CNN

Obama DESERVES a vacation after a grueling 2-year election process.
Vacations are NOT A LUXURY, they are a necessity for anyone in a demanding job.

All you people hating on PE Obama should stop and consider for a moment that this man chosen to be President is the President for all. You might consider giving him a little bit of a chance. You see, in your efforts to knock him down or to see him fail we, the country, will rise with him or fail with him. He is our leader "elect" now.

All the BEST to our PEOTUS & his family!! Enjoy your well-earned vacation...you deserve it!!

Pam and Once – it seems like you both are on the same page. We are about to be in the international spot light again. We are about to be seen as the leading free country of the world again. We are about to clean our country's name of the taint it has acquired over the last 8 years. Yes, his name is Hussein and in its native tougue means bless of God. Does anyone have a issue with being bless of God – I THOUGHT NOT

Do you think that Barack can play golf? This is just a photo-op.Get a life.

Tom, when you go on vacation, do you buy the whole hotel for millions that it's worth or do you rent a room for your stay??? The Obama family rented the house for 10 days, nothing said about they bought the whole the danm house!!! SO SHUT UP PLEEZZZ!

he can not be a cood golfer,he's playing cavity backs with allthat built in forgiveness.thats probley all the forgiveness he is going to get for the next 4 years.

HEY! MR PRESIDENT ELECT--WHY DON'T YOU GIVE TIGER WOODS A CALL FOR SOME TIPS ON YOUR GOLF GAME. COME ON MAN! YOU NEED A LESSON FROM TIGER ALSO ON YOUR DRESS CLOTHING FOR GOLF.

John December 22nd, 2008 1:28 pm ET
---------------–

For some reason John, I get the feeling you have it in your head somehow that some people in america are not important...like gays or people who believe in abortion (I'm sure that's just the start of your list of people who aren't important...by the time you are done, we'll be up to: Athletes, Auto Workers, Union Members, Muslims, Women, Blind, Deaf or Crippled, People over 70 and of course, any one who play's music (because they might become 'rock stars').

That's scary that you have disenfranchised what...hmm, about half the population of america. How noble and american you do seem to be.

Just who the heck are you trying to say is important in this country? Just selfish little you right? Nobody else matters while you are alive? Get the hell out and onto your own island where you can be the man of the day every day you moron!

Oh yea, BTW: I didn't even vote for Obama. But your post, is simply ignorant, and at the same time, say's a whole lot about how narrow minded and selfish you are. You don't deserve to vote!

Maybe Obama has to go here because he does not own the TEXAS RANCH! He did not ask to be born in Hawaii...regardless of what his birth certificate says!
btw...if you are bashing his given middle name, learn how to spell it right!! It sounds really unintelligent when you can't even spell it correctly!

I HEARD HE WAS ALSO GOING TO HIS HOMELAND IN KENYA TO VISIT HIS FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!

@ Eric – Pittsburgh
President elect Obama is not in "some Far off land" he is still in the United States. The air travel he utilized is the only available means of flying there and he is entitled to a well deserved break to spend some quality time with his family. Please people, give the man a break.

John: you are so wrong - but it probably doesn't do any good to tell you - because you wouldn't know the truth if you saw it standing right in front of you!

Hey Debby, that "vacation" you mentioned he took during the primaries - it wasn't a vacation dear he visited his dieing grandmother.

Talk about self rightous and insensitive.

He is only the President elect right now.

He is not the President yet.

Bush is still the lame duck President.

Obama can go on vacation from now until Jan 20th if he likes.

Get a life all of you haters.

"Independant Vet" – Are you serious? Are you really a veteran?(INDEPENDENT VET). What's up with the spelling/grammar? Go back to school (the 1st grade would be sufficient for the words you mispelled) IDIOT!

Some of you republicans- Oh, I'm sorry. I mean some of you Conservatives and Independents (since that seems to be the latest fad amongst your party to seem like logical, independent thinkers) need to get a grip.

Fitzgerald has shown himself to be completely nonpartisan when it comes to following the law and letting the chips fall where they may. If there is wrong doing present, I expect him to ferret it out. Otherwise, I just hear a lot of sour grapes and impotent finger pointing and hand wringing.

The bottom line is Obama and his STAFF told Blago to take a hike when it came to greasing his or his wife's pockets.

He and his wife are on tape screaming f- him and his staff. He called Obama a MFer.

You people are so blinded with dogma or racism (at times the two are extremely hard to differentiate) that it is clear you will take all of the benefit and reap the rewards of his administration but spit everytime you say his name. Pathetic. You are not a true American.

It's great that you can take a breather after the long process of forming your outstanding team. This will be a tremendous task ahead to move this Country in the right direction. You have surrounded yourself with a team that is fair, responsible, honest, and loves and respects the Constitution. We have faith in you and know that you will do everything in you power to make the U.S.A strong at home and respected around the world. GOD BLESS YOU BARACK AND FAMILY AND HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON

Debby- You idiot. Obama is not president yet so what's the big deal about him taking vacations. This is the holidays...why shouldn't he go back to his home state for some relaxation. He has been on the campaign trail for 2 years and he deserves this time off with his family and to attend the memorial service for his grandmother. How many times have Bush been on vacation in the last 8 years since you are so good at keeping up the presidential vacations. You really sound like a fool.

B.O.FAN, what a cool picture? What did you like better, the big ears or the crooked smile?

??
Can someone explain the statement below to me...

richard December 22nd, 2008 10:15 am ET

He must be still try to find his birhcertificate

People like you elected Pres Bush twice and also against educated people to take office. I can really see why you are not happy that someone with same IQ as you is elected into office.
What a shame

"John" – The abortion industry and gays, are important people. And you are..........gay?? and someone close to you had an abortion in the past that made you angry??? Your disgusting. Stay off the blog!

I hope he enjoys every minute of it. He deserves some time off and time to visit his grandmothers grave.

Can someone explain the statement below to me...

richard December 22nd, 2008 10:15 am ET

He must be still try to find his birhcertificate

People like you elected Pres Bush twice and also against educated people to take office. I can really see why you are not happy that someone with same IQ as you is elected into office.
What a shame

Yes folks, the Obamas are just like you and me. You travel by chartered jet, take your friends on vacation with you and spend the holidays in a beachfront home, don' t you?

mr pres elect you deserve a break today for you will be oh so busy helping get the problems of the world solved merry xmas

@ Tess

That's because most of them are ignorant...and I mean that in the most loving way possible.

Golf is a great way to relax and clear your mind.......I refer to my weekly golf match as my therapy session. Obama is facing a huge stack of problems being left behind by Bush & company, so he will need to go into it refreshed, energized, and with a clear head. Get your R & R now Obama, you'll have precious little time for it after you take office.

EVERYONE and his/her family deserves a vacation wherever they can afford to take one. Hatefulness and jealousy causes illnesses and early death.

God bless all supporters, as well as the naysayers of PE Barack Hussein Obama and his family.

John, you are an idiot.
He made lots of promises and he is setting up his Cabinet to fulfill them...The only reason you wanted to comment is to show your disdain for gay and abortion rights...It must suck to hate people because they are different than you...This man is working to better this country for everyone...no one will be left out...why does that anger you? And if you don't agree with someone's morality...who are you to judge?
I get so tired of people and their own self-righteousness...tend to your own business and the world would be a much better place!!!

President Obama & Family Merry Christmas !

Pam, Don't get emotional. I was being sarcastic. We all know Husain is entitled to a break before he takes office. I just want the GOP to hear his middle name and become comfortable with it. I also want them to see how the W in GWB's name can be used against them also. I like W people.

Pam, Dont get emotional. I was being sarcastic. We all know Husain is intitled to a break before he takes office. I just want the GOP to hear his middle name and become comfortable with it. I also want them to see how the W in GWB's name can be used agains them also. I like W people.

Funny, but if this was a Republican, the story would say that he was playing golf while the economy tanked, car makers went under, and everyone in the US was losing their home. Since, he's a liberal, though, it's called a "working vacation." The double standard continues as the media does all it can to ensure that no one scrutinizes (let alone questions) anything Obama does.

Hey, John, when will the Democrats finally admit that Gore LOST FLORIDA 8 YEARS AGO (all independent recounts proved it)?

Your personal insults and pathetic illusions of moral superiority are just typical Democrat approaches to the world. Look in the mirror for a change.

a well DESERVED vacation for PE Obama....

don't forget Haters...your retarded boy Bush is STILL the president!

judging the comments that you hatemongers are posting....it seems that secretly; you really do want bush to get the heckl out of the white house quick, so that Barack can save you..you're the ONLY ones who call him the messiah too.

seems to me that you "Bush backers" really are aware that Bush destroyed America, but you're just to darn ashamed to admit it, because you were the fools who voted for him twice!

@Jackie in Dallas: Give me a break with that "beloved grandmother" baloney. He threw her under the bus at the first opportunity as a "typical white woman" in order to seek favor of the politically correct set.

On the vacation issue, it is simply not presidential to go on Hawaiian vacations as the country faces 20% unemployment. Barack Obama is all about himself.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA AND HIS FAMILY.

Must be tough being a rock star...can't wait until he starts delivering on his campaign promises...oh yeah, he didn't make any...except to the abortion industry and gays, you know, the important people.

I read in the Honolulu paper this morning that while golfing, Obama stopped and bought 2 fried-egg Spam musubi at the snack bar. First of all, I'm pleased to know he still has those Hawaiian roots & partakes of a musubi when on island. Second, I'd be willing to bet he's one of VERY few Presidents who even know what a Spam musubi is. And third, I'm glad to see he doesn't think he's too haughty to let it be known that he actually eats Spam.
Wonder if George W. has ever even touched it???

Could someone let me know if there was ever a funeral for his grandmother when she died?

Obama can't belch, fart or dig in his nose with out a camera man there!! Enjoy yourself Obama and family because it is well deserved after what you had to go through!!!

Where were the people joining hands to help Pres. Bush?

i am never going to read this stinking site or even attempt to post here again. You guys may as well change yoiur name to fox.

I wonder if he's a good golfer? Because he's a great politician.

I don't care if he takes a vacation but the least he could have done was go there when his grandmother died.

With an elephant (economy) sitting on his head, and a gorilla on his back (wars), he needs all the vacation he can get, before hell gets loose.

Maybe Obama (while on this much earned(?) vacation) will try to come up with some actual "jobs" for those 3 million people he plans on employing. No, I don't mean government jobs, we already have enough deadbeats in every government department in America. What I mean is anyone asking this man IF he can come up with some incentives to private industry to come up with more jobs or does he simply plan to Socialize all of America a few million people at a time?

I completely understand, why a 11 day trip turned into a 40 year journey in the wilderness..No one can seem to say enough or do enougn for anyone. The reality is some people do and some people do not get it. All they do is sit behind their computers and complain about, who's taking vacation, who's the perfect person, who's the right leader. who's got the money, who's got dirt in their eye

All I can say is WOW!

Look at some of the whining and crying going on, from people in my OWN party. Some try to say things like "We'll be resepectful when you love Bush!" while others just have a blind hatred for Obama.

As a republican, I can say I'm deeply ashamed of what looks to be the really bad apples of my party. It does appear they ALL post here on CNN......no wonder I never see them! (yes, they post at Fox as well).

It's pathetic and ridiculous. GTFU, all of you! I didn't vote for him, but whether you like him or not, he's our president....grow a pair and be a patriot. Or, feel free to sit there and cry yourself to sleep every night! Your lives must REALLY suck to be this fricking pathetically screwed up in the head!

Who gives a crap where he is at. As long as he isnt in the white house that is fine with me.

Beverly must have missed the picture of the President-Elect on his bike...you know, the one with the crooked helmet that didn't fit, the high white socks showing below the tapered jeans!! That was one terrible picture.

"Your blogs just prove that non of you got past the fourth grade"

grahame – I'm not one for correcting spelling/typos but if you are going to question the intelligence of others, at least double-check what you are sending. That's just pathetic!

Wow. The Christmas spirit in this thread is underwhelming.

Can the man not spend some time with his family after a non-stop campaign, trying to begin digging the country out of the Bush Years, the financial crisis, etc., and he's about to start the most difficult job in the world for the next four years.

Give the man a break!

Is bush/cheney on their permanant vaction yet?????????????????

Obama deserves this short break .........before taking on the problems he has been given from the "other" guys,of 8 longggggggggg years.

Enjoy your time Mr. Pres Obama.

Since this is NOT news and the Cheney F-word comments are closed.... I would like to say that WE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE would like to THROW ALL the F-BOMB s we can at THE PENGUIN PUPPET MASTER aka Dick (wad) Cheney

ALL FEAR THE DICK

Wil he be attending his grandmothes funeral or will he wait until June or July for that like he said

Bring my clubs over here, young man. I'll need my putter, too. And fetch me a towel, would you?

@Debby....Don't be jealous...You'll find a great man like Obama some day.....

Haters!!!!!!! Enjoy your holidays PE. I hope you have a fun time with Michelle and the girls. We love you.

...and he looks good in white, too. This man never takes a bad picture. What perfection!

He deserves a break – I can't imagine the pressure and responsibility he has already been dealing with, let alone when he is sworn in. Everyone can do their job better when they have some rest.

Merry Christmas, PE Obama.! Enjoy this working vacation. Thank you for taking on this job for us.

AEK,

Close but not exact. "W" new digs (less than 10 miles from me - there goes the neighborhood!) is closer to 3.5 mill. Bet we won't see Laura in the neighborhood Tom Thumb or Central Market, or either of them donating to the North Texas Food Bank which is in dire straits trying to feed all the newly laid-off workers here. Here is Dallas, we're really hoping he spends more time at the ranch!

IF Y'all want a job, check out the Houston Chronicle, the petro – chemicals are hiring right now.....and I honestly don't see a "slowdown" anywhere here in Houston.....I already know when I go north (above the mason-dixon line) when going into such places as a fast food joint, such as wendys, there will be only ONE person working the inside, & the drive-in, at the same time.....But not here in housto, there is a line wrapped around every fast food joint or any other restaurant everywhere you look, not to mention that you have to wait for at least 30 minutes to get waited on, anywhere you go, at any given time..
Larry
Houston Texas

"It looks like people voted for a golf and beach bum for the next POTUS since thats all we are seeing in these pictures."

LOL, Debby you are one sour chick

Has anyone noticed that hateful bloggers tend to be "spelling and syntax" challenged?

To 'once you vote Black' – you know, his name does have a nice, international ring to it! Didn't you notice the rejoicing at his (and our) victory AROUND THE WORLD???? Doesn't appear too many people around the world choose to think like you, thank goodness!

Listen,

He had a bruising primary, he had to step right into the general, no breaks, and then he had to salvage George Bush's economic break-down. Give Barack a break, he deserves to spend some time with his family.

Goodbye Republicans. Move to Wasilla with the other loonies. You lost and the USA won. Your blogs just prove that non of you got past the fourth grade

Considering he just lost his beloved grandmother, is getting ready to take on the most difficult job in the world in a situation that is argueably the worst in our history, and has already accomplished more than most Presidents in the period of time between Election Day and the Inauguration, I think a little R&R for Christmas quite appropriate. Better than President Bush spending all the time of Katrina at his ranch in Crawford, and thinking a buzz over New Orleans was sufficient to see the extent of damage. I anticipate that President Elect Obama will have little time for vacations once he takes office, so give him a break, would you please?

I got a lot of laughs out of the stupidity shown by some posters. lol, still crying about losing. still asking for birth certificate, even after official documents were shown, crying over someone taking a vacation with friends. By the way, The place may be worth millions, but he doesnt own it, he and others are renting it.

Oh John, please. Last I checked it was still a free country.

hey, that's how I carry my clubs, you copycat. That's all you are BO is a copycat. No fair.

Eric. It's not a matter of Bush taking a vacation. It's the umpteen vacations he took as soon as he became President that we have a problem with.

Merry Christmas to President-Elect Obama and his wonderful family. I can't wait to see them walk into the White House.

Its hilarious how some people want everyone to suffer just because some are suffering financially. We should all stop living our lives and we should all be depressed. The scary thing is that all these people are sitting around and complaining and expecting the government to bail them out, without putting in any effort themselves. That's not gonna work. Just remember the next time you want to have fun, like go out to the movies, there are some people who are suffering!!!

This man is about to take on the hardest job in the WORLD. Is it okay with you sore losers if he takes a tiny vacation before the inauguration?

George Bush has been vacationing for 8 LONG YEARS.

Give Barack a break.

Those aint Basket Balls???

god bless this guy his a smart person i am sure he will fix a lot of things if we keep him in office for another term

Since CNN deleted my comment I will repeat he had a vacation during the primaries in St. Thomas, he had one after the primaries in Hawaii with friends and family, and now he is on his third all within months. It looks like people voted for a golf and beach bum for the next POTUS since thats all we are seeing in these pictures.

I really hope you right wingers are not chiding Obama for taking a week off, at Christmas, before he takes office, when your poster boy Dubya has taken more vacation days than any other president in the history of this country, WHILE IN OFFICE.

hypocrits.

One president decides he shouldn't golf while soldiers die, and the next golfs while economies die. Hmm.

Impeach Bush. Prosecute Cheney. Instate Obama.

The American People are angry.

For all the left wingers calling us haters....what about the hate spewed forth by the left, EVEN BEFORE Bush's inauguration. As far as I can tell, the hate and vitriol is on the left, and thats where it started... first with Nixon, then with Bork. But I have NEVER seen the level of hate rise to the level it has recently against Bush, Cheney, Palin, etc.... incredible.

Plain and simple...the LEFT is the party of hatred, not the right.

Thank you, Larry in Houston. I enjoy reading all of your posts!

There is so much hate in some people! If your so unhappy
with our new President Elect leave the country! Happy Holidays
to President Elect Obama and his Family!!!

Hey all,

It is your buddy John again. It seems amusing that those who just hate the very idea of Barack Obama as President-elect are just so bitter. Face it guys, you lost for a season, just take it. There will finally be sensibility instead or irrationality in the White House. I know it is tough to think of a Black family from the South Side of Chicago running things for a bit, but it is what it is . So all of you backwoods, racist little pinpricks (and you urban ones as well) must face up to the fact that this is the beginning of the end for you and your worldview. Of course, you will try to cause havoc, but here is a bit of advice.........DON'T.

Wow, people are actually criticizing him taking time off for the holidays. How many of you self -rightous idiots are working during Christmas?

Guess what guys, he isn't the president yet so take your criticism somewhere else. The fact is it doesn't matter what he does, you will criticize him merely because he wasn't your candidate.

Presidents are on duty 24/7 no matter where they are.
In communication no matter where they are.
Seems to me just getting out of that hell hole of DC is a "vacation" in and of itself.
If the congress isn't in session there's no reason to be in DC.
The only responsibilty alloted by the Constitution to a President is to keep the nation safe. Not the responsiblity of the economy, global warming or any thing else.
Jeez, presidents aren't supposed to be dictators, kings and baby sitters. Congress spends the money and writes the laws.
Seems as tho there are many who are looking for a surrogate daddy.

Barack Husain Obama: Has a nice international ring to it doesn't it. Probably just the thing we need to get more cooperation from the rest of the world. Just what we need after W (and we all know what the W stands for) has dragged US prestige threw the sand. You W people have had the helm long enough.

A one day trip for PEO during the election run to Hawaii for a visit with his ailing grandmother can hardly be called a holiday! He hasn't "suspended his campaign", rushed back to Warshington, snuck into Iraq (unwanted). . . he seems to be acting very presidential. He's putting an amazing group of people together to try to get America on the right track. His first 100 days as POTUS will be the most scrutinized ever. Might as well be ready to hit the ground at top speed.

I can't wait. This will be an amazing ride.

Oh man! What a bunch of right-wing nuts you bitter, hateful people are...

How about trying to get a life as in give up your scary bigitory! Bet you give your kids coal in their stockings!

Why am I even posting this comment? You people are a complete waste of time! SES

i feel sorry for obama... he has so much work to do.. but we are here for you..all the way.... we will work together along with president elect obama

god bless you obama......

GIVE 'EM HELL, G.R.I.T.S. !!!

GIVE 'EM HELL !!

LARRY in
Houston

I kinda figured the MSM would make a big deal about PE Obama's vacation time off with his family and friends. He is taking a break! Why don't you people in the MSM take a couple of days off and enjoy your x-mas break? The guy can't catch a break from you guys, stop stalking him all the time...GOSH!

Here we go again hateful republicans. Hey there a bigger story up in Alaska...

Rachel,

Except for the time spent in Indonesia, he grew up in Hawaii.

He's so cute. He needs the rest. Bush has worn him out even before he takes office.

If George had been a better presiden, Barack could have been resting over these last two weeks. Instead, he's been the co-president for a man who is a zero, George W. Bush.

No matter, the country will be in good hands on January 20th.

Yup – Staying in a 9 million dollar home while he's on vacation. That's change we can believe in!

I hope he gets plenty of R&R.

Thanks to Bush administration incompetence and criminality, no incoming president since FDR faced greater challenges.

But in great challenge lies the opportunity for greatness.

I will reserve judgment on Obama. He, like everyone, deserves a vacation. That being said, if democrats expect any approximation of civil treatment of Obama while in office, it would serve them well to consider reducing the attacks on President Bush. This is what has created so much animosity that is absolutely misplaced, whether the president is Clinton, Bush or Obama.

I disagree with much of what I think I heard Obama proposing during his campaign. I expect that I will continue to oppose it, but I am willing to give the guy a chance. But if the dems continue to attack and remain in campaign mode while Obama is in office, don't expect others to sit by and not begin to take pot shots (figuratively only) at Obama.

Fortunately for the country, history will treat President Bush much more kindly that the attackers on the left have these past 8 years. Bush has kept us safe from further terror attacks since 9/11 and don't think there have not been attempts. There were more terror attacks against Americans during Clinton than in the last 8 years, and I certainly hope that the groundwork is in place for Obama to continue let us be kept safe. As for the war in Iraq, if Bush had ignored the worldwide intelligence of Saddam Hussein and if we had been attacked by Iraq, I wonder how many here would have let Bush off the hook. It's a tough job. Every president needs citizens' support. It is sad that such support was denied to Presdent Bush.

He can relax and enjoy some time but just as long he doesn't pull a John Daly I'm cool, LOL!! There's no need for that in this period of time...

I see the right wing NUTS are at it again... no one said anything when McCain was sleeping his way thru the campaign........

So from what I see from some of these comments, the 9 million dollar house is really bugging people. Hell, he's only our next president, he should definetly be sleeping in a motel like all other heads of state do (and god forbid he take a christmas vaction like the rest of you). He's only the president after all and he needs to pretend to be like the average slipshod American who bark at government intervention with their hands out.

He could play golf for the next four years and still be better than Bush.

Haters, tame those pink tornadoes in your mouths! Merry Christmas!

Jan 20 '09 can't be far begin! Go hunk PE Obama! Prayers to you and yours for this Christmas, and the coming New Years!

Even Obama's golf game is superior to the Shrub.

May the loser retire to Texas and never be heard from again – until his trial at The Hague commence.

Please.......stay in Hawaii and NEVER come back to the continental US. Please.......please........please!!!!

Lauren the Designer-

You obviously don't know that a President works on vacation, probably more so than a president-elect.

I believe you're the one that needs to "get a clue."

It is so funny reading the complaints of the "Right" about Obama going home to Hawaii for the holidays. Oh yes, and staying in a house that is valued at 9 million. Gees, folks, he didn't pay 9 million to rent it, that is it's property value. My son lived in Hawaii for several years and would tell you that this place is no mansion. Property values are extremely high out there. Can't wait for them to start complaining when the economy starts to turn around and their taxes are lowered, unless of course all of the bloggers on this site make more than $250,000. .

And John Thain of Merrill Lynch with his 83 million dollar "package" from last year would be able to BUY EIGHT of these with 11 million dollars left over...he is RENTING and no one knows for how much. Put your "hate" where is belongs. Not with the man who has the responsibility of trying to get us out of this economic mess but with the people who have reaped fortunes while causing it!

TThe truth is that the only "reality" that counts about Obama is whether he gets the job done as President and the economy improves and we stay safe and don't end up with another terrorist attack or worse from Iran & Co and their friends. Everything else is nothing more than window dressing whether you like the man or can't stand him or are intrigued with his "JFK style." .

We'll all know a lot more a year from now, i.e., whether he is like the corrupt political machine he came out of in Chicago, whether he has the experience and guts to do the job that needs to be done, or whether he simply was a victim of his own blind ambition.

Hopefully he will succeed because if he doesn't we all will pay a horrific price.

WHILE THERE MAKE SURE YOU DEPOSIT A WORTH WHILE BIRTH CERTIFICATE. FOR THAT PHONY IS GOING TO HAUNT HIM . WHEN HE COMES BACK HOW MANY MORE LIES ARE WE GOING TO HEAR .
CORRECT NOTHING WILL CHANGE , CHICAGO POLITICS AS USUALL.

The Obama's are human and have family too! He must be doing something right or else he would not be getting all this opposition for no reason at all. Keep your head up Mr. President-elect, you are a good man.

Some people need mental help.... frankly I don't see any cure for these fools as if Barack Hussein Obama (President Elect) can make some people go crazy just becuause he is taking an holiday.... then these fools are better off jumping into a well.

After the republican spending machine has put us $12 Trillion in debt and will force the democrats to spend another Trillion to fix the problem ( with the republicans shouting LIBERAL SPENDERS the whole time) finally we will have some fiscal conservatism. The democrats are fiscal conservatives, the republicans are pork barrel spenders. That has been PROVEN over the past 8 years.

Republicans. CHANGE YOUR WAYS. Join the democrats in reeling in the spending. But don't complain – contribute.

So all you people calling others "haters" are probably happy about President Bush getting shoes thrown at him, Palin's kids getting dragged through the mud, etc. Oh, I forgot, when Libs hate its called free speach. You are true hypocrites.

This is not big deal. Obama has the right to go on vacation. It is ridiculous to criticize him for this.

hum... looks like he's golfing, what happened to basketball?

Leave him alone. Where do we expect him to stay... Motel 6?

The place where he is staying offers some semblance of privacy and security. Heck, on my last vacation, I stayed in a 10 million dollar resort... It was a Marriott in Boston.

To anyone criticizing Obama being on vacation – quit it. Don't be so judgemental to our future President, after his very long campaign, then putting his staff together, he deserves it.

NOW... Democrats, seriously.... You would have been ALLLLLL over McCain if the roles were switched, so you too – quit it.

For those who keep saying that Bush didn't work on his vacation, you are wrong. If you saw any news reports, particularly those from his first term, you would know that he arose at 5 a.m., had briefings every morning, reviewed several different major newspapers, and even spent time reading the Bible, before continuing on his vacation. What's wrong with a little bike riding, cookouts, and fun with friends when on vacation? Do you think that Obama won't do the same types of things, like playing GOLF as depicted in the photo, along with working. Give me a break people–all presidents have working vacations. They have no choice!

So PEOTUS can't have the right to have some time off at th end of the year? You know, go visit his next-of-kin (his sister), go back to the place where he was raised (except during those Indonesian years), enjoy some sport (and even if it was the not-so-noble basketball there would be complains about it...), this kind of stuff?
Sure he has, don't blame him for having the possibility of doing that if the current state of the Economy doesn't allow you to do the same. The POTUS (and not the PEOTUS) is to blame for that.
He has the Economy, the wars and many other issues to deal with starting January 20th. Would you prefer a guy completely in shape and ready for it, or some dude who couldn't wait to have some vacation since it's been a loooong time since he had some real lazy days. No wait, I forgot...
YOU DIDN'T WANTED THAT HE WAS ELECTED!!!!!

Hmmm, wonder if some Chicago politicians paid for his vacation. . .
The truth will come out.

KAY – the haters are still bitter....this is very hard for them to digest!

Bitter-sweet – returning to the home ground a vacation and a memorial service for his Maternal Grandmother. Peace to the Obama family.

Let it Be – all you that can't stand that we have a new President Elect that doesn't fit "your profile" live and learn - there is a broader world outside your narrow little window than you know!

To everyone who supports our new President – keep up the positive comments – keep overwhelming the negative – thats the way to beat down the hate – drown it out with laughter and positive thinking!

It really says a lot when people have nothing better to do but criticize a man for going home to spend time with his family for the Holidays.

Gabrielle – I totally agree with you.....We are leaving this miserable state of Texas, and going back to Ohio for the Holidays......The only thing that I see down here in Texas that is positive, is the Money that is down here, (it's flowing like water) other than that, the mosquitos are horrible, even in december – january – february ... If you sit on the porch, or anywhere outside (this time of yr) you better have a huge fan blowing your way, so you won't get bit !
Larry
Houston Texas

As of March 11, 2008, President Bush had spent 879 days at his ranch in Crawford,TX. Unfortunately, or I guess fortunately for the haters, President Obama will have to go to Hawaii when he wants to go "home."

Of course when President Bush retires in January he'll be forced to go live in the hood in Dallas. I think the last I read his shack was going to cost two million dollars. I'm sure, I like most Americans, feel that he deserves the absolute best for the fine condition he and his folks have left the country in. At least they have said publicly that they have no regrets!

I'm reading all of the griping about Obama doing a working vacation at his home [Hawaii]. Even the cable news reports that many Americans feeling the economic pinch and limiting their Christmas spending, are still making trips home to be with loved-ones. Why do you think the airlines jacked up their ticket prices?
To all you negative folk, I would remind you that failure of the Obama administration means failure for America as a whole. Does it satisfy your negative mentality to be right, even if all other Americans suffer? Stopping hoping for failure, please. Hmmmmm, maybe the criteria for un-American should be changed.

Rob said, "G.R.I.T.S., you are not mature enough to be on this website. Computer time is up, and it's time that you join your 4th grade history lesson already in progress." That's so clever! However, I'm curious about what, exactly you object to me writing. Maybe because I called someone a piece of crap? Gotta run, teacher's glaring at me!

Very interesting how other president elects didn't get this treatment but you expect perfection from Obama....Even though Obama said "he is not perfect".....WOW!!!

To all the haters:
I hope when you go home for Christmas nobody will take a picture of you smiiling or goffing off just once. I also hope that when you go home you will not have to spread your grandmother's ashes. Oh that is right you all forgot that he is human and doing what all of us would and will be doing this week.

Debby

You are back again, LOL. Why don't you get a life all you do is tell us how dumb we are for voting for "this guy" well you should be grateful he's in office, after all maybe he can help you recieve the help you need for being so consumed with hate. LMAO

He is not my favorite person but why cant he spend christmas with his sister and family where he grew up?

President ELECT Obama is on a WORKING vacation but our actual President Bush is making video clips with his dogs! What a difference a President can make?

I like him. He is very, very cool... Enjoy Mr. PE.

Good for him, I am sure that he and his family need some much needed time off before he tries to fix what the bush administration screwed up in the last 8 years. I wish him well, hope he gets some rest and am counting down the days before he finally gets his hand at fixing this country.

How can we ever control rising costs if Bill Clinton is accepting money from OPEC people for his foundation. How can we ever control costs if Obama picks as Secretary of State, a person whose husband is accepting money from OPEC people? We need to wake up before it is too late and stop all the corruption and greed. Time is running out folks. Was Obama the right choice...I thought he was until he selected Hillary and saw the disclosures of money sources for Bill's foundation. Does anyone care? Apparently not.

Stevarino,

Stop your GOP/RNC/Right-wing tactics are showing with your (Don't anyone dare attack the messiah) comment. Please have yourself a Merry Christmas and stop being mean for a change!

Marc @ 10:51am ET,

Everyone who voted for Obama weren't young. Unless you are 100 years old, then your comment would make sense. Then again, the fact that you are name-calling, you obviously are young and uneducated. This is so sad that there are people in this country that we love who refuse to gain some insight into things and experiences outside of their comfort zone. I appreciate all the positive comments that are on here though. They keep me hopeful that we are not a country filled with hateful and bitter people only. These people are the reason why other countries hate America. I am thankful that we elected an intelligent person for our President! Maybe it will motivate the uneducated to strive for better in their own personal lives instead of sitting at home and post angry things on the internet anonymously!

Are all you belly-achers the same ones who complained when he went there to see his dieing grandmother one last time?
I wonder how many Republican corporate bailout fat-cats are spending the bonuses we taxpayers funded on their vacation trips and other perks.

Meanwhile..., thousands of Americans are being laid off this Christmas.

WAKE ME UP THIS IS REALLY BORRING !!!!

I'm a typical American and I can afford to go on vacation this year. I feel for those who can't because the economy is horrible, but some of us can, so why should we not?

Why all the fuss about the Obama Family being in Hawaii. Haven't you heard of "Going home for the holidays"? Hawaii, after all, is the President-elect's HOME STATE. It is where he was born, raised by his grandparents, went to school. Sure, he lives in Chicago now but Hawaii is still home. It is not a vacation, he is there not only for the holidays but to attend his Grandmother's internment. Get a life, folks,
Have a wonderful Christmas President-elect and Mrs.Obama and girls. You deserve it.
Hopefully, the people criticizing the Obamas will spend their holiday wherever they choose and no one will criticize them for just wanting to be "Home" for the holidays.

So Obama is on vacation. Is this really news?

Anyone that plays golf is tolerable in my book. Let's give the man and his family a break until he takes office.

I'm a typical American and I can afford a vacation this year....

Can't wait to see him step off AIR FORCE ONE!

I don't know what better. Seeing my President-elect taking a much needed and much deserved vacation or reading the comments from the right-wing nut jobs complaining about it. He is sure going to need to be rested to take on the mess that George W. is leaving. Not that I feel soory for President Obama. It is a life he sought.
BTW- I never complained when W took a Vacation, I figured the more he vacated the less harm he would do. Plus W's vacations are good for my local economy. Shoe sales are through the roof in Southern Maine.

Merry Christmas to all that would like one
and Happy Holidays to the rest.

Obama hasn't even been inaugurated. The people complaining about him are pathetic.

Sure are alot of sour grapes here. Just can't stand the fact that we finally after 8 loooong years have real intelligence, honor and integrity heading to the White House.

I didn't hear any of the bigots complaining with all the vacation time Bush took while were at war, sinking financially and hated by the rest of the world. Of course, it would have been nice if he had taken a "permanent" vacation but no such luck until January 20. Obama has done 10 times the work in the past month and one-half than Bush did in a 1-1/2 years.

Well, at least we only have to put up with his liberal left-wing hypocrisy for four years. (Its been nearly 200 years – Monroe was the last –since we've had three successive eight year presidents).

Everyone is so concerned about Obama's spending habits. You all should be more concerned why Bush spent more time on vacation WHILE IN OFFICE than any other President, why no one complained when Nancy Reagan exploited her excesses, and why it is such a crime when a man goes home (Hawaii) for Christmas. I think that a lot of you are so resentful that a black man is President, you are holding him and his wife to an impossible standard that no human being can meet. Being the President is supposed to have some perks, don't you think? That's why people run, at least in part.

Ah, yes... just look at the picture... golf club in hand... it just SCREAMS change. (sarcasm, anyone?)

Hey, Barry, you won't find your birth certificate on the golf course, any more than OJ will find the killer there, either. But then again, you know full well that your birth certificate is buried in a vault somewhere under lock and key, after having spent nearly a cool million to keep it there.

Can we storm the castle YET???

G.R.I.T.S., you are not mature enough to be on this website. Computer time is up, and it's time that you join your 4th grade history lesson already in progress.

Cheney – he was America's F-bomb czar! Great role model for the kids, huh?

Can't wait to rent out my place in DC for thousands to one of you young, pro-Obama dummies. Thanks for "spreading the wealth"!

We may just be the "nation of whiners" that Phil Gramm observed. The man isn't President yet, he's got his ENTIRE Cabinet in place, he campaigned for two full years to win the election – and he can't take his family on their annual Christmas trip to his hometown? Just because it's Hawaii doesn't make it any more or less than my own trip home for the holiday. And if I could afford to rent an expensive home on the beach, trust me I'd do it in a heartbeat. Why do we begrudge and belittle this short time he's taken to retreat a wee bit with his family and friends? I fear for our country, not because of the economic crisis but because so many are still so caught up in the pettiness of divisive politics. It's one thing to disagree – it's quite another to make the kind of personal, snotty remarks about our president elect that are posted on these sites all the time by those who had hoped for a different electoral outcome. Why (rhetorical question here...), why can't people grow up and express themselves in a civil manner? why can't they be grateful we live in a true democracy and accept that sometimes their views will be in vogue, sometimes they won't? why can't they set aside their nastiness and look for a way to make a positive difference instead of just hurling snide remarks? I don't get it ... you may not have supported Obama, but he IS our next President, so let's give him a chance to succeed before we judge him as a failure...please???

All you haters need to take a vacation.

If President-elect Obama had decided to vacation in Europe or some other place you would criticize him. He's vacationing and therefore spending money in America which is helping OUR economy. For all the dunce haters – Hawaii is an American state.

The President-elect has done a great job fulfilling all his responsibilities and picking an excellent Cabinet. He has gone above and beyond to show that he's responsible and connected to the American people.

Haters, take your meds and go to sleep for the rest of 2008.

United we stand, divided we fall and fail.

Happy Holidays and Good Will to all!

Perfect is right. With the economy in such bad shape, Obama should be working hard so he can hit the ground running (agreed, Bush is an idiot). Staying in a $9 million dollar mansion does not reflect the average american, who is struggling right now.

It apears you've struck a nerve with the liberal apologists.

Don't anyone dare attack the messiah!

Bush has spent over two years of his time in office on vacation. Thats' a fact, so don't bash Obama because he's taking Christmas vacation.

A working holiday? Looks like he is working really hard....

This man needs all the rest he can get before legally taking on all the burdens that Bush will leave him. He knows this and has been working extremely hard for the American people even before he is legally the President to ensure our safety by having a seamless takeover of Office of the President.

We are very fortunate to have a President Elect who's not all talk and really cares enough to work so hard to ensure our safety in a transition of Presidents. Wake up! See what you can do to make America better and not tear it down.

'Barack Obama is spending the holidays back in Hawaii — but the nation's financial woes mean a working vacation for the president-elect.'

Looks more like a Bush moment.

Ya know, it's going to be fun watching all these Obama haters throw apoplectic fits for the next 8 years. I'm just going to sit back and enjoy the show.

Another day and another stupid story by CNN. Haters don't seem to care as they are out with their inane comments. What do you all have against vacation? You guys would cry even if you got your way. What a bunch you are.

Oahu is not the Big Island, CNN. 'Back on the Big Island' suggests that the 'Big Island' is home. Oahu is the 'home' island for Obama. Even if the photo is on the real 'Big Island', the headline still seems to be misleading. I don't think Ed Henry would have made that mistake. Must be some editor back in Atlanta. You can go back to watching Survivor, or Lost, now. ha ha

Not one living soul know where they were born, only what theirs parent told them and delivery persons. Get a life for the good of the country.

Obama took a vacation during the primary to St. Thomas, after the primary to Hawaii and now back to Hawaii again. Sorry its his 3rd vacation. He will probably take his 4th after the inaguration. You people are such suckers voting for this guy.

President Obama will need all the rest he can get as Georgie is continuing his pllaging of America till the very last day and beyond if possible. The one-liners he has stuck into the bailout legislation are disgusting attempts at sabotaging not only our next President but our nation at large!!! I wish someone would poll America to determine how many people think Georgie has committed treason by his actions. I'll bet the majority feel that he has particularly after 2008!!!

Barack, grow up. Country has bad weather here (including economy) and you are enjoying your holidays in Hawaii. I thought you would get some sense after becoming president-elect. Sign of times.. sign of bad days to follow.

When everyone is speaking of the economy, why don't they refer to the world economy as one, rather than refer to our economy as if it is solely independant? The world's economy hinges on one commodity called "crude" and it comes from OPEC. When OPEC controls that which is responsible for 90% of what is bought and traded from computers to clothing to aspirins to the freight costs to ship these same commodities, and they shut off the "crude", what impact do you think this has on the world economy? Our economy is not in the tank, it is the world economy and OPEC just cut production by 2 million barrels a day in hopes that they can drive all those priceds up again, at the world's expense. Lets call an ace an ace and place blame where it belongs. It isn't Bush's fault for this mess...it isn't congresses fault for this mess...it is OPEC

"But I just have to love how all those applauding this [the President-ELECT's] vacation traches Bush [the PRESIDENT] whenever he took one."

There, fixed that for you.

Why does anyone care? He is spending Christmas with his family in Hawaii. I didn't trash Bush during his vacation, and I'm not going to trash him for his. ESPECIALLY since he's not even president yet. Anything you can find to knock this man you will do. That's just like the people that knocked Bush for everything. Look, the man doesn't have to be sitting in his Chicago office to actually get some work done. Does he? Has anyone ever heard of working from home or away from the office? And if you read the article, you know it wasn't a total vacation free from work.

Debby

He's not president yet. The bar is set low for achievement, given what we have had to put up with these last 8 years.

He's a caddy too? That Obama is amazing.

Perfect! said, "Bush goes golfing and he's a slacker. Obama goes golfing and he's a genius. Get ready for 4 years of ankle grabbing from the communist, er, liberal media!" Shut up Far from Perfect! Bush is PRESIDENT and he takes a lot of vacations (even when present at the White House, his mind is on vacation). Obama is NOT president YET and he can go wherever he wants. Period. Get a life you envious piece of crap.

Richard said, "He must be still try to find his birhcertificate." Richard must still be trying to find his G.E.D. (or his Spelling for Dummies). Richard, Obama is a citizen, his birth certificate has been produced. Get over it, take your meds and take your conspiracy theories elsewhere.

On the subject of conspiracy theories, why hasn't CNN reported that the man who crashed his plane into a garage in Ohio and died was a star witness against Rove/Cheney in the White House e-mail scandal? Hmmmmm.

Where's our money going? You know, that $700 billion given to 116 banks. That is the peoples money and the people demand to know what's being done with it. Get an exact accounting of every penny spent.

Wow! Who know people could be so mean-spirited. I think he might be there to inter his grandmother's ashes. He is allowed to do that, right??

MR President.....

Just wondering what brand of golf club he is using..

Debby December 22nd, 2008 10:31 am ET
Wait isn't this Obama's 4th vacation. This guy is a joke for a Pres.

-----------------------------–

No, Debby. It's his first vacation. And he's not President yet.

Debby you're just mad because you can't take a vacation. Hater!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He deserves this break, what a roller coaster ride it's been for PE Obama with the election being so volatile and all the stuff that is going on around him now.
I have great faith in him as he is very cool under pressure and will weather any storm and he will come back energized and ready to take over the reins from Bush in Jan.
So Merry Christmas to the Obama family and look forward to seeing them all in the White House next year.

I didn't know he was a golfer. Be careful with this photo it doesn't fit the narrative.

Perfect! December 22nd, 2008 10:26 am ET
Bush goes golfing and he's a slacker. Obama goes golfing and he's a genius.

Get ready for 4 years of ankle grabbing from the communist, er, liberal media!

--------------------------------

Obviously if you could read, you would see that Obama is working while on vacation. And he's not even the President yet.

Bush went on vacation while he should have been working because he was ALREADY PRESIDENT. Get a clue.

Since the pres-elect has not really had a chance to reflect on his grand-mothers death, I hope he and his family can now find the time for a quite moment for reflections.

Perfect-

#1. He's still the President Elect.
#2. GWB set the record as the president who spent most days on vacation.

Wait isn't this Obama's 4th vacation. This guy is a joke for a Pres.

Hes just really cool!

Sure he should take a vacation. It will make him more effective to recharge the batteries a bit. But I just have to love how all those applauding this vacation traches Bush whenever he took one.

And where's the outrage over the Senate's vacation. They work for 2 days on an auto bailout, fail, then take yet another 3 week vacation.

Hey, "Perfect!" : Obama is not even the president yet. How can he be "slacking" from a job that won't be his for another month? Maybe anything you think he should be doing is actually something Bush should be doing right now, given that Bush is still drawing the $400K salary?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!

MAY GOD BLESS, GUIDE & PROTECT OUR NEW PRESIDENT!
BARACK H. OBAMA!!

HOPE WON! HOPE WON! HOPE WON! HOPE WON! HOPE WON!!!!!!!!!

Hope he enjoys his vacation. Once he gets to
work as Prez, it won't be fun.

Off-topic, why is Ed Hornick such a coward? Posting the Dick Cheney f-word story without allowing comment and then hand-picking blogger remarks is CS. Is this a CNN suppression policy? Is Dick really that respected there at CNN, or does CNN want to continue to sit in the lap of corrupt Republican money?

@Perfect: George W. Bush is an idiot.

Richard, I can't believe you still believe that crap about the birth certificate. It's over, get over it and stop whining.

He could be as good a president as Bush.

Some of the comments posted are comical – why can’t Obama take a vacation? Good for him; he and his family deserve some peace and relaxation after such a grueling election season. And the more rest he has before taking office, the better for everyone! Happy Holidays President-elect Barack Obama! Best wishes.

What a cool picture! Some wish he wasn't married. LoL

Bush goes golfing and he's a slacker. Obama goes golfing and he's a genius.

Get ready for 4 years of ankle grabbing from the communist, er, liberal media!

You know, they say the holidays cause all the crazies to come out. C'mon GOP, you can do better than this. Most of this bitter complaining isn't half as imaginative as it was during the campaign. Hire some new writers.

I always feel like somebodies watchin me..and I cant get no privacy!

i bet that what Obama is thinking

All you pin head haters are just mad because ya'll don't have jack....It's not his fault you all are dysfunctional twits....

Eric-Pittsburgh,

He was born in Hawaii...so essentially he is "HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!! Lighten UP! Geez!

I see that it did not stay postive long! Dang it people!

Enjoy your vacation my favorite family....

I wish that I could spend the holidays in Hawaii!!!! It's cold in North Carolina today. Happy Holidays to all!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope this thread stays positive for a change! People can we show some positivity for once on a thread?

I am so proud of our incoming President. He will be a good President.

Enjoy the time with your girls!

I just love that man and so proud he is our President. Happy Holidays Mr. President and family; enjoy your time off.

What a dork.

He must be still try to find his birhcertificate

I guess sacrifice is good for the rest of the country but not B.H.O.

He deserve the break. Hope he gets a lot of rest and presents!!

Yes indeed, we saw the picture of the $9 million dollar house he's staying in.

CHANGE, uh huh.

Geez, how did he get there? Did he fly in a global-warming causing airplane to take some leisure time for himself? God forbid if we mere mortals dare to vacation in far-away lands. Next time, I demand he sail there.

A well deserved break with your family. Enjoy Mr. PE.

A well deserved break with his family. Enjoy Mr PR.

That's funny...
Looks like he's tearing one off...

Happy Holidays everyone!