Obama’s vacation time not as long as that of other recent presidents

Obama’s vacation time not as long as that of other recent presidents

“Presidents don't get vacations, they just get a change of scenery.”

A president is not allowed to vacation, say critics of Obama. As Nancy Reagan once said, “Presidents don’t get vacations, they just get a change of scenery.”

That quote was restated by CBS News White House Correspondent Major Garrett, who appeared on CBS This Morning on Friday. He said, “No modern American president ever enjoys a care-free vacation” and that “Obama was hardly invisible” while vacationing, reminding viewers that he addressed the nation on Iraq three times, on the incident in Ferguson twice, and on his feelings on Foley’s beheading.

President Obama’s vacation to Martha’s Vineyard has included eight rounds of golf, three dinners out, two days on the beach, one bike ride, one jazz concert, attending one fundraiser for senate democrats, and one five-hour bachelor party Monday for White House chef Sam Kass.

The Associated Press published a brief article Friday stating the facts:

Obama will have spent all or part of 140 days of his presidency on vacation if his vacation ends when it is set to end on Aug. 24.

George W. Bush spent all or part of 490 days of his eight years of presidency at his ranch in Crawford, Texas.

Bill Clinton spent all or part of 174 days of eight years of presidency on vacation.

Ronald Reagan during his eight years of presidency spent all or part of 349 days at his ranch in Santa Barbara, California.

Obama returned to the golf course immediately after talking about the death of James Foley, the freelance American journalist who was beheaded by ISIS.

This action reminded many, including CBS This Morning co-host Norah O’Donnell, of former President George W. Bush’s actions after denouncing a suicide bombing. Bush said, “now watch my drive” and putted a golf ball immediately after talking about the suicide bombing. Bush didn’t play golf for the rest of his presidency after realizing that golfing immediately after talking about such grave happenings looked very wrong in the public eye.

It will remain to be seen whether public criticism will have an affect on President Obama’s vacationing.

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