Obama goes Christmas shopping
(CNN) – After millions flocked to superstores for mega-deals on Black Friday, President Barack Obama took part in the third annual Small Business Saturday by stopping at a bookstore near Washington.
The president and his two daughters - Sasha and Malia - departed the White House Saturday afternoon to One More Page Books, a shop in the Washington suburb of Arlington, Virginia.
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With his Blackberry in hand, Obama appeared to be looking at a list as he spoke with the store’s owner, Eileen McGervey, according to pool reports.
"Preparation," the president said. "That's how I shop."
Obama gave the clerk a stack of titles, shook hands with employees and walked around the store.
Asked about the so-called fiscal cliff, with its looming budget slicing, by a pool reporter, the president said: "We're doing Christmas shopping…Happy Thanksgiving, folks."
As he came out of the bookstore, he walked up to supporters who were applauding and cheering along two ropelines.
“Aren’t you cold out here?” he asked.
The White House later reported that Obama bought 15 children's books meant to be offered as gifts to family for Christmas.
Last year, the Obamas shopped at a different book store - Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café in the District of Columbia -— on Small Business Saturday, a tradition started by American Express in 2010.
- CNN's Ashley Killough contributed to this report.
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I know the President and his family enjoy reading but I hope Mr. President can find time to write a new book.
Glad to read that the President went to a small bookstore to do some shopping. These independent bookstores need out support to keep going. Is there anything nicer than going to a small bookstore and taking the time to choose books for yourself and for others.
Small shops take us back to the years when these were many small shops or family-owned businesses in each city and town. Not only did you get wonderful service but you also got a friendly greeting and probably knew the owner of a salesperson. We need more not less of these businesses. Chain stores have their place but that place is not being the only store in town. We need to keep these small stores in business. Price is not the only important issue when shopping.
I am so thankful for this President and his delightful family. May they have a wonderful Christmas and a glorious 2013.
And the people with no jobs or ways to have a Christmas.
President Obama's presense always has a way of warmimg up the holidays - RE: cover photo: dreaming about his father or a "white christmas."
The man is the president, not a celebrity. Did you write an article every time george bush took a trip to Barnes & Noble?
God Bless the First Family and the United States of America! All Americans.
Obama shops for Christmas with a BIG smile on his face, while those on Staten Island still wait for power, something to be done so insurance companies will start helping people and FEMA I'm sure had a great Thanksgiving. Politicians and government officials including the President and his administration, should have the Holidays these people will have!
Just read the comments folks. Everyone see why the right-wingers are so despised? Thankfully, they and the miserable party they support are facing certain extinction.
Bush never went to a B&N. job dose not make Christmas family & friends do, all though having a job is not a bad thing. Shop small.
JPEAGLE21- Don't hate! Just face the facts that this President is loved by millions!!!!!!
OBAMA is a great leader
This is the BEST PRESIDENT FOR THE GENERATION.
I love president barack obama, but the media has gotten out of control. They do news and articles on everything obama does. Obama goes book shopping, Michelle has a Christmas tree, obama steps out to eat at a small restaurant. They never kept taps like this on bush before. Can obama have some shopping privacy. Obama is the president not a celebrity, i think the media is looking for anything bad obama does.
George W. Bush at a Barnes & Noble? That would suggest he actually read.
Media keeps taps on everything obama does. Obama is the president not a celebrity,give him some privacy. I think they want to see something bad happen.
@jpeagle21
The story wasnt just about Pres Obama going shopping and buying some books , it was also publicity for Small Business Saturday , a campaign to to encourage people to shop at small businesses , which is a worthy campaign for the Pres or any politician to support
@jpeagle21- good grief lighten up will you.
@jpeagle21
You're right, it brings to mind W's book reading to kindergarten children...
While the WTC was being attacked!!!
@jpeagle21 Figured that if we asked Bush what books he read it might be considered Liberal bias. We tried that once with Palin. Didnt go so well – she's just not a reader apparently.
JJ
Man – the entire country is in deep trouble from Benghazi to fiscal cliff and our beloved pres goes shopping,,,-is there nothing the liberal media wont fawn over with this guy?
The President is a leader and we should follow his lead and shop at small stores.
George W went to a book store? Must have purchased picture books.
That's President Obama goes "shopping". Put a handle on it when referring to the POTUS.
Thought there was a Fiscal Cliff and Jobs occupying his agenda? Guess not.