CNN

When Pres. Bush and Laura Bush went to schools and read, most people did not see it as a photo op, just part of the job. Why is now is it just a ploy on the President's part? I guess Bush standing in front of St. Louis Catherdral in New Orleans after Katrina was also just a photo op, or standing in front of the "Mission Accomplished" Banner on the aircraft carrier, or standing on the mound of rubble at Ground Zero. Come on, people, stop with the silly hate and petty whining.

Dog and pony show. If he really cared he might have selected a DC public school.

Give President Obama a chance. He has only been in office 2 weeks. Remember this mess didn't happen over night, and it will take time to clean it up. Most of the anchors, analysts, reporters, republicans in the house and senate and people like Kevin Madden aren't even respectful enough to address him as President Obama.

HE IS "PRESIDENT OBAMA"........"MR. OBAMA".........HE IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, NO MATTER YOUR POLITICAL AFFILIATION. TO SHOW HIM ANY LESS RESPECT IS A POOR REFLECTION ON THOSE OF YOU WHO CALL YOURSELVES PROFESSIONALS OR JUST PLAIN AMERICANS. Mrs. Obama should be accorded the same respect. She is not "Michelle" to you! SHE IS "MRS. OBAMA".

Why so many negative comments for such a good deed? When was the last time YOU took time out of your schedule to even read to your OWN kids????

Stop Hatin and get a life!

If they don't want the "pounds and pounds" of criticism, then dont' take the photographers with you and get out of the white house!

I seriously feel as if this country is just so torn apart; how nice is it that the kids were excited, TUGGING at him, showing him pictures? That's just so nice, to think about and here we are arguing over Bush being on vacation. Why? This is what we're teaching our children? And Obama di done thing the previous administration did NOT do-he said "I'm sorry. I made a mistake" in his appointments. I like someone who can say when they were wrong. I like this president. But we all need to come together and stop with the petty remarks and hope to rebuild our country.

"...BTW, I just love the look on Michelle's face. She really looks happy, or should I say "proud for the first time in her life" to be there."

- – You know people like you make it really difficult for you to be considered human; this is the kind of mindset I expect of an animal and my dog would be more gracious than you have been – does that make my dog more reasonable than you are?

Snap out of your closed mind & realize now that this country will progress with or without you. SILLY!

Obama had to go to elementary school to talk to people at his own intelligence level. Was this his try out for "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?" LOL. Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. You lose B.H.B.

"As a kid, said Obama, he wanted to be an architect."

Nice, he must have been channeling George Costanza. I suppose he also told them that he worked for Vandelay industries, too.

It's sad that when George W. read books to school kids he was criticized for not being productive. Obama, on the other hand, is given a sappy article like this. It's little wonder fewer and fewer people pay attention to the major news outlets.

See the Moon. See the Cow Jump Over the Moon. See Democrats Raise Taxes. See Democrats not Pay Taxes. See Democrats promise to end NAFTA. See Democrats nominate cabinet officials that are strong advocates of NAFTA. You will see a cow jump over the moon before you see change!

Charter school?

I thought Obama didn't like charter schools? Didn't that come out during one of the debates?

Oh, well, I guess that's Change we can believe in.

I love my President and Mrs.O the first lady

did he read 'the emperor and his new clothes' ??

"And I don't want to send a message to the American people that there are two sets of standards: one for powerful people and one for ordinary folks who are working every day and paying their taxes."

Obama Quote from Today. So what about Geithner??

HYPOCRITE....

Why are conservatives so hateful and nasty? You people are actually angry that he is taking time to read to school children AND you are upset because the children seem to admire and look up to him?? Really? You are upset because children look up to our PRESIDENT??

Really?

Well whatever Obama does is wrong according to folks here. Some criticising the stimulus package, reading to kids among other things. The funny thing is that half of these folks dont even understand what the hell they are doing- basically you are loosing your house, your job and your healthcare benefits but instead of learning what is being done you scream and shout and spew garbage and show your ginorance. The reason this package wont work is because half the people being targetted for the jobs and tax cuts are plan idiots. Even if the get tax breaks they wil spend the money on stuff like cars. Oh! i forgot you are being given tax breaks to buys cars- meaning more debt for people who cant even afford their mortgages. Wow! nice reasoning- and the senators fighting over where to send the money dont really care- why- because even if they fail they will say the mess was too much and they will keep the guranteed job they have possibly for afew more years. Guess, either the taxpayer is screwed but why worry half of you have too much trouble.

Guess what Wally, I got to meet the President today? Wow...that's pretty neat Beaver!

How nice. What a great way to make Americans feel a little better in these times. Fixing the crisis has to be both work and moral. He's doing the work, and he's raising the moral.

Maybe he can read a children's book but he sure hasn't shown he can read the vetting docs on his potential nominees. Stop the nonsense with all the tax evading crooks. Give us some tax paying, "patriotic" nominees that we can support!

To you "yahoos" complaining about the President leaving the White House for a morning, GWB was ON VACATION at Crawford or Camp David for more than half of his Presidency. Working? Don't think so...caring about us? I'm sure not. Clearing his head? Could have been done in one day per year.

It was nice of the kids to help him with the big words, too!

photo op or not? this falls under his job description. so you haters can hate all you want, i am just basking in the victory. still excited that he is the president. believe it or not, every time he is on tv the excitment comes right back.

as for the economic crisis, foreign policy mess, partisan politics etc. etc........remember W? he was around for 8 years and he only left just 2 weeks ago. so sit back, cross your fingures and hope that the damage will be repaired in the next 8 years and the mess is possible to clean in the Obama terms.

Bush was "grilled for the same thing" because he sat there like a stooge while the Towers were being attacked. He also didn't ever FUND education, just enacted laws to force schools to bring up test scores without the money to add tutors, texts, teachers...there IS a difference.

It seems silly to take the negative comments here seriously, especially when folks compare Obama with Bush. These ridiculously sarcastic remarks only serves to highlight Obama's exceptional qualities as a public servant. Or they reveal the commentator's darkly obsessive hatred and jealousy. Hopefully it's not the latter. All that negative energy has got to be hard on you!

If anybody really thinks that Obama was there for any reason other than to put on a show for his liberal media buddies and mindless "starstruck" minions...well, I have some ocean front property in Kansas you might be interested in.

NICE!

I was saying that this is a very good thing your President does here–that is reading to the children. This country is the best to have a President that will do this! I thought I pressed submit, but now I don't know.

Karen in Missouri –get over yourself! I VOLUNTEER at a Christian school every day. ALL the teachers are volunteer and the school is tuition-free. I also home-school a neighbor who was falling through the cracks and being bullied in the government school. So please stop acting like libs are the only people on earth who care about others.

How many men out there are now inspired to go do the same thing?

Jeff February 3rd, 2009 5:41 pm ET

We know Obama can read – that's all he did during his campaign. He would have been stumped had the kids asked him a question that required intelligent, original thought.

******************************
Right and I'm sure he got his HARVARD degree from a cereal box.

Grow up and help OUR country move forward not back.

oh brother.

Maybe some of those kids will grow up to not pay their taxes.

No Hillary = No Obama,

You're somewhat of a celebrity as well – you sound like a Bozo (the clown).

I'm sure those kids will never forget that moment.
Find it really adorable they gave him drawings.

bibi - if you are a teacher, it is sad that you do not know the difference between the words 'effect' and 'affect', and it is no wonder that American students have no spelling or language skills

By this time in GWB first term he was on vacation and nobody was complaining. hmmmmmmm

Careful With that merit raise stuff. Remember the Teacher's Unions supported you.

Hey Vedado -

Why must you turn everything into a racial issue? I don't care what color the man's skin is. What I am concerned about is this man has had some pretty questionable nominations that HE picked. Two of them stepped down today (Daschle and Killefer). It seems to me he should be a little more concerned with what is going on at the White House rather than escaping to an "awe inspiring" photo op in front of a bunch of "stunned" 8 year olds, who by the way, their grandkids will still be paying off the pork bill your boy is trying to rush through.

BTW, I just love the look on Michelle's face. She really looks happy, or should I say "proud for the first time in her life" to be there.

If you ever stop by one of the far right websites you'll notice two things: 1) they have some members who are on all day every day, and 2) they frequently encourage members to flood polls and forums to skew the results.

So when you see a bunch of hateful posts all one after the other, keep in mind that that is due to well-organized online campaigns rather than popular sentiment.

I Love my President's and Ms. O

good thing no airplanes crashed during this appearance!!

This is so great....feel sorry for those who cannot see the beauty and wisdom in it.

Andrea E- Atlanta @ 4:44 pm ET "Unlike your President GW he sat and did nothing as thousands of people lost their live in NY and with Katrina. Bush sat on his laurels and did absolutely nothing."
======================
And once again, the hateful left reminds us that they didn't consider Pres Bush "our" President. These same people lecture others about respecting Pres Obama.

At least Kerry, Daschel, Boxer or Reid weren't in the WH at the time of 911. "I, [Kerry,] was in the Capitol. We'd just had a meeting–we'd just come into a leadership meeting in Tom Daschle's office, looking out at the Capitol. And as I came in, Barbara Boxer and Harry Reid were standing there, and we watched the second plane come in to the building. And we shortly thereafter sat down at the table and then ,i.we just realized nobody could think, and then boom, right behind us, we saw the cloud of explosion at the Pentagon."

That's 40 minutes of not being able to think, let alone make a decision, by the "best" in the Democrat Party.

I see the haters are out today, how sad. As I read some of the vile comments from the far-right-GOPers I realize that our Nation has a long way to go before we are truly, the UNITED States of America!

What IS SO DISTURBING is that the far-right-folks consider or claim to be Christians! What Bible are you people reading?

Obviously, Jesus' great commandment "Love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12) Is unknown to you. Sad.

I wonder if there had been a terrorist attack during this photo op if people would be berating the President for not preventing it...

Maybe he should be paying attention to who he is nominating for his posts. The kids are probably wonder why he keeps shuddering and going ahhhhhhhhhhhh ahhhhhh

Might be a photo op but shows how important Obama takes education. It's not just talk for him.

Besides he needs more experience dealing with 8 year olds, considering the temper tantrums Congress is already throwing.

You know. The people that won't even give President Obama a chance, are scared he is actually going to make things better. After the 8 year disaster that just left DC they should all move to texas with that big dumb bell. Give the man a change gee. So the children are starstruck. They are children, looking at a man that is giving them hope for a better tomorrow. stop being sore losers, because look at how many people lost with bush. millionssssssssssss!!!!!!!

It is such an honor for a child to see the President of the United States in person. Not very many children are ever that fortunate. I saw Harry Truman in Dallas in 1946 and I never forgot that day. Many years later I moved to Pres Truman's hometown of Independence, Mo. I took a photo of his home and sent it to him with my story of having seen him years earlier. He autographed the photo and returned it to me with a short note. I treasure it. The only other President I ever saw in person was John Kennedy. I was at his parade in downtown Dallas snapping photos of him. He drove on a few blocks and we all know what happened. By the time I walked 2 blocks back to my office we heard the news. I am so happy that I got to see 2 Presidents in my 74 years. Not everybody can say that. I know we see them on tv but it isn't the same. I hope lots of other children get to see President Obama. I wish I could.

I think it is TOTALLY AWESOME that President and Michelle Obama took time out of their busy schedules to go read to the kids.

To the rest of you who are criticizing him for doing this, and saying it is a photo op- get over yourselves.

President and Michelle Obama are real genuine people. There is no pretense with them. Also, they have made it very clear that education is important.

Kudos to them for this! It make me even more proud that I voted for him!

Well, no 9/11.... no smoke screen..... no BS about what really happened.... no sending Saudi buddies out the country.. Well, how refreshing. The President reads to children without any ulterior motive!

Typical fluffy, feel good Obambi photo-op that give him good press and you know what sheep, BUSH did this stuff as well, no big deal, it's a good thing, but it isn't this grand spectacle that the media makes it out too, unlike you sheep I can hammer and commend the chosen one when needed.

He has to do something to keep us from talking about his HORRIBLE cabinet picks and his HORRIBLE pork filled bailout bill.

Facts are tricky things.

One and done Barry.

01/22/2013

No, Seth, Bush was grilled for his inability to act once he told the country was under attack. He just sat there with a dumb look on his face.

Big difference.

Now- if only one of those kids had shown the good sense and presence of mind to raise their hand and ask: "President Obama– when are we going back to the moon??"

As an Educator of Minority students of deemed low Academic Achievement, this photo and presented encounter from both THE PRESIDENT, AND THE FIRST LADY IS.............................PRICELESS!!! The World should be continuously smiling

Bush was grilled for the same thing.

this nation is full of hatred, why. Let Obama do his job and no matter what the color of skin is, he is the man elected to represent all of us for the next four years and hopefully four more.
He is doing the best he can with the mess that the Bush administration left him at home and in the world. reading to 8 years old is not an escape from the while house, it is only what every parent should be doing at night and it most cases it does not happen because of TV or busy time for parents. Parents have forgotten that we bring children into this world, they do not ask to come and once they are here, they are our responsibility for ever, parenting does not stop when they are off to school or ven get married.
Let us get this country back and show the world that we are the greatest nation.

Who can forget that now famous book,"My Pet Goat" and the moron who was reading while we were under attack on HIS WATCH.

He needs to read but not to children. Just wants their picture taken and I bet every news channel in the world was there. What a mess we are in.

Starstuck, – how about , just in awe of the President of the United States of America.

To all of you who are criticizing this appearance:

Two weeks into his second term, President Bush flew home to Crawford for a "vacation". President Obama and the First Lady, after two hectic weeks and emotional ups and downs, go to a charter school and read to some kids. Hmm. Which one is the elitist?

The Obama girls are at a private school for two reasons: they are both very bright and advanced for their years in schoolwork, and would therefore be out of place in a public school (remember, President Bush wanted to give public support to private schools...), and two, the security is better. The Friends School has taught children of the Washington politicos for years, including both Dems and Reps., and is familiar with and set up to deal with the security required. A public school does not have that advantage. Considering White Supremists have already said on internet sites that the Obama girls are prime targets, I think that is pretty wise.

Like it or not, President and First Lady Obama ARE celebrities (i.e. people we celebrate). That's real, just like President and First Lady Bush (both junior and senior) were. Would you rather have a drug-dealing, dog abusing athelete being your kid's "star" or the President of the US?

I'd like to see Obama visit 6 schools a year ... about 1 per month ... to drive home the fact that education matters to his administration.

In comparison, by now, George W. Bush would have started his third week of vacation.

It has to be hard for a republican to see how an intelligent person serves as president.

It says a lot that a group of children would be so excited and feel so comfortable to tug on the President of the United States. Wonderful.

I think it's great that the Obamas took the time for the kids in DC. And the kids were excited! But I see some "adults" posting here are either Republican or ignorant to criticize. I'd like to know the last time THEY took time to go help kids in school! The Obamas WORK instead of the Bush photo ops and nap time. It's really nice to see a President and First Lady who genuinely care about people!

Oh no someone call Michael Moore another President that reads to children. I can see a sequel documentary in the works already. LOL

Just like life, it is ups and downs. Keep your head high mr. President!

I think this is a better job for Barack. He cannot manage White House so this school should give him a job. He needs lot of experience in different fields.

Should have stuck to his dream of becoming an architect. He is dreadful at golf too.

Thank you President Obama for supporting math and science which are so very important. My grandson is great in math and science but doesn't like focusing on reading as much as he should, therefore we take the responsibility of enforcing that part of his education as well. The schools and funding can only do so much, parents must take a large responsibility in their childrens learning.

I love this man and the good he's doing for children....and for our country.

The comments on this blog just tell me that some people will never have anything good to say about Obama, some people will never have anything bad to say about Obama, some people will always have something bad to say about Bush, and some people won't.

Very few people on these blogs can get their heads out of their arshes long enough to make an educated, articulate, informed, unbiased comment. They are here to make uneducated stupid comments for their party regardless of what's right.

THIS is how a Presidential family acts. THIS is what I want those children to remember when they picture their President. I am hopeful for this country's future. That's a change that's been a long time coming.

He read to kids. Thats all i see. Not the pounds and pounds of analysis on his every move that are done by both liberals and conservatives. You want to know why he wanted to get "out of the white house" because he is constantly subjected to this sort of bull. Please grow up... Hes a human being.

I laugh at the Limbaugh teenyboppers on here.Go find a job you snivelling wimps,mommy and daddy should throw you out on the street to see what the real world is.

The Obama kids are in private school so as not to disrupt the lives of hundreds of other children, their families, the neighborhood where the school is located, et cetera. There are security issues that this school is equipped to deal with because a lot of children of high-profile public officials attend there. Concern for the safety of your children is hardly "liberal elitist" behavior. You may recall it used to be called "family values" when the opposition was in power.

Please, save your rage for when the man has done somethijng truly evil, like say, start a pre-emptive war on a noncombatant country instead of taking some time out to chat with second-graders. I hope you watched the clip on TV. It was very charming.

He read books to innocent and lovely school kids!! By God, why must we Americans always pick the wrong time to destroy a good moment!!

This event was already on the White House's schedule, before the debuncle of the tax evaders came about. Get a grip people; he's the children's president too.

The Obama children have always gone to private schools, just like most rich children do,so there is no reason to "bash" them because they have their children in private school now; that does not mean they are not concerned whether or not public school children receive a good education; afterall, every citizen cannot afford private school.

Listen up everybody,when God calls us all home ,he will say whites over here,blacks over there,latino`s over here,etc....,read you BiBLE and see where we will all be ,TOGETHER ALL AS ONE,people please lets help the man not try to hurt him.Stop acting like a black man cant be president.One more ? whats the diference between President Obama,and Gov. Bobby Jindel ,last i checked neither one of them were white,but its not about the color of a man`s skin,grow up children.

Very nice interview and genuine ambiance from both Mr. President and First Lady! What a difference!

Why don't all you Rush-wannabee haters just be honest and admit it – no matter what Obama does, you're going to slam him, you'll never give him any chance or any credit, and hope feverishly that he fails miserably, even to the detriment of the well-being of the USA – why? Because it sticks in your craw that an intelligent black man has reached the top. There's no other reason for this pathological hatred of this man and his family.

Great balance! President Obama should get out and spend time with ordinary people so he does not end up in a White House bubble.

To Sawber: You are actually thinking of that former Republican candidate who couldn't deal with the financial crisis and campaign at the same time so he had to "suspend" things.

The country is in a financial crisis and faced with major problems abroad. What is our fearless leader doing? Getting another photo shot for his continued PR campaign. Obam should let MIchelle perform these tasks and he should tend to the business of being president.

I guess POTUS & FLOTUS needed a break from those backstabbing REPUGS and all of their BS. Sweet honest children now that's a nice clamimg remdy.

Let us all agree that there are many problems occuring right now that involves education, employment and the economy, and that just some of the "e" problems. Also, you don't and shouldn't know the president and his policy from the WH along, but to know or get to know him when he is out and about.

Next you will be complaining about Arne Duncan.

Awesome Love our new POTUS!

Yeah, of COURSE this was a photo-op.....but, seriously, these two people are really that genuine and down to earth! Its about time we had something like that in the White House! Geesh!!

Very good choice for the book!

Jamal looked really good...enjoy the Ballet!!!

Mr. President, you don't have the luxury of photo-ops. Get back to work and get the stimulus package going.

Sawber: I think it's wonderful he's taking time to read to our children, who are are actually listening to our president with rapt attention. Much better behavior than when the president tried to read his (stimulus package) to the republicans. They have been "acting" like spiteful children "WHINING " so loud they have lost track of the fact they have NO better plan to offer!

Nice to see the first couple sitting with the children than standing with
the Republicans.
Children are the future generation.

some of you need to just admit that nothing PRESIDENT Obama does will make you happy. You will find a negative in everything he does. When fixes the economy, you will complain that he is ruining the nation by convincing poor people they have a right to eat everyday.

Wow there are a lot of bitter people on here. On both sides. I hated bush before it was cool but I am over that because he is no longer president. now obama is and actually I bet every president reads to kids at some point. of course it is a photo op. but you know what, who cares? he deserves a break too. and if the kids want to be excited, what is wrong with that. he is the PRESIDENT!!! I remember when Hillary came to my High School. We were excited then just because it is a famous person. to "no Hilliary = No Obama" you know what he is everyone's president now. how about everyone on here just take a deep breath and relax. those bush haters can get over it now becasue bush is gone. and those obama haters can get over it becasue that is how the bush haters felt for the last 8 years. but at the end of the day we are all americans and he is our president. lets start acting like it!

WHY DO THE COMMENTS HAVE TO TURN UGLY. PEOPLE THE ELECTION IS OVER AND THE NEW PRESIDENT HAS BEEN SWORN IN. GET OVER NOT LIKING IT! I AM SO TIRED OF PEOPLE BAD MOUTHING THE NEW PRESIDENT AND WHAT HE DOES OR DOES NOT DO. THE SAD THING MOST OF THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS PROBABLY COME FROM BIBLE BELIEVING FOLK, WHO IGNORE THE PART ABOUT PRAYING FOR THE PRESIDENT AND GOD ORDAINING THOSE IN AUTHORITY. I AM GLAD OUR PRESIDENT CAN STILL HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR WILL ALL THAT IS GOING ON. WHAT A TREAT FOR THOSE SCHOOL CHILDREN.

Refreshing...a genuine, down to earth First Couple.

We know Obama can read – that's all he did during his campaign. He would have been stumped had the kids asked him a question that required intelligent, original thought.

I sometimes wonder – what would a day in the life of our president have to look like so that no one would complain?
Remember: critics are like eunuchs, they know and talk a lot about it but they can't do it ...

A role model of what should be happening in every US home. Parents reading to their children . That is the message he is sending to the people. Stop putting children for hours in front of the TV and with their computer games. I am a teacher and I can see everyday how it effects the children.

I hope he did not have his book turned upside down.

He is taking all the photo ops he can get...

What about the PUBLIC schools he touted in the campaign? Oh, yeah, I forgot, that was all hot air, now that he is in office, forget what he said. It was just words anyway.

WONDERFUL...... don't worry about all the "haters". Let them talk and talk. Talk is cheap.

We LOVE and SUPPORT our First Couple!

i don't understand why people are so hateful...give the guy a chance – this is why people all over the world think americans are rude, inconsiderate human beings...it is proven on these blogs all day over and over, some of you need to get a life...

Sorry Sue, but Bush wasn't being cool. We all saw his face...he was 'confused'.

The Photo Op president. When are we going tro get the true story of HIS tax returns and shady real estate deals with Rezco. Obama – the Totally Corrupt Presidency (and it's only day 14!).

Careful with that merit raise stuff, you'll have the NEA all over you.

So, your fearless leader is already needing a break from the White House. What's it been, only 2 weeks? I seriously don't think he was joking. What better way to fool all of the stupid liberals than going to read to a bunch of 8 year olds. Sounds more like running from all the negative press he has accumulated in, again, only 2 weeks. So TJ, I totally agree. This is definitley a PHOTO OP!!!!

Poor little kids. Indoctrinated, not on analytical thinking, but on being "star struck". No wonder we have a celebrity running the country.

Now, if someone whispered in Obama's ear about a terrorist attack, what do you think he'd do? Jump up, scaring the children, saying he had to take care of very important presidential business? No, because cool, calm, and collected Obama would have been super calm, as always. Oh wait!! That's how Bush reacted! Well, they have something in common.
Any people, can we get over the obsession with Mr. Bush and his intelligence. He's not president anymore. You should be happy.
BTW, have we seen Obama's transcripts or a list of books he's read?
Thanks, Mr. Bush, for a job well done and for keeping us safe so these yahoos can continue being...yahoos!

Love my first couple!

It is so nice to see your country finally have a President who seems very geuine and real. After all the smoke blown your way you could use some of the fresh air the rest of the industrialized world enjoys.

With all that is messed up in this country he has time to be sitting in a kids library??? Everyone that has been nominated for a plush job in his cabinet has had tax problems, two more just dropped out today. Maybe he should be looking in to all the tax problems the members of his staff have instead of sitting around with a bunch of kiddies.

I have a theory about why Bush sat there for so long with a blank look on his face when he was reading "My Pet Goat" and was informed of the 911 attack. It's not that he didn't know what to do, it's that he was going to try and finish reading real quick before leaving but got stuck on a word. In his defense, I think it was probably one of those big six letter words.......

Is this the way this guy spends his time? I thought he wanted to be president. Looks like another George W. Bush all over again. Yes, that's change we can believe in.

TJ – why would he need a photo-op? He's not running for president – he IS the president!!!

@Sawber
It's called multitasking...something your former president was unable to do. There was a economic crisis LONG before President Obama came to office. What was Bush doing....flying around to Camp David and his Crawford ranch as usual.

Yes, Barack & Michelle, it is nice to get out of the White House and interact with real, delightful children, rather than deal with a bunch of childish, repugnant Republicans!!

We support and understand most of your Stimulus package. It will allow governments to contract with businesses; businesses will retain & hire employees; employees will remain in their homes and purchase new homes, hence keeping banks, investment firms, etc in business!!! Econ 101

I am so glad we have a President that care about children getting a great education. Keep up the good work

Debbie "they really love kids"

Seriously – you know it is a carefully planned and orchestrated photo-op right? So when Bush was reading to kids during Katrina, were you gushing "he loves kids!"?

How about asking the kids in Gaza dodging the Obama endorsed Israel attacks how they feel?

More like politics PR as usual.

Good to see such a powerful person taking time with "the little people" amoug us. What a kewl Brutha President Obama is.

Sawber,

What exactly do you think he should be doing every minute of every day to solve the economic crisis? The bailout package has left his desk. Actually I'd ask you the same question. Why are you posting on this site instead of doing your part to boost the economy?

Obama said before the election that he would be able to multitask. And we have more than one problem than the tanking economy. In fact, talking about it ad nauseum is creating a "death spiral" that will be harder to get out of. Just live your life responsibly, do your part to help others, and hope for the best. It will all work out in the end.

@ Andrea

Actually, the thumb sortof doesn't point back at you when you point a finger at someone.

And by the way, all of you except for Sawber are so ignorant and stupid it's amazing.

P.S. Daschelle withdrew his nomination for HHS and I'm against the Stimulus Package.

SO SUCK ON THAT!

Sawber
You need to get a life. President Obama is doing all he can to help this once great country. Your president bush left an awful mess for him to clean up.

A President that can READ!!! America's gettin' fancy!!!

Liberal elitist. Why aren't their kids in a charter school? Both of them are as phoney as a wooded dime.

It shows that the POTUS and FL care about educating our future. KUDOS to them both!

I agree, I'm sick of first ladies just reading to kids. We have others to do that.

Use your celebrity and do something noble. Help Afghanistan girls go to school without getting acid thrown on their faces. Help African girls with aides. Help stop prostitution of children in other countries. Do something important, we can read to our own kids.

I am so proud that he is our president. We needed a 'real' person. God protect him!

SAWBER,
PRESIDENT OBAMA UNDERSTANDS THE NEED FOR EDUCATION REFORM AND NO WE WILL NOT COMPLAIN! I THINK THE QUESTION YOU WANT TO MAKE IS WILL PRES.OBAMA CONTINUE TO READ TO THE CHILDREN AFTER HE FINDS OUT THE COUNTRY IS UNDER ATTACK!

bernj shame on you. That was rotten...funny as all get out, but just rotten.

LOL

Meanwhile, back at the White House, two nominees back out due to their "tax issues."

Great way to show that his ideas for spending money on early education have basis.

Andrea – I'm soooooo tired of all the Katrina boohoos! Where are the Galvestonians boohooing after Gus all but zeroed out the entire Island? You don't hear the whining for entitlements from them!

I expected Michelle to do much more than sit around and read books. I thought she would be on Hillary's level. She's not doing the tax payers any good by reading books to kids. I hated it when Babs did it, Laura and Nancy.

This is a new presidency with new ideas. Think of something else to do because this isn't it. We know you have to stay close to home, but send some books to underpriveledged kids somewhere in the world. Email soldiers from home. But don't fall into the the Nancy-Barbara-Laura Republican wife trap.

Do something else Michelle, as the slogan goes–Just Do It.

I knew some liberal moron like Andrea would make a crack at Bush about 9-11...you're so pathetic

If Nobama was telling the truth, he would have said Robin Hood is his favorite superhero....I'm sure he likes Robin Hood's "wealth redistribution" plan....take from the people who work hard and give to the stupid and the lazy

In light of the recent cases of income tax evasion which have been reported, perhaps it would be in the public's best interest to have all elected officials sign a contract acknowledging that they understand they WILL BE AUDITED EVERY YEAR by the IRS..... further, an immediate IRS audit of every single senator and congressman should be ordered by the new president, if that is within his power.
I guess we'd have to write to our congressmen or senators first and request it be made law....oh, yeah...nevermind. Fat chance that would happen.

Could Michelle or Arne look any more bored?? Good grief. At least they could TRY to act their parts.

As the USA is suffering #44 reads to school kids about change? Reminds me of #43 when he read to school kids but he got hounded by the media for that.

Nice, heart warming photo op. Caption below should read, "Pres Obama reads to students at school his own kids are too good to attend." Now, this is CHANGE.

Andrea...please remember that each hand has four fingers and one thumb and when one finger is pointing forward, three fingers are pointing back at you and the thumb doesn't count, because its a thumb.

I think the president need to read a book that teaches honesty, integrity, care, selflessness and love to the the right wing idiots like Rush, Hannity,O'relley alike. God bless you Mr. President.

We are in the presence and witnessing greatness. Its really a simple concept. A president who sincerely cares, has young childredn, highly educated and respectful to others.

America won't settle for less anymore. Whoever is the next president will have to be considered smart and cares for the people. A person like Romney has this pedigree, a person like Palin simply does not.

8 years of this will be so refreshing for america. Enough with the divisiveness.

A photo opportunity....with White House nominees going down in flames for tax evasion....economic crisis...Iran, Korea and Venezuela beginning to flex their measures against our young President Obama, the Pork Job Package.....

this does not look good. It is sweet but he should be working.

I'm not a Bush fan at all, but it's been verified that the upside-down book was a Photoshop creation.

It would have been amusing if one of the children had asked him why he sends his kids to a fancy and quite expensive private school.

Change a life by planting one seed at a time. Done because they care, not because they need a photo op.

I'm glad to hear he can communicate with someone without the help of a telepromptor and a speech writer.

this goes to show that nothing rattles the prez.. he stays focus.

Please stop with the dumb comments about loving kids! Do you think every other president hated kids? When one of the muslim terrorists that BHO frees kills kids will you still be singing praise? Probably, because most of you lack the intelligence to realize he is an empty suit.

This harks back to the days of 9/11 when Bush was reading to school kids when he received the news that planes were raining down on New York. What a way to start a presidency, that was frought with one horrific event after another, and none of Bushs doing.
Lets hope that Obama's presidency is nothing more than the currrent recession and that all goes well for both him and the country.

Michelle needs to get a hair stylist in the White House. Her hair looks beat down awful. She's the first lady, and she looks like she just got off a bus and ran ten miles.

Oh, how great. Maybe they should have considered this PUBLIC school for their own children. But no, that might not give them the edge for the college apps. A pity.

AAwwww how sweet!

Bet you anything that the GOP will look at this and sayd ' read to kids? .. what a waste of time! '

Sawber –

Love your snarky partisan comment comparing an ongoing economic recession that has been happening for well over a year to Bush's inept and slow response to hearing specific news of the worst attack on American soil since WWII. If you honestly don't get the difference, that explains everything I need to know about why the GOP is hurting so bad right now.

I think the President has found his "sweet spot." He should keep doing this, even more often.

joking that they wanted to get out of the White House.

The only way to keep sane!

Oh yes...keep in touch with real people Mr Prsident Love you and Michelle and the girls.

That's what President Bush was doing when 9/11 hit..

Sawber.....stop already. Such bitterness will eat you up from the inside out. It's not healthy.

*** joking that they wanted to get out of the White House ***

translation for all you sheep....... PR photo op .....

I wrote The White House as a child and felt thrilled when they sent me a package. It was like Gerald Ford, himself, had written me. How thrilling for these kids to have both the President and First Lady there. It's nice having a President that realizes we need to invest in the kids today for the benefits of tomorrow.

I am honored to call you my President, even if i didn't vote for you (Did not vote at all)

W just called. He wants to know "Is those children learning?"

Leading by example...as we find things to do to give back in our communities.

I wonder how many of these kids are "illegal aliens". Did you know that this country spends 338 billion dollars a year on illegal aliens? And you thought this war was causing us to go bankrupt.

Osama bin Laden must respect Obama more the Dubya to not attack our nation during the children's book reading.

The million dollar question is: Would Obama have just sat there with a dumb look on his face and kept on reading like Dubya did, or would he have got his butt out of there and taken charge of our nation like a leader's supposed to do in a time of attack?

I must admit... Obama just can't do the dumbfounded look like Dubya.

Too bad they can't take the President Obama Show on the road. We would welcome them at Bible Baptist School in Savannah, GA.

This is a couple that truly understands that our youth are our future. Greed got this country in the mess we are in and President Obama is not going to be able to take care of all the countries' problems over night. I'm glad we finally have someone in office who is not afraid to roll up his sleaves and is willing to listen to the people, regardless of their age.

@Sawber

Apples and oranges. The economic crisis hasn't killed 3,000 Americans in the space of a few minutes nor has it knocked down two giant skyscrapers all over a major urban center. Moron.

It is like the Gop is the one running our goverment.....

Those in the media that are the enablers like Lou dobbs should be ashamed of themselves!

Sawber: "So will the left complain about him reading to kids when there is an "economic crisis" going on?

Of course not."

You're absolutely right, of course not. He's doing his job - he's done more in this month than Bush did leading up to 9/11. There was an immediate problem when the Twin Towers were hit, and all he did was sit there and ignore the problem; Obama's out there getting things done, and has taken one break to visit some (incredibly lucky) children at a nearby school.

Of. Course. Not.

Well, at least he can read them...Bush had a secret service ear piece in his ear while one of his bodyguards read it to him from the janitor's closet.

DC has a high illiteracy rate. I am glad to see that a President is paying attention to children who, in case some people don't realize it, are the future.

To Sawber:

So will the left complain about him reading to kids when there is a terrorist attack going on?!?!

Of course.

The left never hoped that Bush would fail. Liberal hope for the best

Relaxing with Kids!! nice get out of repubican crazyness!!!

Grow Up Sawber. You're grasping at straws. He has a plan to get us out of the economic crisis, and it doesn't involve invading a sovereign nation not responsible for our current situation.

@ Sawber: There's a subtle difference between economic woes and 'Country under Attack!'

It is so nice to actually see our President out of the White House and in the real world. He truly cares about providing our children with a quality education and paying the teachers the salaries they so much deserve. I hope that he continues to come out and see first hand how things are for most Americans. This is the only way to determine what needs to be fixed.

Sawber!

at least President Obama thinks about everyone and not only about people who voted for him. Look at the list that the Republicans are naming as pork. None of them have even the slightest idea of what those projects mean for the future of this country. Improving public transportation, infrastructure, preventive medicine, science, alternative energy, and art are the future of this country. Just think for a moment an improved public transportation and infrastructure decreases the dependence on oil. Preventive medicine decreases the future health bill. Science comes back to America and leads the way in new century. Please, look beyond the immediate solutions. that is why we are in this mess....

Today is surely not a good day to be in the white house. With all that's going on in Washington ashcle resigning his nomination, Republicans building a road block to America's survival and the media salivating all over it all and foaming for who broke the news so they could be promoted. It's a good day tro take a trip outside of Washington.

God Bless You, Mr. President

Savber???????

Refreshing to see a President who can read the actual words...........

When you are tested, Remember the American people are behind you 100%

I'm so proud of The President & First Lady...they really love kids!

We love you mr. President and your wife michelle our first lady. I hope everything woke out fine without much stress. I hope you feel safe too.....

@bernj

LOL! I had forgotten about that Bush moment...

Oh please Sawber,
In case you don't know, the bill as to be approved before the President can do anything. Unlike your President GW he sat and did nothing as thousands of people lost their live in NY and with Katrina. Bush sat on his laurels and did absolutely nothing. President Obama is actually moving faster than any President in modern history. Yes there have been roadblocks but to comment as if he is doing nothing, pales in comparison to GW. Remember when you point one finger at me there are four others pointing back at you.

I'm glad the President isn't moved by such negative comments.

Keep on reading Mr.President!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. President, it is ok we are behind you all the way. You are not alone and those kids love you too and michelle our beautiful first lady...

How come Barack Hussein Obama has so much free time on his hand?

I don't get it Sawber...

Someone is obviously a sore loser.

Ummm, this is a little different than 9/11.

God forbid he go read to children on a day when the Dow was up almost 2%! Oh, the abject horror!

I teach and cannot imagine what my children would say if this First Couple would come to our school. I am so excited that Pres. Obama loves education. I look forward to the implementation of his plan. Our children need the encouragement and help. I am praying for the success of this administration.

Wouldn't you love to have Michelle come to your kid's school? Pure happiness, that girl.

Star struck?

Any kid would be in awe of the president. However, adults read this, and the use of that word has more meaning behind it.

Didn't I just see this same picture in 2001 but pictured then were President Bush and First Lady Laura at a school doing the same thing. I feel like deja vue.

Isn't it great that Obama actually reads?

It was also great to see him reading the Bills he was signing on to BEFORE he actually signed them.

Somewhere in Texas.....a village has had their idiot returned.

Michelle, turn that frown upside down, what a sour look on her face. She looks less than thrilled to be there. Being in the lime light now, you should always be camera ready, say "cheese".

its high time we increase funding for math and science education...the right wing nut jobs and evangelicals are hell bent on sending our kids into the dark ages

No, the left won't complain about him reading books to school children if the right won't sit in utter worship that he did.

Boy the hate mongers don't take long to show their ugly heads!

@bernj

Thanks for the laugh!

Just think - these kids will be able to tell their grandchildren that the POTUS read to them.

There they go again, leading by example! It's so great to know what it feels like to look up to the first family. Thank you Mr. President and Mrs. First Lady!!

Should we the people forget what we went through the last 8years?

To those kids, their superhero was in the room with them. What a rush it had to be. I don't worship mortals but children do and he is as close as they will ever see to a superhero. Our President must have extrordinary stamina at this time to visit a school with his schedule!!!

That's great. What a thrill for those kids. Something they'll remember and talk about for the rest of their lives.

So Obama reads to kids, it's okay. But when Bush did it, it was wrong.

Hey Bernj, where's the book that is right side up? He's not holding a book. Once again, a democratic pointing to failures that aren't real, just imagined.

Brilliant move. What a fantastic example the Obama's set for all children.

Lose the cynicsm Sawber, it's tired.

I'm glad to see that they are showing young children the importance of reading. It also shows the children that they have a president who can actually read! I'm a proud republican who voted Obama/Biden.

But did he ask the important question: "Is our children learning"?

But neither did he fly all the way to FL to find kids to read to.

I like the title. Ofcourse, that is where the stimulus idea came from, outerspace. Because it has so much wasted junk in it, the economy won't get stimulated before we land a man/woman on Mars.

That bill is nothing more than failed Democratic initiatives over the last 4 years that have been put into a bill and given a new name. How does all of these upgrades to the federal buildings, giving money to Hollywood for film, money for voucher to switch your retarded TV to the new cable system and giving, yes giving, hybrid cars to federal employees that make enough money to buy their own? And no doubt the blind will follow the head mouse on this one too.

I love the picture. It's refreshing to have a President who knows the importance of providing for our children and the necessity of quality education. And for those kids, they will always remember the day the President of the United States came to school. He's OBM (okay by me).

this is so great. i hope he goes into a few dc public schools too.

Sawber-
I don't remember anyone complaining about Bush "reading" to school children when the 9/11 attacks happened. I think you just can't find anything to complain about President Obama so decided to jump on this.

Good thing he wasn't teaching any geography.....he would've gotten stuck on naming states #51-57

GET RID OF THE UNIONS that force schools to keep bad teachers that whine and whine about how hard it is to teach
tell them to go find and easy job !!!!

It really look so good for the kids have their President reading to the; Mr. President, you are God send, keep the good job and clean heart to be a successful President

this is wonderful for all American children.

Obama's rapid response needs to get back to work. IF they let the republicans have their way,they would destroy obama and our projects for american future (families and kids), one zero vote at a time.

I smell Karl Rove all over our Goverment.....Those articles are not from the right but the left wing media outlet is being used at its best...Nobody would believe that article when you read it.....

I'm suppose to get excited about him reading a book to children?! He should be working on the stimulus bill with the other clowns.

Pres. Obama and First Lady,

It makes me very happy to see your interest in our children's education. Please do not forget to go to a public school in the inner city where your presence will mean so much to those kids and may help them inspire them even further than what you have so far.

OH I see sawber, you are trying to compare this to when Bush was reading my pet goat while we were being attacked, and he sat there looking like a deer in the headlights? LMAO you righties are going to give me lot's of good laughs for the next 4-8 years.

Wow – no terrorist attacks when this guy reads books.

I guess he didn't care to read "My Pet Goat".

Too much going on in washington. The last 10days Obama spent trying to bridge the gap in washington. It was very good to see him out of the buble.

Thank God he has such a support behind him, Michelle and their good friend secretary of education.........

This will be good for the country too and our kids!

... More educational than "My Pet Goat"...

Another photo op??? Sheesh....

Great people, the Obamas, great job!!!!!!!!!
Now the republicans should let them do their job. They had their chance for 8 years. They preferred to put us into debt with useless expenses in Iraq and other places to put money into the pockets of sleazy contractors in bagdad and afganistan. ALL republicans worked was on was about giving their friends contracts right from the treasury or the chinese coffers, and into our debt burden.

Now it is GREAT TIME THEY SHUT THE HELL UP, AND WATCH OBAMA WORK FOR THE NATION.

It was very healthy for him to get out of washington for sure. Republicans are paralysing his administration......

What a guy...It's a shame he is being railroaded by the common repugs

Anticipation...

Well, I remember another president reading a book at a school when he was criticized for doing so when the plane struck the twin towers. Thank goodness nothing bad happened today–the prez's approval rating might have dropped even more.....

This certainly isn't politics as usual in Washington. Perhaps the negative bloggers here would like to consider that there is a very different tone in Washington already. Obama said he would stay in touch with the people and his actions here prove that he is taking that very personally.

A president who reads...books......right side up. How refreshing.

Darn he's good! Still thrilled that I made the right choice – the only choice.

So will the left complain about him reading to kids when there is an "economic crisis" going on?

Of course not.

Aww that is so cute