Right time for Obama family vacation?
The Obama family about to board their flight to Hawaii from Chicago. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Barack Obama is finally going to take a week off. After 19 months on the campaign trail, Obama and his family are off to Hawaii for a week to visit his grandmother and relax. Obama's vacation coincides with the first week of the Olympics – which many expect be a lull in the presidential race.
Nonetheless, Obama's vacation comes at a time when some Democrats are nervous. Many thought he'd have a much larger lead in the polls over John McCain by this point. And there's always a risk that the wrong photograph could become political ammunition against him. Remember those pictures of John Kerry windsurfing back in 2004?
Obama admits that as a candidate you always worry about taking time off during a campaign. But he says it's time for a break. He says he hasn't seen his grandmother in almost two years, and wants to spend time with his daughters and wife.
The Financial Times reports that Democrats say Obama needs to accomplish the following when he gets back to work: put on a good event to name his V.P. choice and deliver an exceptional speech at the convention. By the way, his acceptance speech at Invesco Field in Denver sold out in one day – the stadium holds 75,000.
Some think Obama should be punching back harder against McCain's attacks. New York Senator Chuck Schumer suggests Obama should respond to McCain's personal attacks in kind. But it's worth remembering that Obama ran the same kind of positive campaign in the face of attacks from Hillary Clinton that he's running against McCain – and he came out just fine.
Here’s my question to you: Is this the right time for Barack Obama to take a vacation?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Ray from Chesapeake City, Maryland writes:
Of course, yes. He did more in his one-week trip overseas than Bush did for 8 years or McCain in all his years in the Senate. So after the long primary season and with the convention and the selection of a VP ahead, I think he needs it.
Kyle from Nashville, Tennessee writes:
I would rather Obama take a vacation now than after he's in the Oval Office. We've had enough of a president who enjoys downtime at the ranch. Get a nice rest in now, and be prepared to lead our country out of the messes we have made.
Gloria writes:
It has been a long campaign and Obama deserves some time with his family. Now if we could get McCain to take one, maybe we'd all get some much needed relief!
Bill writes:
No, it’s not a good time at all for a vacation. With John McCain creeping up in the polls every day, now is the time when Obama needs to be campaigning and making his points clear. If he wants to win the election, wait a few more months for Hawaii.
Kristin from Seattle writes:
As a grandmother myself, I think Obama is doing just the right thing to take time off, visit with his grandma, have some family time and rest up for what will be the challenges ahead. He makes 3-5 campaign stops a day while McCain does one and doesn't campaign on weekends.
Frank writes:
Come on, Jack. Everybody needs a vacation and the timing is never perfect, you just have to go. I haven't taken a vacation in over three years, and it shows: my wife and my kids hate me.
Michele from Dallas writes:
Why not? Isn't the rest of the Senate on vacation, except Senator McCain?
@jackcafferty on Twitter
It shows potentially what kind of leader he may prove to be should he be elected president. However if he wants to vacation maybe the runner up, Hillary, could campaign on his behalf to show the American public who should be president.
Absolutely. The next leader of this country can not spend day after day responding directly to a lying McCain campaign. McCain's new ad claiming Obama will raise taxes on people making 42K a year is a flat out lie. Obama has good people in his campaign, they can handle the lying republicans for a while.
Yes, the news is going to be fixated on the Olympics and China's terrible human rights record, it'd be a good time for Obama to take a break. He's been campaigning 7 days a week, 2 more than his closest competitor LOL. His birthday, his daughters haven't seen much of him, he needs to body surf, and have some fun.
Yes it is. Pre-convention.
But McCain will accuse him of ignoring the Georgia-Russia war and not caring about world affairs.
I think Obama and Cafferty should take a vacation until the elecetion is over. Everyone is tired of both of them.
Well, he could use some time off, but I'm not sure that this is the time. With the continuing mudslinging by the McCain troops, he probably should be seen as at least doing research into the economic problems, the energy crisis, or foreign policy. But even if he took a few days off to be with his family, you know that the McCain camp will crucify him...after all, they are accusing him of viewing himself as the second coming! This from the camp of a man who barely works from 9-4, maybe four days a week.
Of course, if McCain took a vacation, it could only help his campaign - fewer gaffes and stupid remarks to clean up after!
It's the perfect time for a vacation since it's only going to get more hetic and pressure-filled from now to November.
C'mon, Jack! With the polls saying that people feel that they see too much of Obama, it seems like perfect timing. Let the media and the so-called "experts" focus on and vet McCain like they do to Obama. He wants the attention and the spotlight. GIVE IT TO HIM!
Yes. A very recent Pew Research poll shows that 49% say that they have seen too much Obama. Getting him off the screen could only help him, but I suspect the media doesn't get it, and will continue their nonstop barrage.
I have been a political junkie since childhood in the early 60s, and I have never seen anything like the media onslaught in favor of this person. Not the Kennedys, nor Reagan got anything like this. But don't you see? Too much is turning people off, and it will be interesting what the coming obsessive 24/7 coverage of the Coronation in Denver will do to his numbers. My guess is, a quick spike then back to status quo, just like after Berlin. But you still won't get it.
Lying on a Hawaiian beach with his family while Plouff and Axlerod handle the dirty work makes perfect sense to me.
Gary
Jacksonville, OR
Only if he takes Senator McCain along with him? Both of these men have been on vacation from the jobs for which we are paying them, for quite some time. Wouldn't it be great to take a year off from your present job, with pay, while interviewing for a better position?
Yes,and I hope he takes a hike while on his vacation.
Yes, God knows he deserves it between his relentless campaign schedule, trying to keep a family and getting continuously bashed by McCain. Plus it will give mccain time to come up with new ads attacking Obama while the man is taking a well deserved break. Brilliant timing on Obama's part because he knows most everyone will be focused on the Olympics.
It's a great idea Jack. How can we stop him from coming back though?
It would not only be a good time for a vacation it will also let John McCain get some attention and then maybe he'll stop all his whining.
I can hardly wait to see how McCain manages to blame Obama for the recent conflict between Russia and Georgia!!!
This is the perfect time. He has a grueling 3 months ahead of him, this will give him time to spend with the family, time for himself, prepare his acceptance speech, finalize the selection of a running mate and most importantly rest up. The news the next 2 weeks until the convention will be fixated on the Olympics and Sen. Obama's staff can deal with the lying McCain machine and put them in their place. Barack will be a better candidate for taking this much needed time. McCain needs to take a vacation too or he will look and feel like an old weathered prune come November 4.
Jack, come to my office and you’ll see a lot of empty cubicles. This time of year Americans all over are taking off for one final vacation because it is right before the start of the school year. For Obama, the next few months are going to be grueling and you cannot race a car on empty. He had better get his rest, the Republicans will throw every dirty trick in the book at him.
If anybody deserves a little time off it is him. The worst is yet to come .I am sure his children could use a little quality time with him.
He may as well take some time off this will be his last chance until election day, unlike McCain who doesn't work weekends. With McCain off on weekends the White House job could become 9-5 M-F.
I wish he and McCain would take a three month vacation and spare us all the BS.
Jack, You took a few days off a couple weeks ago and nobody noticed, but I don"t think the same thing will happen to Obama.
Kenneth Chadbourn N.C.
With the election only a few weeks away and the country facing huge problems which will be the responsibility of the next President, this is a horrible time to take a vacation. Mr. Obama is too self confident that he will be elected. If he feels the need for a vacation, I guess his rest and relaxation is more important than continuing to inform the nation of his ideas and leadership capabilities. I doubt if John McCain will take a vacation.
Now would be a great time for both Obama and McCain to take some time off. They both look a little tired and stale, and I'm sick of their bickering. How about a couple of weeks of Paris Hilton versus Batman?
Maybe a reporter will ask obama about his birth certificate and whether is was the original. maybe a reporter will ask whether obama has citizenships in other countries. Maybe obama will go wind surfing like Kerry and then HRC will have her name placed in nomination and walk away the nominee.
Yes, he should and anyone who gives him flack for it should stuff it and shut their pie hole because McCain doesn't do weekends. I think Obama taking a week or so off should make them at least even.
PS: Obama won't be left alone in Hawaii. I'll bet you five dollars CNN shows a poor quality telephoto shot of Barack in an Adirondack chair with a coconut and umbrella drink sometime in the next week.
Jack, why not. It appears that the current adminstration has been on vacation for the past 7 years...
Yes Jack, it definitely time for Barack Obama to take some time off. It would be really nice if John McCain did the same thing. We wear ourselves out switching stations to find something in the news besides presidential politics! I am sick of both candidates and have three months to go until election. The news media has become so biased that the public doesn't know who or what to believe anymore.
It's a great time. This gives McCain an entire week to stumble through his famous flip flops without outside interference. Results: no damage done.
Obama has been going non-stop since he announced he was running for president. He needs to take a break now because he probably won't get another one for at least four and a half years.
Of course it's ok Jack. You had yours a few weeks ago and Bush is traveling on our dime enjoying the Games. And Congress took a month off too but thats no big deal...they were'nt doing anything anyways:) The only ones who can't afford to take off are us WORKING stiffs.
Vacation now because come January the work will begin.
It's perfect timing. The attention of the country will be on the Olympics for the next couple of weeks anyway, and he needs to rest up for the monumental task ahead of him. He needs to be fresh and ready to withstand the Republican attack machine that is just now starting to warm up.........it's gonna get ugly out there as the Republicans start to see this thing slipping away from them.
Definitely! That guy has been on the campaign trail about a year and a half now! I think he deserves a break and get recharged and refreshed for the Clinton Convention!
Yes, he's needed one for a while. He was much quicker off the cup during the heat of the primary than he is now. He is worn out of the little nit-picking that McCain is doing. He needs to take a step back, refocus and look at the big picture and prepare for the convention. This is a good time because at least people will be somewhat distracted by the Olympics and the ongoing Brett Favre saga (it's sad that the emergence of the mass media has Brett Favre playing into Presidential Politics, but the celebrity of that story will continue for another couple weeks which would be another distraction). He should have one of his surrogates step up and fend off any attack McCain levies while he is on vacation.
Yes,smart move.There is a lot of attention going to be focused on the olympics,football,and maybe some more feeble attempts at humor by McCheney.
Barack Obama doesn't need a vacation...he's the Man of Steel! Has it ever occurred to you Jack that Barack Obama and Superman have never been seen in the same place at the same time? Kinda makes you wonder, doesn't it? Barack will do just fine without a break unless, of course, he trips on his cape or, heaven forbid, that lunatic Les Luthor exposes him to Kryptonite. Oh, one more thing Jack...I have a lingering question that has been plaguing me for some time now. Since phone booths no longer exist, where does Barack change into his crime-fighting gear?
With his noticable limited knowledge of foreign policy, What possible difference does it make Where he is? We are in dire need of help in this country and Obama is not what we need right now. This will be noticable to the DNC as well before its too late. He's great,but not ready for this.
Jack: Everyone needs to step back and smell the roses, even Obama. His vacation will provide some quality time with his wife and children and allow him to reflect upon the upcoming days of the election. The tiime is right, but remember, no vacation goes unpunished.
Why shouldn't he take some time off. Don't forget Sen McCains aversion to working on weekends. Add up all their days off and 5 will get you 10 McCain is way ahead. While we're at it, lets add up all the days Bush has been gone from the Whitehouse over the past six months.
Obama has a young family. Those girls would probably like a little quality time with Dad and he with them. This is not a problem.
No matter what, the media will cover him more than anyone else. He is favored by them because they are petrified of being labelled racist, the witch-hunt label of the 21st century. Forget McCain, if Bob Barr got one tenth of the coverage Obama got, he'd have a chance at the Presidency. Notice how they never take quotes out of context for Obama, just everyone else.
No no no ... we have to stop him, he must continue his trek to the glorious mountain top, he is the One, the annointed to solve the problems of this world, his majic wand to cure the ills and woes of a global economy that chokes (my) pocket. He must endure at all costs, pain and labor; outdoing all foes (the rep's) to the finish line, leaving no stone unturned, in his insurmountable quest to power and might at the big White House !!!
The perfect time! The Olympics are taking center stage. He needs a break to regain strength for the mudsling that is to come from the McCain gang in the near future.
If he wants one he better get it now. If he is elected he wont get one for at least 4 years because he will be way to busy trying to repair all the screw ups of the current moron in the whitehouse.
Jack,It's passed due for obama to take a vacation.the american people needs a vacation from obama.mcain needs to go on vacation too. Houston Texas
sure, he should definately take a vacation now and preferable stay there. i am sick of hearing about him, seeing him, hearing him speak nonsense, and sick of those zombie like supporters of his.
Now would be the best time for a vacatoin because after the election (should he win), he will need to assemble a transition team, fill a cabinet with competent people that will have to clean up the mess left by the Bush administration.
After he takes office, there will be no spare time given the task of restoring America's image to the rest of the world...and.... you never know when the phone will ring at three oclock in the morning......so he needs to be informed, rested and ready to lead.
Jack, Another good judgment call by Obama, staying out of the lime light so that our fine men and women who are competing in the Olympics can have center stage. Of course John McCain will be whining that they are getting more coverage than him.And tell Jan from Florida that wanted you both to go on vacation because she is tired of both of you , to just TURN OFF THE TELEVISION.Love you both, old poor white women from Indiana.
Connie
Jack,
Sure why not??? John McCain been on vacation mentally since he started campaigning for presidency.
Why not? If he doesn't get a break now I can't imagine when he will.
Sure! I hope he decides not to come back. Maybe while he is in Hawaii, he can pick up a certified copy of his birth certificate and make it public.
Good time for Obama to take his kids to a water park.
Also a good time for John " My Friends" McCain to ready some more
ammunition against obama. Or should I say reload the glue gun
as he's making everything stick on the wall.
He better get a little time off when he can. The Olympics games have started, most people are taking their families on debt vacations, less viewers are watching their stupid TV shows or watching corporate news and football season hasn't started. Hopefully McCain will do the same and spare us all the same old BS he always spews. But once September rolls around it'll be 24/7 "WAR FOR THE WHITEHOUSE!"
I wish all the media would take a vacation from tthe election. I am so sick and tired of all the verbal diarrhea that has emerged.
Steve,
Laguna Niguel
Yes Jack he needs to get in a a little down time so that he will come back fired up and ready to go. The same thing that is happening while he is away would be happening if he were still here – Senator McCain putting out his Karl Rove type ads that either contain outright lies or ones that play fast and loose with the truth.
It's august; his kids start school in September, should he go on vacation later, without them, or should they not have a vacation with their father at all? And in general, vacation or no vacation, John McCain talks about the congress being on vacation for five weeks, yeah man, that was planned a long time ago I bet. And it ain't like world war three is breaking out all of a sudden and they need to deal with it immedietly. The issues that they need to deal with are the normal problems that a country goes through- economy, energy, and so on. If there are problems in those areas it surely has nothing to do with one week or 5 week vacations.
I would guess that Obama can take a vacation any time he, and his family chooses to, without having to say why, or without anyone asking why, or when. So if it is alright with you, I don't really have an answer for your question, so I'll just mind my own P's & Q's, and take my own vacation whenever I see fit to do so, but don't think that it will be any breaking news for the media. Aren't there more pressing issues for the media to be worrying about, or are you just trying to insert your own views as to what , and when others should do? It isn't anyone elses business !
It is a good time for him! The Hillary question only impacts the DNC and news media. Obama can hold out on the VP consideration a little longer!
Pre convention, yes. And keep in mind that HE is on vacation, not his entire campaign staff. I have no doubt that this "vacation" is strictly a break from appearances and travel, not from planning or strategy .
Well he obviously can't stand the heat so he's getting out of the kitchen. He'll try to regroup after realizing this isn't the boy scouts. He has the feeling he can just sail right on through to the White House. The arrogance is astounding.
Jeff
Cleveland, OH
Why not? From the look of his Senate attendance record, it appears he vacations quite a bit!
Perfect – even Hillary took a whole month off. McCain wandered around for 4 months with nothing to do and has taken 50 to 60 week-end days off.
Obama wants to see his grandmother, family and friends before the REALLY dirty swift-boaters, etc. get worse.
I think it's great that he has family and friends that want to be with him. In fact, I think it's great the whole world likes him..
Obama '08
Betty
I don't know if it's the right time for Obama to take vacation but it's an excellent political strategy, like a cat and mouse game. If John McCain doesn't come up with a strategy, other than talking about Obama, he'll be caught in the trap.
This is as good a time as any. He needs a rst and the intrest will lag a little untin the convention. Maybe he can get his self-confidence and judgement together and tell his core to lay off Hillary – it is stupid. They should be saying it great if her supports want to put her name in nomination – this is the way to promote party unity, and they can't prevent in any event.
The Obama campaign is beginning to resemble McGovern's. In that case his core were enthausticv young people. They managed to get control of th part machinery and expolted mercessily. They tyrew out electe delegates and seated people picked by them. Worse yet, they cntinued to catigate party regulars. He lost by a landslide. Obama enjoys the benefit of times when any Republican should lose big, but his supports are pushing it.
This is the moment to take the vacation when McBush is engaged in a silly season exchange with Paris Hilton. Britney may jump in too, who knows how long it's going to take.
It's a well deserved vacation for Obama after doing all his homeworks on Foreign policy, economy and energy plan.
Why not? The rest of the Democrats are on vacation, too!
It should be a good time because of the Olympics. The action will be fast and continuous after the Dems. convention, there won't be any relaxation time there after.
The McCain campaign is taking this time to launch attack ads against Obama, but he should rest now, he'll have time to counter later.
Senator Obama and Senator McCain both should use the time now to take a breather and go spend time with their families. And for crying out loud, give us one.
They've been going non-stop for over a year or so. Enough already.
Let the media find something else to talk about like the false information leading us into Iraq or investigating how the 'Enron Law' has inflated gas prices. Now there is a story...one worth reporting.
Jack I hate to say that any member of Congress needs to take a vacation. But in this case with both men campaigning non-stop, they need to take a vacation. Now would be the perfect time with America focus going to China and the Olympics. He should come back refreshed and ready for the convention.
I don't see why Barack cannot go on vacation and it's not like he is going out of the country - both he & his family need and deserve a little down time, before the convention and then the general election.
I would also like to comment on the Big Oil question and money - I would hope that most companies still let their employees vote for themselves and if Obama received money from the employees who are either union or non it doesn't mean that they have any power to influence decisions. The capital that comes from the CEO, CFO now that's a separate, different story.
Sign me "Senior Women for Obama"
Everyone deserves a vacation, Jack. I personally wouldn't give McBush any ammunition right now,though. Obama can't even belch without McBush having something snotty to complain about. You know he will jump on this like an attack dog on a bone! He will walk aroung smirking that while his opponent is off having fun, he,McBush is here talking to people and assuring them how much he cares about them and how he will be different from Bush. Give me a break!
He was in a tough primary race for three months while John McCain was on his own getting his national campaign going. Everyone needs a break. Since he knows how to communicate via the Internet, he will obviously be keeping up to date constantly about world affairs. His Blackberry will probably not be far away and he has some pretty sharp advisors and fellow Democratic politians who will keep him informed. Also, his supporters will probably be doing some heavy duty campaigning while he's in Hawaii. Hilary Clinton is doing a rally in Las Vegas today..
Yes it is the right move Jim...leaving the stage to Sen. McCain and the Olympics,and giving the opportunity to allow us to observe how Sen.McCain can transformed himself by giving speaches entirely copied on what Obama has been advocating for the last six months...We simply don't know who is the Democratic candidate anymore. If I were a conservative Rep. I would be worried.....
Michel of Toronto
Obama and his family all deserve a break and this is the perfect time for Obama to take off, right before the convention and during the opening week of the Olympics.
It makes sense. Over exposure combined with the distraction of the olympics makes it a good time to take a break. With McCain's team depicting him as the AntiChrist, there's really not much you can do anyway other than to let him dig his own grave.
Good time or not, Obama needs a break! For Christsake, the man's hair is turning white Anyway, isn't Hillary supposed to be out on the stump keeping the drum beat going?
For him it may be a bad time because of his pole numbers. But as far as him being a candidate, it should not mater. He is a person too and is deserving of some down time just like all of us that take vacations.
Barack also needs some time for himself and his family.It is the right time because it is summerm,clear as that.
I don't think there is ever a good time to take vacation when the wolves are nipping at your heels like the good ole GOP with its attack ad mentality, but if Obama doesn't, he runs the risk of crashing and burning from fatigue. Let's all take a vacation from this insanity and start back with the conventions. What do you say, Jack? (although your segment is one that I truly enjoy . . . keep up the curmudgeonly good work!)
Jack
There is no " right time " for Obama to go on vacation. One could say if he doesnt take time off now, he will not be able to take it as we get closer to the convention and then election day.
Perfect – even Hillary took a whole month off. McCain wandered around for 4 months with nothing to do and has taken 50 to 60 week-end days off.
Obama wants to see his grandmother, family and friends before the REALLY dirty swift-boaters, etc. get worse.
I think it’s great that he has family and friends that want to be with him. In fact, I think it’s great the whole world likes him..
Obama ‘08
Betty
He should be able to take off from now until October 30th and still win the election. Perhaps the news starved media would focus more on McCain's daily routines making everyone familiar with his incompetence and confused state of mind.
I remember him taking a vacation in april sometime... wow i wish i could take that many vacations, it would be really nice ... i guess running for president must be a pretty easy job.. he sounds pretty out of touch with how the average us citizen
Yes Jack it is the right time for Obama to take a vacation. This will probably be the only time that he will have since the Convention starts in two weeks. After that comes the grueling pace of campaigning before the general election.
Of course Jack. He's a husband and father as well as a candidate. He's been working every day putting as much time as he can into his campaign. Does that not warrant a vacation? And what about his wife and kids? They have been forced to adopt Barack's new schedule to a certain extent and probably deserve their fair share of rest and relaxation.
Sure!! Then McCain will be covered 24/7 and his constant mistakes will receive all the coverage they deserve!!
Let's face it. No matter when he would schedule a vacation, someone would say it's not the right time.
Not only should Obama take a week off, so should Mcbush. Durring this week maybe you and your colleagues could come back to reality and do some actual reporting.
Didn't he go to the Bahama's during the Primary for some "time off"?? How many vacations does he need from his grueling wold wide media bash? How quickly we ignore how hard he does not work.
Wait isn't this his second vacation he took one to St. Thomas at Easter. Well it seems his supporters don't mind paying for the trip so I guess if he gets elected we can expect alot of vacation time for the Obama family. I have to laugh though people critcizing Bush for being at the Olympics since the US is represented there as a competitor and Bush is still our President. Oh I forgot Obama is the Messiah so its okay. LOL
Yes, he has to take a break to inflate his tires sometime.
Yes, he has a very busy schedule ahead and he will be campaigning until November. Also, the girls have to go back to school soon. So it's a perfect time.
Obama 08
Yes, this is the right time. He needs a break. Listening to him in speeches of the last couple of days, one can "hear" how tired he is. With the Olympics to kick off tonight , with McCain yapping at every chance he gets, and these PUMA/Hillary wackos reveling in the announcement that both of their demagogues, Bill and Hill, will be speaking at the Convention later this month, Americans deserve the chance to tune out for a week and welcome future POTUS Obama back to the campaign trail next week when he is hopefully relaxed and refreshed.
no one deserves it more. with mccain taking weekends off, hillary farsing her campaign into ridiculous debt, OBama has been the hardest working campainger i have seen in my lifetime. WELL DESERVED!!!!!
OBAMA '08
Greg – he took a long week-end in April – get a grip sweetie. McCain takes 50-60 weekend days since January –
Chill sweetie – take a break
I just wish he was taking TWO weeks off. He could use two weeks to rest and recharge and have some family time. But either way, we'll still be here rooting for him when he gets back–and in the meantime, we get to watch the Olympics!
Hey Betty, Hillary took hers on her own time after she lost not when she was campaigning big difference don't ya think.
McCain is the one who'll suffer with no Obama. It's not like he has anything interesting to talk about. There is no McCain without Obama. His whole campaign is really about Obama. Poor old white haired dude.
For those criticizing Obama for taking a week off– How many vacations have Buch, Hillary and the rest taken? Come on. Get a clue.
Is it the right time? Who knows? It's never a good time to take a vacation. I guarantee though Obama is not taking it easy. He's gettinga way with his family sure but he will be working as always.
Most people take 2 or 3 vacations a year. Obama has not taken one in 19 months. He deserves a break, and I do no say that in his defense. I am still against his campaign.
Sure. Barack has been working non stop to become the next president of the United States. He deserves a great vacation in Hawaii. I hope the media doesn't follow him and broadcast everything.
Obama '08
Why not Jack. He's on cruise control and after the convention is over and he names Hillary as VP, It's on to the white house where vacations are the norm. Maybe he's just practicing.
wait a minute, obama is running a positive campaign?
where did you get that idea from...
lately all his soundbytes seem to be that republicans are ignorant, and this and this and this is wrong with mccain
nobama is a hypocrite... typical politician
Watch the Olympics Jack. Everyone else is...
Greg, you are so lame, he is doing a little more than the average person right now. The highest office is the land is hard enough without sacrificing your health.
Enjoy yourself Senator, we've got you covered.
Obama 08
Isn’t it amazing that so many past presidential issues during campaigns rarely matter years later? Are the Democrats making a big deal out of global warming just to play politics and make it the issue of this campaign? Or do they sincerely care about the environment? Further, are they that concerned about the environment that they will let America’s economy and industrial sector falter as they refuse to let more drilling take place? The Democrat’s political games are slowing America’s development and progress, and making us lose jobs. Go John Go
Jack,
I think that he needs some time to re-group for the final 80+ days left in the presidentail contest. Atleast at home in HI, where he grew up much as a youth, he can find solace with family and friends whom will shelter him as he recharges the batteries. Since the news will be dominated with the coverage of the Olympic games, this will give him some time out of the headlines (atleast for a week), especially since the recent polls have come out and said that they are getting tired of seeing him on in the media. I just hope that he uses the time wisely as he prepares for the final stretch in the presidential campaign.
Keith
It's perfect timing for him to take a vacation since the olympics are this week. To me, it shows that even though there is a lot on the line he still has strong family values, which is important to many of us regular folks. Perhaps McCain should take a vacation and show us what kind of family values he has.
OMG. are you guys serious? Concerned whether if it is a good time for Barack Obama to take a vacation?? Im speechless. This is soooooo petty.
I think we all coul'd use a vacation from this election Jack!
My only hope is McCain will find a BBQ somewhere and chill out awhile to give our ear's a break. He whine's more than a 12 year old girl! Happy vacation everyone!
In a perfect world, both campaigns would agree on a 2 week break before the conventions. This not being a perfect world, I think a vacation during the Olympics is probably the best time to do it. That doesn't mean McCain won't be on the attack, but Obama has enough surrogates to fill the void for a few days.
it's funny how many people claim mccain doesn't "work" weekends..
i'm pretty sure they're getting this from the ticker piece a few months back that said he doesn't CAMPAIGN on the weekends.
the article went on to mention he does things politicians should actually be doing – like visiting the troops for one.
funny that these people think fluff interviews, kissing babies, and smiling for cameras is "work" from nobama. his actual job as senator has been put on the backburner while he tries to build on his celebrity status. how much ACTUAL work has he done in the senate, you know for his real job?
After non-stop campaigning and work in the Senate (even during Senate vacations he's working) he deserves come kind of break. Especially if it's to visit his grandmother and to make sure his daughters spend time with her. Family first.
If some democrats are nervous then perhaps they should get off their backsides an actually get out there and defend him. They should actually act as surrogates and start calling McCain on his lies and distortion of the truth. They should start bringing the media to task for ignoring McCain"s lies and screw ups and for letting him get away with them. Sen. Obama is doing his job as best as he can. There are certain things he can't do that surrogates can and should be doing. It's the rest of the democratic party that is acting as if they are incompetent.
Jack, in situations such as Obama finds himself, a 'vacation' is
a euphemism for just 'getting some time to -go for broke!- when he
gets back.' The Olympics will dominate the next 2 weeks.
Especially since China is the host. Why compete with this? O.
is, by all calcuations, an astute and brilliant man. He's quick and
mostly on target. So, instead of having 'too much' of O, after the
Olympics and two weeks of McCain, there will be a clammer
to hear, see and cheer for O. on his triumphant, 'long' awaited
return to the last phase of this campaign. Let's face it: This whole
election year has been highlighted and spotlighted by interest in
one man: Barack Obama! McCain, Billary, et al. notwithstanding!
Bill – Catskills NY
yes ithink so.maybe while obama is off the scene the media can focus an john mcbush and see what a big a–hole he really is.
After non-stop campaigning and work in the Senate (even during Senate vacations he's working) he deserves come kind of break. Especially if it's to visit his grandmother and to make sure his daughters spend time with her. Family first.
If some democrats are nervous then perhaps they should get off their backsides an actually get out there and defend him. They should actually act as surrogates and start calling McCain on his lies and distortion of the truth. They should start bringing the media to task for ignoring McCain"s lies and screw ups and for letting him get away with them. Sen. Obama is doing his job as best as he can. There are certain things he can't do that surrogates can and should be doing. It's the rest of the democratic party that is acting as if they are incompetent. At least there is something they are good at.
Maybe he should go back to the Senate and do some work for the constituents he has been ignoring these last two years.
Jack,it is absolutely the right time to go.The problem is he isn't going far enough away and he'll most likely come back!!!!
Jack, there's never a "right" time for a vacation. We all know the Obama family deserve a break, & none of us can blame them for wanting to escape briefly, it's just very unfortunate that the Republican smear campaign is really unrelenting. Frankly, I think the American people are getting tired of hearing all the mudslinging coming from the right. And the Obamas have handled the situation with extreme composure. They'll have plenty of time to refute accusations and untruths at the conclusion of their vacation.
Why not it seems like Bush has been on vacation for 8 years now and McCain is on a mental vacation but still wynes.
Paul
Round Rock, Texas
Honestly, I think it's time Obama stays away from Mc Cain's unneccesary ad splurge. He needs to think and stay fresh as always. He's got a lot to say and a lot to do when he becomes president. I 'd want to watch the olympics and not the monotonous Mc Cain negative ads. I already consider Obama the next American President. The Ol' Mc is still the same ol' Mc brand, don't you think we know his recipe already?
It is probably the only time Obama will have before election day. After the convention he will be nothing BUT busy. Everyone needs a break. now and then. It appears that Obama has been working hard for months. No doubt, McCain will use the time to do more attacking of the man instead of the issues! But I suspect a rested Obama will be much more able to respond the way he wants to after a break.
It is always a good idea to visit home and family. It grounds you, and helps you to recall what is really important. Obama is a highly educated intelligent individual. He knows this country from many different perspectives from the view point of minorities and average Americans. He will make an excellent President.
McCain represents the richest 5% of the Population from his ultra wealthy wife on down. He is a prisoner of the republican agenda, the war in Iraq, and big oil. That is who he will represent no matter what he says to try to get elected. Everyone knows that is how the Republican party works. The end justifies the means. Once they get in there, they will do exactly what they always do: make the rich richer at the expense of all the rest of us!
Yes, Obama needs a break, so that he can be at he will be ready for the fight that is bound to be in the making from the conventions on.
Yes! If he doesn't take it now, he won't get one. He won't have any down time until after the election and if he wins, there won't be any then either.
Just like Pelosi and the democrats. Senator Obama, if you really want to lead the American people, go back to the senate and vote for offshore drilling. Drill here, drill now, pay less.
Looks like the Obamas are really hurting, lets see they were driven to the airport (by a professional driver) Where they will by pass all the security stops, to get on a private plane with no layovers, they will land in beautiful Hawaii , I sure hope somebody is there to pick up the luggage. Now let me , let you in on how Most americans vacationed this year after working their fingers to the bone. They didn't.
And John McCain doesn't campaign on weekends, so what's the point? Since when did taking a week off in 19 months to spend time with your family suddenly become unpresidential? Give the guy a break!
Jack, Yeah, this is a perfect time, right before he has to deal with Hillary (again) and her femi-nazi crowd at the convention. I'll bet he wonders if all this is worth it.
Hiram Rapids, Oh.
Yes this is a good time for him to take some time off. The people are tired of seeing so much of him, the Olympics are going on, the convention is coming up and the fall will be hardcore campagain time and fighting the Republican rumor mill. We live in a world where something is always going on. He is not the president so there is little he can do about current events except comment on them. John McCain takes weekends off. Obama took some time off in April but look at his schedule since then. We need him at full strength and clear mind come the fall.
Jack,
Since he is neck and neck with an opponent in the polls who may be older than fossil fuel and who is handicapped by an unpopular President in bad economic times. A vacation at this time by Obama would to ludicrous...
C.I., New York
he needs to re-group and fight harder against the gops and elder mccain...now everybody wants him not to take a vacation but mccain tells the american people that he doesn't believe working on weekends..come on, politicans can do what they want to do..as far as i am concerned, every elected official makes more money than me. Obama must re-engerize the new registered voters as older voters to focus on the issues and bring out mccain's past with his voting record and the issues that he can't win on..Go Obama 08!!
It is the right time for a vacation if he wants to go swimming, because it's summer. It is the wrong time for a vacation if he wants to go skiing, because it hasn't snowed yet.
Yes, Jack so maybe the media will give McCain the scrutiny he deserves rather than just repeating his inaccurate ads. Seems the media is afraid to objectively analyze what McCain says but parses everything Obama or the Clintons say or don't say, do or don't do.
Obama said McCain is debating with McCain and now he has a whole week to do it!
Jack,
I take a week off every 4-5 months...I think after 19 months working on the campaign trail Obama and his family deserve time off.
What was the week spent in the Caribbean recently? On the job training? I am having a real problem mustering up sympathy for a millionaire. Next thing you know; Obama will make a downpayment on a ranch in Chicago.
This is the perfect time. Get wise advice from his grandma, and a needed rest for him and his family. He should see his grandma as often as he can , before she is gone from him forever. It'll be hard for that time once he's president.
Well, didn't Obama just have a big vacation overseas?
You can't call teleprompter reading, playing basketball, and photo ops work!
How convenient to avoid yet another debate and hide from the limelight now that The Obama Nation book has been released.
Is Obama ever going to present an original birth certificate?
For the highest office in the land, it should be required, no matter
how Mr. Fussy Pants would react.
Of course, you will censor this. Way to go with freedom of speech!
Jack, it's pretty much that part of the presidential campaign when you can not take a break.....we all admit that his campaign has run like fine tuned engine and that has worked great so far.....McCain is spending his money on Obama with these negative attack adds now and during the olympics is going to outdo Obama by a million dollars with more (attack) ads....Obama takes a break + McCain spends money on negative ads concerning Obama + and yes, Hillary is in his corner actively campaigning for him.....a VACATION will not hurt...
Absolutely, it's a great time!!! Let the media focus on McCain for awhile. That probably won't happen though, the media will probably follow Obama to Hawaii and report on his bathing suit. I wonder if Obama lays out on the beach and gets a suntan if that will make him black enough for those that say he's not black enough....
Obama/Biden, 08
Obama is leaving himself open to new attacks by the McCain smear machine. You can expect to see an ad showing Obama on vacation in Hawaii while other images of Iraq,Afghanistan and gas prices are shown while the narrator is saying that at a time when American soldiers are fighting and dying and other Americans are suffering from high gas prices the elitist Obama chooses to go on vacation so he and his family can surf. McCain is is still in America fighting for all Americans welfare. Count on it.
Greg, get a life please. And your buddy mccain not only doesn't work on weekends when us average people are not at work but he has taken 4 vacations so far to Obama's two, bet you didn't complain about that.
Must be nice. Yeah, they're just like a regular American family aren't they? My family jetted to Hawaii in our private jet the other day. Well, at least he chose to vacation in America this time. I'm sure he really wanted to go to Indonesia or back to Europe. If somehow this joker becomes the President, we'll be seeing a lot of this.
Jack of Course it is the Perfect week to take off the First week of the Olympics maybe Now you Guys at CNN might call John Mcbush on some of His lying attacks ads But that is to much like right
Good time for a vacation. Maybe the reporters can ask McCain about his birth certificate and why he won't accept questions on his voting record regarding veterans.
I don’t begrudge anyone a vacation, in fact, I am planning one myself. But the timing is ironic. Oboma went to Berlin, France and the UK and is criticised for ignoring the problems at home. Now just as international events start to heat up and take a turn for the worse in George/Russia, he goes on vacation. Wrong place, wrong time? Timing is everything and he seems to be slightly out-of-step. A real opportunity for McCain.
Or course it is, Jack. And you are just stirring the pot!
These candidates have to be totally exhausted and need a rest, just like me and you!
Get back to some real reporting.
I read the story here in CNN earlier that polls during this time have no meaning. Kerry was ahead, Al gore was ahead and both lost the election. If Obama is ahead, you guys say the polls at this time have no meaning and when he is tied, you guys say we have to worry. So which version of CNN should we believe?
Barack Obama doesn't need a vacation...he's the Man of Steel! Has it ever occurred to you Jack that Barack Obama and Superman have never been seen in the same place at the same time? Kinda makes you wonder, doesn't it? Barack will do just fine without a break unless, of course, he trips on his cape or, heaven forbid, that lunatic Les Luthor exposes him to Kryptonite. Oh, one more thing Jack...I have a lingering question that has been plaguing me for some time now. Since phone booths no longer exist, where does Barack change into his crime-fighting gear?
As long as he doesn't go wind-surfing!!
Is this the right time for Barack Obama to take a vacation?
Yes, their small children have school that is about to start. Don't most American's vacation during the summer months for that reason alone?
Why is everyone trying to make THIS an issue against Obama as well?
Next, they be complaining because he is breathing, eating and sleeping.
Enough already!
Jenna Wade
Roseville CA
Of course, just as good timing as Bush does when he takes his vacations every few months. I wonder who he will choose to hide in an undisclosed secret location to actually run the country for him like Cheney.
Obama was on a vacation in April and again now in August? Maybe I should run for President so I can take so many days off. The only thing better would be to run for Congress. They don't do a damn thing and they are always on vacation.
And we wonder why our government is so broken?
I think the strategy is valid. McCbush is wasting his time with all these stupid adds, and we have the olympics going on. When the olympics are over, we'll see Obama coming back with a clearer mind and with new ideas.
With all the crap I have to put up with each day from McCain and Obama I'm glad Obama's going on a vacation. I wish he'd take John McCain with him because you can be sure McCain isn't taking a vacation.
Jack.....better now than never.
Senator Obama deserves a break....the Convention is on the horizon. From then on..........there is no rest till the "job is done". Time with family and relaxation are needed by everyone.
OBAMA/ 08
Great time of year for a vacation... how about Florida?
So much closer than Hawaii.
Or just swing by, and
Drop in on Rep.Bob Wexler.
Get Michelle and the girls and the Wexlers and their 3 kids and go do something Brad and Angelina would do. You know, something normal, where you look all multicultural and adorable.
Then let Rep. Wexler know you're looking for a vice-president who can reinforce your message of hope and change.
Let's see, he makes speeches written by someone else, travels in a private jet, rides in a chauffer driven limo, has someone else do all his chores for him and cook for him, others speak for him and he hasn't worked at his real job for about 16 months. He really needs a vacation.
McCain's attack ads would tire anyone out. Both candidates are a joke. They both have huge egos and think they are right on all the issues. They say they'll listen to advice, but are too afraid to change positions and being labeled a flip-flopper. They are both bowing down to party wishes and doing what the DNC and the RNC wants them to do.
Although going on an entire week long vacation during a campaign for POTUS does seem a little bad. How about taking his vacation money and giving it to a needy family? Or maybe even campaign while in Hawaii??
Obama just took a vacation in April. George Bush went on vacation a lot too. The telepromter and the speech writer probably need a break. So Obama will have some new stuff to read when he gets back. He is lost when he doesn't read what someone else has written for him. The media and DNC creation.
Of course he deserves a vacation! Have you taken a vacation this year? The man is a politician but he also has a family with children and those kids deserve to spend quality time with their father. What a ridiculous statement that he can't take a vacation. Why does Bush, congress get months on end off? You really need to relax Jack. You are really becoming an ornery old man!
Hey Ben David – keep up those great repuglican tricks of lie, lie, lie. Obama was born in Hawaii which most of us know is an american state however your buddy mccain was actually born in Panama which is NOT a state. Who is more of an american citizen buddy? And quick question, do you honestly think he could have gotten this far in the race if he really wasn't a citizen???? Let it go okay, it is false and a lie but then again what would I expect from a repuglican, that's all you guys can do.
Considering the infinite amount of negative press coverage, how the media completely ignored the relevance of his trip overseas, saying everything he does can and usually does backfire. I think he should go on a vacation. Unfortunately for him, however, the media will never give McCain the same scrutiny they gave him. Ever notice how everyone says he's getting too much media coverage then act like it's all positive?
Yes, it has been a grueling campaign, Hillary had to take a few weeks off after campaigning (and she had Bill to help her) Obama is doing the right thing by his family, his children need time with him, his grandnother cannot travel. He needs a break to make himself ready for some more of the republicans dirty campaign tricks.
Barack Obama is finally going to take a week off. After 19 months on the campaign trail...
I never thought I would catch you without the facts bang on Jack but looks like I did. Senator Obama took a vacation during his fight with the Clintons (remember the pool side pictures?). Besides if Congress can do nothing and get a vacation then anyone should.
Yes it is... Now the media can give McCain all that attention he's been so desperately whining about for the past several months. Maybe we’ll finally be able to hear and see what he’s for not just what he’s against. Maybe the media will even call McCain out when he ‘misspeaks’ or call it what it is, a flat out lie. I highly doubt the media will scrutinize this tender man the way it has Obama, we will see.
Sure, Bush seemed to always be on vacation when something devastating happened. 9ll, Katrina, his two terms in office.
Jack,
Love your show. And there is never a bad time to take a vacation! Besides, it's the last one he'll get to take for about 8 years come November.
Jack He needs some time with his children, and need to visit with his grandma as much as possible while she is still here for him to talk to. He won't have time to talk and see her, or spend as much time with his family after he becomes president! Ones grandma is very important for as long as you can have them to advice you!
If there was a good time for the vacation, it is now.
We know his campaign queued up some Olympic advertisements. He will get to enjoy the Olympics in relative peace if he is in to that sort of thing (which I suspect he is). The next big milestone is the convention, and it's not only a few days away. And he will be recharged for a Primary Season Campaign.
Attacks by McCain will be responded to by his advisors and any loss in polls this coming week he will probably recoup within a week or two back on the trail.
To Senator Obama, I say: Have a Happy Vacation
It should be a working vacation. Since he is in the crosshairs of both McCain and the Clintons, he had better be energized and ready with a detailed plan to go on offense when he returns. He is going to be fighting a war on two fronts.
Yes. This is the best time. No point in Obama making like the legendary John Henry (who did outrun that train, only to drop dead of exhaustion at the finish line). His body, soul and mind rested will lessen the possibility of his making irreconcilable mistakes as his campaign progresses.
It's about time he took a vacation. I don't know how anybody could keep up the grueling schedule that man has kept up for so long, and endured the stress and the attacks. Good luck to him and I hope he enjoys much deserved rest and fun!
The real story is that he is inviting family and friends to go with him to Hawaii courtesy of his Campaign Plane..........Is that where his supporters want their donations to go?
Barbara in Seal Beach, CA
The man has kept his composure throughout his campaign despite the nasty things he had to endure. He deserves a break. It's not easy dealing with the baseless criticism that came from both Hillary Clinton and the GOP.
why not he is always taking time off.................typical
Sure, Jack, why not? After all, "Senator" Obama has been on a paid vacation from his job in the senate for the past 19 months while our country has gone down the sewer.
Brownwood, Texas
Another democrat goes on vacation while the Republicans work on issues that affect America.
This could be a new slogan for the democrats:
When the going gets tough, the democrats go on vacation!
The Obamas all look like fit, active people, unlike a good (ahem) chunk of the US population. Life is a balance. Hard work is admirable, but people need time for family and other activities.
Perfect timing. Got to popcorn for the Olymics all ready!
Obama has been working 7 days a week for 19 months. He has kept up a pace equal to what Presidents must manage ( and the press even whined about it). He seems to be constantly checking a Blackberry to stay in communication... So I doubt he'll really be 'away"
He's earned the time with his with family ( which USE to be a Value and a good thing )!
On the other hand, McCain rarely schedules events on the weekends, and if he does it is a single stop/event. Probably needs his naps.
Oh and by the way, McCain doesn't know how to use a computer, or search the internet, let alone use a blackberry device to stay on top if information... He has Cindy to tell him what is happening though... Guess that works for him, and who cares if he is not int tune with 21st century technology? Seems all he wants to do is relive old history any way, sad part is he wants Americans to join him in looking backwards.
Jack,
If Congress is getting heat for going on vacation why would Obama go? I think he should stay and keep pounding his Energy plan, Independent Undecided voters like myself need as much information and exposure to his plans as possible. Even though he is way over exposed I think undecided voters would still like to hear more.
First of all, I'll bet you 10 to 1 that he is working during this vacation. As far as time off, now is the perfect time. He wants to spend time with his family before the grueling push to the election and maybe recharge a bit. Let McCain carry on without him. He only sounds more ridiculous with each new day. Let the Obama surrogates handle this week for him. Hillary in particular would be great for that.
Joy
Springfield, IL
why not, 20% of the populations going on vacation this month, the other 80%can't afford to go across town, let alone some place nice and fun. let me know if you need someone to mow the lawn and feed the dog jack, of course you'll have to pay my travel and leave me some can's of spam, i just payed my electric bill and now iam broke..
Who the hell can afford a vaction? Well.... Ok... Obama and all of Congress... Enough said...
It is a vacation for us...so we don't have to listen to him
Finally take a vacation? Didn't he take one a few months ago to the carribbean ?
well You can Only take So Much, Obama Can take a Break But at His Own risk!
Sure, why not? He has earned it.
Remember, GW Bush took off 250 days off as of August 2003. That's 27% of his presidency spent on vacation. (Although to be fair he stated it was a working vacation).
Yes, it is time for him to take a vacation. Since he will not be in the news as much, this will give the People a chance just what McCain is saying.
Right now Obama has the problem of being overexposed in the media. Along with that the demented McCain camp is calling him everything from a superstar to the anti-christ. A timeout would be a good thing right about now. As for McCain, I am reminded of a lyric from a Mose Allison song, "Your mind must be on vacation, cause your mouth is working overtime."
He will have plenty of time to go on vacation- either after he loses the nomination in a few weeks, or after he loses in November.
Of course, most real people will be watching the olympics
Maybe it could be a permanent vacation. Can we have Hillary (that is to say, a brilliant, courageous, battle-tested, knowledgeable leader whose understanding and analysis of the issues strengthens us all) back now?
All work and no play makes Obama look like...Paris Hilton?
Juan G.
Puerto Rico
I think McCain camp are dying for some attention, they're going to love this. CNN said Americans have heard "too Much" of Obama after 19 months of EVERY HOUR news. Let's see we all get sick of McCain in less than a week and want Obama back on the trail!
It's never a good time to forget the need for balance in your life. To realize that family is more important than any job and that retreats provide the space to be more effective, more productive and more considered in what you say and do. This is exactly the kind of behavior I am happy to see in the next president. He might be good role model for the millions of self-important types who ignore their children, spouse, friends and their own health and mental balance.
Sometimes I think that we forget that these presidential candidates are human. With the Olympics occupying much of the world's time in addition to it being pre-convention, I think that this is a good time to relax. Let's be honest, one less week of hearing the same analysis of the same policies and attacks might be a good break for us all.
I am in total agreement with Ben. Put McCain on the national news for the entire week and watch him stumble horribly. It will be very clear by the time Obama gets back from his vacation that McCain is incapable of the job he is seeking. Bad jokes, misinformation and boredom will come through loud and clear.
Better now than October.
Hey, He's a Senator on vacation.
Maybe McCain will call him back?
Glad to have him gone – I also need a vacation from him!
Does seem strange that a candidate would take a week off right before the convention – that Arrogant thing again. Seems pretty sure of himself. His gang style Chicago friends will take care of things back home I'm sure.
When is anytime a good time? Just a couple of days ago people was telling CNN that they were seeing too much of Senator Obama and now that he is taking a break some individuals are worried. I do agree with you though Jack that he have a designated hitter to clean McCain's clock when he get's out of control.
Heck he might as well. He no longer got in the U.S. Senate and has been running as the GREAT BLACK MESSIAH. Of course with his history of voting present on most the issues when he was state senator he might as well be on vacation.
Scientific studies have shown that taking regular vacations is critical to refreshing your mind and body and lead to better judgment and performance. So yes, Obama should go on vacation. And so should you, Jack!
Yes. With the Olympics grabbing all the attention, this is the perfect opportunity for Obama to take a vacation. He absolutely needs to take a break, relax, and mull things over.
He might as well take a vacation; the John Edwards mess will end up filling the air/print waves anyway. Obama will need the extra time to re-evaluate his VP choices.
Only a week? Maybe the haters are right about his lack of experience. GW Bush could tell him that to be of true presidential timber, you should take off at least a month.
No, it's not the right time for Obama to take a vacation. Not because he's campaigning, but because network news is addicted to him. There is zero chance he'll be left alone during his vacation.
Is that a gas guzzling SUV I see in the photo Jack? Inconceivable! Doesn't Obama know that the earth is dying?
George Bush has proved that the ability to take vacations is a presidential skill that will be very important and one that will be tested quite frequently. Obama is just proving his credentials.
Obama desreves a vacation. He has been working very hard, as has McCain, for a very long time. Congess is another question – those deadbeats don't work anytime during the year and are on a five week vacation. Go figure.
Maurice
Two Rivers, Wisconsin
he is human and if he doesnt take a little time off it could cost him later. maybe hiliary can campaign on his behalf while he is away
Time off? Not really. Vacation... Yes. He will be alerted at any time when something happens. I wouldn't expect him to sip drinks with umbrellas in them during this vacation. If anything this is the final rest for the last couple of months of campaigning.
It's the perfect time for a vacation! We've had enough "hoopla" from both camps. Maybe with a break form this campaign, his numbers will go up even more!! It's great for him to spend time with his family before the convention and the stressful campaign coming up!
Jack, this is a good time for Obama to take a week off from the campaign.
McCain takes every weekend off.
I wish all politicians would go on vacation. People always want the Congress etc to be in session. I don't. We don't need any more laws and their screw-ups.
Interesting time to take a vacation. Right in the middle of a close presidential race. And he cites an excuse of needing a break from running for president of the united states? What does he think the job entails if he should get it? 24/7 365 days a year is his clue.
No. This is stupid for Obama to take off. Jobless rates are at a 6 year high, housing prices are falling, and he is basically tied with McCain when he should be up double digits. You will see pictures come out of Obama on the beach while you see millions of Americans get kicked out of there house and in unemployment lines. McCain will run with this and say that in time of war, ecomonic downturn, Obama is taking a vacation getting a nice tan while Americans are losing there jobs. Just not smart right now with everything going on.
One week vacatiopn? I think this is laughable!. The French take 7 weeks, so do the Germans and most Spaniards and Prez. Bush is chopping wood for a month on his Texan hideout. So why is Sen Obama not taking at least have of the time the wood -slpitter takes and give himself a vaction from this low-grade verbal duel with Sen Mc Cain? Time to rest and play.
Karin
Rutherford
NJ
Is McCain ever not on vacation?
Yes it is time right time to take a vacation. But you know that those who are not voiting for him will will find something wrong with the idea and McBush will definitely find some half baked reason why he is wrong to go on vacation.... Oh I know because we have to drill for oil NOW!!
I'm sure it wasn't a spur-of-the-moment/impulsive decision.
I think Obama's choice to take some time off now, demonstrates an ability to manage his time well and pay attention to his own and his family's needs. If he isn't able to do that now, in the face of a busy and stressful time, then I would have doubts about his ability to be President of the United States.
I'm sure he knows it's a bit of a risk, so the fact that he will take a bit of time away from the campaign for himself to rest and relax with his wife, daughters, and grandmother anyway, just increases my confidence in him. How well do any of us function when we're exhausted?
This is a man who has his priorities sharply in focus. This is a man who can lead this country.
This is absolutely the best time for a family vacation. He has established himself as an experienced, respected and vital man. He is vigorous and extremely intelligent which shows each one of us repeatedly that even with the stress of the scedule that he has kept that he still can speak eloquently and intelligently.
Barak Obama also is a man that is confident enough in himself to take a well needed vacation with his family. He has also made it very clear that he is a dedicated family man.
This wonderful man of change survives even with the scrutiny of the press. Please give him a break and honestly answer this question. How can we possibly ever be afraid of positive change of this very special man when we our beloved America has barely survived eight years of the Bush administration and John McCain has nothing to offer us but his white skin. Please wake up and think fellow Americans. Help Mr. Obama lead us back to our prior Bush years!
Jack, don't be such a worry wart! This is a perfect time.
1)He'll be well rested for the convention.
2) Maybe the polls will figure out that they can't keep polling grampa and gramma.
3) McGoofy will get all you press guys hovering all over him so that his gaffs will really stand out.
need I say more?
On going on vaction(Obama), why doesn't he just go on vaction forever!!!!!!!
Its fine, we all need time off.
Obama truly represents our culture... I know everything about you but I do not even know your name... the burden of electronic technology... john mcCains constituents cast the Don Rickles vote... "Ah... I'll vote for the schmuck... he's not as bad as the other hockey puck..." Obama's supporters are desperate and dedicated... from which they campaign...
No worries...he can wrap in a visit to Pearl Harbor while he's there.
DJ – Detroit
It is time for him to vacation and he deserves it. I wonder who McCain will talk about while Obama is on vacation.
If Barack Obama is such a great family man and so indebted to his grandmother for her sacrifices in bring him up, WHY DID IT TAKE 2 YEARS TO VISIT HER?
Jack, Every hard working American family deserves a vacation. Bottom line.
Uh, isn't this the second vacation Obama has taken this year alone? He went to the Virgin Islands in the midst of the primaries. The article makes it sound like he was going non-stop for 19 months. He is on pace to take three or four vacations this year alone. No wonder he never held a meeting of his sub-committee in the Senate. If elected President he may break George Bush's record for vacation-time.
Sure, everyone needs a vacay...especially after all this hard work he's been doing....if now isn't a good time, when is??
the man needs time w/his family too.
This vacation is very much deserved for Obama. Obama handled McCain's attacks with dignity. Now, with no one to smear and whine about, the big bully McCain can throw his baby trantrum on the media! The media deserves some bullying too. McCain threw on Obama a disgracefull and filthy kitchen sink. What goes around comes around. It's McCain' Karma.
Absolutely Jack, It shows confidence in his campaign and I've always been taught that the order of life should be: God, Family, Career.
He's doing the right thing. Once the convention is over, there will be not time to spend with family until he becomes our next President.
I think Barack Obama definitely deserves this vacation after a long time of hard campaigning. However, I don't think the timing was all that great because McCain is just going to attack him even harder while he's relaxing with his family in Hawaii.
It may or may not be time for Obama to take a vacation but it is a great time for us, the american people, to get a vacation from at least one of these two for a week. God Blessed America at last!
Hi Jack, The next two weeks are the only real time slots for the candidates to take any time off for a bit o R&R..After that the conventions will be here and then the fall campaigns in full swing will be here....John McCain is taking a vacation as well next week...This is needed I believe...and most understandable......No need to panic or worry in my book...time enough for more campaigning next week....thanks for your good work....Linda in Maine
Of course it is! He has car3fully considered the timing: you said it yourself that this was the lull (in the political drama) that comes before the convention. It's time for the Olympics and he's been working hard for a long time without a week's vacation...I'm concerned about the question, however, because I feel that the real question behind the question is, "Should Obama get to have a vacation at all?" Well, isn't that what you mean? The answer to this question is the same. Of course he should! He is a human being, and we should not expect our president to be beyond human. Every person no matter who they are needs a vacation now and then. Vacations bring refreshment and renewed focus of mind, as well as inspiration. I think it will be the best thing for him, the campaign, and the nation (if he is indeed elected). Let's stop being so hard on our candidates! – Susan in Winter Haven, Florida
It's good to see Obama taking a vacation. This is a man who has been across the country, and across the world in the past 19 months. He really hasn't had a break since the start of this campaign. He needs to unwind, clear his head and relax. Once this vacation is over, we'll get a VP picked, and a convention out of the way. Then we can go win an election.
Yes!! Obama should take a vacation. Then there is the possibility that all the news stations will start reporting on the world news instead of repeating the same thing 24 hours a day.
Joe
Lakewood, NY
Yes, must be rested and ready for campaigning much harder and smarter in the immediate future, to be sure to defeat McCain.
Definitely. A tough 4 months coming up.
Sadly the "ELETIST", Obama has a limited number of places he can go to visit family. Not like the "EVERYDAY JOE, John McCain, who ONLY has 7 or 9 homes (he and his wife) to choose from.
Of course. When he returns it will be full speed ahead with no stops, no detoursand taking no prisoners.
Yes. A permanent vacation. I am "Obama'd" out. The glass shoes have worn-out and the clock just struck midnight. I am tired of the long speeches and the obvious appeal for dramatics. At the end of the day we have a 2 year senator, who has made 1 good decision on the war, and a 1 bad one at war that would have cost lives and ensured defeat (that pretty leaves that even).
Thank his speech writers, and send him packing. Bring back Hillary!
Regarding Edwards, It would go a long way in restoring my faith in network media news organizations if they just let this story fade. Unless, of course, you want to pull congress as a whole and ask them all the question: Did you ever have an extramarital affair?
Not bloody likely. You guys still take every chance you can to remind the public of the Clintons' media fuled nightmare. Take the high road, guys.
I think its time for a vacation just so the press can focus more on that moron he's running against! I used to like John McCain and the Republicans but started to change when karl Rove became president (and the dopes he brought with him). Now, I read the preposterous slander of the day coming from the Republicans and am totally fed up with that bunch of incompetent lowlifes. Please cover McCain more and let him torch himself in public; Barack can stay in Hawaii and and let the Republicans make fools of themselves. There is nothing the desperate incumbents won't do or say, incredible lack of class and intelligence. I will now, after 25 years of voting Republican devote my money and my efforts to unseat every last one of them, they are worthless to this nation. Don't go where they go Senator Obama...
Take a vacation? Are you kidding me.
When he gets back Hillary will be the nominee. She and Bill will move the convention up to next week and all Florida and Michigan delegates will get a full vote and voilà! Hillary is the nominee.
She may put Obama on the ticket in the VP slot if he will agree to pay off her $20 million campaign debt.
"It shows potentially what kind of leader he may prove to be should he be elected president."
The man has campaigned for 19 months straight. Don't think him taking a week to be with his family is an indictment on his leadership qualities. Are Americans really this stupid?
Sure take a vacation! Maybe he will walk on water while he's there!
Jack,
Sure, he needs a vacation. Besides, it'll give the MSM time to catch that "walking on water" photo-op they've been waiting for. 🙂
I think that Obama deserves time off. Maybe while he is in Hawaii, the likes of Joe Scarborough, Mike Barnicle, Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, etc. will stop demonizing Obama and cast their aspersions elsewhere. God knows, they wouldn't think to criticize the "white-haired dude". They're aren't that smart. Keep up the good work, Jack and CNN
why not, McCain takes a vacation every weekend.
Yes, he should take vacation now and I for one thinks he deserves it. I can't say that it will be much of a vacation because you and know that on vacations you suppose to be able to relax and let your hair down. We all know that the OBAMA family will not be left alone from the media circuit to just get some much needed rest.