Althouse: "Go get it, Shelley!"

August 5, 2010

"Go get it, Shelley!"

"She is ROCKING the shit out of this look."

"Shelley" = Michelle Obama... who is in Spain, where she is dodging racists, hogging not 30 but 60 (!!!!) ultra-posh hotel rooms, and celebrating her husband's birthday without the pesky presence of said husband.

211 comments:

1 – 200 of 211 Newer› Newest»

AllenS said...: AllenS just wrote a check for $100 to the Union Gospel Mission.

Fuck the Obamas and the Clintons.; 8/5/10, 12:01 PM
chickelit said...: Nice to see her smile for a change. Sure beats glower!

Make everybody see, in order to fight the glowers that be
Lemme hear you say...
Fight the Glower!; 8/5/10, 12:01 PM
X said...: I don't criticize a woman's looks because every woman is beautiful. But insisting Michelle is the most beautiful or most fashionable woman ever is a little patronizing.; 8/5/10, 12:03 PM
Quaestor said...: All I want to know is where's my cake?

wv: sorim - proctologists in Providence RI see a lot of this complaint.; 8/5/10, 12:10 PM
The Crack Emcee said...: I find her repulsive.; 8/5/10, 12:13 PM
garage mahal said...: I know DOOM is your thing Crack, but do you ever lighten up?; 8/5/10, 12:14 PM
knox said...: She does look great in that outfit.

But, assuming the Daily News article is accurate, the expenses of that vacation are a little shocking. I have no problem with the First Family taking many vacations. They all need time away, I don't doubt that. But we're paying for a vacation for her and *40* of her friends? WTF.

I don't necessarily buy the "Marie Antoinette" characterization. My objections are inappropriate use of taxpayer money.; 8/5/10, 12:16 PM
former law student said...: A mother-daughter trip is a bad thing?; 8/5/10, 12:16 PM
Quaestor said...: Depends on who's payin, fls.; 8/5/10, 12:19 PM
Irene said...: I would have preferred to see them take a vacation--and spend all that money--somewhere along the Gulf.; 8/5/10, 12:21 PM
Quaestor said...: It's just more evidence that the Obamas are corrupt to the core.; 8/5/10, 12:23 PM
ricpic said...: This goes over well with blacks, who love over the top theft and ostentation in their representatives (Adam Clayton Powell, Charlie Rangel), but it's one more nail in the Won's/Wookie's coffins out here in bitter clinger country.; 8/5/10, 12:26 PM
mRed said...: Something isn't right in neo-Camelot. She's acting like he is a one termer and he's acting like he is king. Quaestor is right, let them eat cake. Besides, two glowering arrogants fools would spoil the birthday fun for the kids.; 8/5/10, 12:28 PM
garage mahal said...: Yea ricpic, I'm sure you tracked and logged travel expenses of the Bushes, the Reagans, and you dutifully noted your displeasure of that "theft" somewhere, right.

You guys are so miserable I might have to start hitting a terminally ill cancer support group forum for some cheer.; 8/5/10, 12:31 PM
chickelit said...: @Garage: Fight the Glower!; 8/5/10, 12:38 PM
Joe said...: No Garage YOUR SIDE DID...remember how awful it was for the evilllll Booosh to retire to Crawford TX for a month....So declasse.

Now the Clintons and the Obama's they go to Spain or Martha's Vineyard...Mayhap they can get to San Tropez, or St. Moritz, or Gstaft before this is all over.; 8/5/10, 12:40 PM
Joe said...: And on the Boooooosh vacations we cleared brush or worked on Habitat Homes...but the Messiah and His Wife, need not trouble themselves with things like that. The "Little People" can do that, right?; 8/5/10, 12:42 PM
Fred4Pres said...: I'm bored with this entourage.; 8/5/10, 12:42 PM
Lincolntf said...: Ugh. How do the class warfare stalwarts on the Left tolerate this woman? Talk about conspicuous consumption.; 8/5/10, 12:42 PM
Joe said...: Again do what you want to with YOUR mney, Barak and Michelle, but don't talk about houses at 72 degrees, SUV's, eating what we want and the expecting the world not to object, whilst using MY MONEY to book 60-70 rooms in SPAIN!

Have they got enough money yet? Isn't there some time when you've earned enough?

Again questions for the "Little People."

I understand the Left likes an Imperial Leftist Presidency...stunning, gorgeous, a wonderful Progression Around the Realm.; 8/5/10, 12:45 PM
mRed said...: gm - I have a cousin in such a support group. I'll ask on your behalf for an invite. I'm sure they'll say yes because you are soo funny.

wv: forst, as in gm can't see the forst for the trees.; 8/5/10, 12:45 PM
chickelit said...: lincolntf wrote: Ugh. How do the class warfare stalwarts on the Left tolerate this woman? Talk about conspicuous consumption.

Thorstein Veblen in his The Theory of the Leisure Class wrote in 1899:
...decency still requires the wife to consume some goods conspicuously for the reputability of the household and its head.; 8/5/10, 12:51 PM
prairie wind said...: Are we paying the travel costs of her 40 friends? Or just the 70 Secret Service people? Are the 70 in those 60 hotel rooms or are their digs elsewhere?

I like the top she's wearing, though only a flat-chester could wear it well.

Clearly, the O's have only a couple of years left to "rule", so they have to get as much getting in before their time is up. They can vacation in California any old time.; 8/5/10, 12:54 PM
The Dude said...: Hog is the right word to use.; 8/5/10, 12:55 PM
The Drill SGT said...: The look might be good on the gulf, but I think it doesn't play well with those racist Spanish.

The top, bracelet, sandals, and big loop earings will resonate as African to them.

The vacation as a whole? Tone deaf.; 8/5/10, 12:57 PM
DaveW said...: What the heck do she need 60 rooms for? Seriously.; 8/5/10, 12:59 PM
I'm Full of Soup said...: Ricpic:

Did you coin that "Bitter/ clinger country" phrase. Cause it's a good one.; 8/5/10, 12:59 PM
Scott said...: I don't care where Michelle Obama goes on her vacation, or how much she spends; and care little about what she does.

I just want to know who's paying for it.

wv: wayst; 8/5/10, 12:59 PM
mRed said...: DaveW - suitcases?; 8/5/10, 1:01 PM
The Drill SGT said...: Or just the 70 Secret Service people?

speaking of which, if you think the white guy in white or the white gal in black are "friends of Michelle", I have a bridge to sell you.

Bush was smarter than these folks. He knew that spending time in Maine at the family place would be bad press. Crawford, not so much...; 8/5/10, 1:01 PM
Scott said...: Whenever I hear "bitter clinger," I think of Jamie Farr's character on the old M*A*S*H sitcom.

wv: dingill; 8/5/10, 1:02 PM
The Drill SGT said...: Scott said...
I just want to know who's paying for it.

I suspect the 40 friends are paying the cost of a coach airfare aboard the VC25 plus the cost of a discounted room in a 5 star hotel.

the rest of the costs, you are covering.; 8/5/10, 1:04 PM
I'm Full of Soup said...: Interesting that the media has spent way more ink and bytes on the gay marriage ruling and Michele's trip vs. the election results in Missouri re Obamacare.

Which could have the biggest impact on Americans? Universal govt mandated health insurance, gay marriage or a First Lady's vacations?; 8/5/10, 1:05 PM
Scott said...: OMFG, Jamie Farr has a website.

And it's scary; 8/5/10, 1:07 PM
Bruce Hayden said...: I think that the attitude here is what is bothersome. That somehow the President, and now his wife without him, are somehow owed this level of extravagance by the American people.

And, while the President is guilty here, his wife seems more blatant with less excuse.

It is an appearance of elitism that we are becoming ever more sensitive to with our politicians, and, yes, with the Democrats in Washington, D.C. And, yes, since the Democrats are in complete control of the two elected branches of government, that may be why they appear to be by far the most guilty here.

The double standard appears throughout much of the Democratic leadership - Pelosi with her big jet, the corruption of Rangle and Waters, Kerry's yacht, putting an admitted tax evader at the top of Treasury and the Clintons' pardon bag man at the top of Judiciary. Oh, and now the $3 million dollar Clinton wedding - from the family that took tax write-offs for donating their used underwear. Should also throw in the residences of AlGore and John Edwards. The list goes on and on.

The reality is that appearances matter, and spending the public's money like there was no tomorrow during the midst of the worst recession in the last almost 70 years just looks bad.

It really does look more and more like a "let them eat cake" moment, as so many Americans are finding themselves in severe financial straights.

For those who bring up the Bushes or the Reagans, remember that part of this has to do with the depth of the recession.; 8/5/10, 1:07 PM
The Dude said...: ...as so many Americans are finding themselves in severe financial straights.

The gay marriage thread is below this one.; 8/5/10, 1:10 PM
MayBee said...: I think she looks fine, nothing really spectacular.

Yesterday, President Obama announced a freeze on bonuses for Political Appointees:

The move is expected to affect at least 2,900 people on the federal payroll and save about $1.9 million a year. Obama has also suggested a salary freeze for senior political appointees throughout the government, but that move would take the approval of Congress.

I'm betting the taxpayers are paying at least $1.9 million into this vacation for Michelle. Which would be money better spent?

Luxe living for me, austerity for thee.; 8/5/10, 1:12 PM
I'm Full of Soup said...: People I know [who have more money than the Clintons] would give the money away before they spent that much on their kid's weddding. [and no I am not talking about Garage Mahal].; 8/5/10, 1:12 PM
Bruce Hayden said...: Bush was smarter than these folks. He knew that spending time in Maine at the family place would be bad press. Crawford, not so much...

A couple of things to keep in mind here. In either case, they weren't putting all these people up at least partially on the tab of the American people. And that includes getting people there. Add to that, that the secret service and other costs were likely far lower due to the fact that they had been to these locations on multiple occasions, and likely had some infrastructure already in place.

Also, keep in mind that most of Bush(43)'s vacations were working vacations, where he had the best communications in the world available and in use between him and the rest of his government. By all indications, he would work much of the time when he was at his Texas ranch.

Michelle doesn't have any of those excuses.; 8/5/10, 1:13 PM
chickelit said...: ...the President, and now his wife without him, are somehow owed this level of extravagance by the American people.

I'm waiting for phil/MUL/Ritmo/Matt to defend that thought.; 8/5/10, 1:14 PM
Scott M said...: Seriously...why does it take 60 rooms? Bear in mind my father was attached to the SS for over a year.; 8/5/10, 1:15 PM
jr565 said...: Knox wrote:
She does look great in that outfit.

She does? The side without the shoulder guard looks like it's sagging. Why is this considered some awesome look?; 8/5/10, 1:17 PM
Borepatch said...: Compare and contrast:

Google Michelle Obama luxury

Google Laura Bush luxury

There are quite a different set of articles.; 8/5/10, 1:18 PM
jr565 said...: Scott M wrote:
Seriously...why does it take 60 rooms? Bear in mind my father was attached to the SS for over a year.

Well they needed a separate plane for their pet, and it's entourage, so I'd assum if he's coming along they will need to accommodate them as well. But maybe ever ss guy got his own room too.; 8/5/10, 1:19 PM
former law student said...: I miss the simpler days of the Bushes at their Kennebunkport compound, or the Kennedys at their Hyannisport compound. We need more patrician families with their own historic family vacation spreads. Jeb Bush in 2012!

But clearing the brush at Obama's Hyde Park ranch would take less than an hour -- less than 20 minutes if the Rezkos did their own lawn.; 8/5/10, 1:19 PM
lemondog said...: re: pesky husband, showing some good taste.

Like her slicked-back hair style with the Jackie Onassis big sunglasses.

Scroll down and check out Oprah in the white pants. She got some 'splain' to do 'bout her eatin' habits.; 8/5/10, 1:20 PM
Kirby Olson said...: This reminded me of the Duvalier Family.; 8/5/10, 1:22 PM
former law student said...: The Daily Mail says she's staying with 40 friends -- maybe other mother-daughter comboes. That leaves some 20 rooms for security.; 8/5/10, 1:22 PM
Scott M said...: Well they needed a separate plane for their pet, and it's entourage, so I'd assum if he's coming along they will need to accommodate them as well. But maybe ever ss guy got his own room too.

My father was EOD on loan from the army to the Secret Service during the Carter/Reagan campaign. He has great stories about being posted for hours riding on the top of elevators as part of the security detail (low man on the pole at the time). From his telling of it, the SS guys would always double up, if not tree or four to a room. Granted, this was in an era of Carteresque malaise, but still...; 8/5/10, 1:22 PM
prairie wind said...: The double standard appears throughout much of the Democratic leadership - Pelosi with her big jet, the corruption of Rangle and Waters, Kerry's yacht, putting an admitted tax evader at the top of Treasury and the Clintons' pardon bag man at the top of Judiciary. Oh, and now the $3 million dollar Clinton wedding - from the family that took tax write-offs for donating their used underwear. Should also throw in the residences of AlGore and John Edwards. The list goes on and on.

Cynics believe politicians routinely use their positions for their own benefit. And why not believe that, when public service gave the Clintons great wealth and gave the Gores and Edwards fabulous homes and lifestyles, and gave Nancy Pelosi military jets to ferry her across the country? If we elect someone to office who believes politicians "always" use their influence corruptly and "always" get away with it, doesn't it follow that he might use his own influence to his own benefit? And then be surprised when someone disapproves?

When Obama took office and the golfing and the "date nights" and the vacations began, I had to wonder if he honestly had never noticed that other presidents (Bush, for example) had not lived that way. Perhaps in his certainty that Bush was corrupt (and what else have liberals heard?), he became certain that he could also take advantage. Same argument follows for the CBC. It is possible that members of the CBC feel entitled to a little of what they think white officials have had all along.

The reality is that appearances matter, and spending the public's money like there was no tomorrow during the midst of the worst recession in the last almost 70 years just looks bad.

It doesn't just look bad. It is bad.; 8/5/10, 1:24 PM
Freeman Hunt said...: I think she looks pretty.

Bit of an extravagant trip though. Oh well, probably what, two more years?; 8/5/10, 1:24 PM
AllenS said...: Check out the pictures. Look at the size of the asses on the women bodyguards.; 8/5/10, 1:27 PM
MayBee said...: Bit of an extravagant trip though. Oh well, probably what, two more years?

I wonder, did they take extravagant trips like this (on their own dime) before he became POTUS? Back before it also required hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to subsidize them (and before public beaches would be closed on their behalf)?

I don't recall hearing about them.; 8/5/10, 1:27 PM
Anonymous said...: and in other news...an unexpected rise in jobless claims..Go get it, Shelly!; 8/5/10, 1:28 PM
Bart Hall (Kansas, USA) said...: Allons enfants de la Patrie,
Le jour de gloire est arrivé!
Contre nous de la tyrannie,
L'étendard sanglant est levé,

Entendez-vous dans les campagnes
Mugir ces féroces soldats ?
Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras
Égorger vos fils, vos compagnes

Aux armes, citoyens,
Formez vos bataillons,
Marchons, marchons
Qu'un sang impur
Abreuve nos sillons

Let's roll, America lovers!
Our day of glory once more returns.
Against us these self-serving tyrants,
Have our Constitution spurned.

They will hear from real America,
Who will freely give our lives,
To drive you from your place of power,
And the control for which you strive.

To arms! Citizens.
It's time to lock and load.
Let's go! Let's go!
And send these bastards down the road.

[Bart's modern paraphrase. The original is much more bloody, but no less doggerel.]; 8/5/10, 1:29 PM
The Drill SGT said...: From his telling of it, the SS guys would always double up, if not tree or four to a room.

as we both know, thereis a lot more "tail" behind a Presidential trip than just the SS detail.

Most of the folks end up in other billets if not in military quarters.

Most of the space that the SS takes inside that 5 star hotel is effectively for command and control rooms and a place to put the reaction squad.; 8/5/10, 1:33 PM
former law student said...: When Obama took office and the golfing and the "date nights" and the vacations began, I had to wonder if he honestly had never noticed that other presidents (Bush, for example) had not lived that way.

Ike golfed twice a week through eight years of imminent nuclear holocaust. JFK had "date nights" with a variety of bimboes not his wife. Hillary Clinton travelled around the world, including visiting FYROM during the air war over Kosovo -- just imagine what a security nightmare that was.; 8/5/10, 1:37 PM
bagoh20 said...: She looks good, and that's all I expect from her...please.; 8/5/10, 1:40 PM
former law student said...: The double standard appears throughout much of the Democratic leadership - Pelosi with her big jet,

Pelosi enjoys the same perk as Denny Hastert did -- the right to fly home nonstop via military aircraft. Only Hastert came from Illinois while Pelosi comes from SF, so her jet must have a considerably greater cruising range.; 8/5/10, 1:42 PM
bagoh20 said...: "Clinton travelled around the world, including visiting FYROM during the air war over Kosovo -- just imagine what a security nightmare that was."

But Hillary handled her own security.; 8/5/10, 1:43 PM
Michael said...: Nouveau. To be expected.; 8/5/10, 1:45 PM
AllenS said...: Hillary didn't need much security. Snipers were unable to take her out when she landed at airports. She said so.; 8/5/10, 1:45 PM
former law student said...: According to Laura Bush's autobiography, she visited 75 countries in eight years. So Michelle better get cracking if she wants to keep up.; 8/5/10, 1:47 PM
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 8/5/10, 1:48 PM
Clyde said...: "She is ROCKING the shit out of this look."

How you say that in Klingon?; 8/5/10, 1:49 PM
Anonymous said...: The number of Americans who are receiving food stamps rose to a record 40.8 million in May as the jobless rate hovered near a 27-year high, the government reported yesterday.
Go get it, Shelley!; 8/5/10, 1:49 PM
Fen said...: I wonder, did they take extravagant trips like this (on their own dime) before he became POTUS?

Yes, but those were funded with Auchi/Rezko dollars.; 8/5/10, 1:49 PM
I'm Full of Soup said...: I have heard that excuse but I kinda doubt the issue for Pelosi's extravagence is the distance of her flight.

I am not a pilot but how much more time would be added to her trip if a smaller jet had to refuel mid-trip at an airport that was not heavily traveled? So Icall bullshit on the reason. If it was her own money, she'd be using and paying for a much smaller plane.; 8/5/10, 1:49 PM
chickelit said...: According to Laura Bush's autobiography, she visited 75 countries in eight years. So Michelle better get cracking if she wants to keep up.

Quality vs quantity FLS.

LB did much more for much less.; 8/5/10, 1:51 PM
MayBee said...: According to Laura Bush's autobiography, she visited 75 countries in eight years. So Michelle better get cracking if she wants to keep up.

Did Laura ever go with the girls on a luxury vacation overseas? Or did she travel with the President on business.

In general, I'm not against a first family traveling. But these are not good times, economically. How would you feel if you were a mid-level political appointee, who just lost your yearly bonus while the bosses wife hobnobs on your dime?; 8/5/10, 1:53 PM
lemondog said...: Scroll down and check out Oprah in the white pants. She got some 'splain' to do 'bout her eatin' habits.

Does she still have her personal fitness trainer?

Been wondering what happened to her trophy Stedman.

Victim of a late night snack?; 8/5/10, 1:54 PM
Anonymous said...: Michelle is all about sacrificing for her country.

The Obamas are going to make a brief stop in the Gulf before heading to Martha's Vineyard for a 10-day vacation.; 8/5/10, 1:55 PM
LouisAntoine said...: Aaaand the award for pulling statistics out of their ass on a dizzyingly partisan basis goes to... El Pollo Real! congratulations, hack.; 8/5/10, 1:56 PM
former law student said...: If it was her own money, she'd be using and paying for a much smaller plane.

If it was her own money she'd be flying commercial on a much larger nonstop plane.

The Speaker gets this perk because she's third in line for the Presidency, not just for her own convenience.; 8/5/10, 1:57 PM
Rialby said...: Can we stop talking about how beautiful she is? People jusr say it because it's of a piece with the rest of the white liberal guilt trip with regard to black people. You're so articulate! So wise! So beautiful!

Stop.; 8/5/10, 1:57 PM
Trooper York said...: Hey Garage, do you think Brett Farve is gonna get in trouble for emailing a picture of Jeremy to that sideline reporter?; 8/5/10, 1:57 PM
Alan said...: Why does the first lady need a huge security detail, again? Other than a couple of bodyguards, I mean.

Can someone remind me of the order of succession for first ladies? Does it go Jill Biden, then Paul Pelosi? Good thing that 9th circuit judge struck down prop. 8--especially if Michelle and Jill were traveling together and something unfortunate happened...; 8/5/10, 1:58 PM
The Drill SGT said...: former law student said...
The Speaker gets this perk because she's third in line for the Presidency, not just for her own convenience.

I don't think many of us have an issue with flying the Speaker to and fro.

The main issues from my perspective is Madam Speaker's attitude of priviledge, the way she demands the other perks (e.g. bigger planes, certain premium liquers, etc), and uses the planes for friends, staff and family.; 8/5/10, 2:03 PM
LouisAntoine said...: Couple of questions...

How has it been established, except of course by inference from a Daily News editorial, that the U.S. taxpayer is being billed for any of this trip?

Does talking about big asses and making Public Enemy references with regard to the first lady show evidence of racially-based judgements or preconceptions?

Do Democrats have the right to travel by plane, or must they take Greyhound for transatlantic travel? When John Boner is speaker, he will presumably sell Pelosi's airplane to pay down the deficit, correct?

And, is Michelle Obama a spoiled princess, Assata Shakur, or just a whore? I lost track.

thanks for your help!; 8/5/10, 2:10 PM
FedkaTheConvict said...: I'm surprised that Althouse hasn't made a "Drudgedy" blog post today. Perhaps the dueling headlines of "FOOD STAMP USE HITS RECORD" and "Michelle Obama 'modern-day Marie Antoinette'..." aren't humorous enough.; 8/5/10, 2:11 PM
JAL said...: The Speaker gets this perk because she's third in line for the Presidency, (Oh please! Do not remind us!) not just for her own convenience.

Oh really.

And when did this start? What did other speakers do? IIRC Pelosi threw a tantrum or 2 to get this istead of some pretty hot Gulfstreams and her adult children travel on it with her. What do they pay? Tourist class?

So she lives in California. So what. Her personal carbon foot print screams hypocrisy.

They are all in such deep trouble.

Deckchairs on the Titanic.; 8/5/10, 2:15 PM
Phil 314 said...: I'm sure you tracked and logged travel expenses of the Bushes, the Reagans,

C'mon Garage, you've got to have a better response than "they did it too!!"

Why is it so hard for those on the left to say:

"This doesn't look good"

It doesn't mean you don't support him/her but one has to admit.....

It doesn't look good.

(and I assume this has been planned for some time. Did anyone, like, say, her husband, quietly suggest that maybe an American vacation might look a little better. Especially with 10% unemployment and all...
Just sayin'); 8/5/10, 2:16 PM
Trooper York said...: Then again maybe Brett sent a snap shot of Montagne Montaigne. It's a close call.; 8/5/10, 2:16 PM
Trooper York said...: What is it with the Jets and female sideline reporters?

I remember a couple of years ago when Joe Willie was drunk and hitting on the girl as she was interviewing him. "So Joe what do you think about the first half?"
"Com'on kiss me, you know you want too baby."; 8/5/10, 2:17 PM
Trooper York said...: The Jets are just low class.

They don't have any classy dudes like Frank Gifford and LT!; 8/5/10, 2:18 PM
chickelit said...: Aaaand the award for pulling statistics out of their ass on a dizzyingly partisan basis goes to... El Pollo Real! congratulations, hack.

You're welcome. I'm glad I finally got through to you Lon Chaney.; 8/5/10, 2:21 PM
Michael said...: When David Cameron, the PM of Great Britain, came to the U.S. recently he flew commercial. A couple of aides flew with him. He eschewed First Class on BA for Business.; 8/5/10, 2:21 PM
FWBuff said...: I come from the people,
They need to adore me,
So Christian-Dior me
From my head to my toes.

I need to be dazzling!
I have to be rainbow high!

They must have excitement,
And so must I!; 8/5/10, 2:21 PM
Unknown said...: So I guess all that taxpayer money spent on The Zero's dates in Paris were as phony as Willie and the Hildabeast dancing together on the beach at Normandy?

(or wherever)

omrade X said...

I don't criticize a woman's looks because every woman is beautiful.

Gallantly put, but not entirely true.

While not all women may be beautiful, different women are beautiful in different ways.; 8/5/10, 2:26 PM
JAL said...: So MoMo, here is the question:

How has it been established, except of course by inference from a Daily News editorial, that the U.S. taxpayer is being billed for any of this trip?

Excellent question!

The answer can be had when we receive a breakdown of what this cost and who paid for what.

Will you ask for us? Do the research? Know where to find the answer?

Inquiring minds *really really* want to know.

Really.

And as an adjunct to that, does the White House have a budget?

I mean, do they just do things like this because there is a certain amount of money given to run the presidency and they can do this from the vacation and discretionary categories? Do they have a budget for White House parties and entertainment?

Or is there no budget, it's just an unlimited expense account because... well, just because he Won?

If so, we need to put the kibosh on this and let them learn to live within a designated gazillion $ budget.

I am not saying I expect the White House to live as I do ... but it raises some serious questions about the unlimited credit card that perhaps is in their pocket.; 8/5/10, 2:30 PM
former law student said...: And when did this start? What did other speakers do?

Denny Hastert
GW Bush
9/11 (it changed everything, remember?)

Rode an airplane with a shorter cruising range.; 8/5/10, 2:32 PM
ricpic said...: AJ Lynch -- The bitter clinger phrase was actually coined by Obama (or his speechwriters) for a fundraising speech he gave to a gathering of wealthy San Franciscans during the 2008 campaign.; 8/5/10, 2:48 PM
Jennifer said...: She is rocking the shit out of that look.

They shouldn't have pulled the travel advice, though. It's true! Spain and Italy both are wildly racist.

I guess we're not supposed to know that, though, because they're fancy and European. It's only American hillbillies who are racist, right?; 8/5/10, 2:53 PM
Palladian said...: I wonder if Michelle and her entourage are going to visit Córdoba?; 8/5/10, 2:53 PM
Palladian said...: She's ROCKING the shit out of our bank accounts!; 8/5/10, 2:54 PM
ricpic said...: The giveaway that the Jets are low class are those horrendous green and white uniforms. And what was with that Joe Namath finger in the air bit? Declasse. Was Namath a hunchback? Enquiring minds and all that.; 8/5/10, 2:58 PM
ricpic said...: She's rocking the shit out of our ugliness tolerance.; 8/5/10, 3:00 PM
lemondog said...: re: Presidential Travel: Policy and Costs

excerpts:

When a trip is for an official function, the government
pays all costs, including per diem (food and lodging), car rentals, and other incidental
expenses.

Vacation trips, for example, fall
under the official travel category.

Zounds to me like taxpayer funded.; 8/5/10, 3:11 PM
NotWhoIUsedtoBe said...: I'm tired of this Jackie Kennedy imitation.

That said, if she's off playing tourist in Spain she can't do any damage here at home.

More vacations, please.; 8/5/10, 3:13 PM
Trooper York said...: Holy Celine Dion Batman!

I just clicked on the photos!

I want to thank the first lady for the inspiration for another episode of Celebrity Camel Toe Corner!; 8/5/10, 3:13 PM
Opus One Media said...: The Crack Emcee said...
I find her repulsive."

I would imagine the feeling would be mutual dahlin'; 8/5/10, 3:14 PM
Opus One Media said...: Joe said...
And on the Boooooosh vacations we cleared brush or worked on Habitat Homes...but the Messiah and His Wife, need not trouble themselves with things like that. The "Little People" can do that, right?"

ohhhh Joe...you're soooo slow...

yes bush got his brain wrapped around brush. habitat is much more the game-set-match of Carter and the cost of the rooms in Spain is about 1/4 that of a 4 star hotel in Washington DC (4 seasons Georgetown for instance)...so you can bitch and moan all you want but I'm pretty sure that the hotel would foot the bill for the entire party as the publicity they are receiving is worth the cost about 10 times over.

I guess, though Joe, when you got nothin' you try anything.; 8/5/10, 3:19 PM
Alex said...: Crack hates all women since his wife went psycho on him.; 8/5/10, 3:21 PM
Alex said...: HDHouse - Bush never stayed in 5-star American hotels. Your feeble attempts at defending the Obamas from any criticism, are just that.; 8/5/10, 3:22 PM
Turtledove said...: Nouveau Riche describes "Shelley" perfectly. Always ostentatious and she doesn't dress like a lady. It would be nice to see a little quiet elegance. She should have gone to Chicago with "The One".; 8/5/10, 3:25 PM
prairie wind said...: If the hotel offered to "foot the bill for the entire party" that would be a gift. And not one that could be accepted, I'd bet.

wv: ouste!; 8/5/10, 3:25 PM
LordSomber said...: Yuck. I suggest Michelle and her Kmart Jaclyn Smith Collection outfit... stay the hell away from Derek Zoolander.; 8/5/10, 3:27 PM
The Crack Emcee said...: Garage Mahal,

"I know DOOM is your thing Crack, but do you ever lighten up?"

DOOM is my thing? Like I'm the one telling the American people "there's a hole in our souls", or bringing you global warming nightmares, or the worst economy since the great depression, or the worst oil spill in history? Or am I the one screaming LIES! and getting a bad rep for it?

And, as far as Michelle is concerned, while many have easily swung from shock at her hypocrisy (and from the glower) and even more shock at how angry she is, to this "most beautiful girl in the world" bullshit, I'm staying consistent to what I've said about this whole crew from the beginning:

They're bad news.; 8/5/10, 3:29 PM
The Drill SGT said...: HDHouse said...and the cost of the rooms in Spain is about 1/4 that of a 4 star hotel in Washington DC (4 seasons Georgetown for instance)...so you can bitch and moan all you want but I'm pretty sure that the hotel would foot the bill for the entire party as the publicity they are receiving is worth the cost about 10 times over.

3 points from this one HD

- your argument strongly makes the case for a vacation to the gulf coast, which would be even cheaper and where most any place would comp the party as well for the publicity... game set match :)

- wuldn't that same comping amount to an illegal contribution of some fashion?

- the rooms there however can run to $2,500 a night.; 8/5/10, 3:31 PM
Big Mike said...: @JAL, fls is absolutely correct. The Speaker of the House now rates an Air Force ride by executive order of George Bush in reaction to 9/11. This is because the Speaker is 3rd in line of succession, which right now is Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Daniel Inouye (not Harry Reid - yeah, I was surprised too), Hillary Clinton, Tim Geithner, Bob Gates, Eric Holder, and the rest of the cabinet down through Janet Napolitano at #18.

Nancy's predecessor Dennis Hastert flew an Air Force-owned and operated Gulfstream III. It can't reach San Fran on one tank of jet fuel without one heck of a tail wind. A request on her part to use a jet with longer legs is perfectly reasonable. Apparently her normal ride is a Gulfstream V. One time she was flown home in an Air Force-owned Boeing 757, but the official story is that it was the only plane that the AF had available at that time to ferry passengers cross-continent. That story may look smoky, but "smoky" is different from "untrue."

There really is no story there.; 8/5/10, 3:33 PM
Opus One Media said...: Alex said...
HDHouse - Bush never stayed in 5-star American hotels"

I wasn't talkin' about back a while when he used to sleep it off in the back seat of his ford...gosh sakes.

Who said anything about Bush. I merely observed that the hotel price in Spain was not the equal to a 5 star price here. Why are you so jumpy? scared of somethin'?

You sound awful paranoid to me ya'betcha....ohhhhhh Palin...now I got it.

Nevermind.; 8/5/10, 3:46 PM
John said...: Worst economy in 70 years and she spends millions taking her friends to Spain. The woman is clueless trash. Remember these are the people who tell us we need to spred the wealth around and at some point everyone has to decide they have enough money.

She is just an ugly human being. And I for one am tired of her squatting her fat ass and craping all over America.; 8/5/10, 3:47 PM
Opus One Media said...: The Drill SGT said...
"your argument strongly makes the case for a vacation to the gulf coast.."

Ooopsie ...not so fast. The Gulf resorts cannot afford to put up this group on a freebie basis and #2, it would look political when that is the last thing anyone needs and #3 this trip, like all trips are planned out months in advance if not a year out so although it would have been nice, i don't think it is a fair statement...

footfault there DS.; 8/5/10, 3:50 PM
Alex said...: You sound awful paranoid to me ya'betcha....ohhhhhh Palin...now I got it.

I'm not paranoid, just screaming mad at the Obama royalty mindset.; 8/5/10, 3:51 PM
Bill said...: "If it was her own money, she'd be using and paying for a much smaller plane."

If it was her own money, Pelosi'd be staying in Washington. It's not like she represents a swing district and needs to get back every weekend to press the flesh.; 8/5/10, 3:52 PM
John said...: And liberals know how deep unattractive this woman is. That is why they over compensate by screaming about how glamorous she is. When you put the scowl, the totally unearned sense of entitlement, and the personality with the looks, it is just profoundly unattractive, like elefant man unattractive.; 8/5/10, 3:54 PM
Fen said...: Denny Hastert
GW Bush
9/11 (it changed everything, remember?)

Rode an airplane with a shorter cruising range.

The criticism with Pelosi is not that she requires the plane, its that she upgraded it with grossly lavish amenities and ferried her family members and donors back and forth on it.

Yes, your tax dollars paying for lobbyist joy rides.; 8/5/10, 3:57 PM
Big Mike said...: Yeah, HD, nevermind.

To paraphrase something Churchill is supposed to have said, Bush before he got into politics was a drunk and Obama before he got into politics was a fool.

But Bush got clean and sober.; 8/5/10, 3:58 PM
Mick said...: Obama will be free to consort with his preferred male company.; 8/5/10, 4:09 PM
garage mahal said...: ?Hey Garage, do you think Brett Farve is gonna get in trouble for emailing a picture of Jeremy to that sideline reporter?

I vaguely remember a Brett Favre. A prima donna QB that inexplicably threw season ending interceptions at the most crucial moments. What's the backstory though with the Jets, and sideline reporters?; 8/5/10, 4:16 PM
BJM said...: @Quaestor

Cake or death?

A Gulf vacation could have been a huge asset to a devastated local economy and tourist industry. Instead they get a self-serving photo op sanwiched in between more glamorous destinations.

This is a huge lost opportunity to not only do good but look good while doing it.

How could the crew that ran the 2008 campaign be this tone deaf?; 8/5/10, 4:17 PM
test said...: Palladian said...
I wonder if Michelle and her entourage are going to visit Córdoba?

Cordoba doesn't have much left from the occupation, but the Alhambra in Granada is fabulous.; 8/5/10, 4:18 PM
Unknown said...: Wouldn't it have been smarter to wait until AFTER November to take this jaunt? Their sycophants may not mind but the average American who may have to save for an entire year to take the family to Disneyworld, or camping, or to the beach, may well be appalled at such an arrogant, insensitive display.; 8/5/10, 4:24 PM
The Crack Emcee said...: Alex,

'Crack hates all women since his wife went psycho on him."

If by "all women" you mean Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Nancy Pelosi, Arianna Huffington, Shirley MacLaine, Barbara Streisand, the cast of The View, and other human snails, true.

On the other hand, if you mean Ann Althouse, DBQ, Freeman Hunt, Synova, Mustard McKey, Laura Bush, Sarah Palin, and a whole host of other female thinkers who don't flinch, then you don't know what you're talking about.

What I no longer do is worship women.

And, yea, you can thank my psycho ex for that.; 8/5/10, 4:24 PM
Trooper York said...: Here you go Garage!

One of your Green Bay Packer legends. Hee.; 8/5/10, 4:30 PM
former law student said...: A Gulf vacation could have been a huge asset to a devastated local economy and tourist industry.

The whole family's going to Florida the weekend after next.

Michelle and Sasha are spending four days in Marbella.

So the Gulf/Florida will receive eight Obama-days, the same as Marbella.; 8/5/10, 4:31 PM
Christy said...: I think she looks fabulous.

While I like the Costa del Sol as much as the next person, to go in August is a nouveau mistake.

@Marshall, totally agree. The Alhambra and Generalife is one of my favorite places ever.; 8/5/10, 4:31 PM
paul a'barge said...: Enjoy it "Guf-fren", while you can. Yo man gonna git only one term, and then you back on dah street in Chi-town.; 8/5/10, 4:32 PM
paul a'barge said...: former law student said...

A mother-daughter trip is a bad thing?

Dood.

60 rooms?; 8/5/10, 4:33 PM
garage mahal said...: Here you go Garage!

Ha! Wouldn't doubt it a bit. Jackass.; 8/5/10, 4:37 PM
Trooper York said...: And good ole boy Brett is a grandfather.

Does all of grandfather's proud!; 8/5/10, 4:38 PM
Trooper York said...: I think this is worthy of it's own thread. With a poll.

Who would you send a photo of your pole?; 8/5/10, 4:39 PM
Trooper York said...: Me and Ron are going with Joan Holloway. Just sayn'; 8/5/10, 4:40 PM
garage mahal said...: You couldn't hide me in Joan Holloways breasts. But can't we at least give it a try?; 8/5/10, 4:42 PM
chickelit said...: Garage Mahal wrote: I vaguely remember a Brett Favre. A prima donna QB that inexplicably threw season ending interceptions at the most crucial moments.

Brett favre was an inspiration for a lot of people.

So the guy had an expiration date. They all do.

wv: jureamy (too funny! where is he today anyways?); 8/5/10, 4:42 PM
AllenS said...: Hey, I want in on this.; 8/5/10, 4:43 PM
Trooper York said...: hd just texted me that he wants to send his photo to Emma Goldman.; 8/5/10, 4:45 PM
Trooper York said...: Of course ricpic has already staked out Molly Picon!; 8/5/10, 4:49 PM
garage mahal said...: Brett favre was an inspiration for a lot of people.

So was Hitler.; 8/5/10, 4:50 PM
jr565 said...: Drill Sgt wrote;
The main issues from my perspective is Madam Speaker's attitude of priviledge, the way she demands the other perks (e.g. bigger planes, certain premium liquers, etc), and uses the planes for friends, staff and family.

Not to mention how she is one of the richest members of congress, yet (like the other democrats) constantly resort to class warfare and threats of going after the "fat cats on wall street".; 8/5/10, 4:51 PM
Trooper York said...: Speaking of which we all know who Cedarford is texting his digit to,

So to speak.; 8/5/10, 4:53 PM
Trooper York said...: Palladian is sending his over to Ricky Martin. Just sayn'; 8/5/10, 5:06 PM
Trooper York said...: Titus sent his to that dude Kumar from the "Harold and Kumar Goe to White Castle" movie.; 8/5/10, 5:07 PM
Trooper York said...: Of course we just passed the one year anniversary of when Meade emailed out his photo.

And look how nicely that worked out.

There's hope for yet, Brett.; 8/5/10, 5:10 PM
Quaestor said...: HDHouse wrote re The Crack Emcee: "I would imagine the feeling would be mutual dahlin'"

And I would imagine the Obamas would be repelled by anyone who would refuse to grovel. How are your knees holding up, btw?; 8/5/10, 5:11 PM
chickelit said...: Of course we just passed the one year anniversary of when Meade emailed out his photo.

There's hope for yet, Brett.

Yes. IIRC, in the other photo he was clothed in Packer Green?; 8/5/10, 5:15 PM
Quaestor said...: garage mahal wrote: "So was Hitler.":

Godwin rule! You loose the thread by default.

This should be a welcome change, you typically loose by way of errors in the logic/fact department.; 8/5/10, 5:17 PM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: Although it is (finally) a nice looking outfit it is a completely inappropriate top for the First Lady. She should have had both shoulders covered. Sleazy. Tasteless. Low class.

Why would any woman go to another country (nevermind that it is on OUR dime) and leave her husband alone on his birthday.

Something is very wrong with their personal life.; 8/5/10, 5:19 PM
garage mahal said...: Godwin rule! You loose the thread by default.

Maybe. I always wanted to bust a Godwin out myself though.; 8/5/10, 5:21 PM
BJM said...: "If it was her own money, she'd be using and paying for a much smaller plane."

I doubt that, Pelosi and her husband Paul are worth upwards of $50 mil. and are well connected among the cognoscenti and Biz jet set. They'd be mooching corporate rides.; 8/5/10, 5:21 PM
Cedarford said...: El Pollo Real said...
Nice to see her smile for a change. Sure beats glower
-------------------
If taxpayers were footing most the bills for the Obama's many vacations and esuring royal treatment - why wouldn't you want all the swank vacations you could swing in 4 years.

Drill SGT accurately notes that the royal entourages 40 guests, but not the Queen's retainers...paid their own way.

This is probably thought of as a significant career feather in the cap of The One...but the gravy ride will continue after he is out of office. The Progressive Jews that helped get his U of Chicago lengthly sinecure and de facto tenure (and his wife's), the Senate seat, then got the media to back The One as a social duty of all good Progressives - likely see Their Obama next may be promoted for SCOTUS Justice, where he would be touted as the Great Man who would be the 2nd REAL African-American to occupy the office after NYC lawyer's NAACP subsidiary's mouthpiece Thurgood Marshall.
And if Black Messiah really wants to be Secretary-General of the UN - especially if the UN was let in to order some wealth distribution and SCOTUS rules UN law trumps American law - why not? He'd be like a Global President at that point.; 8/5/10, 5:21 PM
Hazy Dave said...: Trooper, thanks for the reminder to read today's funbag...; 8/5/10, 5:24 PM
Trooper York said...: Dust Bunny Queen would send her photo to Chris Christie.

Just sayn'; 8/5/10, 5:25 PM
Trooper York said...: Hazy Dave said...
Trooper, thanks for the reminder to read today's funbag...

Hazy Dave that not nice to talk about hd like that. OK he is asleep now but still.; 8/5/10, 5:26 PM
former law student said...: troop, I missed your poll. Bill Veeck all the way.; 8/5/10, 5:27 PM
Trooper York said...: Mort would send his to Kristi Hannah.

He's just gonna wait a few days.; 8/5/10, 5:29 PM
Trooper York said...: WHAT! YOU WANT TO EMAIL A PICTURE OF YOUR JUNK TO BILL VEEK??????; 8/5/10, 5:29 PM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: Dust Bunny Queen would send her photo to Chris Christie

Yes I would. I think he's darned cute. I want to smooth his unruly cowlick. I like a man with a sense of humor and who isn't vainly into his own appearance.

My husband doesn't think Christie all that cute... go figure.... but sure likes his political chops.; 8/5/10, 5:30 PM
Ralph L said...: Cordoba doesn't have much left from the occupation
The Corinthian leather cracked and split. Chryslers aren't known for their durability.

WV - poonkil; 8/5/10, 5:31 PM
Trooper York said...: AlphaLiberal will send his to Rachel Maddow.

He has always been very confused.; 8/5/10, 5:39 PM
Trooper York said...: Sklyer would send his to Rachel Zoe.

He digs the skinny bitches.; 8/5/10, 5:40 PM
mrs whatsit said...: DBQ, I agree on all points. But I'm gobsmacked by the sheer political stupidity of this. I know they were inexperienced coming into office but surely, by now, they should have figured out that you just can't do this kind of thing in the midst of a blitzed economy, using tax dollars from an unemployed and underemployed nation, when the Prez is already taking heat for not having fixed it by now and for running up sky-high deficits with said tax dollars?

And as for their personal life, that's another dumbfounder. Until this, I was thinking of the apparent wholesome closeness and happiness of their marriage and family life as the single best thing about these folks. Surely (again) I'm not the only one to think so, and surely (yet again) their polls and focus groups have told them so. So why on EARTH would the FLOTUS pick her husband's birthday to go sailing off halfway around the world on an extravagant blowout with a crowd of dear friends not including him, for a vacation that could perfectly well have been scheduled a few days later? Even if they both WANT to spend his supposedly happy day apart, I can't figure out why they want the rest of the country to realize it.

Utterly mystifying.

wv: soutor (Michele doesn't have one, right?); 8/5/10, 5:42 PM
Trooper York said...: Vicky from Pasadena would send her photo to Andy Griffth now that she knows he is a big old Democrat now!; 8/5/10, 5:46 PM
Trooper York said...: Micheal H would send his to Katey Segal now that she is on the lam on a motorcycle.; 8/5/10, 5:47 PM
FormerTucsonan said...: Getting a real strong Carter vibe here. IIRC, Rosalynn and Amy spent most of the last two years of Jimmeh's administration jetting from place to place.; 8/5/10, 5:48 PM
Trooper York said...: Lem would send his to Amy Winehouse.; 8/5/10, 5:49 PM
Trooper York said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 8/5/10, 5:50 PM
Trooper York said...: Darcy would send her photo to Roger Federer.

Again.; 8/5/10, 5:51 PM
Trooper York said...: El Pollo Real would send his to Rachel Ray.

She knows her way around chicken parts. Just sayn.; 8/5/10, 5:54 PM
Trooper York said...: Of course Simon would have sent his to Paula Dean but that's another whole story.; 8/5/10, 5:55 PM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: So, while Obama is on his own for his birthday, Michelle and Sasha are living it up in Spain, Malia, is in summer camp. I wonder what she did?

Why am I reminded of this movie; 8/5/10, 5:55 PM
garage mahal said...: Actually wouldn't Simon send it to Ann?

ZZzzzing!; 8/5/10, 5:59 PM
Quaestor said...: Former Tucsonan wrote: "Getting a real strong Carter vibe here. IIRC, Rosalynn and Amy spent most of the last two years of Jimmeh's administration jetting from place to place."

Imagine you're ground crew at Paris-Orly. You're minding your own business and then AF2 pulls up and disgorges Rosalyn and Amy Carter... Wowzers!

wv: sitypot - After you finish you must standy.; 8/5/10, 6:00 PM
Trooper York said...: Play nice garage.; 8/5/10, 6:00 PM
chickelit said...: googling Rachel Ray.....; 8/5/10, 6:00 PM
Trooper York said...: I bet you want to google Rachel Ray!; 8/5/10, 6:02 PM
chickelit said...: googling photos of Rachel Ray.....; 8/5/10, 6:03 PM
former law student said...: Malia's away for a month at sleepover camp. The trip probably is meant to make up for Sasha's having to stay at home like a little girl. As long as the whole family can't be together, why not go at Dad's birthday -- they can all celebrate together later.; 8/5/10, 6:15 PM
AllenS said...: What the hell? Maybe there are some marital problems. Something ain't right.; 8/5/10, 6:29 PM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: As long as the whole family can't be together, why not go at Dad's birthday -- they can all celebrate together later.

Oh Hell Yeaah....Let's be sure to have more parties. Hot time in Spain. Big party in Chicago. You just can't have enough parties and special entertainment evenings or date nights at taxpayer expense.; 8/5/10, 6:29 PM
AllenS said...: He's been seen with Oprah while he's been in Chicago. If he ends up with her, he'll have the black vote sewed up.; 8/5/10, 6:37 PM
mrs whatsit said...: As long as the whole family can't be together, why not go at Dad's birthday?

FLS, are you married? If so, ask your spouse, and I suspect you'll get a nice clear answer to that question. If not, no wonder you have to ask.; 8/5/10, 7:08 PM
The Drill SGT said...: Trooper York said...
I bet you want to google Rachel Ray!

driving up traffic again trooper?

LOL; 8/5/10, 7:35 PM
Revenant said...: Remember when Nancy Reagan was roasted in the press for buying a new china set for the White House? "There's a recession going on", the media screamed, even though private donations paid for it. Flash forward thirty years, and the First Lady can take a multi-million-dollar foreign vacation during a recession and the press doesn't bat an eye.; 8/5/10, 8:09 PM
JAL said...: According to Laura Bush's autobiography, she visited 75 countries in eight years. So Michelle better get cracking if she wants to keep up.

On vacation?

With 40 of her BFFs?

And 60 rooms at a European 5 star?

Don't think so.; 8/5/10, 8:39 PM
Chris said...: Let them eat arugula; 8/5/10, 8:57 PM
JAL said...: Laura Bush's 75 countries

In 2003, Mrs. Bush answered the call to take her education agenda global, as honorary ambassador for the United Nations Literacy Decade. In this role, she has worked with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to promote global literacy programs with measurable outcomes. She convened world leaders for annual summits that inspired successful practices, beginning with the first-ever White House Conference on Global Literacy in 2006. Mrs. Bush has visited schools and met with students in nations from Afghanistan to Zambia, with a particular focus on encouraging girls and women to pursue their education.
...
Since the attacks of September 11, Mrs. Bush has been an outspoken supporter of the women of Afghanistan. In November 2001, she became the first First Lady to give the President's weekly radio address, speaking out against the Taliban's oppression of women and children. She has traveled to Afghanistan three times and served as honorary chair of the U.S.-Afghan Women's Council.

Mrs. Bush has been a leading advocate for the cause of human rights in Burma.... After Cyclone Nargis devastated Burma in May 2008, Mrs. Bush held an unprecedented press conference in the White House Press Briefing Room and urged the regime to accept international aid. Mrs. Bush also traveled to the Thai-Burma border and met with refugees who fled the abuses of Burma's military regime.

She has made five trips to Africa alone in support of President Bush's life-saving global health initiatives, including the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). In visits to 10 of the 15 countries targeted by the PMI and 12 of the 15 PEPFAR countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, she witnessed first-hand the success of these historic commitments.
...
Reading comprehension problem fls?

You're right, Mrs. Obama better get moving. Fixing obesity in America is a pressing problem.

And look. I don't think the Obamas should live in austerity. It's the ostentashity that rubs the wrong way. And the frequency. She can't be weeding her garden.

Again .. with no home to go home to (the Obamas are no "home" anywhere -- even Chicago) it's somewhat more diffcicult.

But then again -- they did go back to Hawaii -- where they rented a Hawaiian house for $4,000 a day for their 2 week vacation at Christimas (not counting the houses for friends and family and Secret Service and staff).

So they are living the money-is-no-object lifestyle on our money.

That's the rub.; 8/5/10, 9:08 PM
Mark said...: FLS, I know those of us who might take exception to the extravagance of putting up 40 of our closest friends at a primo resort in Spain are obviously knuckle-dragging morlocks, but can you at lease acknowledge that we morlocks still actually the right to vote?

Shelly is doing your side no favors. You might not want to exacerbate the damage.; 8/5/10, 9:51 PM
William said...: The up side to Bush's Crawford vacations was that the media had to spend August camping out in a Motel 6 in high plains Texas. That's probably why they're so against Sarah Palin. How would you like to spend Xmas watching Sarah ice fishing in Alaska.; 8/5/10, 10:00 PM
Anonymous said...: Shelley appears to have blossomed as a rich, famous woman. Her hubby does not appear to be having as much fun.

His solo visit to Chicago lends credence to the rumor Shelley hates Oprah; that's why she skipped town for the Chicago dinner.; 8/5/10, 10:07 PM
chickelit said...: @JAL good on you for doing all that homework! :); 8/5/10, 10:24 PM
Cedarford said...: JAL - I have a problem with 1st Ladies jetting around every other week with 2 jumbo jets and an entourage of hundreds to do some stupid vapid speeches/opening a school for female Afghan Freedom lovers torn down 7 months later (Laura Bush) or lecturing Chinese officials on how China should view female Chinese rights (Hillary) or spoonfeeding some Haitian mammy's 8th child brought to Michelle Obama's 3-star hotel (best hotel left standing. So MO had to rough it)

I don't see value to our taxpayers in jetting our Queen abroad on mega-entourage visits costing taxpayers 60,000 dollars an hour. So they can compliment the native folk dancers, eat odd things, read from a schoolbook to a surplus Iraqi kid.; 8/5/10, 10:35 PM
LilyBart said...: FLS: Let me see if I understand: Because Malia is at sleep-away camp for a month, taxpayers have to shell out big time for a Spanish vacation (pre-vacation actually, since the family will take a 10-day vacation later this month) to make it up to the little sis?

This was not just politically tone-deaf, it was unseemly. The Obama's will reimburse the people for only a portion of the cost of this extravagance.; 8/5/10, 10:37 PM
JAL said...: Oh C4, you have problems with everything.

The point was (since you missed it) fls was snarking that Laura Bush had visited 75 countries, so everyone should get off Michelle Obama's 5 star Spanish vacation.

I was curious why Laura Bush would have visited 75 countries during her husband's 8 years in office. Especially in light of her rather "homebody" image. Interesting reminder also of how much the US did for Africa during George Bush's administration.; 8/5/10, 10:47 PM
chickelit said...: @Cedarford: Regardless of what you think of the intended purpose, LB's tax-funded travels were hardly social get-togethers and vacations, unlike the present FLOTUS's tax-funded Iberian getaway.; 8/5/10, 10:53 PM
former law student said...: to the extravagance of putting up 40 of our closest friends

Michelle made reservations. When my secretary made reservations for me, she was not the one footing the bill. AFAIK, all of her friends are paying for their own rooms.

mrs whatsit, imagine this scenario:

dad, I really want to go to sleepaway camp, but that means I'll miss your birthday.

That's ok, little sprout. We'll wait to celebrate till you get back.

Promise, dad?

Yes, I promise.; 8/5/10, 11:07 PM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: mrs whatsit, imagine this scenario:

dad, I really want to go to sleepaway camp, but that means I'll miss your birthday.

That's ok, little sprout. We'll wait to celebrate till you get back.

Promise, dad?

Yes, I promise.

OMG so heartrending...sob sob sob. Geeze FLS you should write soap operas or bodice rippers (add more sex)

And IMAGINE Bo the dog intuits the scenario just like Lassie with Timmy in the well, except it is Michelle without her sustanence

Woof woof.

Michelle: Yes. Bo. Thank God you are here!! I am stuck in this well with no food or other accoutrements...you must hurry get help.

WOOF (he goes and gets some hot dogs and paper napkins)

Michelle: WTF....you stupid dog...where is my caviar, champagne,
lobster.....you call these napkins!!! These aren't starched linen. I demand a higher thread count!! Just wait until I get out of here......You think Obama doesn't have cojones.....just you wait.

Woof woof... (Bo begins scratching and digging dirt into the well); 8/5/10, 11:21 PM
Brian G. said...: Bush spent his time in office dedicated to making his cronies at Wall Street, Big Oil, and Haliburton rich. You people never complained. Yet, you lose your minds over Mrs. Obama taking a vacation with some friends. Hmmmm. Bush is white, and Mrs. Obama is black. Not hard to see the real reason why people are up in arms over her visiting a country that is a loyal ally.; 8/6/10, 1:11 AM
Revenant said...: Let's be reasonable, folks. I'd be happy to spend millions of taxpayer dollars a day housing the Obamas someplace far away from Washington.

Sure, it is a little expensive, but when Obama's in town and on the job signing legislation he averages around a million bucks in wasted cash each second he's awake.; 8/6/10, 1:19 AM
Quaestor said...: Brian wrote: "Bush is white, and Mrs. Obama is black. Not hard to see the real reason why people are up in arms over her visiting a country that is a loyal ally."

A leftard plays his only trump. I win the thread!; 8/6/10, 1:25 AM