Americans Away From Home

President Obama and family are on holiday: They're going to Camp David for a couple of days, then for a week on Martha's Vineyard.

I used to have a boss who'd call the office from his boat every Friday at 10 mintes before 5 pm, insisting he speak with each employee to be sure no one left a minute early. What a sadist.

Obama's advisors, OTOH, are taking vacations at the same time. Rahm Emanuel, the White House Chief of Staff, is in Montana; Phil Schiliro, the legislative affairs head, is in New Mexico. Two senior advisors, Valerie Jarrett and Pete Rouse, will be spending time on Martha's Vineyard.

What a recipe for escape: with the economy, health care issues, Iraq and Afghanistan troubles. Add some stubborn Republicans and disillusioned supporters, and produce a holiday for a few days of calm.

           "He is a chess player in a town with a lot of checker players.
           "He's got a unique metabolism.
            He's very calm, and he takes the long view of things."
                                      David Plouffe, Obama's close confidant

           "I don't think the American people begrudge a president taking
           some time with his family that's well earned and well deserved."
                                      Robert Gibbs, White House Press Secretary

And what will the President do on his holiday?

"I'm going to play some golf," he said. (NY Times story here).

Carole