Tim Kaine Defends Michelle Obama's Trip to Spain
First Lady Michelle Obama was criticized last week for vacationing in Spain with her daughter while the economy continues to sputter, but Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine said this morning it's "wrong" to attack the First Family's private vacation.
"I think it's wrong to talk about the first lady's family vacation as a politician," Kaine said on NBC's "Today Show." "She's a mom."
Michelle Obama traveled with her daughter Sasha and a group of friends to Costa del Sol in southern Spain.
"When you're in office you don't give up being a mom and a family member, too," Kaine said. "This was an opportunity for Michelle to join friends and friends' daughters [and] give them exposure to a part of the world that they haven't been before."
He said President and Michelle Obama are "focused on being good parents."
The first lady and Sasha returned to Washington on Sunday evening, as Mr. Obama was hosting a barbecue at the White House in honor of his birthday. Earlier in the day, the president joined a group of current and formal basketball stars in a game to entertain troops injured in action. The game took place at a gym inside Washington's Fort McNair, and players included LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Bill Russell and Magic Johnson.
