CNN Exclusive video of Obama vacationing on the island of St. Thomas. Photo credit: CNN/Welch.
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands (CNN) - For three days, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is enjoying some private down time on the island of St. Thomas, a source close to the U.S. territory's Government House in the capital of Charlotte Amalie confirmed Monday.
The source also confirmed that Gov. John deJongh "unofficially" met with the Illinois senator and his family upon their arrival at St. Thomas' Cyril E. King Airport Sunday morning.
Obama campaign officials had been vague about the Obama family trip.
The senator will resume campaigning on Wednesday in North Carolina.
Related: Watch CNN's Exclusive footage of Sen. Obama on vacation
–CNN'S Chris Welch, in Charlotte Amalie
From CNN Politics
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Get over it, Clintonistas. Its the kind of old politics, polarizing venom spewed here, over such a thing as taking a vaction, that Barack is intent on changing. Good Lord, the man can't take a rest with his family without suspicion? THAT kind of feeling just HAS to change!
I would vote for Obama for governor of Virgin Islands, so long he stays there forever. Mainly black people in VI? Hmmm....
Acting presidential? Acting is the operative word here!
Did he take pastor Wright with him?
He would eventually have to go there you idoits, every new president do, its part of the U.S., its a time to visit and discuss general issues about the islands!
The Obamas are a younger couple,compared to the Clinton's and surely need a holiday. Meanwhile, Hilary can now have the space to prepare and launch the next kitchen sink barrage. I am so glad that my mother does not behave like that.
Hey CNN - don't you review blogs for "hate-filled" speech?
I wish I were home to meet our soon to be president. And as a matter of fact, the Governor of the Virgin Islands is a superdelegate that has endorsed Obama.
Go Obama and the family!! I'm on my way to the St. Thomas also with my family. Get your rest, because we need you in January 2009!
Private time?What's he really there for and why isn't CNN pressing for him to tell the truth?
the Lord will have his way with this election...whether it be Barack, Hillary, or John....the Lord has a plan
CitizenJ
You are so right. I don't think most on here are even qualified to vote. Oh that's right, intelligence is not a requirement, Hence GW BUSH
Get some rest Barack. We are proud of you. In our hearts, you are already the nominee and the President of the United States.
Barack Obama, President of United States of America.
I find it particularly saddening that some supporters of either candidate have taken their crusades to feverish heights of hatred as displayed in a great deal of what has been posted on here. The next time you feel compelled to attack the character of either Hilary or Obama, pause and think for a moment how much damage your words will do to the Democratic Party and how much the Republicans will stand to gain from this. If you feel the need to make a statement, do it by casting your vote in favour off or in opposition to either one of these people. It is far more civil and much less harm is done.
Are Hillary supporters really suggesting that he is vacationing with donor money? Either they are as clueless as their nominee or as spiteful, but either way it's not a good sign for the party. Let's get back to the issues and attacking McCain instead of each other.
Why wasn't he in his Church? Listening to the comparison of the reporting of what goes on in his church to a crucifixion? This church story should not fade away. People have a right to know and some people who do not have cable TV or computers have missed out.
we love u obama, praise obama, worship obama... i need a bucket
To Ivan, Chicago, Illinois
So what. she gave a speech. She is the one that is always saying speeches don't count.
Btw: Last week Senator Obama gave a long speech on Iraq, then the next day a long speech on Iraq and the economy. NONE of the networks aired either of those two speeches.
Obama '08
I am from China, please vote for McCain or Hillary, because they will take america to another war & America will loose trillions of dollars again. I am happy to see america loose money in the war & happy to see you americans are fighting among yourselves over this election. Please don't vote for Obama, because he will unite your country & improve your economy. Please vote for McCain or Hillary, because if you are divided, you will fail as a Nation,.
Awww, life must be so hard for poor, underprivileged Barack Obama in the Caribbean....
He deserves a vacation? Please, he's just like President Bush...when things get a little tough, time to take a vacation!
Obama needs to DROP OUT of this campaign. He's severely hurting the Democratic party, and he's making a complete fool out of himself and those who support him. He's completely out of his league.
Hillary continues to work, work, work...as she will when she is President of the United States of America!!!!
Why the pervasive hateful, spiteful tone. Obama and family deserves some R & R. to recharge batteries for the upcoming primary battles. The man has been away from his young daughters a lot. To fly to the Virgin Islands is relatively cheap $380-600 roundtrip per person. It far less cheap that flying to and staying in Jackson Hole, WY, Vail, CO, Morocco, Ibiza, Phuket, Nice, or Rio de Janiero.The place is a regular hang out for big wig Democratic pols.–the Clintons themselves vacationed there two or three times while in office. More than 2 million tourist visit the place per year. So what is the big deal. Governor John De Jongh is a superdelgate and has already endorsed Obama. The visit was between him and the governor was courtesy. Obama just wants to chill with some black people in a beautiful Caribbean setting. What were John McCain and Hillary Clinton doing over Easter? I hope they were enjoying so family time too.
I hope all the candidates had a good Easter Break.
Senator Obama would be a great leader. He has excellent leadership characteristics (e.g. good judgment, teamwork, inclusion, excellent at working together across party lines, diverse background, partnering with the international communities, etc) He has more legislative experience than Senator Clinton and will be more capable to re-build the economy, which will require all Americans working together and partnering with the rest of the world. Ending the war in Iraq will need help from our International partners. Senator Obama has all the right skills for that. He is not arrogant and world leaders will listen to him and partner with him.
I know the Clintons feel that Senator Clinton was the "heir apparent." I think the people are speaking loudly. I really want Senators Obama and Clinton to work together - the country both of them.
On a side note, I wish former President Clinton would get off the airwaves. I think he is damaging Senator Clinton's credibility as a candidate. I would be OK with Senator Clinton in the white house, but it is unclear what role her husband would have and what he would be doing; that makes me a bit uneasy.
Hillary is so cheap now days ..... rotten politician
I am glad Barack, Michelle and the girls are spending some 'down-time" together...it is well deserved..it is also a holiday week and the girls probably have off from school so why not? PA primary isn't for another month and the other states will follow.......and I agree with poster Chris...have a great time Barack....see you back on the campaign trail on Weds.~!
God Bless Hillary Clinton, God Bless Barack Obama, God Bless John McCain. American patriots all of them.
Three very good people. Notice how we spend all of our time hating each other, not for what these three say, but for what people around them say. That includes everyone who left a message of anger, frustration or hate.