On Monday’s CBS Early Show, co-host Julie Chen mentioned President Obama taking the First Lady on a date night to New York City over the weekend: "The President and First Lady had a long-planned night out in New York City on Saturday, doing dinner and Greenwich Village and taking in the Broadway show, ‘Joe Turner's Come and Gone’" Co-host Maggie Rodriguez commented on the restaurant the first couple went to: "Blue Hill, down in Greenwich Village. It’s a wonderful restaurant." Co-host Harry Smith added: "Probably impossible to get a reservation now, right?"
Later, Rodriguez explained the "long-planned" excursion: "...this is something that he [Obama] promised her, apparently, when he was on the campaign, ‘I'm going to take you out on a date night in New York City.’" Guest co-host Amanda Holden, judge of the talent show ‘Britain’s Got Talent,’ remarked: "Oh, that’s so sweet." Rodriguez agreed: "I know, it is sweet." Holden went on: " They’re such a good looking couple, aren’t they? Fantastic." Rodriguez again agreed: "They’re beautiful."
After gushing over the romantic evening, Rodriguez did manage to briefly mention the controversy surrounding the cost of the getaway: "But there’s – you know, some people aren't that happy about it because we footed the bill, and it was like $24,000 for each plane." A surprised Holden responded: "Oh, my goodness...That is quite a lot." Chen commented: "That’s an expensive date." Rodriguez acknowledged: "So it did make a few waves."
On Tuesday, the Early Show focused a little bit more on the "waves" created by the Obama’s jaunt to New York on the taxpayers’ dime, with correspondent Michelle Gielan reporting: "President Obama and Michelle Obama stepped down from Marine One to board a Gulfstream 500 that cost $20,000. Add to that two additional planes for staff and press, and we're at $60,000. Once the jets landed at JFK, two helicopters, at $5,000 each...The approximate total cost for the date, without security detail and motorcade costs, $81,000."
However, immediately following Gielan’s totaling of the bill, weatherman Dave Price defended the expense: "No, I mean – no, he's the president. They – he has to have security. That's how he has to travel. And you know what? He's entitled to have a night with his wife." Julie Chen agreed and added: "Right. I mean, if...if not the President of the United States, then who? And also, you know what? It did some for – some business for the local economy, I'll bet you ticket sales went up for that show and maybe other Broadway shows." Harry Smith explained: "They did, they actually tripled." Price replied: "Did they really triple, yeah? Yeah, I mean, give the – give the guy a break. I mean, you know."
—Kyle Drennen is a news analyst at the Media Research Center.
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Oh, be still my beating heart
June 2, 2009 - 10:55 ET by Prester John(Swoon)
I are a professional journalist!
(Gag)
Gak
June 2, 2009 - 11:05 ET by boomerconI'm gonna be ill.
You and me...you and me...
June 2, 2009 - 15:51 ET by Army BratI actually felt sick to my stomach at this BS.
There is literally nothing that Obambi could do that the bootlicking crowd that used to expose hypocrisy and injustice cannot justify, defend and approve of. The MSM is now the Obama Ministry of Propaganda and Misinformation.
How hard will America have to be slapped in the face before they feel the blow? Over a million dollars for a night on the town...while the average Joe is drowning in debt...not his own.
Obama...emboldening Tyrants and Dictators since Jan.20th 2009.
At least he kept one
June 2, 2009 - 11:11 ET by KevroyAt least he kept one promise.
pleh pleh pleh!
June 2, 2009 - 11:12 ET by katainkentall Obama reports will now be shown in boudoir settings with mood lighting and chilled wine.
___________________________________________
Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past - George Orwell - 1984
→ Date Night
June 2, 2009 - 11:14 ET by Cool ArrowI'm just not getting all that upset over date-night.
I want the President to love his wife, spend a night out with her, even show her off.
There's plenty of stuff he does that irks my guts, but this ain't one of them.
It makes us look petty.
"The only reason Clarence Thomas is on the court is because he's black". - Joe Biden
what, no shows in DC worth going to?
June 2, 2009 - 11:26 ET by SouthJersey1953Wasting up to $250,000 of our money to take his wife out doesn't bother you? Why not take her to a nice restraurant and show in DC?
I'd love to take my wife to dinner and a show in NYC also.....maybe BHO could give me some of the taxpayer's money to do it.
Agreed, that he has done a lot of worse things, but where do you draw the line?
→ Draw the line
June 2, 2009 - 11:35 ET by Cool ArrowI don't know where I drew the line. It was originally BAIPA. That an Illinois State Senator would so soundly stand for the murder of children after they're born. Since then, it's been a number of lesser things.
I enjoyed the President showing up on the deck of a ship in a jet fighter. He could have chartered a boat, or better yet, waited until the ship set into port. Sorry, wrong President.
I just can't get worked up over it.
"The only reason Clarence Thomas is on the court is because he's black". - Joe Biden
???
June 2, 2009 - 11:48 ET by krendlerI enjoyed the President showing up on the deck of a ship in a jet
fighter. He could have chartered a boat, or better yet, waited until
the ship set into port. Sorry, wrong President.
Bush performing an official function as commander in chief, addressing the military and the nation = The Obama's on Date Night in the Big City? Brilliant.
how soon they forget
June 2, 2009 - 23:12 ET by 24enakIf only Obama had a ranch where he could clear some brush. Bush shattered the record for "vacation" (I know the president is never truely out of reach while in office) days while in office. so until Obama comes close to president Bush's getaways get back to me.
Shattered the record?
June 2, 2009 - 23:26 ET by general companyLets see that record. BTW I hope Obama stays on vacation, it will be cheaper that way. I would think you liberals would had felt them same about Bush? Maybe he went on Vacations so much because you guys didnt want to do anything constructive, like save SS, or pass an energy bill, or help out Fanny and Freddie, or help buisiness create jobs and wealth? Just a thought.
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
It's Outrageous
June 2, 2009 - 12:25 ET by HoosierEmYou know, I really don't care what the Obamas do but DO NOT WASTE TAXPAYER DOLLARS doing it; especially at this time and with the state of our economy.
He is acting like he's the king of this country and not an elected official.
The only good thing about it all? He's just showing his true colors to a lot of people who voted for him who now regret that vote. 2010 isn't that far away.
WIWDI
June 2, 2009 - 11:31 ET by 76UnitedWhat if W. Did It?
Just more b.s. from the king of same
June 2, 2009 - 11:34 ET by Sefton"You can't get corporate jets, you can't go take a trip to Las Vegas or go down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayer's dime." - Another 'Do as I say, not as I do' Obamatalk.
really?
June 2, 2009 - 23:20 ET by 24enakHe is the leader of the free world for crying out loud. He hasn't failed (sorry Rush) and asked for a bailout. If the first couple hit the town every weekend, showing up on TMZ, then reason to be mad would be justified.
→ 24enak
June 2, 2009 - 23:25 ET by Cool ArrowPerhaps you should call Tim Geithner and tell him to get those kneepads off. Tell the Chinese we don't need their stinking money.
Sure glad we don't need that bailout.
"The only reason Clarence Thomas is on the court is because he's black". - Joe Biden
Oh, I see. It was all part of the stimulus program....
June 2, 2009 - 11:36 ET by krendlerSheesh, we even have weathermen chiming in now, rushing to The Beautiful Couple's defense: However, immediately following Gielan’s totaling of the bill,
weatherman Dave Price defended the expense: "No, I mean – no, he's the
president. They – he has to have security. That's how he has to travel.
Thanks for the political commentary, idiot, but please, just read us the weather report. OK?
And then there's the "this was part of the stimulus" defense:
And also, you know what? It did some for – some business for the local
economy, I'll bet you ticket sales went up for that show and maybe
other Broadway shows." Harry Smith explained: "They did, they actually
tripled." Price replied: "Did they really triple, yeah? Yeah, I mean,
give the – give the guy a break. I mean, you know."
Yep, that's about right in terms of the efficiency of government subsidized stimulus: Spend $81,000 - plus security and motorcade costs - so let's say a cool $100,000 of taxpayer dollars - to inject about $200 into the local economy of NY. Hysterical. I wonder if these morning show dingbats realize how idiotic they sound.
Where do
June 2, 2009 - 11:49 ET by oldmanateethese idiots learn to speak?
... Price replied: "Did they really triple, yeah? Yeah, I mean, give the – give the guy a break. I mean, you know." ...
I hear there are good theatres in the DC area, just ask Lincoln. I mean, you know.
A quarter mil for a booty call sounds cheap compared to any other time a democrat tries to get laid.
Here's the thing...
June 2, 2009 - 11:54 ET by moderncommentaries83If Barack Obama wasn't engaged in a full-scale attack on any and all wealth producers in this nation (forget the notion of "the rich"; he's after anyone who goes to work and makes a living), if he didn't criticize our choices in cars and lifestyles, if he didn't belittle corporate bonuses...no one would care about his date nights!
But the same things the Obamas do, he doesn't want others to be able to afford.
I wouldn't care if they jetted to New York for a date if 1) they didn't use taxpayer money and 2) they didn't chastize us for our luxuries and creature comforts.
It's the hypocrisy, stupid.
Aut viam inveniam aut faciam
Obama's ass = Febreze® for Harriet
June 2, 2009 - 11:56 ET by SickofLibsAttention Harriet: if you get over there to Blue Hill real fast, you may still be able to sniff the seat before they ship it out to the Smithsonian.
→ SOL
June 2, 2009 - 12:00 ET by Cool ArrowShe dreams she is Eminem with Obama in a Borat-style stunt?
"The only reason Clarence Thomas is on the court is because he's black". - Joe Biden
Cool: that would be a lap dance Harriet would pay BIG money for!
June 2, 2009 - 12:32 ET by SickofLibsI believe Harriet would not even spit out the feathers. They'd go right into his "My Best Boners" scrapbook.
This is sickening, the way
June 2, 2009 - 12:30 ET by AlanaThis is sickening, the way these TV people talk about Obama. What's wrong with people?
And yes, a date night is wonderful. What's not wonderful is running to the city of your choice (Chicago, NYC) to do it.
Especially when many of us can't afford to go out on a date night at all, much less pop off to another city - on our dime! - to satisfy some whim.
"Let them eat cake."
Open wide
June 2, 2009 - 23:36 ET by 24enakIt is sickening the way Obama is covered, by both sides mind you, But you do understand that the PRESIDENT, Democrat or Republican (or Whig for that matter) has different set of rules because he is the leader of the free world. Many of us don't have a secret service 24-7, Many of us don't sit down and talk with leaders from around the world, Many of us don't live in a giant White House with 50 some bathrooms, Many of us don't have a helicopter land in our lawn to take us to an airport. Do I really have to continue, the President of the United States is an honor and a privilege
Just how much work has Duh
June 2, 2009 - 12:34 ET by Dan The Man 2Just how much work has Duh One accomplished with his playtime. How many days off has this character had so far? Did President Bush ahve so many dates, I dont seem to remember any of them.
I dont begrude the expenses as they re prks and needed to protect the boy president as they were to protect President Bush and Clinton and so on. I do think it is egotisical of him to interupt the activity of normal citizens with his entourage. Of course its in NYC and they need to be interupted in their daily activities so they can develop animosity for Duh One like I have.
Re how much work
June 2, 2009 - 13:25 ET by slickwillie2001I'd like to see a list of all the weekday and weekend parties they are throwing, most of them likely very private. The Bamster's also famous for late mornings and a very short workday, like 9:30 to about 4pm, and God forbid he might work Saturday or Sunday.
I wonder if the NYC trip might have been required to placate M'chell. In Chicago, the Bamsters were famous for always being at the latest trendy party or play. She might be bored and bouncing off the walls in DC, away from friends and the party life they had become accustomed to.
GWB vacations
June 2, 2009 - 13:31 ET by JerI believe Bush, prior to 9/11, had taken more vacation days than any other President in modern history.
Jer
→ Yo Jer
June 2, 2009 - 13:35 ET by Cool ArrowYou'll note, in this very thread, I don't necessarily sing along.
"The only reason Clarence Thomas is on the court is because he's black". - Joe Biden
Presidents...
June 2, 2009 - 13:56 ET by Prester John....don't have vacation days.
They don't just leave Washington, D.C. and tell everyone to call the VP if there are any problems or else they'll just have to wait until he gets back.
The issue at hand is spending taxpayer money (which BHO says we've run out of) to run up to NYC for a date when he could've jumped in the limo and taken Michelle to a show at the Kennedy Center or any of the other theaters in DC/MD/VA.
They (WH and Congress) think they are royalty.
They think it is their money to do with as they please.
They think we are stupid and that we should just shut up.
The Media
June 2, 2009 - 14:18 ET by HoosierEmWhat compounds the fact that they think we are stupid and we should just shut up is that sentiment is spewed by the state run media outlets in this country.
I believe Bush, prior to
June 2, 2009 - 15:11 ET by Dan The Man 2I believe Bush, prior to 9/11, had taken more vacation days than any other President in modern history.
And your prof Jer?
Jer-Gate Day 10
Dan the Man 2... Here's
June 2, 2009 - 16:56 ET by JerDan the Man 2...
Here's the deal, anointed one. As you know, your repeated inclinations to comment about my salvation, the destiny of my soul, and my acceptance of Jesus Christ, finally induced me to ask you to likewise offer your reflections concerning the soul and salvation of Noel Sheppard.
Well, I'm still waiting, anointed one.
And as soon as you do, I'll be on my way.
I'm not sure how many days ago I issued the challenge. So, let's just arbitrarily say this is Day 5, because I'm sure it has been at least that long.
Jer
Anointed One Watch: Day 5
Huh?
June 2, 2009 - 15:15 ET by CobraMan"I believe Bush, prior to 9/11, had taken more vacation days than any other President in modern history."
You believe wrong. Bush was only in office for 8 months prior to 9/11, so he didn't have TIME for a lot of vacations. So, where did you come up with your "vacation" definition?
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court
CobraMan... Poorly worded
June 2, 2009 - 17:05 ET by JerCobraMan...
Poorly worded on my part in a couple of respects. One, I meant in comparison with other Presidents for equivalent time periods dating from first taking office, and two, I need to check on correct terminology. Dan the Man, to whom I was responding, had used the words "days off", but I'm not sure that is appropriate either.
Jer
In his first 100 days, Bush
June 2, 2009 - 18:18 ET by balboaIn his first 100 days, Bush spent 54 of them at his ranch in Texas.
bal, And Bush never made one "business" phone call, right?
June 2, 2009 - 18:33 ET by upcountrywaterYou have NEVER heard of a working vacation?
Reagan VS Carter and 0bama
I don't know what he did
June 2, 2009 - 18:42 ET by balboaI don't know what he did during that time, just that he was there 54 days out of 100. I would imagine he did some work in addition to clearing brush. :-)
Heck as far as I am concernd
June 2, 2009 - 18:57 ET by general companyIt would be cheaper for all of us if Obama stayed on Vacation. It is when he works, we pay the big money. If he spent 250k per day for the rest of his presidency, we would save a few Trillion.
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Duh the man dos
June 2, 2009 - 23:44 ET by 24enakNo President Bush didn't have many dates, at least with his wife. But he did have many dates with his brush down at the Crawford ranch. And the most days away from the White House than any other President in recent history.
http://www.ask.com/bar?q=how+many+vacation+days+did+president+bush+take+while+in+office&page=1&qsrc=0&ab=0&u=http%3A%2F%2Fask.yahoo.com%2F20031001.html
I don't really care
June 2, 2009 - 15:30 ET by BKeyserThis is what we've become- the guys goes out for a night and the right immediately chastizes him for it, and the left plans the excuses before he boards the plane.
The man can have a night off- if something were to happen he wouldn't respond for a number of days anyway, so why denegrate him for being out of the loop? Secondly, if he doesn't regulary hobknob with the commonfolk (Manhattanites), how will he be able to assess the pulse of America? Finally, the last thing we need is a first lady complaining all the time that "you don't spend enough time with ME!"
Don't put this kind of pressure on the man, he's got a car company to run for gosh sakes! /sarc off
Bk... ...and to think
June 2, 2009 - 15:39 ET by bigtimerBk...
...and to think that that low-life Bush only took Laura to Crawford for vacation while he was running the business of the country from his western WH....
How dare he!
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
The controversy shouldn't be
June 2, 2009 - 15:38 ET by cloudnineThe controversy shouldn't be about how much money was spent on the date. It should be about the presidents hypocrisy of slamming CEO's of Fortune 500 companies who are in financial trouble using expensive private jets, when the USA is in financial trouble and he uses 2 additional planes for aides, and the press. Way to set an example Obama!
Why does the press have to tag along?
June 3, 2009 - 07:32 ET by BlueCat57I don't see why the press needs to go along. They all just show up and take dictation from the White House anyway. There is no original reporting.
If Obama picked up a hooker and the press saw it they would just wait for Gibbs to tell them how to report it. If Michelle made some insensitive comment they would just report the spin. If someone objected to having their "special" night interrupted by the President the press would "Joe the Plumber" them and destroy their life for daring to express their opinion and not appreciate how special their evening was by having the President ruin it.
So why are we wasting taxpayer money on the press corp following the President around. Hell, just cut out the middleman and let the White House write the news stories.