Peace be with you Obama and shalom. Peace In The Kingdom? That's a musical drama ! He's clever and so is Clinton ! Why don't they just team up and spare us the drama and go run the country ! Get our wind corrridors open and amen ! Ya know Roosevelt won at the convention and came in behind with delegates ! Make it take it ! Don't break your leg walking out to give that speech or trip in your new shoes !

For all you haters.

First of all, he is on vacation with his family and visiting with his grandmother who is ill. Give the man a break because when he gets back he is going to run McCain into the ground.

As for McCain being on top of the Georgia situation, he is only beating his chest because he thinks it will intimidate Russia and now that it has not worked, the Georgian president is asking him to back it up with action that he has NO authority to give since he is NOT the POTUS. He has gone too far in his words against Russia and needs to shut up and sit down. Oh, and what about his words that in the 21st century, countries don't invade other countries. Guess he forgot about Iraq.

God Jesus christ my Lord will come back to take us christian in heaven with him and in that day your social status will not be able to take you to heaven. You need to accept jesus Christ as your personal savior and water baptize to be eligible for heaven. George Bush, John Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton to name a few wil not go to heaven unless they have Jesus in their lives.

Leave the guy alone, for God's sake! He's been campaigning 7 days a week, unlike McShame who doesn't work on weekends. Obama's home visiting his grandmother whom he hasn't seen in over a year and visit with his other family members. I love Barack but this ridiculous! Give the man some space!!! Jeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez!!!!!!!!!!

Go Obama!

One white person trying to get past reverend wright.

CNN-how low can you go!!! Give him a minute to himself and his family before he sits on his throne in the big house and tell you all,you know where you can shove this pity photo-by the way,I don't think that is him!!!!leave him be!!!!!!!!

NIce…glad John McCain is actually working with the delegates from the foreign relations committee to help end the situation in Georgia and taking a tough stance with Russia. Putin is a dark horse…be careful…he loves the KGB…

As I see these stories about Mr Obama on vacation ans see the pictures of him being a dad to his kids, it occurs to me? Where are John McCain's kids? Doesn't he have adult children? Why aren't they out campaigning for him or even just showing up for photo ops? Do they not want anything to do with him?

Senator Obama has to work on his speech you muggers, don't you understand that he needs to take sometime off not for granted but in order for him to have a piece of mind doing some research on his speech before addressing the nation?? If you are the one to have a speech at the convention? don't you need sometime to work on your speech??? common stupid who does not understand how to plan and organizing your work, take a hike on the mountain and get lost.

For all of you who think it is so outrageous for Obama to be vacationing in Hawaii…. When you have been out there in the world, faced with the level of criticism he faces all the time and trying to make a positive connection with the number of people he does, wouldn't you need a break before ramping it up to the next level? Where would you go? You would probably go home. That is all he's doing. He's home, receiving the love and comfort of his family, and recharging for the next big push. Who are you people? How can you possibly think that is a bad thing? Walk a mile in his shoes and then let me know if you think you would be able to do it better than he has been. It really makes me wonder when I see how hard some people look to try to find something to hate. No wonder we're in the mess we are in.

Charlotte August 14th, 2008 8:45 pm ET

I get the feeling Camp David will be used a lot, if Obama wins. He doesn't appear to have much stamina. Two vacations in what, six months…
YOU DO KNOW OF COURSE THAT BUSH HAS TAKEN MORE TIME OFF THAN ANY MODERN PRESIDENT, RIGHT! SOMETHING LIKE 2.5 YEARS WORTH. WHICH ACTUALLY, IN HIS CASE, IS A GOOD THING!!!!!!!

Would love to see Cindy in swim suits — circa 40 years back !

Obama the Celebrity is at the beach!! Snap the photo! Splash it in the tabloids!
He is a joke, and he's not going to be elected.

All CNN is doing is keeping up with the Obama's. After all he will . be the next Democratic President of the United States. It has already been spoken.

CNN oh come on is this really CNN journalism, really???

While Georgia is overrun, Obama lounges on the beach. Now there's change you can believe in. When that 3 AM call comes, there won't be anyone there to answer.

GET LOST!!

Seen enough and heard enough about his HOPE.

Ask yourselves - "what has he done for Americans"
"What has he done for Chicago" Have you seen his district?

What has he done PERIOD?????
What do you think he can do?????

Obama cult followers = idiots

Wish I could get past all that I know about Obama. Expecialy his Reverand. So much raisial tention Obama brings. Wish Hillary was on the ticket. She was soooo smart capabel and included everyone.

Come on CNN, don't turn into a tabloid. This is not news.

McCain's worth over $100 million… He owns 10 houses… He flies around on a $12.6 million corporate jet… He walks around in $520 ITALIAN loafers. If John McCain lost his Social Security, he'd get by just fine. Would you?" But McSHAME still collects his Social Security check!!!!

More: "John McCain wants to gamble with our Social Security… John McCain started receiving Social Security when he turned 65. But now he has a risky scheme to privatize Social Security — threatening our benefits."

The Corporate Media = Obama stalkers.

How is ANYONE in Hawaii going to the beach news?

Are you all going to get pictures of John McCain's weekly barbecue and chill weekends?

You can hate Obama or his policies all you want to but it's silly to even pretend he hasn't campaigned as hard as anyone in recent decades. His day job is on hiatus, he can spend time with his wife and kids.

BARACK, PLEASE ENJOY ALL THE VACATION YOU WANT….JOHN McSAME HAS THE FLOOR ALL TO HIMSELF TO CAMPAIGN AND HE CAN'T GET PAST 43% IN THE POLLS. WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?

THIS IS THE REAL JOHN McSHAME:
McCain's worth over $100 million… He owns 10 houses… He flies around on a $12.6 million corporate jet… He walks around in $520 loafers. If John McCain lost his Social Security, he'd get by just fine. Would you?"

More: "John McCain wants to gamble with our Social Security… John McCain started receiving Social Security when he turned 65. But now he has a risky scheme to privatize Social Security — threatening our benefits."

Um . . . is the media *stalking* Obama now? Leave the man alone and let him enjoy his family vacation in peace! Sheesh.

Can Obama have a peaceful vacation without the press following him and taking pictures. Oh well, I guess we should all be thankful it is Obama without a shirt and not McCain (OMG! I don't want to even imagine what McCain would look like without his shirt)

Wow touchy people! people are interested, you should all be glad so much attention is being paid to Obama. He is going to be under a microscope for the next four to eight YEARS, get a hold of yourselves. Deal with it, he is. He should be able to take it. And so far, he is. Chill out. His every move is being watched and should be watched because we are about to hand the COUNTRY off to this man and his judgement. Its all news. Deal with it.

Is this a story about prince William?

This is a biggest joke. There is no personality for this man. Go away.

I don't like him, don't want to see him in a suit or his bathing suit.

Go away… stop the no news about Hussein Obama's vacation.

Tell me, how can America vote for a man with a name like Barack Hussein Obama? Really? It's as American as the Muslim nation.

No way, never Obama.

Look CNN, why don't you guys for once cover the endless mistakes that McCain is making instead of always trying to chase down Obama? Stop with this fluff and do your jobs. Investigate McCain's lobbyists ties to Georgia or his recent gaffe about how "in the 21st century, no nation should invade another nation."

Obama/Sebelius 2008/2012.

Slow news day, huh?

The media captures every Obama move, just like a celebrity. If he really was going to visit his grandma why did he take so many Chicago friends and media with him?

the STALKARAZZI are in fine tune not giving anybody a break.. People need vacations with their families even Barack Obama. America will get him for the next 8 years let his family have alone time now..

leave the guy alone his on vacation!!!!!!!

He's on vacation. Leave him alone. I'm sure if he was President and on vacation, he'd return immediately in the event of a world event such as Georgia/Russia. Enjoy your vacation candidate Obama. McSame is not the President so what makes him think he should be dispatching an envoy to check ou the situation and report back to him.
Enjoy your vacation OBAMA.

Hey - How about getting back to your job and voting yea on drilling for more oil so we, the common people,can afford to take a vacation too.

He's not visiting hawaii because he's an elitist, he's visiting his hometown and his family. Unlike mccain, he doesn't have vacation homes and compounds to which to retreat all over the country. it's sad to see Obama's critics grasping at straws to find fault in every thing he does. no matter how innocuous. it just goes to show how superficial and hollow your sentiments towards him are..you've got nothing substantial to "get" him on.

I hope he enjoys his vacation. He deserves it.

He can go home to Illinois for all I care. He's certainly not kanaka maoli. Hawai'i is no more his home than it is any other tourist's…. he's malihini as far as I'm concerned.
Henanimae'olemaikalanimai

Oh no, no! We DON"T want to see pictures of McCain shirtless. Please people, don't give CNN any ideas you will surely regret!

The jealous ones will criticize. Thats life.

Let him enjoy a week off be4 he gets defeated in the GE.

When do we get the Obama vacation promised? Many were so hopeful we would get at least 2/3 days of not seeing his face in the media. Guess that would be like asking CNN to live without air.

He can go home to Illinois for all I care. He's certainly not kanaka maoli. Hawai'i is no more his home than it is any other tourist's…. he's malihini as far as I'm concerned.

oooooooh. Glad that this helps him with the issues..

CNN, can't you and the news media leave Obama alone. Our next president should just be left alone while on vacation. GO COVER MCCAIN! Give McCain more coverage!

Barack Hussein Obama will be the next President of the United States - get used to it. Get used to seeing your income rise, your health insurance improve, your sons and daughters come home alive, and walking softly and carrying a big stick.

John McCain takes EVERY weekend off - Obama doesn't.
McCain needs his rest… he should retire!

Are you sure that's him? Is he sweating??

charlotte

your soooooooo right all this guy is take vacations, i am sure he has already used up all his vacation time, personal days, sick days ect. for the year. you would think he would be a little more dedicated

Nova from NV August 14th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

McCain was on top of the situation in Georgia and also sending his senator allies to monitor the situation in the capital of Georgia. Barack Obama on the beach enjoying the surf? Well, I think I know who I would trust to run this country.
======================================================

Umm, newsflash, McCain isn't the President, nor will he be, yet he's acting like he is. What a joke this man is.

It's good Obama is taking a vacation so he will be rested for the convention and ready to campaign thereafter. Most people vacation in the summer months. He should be no exception.

obviously for the ladies,who vote too.Don't get mad just because no one would EVER want to see McCain at the beach.

Obama is not the President. George Bush is. McCain should not be overstepping his bounds on the Georgia situation. He is not the President. When Obama went overseas, they said he was acting like he was the President. Now that he is staying out of the Georgia situation, they want him to act like he is the President. He can't please everybody all of the time.

wow cnn are you kidding me? this is exactly the kind of thing that makes you biased. wow this is newsworthy/

stupid article

Can McCain swim? I know he has a problem combing his hair. Well that make McCain just one of us.

Why don't you bitter republicans take your comments to the only person that really cares: Bill O'Reilly the lunatic.

CNN - a lot of people go HOME on vacation - I know I do. It's just that my home isn't Hawaii.

Obama, enjoy your visit home, come back refreshed and ready to put a beat down on the old man. ai-ight.

Let's make a list of all the people we know with a middle name of Hussein who are not Muslim.

You guys are complaining that Obama should be left alone???

World to Obama supporters….. He's running for President. He won't be able to visit the mens room alone even after he loses.

Idiots.

What a shame, why didn't G.W. get this much coverage…

i mean obama looks good and all… but what is the point of this?

Great to see Charlotte and her bitter self back on the blogs, always remembering to post something nasty, untrue, or misleading about Obama.
In case you hadn't noticed, Obama had been campaigning non-stop, delivering major speeches, and traveling around the world. He was on the news non-stop and he, as well as his advisors, felt we needed an 'Obama break.' Ever hear of too much of a good thing, Charlotte?
But, thats fine, what can I expect from someone who claims to be a Democrat, claims to have supported Hillary and what she stood for, yet now claims to be voting for McCain. Newsflash Charlotte: McCain disagreed with Hillary on the vast majority of her policy proposals, including freedom of choice for women, equal pay, the environment, the Iraq War, and Health Care. Who agreed with Hillary on most of these issues? Barack Obama.
So, have fun voting against your beliefs, your principles, and your morals simply because you have to demonstrate to everyone how a seemingly adult, clear-minded, mature woman can throw it all away and cut off her nose to spite her face. Have fun explaining your decision to your daughters and granddaughters as they are unable to get access to Birth Control, lose their boyfriends and husbands in Iraq, Iran, or whatever other ungodly war we are involved in by then, and die from curable diseases because they can't afford health care to combat all the carbon on the atmosphere.
But hey, at least you'll have shown Obama and all his supporters that they can't discount Hillary! Good work! Go crawl back under your rock.

Obama has been campaigning non-stop since the beginning of 2007! This is the only break he's going to get until the election. Then there is grumpy old man McCain who doesn't like to campaign on the weekends. I just can't wait until the debates - Obama is going to mop the floor with McCain!

FOX News carried the same picture on their website with the headline "Obama Clubs Baby Seal on remote Hawaiian Beach"

Shame on CNN the Obama HQ.

I am sitting here looking at this page in disbelief.

John McCain was in Aspen CO talking about Russia and our future but CNN didn’t even mention it in these blogs.

But CNN somehow found it necessary to post a point less picture of Obama on his vacation. Wow that surly was a big news.

I guess Obama is not the only liberal that doesn’t put country first.

For all those who think showing a picture of a shirtless Obama is bad it could be worse. It could be McCain shirtless. Hmmm even worse than that It could be Hillary shirtless.

This is very biased "papparazzi" reporting by CNN. Posting this photograph is just as unfair for CNN posting a photograph of Sen. McCain picking his nose! Where is responsible journalism?

Sen. Obama deserves his privacy and brief vacation to prepare for the historical Democratic convention. He has a huge task before him - to fix the economic, fiscal, energy and foreign messes he'll inherit from the Bush/Cheney administration!

So what?

Whoopie!

Getting the attention that any celebrity would.

Joe Kiloz and Nova from NV: If Obama had said something on the lines of what John McWar has you would have said "oooh lookie here the black dude is trying to act presidential"

There is no winning with people like you. May your children fight in futile wars started by warmongers.

Hey, I was at Seaworld, Orlando this past weekend where were you CNN??? Enjoy the time Sen. Obama You and your well picked cabinet will have alot of trash to clean-up behind after these sour years of Bush / McCain .

Obama / Powell 08

Is this the National Enquirer?

This guy is a real joke.

Enjoy!!

KEEP HIM THERE . NO!!! HE WOULD FOUL UP THE BEACHES , WITH LITTER ONCE AGAIN.

HERE WE WOULD ENJOY HAVING HIM , PACK HIS BAG'S AN GO TO iRAN , THAT HE SUPPORTS SO MUCH.

SORE LIP, AN A FLIP FLOPPER .

I'm an Obama fan, and I like seeing him getting good media attention, but, seriously, can't you guys give him some privacy?

The mainstrem media sucks!!! LEAVE THE MAN ALONE FOR A MINUTE!!

LAVAUD, you must not buy very many books. That is one item you cannot return for a refund..IDIOT

So, can he surf the ocean, too? Cause McCain can't even surf the web.

umm.. huh/// yea.. and umm,, change,, umm,, and umm, i see umm, change yea,,

Obama can frolic on the beach all his wants to he does not have a concern in the world.
Obama does not have to be campaigning or address issues and concerns effecting Americans.

Why you may ask, that is becauseObama in the reality is only the Front Man for the power that be, behind the scenes. i.e. G.S.

CNN.. leave the guy alone.
Whats wrong with you people?

Man! That water looks great!

obama . please come back,,, we are all out of your special k

suprised the water did not run red

Bet we won't see Michelle in a bathing suit — not if she's smart, anyway. Y'all have fun, kids. Great not to see you in the news every day. Kinda makes life worth living again.

Working 7 days a week . He deserves some family time and to relax. Most of us whin about working 5 days a week like John McCain. Give the man a break

Hey is that John Kerry

What a risky elitist.

Must be nice to relax at taxpayer expense.

Go Johnny go

He's just so dreamy

McSame on the beach. Oh, bring me a bucket. Just the thought of it makes me sick.
Obama08

average american goes to hawaii,,, wow,,, im lucky to see water

I get the feeling Camp David will be used a lot, if Obama wins. He doesn't appear to have much stamina. Two vacations in what, six months…

as for a private moment,,, get real and shut up,,, he is suppossed to your next president,, not mine,, but yours,, i thought you needed god in your world daily,, a vote for hillary in denver,, would be nice,,,

Denise,

Obama is from Hawaii. If he wants to go and visit family and happen to go to the beach, so be it. This negative nonsense has to stop.

Why is it OK for McCain to dump his disabled first wife, and marry a rich wife so he can become well connected and win elected office? If that's no elitist I don't know what is!!!

Don't they Have great white Sharks in those waters? wonder if there republican?

I love how people call him an elitist. He owns one house and just finished paying off his student loans a few years ago. Now contrast that with McCain who owns 9 houses, wheres 600 dollar shoes, and his wife just stated that the only way to get around Arizona is by private jet. WHOS THE ELITIST?

Does it take that long to get a legitimate copy of Obama BC?

CNN PLEASE!!! This is not news. He's is on vacation with his family. Would you like to be stalked while on vacation or etc…?

He deserves a vacation as much as the hard working Americans.

Thanks to the Republicans, I have to work alot harder and forgo my vacations.

Who cares?? Does CNN have to report everything this guy does, we know how many pairs of shoes he has, we know when he wears jeans, enough of Obama, stick to what people really care about.

Right on, Barack — way to get barreled! A president with Aloha, that's what we need. Someone who goes surfing instead of hunting…

Nova: McCain on top of the situation in Georgia?
How? Why? He has a dangerously big mouth - that's all.
Do you really think he can impress the Russians?????
BTW: What exactly do YOU know about Georgia and Russia? Get informed, my friend.

Nova: McCain on top of the situation in Georgia?
How? Why? He has a dangerously big mouth - that's all.
Do you really think he can impress the Russians?????
BTW: What exactly do YOU know about Georgia and Russia? Get informed, my friend, get informed….

Leave the guy alone and let him enjoy some peace with his family.

enjoy the moments barack,, you deserve the vacation,,, u have my vote for usre

GIVE HIM A BREAK WHY ARE YOU HATIN ON HIM. MCCAIN DOESN'T EVEN WORK JUST PRETEND WITH HATER ADS TOWARDS OBAMA. AT LEAST OBAMA WORKS EVEN WHEN HE'S ON VACATION. MCCAIN ON VACATION 24/7. NOW THAT'S A RAP.

I sure hope no pictures of McCain in any state of undress appear. Keep throwing the L word around wingnuts. It's not going to help you this time around.

I pray he and his family have a wonderful, much deserved vacation. McCain has had every weekend off since winning the nomination of his party!
Barack will return refreshed and ready to knock the light out of McCain in the debates.

I like reading what the dems have to say on this article. Democrats have this way of twisting a story in their head and rationalizing it to fit their belief system. This is a perfect example: Obama is pictured walking on the beach shirtless, so they congratulate him on taking a break and commenting his cool looks. If this was McCain they would be all over him bashing his time off.

The position you're running for is President of the US, act like a candidate Obama and not a movie star.

McCain takes every weekend off!

Obama should stay on the beach until the election is over

Geri-
There are TONS of photos of Obama with his daughters on vacation. You haven't looked if you haven't seen them!

Ah, I didn't know you had ANY idea.

Hard to tell from the above photo, but for his sake, I hope he looks better than in that other beach pic. You know, the one where he's coming out of the water. God, he looked awful in that one. Breasts and a gut. Ugh.

Funny thing is, there'll be no shortage of women (and men) who think he's "sexy."

Shannon….OBAMA is in Hawaii having vacation,,,,you should ask McSenile and Bush why people losing houses, jobs. Can we stop fighting in this blog after all we are all Chinese, I mean Georgian said McCain, I always though I am an american lol

This is "News"?????

In other news, McCain sits down in a chair to rest

OMG >>>>>> CAMERA OP!

Looks like the water must have been too cold for his bony, liberal behind.

The family man flying around the country for 16 months. Every picture of him on vacation doesn't show his girls or even her nastiness. This is another photo op for him and I personally am getting tired of it. There is a whole lot more going on in this world than Obama taking a swim. Lets leave the crap behind and publish hard news.

I'd love to be an elitist and vacationing in awaii, again!

It's great that Obama can relax - maybe this helps him keep a cool head. McCain has obviously over-reacted to the Georgia situation. I don't get how he can send him emissaries over to Georgia, without the approval of the actual POTUS. And why is he on the phone with the Georgia president so often? Isn't that really presumptuous of him to act that way when he's not the President?

It is a sad day for CNN. It's only news is that of Obama on the beach. WOW. Where has the cNN that stayed in Bagdad while bombs fell gone? It has now become a gossip munger that hawks lies and dishonesty from it's reporters who want to be pundents. What a shame.

Equal treatment needed! Where's McCain's and Hillary's bathing suit pictures!

Obama is youthful, energetic, highly intelligent, diplomatic, athletic and healthy. A man for all seasons.

Contrast this with McCain: old balding white haired man with Vicks Vaporub on his chest.

Please leave the man alone. No one criticizes John McCain for taking off every weekend except one since he has been the nominee . Give me a break.

I AM PICKING UP A COPY OF HIS BOOK- THE BEST OF HIS. THEN, I WILL BUY ME A CUP OF COFFE TO SPEND A NIGHT READING ITS CONTENTS- HIS BRAIN; THEN, I WILL SAFELY PUT HIS CHEZ-D'OEUVRE SOMEWHERE ON MY BOOKSHELLS; THEN, I WILL RETURN IT JUST ONE-SINGLE-DAY BEFORE OBAMA IS ELECTED; AND THEN, I WILL BUY ME A BOTTLE OF RED WINE WITH THAT REFUND; AND THEN, I WILL LAUGH; AND THEN, I WILL SLEEP FOR THE FIRST TIME, PERHAPS.

No one reports how up until this last weekend McCain never campaigned during the weekends…Obama takes the first real vacation in 18 months and it's headline news.

Obama will be well rested for the next 2 1/2 months of Republican attacks….and Obama will come out on top!!!

Looking healthy and vigorous. Not news, I agree with my co-posters, but a welcome reminder of the man's physical fitness. Unless your George Bush, man with the most days away from the job ever, being president of the US is an exhausting, all-consuming affair, and while it seems curiously uncomfortable to point out that McCain is old, ill, and probably suffers from severe PTSD, in the interest of the nation, it must be a consideration.

WHY IS THIS A POLITICAL TICKER??????? This has what to do with his policies????

Leave the future POTUS alone, please! The man needs peace so he can rest up for the shambles of a convention that has been turned into a pacifier for HRC supporters.
Return safe and strong Barack! We need you!

Obama deserves a vacation, but it's time to come back and start the campaign again. McCain is getting too much exposure right now, and I'm sick of it. Come back Obama!

BK, you said Obama was lazy. I'm just wondering how you knew that? Or just how busy you are all day every day 24/7 travelling and flying around the country for 16 months? I am willing to bet you couldn't keep up with even the old man in these campaigns. You'd have to retire to your ranch on weekends.

Enjoy your vacation, Obama. Rest up, enjoy your family.

Leave the man alone - he deserves a vacation!
He is going to be working hard for the next 8 years as our next President of the United States of America!

And here come the elitist comments in 3,2,1 GO!!!!!!!!
He's relaxing man leave him alone can't he spend time by himself and his family for once without you guys over analyzing it geez.

Our economy is failing, people are losing their homes, gas prices are through the roof, jobs are being lost, and where is Senator Obama….why vacationing of course.

What has this man done for us as a senator. I know he voted for the Cheney Energy bill, that gave millions to big oil, I know he voted for FISA that gave the government the go ahead to spy on us, and help destroy our constitution, but other than that, what has he done as a Senator. I know he doesn't show up to vote very often, check out Senate.gov, he has the worst attendance record in the senate, or that he usually votes present when he does vote, so just what are you doing for us Mr Obama.

Please explain with out using the words hope and change, all I hear when you say that is blah blah blah. Enjoy your vacation Mr Obama, most Americans are to worried about their homes and jobs to be able to take one this year.

Hey CNN, How about showing us a pic of McShame and Cindy sunbathing on the beach at one of their 8 Castles….!!!!!!!!

LOOKS AS THOUGH. . .HE'S ALL AMERICAN!

CNN–do us all a favor and stop this.

Let the guy be. He is taking some time off at the perfect time and then can work through the last two months of the campaign.

All this does is give the right wing nut jobs an opportunity to make useless comments. Don't worry, the debates are set and coming….and McCain is already telling the media that Obama is better at debating than he is. Hmmm……wonder why he would do that?

MY KIND OF PRESIDENT. . .GO OBAMA!

I'm glad to see Obama relaxing. People think just because he is on vacation that is's something wrong with that. NOT !!! When you're working do you not take a vacation……I bet you do! He has done an outstanding job and I wish him and his family nothing but the best. He deserves it after getting attacked by the press for EVERYTHING !
he does or says but nothing negative on McCain…UMMMMMMM !!!

For a moment I thought I had accidentally clicked on a celebrity gossip site.

This is worthy of a news spot… how?

Joyce in Florida…you are correct. It is nice to know where his priorities are…with his family. More than you can say for MCcain…he left his first family high and dry.

YOU ALL DONT SEE THE POINT.. OBAMA IS A MEDIA DARLING.
THE MEDIA SUPPOSES THAT AMERICANS ARE INTERESTE IN OBAMA'S EVERY MOVE . JUST WISH THEY WOULD TELL US WHO THE REAL OBAMA IS!

CNN, I watch your channel regularly. But this is RICICULOUS. SHAME ON YOU!! It's called a vacation…away from YOU…the media!! How about pictures of Russian tanks charging on their way to Tibilsi….now that's news, not this. Tsk tsk, CNN.

Funny that when CNN posts something like this, suddenly they are a horrible news organization. I want to know why any democratic candidate vacations in Hawaii? That isn't fair. He should be sending the money he would have spent on Hawaii to pay for health care for poor people. Hypocritical if you ask me.

Joyce in Florida August 14th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

Must be nice vacationing at such a critical time in his campaign. Thought the weekend earlier in the Virgin Islands was good enough. Guess not. This shows you where his priorities REALLY are.
———————————————————————————————

You know Joyce, he could have taken a vacation at ANY time and you would still have something negative to say about him doing it. Why don't you stop and write a check to Queen Hillary before it's too late! hurry!! TICK TOCK!!

who cares?

Mccain is vacationing Aspen with Barbie right now.

Obama cares more about putting his feet up and being glorified by his fans than he does about doing any of the things that he says he will do.

He's a disgrace.

What about a blog on McCain's comment at his conference today that the Georgia situation is "the worst International crisis since the Cold War?'

Since McCain has downgraded 911, the fight against terrorism, the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, Iran's pursuit of Nuclear weapons….etc , surely a conversation on that is more important than some stalkers' photo of a man on vacation!!

Please bring the aloha spirit back to Washington. They have forgotten how to walk the beach, watch a sunset, smell plumeria. Most importantly, they have forgotten how to respect the land and our spirit.

A hui hou.

It's good to relax and recoup. Has anyone looked at McCain lately? He looks scared all the time. What on earth is McCain so terrified of? I think a president who knows how to be laid back from time to time would do this country a world of good.

Take your time, Barack. Then come back and show that old man what's what.

Lynn August 14th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

We don't want Obama!!! Down with Obama!!! Our dying Nation needs a real Leader!!! Hillary don't let Obama Trick you!!
———————————————————————————————–
Woman, will you PLEEASE shut the hell up! YOU don't want Obama, the rest of us DO want Obama so speak for yourself!! Hillary LOST and SHE WILL NOT BE THE NOMINEE!!! GOT IT!!!??

WHY IS THIS NEWS!!

Cnn, your " news " organization is now an absolute joke! Of all the issues that need investigated, written about, exposed and analyzed you only want to sink to the lowest common denominator! You people should just fold it up and find jobs in some other line of work because you are no longer journalists of any kind, and in fact you do more damage to an allready dumb-downed America.

Big D…………………….. You! Nor any other Comments. Have the Floor…
You make a comment, and your lucky if it even gets accepted… You do not control the Media.. I keep informing the Media, they also do not control the Free-Speech. So live with "Compost-Heap"…
Stinks don't it??

Obama should stay in Hawaii—he's just not needed anymore–the war in Iraq is winding down and the price of crude oil is falling like a rock–

Let's send him back to the Senate and get back to the good life—-we don't need his proposed new taxes—-we need that money to keep the beer flowing and the best restaurant food at our disposal–

<—HAS BEEN CENSORED!!!!

Let the man and his family have a nice holiday. He has had precious little time with his family the last couple of years. Honestly CNN, butt out!

Just an observation, should someone as thin as Barack be in surf that rough. Guess his detail is on vacation as well.

Wish the media would leave candidates alone while they're on vacation!

We know Obama's in Hawaii on vacation…

Obama doing what one does on vacation is NOT news. Leave the poor guy and his family ALONE already!

Guys, relax… This is a blog, not a breaking news site!

Thanks for confirming that Barack Obama is indeed vacationing CNN. Keep up your ground breaking journalistic efforts.

Um…people probably died somewhere in the world today.
And John McCain probably forgot his position on something.
Is this really what you want to report? Obama topless?

Nice journalism.

Ohhh, I can't wait to see McCain in a speedo…
what the heck is this, Star magazine.
Geez CNN, do you have ANY credibility anymore?

hahahahaha next someone will snap a picture of him on the can. WHO CARES CNN.

I was wondering if he was going to be foolish and feel they will label him elitist for going to the beach. For God sake, Hawaii is your home town. Feel free.

I am so glad that Barack and his family are taking some time away. He has been so busy, for so long, and this is certainly both well-deserved and necessary! He will no doubt come back and hit the ground running! p.s…. CNN will most likely get comments like "and this is news!", or "do you have nothing better to report?" But as for me, I am glad to know that he is getting some R&R. His head will be clear and his body refreshed! Good thinking, Barack.

…….Who cares? CNN is really getting lazy……….

We need a president who knows what health living is and doesn't suffer from any anxiety related stuff. He has the confindence and he is a relaxed man. Faith can move mountains.

This is too creepy. This young man can no longer enjoy a moment. CNN you've become stalkers!!

Sssssllooooowwww news day, huh?

So, when Obama is president, what are you guys and gals in the mainstream media going to do when you're not given news bullet-points by the White House?

Ah, if only this message was actually going to be posted!

Not news.

Why not talk instead about how that beautiful beach would be ruined if oil spilled all over it.

Or how Americans are dying and being maimed for life right now to feed our oil habit?

Or how Senator McCain's plan would continue that addiction, while Senator Obama's plan would reduce it?

Thank you very much for another tidbit of useless information. Be sure to tell Americans about that time today he tied his shoes as well.

Aren't there more pressing issues….say, like McCain being a complete idiot and saying something god-forsakenly incorrect?

Much more important news than the invasion of Georgia. CNN needs to rename itself as ONN, the Obama News Network.

I thought the PhotObama-Op Tour was ending when he got back from Europe. Isn't good to know he's still a celebrity . Thanks CNN for running this at the top the "ticker" page. Hope nobody faints.

why oh why oh why ??? Please be a NEWS organization - not People Magazine

We don't want Obama!!! Down with Obama!!! Our dying Nation needs a real Leader!!! Hillary don't let Obama Trick you!!

Can a man just relax without people watching him…funny how the media is trying to make this race so close and make it seem that Obama is just taking in the sun.

Let him enjoy his vacation CNN! Get your surf on Barack!

This just in: Obama left the beach and is heading for his hotel.

Stay tuned for more breaking Barack Obama news…

…and don't forget to drink your kool-aid…OHHH YEAHHHHHH!

Dear media - would you knock it off already? Please?! I'm a strong Obama supporter, but this is ridiculous. You've been told over and over again that nobody likes this kind of trivial coverage. His supporters don't like it and his critics don't like it. You've been told that you cover these fluff aspects too much. So why do you have this kind of article on your political ticker? Who do you think wants to read this? There are serious issues that we need to address in this election. Please focus more intently on those and stop with this nonsense.

Give the guy a break! I'd like to see the media capture a shot of McCain shirtless..

Surprise I think not! I was wondering when this picture was going to surface, now watch all the people that don't understand he's on vacation in Hawaii, where his grandmother is and where he was born and raised try and paint his as above the rest of us.

Please do some research before you post, stop being feed and pick up your own spoon.

Must be nice vacationing at such a critical time in his campaign. Thought the weekend earlier in the Virgin Islands was good enough. Guess not. This shows you where his priorities REALLY are.

Obama is lazy and should not even be considered for the potus. How long is the media going to let him get by with hiding and avoiding debates and town hall meetings with McCain? All the american people know is what is prepared for Obama to read. The media is willing to let them vote for a man that reads from a teleprompter and not hear from the candidate? What is he hiding? Inexperience and being naive. Suprise! Surprise?

He needs the break.

Virginia is Red, the waters off Hawaii are Blue, I knew I should have selected Hillary to bring the boat around (be my VP), but who knew?

Virginia is Red, the Ocean Waters off Hawaii are Blue, I knew I should selected Hillary as my VP, but who knew?

Let's all freak out because Obama swims at a beach when visiting Hawaii just like normal people would!

(Caption) "I told everyone I would promote CHANGE - just forgot to get instructions from an EXPERIENCED Swimmer before I jumped in'

gosh, I'm not an Obama supporter, but for goodness sakes, leave him and his family alone while they're on vacation.

Wow…. what a HUNK….. Come on McCain let us see YOUR body.

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd love to see McCain shirtless. I lied, no I wouldn't. Enjoy your vacation Sen. Obama, get much needed rest - you will need to come back swinging. Not to mention getting Hillary in-line.

How is this news??? CNN, we know you love Obama and want him to be president, but this is a little too much!

he got one more day of free time and ya'll still bothering him i cant wait til this election is over when he wins!

This is news? CNN is becoming a despicable rumor-mill type station. They are going really low.

Stay there and don't come back!!

Looks like a paparazzi picture taken for the national enquirer.

ya know, the magazine for the celebrities? XD

have fun and get plenty of rest obama so when you come back you will kick old man mccain butt. please be safe and god bless you and your family.obama 08 all the way.

This isn't news, but it is just another way Obama is in touch with the average American.

And OH LOOK! He's not wearing $520 penny loafers unlike other elitists.. I mean candidates!

How is this news?

Ooh ooh! Did he have good pecs? Good abs?

Absolutely pathetic that this is the best general news service out there…

I'd ask for equal coverage of both candidates but I really don't care to see a shirtless McCain at the beach. How about we just leave news items like this to the tabloids? This should be above CNN.

McCain was on top of the situation in Georgia and also sending his senator allies to monitor the situation in the capital of Georgia. Barack Obama on the beach enjoying the surf? Well, I think I know who I would trust to run this country.

That's news?!? You guys are really scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Can this man have any privacy?

LEAVE THE MAN ALONE, WHILE HE IS ON VACATION.

While Geogia is being brutally invaded……..

Are you guys serious? This isn't news. Leave him alone.

Can't a guy have a private moment?

Cool, that man deserves a vacation.

Unlike McCain, Obama campaigns 7 days a week.

what's next? reporting him shaving as news?