Michelle Obama's Controversial Trip to Spain

(CBS)  First lady Michelle Obama is in Spain in the middle of a five-day vacation at a luxury resort with her daughter Sasha. Critics, though, say with so many Americans struggling economically, she's setting a very bad example.

Obama Criticized as "Modern-Day Marie Antoinette"
Pictures: Michelle Obama in Spain
Pictures: The Spanish Royal Family

On "The Early Show" republican strategist Leslie Sanchez, the author of "You've Come a Long Way, Maybe," and democratic strategist Tonya Acker, discussed why this has become an issue for the first lady and how it will affect public perception of the Obama administration.

Sanchez said what matters is the way Michelle Obama's trip looks to the American people.

"The bottom line answer is optics matter," she told "Early Show" co-anchor Erica Hill. "First ladies wield a tremendous amount of influence behind the scenes and they're the perception of the administration. At a time when we're seeing 9.6 percent unemployment, 70,000 jobs lost this month, people are losing their homes, and it doesn't convey that she senses the plight of working families. This is more of a narrative that many of his critics push that they're an elitist administration, thumbing their nose at working families."

So did the Obamas miss how the public would view Michelle's trip?

Acker said, "There's no question but that every political family want to avoid the inopportune photo-op and that's what we have here. I also think Americans are a little more sophisticated than we may now be giving them credit for. Mrs. Obama's husband is leading an administration that just fought for jobless benefits. So frankly, at the end of the day, Americans who are struggling really care more about whether or not jobless benefits are going to be extended or whether or not their banks are going to continue to gouge them rather than whether the first lady went to the beach."

[aghadilbar3]

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On 11/25/10, Barack Obama <[e-mail]> wrote:
> Friend --
>
> When Michelle and I sit down with our family to give thanks today, I want
> You to know that we'll be especially grateful for folks like you.
>
> Everything we have been able to accomplish in the last two years was
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>
> And every time we face a setback, or when progress doesn't happen as
.

Quickly
> As we would like, we know that you'll be right there with us, ready to
Fight
> Another day.
>
> So I want to thank you -- for everything.
>
> I also hope you'll join me in taking a moment to remember that the
Freedoms
> And security we enjoy as Americans are protected by the brave men and
Women
> Of the United States Armed Forces. These patriots are willing to lie down
> Their lives in our defense, and each of us owes them and their families a
> Debt of gratitude.
>
> Have a wonderful day, and God bless.
>
> Barack
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
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(The copy of this special letter was written to Aagh Dilbar from President Barack Obama by internet. dated 11/25/2010)
With greetings and best wishes.
Thanks
AGHA DILBAR GARDEZ

THE AMBASSADORS
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VOLUME13-ISSUE-28-JULY-2010
OPINIONS
PEACE AND PROSPERITY
Special Letter to President Barack Obama:
The Great Leader of the World
By Agha Dilbar

I, Agha Dilbar, have sent Mr. President 100 registered researches Letters (1000 new ideas to develop America and to Change the World for Peace and Prosperity) through Embassy of USA in Islamabad till today and also sent these registered Letters to Whitehouse Washington DC 20500. The letters have been written along the guidelines of CHANGE WE NEED focusing on the problems of common men and with respect to and in pursuit of real solutions. To end economic recession, unemployment and to cease wars, and to guarantee peace and prosperity in the world. In these letters, I sent one thousand new scientific suggestions and plans on matters affecting every walk of life with global peace, friendship, progress and prosperity at their core.
Dear President Barack Obama, the Great Leader of the World, my Friend, my Brother,
I ask that you provide an opportunity for Agha Dilbar to pay an official visit to America, that we two brothers can sit together and by halting this horrible war

[Cajungymrat]

SO WHY is it that CBS doesn't report on the evening news how much these trips are costing and especially the Presidents trip to INDIA next week.
It would be nice to hear that for a change. I hear it's around 2 BILLION dollars for his trip to India. Is that correct or do you have the nerve to answer that?

[punkschoseamericabecause]

Shouldn't expenditures like this trip to Spain be approved by Congress ahead of time? Does the First Family just have a blank check or a credit card with unlimited funds banked by the taxpayers? I have to get every purchase I make approved by my boss and my family. Shouldn't it be the same for every politician and his/her family?

[hotaodaye]

I do not have an issue with the Obama's taking a vacation/trip, but with the economy the way it is, it would be nice to spend their money in the US. Think of the hotel, restaurants, shops, they could have benefits right here in the US. Hope the start spending their Vacation days with in the borders.

[ah1234567]

Taxpayers are SO FAR paying out about $400,000 for Michele Obama's luxury vacation.

That's the cost of two homes, or 10 jobs at $40,000 salary.

Weren't Socialists complaining about corporate leaders flying in private jets? Michele Obama is using Air Force 2, nearly 60 security guards, limos and the best hotels on shopping sprees and vacations at our expense.

Expect an increase in taxes to pay the bill. Maybe you'll lose your job or home as a result, but that doesn't bother Socialist elites.

[wasadem1]

It just dawned on me who Barry reminds me of. He reminds me of a Pee-Wee Herman. Barry's Great Adventure. Have a nice day

[magnumdr]

I could not afford to take one of these "vacations" that the Obama's have taken. Did I have to pay for these vacations and how do I get to take on of them? I am disabled but I will clean up all of the dog dung on the yard for one year to go with them on one of these vacations.

[Voice of America]

The other day I bought a carton of milk for an American Citizen who couldn't afford it. It was my pleasure, however I resent spending my tax dollars on this "holiday". Good one Barrak HUSSEIN OBAMA! Where are you from?

[egpowers]

1 in 9 America's are on food stamps, unemployment is at 9.5% and still growing. Michelle Obama goes to Spain on vacation, and as a tax payer all I'll get is another 10% drop in my income for the 2nd straight year. I'm glad Marie Antoinette was able to travel to Spain. But then again, this Regime seem to enjoy excess. Hawaii for Christmas, a 6 minute chopper ride instead of a 20 minute motorcade, noting is too good for the Obama's, perhaps the Obama's should study the history of the French Revolution.

[concernedmother]

I do not think it was appropriate for Michelle Obama to spend tax payer money to take such a lavish trip. What makes it even worse is that she brought friends with her on our taxpayer's dime. When she returns she is taking ANOTHER vacation. Mr. Gibbs can say all he wants about the Obama family covering their expenses on the trip, but the fact remains it took a lot of secret service to cover this trip. And, how will we ever know if they REALLY did pay for it or not? What bothers me the most is that much of the media is not covering this story and if this would have been Laura Bush it would be the talking points around the clock for the media.