Obama golfs, attends NCAA game, has private movie viewing, hosts Egg Roll, and more sequester fun

President Obama's Easter week was dedicated to sports, entertainment, and travel. During this time, Mr. Obama played a round of golf, attended an NCAA basketball playoff game, hosted a movie crew, shot some hoops at the Easter Egg Roll, and was interviewed by two spanish television stations.

He did, however, spend a few hours to attending the official duties of a President of the United States. In this capacity, Mr. Obama received 3 daily briefings, met with his senior advisers twice, had lunch with Vice President Biden, welcomed 5 foreign dignitaries to the White House, met with Jack Lew, Chuck Hagel, John Kerry, and swore in a new Secret Service Director.

Mr. Obama also flew to Miami Florida, and spent the afternoon touring Port facilities and speaking about "Rebuilding America". As a backdrop, he spoke on a pier laced with Chinese built cranes. The White House covered the Chinese logos with American flags in order to hide the fact that these were all foreign built. However, as fate would have it, the flags fell off during the speech and the Chinese logos were revealed (WH Covers Chinese Logos with American Flags for Obama Speech Backdrop).

On the gun control front, Mr. Obama made another speech about the need for gun control in America. However, after targeted killings of a District Attorney and his wife, and two other prosecutors in Texas and Colorado, both President Obama and VP Biden remain silent on these violent attacks. Instead, they continue to pursue "gun control" measures that would limit and prevent U.S. law abiding citizens from legally obtaining firearms, a right granted to we citizens by our Constitution. Hopefully, the guns used by the assassins in these horrific murders were not among those distributed by the Obama and Holder Fast and Furious program (Texas Slaying First Time in History Wife of U.S. Prosecutor Has Been Targeted).

The majority of President Obama's time was spent on his own personal entertainment. Today, he is hosting the movie"42" cast and crew including Harrison Ford and director Brian Helgeland for a private screening of the movie.

Even though the White House Tours are still closed, Mr. Obama hosted the annual Easter Egg Roll yesterday. Among the special guests and celebrities that he brought to the White House were: Washington Wizards, Easter Bunny, NASCAR driver Danica Patrick, Minnesota Viking Adrian Peterson, Academy Award-nominated actress Quvenzhané Wallis and Elmo, Abby, Gordon and Rosita from Sesame Street, Jordin Sparks, Austin Mahone, Coco Jones, The Wanted, Jessica Sanchez, the full cast of Super Sprowtz (See: The politics of the Easter Egg roll and Be Healthy, Be Active, Be You: The 2013 White House Easter Egg Roll).

Weekly Air Force One and Helicopter flying time:

• President Obama: White House to Miami Florida (round trip)  : 6 hours
• Others: (Reggie Love, movie 42 cast & crew, Egg Roll performers, etc) : unknown

Below is a summary of President Obama's official schedule during the week of Wednesday March 27 through Tuesday April 2, 2013.

Today, Tuesday April 2, 2013
President Obama first receives a daily briefing at 10:30 AM, meets with senior advisors at 11:15 AM, and has lunch with Biden at 12:30 PM. In the afternoon, he will meet with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore at 2:10, and Secretary of Defense Hagel at 4:30 PM. The highlight is at 5:35 PM when he hosts cast and crew members of the movie "42" for a private screening at the White House.

Monday April 1, 2013

• Mr. Obama received a daily briefing at 9:30 AM. Then, he and the family hosted the annual Easter Egg Roll event at the White House beginning at 10:30 AM.

Sunday March 31, 2013

• The Obama family went to church for Easter Service.

Saturday March 30, 2013

• President Obama spent a day golfing at Andrews Air Force Base. Then, he treated his "body man" Reggie Love to join him attend the NCAA playoff game between Syracuse and Marquette.

Friday March 29, 2013

• Mr. Obama left the White House at 10:30 AM and flew to Miami Florida. There, he toured a project at Port Miami (1:20 PM) and spoke afterward (2:00 PM). He was done by 3:00 PM, and back on Air Force One, arriving in DC at 5:15 PM.

Thursday March 28, 2013

• President Obama began the day at 10:00 AM by receiving a daily briefing. Next, he met with his senior advisers (10:45 AM) and delivered remarks about gun violence at 11:40 AM. In the afternoon, Mr. Obama welcomed Presidents Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone, Macky Sall of Senegal, Joyce Banda of Malawi, and Prime Minister José Maria Pereira Neves of Cape Verde to the White House (2:10 PM). Then he met with Secretary of State Kerry at 3:45 PM, and Secretary of Treasury Jack Lew at 4:15 PM.

Wednesday March 27, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 10:30 PM. Then he was free until mid afternoon when he was interviewed by Univision at 2:25 PM, and Telemundo at 2:40 PM. Shortly afterward, he hosted a swearing in ceremony of Julia Pierson as the Secret Service director.

Celebrating with "the shrinking few", Mr. Obama is Sworn-in for four more years

President Obama completed his first term in office by receiving 3 daily briefings and preparing for his 2nd term Inauguration. As the weekend arrived, it was time for Mr. Obama to take the Presidential Constitutional Oath of Office. Unlike others before him, Mr. Obama had two swearing in ceremonies. The first was on Sunday as mandated by the Constitution. And the second was for ceremonial show on the Martin Luther King Holiday.

Among the festivities were luncheons, parades, and Balls, that Mr. Obama, his family, the Vice President, dignitaries, wealthy friends and donors (whom Mr. Obama called "the shrinking few") attended.

Below is a summary of President Obama's schedule during the week of Wednesday January 16 through Tuesday January 22 2013.

Today, Tuesday, January 22, 2013

• At 10:45 AM, Mr. Obama attended a National Prayer Service along with his wife, Michelle, and Mr. & Mrs. Biden. At 9 PM tonight, the four will attend the Staff Inaugural Ball.

Martin Luther King Day Inauguration, Monday, January 21, 2013

• The Obama family began the day by attending an 8:45 AM church service. About 2 1/2 hours later, he was sworn in at the United States Capital at 11:20 AM. After speaking, the family attended the inaugural luncheon. In the afternoon, they then participated in and watched the inaugural parade. Their evening was spent by attending two Inaugural Balls. When they were over, the Obama's hosted a private inaugural party at the White House that lasted into the middle of the night (Obamas host stars at private inaugural party)

Inauguration Day, Sunday, January 20, 2013

• President Obama first participated in a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery at 9:05 AM.  Then at 11:55 AM, the President took the official oath of office at a Constitutionally required swearing-in ceremony. At night, he attended an Inaugural Reception at The Building Museum where he also delivered remarks at 8:48 PM.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

• Both Mr. & Mrs. Obama delivered remarks at the Burrville Elementary School in Washington DC to promote the public's Volunteering on the National Day of Service.
• At 7:45 PM in the evening, both Michelle Obama and Jill Biden spoke at the Kids Inaugural Concert held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in DC.

Friday, January 18, 2013

• Mr. Obama received a daily briefing at 10:15 AM

Thursday, January 17, 2013

• Mr. Obama received a daily briefing at 10 AM

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 10 AM. At 11:55 AM, both he and the Vice President uneiled their gun control package.

Obama flew brother-in-law and entire OSU team to Washington for Thanksgiving entertainment at taxpayer expense

Having returned from his Asian tour, President Obama spent the remainder of the Thanksgiving week entertaining his family and the Oregon State Basketball team.

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.

Monday, November 26, 2012

• 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.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

• 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.

Friday, November 23, 2012

• Michelle Obama and her daughters received the official White House Christmas Tree.

Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 22, 2012

• 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.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

• 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

16 More Fundraisers for the Obama Team

The past week was all about campaigning and fundraising for President Obama. During the week he attended 8 events in several different states. His wife, Michelle, was busy as well, attending 5 campaign events and appearing on a television show. Plus, Vice President Biden chipped in and attended 3 events.  All together, the three of them spoke and appeared in a total of 16 campaign events.

Through this busy time, Mr. Obama found 1/2 hour on 4 different days to receive a daily briefing. And, he also met with his Senior Advisers once.

The following is a summary to the Presidents official schedule during the week of Wednesday September 26 through Tuesday October 2, 2012.

Today, Tuesday, October 2, 2012

• Mr. Obama received daily briefing at 12 PM.
• Michelle Obama met with grassroots supporters in Cincinnati at 2 PM. Then she hoped on a plane and delivered remarks at a Seattle campaign event.
• Joe Biden attended two campaign events in North Carolina. The first was in Charlotte, and the second at the University of North Carolina.

Monday, October 1, 2012

• President Obama had a daily briefing at 11:40 AM.
• VP Biden spoke  at the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Program Transition Ceremony.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

• Mr. Obama left the White House at 11:15 AM and flew to Las Vegas NV where he attended a campaign event at Desert Pines High School.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

• Mr. Biden delivered remarks at a campaign event at the Wa-Ke Hatchee Park Recreation Center in Ft. Myers, Fla.

Friday, September 28, 2012

• President Obama started the day at 9:45 AM with a daily briefing. Then he met with senior advisors. After, he attended 3 campaign events.
• Michelle Obama attended campaign event in Cedar Falls.
• VP Biden attended a campaign event at Century Village in Boca Raton, Fla.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

• Mr. Obama received a daily briefing at 9:30 AM, then flew to Virginia Beach VA to attend a fundraiser. After, he returned to DC.
• Mrs Obama appeared on the daytime show Steve Harvey. Plus, she delivered remarks at two campaign events in Chicago IL later that day.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

• President Obama attended a daily briefing at 9:30 AM. Next, he flew to Bowling Green OH and spoke at a campaign event at Bowling Green State University. When that was over, he traveled to Kent Ohio and attended another campaign fundraising event. He returned to DC an the end of he day.

Four dead Americans are only bumps on the campaign trail

Two weeks after the Benghazi massacre, the only visible change to President Obama's weekly campaign schedule is the inclusion of 4 daily briefings.  Yet, in the past 7 days, the Obama campaign team attended 14 different campaign/fundraising events. However, the President was obligated to meet with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton once in order to make sure that they continue to apologize to the Muslim world and pretend that a the murders of our citizens were carried out in response to an offensive video.

Obama's and Clinton's behavior are indicative to children trying to appease a schoolyard bully.

Besides apologizing and campaigning, Mr. Obama relaxed in the friendly environment of The View. He did speak at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, but could not find the time to meet with other dignitaries.

The economy is still in shambles and unemployment continues to soar. Yet the President has ignored these issues.

Mr. Obama described the deaths of our Ambassador and security personnel as merely bumps on the road. And, he brushed off the concerns of Israel as only noise, an unwanted distraction.

One must ask: Why would any right minded American re-elect this politician who has boldly ignored his sworn obligation to serve and protect this country but has favored the revolting terrorists in the North African and Arab regions instead?

Below is a summary of President Obama's schedule during the week of Wednesday September 19 through Tuesday September 25 2012.

Today, Tuesday, September 25, 2012

• President Obama delivered remarks to the UN General Assembly at 10:10 AM. He skipped individual meetings but is attending the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting at 12:10 PM (also in NYC). He will then leave NYC and return to DC by 2:35 PM.
• Vice President Biden delivers remarks at the Chesterfield Fairgrounds in Chesterfield, VA.

Monday, September 24, 2012

• Mr. Obama received a daily briefing at 10:45 AM, then ate lunch with VP Biden. At 1:05 PM, he left the White House and flew to New York City where he and his wife Michelle taped an appearance on "The View".  In the evening, the First Family attended a reception for visiting Heads of State and Government.
• Michelle Obama left DC on a separate plane in order to attend a 12:30 PM fundraising event in New York City.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

• Michelle Obama spoke at a campaign event at a private residence in Princeton NJ.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

• Mr. Obama left the White House at 12:10 PM and flew to Milwaukee, WI where he attended 2 fundraisers. The first was at the Milwaukee Theater and the second at Henry Maier Festival Park. He was done for the day and on the way back to DC by 7:40 PM.
• Michelle Obama was the keynote speaker at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Phoenix Awards Dinner in Washington DC.

Friday, September 21, 2012

• President Obama had a daily briefing at 9:45 AM (this was special because the it was photographed, just to prove it happened). Then, Mr. Obama traveled to Woodbridge VA. where, he delivered remarks via satellite to the AARP Life@50+ National Event & Expo (in New Orleans) at 11:30 AM. Next, he spoke at a campaign event at G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, Va. He arrived back at the White House at 2:30 PM.
• Michelle Obama spoke at a campaign event at Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD. Then, she delivered remarks at another private campaign event in Phoenix, MD.
• Both VP Biden and wife Jill traveled to Hanover NH and attended a campaign event at Dartmouth College. Then, they went to Concord NH and delivered remarks at a campaign event at the New Hampshire State House.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 9:30 AM. Then he flew to Miami FL and attended a town hall meeting. When that was over, he flew to Tampa FL and delivered remarks at a campaign event. He flew back to Washington that night.
• Joe Biden met with Steve Beecroft, the United States Chargé d’Affaires in Baghdad and the Administration’s nominee to be Ambassador to Iraq.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

• Mr. Obama attended a daily briefing at 10:30 AM. When that was over, he and VP Biden met with Hillary Clinton at 11:30 AM. One half hour later, he participated in an Ambassador Credentialing Ceremony, and lunched with Mr. Biden at 12:30. His afternoon was free until 5:00 PM when he had a meeting with Burmese Opposition Leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
• Michelle Obama spoke at a grassroots campaign event in Durham NC at 1:40 PM, then traveled to Greenville NC and attended a second fundraising event.
• VP Biden, along with his wife, hosted a reception for emerging young leaders of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.

Even the murder of 4 Americans cannot stop President Obama's fundraising events

Why should Americans work if the President refuses to work either?

After we published last week's post, America learned of the violence in the Middle East. Four Americans, including 1 Ambassador, was killed in Libya. The Egyptian Embassy was overrun and the American Flag torn down and burned. More violence and marches took place in the days to follow, and anti-American sentiment was expressed across North Africa, England, Australia, and more.

Yet through it all, our honorable President Obama, Vice President, and First Lady pressed ahead the Obama re-election bid by attending campaign fundraisers in Colorado, Ohio, District of Columbia, Iowa, Virginia, and New York City. Together, they attended 16 separate events. Mr. Obama led the team with 8 fundraisers, Mr. Biden with 5, and Mrs. Obama with 3.

However, because much attention was placed on the White House during this week, Mr. Obama managed to attend 3 daily briefings. Assuming each lasted approximately 30 minutes, the President dedicated 1 1/2 hours of the week to national security.  To help ignore the Mid East violence, Mr. Obama and team blamed the uprisings on the trailer of a film. Yes, the film was responsible for the death of our fellow Americans, not the failure to secure our soil in foreign lands and protect those who are representing us. Note however, the President failed to meet with any of his senior advisers this week either.

During this time, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius was found to have violated the Hatch Act. Under the rules of punishment, the President must decide on her punishment. To date, President Obama has ignored his duty to uphold the law.

In addition to fundraising, President Obama hosted three groups of athletes to the White House this week. Last Friday, he welcomed the 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams, and today he's receiving the WNBA Champions, the Minnesota Lynx.

Because President Obama's schedule was completely full with campaign related events, Mr. Obama declined to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week.

However, he remains completely focused on his re-election, and is therefore appearing on the David Letterman Show this afternoon, and attending 2 gala fundraisers. Most important is that of Jay-Z and Beyonce which will be held at the 40/40 Club. Aside from the guests, a 350 bottle champagne tower will be a primary focal point. This floor to ceiling display of gold bottles will be serving the $800 per bottle bubbly. (The champagne alone will cost $280,000).

And now we know why the Obama's want us to remain in the middle class!

The following is a summary of the President's official schedule during the week of Wednesday September 12 through Tuesday September 18, 2012.


Tuesday, September 18, 2012

• President Obama receives a daily briefing at 10:15 AM. At 1:10PM, he greets the WNBA Champion Minnesota Lynx at the White House. Then, he flies to New York City where he will first sit for an interview with David Letterman. Afterward, he will attend 2 fundraisers, one with Jay-Z and Beyonce.
• Vice President Biden delivers remarks at a campaign event at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa, Iowa. Next, he campaigns at Crinnell College in Grinnell Iowa.

Monday, September 17, 2012

• Mr. Obama received a daily briefing at 9:10 AM before he left the White House at 9:45 AM and flew to Cincinnati Ohio. He attended a campaign event in Eden Park in Cincinnati, then flew to Columbus Ohio where he attended two different campaign events in Schiller Park. He also made a stop at the 28th Biennial Constitutional Convention of the Ohio AFL-CIO. When done, he flew back to Washington and was back in the White House by 8:05 PM.
• Mr. Biden delivered remarks at a campaign event at the Port of Burlington in Burlington Iowa.

Friday, September 14, 2012

• President Obama had an early briefing at 9:25 AM, before he welcomed the Olympic teams to the White House at 10 AM. He lunched with Joe Biden, then attended the Transfer of Remains Ceremony for the slain victims of the Benghazi Libya attack. At night, he attended a fundraiser.
• Mrs. Obama attended a fundraiser in Washington DC.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

• Mr. Obama started day at 1:10 PM when he attended a campaign event in Lions Park in Golden CO. After, he flew back to DC and arrived at 7:05 PM.
• Michelle Obama attended a campaign event in Richmond VA, and then traveled to Fredericksburg VA to attend another campaign event.
• VP Joe Biden flew to Eau Claire Wisconsin and attended a campaign event at the WL Zorn Arena. In the evening, he hosted the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s 35th Anniversary Awards Gala in Washington DC that evening.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

• Mr. Obama first read a statement to the U.S. regarding the attacks in Libya and the riots in Egypt. He skipped the daily briefing. Then, he visited the State Department.  But, he was on Air Force One at 2:20 PM and on his way to a Las Vegas NV fundraiser in the Cashman Center.  When he was finished, he flew to Aurora CO for the night.
• VP Biden attended a campaign event at Wright State University in Dayton Ohio. He then flew back to Washington DC. That night, he and his wife hosted a reception with Jewish community leaders.

Obama's Two 15 minute meetings, 7 fundraisers, and a Photograph

Mr. Obama's official schedule during the past week comprised of 4 daily briefings, and a 15 minute meeting with Senior Advisers. He also met with Mr. Panetta once, attended another 15 meeting with the Rural Council, and signed an Act. Lastly, he participated in a conference call, and blamed Congress for not raising taxes. At most, he worked for the country about 6 hours.

The rest of the time, Mr. Obama was either traveling to or attending campaign fundraising events. In all he attended 7 of them in Connecticut, Washington DC, Florida, and Ohio.

The photograph below shows Mr. Obama attending the meeting on Monday. While he is seldom working, the White House Blog finds it necessary to post such photographs in order to "make it look like the President is working". Unfortunately, his official schedule says otherwise.

Meanwhile, his wife Michelle outpaced the President by attending 8 campaign events which were located in Massachusetts,  New Hampshire, and North Carolina.

Vice President Biden only attended 1 fundraising event which was in California. However, he did host another party at the  Naval Observatory.

Altogether, the group attended 16 different campaign events and traveled to 7 states on our dime.

Below is the detailed summary of their schedule for the week of Wednesday August 1 through Tuesday August 7, 2012.

Today, Tuesday August 7, 2012

• President Obama begins day at 11:00 AM with a daily briefing. Then, at 4:15 PM, he meets with the White House Rural Council to discuss the response to the drought. Fifteen minutes later, he will meet with Mr. Panetta. By 5:20 PM, he will be at The W Hotel where he will attend 2 fundraisers.

Monday August 6, 2012

• A daily briefing at 11:30 AM started Mr. Obama's day. Then at 1:50 PM, he signed the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012. Mr. Obama then left the White House and flew to Stamford CT, where he attended 2 campaign fundraising events.

Friday August 3, 2012

• For Mr Obama, a daily briefing at 10:30 AM kicked off the day. This lasted 1/2 hour. Next, Mr. Obama held a 15 minute meeting with his senior advisers. His day was over after he spoke about the need for Congress to raise taxes. That was at 11:15 AM.
• Michelle Obama delivered remarks at 3 campaign events in Massachusetts. They were in Springfield, Pittsfield, and Richmond.
• VP Biden traveled to Los Angeles CA to attend a campaign event.

Thursday August 2, 2012

• Mr. Obama started at 11:05 AM when he left the White House to fly to Florida, where he attended a campaign event at Rollins College in Winter Park at 2:40 PM. After, he participated in a conference call by delivering remarks to the Blog'Her Conference. He left Florida and flew to Leesburg VA where he attended a campaign event at a local high school. Afterwards, he returned to DC.
• Mrs. Obama attended 3 campaign events in New Hampshire. The first was in Holderness, the second in Laconia, and the third in Manchester.
• Mr. Biden met with Eric Holder at the White House.

Wednesday August 1, 2012

• President Obama had an early start this day. The first thing scheduled was his departure from the White House at 9:50 AM when he flew to Mansfield Ohio. There, he attended a fundraiser. Next, he flew to Akron and attended a 2nd fundraising event. When that was over, he flew back to DC at 5:05 PM.
• Michelle Obama spoke at a campaign event at the University of North Carolina in  Greensboro, NC. Next, she attended a 2rd fundraising event in Raleigh NC.
• Mr. Biden hosted a reception for the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues at the Naval Observatory.

Mr. Obama campaigned in the U.S. while wife Michelle enjoyed the Olympics in London

President Obama was very busy this past week. He attended 4 daily briefings and held a cabinet meeting! Plus, he participated in an Ambassador Credentialing Ceremony, met with Ambassador Crocker, Secretary Shinseki, Secretary Panetta, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

In addition, he attended 6 fundraising events, one in New York City, one in DC, two in Virginia, and 2 in New Orleans.

Vice President Biden attended 2 campaign events as well.

Since Michelle Obama was in London, watching and participating in various Olympic events, she was not officially campaigning this week.

The following is a summary of our Executive Branch's official schedule during the week of Wednesday July 25 through Tuesday July 31 2012.


Today, Tuesday July 31, 2012

• The only thing scheduled for Mr Obama is a daily briefing at 10:30 AM.

Monday July 30, 2012

• President Obama started the day with a daily briefing at 11:10 AM. Then, he participated in an Ambassador Credentialing Ceremony. However, he ended the day by flying to New York City to attend a campaign event at the NoMad Hotel.
• VP Biden flew to Chicago IL to attend a campaign event.

Sunday July 29, 2012

• Mrs Obama was at the Olympics, and returns to DC that evening.
• VP Joe Biden and his wife Jill flew to Detroit MI where he spoke at the American Federation of Teachers 2012 convention.

Saturday July 28, 2012

• Mrs Obama was at the Olympics.

Friday July 27, 2012

• This is one of President Obama's early mornings. He began at 9:40 AM and attended a daily briefing. Then, he signed the United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act, met with Ambassador Ryan Crocker (Ambassador to Afghanistan), and Clinton at 11:30 AM. Later, he dashed off to a 1:10 PM campaign event at the Jefferson Hotel in DC. By 5 PM, he was in McLean VA where he attended 2 more campaign events.
• Mrs Obama was at the Olympics.
• Mr. Biden attended a campaign event in DC.

Thursday July 26, 2012

• Mr. Obama appeared to work at the White House for the whole day (11 AM to 4:45 PM). He attended a briefing, met with Eric Shinseki (who is Secretary of Veterans Affairs), had lunch with VP Biden at 12:30, held a cabinet meeting and ended the day with a meeting with Panetta.
• was at the Olympics.
• Mrs Obama flew to London England to attend the Olympic Games with her daughters.

Wednesday July 25, 2012

• President Obama's day began at 12:25 PM when he left Seattle WA and flew to New Orleans LA. There, he attended 2 campaign events, and spoke at the National Urban League convention. He flew back to Washington DC late that evening.
• Mr. Biden delivered remarks at the International Association of Fire Fighters 51st Convention in Philadelphia.

Obama's "Betting on America" fundraising bus tour to Ohio and Pennsylvania

During the past 7 days, President Obama campaigned 4 of the 7 days and attended 9 fundraising events. He had no public schedule the other 3 days.

Needing to "look like" he was working for the USA, Mr. Obama scheduled 3 official photo-op appointments where he: spoke at a naturalization ceremony, signed a Bill that Congress passed, and gave a speech telling us that he needs more money from us taxpayers and therefore wants to raise taxes. Additionally, he attended one meeting with his Senior advisers and had one daily briefing.

The highlight of the President's week was what he called his "Betting on America" bus tour. This was held last Thursday and Friday. For this, he flew to Ohio, boarded the Canadian bus he purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars, and visited cities in Ohio and Pennsylvania. During these 2 days, he attended 5 fundraisers.

Below are pictures of President Obama working hard while we the taxpayers were paying of his salary.


Note that when he returned from his bus trip, he was so grateful that he immediately held a speech saying that he needed more money, and was therefore asking Congress to raise our taxes. While this is a bold step in an election year, this is a vital necessity to maintain his traveling lifestyle.

Below is a summary of the President's activities during the week of Wednesday July 4 through Tuesday July 10 2012.  Also listed are those of Vice President Biden who attended 3 fundraising activities.


Today, Tuesday, July 10, 2012

• President Obama flies to Cedar Rapids Iowa where he is hosting a campaign event and meeting with a local family. Then, he will attend an early afternoon fundraiser at Kirkwood Community College and fly back to DC before 5 PM.
• Vice President Biden delivered remarks at the 2012 National Council of La Raza Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. After, he travels to Park City Utah to attend a campaign event.
• Jill Biden flew to Salt Lake City and met with service members.

Monday, July 9, 2012

• Mr. Obama delivered a speech saying that he has to raise taxes for those making $250,000 and more. Then, he sat for TV interviews before dashing off and attending 2 private campaign events at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington DC.
• VP Biden traveled to Seattle WA and attended a fundraiser.

Friday, July 6, 2012

• President Obama toured the Summer Garden Food Manufacuring facility. Then, he attended a fundraiser and drove to Pittsburgh where he attended another campaign event. He left Pittsburgh and flew back to DC and held a photo-op session of him signing HR 4348.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

• Mr. Obama flew from DC to Toledo OH where he attended 3 campaign events. This was the kick-off of his "Betting on America" bus tour.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

• President Obama returned from his Camp David vacation and delivered remarks at a naturalization ceremony for active duty service members. His public day was over by 11AM, but he did host a 4th of July party.

Is the country running on auto-pilot now?

Note: we modified this post to reflect the President's surprise visit  to Afghanistan.

During the past week, President Obama spent less than 6 3 hours attending to Official U.S. business and an additional 3 hours addressing international affairs. Much of the time, he has traveled the U.S. delivering campaign speeches disguised at legislative proposals and working on things that he has chosen to not publicly disclose.

We do know that he held 3 2 daily briefings, and met with Senior advisers, Panetta and Geithner once each. He met with Prime Minister Noda of Japan, students, and military personnel. He spoke at an AFL-CIO event and received their endorsement, and he hosted the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.

In addition, the President attended 3 fundraisers. But, this was eclipsed by the 8 campaign events that his wife attended and the 5 that VP Biden attended. All together, the group was featured in 16 different campaign events located in various parts of the country.

Below is a summary of the Presidential and Vice Presidential activities during the week of Wednesday April 25th through Tuesday May 1st 2012.

Today, Tuesday, May 1, 2012

• Michelle Obama delivers remarks at a Las Vegas, NV fundraiser,. then, speaks to Obama campaign volunteers and supporters from the Las Vegas area.
• President Obama makes an unannounced visit to  Kabul, Afghanistan

Monday, April 30, 2012

• President Obama spoke at at the  AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department Legislative Conference who today (May 1st) announced their endorsement of Obama for re-election. Afterwards, he held a meeting, lunch, and a press conference with Prime Minister Noda of Japan. In the middle of the afternoon, he met with Geithner.
• Mrs. Obama spoke to Obama campaign volunteers and supporters in Colorado Springs Colorado. Next, she traveled to Albuquerque NM and was greeted by service members. She then delivered remarks at a fundraiser, and spoke at the opening  Ceremony for the 2012 Warrior Games. Lastly, she flew to Tucson NM and was greeted by youth volunteers at Tucson Village Farm before attending a campaign event in Tucson.
• VP Biden attended a campaign event in Kansas City, Missouri. Then, he flew to Munster, Indiana to attend another fundraiser.
• Jill Biden and U.S. Department of Labor Assistant Secretary Jane Oates accompanied the VP. They visited Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City and later Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

• The Obama's hosted The White House Correspondents' Association dinner, which was an all day affair with parties and pre-parties.

Friday, April 27, 2012

• Both President and Mrs. Obama and flew to Georgia, where they spoke to troops and filmed campaign coverage material. Afterward, the President flew back to DC and attended 2 campaign events (one at Washington Convention Centeri, and the other at a private residence ).
• Michelle Obama left Georgia and flew to Naples Florida where she also attended 2 campaign events.
• Mr. Joe Biden attended a campaign event in Washington.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

• VP Biden spoke at a morning campaign event in New York City. Then, he flew back to Washington and met with Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Dr. Hussain Al-Shahristani of Iraq at the White House. In the evening, he attended an event for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in McLean, Virginia.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

• President Obama left Aurora Colorado and flew to Cedar Rapids Iowa where he participated in events with college students. When done, he returned to DC and attended a campaign event at the Jefferson  Hotel.

Mr. & Mrs. Obama attend 10 campaign events, but Biden only had 1

Last week's campaign fundraising total was 11 events.  Both the President and Mrs. Obama tied with 5 campaign events each, while VP Biden trailed with only one.

For real USA country business, Mr. Obama attended 4 daily briefings, and met once with his senior advisors, Geithner, Panetta, and Clinton.  He also completed 2 sessions with Mr. Netanyahu.

Interestingly enough, the President attended more campaign events than attending daily briefings.

This is where the traveling trio spent their working hours:

Today, Tuesday - March 6, 2012

• President Obama holds a news conference. In the afternoon, he will attend a campaign event at The Jefferson Hotel in DC. At night, he will participate in a Business Roundtable.
• VP Biden meets with Honduran President in Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Monday - March 5, 2012

• Mr. Obama attended meetings at the White House.
• The campaign travel schedule was delegated to Mrs. Obama where she delivered remarks at 2 campaign events: one at the Peabody Opera House in St Louis, MO; and one at the  American Jazz Museum, Kansas City MO
• Mr. Biden was on a one-day visit to Mexico

Sunday - March 4, 2012

• Mr Obama attended the AIPAC Policy conference

Friday - March 2, 2012

• President Obama visited Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and attended a Conservation event. In between, he called Sandra Fluke and commended her for demanding free contraceptives.
• Michelle Obama attended 3 DNC Committe Events. The first was in Raleigh NC. Next, she attended a  CIAA Women's Basketball Turnament in Charlotte. She completed the fundraising by attending two more events held at the Ballantyne Hotel in Charlotte NC.

Thursday - March 1, 2012

• Mr. Obama flew to Nashua, NH to visit a community college and speak about energy. He then flew to NYC to attend 4 campaign events.
• Joe Biden flew to Iowa. He delivered remarks at Iowa State University, and then rushed off to a campaign event in Ames, Iowa.

Wednesday - February 29, 2012

• This day was all about food. Mr. Obama ate lunch with Congressional Leadership, and  he and his wife Michelle hosted a dinner honoring Armed Forces. The Biden's also attended.

Obama's 4 weekly fundraisers beat Biden and Michelle who only held 2 each

After hosting a Blues Concert at the White House last Tuesday night, the President spent the majority of his time making public appearances. Jetting across the eastern corners of the United States for campaign purposes, Mr. Obama covered the Florida region while the Vice President blitzed New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and North Carolina.  Michelle Obama's role was to push the campaign in Ohio. These one day junkets not only raised cash, but the VP pledged another $500 million to community colleges contingent on his reelection.

By Friday, the President was back in DC, conferring with and entertaining Democratic Governors. During those 7 days, he did manage to spend 2 one-half hour sessions being briefed, and meeting with his senior advisers. Additionally, he found time to hold meetings with Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt of Denmark, Mr. Geithner, and Mr. Panetta.

Below is a summary of the activities of the President, Vice President, and their spouses during the past week.

Today, Tuesday - February 26, 2012

• Obama delivers remarks at United Auto Workers conference in Washington Marriott Wardman Park.
• Biden meets representatives of the Council of Religious Institutions of the Holy Land.

Monday - February 25, 2012

• Obama, Biden, Michelle and Jill speak at the National Governors Association. President Obama attended a campaign event at the end of the afternoon in the Jefferson Hotel, in DC.
• The Bidens hosted a Black History Month reception at the Naval Observatory

Sunday - February 24, 2012

• The Obama's and Biden's hosted the annual White House black-tie Governors dinner.

Friday - February 22, 2012

• Obama attends the Democratic Governors' Association meeting.
• VP Biden and wife Jill deliver remarks at Davidson County Community College in North Carolina as part of a bus tour, and pledge $500 million of taxpayer dollars in spending.

Thursday - February 21, 2012

• Obama flies to Miami, tours the Industrial Assessment Center and delivers remarks to University of Miami students and faculty. After, Obama delivered remarks at a campaign event at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida. and then spoke at another campaign event. Next, he flew to Orlando and attended a third campaign event with Vince Carter.
• Michelle flew to Cincinnati Ohio and held her own set of fundraisers. She held one in the ballroom, and one at a private reception.
• Biden flew to Manchester, NH and attended a campaign event. When done, he traveled to Providence RI and attended another campaign event.

Wednesday - February 20, 2012

• Obama, with wife watching, spoke at the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Later that afternoon, he and his wife hosted a reception honoring the groundbreaking of this new museum.

Here is a CNN video of Mrs. Obama's arrival in Cincinnati.



And, just for fun, here is a video of the Education Secretary Arne Duncan who played in an NBA Charity game last week. This must have really broken President Obama's heart!

10 Campaign Fundraisers are the focus of President Obama, VP Biden, and Mrs. Obama the week after the State of the Union 2012

After the State of the Union was delivered last Tuesday, the President, Vice President, and First Lady took to the skies, blitzing the country in 3 different directions.

Mr. Obama went to the middle and western part of the country, hitting Iowa, Arizona, Colorado and Michigan.

VP Biden took the northeast, fundraising in New Hampshire, New York City. This week he relocated to the south west Texas.

Mrs. Obama covered the south and far west. First, it was off to Florida last week. This week, she's covering California, appearing on television and fundraising as well.

Here is a brief summary of their campaign fundraising journeys.

Today, Tuesday - January 31, 2012

• President Obama attends 2 campaign events, one at St Regis Hotel, and the other at a Private Residence in DC
• VP Biden speaks at 2 campaign events: Fort Worth TX, and DeKalb TX
• Michelle Obama appears on Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and is a guest on Ellen DeGeneres. Then she ends the day with a Beverly Hills fundraiser costing up to $71,600 per couple.

Monday, January 30, 2012

• Both Mr. Obama and Michelle host reception for the Diplomatic Corps
• Then, Mr. Obama campaigns on YouTube & Google+

Saturday, January 28, 2012

• Obama & Wife are entertained at the Alfalfa Club Dinner

Friday, January 27, 2012

• President Obama speaks at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. Upon returning to DC, he speaks at the Democratic Issues Conference, and later attends a campaign event at Mandarin Oriental Hotel
• Biden spent the day at House Democratic Issues Conference

Thusday, January 26, 2012

• Mr. Obama appears at  UPS Las Vegas South, delivers remarks in Buckley Air Force Base Colorado, and then flies off to Detroit Michigan
• Michelle Obama stars in 2 Florida DNC fundraising events, one in Palm Beach and the other in Sarasota
• VP Biden travels up north and speaks in Rochester, Hew Hampshire. Next he hits the internet for a  Twitter interview. The day is capped with two campaign events, the first in Portsmouth, NH, and the second an evening appearance in NYC.

Wednesday,- January 25, 2012

• Mr. Obama lands in Cedar Rapids Iowa, tours Conveyor Engineering & Manufacturing, flies to Phoenix Arizona and speaks at Intel Ocotillo Campus. Afterwards, its back on the plane and off to Las Vegas.

Aside from pushing his new State of the Union theme, it is difficult to see any governing or leadership duties being performed by this wandering trio.

Two weeks of Birthdays, Cardinals, Airmen, Mavericks, and campaign events

Since returning from their 2011 Hawaiian vacation, the First Family has been quite busy addressing the issues of the country, as we have learned from their published schedules.

First, today, Tuesday, January 17th, is Michelle's 48th Birthday!

Congratuations & Happy Birthday Mrs. Obama

To celebrate this wonderful day, the President and First Lady are honoring 2011 World Series Champs St. Louis Cardinals while thay have sent VP Biden to appear at Girard College in North Philadelphia.

Yesterday, they attended the MLK musical presentation "Let Freedom Ring Celebration" at the Kennedy Center.

Last Friday, January 13th, they hosted the surviving Tuskegee Airmen and the cast from the movie "Red Tails" at a private screening in the White House. This came after attending a campaign event Jefferson Hotel in DC.

On Wednesday, January 11th, the President flew to Chicago and delivered remarks at 3 campaign events. In his DC absence, Michelle was very busy, attending a DNC luncheon in Richmond VA, delivering remarks at Virginia Commonwealth University, and speaking at DNC reception in Charlottesville VA.

Monday January 09th was passed by hosting NBA Champions Dallas Mavericks before attending two separate campaign events.

Friday January 06th was dedicated to lunching with winners of a Barack Obama campaign contest.

And lastly, Wednesday January 04th, the President flew to Cleveland Ohio to have a discussion in a private residence.

To fill his time in between all this, Mr. Obama met with senior advisors, King Abdullah II of Jordan, a jobs council, Leon Panetta, lunched with Vice President Biden, etc.

Read more:
Happy birthday to style icon (and first lady) Michelle Obama!
Michelle Obama Birthday: FLOTUS Turns 48! (PHOTOS)

Why must the debt ceiling must be raised?

Why, in order to go bankrupt, but of course!

But I don't want to go among mad people," Alice remarked.

"Oh, you can't help that," said the Cat: "we're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad."

"How do you know I'm mad?" said Alice.

"You must be," said the Cat, "or you wouldn't have come here."

(Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Chapter 6)

 

But then again, the 2009 Halloween Party was not a total secret from the public.

"Well, in out country," said Alice, still panting a little,

"you'd generally get to somewhere else -- if you ran very fast for a long time, as we've been doing."

"A slow sort of country!" said the Queen. 

"Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place. 

If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that!"

(Through the Looking Glass, Chapter 2)

Now that the Hawaiian vacation is over, its time to start spending and taxing again

The President's Hawaiian vacation is now over. He and his family departed Honolulu together last night and are flying back to Washington.

The tanned and relaxed First Family are due to arrive around 7AM this morning. The Air Force One flight will bring them back to a chilly Washington where the political climate is cold as well.

Once he returns, Obama plans to meet with his senior advisers and then have lunch with Vice President Biden.

One topic of discussion will be his request for increasing the U.S. Debt Ceiling by another $1.2 trillion. If, and when granted, our national debt will balloon to $16.4 trillion.

Obviously, part of this increase will go towards paying for the fanciful flights to the paradise island vacation they all took on separate airplanes.

Happy Anniversary Wishes

Source: 19 years! theobamadiary.com

Today is President and Mrs. Obama's 19th Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations to the two of them on a long and successful life together and we wish them many, many more. The busy couple celebrated their anniversary 2 days early. After being the keynote speaker at the Human Rights Campaign dinner for gay rights activists on Saturday night, Mr. and Mrs. Obama enjoyed a private dining meal together to celebrate this occasion.

This dinner capped a busy week for the First Family. After returning to Washington from last week's California fundraising tour, the President remained rather low key on the campaign front. Most of his week was spent performing official duties and he attended only one campaign event. That was on Friday night at supporter's home in Georgetown. The agenda included a dinner and photo op for 60 wealthy guests who paid between $10,000 to $35,800 each to attend.

However, the First Lady picked up the slack. On Friday, she traveled to Portland Maine and spoke at two separate DNC receptions. Then, flew off to Cranston RI and participated in round table discussion with military spouses which paid for the trip. Afterward, she shuttled off to Providence RI to give a few more remarks at a third DNC event. The day before, Michelle went shopping at Target. Some are saying this was a staged event aimed at toning down her expensive clothing and jewelry taste, but whatever. She is still a beautiful bride.

Sources

Obamas celebrate 19th wedding anniversary
Fundraising scheduled for Obama
Obama talks 16-inch heels
POTUS focuses on road ahead
Biden to Latinos: You were here first
More on Michelle Obama's Target trip
Moochtastic! Queen Michelle Flashes Her $42,150 Diamond Cuffs
19 years!

Forget the country, it's fundraising time!

The race is off for the Obama reelection team to get as much money as it can before quarterly reporting fundraising deadline at end of September. Thus, Obama is on a 3 day money mission in Washington and California. And, helping him out, his elves, Joe Biden and Timothy Geithner have chipped in as well.

Although the economy of the country is falling apart, the President is forced to ignore his governing duties in favor or DNC obligations. But not all his time is spent with boring millionaires and billionaires, as he has found time to get in a round of golf and be entertained by extremely successful singing stars and basketball legends. Here is a summary of our leadership's the last 5 day's activities.

Monday - 3 Fundraisers

• Obama in Mountain View CA townhall meeting and questions from LinkedIn users, then three separate fundraisers: private homes in San Diego and Los Angeles, and then a big a Los Angeles venue.
• Geithner to Louisville KY visiting UPS high-tech plant and pitching the value fo the government.

Sunday - 4 DNC Fundraisers - 2 Washinton, 2 California

• Two fundraisers in Washington. The first was near Seattle WA. Then, off to Paramount Theater in Seattle with basketball greats Lenny Wilkens and Bill Russel.
• Two fundraisers, first in Woodside CA featuring blues singer Robert Cray, and the second in Atherton CA where Lady Gaga entertained Obama billionaires for $35,800 per ticket.

Saturday -

• Night - Michelle & Barak at the CBC (Congressional Black Caucus) Phoenix Awards in downtown DC.
• Day - Golf with Clinton at Joint Base Andrews

Friday -

• Obama hosted private lunch for 4 leading black talk show hosts

Thursday - 2 Fundraisers

• Biden in Florida, fundraisers in Boca Raton and then in Miami.

At least the White House travel office and the Air Force One crew are fully employed.

Sources

• Obama sells jobs plan in Silicon Valley
• Lady Gaga visits Obama
• Obama golfs with Clinton
• Events in Washington
• Geithner plugs jobs bill in Ky.
• Obama lunches with talk show hosts
• Biden in Fla.: Fundraisers and jobs

Jobs Act selling out at private DNC buffet fundraisers

On the menu, the new buffet rule: Tax the Millionaires (unless they give lots of money to the Obama Victory Fund).  The rest can eat peas.

Last Thursday evening,  September 15, the President attended 2 private fundraisers in the Washington DC area. The first was a DNC event sponsored by the African American Leadership Council. It was held in the Foggy Bottom condo and approximately 30 wealthy folks handed over $35,800 per ticket to the President ( Obama talks congress at fundraiser ). And, shortly afterward, a second money transfer occurred in Georgetown where 50 patrons gathered and gave $35,800 per couple ( Obama fundraises on jobs act ).

Today, Mr. and Mrs. Obama fly up to New York City to begin their combined U.N. / DNC Fundraising appearances. Upon arrival, the President attends a United Nations Mission meet and greet. Then, he is off to a DNC event, but no word has been given as to the amount of donation required to attend.

Obama's Definition of Jobs: Tennis, Food Kitchen, Concert, and Campaigning

After presenting his Jobs Act dream speech last Thursday night on national TV, the President is beginning to rapidly spend the $447 billion new jobs package he has proposed.

Source: Yahoo News: Michelle Obama visits the U.S. Open

Friday, he visited  the University of Richmond in Virginia.

Tomorrow, on Tuesday, He flies to Columbus Ohio to talk to a high school about the money in the bill for education.

Wednesday, he's off to North Carolina and will visit the Raleigh-Durham area.

And, while Mr. O was campaigning for jobs, Mrs. O entertained herself at the U.S. Open. There she used her "Let's Move!" slogan as cover for taxpayer reimbursement.

Saturday, the family remained in Washington and spent the day remembering the 9/11 victims by working at the DC Central Kitchen (I don't see how that relates).

Last night, the Obama's and Biden's attended "A Concert for Hope" at the Kennedy Center and reminded everyone that: "we have overcome slavery and Civil War; we've overcome bread lines and fascism, recession and riots, Communism and, yes, terrorism"
(Hope And Heroism: Obama Hails Post-9/11 Resilience)

The one major question that the American public should be asking themselves is:

Why is the Democratic National Committee launching an ad campaign to pass this important economic proposal unless it is only a re-election campaign issue intended only to stimulate the President's popularity rather than truly helping put the American public back to work? (DNC ad campaign to promote Obama jobs plan)