Obamas begin 10-day vacation in Martha's Vineyard
(CNN) - President Barack Obama and his family begin a week-long vacation in Martha's Vineyard on Friday - the president's second time on the island off the coast of Massachusetts.
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In 2009, Obama spent time there golfing and hanging out with family and friends.
"It's a beautiful part of the country. It has really nice beaches and the folks are really great," Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton told reporters Thursday. "The food is terrific. And it's some place that the president went before he was president and likes to go back because it's a comfortable place where he can rest and recharge the batteries a little bit."
Some have questioned why the Obamas have chosen to go to an elite holiday spot in Massachusetts instead of the Gulf Coast, as Obama had encouraged Americans to help bolster tourism there. The first family - minus eldest daughter Malia - did visit Panama City, Florida, August 14-15, however. There, the Obamas swam in the Gulf of Mexico and played miniature golf, and the president met with business leaders about the BP oil spill and its effect on the region.
Related: Criticism likely to follow Obama on vacation
Burton said this vacation, which will last 10 days, will also include some work.
Updated: 9:18 a.m.
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Hey El Presidente Obama. I voted for you!. I expect you to show some of that 'intelligence" that everyone stated you have. When the kingdom is in ruins and people are jobless, you don't go on a elitist type getaway!.. Remember the French revolution?! Maria Antoinette comment on how the poor should eat some cake didn't go well with the torch carrying villagers! This is common sense which lately you seem to lack. Also, when your fighting a war with an enemy, you don't let the enemy plant a flag next to your battlefield where your countrymen died!. I don't know if they teach common sense at Harvard but after seeing your actions, I doubt if I would spend $400k to educate my kid there. Also, how did you get the money to live in Manhattan and go to Columbia? Did the trips to Afghanistan have something to do with it?
Good for president Obama he and his family deserve it, after all many presidents have taken holidys at Marth's Vineyard.Do you have to be white and president to go there lets get real.These days there is always something of importance going on in the United Sates do we want our president to be recharged to be able to do a good job.Every one knows the truth the Republicans are always tring to discredit Obama.After all he walked into this mess that was left by Bush & his boys, the republicans protect the elite in this country its always been that way.Wars for money Wars for oil so the elite can benefit Obama is the man to help the working class majority off this country and some people don't like it.Well to bad.
You got to know that our hardworking President does not go on a nonworking vacation. He will be spending many hours working, I am sure.
Like he ever really gets a vacation. He works during each one. Our countrymen have become so mean and hateful. Could it be from the constant threats and hatemongering from the right?
So what? They deserve some rest.
First Amendmem t Rights.....Seeming drifting toward extinct.
Oh dear! This will not play well with the "real Americans" in flyover country. Have a nice day!
He's had more time off than I've had and I've been unemployed for the last year. Talk about out of touch with the American people. We're all tightening our belts while he's lacing up his golf shoes.