As Michelle Obama's mother lives at the White House, the First Family thought it would be delightful if the whole family could spend Thanksgiving together. So, the President arraigned to fly his brother-in-law, Craig Robinson and his family to Washington. But, since Craig is the coach of the OSU basketball team, the Obama's invited the entire team to spend the Thanksgiving Holiday with them.
Expense was no object for the Obama's since they can simply raise taxes to pay for their personal entertainment. Thus, they flew the whole OSU team, and Craig and family, to DC for a few days. They provided them with free housing as well. The team arrived on Wednesday and joined the Obama's at a Food Bank. Then, they all feasted at the White House on Thursday.
The OSU team had no games scheduled last week. Their previous game was against Purdue in New York City on November 16th. Their next game was on Sunday the 25th against Montana State in Corvallis Oregon. This means that the team had no official reason to be in Washington DC, except to be guests of the Obama's and the U.S. taxpayers.
Looking at the team picture in the White House, it appears we entertained at least 22 team members and coaches in addition to the Robinson family. Assuming first class airfare and hotel accommodations, the taxpayers probably spent around $50,000 for the President's and Mrs. Obama's entertainment.
However, since the "fiscal cliff" is facing us, Mr. Obama went back to work on Saturday. He made 2 telephone calls that day, one to Mr. Boehner and one to Mr. Reid.
This week, Mr. Obama had 2 daily briefings, met with his senior advisers and Mr. Panetta once. He is also meeting President-elect Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico today.
Below is a summary of Mr. Obama's official schedule during the week of Wednesday November 20 through Tuesday November 27, 2012.
Today, Tuesday, November 27, 2012
- President Obama is spending the entire day with VP Biden. They begin the day with a 10:30 AM daily briefing and then have lunch 2 hours later. At 3:40PM, they will meet with President-elect Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico. They wrap up the day with a 4:30 PM meeting with Mr. Panetta.
- Mister Obama started with a 10:30 AM daily briefing. He was done for the day after an 11:00 AM meeting with senior advisers.
- Mister Obama spoke to House Speaker John Boehner over the telephone. The last time they spoke was November 16th. The President also talked with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. He also visited a bookstore in Arlington VA with his daughters and purchased 15 children's books.
- Michelle Obama and her daughters received the official White House Christmas Tree.
- Besides having dinner, the President hosted the Oregon State University basketball team in the Oval Office. The coach of the team is Mrs. Obama's brother, Craig Robinson.
- Mister Obama pardoned the National Thanksgiving Turkey at 2:00 PM. He then participated in a service event with his family at 4:20 PM. Along with the Oregon State men's basketball team, and his family, the President distributed food at the Capital Area Food Bank.
References:
Beavers Enjoy Thanksgiving At White House With First Family
Photo of the day: Game face