Flying up to New York City for a romantic date, President Obama and First Lady Michelle make their way to board Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. The First Couple are attending a Broadway show and dinner in the Big Apple.
(NEWSCOM)Photos (1 of 1)
RNC slams Obama for romantic date with Michelle in New York
By Jimmy Orr | 05.30.09
Sure, it’s one of the worst songs ever written. But perhaps President Obama and First Lady Michelle are closet Air Supply fans and are simply “Keeping the Love Alive” by enjoying a date-night in New York City tonight.
As we told you earlier, the Obamas are spending a presumably romantic evening together with dinner and a Broadway show this evening in the Big Apple.
If the RNC are fans of Air Supply as well, perhaps they believe the Obamas are “Lost in Love” because flying off to New York while the economy is tanking is just not right they say.
“As President Obama prepares to wing into Manhattan’s theater district on Air Force One to take in a Broadway show, GM is preparing to file bankruptcy and families across America continue to struggle to pay their bills,” RNC spokeswoman Gail Gitcho said in an email this afternoon.
That’s not all from Gitcho. She then added a snitty, “Have a great Saturday evening — even if you’re not jetting off somewhere at taxpayer expense.”
Fung Wah
Well, you can say the Obamas are at least trying to keep the costs down. They downsized the transportation opting not to take the normal Air Force One 747.
It’s not like they took the $10 Fung Wah Bus either though. They just hopped on a smaller plane. Although it is still called Air Force One, it’s just part of the fleet.
The plane they took this afternoon is an Air Force Gulfstream V (C-37A) — a 12 passenger aircraft. (H/T Mark Knoller). And there are no plans to circle the Statue of Liberty.
Snazzy
It looks like they’re ready to hit the town too. Reports are that they’re all snazzed up. According to the Associated Press, Michelle “…wore her hair up, heels and a sleeveless black ruffled dress that fell below the knee while he went tieless in a dark suit and white shirt.”
No details yet on the restaurant of choice. Although we are surmising that’s it’s a notch up from the hamburger stand the president visited yesterday (nothing against hamburger stands).
As for the Broadway show? They are heading to the Belasco Theatre for a performance of “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone”.
We’ll keep you posted… So follow us on Twitter!
<< Obamas head to New York - no aerial tour of Statue of Liberty planned | MainComments
2. Alaric | 05.30.09
Which president was it who took the most vacation days in history? I facetiously forget.
3. Harris | 05.30.09
This is an ‘issue’? Please. Someone (Gitcho) needs to go back to Talking Point School ASAP.
4. M Horst | 05.30.09
RNC, get a grip. Who cares? Acting the way you have been acting is not going to make me vote for you.
5. Joseph Leaphorn | 05.30.09
Oh yeah! Reminds me when I was in love with an Arabian horse trainer. “Lost in love”.
6. P. Wilson | 05.30.09
Yes, the Obamas should be working more days like when GW took office and immediately proceeded to take vacation. Yes, look it up. GW is officially documented to have taken over 400 days of vacation while in office. That is over 60 days per year. Please continue to fuss over the Obama’s alone time. You fools. I guess the Republicans got it right again. They took vacation and now they watch the black man do all the hard work for them. Is it the plane that bothers you? Ok, you win. The world leader should probably have taken a ten speed to get there. Good lord, even Julia Roberts got a nice ride in a plane in Pretty Woman and she was a ******!
7. Vic WInkler | 05.30.09
The Republicans are well beyond acting ridiculous, what’s left? Soon their leader (Newt? Rush? ****?) will order them to wear pink with black stripes…
What is this a war against the rest of us?
Ha ha ha! What a joke.
Good job so far Mr President.
8. Another Voter | 05.30.09
Obama is more than welcome to use some of my taxes to enjoy his “date night”
Keep up the great work Big O!
Suck it RNC!
9. Kaye R. | 05.30.09
Hey, I applaud the Obamas for keeping family first. My finace’ and I hve 7 kids between us and we are struggling, but we still take time to spend with each other and the children. Get a grip, if he spends the next four years in office and they never go out, then he’ll be assumed as a cheater, my God, must every thing be scrutinized too death??? How many Republicans take their spouses out???? Instead of paying call girls and prostitutes they wouldn’t be so jealous! And I am not a Democrat, i vote Independent,so it is not a party slam, just an observation.
10. Parkhillian | 05.30.09
Good for them. I have nothing against the Obama’s having a night out. I think it is a refreshing change to see the President and his wife enjoying spending time with each other out as a loving couple.
11. Aaron Burns | 05.30.09
Did bush junior not go to his crawford texas ranch all the time during his term. Come on. The 2 parties we have now sound like 2 kids tattle telling on each other over little issues whild each group refuses to sit down and give honest answers to pointed questions. I love watching cnn when they ask the white house press secratary a yes or no question and either he acts like he does not understand the question or gives a 20 min answer that does not answer the question.
12. Aaron | 05.30.09
Wait… exactly how much time did Bush spend at his ranch while supposedly coordinating 2 wars and Hurricane relief? The RNC needs to get over itself. Come up with real issues and perhaps your poll numbers will rise, keep messing with this silly stuff and continue your march toward irrelevance.
13. Terry Howe | 05.30.09
Oh grow up. At least they are out and about in the public and not so stuck up like most of the RNC. General and Secretary Powell was right and he is about the only member of the Republican that I would currently vote for.
14. richard in oklahoma | 05.30.09
what’s wrong with it ? are the republicans doing without and never go out anyway just because the economy isn’t where it was when clinton was in office ? (tongue in cheek, of course). my wife and i still go out some, just not as much and we don’t go out to the really expensive places, but we still go out. i admire him and her for going out on a date and saying it’s ok to still do that. by the way, I still like air supply too..
15. Mo | 05.30.09
Look, if it didn’t rain the incumbent president is to blame. How come the RNC didn’t crisize either Bush or Cheney when they go hunting or have a family night out. It is RNC’s politics as usual with RNC in anyways. If we think about their trickle down business, something will trickle down to someone tonight. I wish the republicans are so poor they are on the receiving end of the trickling.
16. gonestealth | 05.30.09
I hope The Grand Obsolete Party keeps complaining and making stupid remarks.. I love it because everytime these morons open up their mouth they just insure that there won’t be a Repub Prsident until maybe my kid is an adult.. And he is only 16 moneth right now.. LOL.. Keep talking and keep sinking.. I love it!!!
17. Brian M | 05.30.09
Obama needs to be cut some slack. He’s working hard to fix the economy, so what’s wrong with him taking a break? I wonder if Gail Gitcho has stopped going on dates with her husband.
18. Rajiv | 05.30.09
If you can’t win on policy, distract. How many Republican leaders are staying home watching TV in this difficult time?
19. Chris Berry | 05.30.09
Wait… how many times did Bush fly to Crawford, Texas during his eight years to hang out at the ranch? Oh, right, 77 times - about ten times a year, for a total of 490 days. Further, he was at Camp David 487 days. The last president spent about a third of his entire tenure on vacation. It seems more than a little hypocritical to feign outrage that the Obamas are spending a night in NYC.
20. GCL | 05.30.09
this from the party whose president hid in camp david at taxpayer expense a third of his term?
21. NinaK | 05.30.09
I think it is wonderful for President Obama and Michelle to get away from the White House by themselves and enjoy a night in NYC. Good for them! I have concluded the the party of “NO” insists on disagreeing and criticizing our President for the sake of disagreeing and crticizing our President. It does not matter what President Obama does or say, the Republicans are ready tol jump up and hear themselves holler “NO”, “NO”, “NO”. As far as I am concerned, they are a small-minded, envious, selfish, and money-grabbing party and we, Americans, can do without the repubs. They nearly distroyed our country, yet they think they can do better the our current President?? That is laughable!!
23. Lonn | 05.30.09
Once again, the Republican Party doesn’t get it. The American public voted for President Obama because they connected with him - even if vicariously enjoying life through him and the First Lady. The Kennedy’s brought a similar refreshing post-war atmosphere to America (and the world). The RNC would much rather the President sit in a bunker and repeat the sins of the past 8 years. RNC - please understand that America nor the world value or cherish what you say or what you stand for. Gail Gitcho: your world-view is full of sin and greed and failure. Now, please be quiet.
25. RWG | 05.30.09
Don’t think that I care for Obama, his politics, his ideas, etc., but really, what do we expect from this guy? Is he supposed to lock himself in the oval office for the next four years? Being President carries with it the obligation to submit to certain security restrictions and procedures. I don’t think we would be very forgiving of him if we found out that he and his wife had hopped into the family Prius and drove off to the Big Apple for the weekend. What was this guy thinking we would demand. How about reporting something newsworthy next time!
26. Love the Drama | 05.30.09
I love that we can finally criticize our President for taking his wife out on a date rather than for violating American principles by torturing prisoners.
27. a citizen | 05.30.09
Dear RNC, the election is over. Have you not been paying attention? As a registered republican I am tired of the republican party taking any opportunity to dishonor OUR president. Give OUR president and first family a break. He is working extremely hard to get us back on track. He has already done a great deal for the sake of this country and the world as a whole. Give the man a break!
As far as I am concerned, I consider it an honor and privilege if some of my tax dollars are being used to feed and clothe two people who have given not only themselves but their entire family to care for us and the entire world community for the next four years. Give them a night out on the town. At least we know what they are doing with the money.
Next issue please.
28. angel | 05.30.09
Mr. Obama have sent a clear and loud message to America. Change is needed, enough is enough. Mr. Obama is separating the Government from Corporate Greed and corruption. As result the Brainwashed Ignorant and Greed and corrupted will attack him on anything they can. I’m enjoying all this because Mr. PRESIDENT Obama will not back down. He completely ignores and carries on with his duties. HI FIVE OBAMA.
29. frank | 05.30.09
good for them. He’s been working hard and getting a lot done. Everyone knows its necessary to take a break. How many trips were made to Crawford in Air Force One during the war against terrorism?
30. Lewis | 05.30.09
Maybe he should go read children a story, remove something more devastating then the “uptick rule” for wallstreet, start a war with the wrong country on the wrong continent, and molest his interns, oh that right RNC that’s already been done!
31. Milton Allen | 05.30.09
It is not like they have many other options of travel like the rest of us. Given all they are up against and how hard they have work, it is a rather cheap political shot the republican have taken. Chill out for a change Republican big wigs! Let’s see the past travel records of those lobbing the complaints!
32. Rose Newburg | 05.30.09
For heavens sake RNC! Five months of extremely stressful (mostly successful) work and you begrudge them one weekend of relaxation.
33. Heath Hamilton | 05.30.09
At least he isnt getting his picture taken with a birthday cake while people drown and die in New Orleans…
34. Alex | 05.30.09
Who cares. You don’t see them going on vacation in Texas or Maine for a month. Michelle Obama just helped the retail sector of stocks breakout through J. Crew’s earnings so she deserves a night out.
35. Jim | 05.30.09
Funny, I never heard the RNC complaining when Bush was out at a sports event, golfing, fishing, etc.. on the taxpayer’s dime when thousands of Americans were dying in overseas wars. They can take a flying leap. Losers.
37. jq | 05.30.09
don’t quite see what the big deal is. when bush went to the ranch for the weekend, nobody seemed to care. plsu, given the all the security detail, it’s probably cheaper to fly the ‘little One.’ it’s certianly better for the rest of the good folks on the eastern seaboard as the obstruction of public transportation or interstates, for that matter, is minimized. have a great saturday nite.
38. Amanda | 05.30.09
While a member of the Republican party, I am surprised that they would make this about the economy. A husband doing his best to show his wife a good time sounds like solid family values to me. It’s not like they do this every day.
39. shah | 05.30.09
Obama is the most patriotic American prisident in the history of America. He acts like and ordinary American vs. George Bush and **** Chenney who were hiding for 8 years and when the economy collapsed, they woke up. These two men are the “garbage in garbage out” of the RNC.
40. Larry | 05.30.09
Obama inherits multiple messes mostly caused by the GOP and has been working tirelessly to fix them. He stays upbeat and on message despite ridicule by the ousted GOP. So what if he takes his wife to NYC to see a show. As far as I’m concerned, he deserves this small pleasure and so much more. A far better tactic for the GOP would have been to offer to pay for the trip rather than continue with their tiresome complaints. They’ve become the Grand Olde Poohbahs.
41. RAD | 05.30.09
Geez louise!
I suppose the Obamas are supposed to just hole up in the White House and never, ever go out? That’s so ridiculous.
Republicans didn’t mind when W was jetting all over the country, having birthday cakes while New Orleans was drowning. Or that he spent more time on vacation, traveling at taxpayer expense, than any president in history.
Their hypocrisy knows no bounds.
I hope the Obamas have a wonderful evening!
42. Membery | 05.30.09
GOP is grasping at straws. Very pathetic. I’m sure the GOP is out busy collecting aluminum cans and working at the food kitchen this weekend.
43. Todd | 05.30.09
I support you, Obamas! God bless them. They deserve a night out to de-stress from the meltdown that the new President has to clean up.
44. Sampson | 05.30.09
This has got to be the most absurd of complaints… The guy hasn’t taken a vacation in probably two years.
And he’s going to New York, not Amsterdam.
And he’s taking his wife, not some bimbo.
What is the problem?
45. norwichmel | 05.30.09
He IS the President and a human being.. Some of us can go out for a meal, some of us cannot. It is what it is… We are paying him a salry to do a job, doesn’t mean he cannot use some of that money to take his wife out on a Friday night. Get over it!
46. ann christine | 05.30.09
Romance is key to a balanced, healthy life. Good for President Obama for making his wife a priority in his life.
47. Donna T | 05.30.09
You know what…I say good for them! Many in our family are struggling too but I don’t begrudge the Obama’s a romantic night on the town! Actually, it’s a bit uplifting to know that romance is alive and strong in their household. It’s healthy! As far as the transportation…there is a security issue to think about and those that are grumbling would be grumbling no matter how they got to New York!
48. shrdlu | 05.30.09
Where were these people when Dubya was spending days, weeks at Crawford when
our gallant servicemen and women were being slaughtered in his and Cheney’s ill-conceived and illegal wars which were and still are draining the American economy and which are the main reason people are losing their jobs and homes?
49. Daniel | 05.30.09
I’m sure these people were just as furious when Bush spent every other day vacationing at his Crawford ranch right?
50. Michael | 05.30.09
The RNC followed up with “How dare the president attempt to strengthen the marriage between a man and a woman!”
51. Yeil | 05.30.09
The Republican message - they hate romance?
Vote Democrat 2010 & 2012
We have a life. Join us!
52. Ric G. | 05.30.09
Oh come on! Is this any different than traditional and frequent jaunts back to the ranch by an earlier administration? Do we have a right to complain about how Obama chooses to spend his presidential salary? Do we have any right to criticize the Obama’s taste in music? (Well, in this case…) The fact that they opted for the Gulfstream shows they have some concern for the budget. It costs a tiny fraction of what the presidential 747 does per trip.
As Mr. Orr pointed out, any fixed-wing aircraft the president is aboard is designated “Air Force One” (just as any helicopter he flies is “Marine One”). I imagine that there will more than a few conservative pundits who will choose not to mention this.
53. S. Armstrong | 05.30.09
. . . and this is how the RNC plans on winning back the hearts and minds of American voters? I’m thinking that the GOP is pretty much “All Out of Love”.
54. Cali | 05.30.09
So, it was OK for Bush to take many, many vacations, to his ranch in Texas, and, OK, for his Dad to fly up to Kennebunkport, whenever he wanted, but, Pres. Obama & Mrs. Obama, can’t go on a date? Please! I want my President, to have some fun & relax, now & then, because he has worked so hard, since he came to office, to just begin fixing 60 years of GOP policies, which actually brought this Country into the Financial Ruin! By the way, how much have the 2 wars in the Middle East, cost, in lives & $? The wars Bush insisted on!
55. Bellows | 05.30.09
These incessantly petty, whining comments from Republicans are getting very old, and they simply don’t resonate with the American people. There is nothing inappropriate about the president and his wife taking in a Broadway show and having a dinner out in NYC. Do Ms. Gitcho and her fellow GOPers really have so little else to think about, and so little else to do, that this deserves their time and attention? Please. They insult our colletive intelligence with this nonsense.
56. john normile | 05.30.09
Didn’t ex president bush take a whole vacation after two months in office?…..These miserable republicans need to be realistic if they ever want to be taken seriously…….
57. robin davis | 05.30.09
Gee
George W. visited my state FOR A WEEKEND and it cost us taxpayers over $7 million dollars. What was the purpose?
Go fishing with then governor Dirk Kempthorne—-soon to be courted as Secretary of the Interior.
Apparently George thought he had finally found a place without protesters. Wrong–in the tiny town of Donnelly over 500 people showed up to protest his visit.
So–RNC–you are digging deep—tsk tsk-a weekend in New York vs a $7 million dollar fishing weekend?
Do the numbers.
58. williambanzai7 | 05.30.09
Its great to see the RNC speaking out on real important issues for a change.
60. Rob S | 05.30.09
I’m happy to pay taxes when a guy like Obama is in office. Atleast he works hard and rarely takes a day off… heck, take the company jet… you’ve EARNED IT.
After 4 months of grueling work without taking a day off, I would say the President and First Lady are entitled to ONE day off at the taxpayer’s expense.
W spent a third of his term at the Crawford Ranch chopping wood and blowing dandelions while our country was being flushed down the toilet by the old, conservative policies of his old, stupid party.
61. Alex | 05.30.09
So “bush” can go on vacation more than any other President, (during War time) and the RNC has no problem with it. But when a Democrat goes on a nice date with his wife it’s a big NO NO. Hmm, and people wonder why the RNC is falling apart.
I served in Iraq and I went on a 2 week leave. I went to Europe with my wife. We had so much fun there. And all that was done on the Tax payer’s dollar. If a president wants to go on a nice date with his wife than let him. He deserves it.
So back off and let him enjoy a little time with his wife. Find better things to worry about. I am sure there are better things and more pressing things. Like fixing your party.
A Veteran.
62. wayne leng | 05.30.09
A good segment of the Republicans have really gone off the deep end. Are they still a party here in America? I don’t think so. Perhaps a little psychological help would be in order.
63. Todd | 05.30.09
Good for them. Personally I like seeing the First Couple out and about. The public deserves to see them out and doing things that regular people do, and that means the public everywhere, not just Washington DC. I hope they do it again, in Chicago, in LA, in San Fran, in Atlanta, and in Timbuktu. I guess the RNC would feel better if they just stayed holed up in the Whitehouse like the GW and Laura Bush did.
Republican carping about all this small stuff is just so old. I wish they would just get on board and do something other than complain.
64. RNC Douchebags | 05.30.09
The RNC attack is laughable. The DNC did not attack Bush when he left washington on multiple vacations AFTER 9-11. At least Obama has taken a day of vacations since he got into office he deserves a night on the Big Apple. He’s not a robot and what has the RNC done for the economy but cast doubt anyways.
65. Y halop Lord | 05.30.09
Interesting. . . so, how’s North Korea doing? Somehow I don’t feel safer. Didn’t he say in a speech somewhere along the line that he goes to bed thinking and concerned about the American public - - - Guess Michelle trumped the American public.
67. Stephen | 05.30.09
Have the republicans and their flock completely lost their tiny little minds??? Have they all become so despondant that they criticize the president for this? He is the president! He doesn’t get to drive a car to go places, he can’t take a bus or a train, he has to travel this way, just as a republican president would. And he, or any other president, gets to go places and enjoy life, it helps take some of the stress away from the job. And yes, he gets to go with his wife. And pay attention, he took a small 12 passenger plane, not a huge one. Desperate republicans… if they put as much work into healing the country as they do slamming democrats and the president, we’d be furthur along fixing our countries problems.
68. hexalm | 05.30.09
I wonder how many members of the RNC went somewhere in their own jets for the Memorial Day recess?
69. sbp | 05.30.09
Ironic that the RNC is slamming THIS president for being insensitive for spending a weekend in NYC with GM circling the drain. I seem to remember George W. Bush was on vacation when the levees broke during Katrina… and it took W. 3 days to get back to the Whitehouse (after which he showed his concearn by flying overhead in Air Force One and peeping out a window at the destruction below).
“Yer doin’ one heck of a job, Brownie!”
About the most disturbing thing to me about this story is that the First Lady and the President LIKE Air Supply. Had they flown to NYC to see any other band from their Boomer babyhood I would have understood, but Air Supply? Yeeesh.
70. rncisdesperate | 05.30.09
I wonder how much it cost for GW to fly to Crawford… how many times? It’s not like they can just get in their old Ford Escape Hybrid like the old days, it’s sort of a requirement that they take secret service, etc. I’m sure, if they could, they would love to sneak off in the night, unseen, at minimal expense.
I don’t fault them. I hope they keep it up.
71. Mike | 05.30.09
RNC, Get a clue. You would complain about anything the President and his with does.
Did you fly to Europe? No
It was a small trip to New York. Give him a break and get off your high horse. You have the right to judge anyone, you are NOT god, stop acting like it.
73. Speaktruth | 05.30.09
The Republicans need to figure out what they are for. We know what they are against - anything Obama. Republicans claim to be for family values, but criticize President Obama for going on a “date” with his wife - but nominated a guy (McCain) who cheated on his wife and then left her after she became disfigured and disabled in an accident. They talk up the “has been” Newt Gingrich as a possible leader of their party when he did even worse to his wives. And they follow every word of Rush Limbaugh whose conduct and drug use need no comment.
Republicans claim to be for fiscal responsibility, but both deficits and national debt blew up to historic highs during 12 years of Reagan-Bush, saw them come down under Clinton, then saw Bush II blow up not only the deficits, but the entire economy.
74. G.L. Monahan | 05.30.09
But not a peep out of ‘em when their papier mâché cowboy went out cutting brush while the men and women he sent off to a made up war were dying.
75. Dennis K | 05.30.09
I’m a Republican and comments like Gail’s are exactly why the Republican Party is failing. The President of the USA takes his wife on a date and he gets hammered by the Republican spokeswoman. The man has the most stressful job in the world, real classy Republicans… Why don’t you criticize the number of bathroom breaks he takes too. Keep up these acts and our party will be looking for bailout money after we fail too.
76. Mike McShea | 05.30.09
The RNC should get a life. I am glad to see the first couple doing normal stuff. Did either of the two Bushes ever git to broadtway?
What comes to mind in terms of hip (this is dated) songs is more like Huey Lewis and the News “The Power of Love”.
Enjoy!
77. Finally a REAL issue! | 05.30.09
Finally, the RNC has been able to find their voice, with a real, tangible message that can resonate with America.
Yes, slam the Obamas for taking a 12-seat jet to NYC for a night on Broadway. Never mind his Repub predecessor took whole months off at Crawford, went fly-fishing while people literally were perishing from lack of supplies at the SuperDome in NOLA.
It took them long enough, but FINALLY the RNC is communicating substance, REAL issues that I care about!!!
Way to go!
78. Paul Johnston | 05.30.09
Just like the Republicans. When Bush was running all over the country helping his fellow Republicans lose their elections on Air Force 1 not a word.Trip to Texas 2-3 times a month. Republicans = LOSERS
79. gert | 05.30.09
I don’t have a problem with the Obamas going on a date; it’s refreshing to see how much they enjoy each other’s company. The RNC is trying to make a mountain out of a molehill to sppear relevant, and their base will be inflamed. However, the automakers’ crisis and Americans’ finanacial struggles are not new problems — as both the RNC and the otherwise hardworking Obamas are aware — so I’m not persuaded that this is a flagrant waste of my tax dollars.
80. Brian | 05.30.09
I’m not an Obama fan, but the guy has a tough job, and an unincarcerated American has a right to take his wife to NY if he can afford it. The jet may be on our dime, but we do have any obligation to provide his security and I am sure it is cheaper for to fly him than to arrange security for him if he bought his own ticket on a train or commuter flight. This also avoids inconveniencing thousands of innocent people would would cross paths with him.
81. The Joker | 05.30.09
I really hope they have a great time and the RNC keeps piling the dirt on the GOP burial site - the web. I am getting sick and tired of the same ol, same ol from the loser party. This guy is busting is buns (not hamburger) to try to get this country rolling again and the GOPers, better known as THE MINORITY, are critizing everything he does. Tomorrow I expect to see the talking heads raising the major issue related here - POTUS did not wear a tie to NYC…The Joker
82. R | 05.30.09
Gail Gitcho is a moron. Why wasn’t she crying while Bush II went on his Crawford vacations once a month at taxpayers expense?
83. Matt | 05.30.09
The RNC also issued a statement declaring that anyone who spends money during a recession is being disrespectful. To lavish one’s funds on a new, American-made car as people are losing their jobs is to flaunt privilege in the face of hardship, and should be sharply discouraged. Mr. Obama’s supporting of the American arts and NYC economy is the height of his arrogance - as nobody else in America has been to a Broadway show since the Bear Sterns collapse.
This news also comes at the heels of an RNC directive to all Fortune 500 directors and officers not to eat at any restaurants, attend Broadway shows, or wear expensive clothing, as this is irresponsible behavior when so many people are struggling. The CEOs gladly acquiesced to this demand, as they recognize the importance of the sacrifice that the RNC is asking of President Obama and his wife.
84. mcgoo | 05.30.09
Obama can’t go on a date with his wife, but Bush can play his guitar while New Orleans is buried by a hurricane and spend half his Presidency at that phony-baloney Crawford ranch “clearing brush”.
85. Josephine | 05.30.09
Hypocrisy galore. No private jets for CEOs. Certainly nothing for the American people that cannot fly on a Gulfstream V. And, two more planes to carry the entourage. This is the teleprompter let them eat cake President–he loves these perks. People will figure him out as will maybe the mainstream media.
86. Doug Loomer | 05.30.09
You’ve got to be kidding RNC. This criticism represents the most transparently partisan type of behavior imaginable. As a moderate, I will tell you that this “majoring on minors” is a part of the reason that I feel an increasing level of disrespect for the Republican Party. Grow up and stop the petty comments. We aren’t idiots out here.
87. tim eggers | 05.30.09
As a wise comedian once said “this is another fine mess you’ve gotten us into Ollie”. Seeings as how the RNC and their Greed Machine got us into this mess, they should just be quiet. True to their Rovian mentality, they come up with snide remarks. If Obama had taken a different turn fresh out of Harvard, He would no doubt be making alot more than the quarter mil salary as Potus, so i think we are getting a bargain. If you recall Dubya’s first 100 days, he was at the ranch, Obama is doing what we sent him to do, ACT.
88. Mark | 05.30.09
Good for them… considering the stress of the job, they deserved this. I hope they had a wonderful time.
And as for the RNC… don’t you people have anything better to do than try to criticize every single freaking move the President makes? You might not be happy about other things, but criticizing this just makes you seem petty.
89. john rock | 05.30.09
God bless them. May they have a fun escape.
america has never had a first family this cool. please let there be no further negative political carping. amen
90. Graham | 05.30.09
How many times did George II take air force one to Crawford and the RNC made not so much as a peep? Hypocrites. No wonder they are the minority party.
91. Jim Russell | 05.30.09
Peevish Ms Gitcho sounds jealously envious. Evidently no one invited her to the Ball. Wonder why? The Party of NO, old angry white guys, and ignorant intolerant members of the old Confederacy have finally been joined by an angry wallflower woman. As the Republican Party shrivels like rotten roadkill, the Democrat Party grows at warp speed with strong women, tolerant young people, suburanites, college grads, and growing minorities. Adios, intolerant angry old white guys and your token cranky wallflower and good riddeance.
J Russell
Illinois
92. Brian Schmidt | 05.30.09
I’m not an astrobiologist, but is it possible these RNC “people” are from another planet?
93. Allan Clark (10001) | 05.30.09
Seems more like they were in the area, why not have a night off? As a NewYorker, I’d like to proudly think that my city is more fun for a date-night than most other locales. 
94. Don Greeley | 05.30.09
Dear Gail Gitch….As Carson would say..” “She doesn’t have both oars in the water”..bad for the Pres to have a night out but OK FOR CONGRESSMEN OR SENATORS to take trips to the GALOPICOS ISL, with FAMILIES, at TAX PAYERS EXPENCE. Thank you very much Gail
95. Sandra | 05.30.09
Guess they forgot all the times they chastised the Bush’s for going to Camp David….how short their memories.
As far as THESE TWO…I think it takes a lot of nerve to jet off to some ‘romantic’ weekend while the country is in such dire straits….
Well, lets’ be sure this president gets his ‘booty’ time on the taxpayers dole.
Can’t wait till these two are taken down…the jerk is proving himself to be inept at every turn.
96. Clay | 05.30.09
Republicans think “Big Government” Obama should actually be doing more with the economy now? I thought they wanted as little government as possible. The party of stupid should have said something when thousands of civilians were being slaughtered while their president was reading ‘The Pet Goat’, which he took the 747 on a much longer trip for. Republicans wanted the government to be doing more than cutting brush when gas was tanking the economy at $4.00 a gallon.
97. Jerome_Thomas | 05.30.09
Well, the RNC has again shown itself to be a bunch of shallow, gutless whiners. Plainly, the President’s visit to New York to attend a serious play will generate hundreds of thousands in publicity for the city and for Broadway. There is no need to further defend the Obamas’ night out. I’m sorry to say the RNC remains a bunch of petty, juvenile whiners, and I’m glad I’m not one of that pathetic bunch that makes up the RNC.
98. Jimsha | 05.30.09
I’m growing more and more tired of the GOP. Did Bush use private transportation to go back and forth between the White House and his vacation home in Crawford? Bush spend HUNDREDS OF DAYS VACATIONING while fighting a war on terror. No big deal. Obama takes one night off, and they throw a hissyfit. Again: so, so, SO tired of the GOP. I’m a registered independent, and they are slowly making me want to become a Democrat. I’m not the only one.
99. Allan Brauer | 05.30.09
I’m guessing no one ever asked Gail Gotcha, I mean Gitcho, on a romantic date of dinner and a show. Is being Republican a personality disorder or a conscious embrace of evil?
101. Robert | 05.30.09
Typical Republican Politicians. How loudly did they cry when “King George” W. Bush flew all over the country in 2002 campaigning for republican congressmen. Often making 2-3 campaign stops per day. Who paid for the fuel for Air Force One? Who paid for the Secret Service security? That was much more than a one day trip. That campaign traveling went on for months.
102. dw | 05.30.09
I didn’t vote for the guy…but would you rather your pres take a cab? Maybe you think they should hitchhike? Surely if you’re looking to score points off the guy, you can do better than this?
103. mihknotyu | 05.31.09
I thought Republicans were the party of marriage and family values?
He’s taking his wife out on a Saturday night date. You know, a politicians wife can’t live on fund raisers alone.
104. Linda | 05.31.09
For as much as Obama has criticized Americans here and abroad, chided CEOs , bullied hedge fund managers, tabled Las Vegas trips for big business customers,put military members in harms way ,why shouldn’t Michelle and he enjoy themselves in New York for a $100,000.00 dollar taxpayer funded date???? After all Obama has shed so much blood for this country while serving on the battlefields and Michelle sacrificed growing up poor. Yeah, they both really deserve it. And the rest of the Americans out of jobs , without housing , food and clothing, well he did provide with a massive pork ladened spending bill.Yes, our very own popular TOTUS should get anything he wants.
105. mondo3173 | 05.31.09
“Love the Drama”, “Michael”, and “RNC *********” above said it best, unbelievable
106. cwm | 05.31.09
Ditto nearly every comment already left.
Seriously, you thought one evening’s entertainment with his wife was going to make everyone think he was a scumbag? *rolls eyes*
107. Dolores Jones | 05.31.09
How easily we forget. These two lovebirds had a life, family, and jobs before living in the White House. Would they have taken such a trip on their own? I bet so! Would it have been more appreciated by the RNC had he been going on a duck-shooting spree while she sat in the hotel lobby reading a magazine? I bet so!
108. Geoff | 05.31.09
As if he actually could have said to the Secret Service, “Guys, Michelle and I are going to New York for the weekend. Let me have the keys for Cadillac One.”
Republicans, wake up. Your party has been hijacked by the crazies, and if you hope to ever field a winning candidate in a national election again, you’ve got to get a handle on this. Tell the Rove-Limbaugh-Cheney-Palin wing of the party that they don’t speak for you.
109. RyanLiberal | 05.31.09
it’s funny that RNC says Obama is wasting tax payer money or insisting that he is, because all government officials are paid by some tax payer money, where do you think the president gets his $400,000 a year salary?
Even bush gets a pension for the rest of his life! just to be lazy at some Texas ranch! at least half hs money is tax payers and he isnt even president.
So if RNC is going to complain about wasting tax payer money, we should take it to congress that the former president pension plan is axed.
110. BostonSteve | 05.31.09
No, Jimsha, you are not the only one. Sadly, the Republican party has offered independents nothing in the last 30 years. Whether it is building a case for the wrong war then inadequately supplying the troops or trying to legislate and interfere with individual privacy, pandering to divisive blowhards, and basically failing to take responsibility to come up with well thought out alternatives, the Republican party has not had the guts to tackle any serious issue in a way not self serving to the interests of the legislators or some monied party. Unfortunately, the only exception seems to be a guy who has been leading a state that is near meltdown and must be practical before being idealogical. It is unfortunate because he can never be elected president. Maybe others will follow his lead, but I am not holding my breath.
111. John M Warren | 05.31.09
One of the things about the Rebulican commentators that upsets me the most is the petty nature of many of their observations. They must have died a thousand deaths w2hen their “boy’ was in office.
112. Bubba | 05.31.09
Some Republican probably joked about it in the men’s room and a New York Times reporter overheard it and made a story out of in order to make the Republicans look even worse. I don’t mind if he goes to the big apple, but I’m not impressed. All this guy does is blame everything on everyone else. When does that train leave?
113. Vince | 05.31.09
Clearly the GOP’s loudest voices have absolutely lost their collective mind, to make this an issue. Geez. While I’m a Democrat, I want the GOP to be a healthy opposition party, to maintain a sound democracy.
Bottom line: this kind of hypocrisy and truly childish criticism does no good to the US amid a major recession and 2-front war, nor will it bring the GOP back from the abyss into which it has placed itself.
114. woodrow17 | 05.31.09
Nice job with the stimulus package Obama. The economy doesn’t seem to be doing anything, unemployment is going up. North Korea sees a weak inexperienced leader in the white house and is taking advantage. Watch out here comes Iran. I hope he is at least paying for the Broadway tickets and food so we can get some stimulus to the economy from the white house.
Many of you are right Obama won. He is turning out to be the Taylor Hicks of Presidental elections, he won but everything he produces stinks.
115. Maria | 05.31.09
Sure everyone needs a night out, but they signed up for the job so do the job. They are making a joke out of being the first family. They think they are un touchable and so not true. Bush may have went to his ranch yes his ranch so what , he also worked from their. A night out to travel to NYC for dinner and a show you do that when you are not running a country that is falling down around you. Many people that have lost their jobs wish they could go out on a date. To see Obamas wife always in designer dresses is just wrong. Sorry I do think they should do things but not throw it in the Americans faces as we sit wondering how to pay your bills. They really are making a joke out of their job. Wake up and do the job that the American people voted you in for. Everytime I turn on tv it shows what designer dress his wife is wearing, or him acting like he is a dad from the inner city please act the part its a job and a pretty big one at that. Sure go on your dates but why not do it under wraps . Stay home make a romantic dinner their also have a show after all you are the Big man here in the USA. Just slowwwwwwwww down and tell your wife to dress the part of a first lady not a movie star. Women look up to first ladies this one forgetaboutit.DoYOUR JOBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB rUN THE COUNTRY WORRY ABOUT DATE NIGHT WHEN YOU HAVE TIME.
116. Dylan Dodger | 05.31.09
These GOP guys mouthing off are just feeling the heat from their own wives for not taking them out on romantic dates…nothing but monster truck rallies and corndogs.
117. carolyn | 05.31.09
o.k. you guys are great sticking to dnc talking points read one comment read them all
119. Cartman | 05.31.09
Forget the expense.. What about his carbon footprint?
A jet trip like this burns a lot of fuel and adds to the global warming we are supposed to care about.
Arrogant 0bama says “Do as I say, not as I do”, once again.
120. Pat | 05.31.09
This is the reason I am considering myself more democrat nowadays than republican. Geez, guys keep you eyes on the ball! Way to go Obama!
121. pete at the beach | 05.31.09
I supoose the GOP is out saving people from foreclosure, binding the wounds of soldiers, working in soup kitchens yadayadayada–pathetic the dinosaur party is amazing–wasnt it Bush who went to a function and was glad to be with his base the haves and the have mores–and Rush is on a diet, newtie is tru to his wife and pat robertsons prediction of Nuclear war last fall came true
122. Bobbie | 05.31.09
Have the Republicans completely forgotten the past 8 years? In fact, Dubya went to his Crawford Ranchette 165 times during his presidency and I never heard a word out of the RNC about the cost. Bush actually did practically no work. He played with the dog, exercised two hours a day, rode his mountain bike and guess what, in Texas, you don’t clear brush with a chain saw, except when gullible urban reporters are shooting film.
123. BHA | 05.31.09
Great message to send Psych-O. Let them eat cake, er, motor oil as I bankrupt their company and kick their hard working families to the curb whilst I wine and dine my wife at their expense.
124. NOBAMA | 05.31.09
Dems, stop drinking the Kool Aid! This idiot just spent over $300k to take his wife to dinner and a show @ your expense. I can only hope that this idiots time in office is one and done. He goes all the way out to Denver to sign a stimulus bill no one reads after saying he will post it on the net for 5 days for all to read. Passes a $400 billion bill full of earmarks, after saying no more earmarks and blames the previous administration for it,
when he didn’t have to sign it. So in 100 days he has spent $1.2 trillion compared to $1.9 trillion debt George Bush left after 9/11, 2 wars, Katrina,
in 8 years. What do I expect from someone who spent $800 million compared to $80 million to get a job that pays $400k a year. How’s that Obama pick working out for you?
125. RICHARD | 05.31.09
I am a blue dog dem that has no use for the left wing of the dem party. Part of what I believe is fiscal responsibility. I am a retired Navy Chief
Warrant Officer that has been unemployed since Aug of 2008, which I dont blame on President Obama. I don’t have issues with the President and Mrs Obama having a date night as they are still a young couple with young children still at home. I do have issue with the three aircraft that round tripped to NYC so they could go to dinner and see a show. There are many of us in the unemployed that can’t go out to dinner with a buy one get one free or buy one get one 1/2 off coupon. I don’t feel that the cost of three aircraft would be appropriate in the current economy.
126. chris | 05.31.09
seriously? I mean, this is kind of a joke right? Didn’t the RNC blow hundreds of thousands of dollars away on clothing for Pallin? Didn’t they blow millions on slanderous tv advertisements? Didn’t they elect Bush, who blew our economy away on two wars and fictitious tax cuts?
127. Michael, Gallatin, TN | 05.31.09
It is abundently clear the RNC, and Republicans in general, just do not have a clue.
128. Janet | 06.03.09
I never thought I would say this, but I feel sorry for the Republican party. With the economy the way it is and the stress level on Obama, this is precisely the time to take a short “vacation”. What was Bush’s excuse for all those vacations-my one child thought the White House was in Texas! Constructive criticism is one thing, but I personally don’t see the Republicans doing anything constructive to help the country; they just have the criticism part down pat. I also didn’t see any uproar with Nancy Reagan’s spending when Ronald Reagan was in office. I can’t see the Republicans making any gains while they are held hostage by the likes of Limbaugh and O’Reilly. This is a time for all of us to join together to try and fix our country.
129. Maria | 06.03.09
I am Maria the post# 115. I am deeply sorry for what I said earlier. I apologize from the bottom of my heart. I forgot that I am a woman and I haven’t had “good time” in last 10 years (thus frustration!) but Michelle and other women deserves it. Being a right wing christian it was a sin and I here by ask for forgiveness for complaining about a legally married couple having good time and a husband and wife following through on their matrimonial wows.
130. CPF | 06.15.09
Bush. Texas. Wartime. His war. Repeatedly.
Keep grasping at those imaginary straws, RNC. There’s nothing to attack with your eight years of pent-up rage, so maybe take this opportunity to learn to control it?
131. Voltaire’s Ghost | 06.16.09
The sooner everyone stops playing into these emotional dramas that the media creates the sooner we can get to the business of fixing the things that are really wrong in this country. The media knows how to manipulate our emotions, and hence our behavior, in order to keep you in this constant state of conflict, which completely divorces us from the reality of the political situation. There is no Republican versus Democrat conflict other than what we concoct in our heads and what the media tells us. It is akin to Orwell’s “1984″ and the cathartic ravings in front of the television screen. Stop allowing them to infect your lives with this hogwash and they lose their ability to operate as they have, which in effect makes the sources of the supposed conflict impotent. This goes for those that are “republican” and those who are “democrat”: by ignoring the stupid attacks and fake arguments you win every time because it show the lunacy in their actions. By meeting the lunacy with lunacy, you are no better than the lunatic and have become one yourself.
132. ronpaulforprez2012 | 08.26.09
Flying around the world wherever and whenever they want, is huge waste of tax payer money. Whether it is Bush or Obama taking unnecessary expensive trips it is wrong. Why is Obama flying around the country doing town halls? The campaign is over and he won. Now he can stay in Washington and do his job. If he has something to say, he could save several million dollars and use TV and the internet to present his message. Same goes to all politicians republicans and democrats. Anybody who honestly wants a change in this country should support Ron Paul.
133. Dennis | 09.19.09
My God people…I’m so tired of people on the internet not being able to properly express themselves. The iliteracy, miss spelled words and jumbled thoughts are rampant on these sites.I just can’t give you credibility if you can’t even spell. Education in America has fallen on it’s face…you’re embarrassing to all of us. LEARN TO SPELL AT THE VERY LEAST. If you feel you need to express yourselves at least learn how to do it.
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. Joane | 05.30.09
Bush took 77 trips to Texas Ranch, Texas is a long way from D.C. I smell hypocrisy RNC. President’s need to relax and recharge. Whether its Bush playing golf Obama playing basketball. Bush going to texas Obama going to NYC, let them enjoy themselves for a moment. Gosh