndon B. Johnson spent time horseback riding on his Texas ranch and George W. Bush cleared brush on his. Ronald Reagan had a ranch in Santa Barbara, California.

Two presidents took their vacations in Georgia. Jimmy Carter played softball in Plains and Franklin Roosevelt swam in Warm Springs. President Kennedy returned to the family home in Hyannis Port, Mass. as often as possible.

Mr. Obama should feel right at home on the Vineyard since he is from Hawaii, another island that knows a little something about tourists.

[jechaucer]

This could be serious. Obama could end up doing a lot of soul searching and realize what everyone already knew, he had no business being president. OMG, President Biden? I don't know which is worse!!

[Onfyre]

Could have been President McCain doing the samething. OMG President Palin???

[taryder]

It is appaling that their many vacations are being FLAUNTED. Staying at a place that is $50,000. a week!!! at a time when there are many thousands and thousands of people i n this country out of work, living on the street, families without housing, going without food, etc, etc. This is so like the Reagans.....remember the $35,000. dresses Nancy wore. It is so DISGUSTING, and what is even worse is how it is flaunted before the American people........

This guy is supposed to be WORKING for us.....NOT the other way around. I believe he has had MORE AWAY and VACATION time now than any other president. Just DISGUSTING!!!!!......I guess this is a break from all his hard labor of CONTINUING GWB policy with MORE WAR SPENDING, More $$$$ for the Banks, etc, MORE money for Insurnace Companies, Pharmaceuticals, etc, etc, more GWB $$$$ for the wealthiest in this country, etc, ad nauseum.

[mcohen4567]

I take my mom on vacation every few months. Several months ago we went to Las Vegas and stayed at Caesers Palace. So did the Obama family. Most of the resort was shut down. Last week we had a casita at The Phoenician in Scottsdale. So did the Obama family. We asked to change our reservations and the hotel was very sympathetic. Were ever he stays the resorts shut down their pools, shops and restaurants. I love Obama as my president. However, when he takes as many vacation as my family something isn't right. He needs to step up to the plate and spend the weekend at the White House working on our issues. Wasn't this what Camp David was built for?

[the_majesty]

President Axelrod wants Obama out of the way for a week.

[the_majesty]

I hope Obama enjoys his vacation so much,
he resigns as president.

[tugar04]

I wish them a lovely time at Martha's Vinyard. I've been there myself and it is so very lovely. I like it better in the fall, but the Obama's have been hard at work since arriving at the White House. So, they deserve a relaxing time, especially after holding their own up so very well in the midst of trying to help America come out of the quagmire left by the last Administration.

HAVE A WONDERFUL VACATION, YOU REALLY DO DESERVE IT !