CNN

Oh people grow up. US-Russian relations tanked in recent years, and what's the oldest and most effective way to show an enemy (or potential enemy) you mean no harm? Bring the wife and kids of course. No man is going to pick a fight with his kids along. Read your history, from the Persians, Chinese and Egyptians to Rome to the Middle Ages through the present day. What do they teach in schools these days anyway?

Does his story about his daughter really warrant time on the political ticker? I thought his daughters weren't to be the story, yet when they go abroad, they're front and center. Publicity when it suits him is the way I see it.

instead of concentrating on all these, press better do some thing about fixing current problems nation is facing...

Danny – Obama is THE President. Of the United States. Yeah, the campaign is over, he won, remember? He's SUPPOSED to travel with his family. His adorable daughters are helping him to repair and reduce all the hatred spawned towards the United States by G.W. and his posse, all over the world. How can you compare the POTUS to someone who was just a candidate?

God bless America. We have a leader with guts and integrity representing this sweet land of hypocrisy, showboat politicians and stupidity. If you don't like our American leadership go home, back to your happier place because we sure could use more breathing room and less freeway traffic.

Honestly I do not have a problem with Obama traveling with his girls I really don't. Just don't bash Palin when she is President and she brings her kids cool?

I do not care if kids go with them or not. It is their business, not mine.
Kids are kids, they should not be attacked by people.
People, just leave children alone.
I only want to be able to afford vacation for my family!

Why are so many of you comparing President Obama to Sarah Palin? President of The United States vs. a woman who quit her job as Governor before completing her first term. Puleease people !!! Get a grip.

Just wish people would stop comparing him to Palin. If people dwould just understand that he WON. Why shouldn't his family travel with him? Why don't we just give him a change. Anyone that expects him to change the world in 6 months when it took 8 years to mess it up is crazy. If we would all work together it may change quicker.

the president loves his wife and kids. broken families are part of our problems. we spoke in November. his plane would not have use any less fuel. lets stop wasting air time on this dum subject. the president is spending everyday trying to get us out of this hole.TO ALL REPUBLICANS YOU HAD YOUR CHANCE YOU BLEW IT. SO PUT A LID ON IT.

Since you the liberals always think that you are right, how about if we break apart? Let's see whose values will be better: Your immoral values or GOP's Christianity's values.

Were comparing our President taking his daughters with him on a trip, to Sara Palin taking her kids campaigning. This is the 1st family, not someone campaining for President. It's great the president takes the children with him when he can. It shows the rest of the world we are a nation of families. Even Obama said, his children are the reason he ran for office.

Discrimination against? The Obama girls are currently out of school. Palin had her kids during school session parading around during a very different environment.

Danny, Let's see...something about apples and oranges. Besides, who said that he did not nor will not cover the expenses of his family?? Mrs Palin finally footed the bill after being called on it.

No – all Presidents are allowed to take their children on state visits. Governors are held to different standards. Its not about the individual persons involved, its about their different job titles. There is no discrimination here.

The Obama girls did American PROUD, PROUD, PROUD. They are very beautiful, very well behaved and have a certain grace about them, even if they are girls. It's a LOT of pressure being the President's daughters. It's so nice to see them so well-adjusted and well rounded.

CNN Please post this. There are some absolutley petty , small minded people placing posts upon this site. Some of you are borderline looney... while others are just totally ignorant or badly misinformed. In either case, this is what an American President does, its called projection.. other nations admire it and you bumbling idiots dont get it. For once, educate yourselves and grow up. The man is making us look good although alot of you dont deserve to fall under the same umbrella. Grow up!

I think it is OK for the OBAMAS to bring their kids to a trip as long as the media doesn't hold double standards on Sarah Palin. Family value is good to promote but not in a way of double standard.

Their daughters are cute.

this is what the real family looks like...an example of humble and class at the same time...those who follow radio talk hosts with 3 marriages behind them and politicians with kids and grandkids out of wedlock cannot comprehend the beauty of this story.

Please cut this crap out guys. Reporting of this nature only confirms what the conservatives are saying about you that you have your heads so way up the Obama's behind you cannot see daylight. Let it go. Report the real news PLEEEEEEEEEEEEASE.

Deb, I dont take business trips. Was that you falling off your pedestal? And I would not take my children on taxpayer money. Deb, you should watch the new fall lineup, it may include a new show called "Leave it to Biden".

I don't think HIS GIRL made him tired but PUTIN. He (Putin) lectured him on COLD WAR for a whole hour without stopping. I think he got embarrassed and couldn't do anything about it because he was really unexperienced.

Fun to watch the clip on youtube.

To all you critics, what is matter? Can't stand seeing someone in the political spotlight that shows real family values?

Give the guy a break. He is undertaking the toughest job in the world, cleaning up countless messes left behind, and trying to stay close to his young kids.

What is happening to Americans and all the hate and division??

Prime Minister Harper of Canada is taking his wife and two children to Italy with him for the G8 and no one in Canada will complain and no one will pick apart Mrs Harper"s clothes no matter what their political persuasion.

We are happy to see our First Family represent us overseas.

They look wonderful! Have fun girls and mom.....Mr. President, do your presidential thing......Have a safe trip home to all......

P.S. I'll bet some of you who continue to obsess about 'your tax dollars' don't even pay your taxes......Spare me please.......

thats because palin is a worthless deserter who doesn't even care about her own state

From what I understand, travel privileges do not extend to family in the role of Alaska governor. But they do for President. Palin broke protocol. Obama did not.

I am thrilled that our First Family can finally have some time together... regardless of the time or place!

*My apologies for some of the pathetic self-absorbed posters here!

Obama is groggy because Putin is laughing at him just like NK and Iran are. They all see how weak and blind he is.

It's wonderful to see the First Family of the United States representing America in such a dignified manner.

Thank You!!

Maybe she should have taken them to Russia. Oh, that's right the kids can see it from their house.

The difference between the travel of Sarah Palin's children and Barack Obama's is simple. Her children's expenses were not related to her job – flying your children somewhere to a dinner they aren't invited to is ridiculous. Taking your children to Russia to see that country makes sense. Not only that – how do you know that the Obama's are using taxpayer money to do so??

From a May, 2002 news story about a 10-day trip for Bush's daughter:

White House spokeswoman Noelia Rodriguez decreed at the outset of this trip that Jenna was traveling as a private citizen - albeit also on the U.S. government - and was "off-limits" to the news media.

Jenna travels to Berlin on Wednesday to see her dad and then returns to the United States while he and the first lady continue on to official visits in Russia and France.

Most folks are simply made cause this is a black family that's doing it. Chelsea, The Bush Twins all travel to other countries with there father's or met up with them...I'm so glad Obama one because now I don't have to look for the racist..I just look for the white folks who's K9 teeth are showing!!

It is sad that some people would have such bitterness toward the president taking his family with him on a business trip. Think for a moment it didn"t cost any more for the president family to accomdate him–ddddddd-you do the math

We should all be proud of our President and his family. President Obama is doing a great job. It is a joy to see his family with him sharing the experience.

Charming! Lovely and well brought up young ladies.
Not a fan of Ed Henry though! He always seems bitter.

Who will be paid the huge expensive bills for Paris, London for 14 days in May over to June and Russia, too ? It will be paid by blood money from Taxes of Citizens. Mr. Mrs Obama are being gone too far.

Well, this article is a fine example of Obama-mania, Ed Henry. How exactly are the Obama girls or Michelle for that matter taking "Russia by storm"? They are not celebrities in Russia; people in Russia do not worship the Obamas like many in America do. Please start writing serious pieces and asking serious questions of this administration. I have had enough of "I adore how cute you are MrPresident" articles...

I have yet to decide what's more amusing: the irrelevancy of this story, or the fact that GOP haters still take it as an excuse to make up hate-lines about Obama.

Hey LLB why do you choose to stereotype?
why can't they drink anything else other than koolaid?
please wake up and accept it..it is no longer a dream
Obama(African America) is the President, commander in chief of the United States of America
I love you Mr. President..
Please take grandma with you on the next trip..
The kids must be missing her by now

The Obama family gives our country grace and dignity – we've so lucky to have them!

A message for Danny.
Obama is your president. He can take his kids with him.
Palin was not the President, not even the Vice-President.

Obama in Russia apologizing when it should be the Russian President to prosecute Russians for crimes they committed in Chechnya

Some of you guys really dont like seeing this family happy together.
whats two more people on a plane thats going there anyway. Please stop hating.

donttreadonme: Please quote the source where president Obama EVER talked negatively or personally about Palin and her family. The answer is that there isn't one because he flatly stated that family is OFF LIMITS.

In fact quote any time candidate Obama or President Obama has EVER personally attacked the Palins. Just because you imagined it as so does not it make it a fact.

And the rest of you : Please quote where you have learned that your taxes are paying for the daughters' trips and the cost.

Two girls take the entire nation of Russia by storm? Wow, that supposedly fearsome Russian Army has really fallen off lately, eh?

Who cares about chosen one Obama or how his kids wander around at 4am.. Obama is destroying this country one tax dollar at a time just like Arnold did to california and CNN prints this propaganda.

FYI the Obama' s marriage was in crisis when he was a congressman and Senator because she was home taking care of the kids and he was away all the time. To all you Obama lovers, don't go crazy like the Bush lovers did (you're sounding just like them) or we will see a backlash in the form of right winged zealots in another 4 or 8 years. Where's the moderation in this country?

donttreadonme....

Good job identifying the current socialist programs run by our government.

Now, how many of those programs are in truoble?

That's right, all of them.

Maybe we should copy success, not failure. You think?

He earned and he deserved 100% of it. It is a good lesson for all fathers of this world.

At least THIS time they didn't take a separate jet at our expense like they did for the trip to France. I am still not enamored. Michelle's personality is a Jeckle/Hyde turnaround from the campaign trail. This Dem hasn't drank the Koolaid. So far I only see him and his family livin' it up. I'll drink when I see results.

If this was anyone else we would hear how they are wasting taxpayer money traveling for pleasure during a Presidential trip...

I am not stating this, I am just curious why this man gets a pass on all your hate?

Hey Keith from Austin, what planet you living on. When the republican controlled senate and house was destroying and spending every dime we had, where were you. Obama inherited the rupublican generated nightmares. So wise up. what futures is he spending. That was already done by republicans which i suspect you are. Feel free to separate from the US like you guys are thinking.

What a delightful article. I'm glad the Obama girls are on this trip. It keeps the President grounded, it shows Russia that we (America) are made up of real people, and the girls are receiving a wonderful education about Russia. There is nothing like being in a place to better understand it.

I'm confused, I thought they kept their kids out of the spot light. Another myth!

You know what's wrong with this country? The fact that amidst all of the crisis we currently find ourselves in the most important and pressing issue is whether the leader of our country can use our tax dollars on spending time with his children. The same children that are sucking up our tax dollars regardless of their location on the globe. Why don't we just make an amendment that anyone holding the office of the President cannot have children. Preach family values yet get up in arms when a man whose job commands his attention 24/7 has the opportunity to spend time with his daughters.
And you think he's wasting your money on some airline tickets aboard Air Force One? How about the cost of a coffin being flown in from Iraq?

mike,
Hasn't done anything???
What about your hero Dubya?
Prior to September 11, 2001, George W. Bush was on vacation for 96 days - Given that he’d taken office on January 20th of 2001, that means that as of September 11th, he’d been ‘on the job’ for 234 days. If 96 of those were vacation days, he was on vacation 41% of the time.
Yeah, he was a workaholic, wasn't he?
Compared to Dubya, President Obama has done nothing BUT work.

Obama was going to be gone for few days..ther is nothing wrong with him having his kids around.. Moreover there must have been extra space on the aircraft.
Please people lets talk about something more meaningful

I am proud of our wonderful and smart President. He is a very wise President and he knows what he is doing.

How sweet those girls are? Just enjoy seeing that family. I do not know why people hate it. I am an independent. I like this family representing our nation. I am proud of them.

Who cares; there are plenty of other more important issues in the US and the world to worry about the Obamas.

Obama lovers say bringing his daughters abroad while conducting foreign policy is good for our image. Hmm, so Obama exploiting daughters for political purpose.

I find it amazing that the Republicans are having a hard time with a FAMILY traveling with Dad on his business trip (you've never taken your kids with you??)

Get over yourselves.

Family values? A leader traveling with his wife at HIS side, not back at home thinking he is hiking or something. Maybe our other male leaders in gov't should take note how a real Christian family man leads!

One commentator this morning (Morning Joe?) mentioned that the fact that President Obama took his family with him to Russia is interpreted by the Russians as a sign of respect for the Russian people. Don't know why people don't realize that Obama really has it together – and really makes us proud that someone of his abilities is [finally] representing the United States as the leader of the free world.

I love human interest stories like this. They make me feel all warm and fuzzy.

Adorable girls, wonderful parents who love each other and adore their children. What' can be wrong about showing that image to the rest of the world? It is great PR for our country.

If Sanford had taken his boys hiking along the Appalachian Trail with him on Father's Day weekend, instead of shacking up with his girlfriend, he wouldn't be in the mess he's in.

Whose family values are stronger and a better image to present to the world?

As far as the cost goes – pfffffft to all of you haters and complainers.

Tony – Ummm, same as you. Except I'm not complaining, not even with my husband sering Navy for 18 years and my daughter enlisting in the Army. The Obama has been in office for 6 months, do the math. It took how long to get us in the state we are in?

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Working and paying my taxes. You?

Wow. Some of your comments just blow me out of the water! I’ve never seen such pettiness. You finally have a President who can actually talk and chew gum at the same time. Who doesn't want to “shoot it out” at the OK Corral every time someone looks at him the wrong way. He was left with an America that was in a political and financial free-fall and you’re whining about him taking his children to Russia?! I have followed President Obama from the very beginning of his Democratic race to the White House (including all of his opponents). This man actually has class, cunning and intelligence. A seemingly rare combination in our so-called leaders today both in the US and Canada. But above all else this man has, at such a young age, the wisdom and the capacity to reach his hand out not just to the people of America but his most hard-line adversaries as well. And you know what folks? People are reaching back. Have you got blinders on? Focus, folks, focus. Maybe, just maybe, this man can make a real difference.

@donttreadonme:

I am not an Alaskan citizen therefore I had no reason to condemn her for traveling with her family, nor would I have.

Google ethics violations, Sarah Palin – she paid the expenses for her children's travel back to the State of Alaska after the expenses where questioned on her tax records during her 2008 VP campaign bid.

@Doug, New Jersey-Webster's defintions of hate, hypocrasy, and liar are now synonyms for liberal and Democrat.
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The Republican Party is historically and even presently the party of racism and social injustice. If there is a racist issue being taken up by the GOP you can count on one thing... they are on the wrong side of justice. They have historically been against everything from the Civil Right's legislation to Immigration. They are "The Party Of Me" and feed off of the greed from their wealthy backers as they protect their profits at the expense of our society... and they do it all by claiming to be acting on some sort of Moral Authority. They are the worst Christians Christianity has to offer.

How is this news? I see the Iran coverage has been replaced by the death of Michael Jackson, as well as any coverage of our brave troops losing their lives in Afghanistan. He better not give away missile defense while he's over there, while Iran and North Korea are fortifying their missiles....

Perhaps a certain conservative governer should of brought his kids with him to another country!

I agree with the responders that this is great for the Obama girls and hope the right wing doesn't take the cue the liberals and their toadie media gave to the Palin kids and attack them. The liberal treatement of the Palin family is a disgrace and the toadies in the media that agree that they had the right to be attacked are even worse. I again, hope the right wingers and conservatives have the decency not to lower themselves to the viscious, gutter level liberal Democrats.

Bristol Palin is admirably using her unmarried mother celebrity to promote abstinence. She is parading herself around as a non-virgin. That automatically leaves her open to jokes about non-virgins.

Other than the poor-taste Lettermen joke, Sarah Palin's children have not been trashed with vicious hate in any way.

Not sure why people are complaining about paying taxes to send the Obama girls to Russia. Relax. Their additional weight on the airplane is negligible and all other expenses are being covered by Russia.

Come on libs instead of making excuses for Obama having his family travel with him just admit it was wrong to bash Palin for having her family travel with her?

There should be no double standard between the Gov and the Pres.

I am stunned by how many comments are whining about Obama taking his family with him. It's ridiculous that a story about a little girl wanting to speak to her parents is suddenly controversial. Guess what? When a pres gets elected, the taxpayers pay for the whole family no matter WHAT they do. We've all paid millions to dems and republicans families for their entire time spent in office.SO GET OVER IT!!!!

The anti-Obama crowd on here is getting a little desperate. And when people get desperate they get nasty.

I suggest you go home for the next 3 years and sulk, and then come out and vote against him next time. You'll be a lot happier...that is, until he wins 4 more years...

I feel a great sense of pride watching the First family. Wow!!! Such well behaved girls and that speaks volumes of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. You are great parents and role models for my wife and I. We are soon-to-be parents and we pray our son or daughter will be well mannered, respectful and God fearing. God Bless the First Family and God Bless The United States of America.

All these GOP people and Obama haters need to stop. They have done enough damage to this great country for the last 8 years. They all need to stop talking.
Love the girls and the whole President Obama family.

This is NOT news!!!!!!!

Captain Snarky: Being POTUS is very different from Sarah Palin using state dollars to fly her family around. AF1 is how he travel, and if he wants his kids and wife to occupy 3 seats on a large 747–that's his perogative.

The fuel was to get him to Russia on state business, who travels with him is incidental. His daughters are also minor children, who are not in school–and travel and meeting foreign dignitaries is a life experience very few have. I applaud them for asking the two lovely girls along, I'm sure they will meet wonderful people and will enjoy their visit. Their meals, etc, are not paid for by taxpayers. His children are not free loaders, and President Obama is not asking us to pay a dime for it. If you really want to get into a hair splitting contest–let's talk about Bush's many vacations away from the WH because he couldn't handle one quarter of the pressure Obama has faced in his short time in office. It cost us more to fly his ridiculous a$$ back and forth from DC to Crawford.

@ Tom July 7th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

Does Obama have the right to spend taxpayer money to take his family along?

YES

Every President has allowed their children to travel with them. Chelsea went all over the world, as did the Bush twins. I'm just proud he's at work! Better than Bush, with his long trips to Crawford every summer!

Are you people (Deb in Colo) for real !!! complaining about the tax payer dollar for taking his children with him abroad. God and family first people, we incourage our Prime Minister to take his family. The job takes you from your family the least you can do is support him for taking his family. Those girls probably don't get see their Dad very much as we all know he is real real busy as the Leader of the Free World ... HELLO!!! Whether you are Dem or Rep you all have familys. Seriously if that was your Dad you would want to go. So they take up a couple extra seats on Air Force One ... big deal. I from Canada and your President is my hero ... God has blessed America with Obama. Anyone else forget how to spell when they are filling these things out?

This is a very heart warming article. Our new president and his beautiful ladies (Michelle, Malia and Sasha) really represent us well. This one trip has done more to repair our image in Russia and abroad more than any of us could imagine.

@ Shibumi July 7th, 2009 3:40 pm ET

Bo Bo showing his daughters how communism works. Nothing like real world lessons in action to cement the idea in little skulls full of mush.
I can hear it now "See, Sasha, everyone knows to bow down to the elites in Russian society. Unlike the bumpkins in that stinking USA."

My, you sure are a sorry, sad excuse for a human being. I feel sorry for everyone who has to come in contact with you on a daily basis.

Iowa July 7th, 2009 3:57 pm ET

Yay! News that makes me smile For those that of course have a problem with the news brief, you seriously need to get a life! What are you doing for our country? Yep, I thought so…
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Working and paying my taxes. You?

The Obama family makes me feel proud! He should take his family with him. It is the perks of the job. After all, $400,000 is not enough money to be President of the entire country. CEO's of large companies make 25 million plus and do not nearly have the responsibility that our President have. That is the least we can do.

The President is a smart man. If, and that's a BIG if, there were going to be even a shadow of impropriety about him taking his family along, don't you think as a politician, he would have known that and taken steps to fend that off? Why would he ruin his reputation and political future just to take his family along? Use your brains people! The US has some serious image fixing to do; this is a great thing for the country's image and for his girls. No wonder they were excited. Bush's daughters were drinking and partying (and who knows what else?). The Secret Service went along and protected them but not once did I read of any complaints about taxpayers money being wasted.

@ me July 7th, 2009 3:15 pm ET

just curious – did all presidents travel always with their kids?
It is nice he can…

No, not all . . .but he's certainly not the first. And yes, it IS nice that he can.

Please guys, don't fight with the Republicans on this one. It's tough for them to understand that when someone goes on a trip they want their family with them.

They all got used to the Mark Sanford "leave your wife and kids home and go play" kind of trip.

I would like for anyone to prove that the First Daughters travel on government money?

he is the president of the United States and can travel with his family what a great way to promote the US and family values. Tax payers money well I am a tax payer and I approve! Money is spend on things far less important and no one is complaining.

hyprocacy is a frame of mind July 7th, 2009 4:50 pm ET
If you are concerned a law has been broken, file a complaint. Palin violated Alaskan law. Correct me if I am wrong, but I don't believe that same law applies to presidential families.-----------–

What law would that be? Please don't post comments that are just untrue! I think it is fine that they are with their parents, I am just saying that you dem/libs had a fit when it was Sarah Palin.

Instead of making an excuse admit it was wrong to bash Palin for having her family travel!

Funny to hear the lib talk about its morals and values, those words must have twisted lib meanings just like the redefining of Pacifism as meaning a total disregard for the lives of the people you interact with on a daily basis. Just as tolerance's lib meaning which means we won, I will close my eyes and hold my breath while someone non lib tries to speak the truth to me and look for compromise.

Webster's defintions of hate, hypocrasy, and liar are now synonyms for liberal and Democrat.

the Obama girls are goodwill ambassadors. The positive image of America they generate wherever they go in the world is worth far more than whatever minor expenses are incurred to take them along. Americans should feel proud and grateful to have such a winning first family.

Oh, no! The press is talking about Obama's kids. Next, Dave Letterman will be making a joke about them and Vladimir Putin at a Yankees game. Oh, the horror and injustice of it all! I hope President Obama doesn't resign like Sarah Palin now. Shame on you, media!

I can't believe Palin got criticized for doing the same thing..... another example of how the media is extremely biased. Also how the same people who were criticizing Palin are going to support Obama on this.

The plane flying the President has a number of seats in it. To fly the First Families' daughters is not an added expense. As to their tours of the city, I would imagine those are fee and I doubt that the cost of their food is small and probably covered by the President.

When Sarah Palin becomes President ( I sincerely hope never), I am sure that people who would complain about her taking the then First Samily's children with her would be also seen as a sad, pathetic lot.

The difference between Palin and the Obamas is that they do not parade those children around like props... a few appropriate pictures and some snapped uninvited by the press.

I am old enough to know that the Kennedy children were treated in the same tasteful fashion as the Obama girls.

Obama after tough diplomatic talks? Come on. This guy doesnt do anything. He said the world needs a strong Russia. Well then why was there a cold war? Obama/Bush/Gore etc. are ruining the world with their ridiculous beliefs. Sorry, gotta go now. The 2 minute hate is about to begin and the Ministry of Peace (all republican war mongerers and democrats against bush-but for obama wars) is watching me.

Please tell me why SOME people think Sarah Palin, soon to be ex-governor is on the same level as a President...any President. Gosh you Palin whiners are pathetic!

Why is it that you are comparing Palin who is no longer a governor and is no longer news worthy to whether the President brought over the kids to his Russian trip/ I think it is good to promote the picture of an American family overseas. This is a very positive image to the rest of the world so if my tax dollars is being spent on this I really don't mind. George Bush spent more time on a vacation and didn't do a dran thing to earn us a positive image overseas. I prefer this image.

Palin is old news, she is only popular to the people that are extremists. Sooner than later we will all really find out why she quit and that maybe to avoid a scandal. And yes she is a QUITTER!!!!! You cannot vote somebody to high office that cannot take the fight to the finish. Her play on words is useless, her actions speaks loudest.

The United States of America land of the free for all people. It's a shame in 2009 that people are complaining about President Obama, Yes, President Obama taking his family on a trip. They are a "family." I guess some people's parents never traveled with their kids, because to make a statement that they're spending the taxpayers money is pathetic. He is "only" the 44th president. I guess you don't recall when all the "other" president's traveled with their children. PLEASE GET OVER IT! HE'S OUR PRESIDENT AND THEY ARE HIS CHILDREN. Sad that your parents never took you abroad so that you could learn and understand other cultures and the world. Some people need to think out side the box and think around the world.

for the Obama kids? I would like to take my kids to Russia
on taxpayer money also.

Good for the girls. They are beautiful well behaved children. So unlike so many adults.
BTW – can they see Alaska from Russia? Just wondering.

For those of you upset about the anti-President Obama posts (by sore losers no doubt), take a deep breath and remember that Bush and Dick are gone.......rejoice. 3.5 more years for the repugs to be bitter........mwhahahahahaha.

For heaven's sake! What a lot of carping about 2 children traveling with their parents. Presidential families do, on occasion, travel on state trips. There was always belly-aching about Chelsea Clinton going on trips. I'm sure the Bush girls did too....

I'm glad to see some positive news. All the naysayers just can't get over the fact that their party lost. As for the person that said the Dems are building castles in the clouds and we'd better not be under it when it falls...what about the Fortress in the clouds built by the previous administration? Seems we were all under it when it fell, maybe it just hit some of you in the head.

I support our president (and you don't know how good it feels to say that after eight long years).

@Linda Kearney:

Wow you need to relax alittle bit. You know Bush took his wife and his children when he went on a Diplomatic trip.I know you have no idea what its called so I will tell you, its called protocol. Every president since I can remember has taken not only their wife but their children on these trips at tax payer expense. That Linda, at tax payers expense is called supporting your president. We pay for his protection, his trips, his flights on AF1 and we pay for his childrens protection, his wife protection and everything else. We have been doing this for decades.
And as far as his get away with his wife to night a club, good for him. Atleast it was with his wife and not some lady in another country. Atleast we knew where he was and not faking some hiking trip to meet his soul mate.
Linda like I said its, Protocol. Every president has done it and probably will continue to do it.

It is great that these young girls are not wished harm and trashed with vicious hate the way the Palin children are. To be the nation our founding fathers dreamt we would be, the left needs to learn decency from the right.

Honestly? Of all the things people can find to complain about it's that the presidents family went with him on an official visit to Russia? I'm sure no other president ever had his family travel with him...

When did America become so filled with hate and intolerance? It makes me sick to see such smallmindedness from so many. Finally a President that America can take pride in.

I thought Michelle's mother was living free in the White House so she could take care of the kids when the Obamas are off doing their duties. Well, she is definitely not earning her keep now. I'm surprised she isn't on the trip with them.

Ok, so which Obama staffer asked CNN to run this story?

This story is written to show Obama in a good light and make him appear to be a good family man. Why is it ok for Obama to exploit his children when he and his team deem that it is necessary? I can only imagine what the story would have been had this been Sarah Palin!!

Are Americans really this naive??? Well by reading some of the comments, I have to sadly say YES!

July 7th, 2009 4:12 pm ET

Yes the same people that complained about Palin using tax dollars to bring her family when she traveled are ok with Obama doing the same thing. The hypocrisy is limitless.
---------------------
Isn't it though? The same hyprocracy which all presidents have commited time after time while traveling with their families?

If you are concerned a law has been broken, file a complaint. Palin violated Alaskan law. Correct me if I am wrong, but I don't believe that same law applies to presidential families.

Obama girls made headlines for promoting a positive image of America around the world.
Bush's girls made headlines for their arrests.

@ Stevie July 7th, 2009 3:09 pm ET

Love the girls, but wish they wouldn't travel on the taxpayers' dime.

-----------

Why not? Every other Presidential son/daughter has traveled with their parents – of either party.

Directed @ david I completely disagree with you and you should actually open your eyes on the us military we do make the world go round if it wasn't for us u wouldn't know what to do when all hell breaks loose the worlds depends on military always has and always will no we are not gods but we are the big brothers of every nation and of our own we are its sworn protecters people like you who only see what affects their own life and not the life of others as well should be educated in what its like to be spit on when you come back from a war that you didn't want to go to but you followed your orders or put in a POW camp and constantly broken down till you lose all faith in help or better yet to go to war and miss your son or daughter be born have a family member killed cause some terrorist wanted to make a point and another thing leave the obamas alone they are no different then any other american family he is our president and he needs his families support more when he is making a decision for the nation I advise you know what you talking about before you comment on it

C'mon people. If you go looking for fluff, don't complain when you find it. Let kids be kids.

It's curious to me that those on the right have little concept of what it means to be president. It is necessary for President Obama to establish credibility with other country leaders. He is doing what he promised – restoring the good name of the USA. And whether other president's children traveled with them I'd have to some research; the only girls I think were of comparable ages were Amy Carter and Chelsea Clinton. Time for us to learn to be civil once again.

*yawn*

Some of the comments here prove some desperate just obsessively bash Obama over E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. I have never seen people react so childishly to LOSING an election.

Thank You President Obama and family for representing our country so wonderfully!

When the cost of Sarah Palin's children traveling with her was paid by her state, everyone was slamming her and demanding she repay the money. Now, the Obama girls are traveling with them to Russia, do I hear the public outcry?? I don't believe I do. He should have to repay for his children's travel expenses just as Sarah Palin did. As usual, there is a double standard when talking about Obama and anyone else.

It is too cute when Obama said that/. The first family looks so nice when they are together!

This is great I love seeing this beautiful family and they represent the US with such good taste and pride. All you hater's need to apreciate what the US has achived and we are all American's please don't forget that one fact.
Donald

July 7th, 2009 4:20 pm ET

@ Linda Kearney, how much did Bush have to pay to get his daughters off the hook when they were underage? And how much did Bush spend when he his 9 annual vacations to Crawford, TX?

Obie,

Keep fighting, nobody can beat you.

Hey Royster!
No need to preach abstinence to Russians, they don't have millions of fatherless children flopping around in ghettos waiting to growing and be drug-abusing, womanizing, thugs! Maybe that message of abstinence "preached" by a certain politician should be heeded in our own worthless welfare state!!

Wonderful that these children are so enjoying this trip. To see the world through children's eyes. We need more of that.

Danny E. Gonzalez- thank you. This is what happens when the opposition has run out of rational ideas, they start criticizing children and parents who want to be a family. Who paid for the playhouse, children's travel, the dog etc.. Their just upset that all their "ethical leaders" are frauds.........the other shoe will drop on Palin. HELLO "FAMILY VALUES"......OH THE HYPOCRISY!!!!!!!!

Rob in Detroit Mi. July 7th, 2009 4:24 pm ET
I Guess some people just cant stand to see a well educated,loving, happy,sane Black family------------------–

Obama is ½ white and his kids are a 1/4 white. Funny how libs assume that any criticism of a black man is because he is black. Just like all of a prisons are full of innocent black men only guilty of being black.

Capt. Snarky,

Man, you are a very sad person complaining about two little girls traveling with their parents. The whole family represent the US so they are really working for you and me. Plus, Capt if the State of Alaska had rules to let the family travel with the Gov of the State then it would not be a problem. Now the President can travel with his family because the rules are different. Sad MAN

Americans have become shallow and simple minded.
A child going to their parent's bedroom early in the morning makes news and hundreds of people feel that they have to send a comment about it.
Get a reality check and stop living in gaga land.

If you have evidence the Obamas are stealing money that belongs to the nation. you can try to press charges. I question you accusatory folks know how to recognize integrity when you see it in a national leader.

So, let me get this straight...if the girls had stayed in Washington by themselves, that would have cost the taxpayers ZERO DOLLARS?

it cost money every minute of the day...whether they are in dc, chicago or russia

@ Linda Kearney,

One person's spending is another person's income. Do you know nothing about economics? By definition a recession is a reduction in SPENDING. Whether it be consumer spending, investment spending, foreign spending on our imports or – dare I say it – GOVERNMENT SPENDING.

Hey Linda Kearney, we are the Dems, we are in charge, we will tell you when enough is enough. In the mean time just assume the Rush position: head down with firm grip on knees.

Weird headline but GREAT article about a great family!

Conservatives, get over it. You lost.....

I always wonder for the crowd that consistently posts how this, or that is "not news". How exactly is it that you came to not only read the story but comment on it as well? Did you think you were getting some hard hitting policy insight when you clicked on the story that reads "Obama girls take Russia by Storm"? I think by definition it is therefore "news". The quality of which seems, again by default, to apparently fall right into your wheelhouse.

Also for those deriding Obama's travelling with his kids..... are you serious? Should he leave them at home for the next 4 years? Was that part of becoming president? When you become president, should he have severed all family ties and communications? Given that many of his most important decisions will be made at home should he not avoid the immense distraction they cause? Have you so lost touch with caring about this Country over caring about your party that you cannot assess what is, or is not a good image for the United States of America? We spent billions of dollars in foreign aid, yet to the average Russian seeing the entire Obama family enjoying their country will be more memorable that a millions in aid to Russian causes. So sad that people can get so lost in party ideology.

Patience people, patience. The castle being built in the clouds by democrats is where it should be. Just make sure you are not under it when it falls due to a lack of foundation.

I love these girls. It's a hoot to see them having fun.

You Obama haters just can't stop yourselves, can you? No matter what he does, you have to spin it to look negative. And Palin thinks people criticize her!! Obama is constantly slammed by you neo-cons and the fact that he sets a great example and is helping to restore the respect and admiration of America all over the world doesn't seem to impress you one bit. Your values are definitely in the wrong place.

repugnant family values models: sanford, palin, the newt, ensign, vitter, and more and more and more...and the list goes on
did you all see the sanford guy's face on this ticker, man he lloks like is thinking,,,,,,,maria if I could once again see your tan lines and get those warm kisses......but you are so far.......corrupt, cheater,,,and she wants to forgive?...once again,,,,family values I guess......

There are some really ignorant remarks, about sightseeing, food, travel. The russian government provides that sort of thing to heads of foreign governments also, and the travel did not cost extra.
Also, educated people want to see how the rest of the world live.
As a retired military dependent, it was always exciting to go overseas.
My daughter, learned the Russian language , while in the navy, and she and her navy officer husband, spent three weeks visiting Russia. It is not un patriotic, or any thing ugly to learn about other cultures.
Some of the people commenting, should read the Ugly American.

Let me make myself clear. ALL PRESIDENTS travel on the taxpayers dime. If I was the president I would too! There are too many old racist republicans making a big deal of this everytime.

The trench coats prove it: the girls are spies!

So when is he going to get to fixing the economy anyway. I thought the savior could fix anything. All the poor people in America without jobs and he's having a high time selling out Americas security and defenses.

Republicans get over it! You did not cry when the previous president spent more time on vacation than most American workers will get in a lifetime and allowing our country to crater around us laughing like Nero.

It's interesting to me that most of us, that live in a free country, and have the opportunity to do and say what we want, would judge someone that has earned the same freedoms. So what, he to took his family with him. Many of us wish we had that opportunity. So, say what you need to say, feel what you need to feel, but understand, he (Ohama) has the right to do the same. I am personally proud of anyone that takes advantage of their earned freedoms. Maybe WE should learn to do the same.

My god, as adults I'm supposed to somehow emulate..some of you people are idiots.

So a man shouldn't appreciate his family because of their rank or stature? So if i'm a big CEO with people underneath me, am I not allowed to bring my family on a business trip.

If you wanna talk about waste, there is a million things to go attack. Someone's family, anyone's family be it a Dem or a Republican...is off limits. Each and every one of you that engages in this behavior should be ashamed. What this country needs is not petty in-fighting or sniping of the ideals without ANY sort of feedback. We need dialogue and to leave the caves of all these talking heads and actually figure out what's wrong with America.

And don't you dare tell me there's nothing wrong with America or its political system because I'm sitting and looking at a bunch of them right here on this comment screen.

TO: Tom July 7th, 2009 3:54 pm ET who says:

Does Obama have the right to spend taxpayer money to take his family along?

My question is the same to you. Did Bush have the right to spend taxpayer money to take his family along?

Of course. At least Obama is mending fences instead of tearing them down.

So Obama says Michelle is "a star at home and abroad", so it must be true. Sasha comes to their bedroom at 4 AM and starts talkink to them. How is that taking Russia by storm? This is a puff piece if I ever saw one!
I for one could not care less if Obama takes his kids overseas, as long as they are not a distraction to business at hand. However, there seems to be not a whole lot of tangible results from any of his trips, or from his domestic policies for that matter. And please, don't start with "it's too early" stuff...

In case you forgot, this network has NEWS in the name, so please, please REPORT NEWS. Like his slipping approval rating, vanishing support for health care, cap and trade, second stimulus, etc...

Obama girls – our secret weapon! You go, girls! Have a wonderful time!

A Very Nice All American Family with good family values. They really represent our country well. We have two very good involved parents, a role model for our country. I hope Russia knows we are all not like the SC Governor and so many others that call themselves good Christans. For all you hateful, jealous, envious people you are such losers and will never get anywhere in life. You blame others for your problems, but you are the problem.

Good for the Obamas – family is important – keep it together! So what if they do or don't spend my tax dollars to take their girls with them. I wish my grandsons had th chance to travel like the Obama girls – they will be better Americans for seeing the world. This time I do agree with Obama – take the family everytime you can.

What a GREAT family image to present to the world!!! How proud we are to be Americans!!! Finnally we can be soooooo proud!!!

Please stop with the Obama hatred campaign. You bitter, sore losers evidently have not yet learned a most painful lesson: hatred eventually turns inward and devours the hater.

The grown-ups are in charge now, and it looks like they will continue to be in charge for the foreseeable future, hopefully for a very long time to come.

NoBama? Sorry. YesBama. So much for your HateStickers. Whenever I see one of these I just smile & nod. Too bad for you.

Those who disapprove, can't stand it and, especially, those who hate, remember this; you are free to emigrate at any time, hopefully soon. Bye.

Michelle and the kids should have stayed at home, there is no need to take them along on a business meeting like this. Barack still doesn't get it, he has no idea what he's doing. He expects everyone to just smile and fall in love with what he's doing, but people are wising up.

And to "Once you vote black", you state that the W in George W Bush must stand for waist. Are you saying W. Bush has a small waist? It's spelled WASTE! .

ooh look at you girls- rockin' the trench coats!

rockin' the fashions like your mom. I love this family.

Let's hope Obama doesn't flub up meetings because of his kids jet lag...this guy is not first daddy out with the family on vacation, he's supposed to be representing the USA on State visits. Grow up, people.

I agree the most controversial thing about this story is CNNs title...at least it did nto say the daughters 'invaded' Russia! The editors probably stopped that one......

Last I heard a lot of GOP politicians also traveled with their families and the GOP'ers seem ok with that!......you know who.

I would much rather these two girls represent America than some of the other politician's daughters we have read about repeatedly in the news recently.......at least we are not preaching abstinence to the Russians!

All the hoopla about him taking the girls to Russia. They are getting to experience the world. Barack Obama – Job: President of the USA, Salary 400k a year, plus expenses. So what's the difference in him taking his girls with him to WORK and it coming out of his Salary or expense fund and YOU paying for your children to go ABROAD out of your Salary. Sounds like it's the same money getting spent one way or the other

Once again our President is leading by example.
If anyone wants to see family values being upheld while conducting the business of our country, look no further than the Obama family.
Mr. President, the first lady and first daughters do us all proud.

It must be wonderful to have a close family like that. My father would have yelled at me for waking him up so early. I admire Obama's patience.

Wow some news that isnt about friggin michael jackson! that guys dead and hes going to be just a dead tomorrow and the day after. The overcoverage of that disfigured pop star sickens me especially in a time when our troops are launching a huge offensive in afghanistan and our president is mending relations with our old enemey Russia. Its ridiculous. I dont see any coverage of the dozens of soldiers who died since Jackson died. I guess they need to invent a new dance move before they warrant that kind of attention.

Let's take a look at the facts, the President is required to pay for his own clothes and food. Taxpayer's dollars not used in this instance. The Obama girls live with their parents, ride in the same car, use the same plane, and numerous other examples. The Bush girls lived on their own in a different state, traveled in seperate cars, met their parents in a different plane, and numerous other examples. STOP COMPLAINING THAT THE OBAMAS ARE TRAVELING AS A FAMILY!!! These people need to live their lives, just as the Bush family did and should have. If you don't want your tax dollars to fund this family, then think of it funding something else. I am happy that my dollars are helping to support this family.

How do you know that he didn't pay for the girls to go?

Lark in Portland wrote on July 7th, 2009 3:57 pm ET :

"Why shouldn't the kids travel with him? How can it be a waste of time getting things straight with Russia? How does this hurt the US? This president can multitask… I know many of you can't grasp the concept. It does mean doing more than one thing at a time."

Wasn't traveling with the kids one of the many ethics complaints lodged against Sarah Palin? And wasn't she forced to pay back those costs to the state of Alaska ? Is barry going to pay us back for his daughters' tourism expenses?

Barry can Multitask? Wow, good for him. My ex-wife could multitask, And I divorced her too!

Linda Kearney,

You need to get out of your bitter life. The Obama family has been such an example for the US and they are continuously restoring the bad image left by Bush and his family.

BTW. How much and what have you contributed to the economy?

Yeah, this story is fine and dandy and all. But I see this as media adulation with Obama and his agenda. Why wouldn't he bring his girls? It can only make him look better in the public eye. This man is a walking propoganda train along with being the most fiscally irresponsible president in history.

Linda Kearney said:
He's spent more taxpayer money on his own family (that he could pay his ownself – they are millionaries! – in 4 months than Bush did in 8 years!

Linda, please tell me, how much taxpayer money did Bush spend on his family in 8 years. I can't seem to find that info anyplace. While you are at it, how much has President Obama spent on his family?

Just asking !!!!

Shibumi:
"Bo Bo showing his daughters how communism works. Nothing like real world lessons in action to cement the idea in little skulls full of mush.
I can hear it now "See, Sasha, everyone knows to bow down to the elites in Russian society. Unlike the bumpkins in that stinking USA.""

Do you have any idea what communism? It's the antithesis of bowing down to elites.

I think Obama is a great Dad, really cares about his kids, Michelle's a great mom and the kids are cute and seem like really good little girls. I have no problem with them traveling as a family. But is this news? Aren't there more important things to report? Exactly how do they take Russia by storm in the bedroom at 4AM? I guess they had to report something other than the other "important" story of the day, Michael Jackson's memorial.

They deserve this trip. A lot of kids go on summer holidays with their parents. What's wrong with that?

Just read in Russian Newspaper: During the meeting with the members of opposition parties in Russia, Pr. Obama received a note from his girls: "Father we want to eat". He said to the crowd of people who were waiting for this meeting with big hopes to explain to President who in fact Medvedev and Putin are, that he has to leave. Hmmm... Does family traveling with a politician make his job easier or harder?

There is one famous saying ... if a king/leader is not good and affectionate to his own children...then how can you expect him to be with the rest of his nation. Its good that he shows the sign of a good leader.

Do the nay sayers truly believe President Obama is the only President, U.S or otherwise, that has taken, or takes his family on Presidential trips abroad?

Please people, get a life or read a book, or do bloody something that doesn't expose your ignorance!!!!

Seems to me what Obama and his family are doing has more substance than when Bush went, looked Putin in the eyes and got a "sense of his soul." I mean, seriously, who says that? That was embarrassing.

People are so nutty. Just look at the picture of the family. We need good families a lot more good strong families in the US. Travel the world and see how other countries families are strong. We have a lot of stuff in America but our families are in decline. If you do not like this President than like him for having a strong young family. Some of You people are sick.

There are some really mean, spiteful sore losers out there. Let the REAL family values president alone!

July 7th, 2009 3:17 pm ET

I'm glad to see our tax dollars being used wisely to cart the Obamas around on so many sight seeing tours.
---------------------------

Grade school comments are best left at the playground.

As a former government employee who has worked on many foreign visits by the President and First Lady, I can tell you that the President and First Lady travel as representatives of the United States so their travel is publicly funded. The girls and their grandmother, and anyone else who goes along with them pay their own way, or are funded privately.

I'm a taxpayer as well and they (his wife and children) can travel on my tax money. At least he's taking his wife.

Good to see family integrity being restored in the White House. Hope those DEMS and especially the GOP do the same. The man loves his wife and children. He's our president but his family means much to him.

The family is the head of state. We pay for his travel, and his kids and wife are on the same plane...no extra cost.
Also, as President, and under US Code, Title 3, we assume all security and travel for the President and his family.
The Obama girls can't travel along with their mother to the mall, or on a trip...so yes, we pay for it.

We also paid for the 2 Bush girls going to college, living there with secret service. We also paid for them when they travelled South America, Africa, and Europe.
It is a responsibility we take to protect our head of state.

I am not concerned about that, but the millions of dollars lobbiest pay to swindle money out of the way.

The country is slowly getting tired of the horse and pony show. There is no end to the spending. The entire philosophy that he thinks he can positively affect the economy is fundamentally wrong. The only thing that will stop a recovery is governmental tampering. He lied to us about the war. He is taking credit for a troop withdrawal Bush ordered in Iraq, and sending them to Afghanistan. Why is he not getting beat up on this issue? It doesnt make sense.

Some of the hate filled comments are either jealously or ignorance.
School is out and why not take the girls , how much more could it be cost wise ? Air Force One is going anyway , what is wrong with the family being together when they can! And if it is the cost of their meals , I am sure the Obamas can pay for that! But from what I understand the Russian Gov pays for being the host country.
I am just so proud of the way this family protrays America to the world.Shows real Christian values.
I am so ashamed at the haters who regardless what he does is critical.
Just right wingers who are not showing their Christian values!

I am so tired of this family and all their media covrage.

Keith – enjoy the next 3-1/2 years of this...becuase we endured 8 LOOOOOOOOONG year of bush

Yes the same people that complained about Palin using tax dollars to bring her family when she traveled are ok with Obama doing the same thing. The hypocrisy is limitless.

When presidents travel around the world, they do two things. There are whatever serious negotiations that have to occur, usually out of the limelight, and the PR of representing our country. There hasn't been a ruler in history who did not appreciate the power of making a good impression. So the president gets to bring along whomever he/she wants and needs for the occasion. It comes with the job, and we pay for it. Period.

Mr. Obama's wife and daughters leave a very positive impression wherever they go. Mrs. Obama is intelligent, warm and dignified. The girls are all-American girls–charming, well-behaved but energetic, smart. That's to our benefit. And then of course, his daughters are a visible represention of the generation that would most benefit from any negotiations about nuclear weapons, etc.

In other words, it is all in a day's work for the president. Let the man do his job.

@@@@ Adam July 7th, 2009 3:45 pm ET

"I'm glad to see our tax dollars being used wisely to cart the Obamas around on so many sight seeing tours."
You did see the bit about Mr.Obama negotiating a reduction in nuclear weapons between Russia and the United States, right?
Hell of a sight-seeing tour.
_____________________________________________________

Barak Obama and Michelle Obama are both Attorneys.

They both can earn enough money as Attorneys to afford their Daughters for sight-seeing.

However, Obama has a Privilege to take his family on Foreign Tours. See the Protocol Manual and Rules. Obama has not made those rules.

It's so great to have the First Family representing our Country with such dignity, and to have our President making amends for all the out of touch power mongers we've had in office on and off over the last 40 years. I AM THRILLED!

The Marxist Obama talks about saving money but yet he takes his family all over the world if Pres. Bush did that the Dem's would be having a FIT !!!!!!!!!!!

If CNN hadn't reported about this, SOME people would be screaming "cover up"...when they do report about, the SAME people cry about the taxes. Mr. Obama has a family....all President's have had a wife and children with the exception of Mr. Buchanan. Heck, Mrs. Lincoln (a republican, by the way) had her entire family living at the White House for a while. Crack open a history book once in a while instead of doing that knee-jerk whine and dance. If you don't want to pay the price of a family in the White House, elect a Priest next time!

This is awesome! He's able to do work and spend quality time with his family. This is something his wonderful kids will always remember. It's hard to knock it but I'm sure people will. Misery loves company.

Good girls, good dad and good mom. Keep it up

The Obama family display REAL family values... and the Republicans just can't stand it! For all the self-righteous preaching conservatives subject us to, Bush's daughters were always showing up drunk, Palin's daughter ends up pregnant, and I won't even get into the Republican governors and congresspeople who have affairs and men's room liasons.

The main thing Republicans really hate about Obama is they don't have anybody who walks the walk like he does. And they're seething about it. You can see it on these boards every day.

The Marxist Obama talkes about saveing money but yet he takes his family all over the world if Pres. Bush did that the Dems would be having a FIT !!!!!!!!!!!

So, Preident Obama is parading his daughters in front of the camera both nationally and internationally. Since Governor Palin's detractors used her showing up in public with her children as an excuse to libel and trash them (think Davbid Letterman's comment on 14 year old Willow), does this mean it is now open season on Obama's daughters? Or is the double standard still in place?

All one has to do is read the Republican responses here to get an idea of why they are the outcast party.
You are truly a disgrace to this country and humanity in general.
Go Mr. President.

Funny, no one seems to remember GW and his trips to Crawford every other week on Air Force 1 paid for by (now here's where it gets hard folks).

I guess you call it, "Selective memory loss."

The effect of those two girls' smiles on the Russian population can have more effect on peace and good feelings toward America than months of political negotiations. More than worth the expense.

This is exactly the type of family I want representing our country. Those that disapprove should leave...they are not Americans in any sense of the word.

I love watching this family. The kids are too cute. What an adventure this must be for them. But i am glad the Obama's keep them out of the spotlight as much as possible.

@ Marylin,
are you kidding me? "what's with all the trips abroad?" Really?
This is one of the things a President does. GWB spending his time sitting around chokeing on pretzels was NOT the best use of government funds.

Ya know, Obama has HIS OWN MONEY. I'm sure he can afford to buy their lunch. Calm down, people. We hear enough about war – at least I know I do. Some "happy" family-related news is nice to hear every once in a while. Should he not be happy when discussing his family? Must he be bitter, broken and stricken every minute of every day for some of you people to think he cares?

I don't understand WHY people would be upset that The President – who is also a married man, and a family man, would face any negativity regarding his family coming along to Russia, or any other country for that matter. It s obvious that President Obama loves the USA, and he loves his family too! His girls are going to find a new-found respect for the rest of the world, and other cultures – what is so wrong with that? I doubt very much that his children there have upped the cost...

It is refreshing to see a leader who is so passionate about his family...too bad everyone can't be as loving with their children. Parents young and old, rich and poor, leaders and normal citizens – learn from this. Love your family, include them in your life... I am not from the USA – but I have to say, I really respect your president.

It's good to see a normaly family represent the United States and I'm not talking about Bush and his drunk girls.

Thanks CNN, for the story.

Keep the good work my DEAR PRESIDENT. I am so happy that we have you representing us. I am totally aware of the huge job of cleanning the mess created by the reptile party and the criminals (Bush/Chenny), but i am sure you will succeed. May god bless you, your family, our vice president and his family and over all, the united states of AMERICA.

I love it, clearly our President loves his children and is always there for them. That speaks volumes. Continued blessing President Obama.

once again the neocons can't get over the fact the President has a lovely family and so far aren't out drinking and drugging up like the shrub's girls. Stop being so negative and start a war somewhere. Lets just just make sure that your first in line to fight.

TCM our troops are in harms way because W put them there.

This fine family represents America very well. They are respected for their family values.

Ha! If the Obama's had left them at home with grandma there would have been an outcry of, "Hmmph! So Obama leaves the kids at home while he goes vacationing around the world eh? Some family man he is!"

But since he brought his kids along it's, "Hmmph! So Obama is lugging his kids along on our dime eh? blah blah blah."

Our first family is beautiful!
I am so proud they're ours!

I voted for Oboma
He said he woold take from the rich guys
and give to the poor guys
WELL I AM STILL WAITING FOR MY MONEY
I wants a New Cadilac and take my women to one of those fancy
resturants.
Go on a few Vacations.
DAM just take the dam Money
and pass it around.
Leroy is Hungrey and so my women

You know things are bad when your best reason to get elected is because you have lost so much. Its like asking for mersey. Vote for us because they have nothing. If you hush TCM perhaps we will let you guys keep your GA reps, and 1 or 2 Senators. It seems like we have beaten you guys to a stand still.

Dear Linda Kearney,
You don't seriously want to compare Obama to Bush do you? I'd much rather have a president who brings his family along to do his job than one who spends more time on vacation, not doing his job!

people please, how much more can it cost for two little girls to go w Mom and Dad....Get over it and stop hatin........

this is absurd that the children get carted around on tax dollars,this pres is destroying america with over taxation and hes taking family trips unexcusable

Just an observation – Where is the Secretary of State? Nice family pictures. Guess we will be getting an update on the Designers soon.

I like this story, puts a personal touch on the President's trip to Russia.

However, I think it's mistitled – "Obama girls take Russia by storm." Maybe "Obama girls experience Russia" instead.

The actual title suggests the article is about Russian reactions to the Obama girls.

America's time under the sun has obviously run its course.

That's OUR First Family. They honor us proudly and with such grace and integrity. Obama's daughters "represent" America with such grace and beauty. They bring such down-to-earthness to the White House, it's so refreshing to see the White House come alive again.

Why shouldn't the kids travel with him? How can it be a waste of time getting things straight with Russia? How does this hurt the US? This president can multitask... I know many of you can't grasp the concept. It does mean doing more than one thing at a time.

About the future.... no planet, no future. Now that's fairly simple to understand isn't it?

Wow, if it was up to you TCM Obama would never travel with his kids. But guess what, we have 60 in the upper and even more in the lower so at this point nothing is up to you. You guys could not stop us if we wanted to sell SC to the Russians as long as we have the votes for it. Wow, we can do anything we want and all the GOP can do is lick your wounds. Bet you would not mind licking Sarah Palins wounds wouldn't you. Suckers!

For all of you finding fault with the Obama girls traveling with their parents. I'm certain they only took one plane-how is that an extra cost to taxpayers? It's a win-win. The girls are charming & I'm sure they will get an education out of this as have other presidents children. Find something else to complain about.

Stevie the Bush girls traveled on the taxpayers' dime..did you complain about that.

Yay! News that makes me smile For those that of course have a problem with the news brief, you seriously need to get a life! What are you doing for our country? Yep, I thought so...

I think it's important for the girls to come along when they can. I am a true believer that most people in this world, regardless of race, religion, etc. want a good life for themselves and a better life for their children. The Obama's, travelling as a family are a powerful reminder that we are all the same and all want the same things.

@ David........the same kind of people who have been trashing Sarah Palin's kids for eight months. Kids should be off limits, but there are a lot of people with no common sense or ethics.

All you haters need to get off your do nothing butts and actually do something-anything except continue talking the drivel that spills out of your immoral, bible thumping mouths. I'm soooo tired of all the republicans and their trash talk. How about doing something to help this country get out of the mess we're in, praising a president who cares more about the country than he does himself and take a lesson from one of the most respected families in the world.

Thank you President Obama for you and your family working to make the world a better place.

Does Obama have the right to spend taxpayer money to take his family along?

Are Russian tweens lining up on the streets in tears to see the Sasha and Malia? Since that is clearly not the case it's unnecessary and misleading to claim the Obama girls have "taken Russia by storm." This just comes off as another attempt by the media to elevate Obama's so-called rock star status. This was simply not news.

That said, of course the girls should be traveling with their parents during the summer months and no one should be complaining about the cost to taxpayers. Both Chelsea and the Bush twins traveled abroad with their parents.

Just a thought, but is it not possible that Pres. Obama has paid for his kid's travel, given that he does receive a salary for his job? Gee, if that's the big issue here, and not that he might be fixing issues brought on by the Bush era, there are bigger problems south of the border than I thought. Serial killers, philandering governors...of course...what was I thinking??

One more thought...I bet none of you who are complaining, would toss up a potential trip for the family on your company's tab.

Now this is family values. A man who wants nothing more than to be with his wife and kids. I see the GOP squawk boxes are on here taking shots. They weren't screaming about Bush's endless vacations and constant trips to Crawford. You never heard one mention of the fuel costs of Air Force One. Too bad your party espouses family values, but can't seem to exhibit them. It must be embarrassing for the moral majority with the endless stream of adulterers – Sanford, Ensign, Craig, Vitter, Haggard, Newt, Foley,etc., etc.

To TCM: These girls have always conducted themselves with grace and good manners. And the Obamas have made it clear from the get-go that they expect their daughters to continue doing their chores, homework, etc. They aren't spoiled – they're just happy, normal kids.

By your logic, because our military is in harm's way, none of us should be enjoying life? I, for one, can simultaneously appreciate our military personnel's sacrifice AND enjoy a happy, productive life. I believe the Obamas can do the same.

It's truely sad that there are some people on here that are so filled with hate and anger that they cannot appreciate the simple things in life. Regardless of what the president and his family did these people would find something to criticize if not outright hate. And I do mean hate in it's worst connotation. People, grow up. If you have this much hate that you just have to spew it here, perhaps you should seek professional help.

It is nice to have a leader who makes time for his family. I'm sure when the Kennedys traveled, it was with the young kids, and it seems Amy Carter and Chelsea were on trips.And the Bush girls were in Crawford on our dime. I doubt it costs any more to add them to Air Force One...I mean really! President Obama is trying his best to find some peace with other countries and restore our image. So gang up on him yet again! It is his JOB to see other leaders, and he's good at it. I can only imagine SP visiting another country with her crew....and discussing what? Salmon and moose? Or salmon mousse?

more obama nonsense. it is interesting to contrast the press treatment of the obama kids with the treatment given to the palin kids. on the one hand there is all kinds of puff nonsense to glorify the obama kids. on the other hand there are abusive jokes about one palin kid getting raped at the ball park, an abusive image of the baby with someone's head superimposed, etc., etc. after a while this obama stuff will wear thin even for the obama worshipers.

an aside, if the president didn't get enough sleep and was groggy the next day because he spent the night talking to his kid, i think he is slacking at his job which is to be alert and do the best for this country. i assume this is not supposed to be a vacation?

Conservatives love to complain about wasteful spending but only along party lines. I never saw a conservative complain about a taxpayer's dollars being spent on the Bush twins or Laura. Nice hypocrisy (and jealousy).

It's a shame the GOP imploded. Really it is. I'll Just keep laughing about it.

It's curious to me that those on the left have little concept of what it means to be president. It is necessary for President Obama to establish credibility with other country leaders. He is doing what he promised – restoring the good name of the USA. And whether other president's children traveled with them I'd have to some research; the only girls I think were of comparable ages were Amy Carter and Chelsea Clinton. Time for us to learn to be civil once again.

I completely agree with you Plantman. We have the best president in the world, and the best first family too. I love Obama and his family.
I am proud to be U.S. citizen.

I find it weird that the Obama bashers on this page want Mr Obama to fix the economy and repair all the damage done by his predessor in less than 6 months.

When things do begin to turn around (and they will, economic cycles always rebound) these same bashers will try and take credit or say Mr Obama had no impact.

Any peace the Obama family finds drives you hater nutes

No one is mad except the devil and the Obama haters

Better taking the kids on an educational trip that also provides political benefits and foreign policy improvements than winging your way to Buenos Aires. Also, nice to see a family that doesn't pull their kids out of school on a whim, for a ski vacation or to go to Disney etc., and respects the structure of the school year that most children have to follow. As far as there being other much more serious issues out there, just because they're not in this story does not mean that they are not being covered in the appropriate forum. If you don't like the story, don't read it. The headline should provide you with a clue.

What a wonderful opportunity for the Obama girls! I lived around the world growing up and also traveled and it was a great experience to see and learn about other cultures.

It also made me – even at a very young age – thankful to have had the good fortune to be a U.S. citizen (I was born overseas – my dad was career Army). No one should take our freedoms and prosperity for granted. I am confident the Obama girls are learning the same valuable lessons from their parents.

leave the man alone.....he's already missed half their childhood for the greater good of the country. You got a good president out of it. Can the kids get a good father...... Can he see them during the summer...is that ok with everyone. You people!!

What kind of people can make the type of negative comments above about these two very cute kids. Obama is the President and forming strong US centric relations with Russia is absolutely critical after the devastation of the Bush/Cheney years. It greatly helps the image of the US for people in other countries to see an example of a strong and caring family.
For some of the conservative bad mouths above, what kind of family image would you propose...Mark Sanford?

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Grow up. We've always had hardworking US military personel- some in the Middle East and other places. But they are not the only people to report on. The news is not obligated to focus solely on the military, nor has it ever been. Military conflicts and our troops dying have been a constant in our news for the last 6 years. News is news..some of it good, some bad. Some stores are to make us smile, others, to make us ponder. If you feel so strongly about the US military, get off your seat and go do something worthwhile in their honor. Otherwise, get off the bitter pill. Though I respect our military, they are not god, nor do they make the world go around.

"I'm glad to see our tax dollars being used wisely to cart the Obamas around on so many sight seeing tours."

You did see the bit about Mr.Obama negotiating a reduction in nuclear weapons between Russia and the United States, right?

Hell of a sight-seeing tour.

All three of the Obama girls are just adorable. I am proud that they are representing America to other countries that only wish they could be as tolerant and open as America (in comparison to most countries around the world). More Americans should try to understand other cultures the way the Obamas are doing.

TCM – Try reading the story CNN put out about coalition troops being killed in Afganistan over the last few days. Oh and the story about Cheney. This isn't the only story CNN is covering, but there is nothing wrong with some good PR for the US.

If this story was talking about Bush, and his girls you people wouldn't even be commenting, at least not like you are anyway, it would be all about support, GO Bush, do your thang, take the family with you and have a good time, were here rootin for ya!!!! Stop being racist, and embrace what is, if you don't want to do that, you may leave the country what's holding you here?

Hey Danny Gonzalez . . . I've got something constructive for you. Defitted? What is that? Did you intend to write defeated? Also, why don't you take a class is economics? "We" did not contribute to the collapse of the economy. I did not take out a loan on a house that I could not afford, nor did I manufacture cars that no one wanted. Before you order people around and tell them to be "constructive" you should do so yourself.

This is all GW Bush fault! If he had not done such a bad job as President Obama would not be over there making us look so good. That W must have stood for WAIST!

Anonymous – Why is it sight seeing when it's a Democrat no one did less then our former president.

If I am not mistaken the President takes Air Force One on all his trips. Which can hold a few more than just him. So a few reporters get bumped and don't get a free ride. It's not really costing us any more than it would if they stayed at home.

Some people are going to find something to whine about no matter what.

So how, exactly, did Pres. Obama's daughters "take Russia by storm"? They're along for the ride. That's OK, but a misleading title for the article.

leave the troops out of it. if you want to attack some little girls, try to do it on your own.

Think about the girls in Afghanistan and Iraq being with their parents.

President Obama doesn't understand that in time of war (we lost 8 service men in Afghanistan in last 2 days) and problems at home (USA) just stop bragging about how lucky and happy you and the members of your family are. Time to grow up, Mr. President!

I find it disgusting that amidst all of the economic doom, we can fund a trip to Russia for the whole family. Think of the extra security, the ward robe and make up artists, the extra dining out (I'm sure they don't eat at McDonalds). We have so many children who can't even see a doctor or have a full meal to eat and we impress Russia like this. What's with all of the trips abroad? Visability does not always win friends. Settle down Obama and smell the real crisis at hand.

Well between their "nightclub" Wednesdays at the WHite House with dinners and bands and glitter guests and fri night dates around the world at taxpayer expense PLUS taking kiddies and Michele's mother all over the world etc, the trip "Air Force" one is making zig zagging back & forth are costing the taxpayer plenty!

It's a diplomatic trip for the President NOT a family outting! Leave Mrs. B.O and kids HOME to tend to Bo and the organic garden!

He's spent more taxpayer money on his own family (that he could pay his ownself – they are millionaries! – in 4 months than Bush did in 8 years!

Enough already!

This story is sooooooooooooooooooooo sweet. I literally can't stop crying!

Both Republicans and Democrats sniping at each other on hear need to grow up.

Republicans lost the election. Get over it!

Democrats won the election. Quit gloating and making stupid comments to anger the Replublicans.

People are so hurtful for no reason these days. Why does one side just immediately go for the hot button statements and then act so shocked that they bring out the worst in the other side?

In response to "troubled", just how much extra expense did the government have to bear to bring the Obama family along? Is it the additional fuel used by Air Force 1? Or, you think they may have eaten more than a couple hundred dollars more of food (which the Russians paid for)? Your name "troubled" says it all about you. You clearly have issues and need help.

GO PRES! Show the rest of the world that America is a place where family is high on it's list of priorities.

Omigosh! They took up two or three extra seats on a plane, already going to Russia. How is this "traveling on the taxpayers' dime"?

Kudos to the President for being such an amazing ambassador of what is RIGHT in America to the rest of the world! (Your kids are adorable! They are almost as good at being ambassadors as are you, Mr. President, and your lovely wife Michelle!!)

Bo Bo showing his daughters how communism works. Nothing like real world lessons in action to cement the idea in little skulls full of mush.
I can hear it now "See, Sasha, everyone knows to bow down to the elites in Russian society. Unlike the bumpkins in that stinking USA."

Troubled; what are you doing to contribute? it is easy to judge, it is harder to pick yourself up and help your fellow americans... yes the economy is in the tank; but we all contributed to it; and we will not turn it around until we ALL contribute; perhaps you would like to see our leaders stay home; act defited and crawl in the dire situations we have... we are America and we will bounce from this... this man is our president and he is traveling abroad to seek partnerships and peace, that is his job; he is taking his family and sharing with the world our American values; we need to be proud that we can export that to the world; if we want chance it must start with our true values... want to critize; do so with a purpose and with something constructive... grow up!

Just the image of a president with his family together says volumes about the image of America. It is a much more interesting story than the useless and indolent noise about MJ.

Hey Troubled – you're saying Michelle and the kids should've stayed in the U.S. to help out with the economy? Maybe they could use your help, seeing as you're obviously a very concerned citizen. Narcissistic?! Are you kidding me?

Say what you will about Obama as a politican, but he's a great dad.

How wonderful for the President and his family...i'm sure it is a comfort for him to have his girls alongside! President Obama has such a huge job...i think when he can travel with his lovely family the burdens of the job must seem lighter!

Oh, puke! Economy is in the tank, and the whole family goes off to Russia. We have people with no homes, little food, but there seems to be plenty enough money for the narcisstic bam bam.

This is more important for the American Image abroad then the lunacy about Michael Jacksons death. At least the Obamma family shows our country is not just about drug abusing and no talent rich people (Paris Hilton). It shows we are a diverse and family oriented country, that values other cultures as well as our own.

Now THAT'S family values!

I'm glad to see our tax dollars being used wisely to cart the Obamas around on so many sight seeing tours.

Wow!......a normal, completely functional family representing the U.S. Only the truly dark-hearted would think that isn't a good thing.

Wow- a person that lives "family values" and not just preaches or condemns others. Maybe the religious right should take a page from his "play-book", self-righteousness always bites you in the a*. Just live it and stop preaching it.......thats all we ask.

That is really good to have an ambassador that represents us so well. Now maye his daughters can help get people off welfare and find a job.

just curious – did all presidents travel always with their kids?
It is nice he can...

I am sure the zombie-con Obama-haters are gearing up their Pavlovian assaults now to the tired old tunes of "How much are we paying for the kids to travel?" and "He should not be distracted!" or "Why is this news?"

It's about all they can find to criticize about a President who has shown no moral, familial, or political weaknesses on his way to restoring the United States to it's former place of meaningful global leadership.

How does Sasha plopping down on her parents bed at 4am get spun into "Obama girls take Russia by storm" Am I missing something? Come on Ed Henry, stop with the puff pieces!!!

Love the girls, but wish they wouldn't travel on the taxpayers' dime.

Please stop with the Obama media drivel. This is especially true right now when he and his Democrat-controlled henchmen are socializing the government and spendin our futures away. Wake up America!

I am so proud of this fine family, and so proud that they represent my country.

That's the "Man"!

that's so true. the whole family puts us all in a good light

This story brings back memories of auto industry executives being admonished by the President for flying into DC on private jets. How come it's not the same for the President's family?. Is he in a official trip that can be considered business or is this a family vacation?
How come we saw almost no reporting in the outing of the first lady during her extended stay in London or the Paris shopping sprees, are we paying for that with stimulus money?

I don't get it. Take Russia by storm? Waking up dad in the night? What?

Nice to see our President has a great family. I am sure conservatives and Bible tooting haters, resent the fact that our President has a functional family unlike the messed up GOP.

I love this family.

Thisa is not a news. No need to publish such small things. Barack Obama has not achieved anything so far. he wants to sell our country to others. He is now international citizen. Wake up America.

It's the jet lag!

Come on media. Let's keep President Obama's kids out of the news.

How about just focusing on what the President is doing with some limited coverage about the First Lady. But leave the kids alone and let them try to have somewhat a normal childhood.

Who is paying for his family to do all this sight seeing? Ofcourse Tax Payers!

How does this story warrant the title "Obama girls take Russia by storm"? Methinks CNN doth exaggerate because the Russians AREN"T falling over themselves to bask in Obamaglow.

Very nice family. The epitome of the American Dream. So it really is a shame that President Obama's policies are terrible and the wrong direction for our country.