The two made an unscheduled lunch stop Tuesday at independent burger joint Ray's Hell Burger in Arlington, Virginia.
Crowds filled the parking lot and lined the streets as the leaders ordered inside.
Biden took the lead ordering a swiss cheese burger with jalapeños and a root beer.
Obama opted for a basic cheddar cheese burger, with mustard, hold the ketchup, and a bottle of water. Disappointed at first when told that the restaurant didn't carry French fries, Obama decided to go with an order of the restaurant's special cheese and tater puffs.
Before settling his tab Obama made sure that the press did not go hungry. "Who wants a burger?" Obama asked.
The cashier offered lunch on the house, but the president declined saying, "We're paying, or these people [the press] are gonna write about how we're free-loading."
From CNN Politics
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Work for us | Help
wow I see even the little GOP jerks are in here. " Did he pay for it himself or did the tax payers pay for it" Ask that to George and Laura Bush Who spent $50,000 of the tax payers money for china. And who paid for that, Yep we did. And the Obama's desided to forgo the $100000 that they get for moving into the White house to be used for redecorating. Yep GOP they are using their OWN money. So stop with wise cracks and look at the guy who will bring us out of this crunch even if it takes buying a burger with his own money to do so. I bet you guys would also be the 1st to ask for your fair share too, is that right ?
Elmer Dudley, John Holden
I can't help it but smile, these men know how to steal the lime light.
Lots of presidents are down to earth, I'm sure he separated the bottle water and rootbear with his hands. Who cares..... cause he really doesn't care about people, just his political party. The same can be said about the GOP, both parties serve party first.
wcmillionairre at 3:11 p.m.: Were you raised to be an elohssa or do you have to work at it?
He sounds presidential even when ordering a burger.
Come on people, they have to eat sometime!! How much time do you waste while you at work? You aren't chained to you desk. Get over yourself. Hve a burger sirs, you deserve it.
I think Pres. Obama and VP Biden are really normal, likeable people.
John, if you read the article, the last part clearly states that Obama paid for his, Biden paid for his...
Ya, all places that cook their food on the spot should ask how you want your burger, not everyone wants the burger under the heat lamp that be at other fast food places....
Cool.
That's nice, but who paid for those burgers for the press? Taxpayers? Time and time again, Obama seems to not understand basic ethics and conflict of interest.
Sure they should be working WC. They should be just like W and NEVER eat and just work 24 hours a day...oh wait...didn't W take like 8 weeks of vaca per year? lol
LOVE IT! How often with previous administrations would you see the president and vice president just hanging out and having lunch together . . . NEVER! Man of the people for the people!
This President is so down to earth, so common like the rest of us, us so uncommon for washington politics. I love him.
John Holden - May 5th, 2009 3:15 pm ET
Now the question is whether Obama paid out of his pocket or the tax payers paid for those burger given to the public?
============================================================
No.......there is no 'question' about who paid.........good grief; the man can't even go out for a burger without haters complainin' and pointin' fingers......
That's so cute! I love photo-ops! They can do NO wrong can they!
This president loves to get out once in awhile. I think it's great. He really is a man of the people. So far, people are happy he's out and about. They love it.
Kudos Mr. Prez, keep it up. You're doing a great job. Now about those fries...
His generousity is truly beyond comparison! Unfortunately, the poor media probably had to decline his offer for a free lunch (misguided understanding of being unbiased). Now, if the business was smart they would have offered the reporters lunch on the house.
LOL @ all the "shouldn't these guys be working" comments. The last president took more vacation time than any other president, and you're giving these guys crap for EATING? Give me a break.
DANG, why do rich people always get the free stuff!! Hey Obama, hook me up with a double with cheese, catsup, lettuce, and mayo only. Thanks!
My kind of man, jalapenos on a burger, yumme!
Pres Obama and VP Biden attracted more people in their surprise burger run than the 50 or so preannounced Republican listening tour in the pizza place!!
Just a PR stunt with the swooning press.
Surprised Biden went into a confined and crowded space!!
Its always good to take a lunch break on a workday. He is one of us.
After 8 years of nonstop scandals, Ive had a craving for a harmless presidential puff piece.