Backlash for Obama

Backlash for Obama - The Missourian: Editorials

Backlash for Obama

Posted: Wednesday, March 20, 2013 5:32 pm

President Barack Obama should have known that his closing of the White House to most tours would create a backlash. That’s exactly what has happened.

The White House said the move would save $74,000 a week on Secret Service staffing. Since the tours weren’t conducted every day, the number seems high.

Charles C.W. Cooke of the National Review said this of the president: “He’s forced to ban people from the home he’s borrowing from them (the people). Of course, he couldn’t bear to sack the three White House calligraphers ($277,050 a year) or the chief of staff to the president’s dog ($102,000 a year) or to ground Air Force One ($181,757 for every hour it’s aloft). God forbid Obama should live like the president of a republic instead of a king.”

Paul Roderick Gregory of Forbes said if Obama is going to be thrifty, then he surely can’t go on wasting precious Secret Service overtime on White House parties and “date nights” with Michelle. He added that sometimes even master manipulators can be too smart for their own good.

The president picked the wrong cost saving move by closing the White House for tours. He’s too vulnerable due to his presidential lifestyle.

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Posted in Editorials on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 5:32 pm.