For the Obama family, vacations will never be the same.
President-elect Obama isn't the only politician or head of state to be popular with the paparazzi: French President Nicolas Sarkozy is a fixture in the European tabloids, as are the British royals - who have endured decades of interrupted vacations.
And photos of presidents on vacation are nothing new - many remember seeing images of Ronald Reagan on his horse in California. Whether it's golfing or fishing, the demand for a photo of the commander-in-chief at play has always been high. But with the president-elect, it's at a whole new level.
Yesterday on the golf course, Obama told the press corps he'd buy them some beer if they'd just leave him alone for a little while. Now pictures from the paparazzi trailing the president-elect and his family on vacation in Hawaii have sparked new questions about presidential privacy. (Photo credit: Bauergriffinonline.com)
–CNN's Ted Rowlands
Watch: A photographer gets close enough to the Obama family to snap dozens of photos on the beach.
From CNN Politics
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They're starting back at me!
President Obama looks very good,as I use to fit fight . Better than President Bush with his shirt off and senate / congress too
As a professional photographer, I can tell you that even the longest telephoto lens of which I am aware (a 2000mm Canon lens, which costs about $100,000 per unit–and only a handful were ever made) is still no match for a sharpshooter's rifle. If this is not an authorized press photo, and I doubt that it is or it would have been taken at a much closer range and with the appropriate media attribution, then the Secret Service is not doing a very good job.
What a babe
leave him alone.
At least he wasn't wearing a thong.
We will protect our president at all cost...... Pap stay your azz at a distance.....LOL
Was going to comment but I think I hear the treadmill calling!
Its times like these I really wish the nation had elected McCain.
Mens sana in corpore sano....a sound mind, in a sound body!" This a very smart President elect with a very fit body! I cannot wait until he becomes "Mr President" because it will be a great day for the United States of America and maybe even for all Americans!
I ain't complainin'!!!!
wish they could put his face on a five dollar bill, just to see the expression on your face… PRICELESS!!!
I am sure the messiah will have it on there before it is over with. I can't wait to read the stories where he turns on his voters. It's coming, wait and see.
Wish I looked that good.
Full Disclosure: I'm a republican...
Someone better protect Obama better than this. He is about to become our president for crying out loud. And there are obviously people in the world that intend to do America harm. That consider us the Great Satan. How can a photo like this be a clear shot for someone who hasn't gone through a security checkpoint like regular reporters????
OOOOoooo Barack got it going on. You can tell he is working out. His body is looking better each time. Work it Barack Work it. I am an older woman but it doesn't hurt to look.
A well deserve vacation for him and his family.
SECRET SERVICE Where are you guys?
Don't let anything happen to him.
dang! We should all be so fit looking. I'm hitting the gym after work and no more Christmas cookies!!!
Wow, I have never seen Obama look so presidential ! LOL
CNN WHY???? You were one of the most credible news outlets. What Happened??? Why would you put this picture up so that these types of comments would be encouraged? This is a shame!!!! Please report the news.
I can't believe the paparazzi, they're evil and have no respect for the privacy of people. This is our next President, not Paris or Britney.
What sickens me even more is the lack of security. What if this lens shot was from a weapon instead of a camera? This really worries me.
@ Gerda Edwards...
You seem to have so much to say about other people...let's see a picture of you. I'm sure you're a REAL looker!
Every time I hear about The Pararazzi ......I always think of Princess Dianna and CNN you are encouraging them .....Maybe you guys should team up with the National Equirer
Our new Prez is going to be on the cover of GQ – topless. Hey, it could be worse, they could have snapped Cheney topless
Ripped and ready to lead. About time we got some MUSCLE in the Oval Office -- Great Pic. Go Obama
Obama did everyone possible to encourage the cult of celebrity during the campaign. He can deal with it now.
I happen to like man boobies.