September Fundraisers, Golf, and Receptions Highlight the Obama Administration's Priorities

This week, President Obama attended two Democratic Fundraisers, played his 145th round of golf, and attended a Congressional Black Caucus event.

He also took to the air again and flew to Liberty Missouri to deliver a speech last Friday. While he was gone, Michelle Obama hosted a luncheon reception at the White House.

This week, the President is spending two days in New York City, attending meetings and dinners.

On the national level, President Obama's official schedule indicated he received two daily briefings and met with: members of his Business Roundtable and Export Council, Jack Lew, and John Kerry. Plus, he delivered a few remarks.

"Boy, I love this job"

Ironically, the President is meeting with the Palestinian President today while the Vice President is entertaining Jewish community leaders.

Meanwhile, Vice President Biden flew to Mexico City, Mexico; and this week he toured the flood damage in Colorado.

Weekly Air Force One and Helicopter flying time ( 24 hours total):

• President Obama : White House to New York City (round trip)  : 5 hours
• President Obama (and family): White House to New York City (round trip)  : 3 hours
• Vice President Biden: Washington DC to Mexico City, Mexico (round trip)  : 9 hours
• Vice President Biden: Washington DC to Greeley Colorado (round trip)  : 7 hours

Realizing the importance of travel and entertainment, we can understand why the President insists there is no more discretionary money to cut from the budget.
Below is a summary of President Obama's official schedule during the week of Wednesday September 18 through Tuesday September 24 2013.

Today, Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Mr. Obama, spoke to the United Nations General Assembly. Afterward, he will meet with John Ashe, Ba Ki-Moon, have lunch, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. At the end of the afternoon, he will meet with Bill Clinton and discuss the future of health care reform. Lastly, he will attend a DNC fundraising reception at 7:35 PM, before flying back to DC.
VP Biden and wife Jill hold a reception for Jewish community leaders at 6:45 PM.

Monday, September 23, 2013

• Mr. and Mrs. Obama left the White House at 11:25 AM and flew to New York City. Once there, he met with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, held a Civil Society Roundtable, and met with USUN employees. At night, the two attended a reception.
• Mr. Biden delivered remarks in Greeley Colorado along with FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and Goverernor Hickenlooper.

The Obama's after arriving in New York City

Sunday, September 22, 2013

• President Obama delivered remarks at a Navy Yard shooting memorial service at 5 PM.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

• President Obama golfing with Sam Kass, Marvin Nicholson, and Mike Brush. In the evening, Mr. Obama spoke at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Phoenix Awards Dinner at 9 PM (in the Washington Convention Center).

Friday, September 20, 2013

• President Obama left the White House a 9:45 AM ad flew to Kansas City, Missouri. There, he toured the Ford Stamping Plant in Liberty MO and delivered remarks. After that, he boarded Air Force One at 2:55 PM and flew back to DC, arriving shortly after 5 PM.
• - Michelle Obama hosted a luncheon honoring the 2013 National Design Awards winners at the White House.
• VP Biden met with Mexcian President Nieto, spoke of the beginning of a US/Mexican High Level Dialogue, and attended their first inaugural meeting.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 10 AM. Then at 11 AM, he spoke at his Export Council meeting. At 11:35 AM, he met with his senior advisers. Lastly, he attended a DNC fundraising event at 4:25 PM.
• VP Biden met with King Abdullah II and Wang Yi. After, he flew to Mexico City Mexico.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

• Mr. Obama received a daily briefing at 9:45 AM. An hour later, he delivered remarks to members of the Business Roundtable. In the afternoon (3:30 PM), he met with Secretary of Treasury Lew; and then met with Secretary of State John Kerry at 4:15 PM.

Drink Up before 27 rounds of Golf, but no Musica Latina concert

President Obama planned on entertaining himself, his family, and inner circle on Monday evening by hosting another White House concert: Musica Latina. However, the tragic shooting at the Naval Yard forced him to postpone this evening event. Even so, his wife Michelle carried on with her previously scheduled Musica Latina Workshop in the State Dining Room and enjoyed speaking to and mingling with the attending celebrities. Since the President's schedule ended after an 11:40 AM speech, we are sure that he socialized with the visiting stars.

Although Monday's enjoyment was cancelled, the President did satisfy his pleasures by playing 27 holes of golf on Saturday and having lunch with Vice President Biden twice.

What a happy bunch.

As spending continued, the White House weekly travel was delegated to Mrs. Obama and Mr. Biden. Last Thursday, Michelle Obama flew Air Force One to Wisconsin where she attended a"Drink Up" Festival.  And, VP Biden, took Air Force Two and flew to Iowa where he attend two campaign fundraiser events.

But, the White House is still closed to the American public.

During the past week, President Obama received 4 daily briefings, held 1 cabinet meeting, met once with his senior advisers, Secretary of Defense Hagel, and the Amir of Kuwait. He also attended a 9/11 Observance Ceremony, participated in a service project and an ambassador credentialing ceremony, met with labor leaders unhappy with Obamacare, and spoke about the economy.


Weekly Air Force One and Helicopter flying time (9 hours total):

• VP Biden : Washington DC to Des Moines and Indianola, Iowa (round trip)  : 5 hours
• Michelle Obama : White House to Watertown Wisconsin (round trip)  : 4 hours

Below is a summary of President Obama's official schedule during the week of Wednesday September 21 through Tuesday September 17 2013.


Today, Tuesday, September 17, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 10:45 AM. Next, he has lunch with VP Biden at 12:30 PM. In the afternoon, the President participates in an ambassador credentialing ceremony at 2:45 PM, and ends the day with a 3:30 PM meeting with Secretary of Defense Hagel.

Monday, September 16, 2013

• President Obama started the day with a 10 AM daily briefing. This was followed by a 10:45 AM meeting with his senior advisers. Lastly, he delivered remarks at 11:40 AM and spoke about the U.S. economy on the 5-year anniversary of the financial crisis.
• Michelle Obama held a Musica Latina Workshop in the State Dining Room.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

• VP Biden flew to Iowa and attended 2 campaign events for Senator Tom Harkin in Iowa. The first was at Principal Park in Des Moines, and the latter was at Harkin's 36th Annual Steak Fry at the Warren County Fairgrounds in Indianola, Iowa.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

• President Obama played 27 holes of golf with Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon, (ESPN’s "Pardon the Interruption”), and aide Marvin Nicholson

Friday, September 13, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 10:45 AM. Then at 1:15 PM, he met with the Amir of Kuwait. At 3:35 PM, he and VP Biden met with labor leaders.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 10:15 AM. At 11 AM, he held a Cabinet meeting. After that, he had lunch with VP Biden and was then done for the day.
• Michelle Obama flew to Watertown Wisconsin and spoke at the "Drink Up" Festival.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

• President Obama observed the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 WTC attack along with his wife Michelle, and the Biden's (at 8:45 AM). Next, Mr. Obama attended an Observance Ceremony at 9:30 AM. At 2:00 PM in the afternoon, he participated in a service project.

Neither Sweden, Russia, nor the United States stop Obama from thinking about Syria

Whether in Sweden, Russia, or the United States, President Obama was continuously preoccupied with his desire to enter the Syrian conflict. To that end, he tried to enlist support for his plans to attack that country. However, neither the international community nor the U.S. congress endorsed his objective to bomb that nation.

So, the President mobilized his small democratic leadership base and intended to force a vote in Congress. First, he needed to flood the news stations, and try to sell his hawkish ideas to the American public.

Yikes - Another Red Line

The President was so worried about the Syrian conflict that he cancelled a West Coast fundraising trip. He even planned meeting with several Republicans, met with Secretary of Defense Hagel, and received 2 daily briefings.

Luckily, Secretary of State Kerry found an out for the President by suggesting that if Syria would turn over their chemical weapons, Mr. Obama would delay the bombing. Russia jumped on board, an now the President is trying to convince the world that he was victorious.

However, it is far too early to determine what the outcome will be, but it appears that Mr. Obama feels he can spin this to his benefit. After all, "he never drew a red line", "the world drew the red line"!.


Weekly Air Force One and Helicopter flying time (10.5 hours total):

• President Obama: Stockholm Sweden to Saint Petersburg Russia : 1 hour
• President Obama: Saint Petersburg Russia to White House : 9.5 hours

Below is a summary of President Obama's official schedule during the week of Wednesday September 4 through Tuesday September 10 2013.


Today, Tuesday, September 10, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 11 AM. Then at 12:30 PM, he meets with the Senate Democratic Caucus. At 1:45 PM, he will meet with the Senate Republican Conference. Lastly, he will deliver a statement to the Nation about Syria at 9:01 PM.

Monday, September 9, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 10:15 AM. His second appointment was at 2:15 PM when he met with Secretary of Defense Hagel. Additionally, he participated in 6 television news interviews to discuss Syria: Scott Pelley, (CBS’s "Evening News"); Savannah Guthrie, (NBC’s "Today Show"); Wolf Blitzer, (CNN’s "Situation Room"); Chris Wallace, ("Fox News Sunday"); Diane Sawyer, ("ABC World News"); and Gwen Ifill, ("PBS NewsHour").

Friday, September 6, 2013

• President Obama participated in a number of G-20 sessions and held several meetings. Susan Rice was also present. At the end of the day, the President flew back to Washington DC.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

• President Obama met with the King and Queen of Sweden. Afterward, he flew to Saint Petersburg Russia to attend the G-20 conference.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

• Mister Obama arrived in Stockholm Sweden. There, he held 3 meetings with Prime Minister Reinfeldt, participated in a celebration of Raoul Wallenberg; toured an Energy Expo event; had his picture taken, and finally attended an official dinner with Nordic leaders.

Syrian Red Line interrupts Obama's quiet week

The days surrounding Labor Day weekend was intended to be rather quiet for President Obama. His official schedule only had him attending the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington; meeting with 3 visiting Presidents; having lunch with VP Biden; receiving one daily briefing; and then golfing.

However, his undocumented calendar time was unexpectedly filled up by addressing the Syrian situation. Because the Administration concluded that chemical weapons were used, the President enlisted the UN allies to form a military coalition to bomb Syria. But, his plan was not welcomed by Great Briton or the United Nations, and so Mr. Obama was left scrambling to gain support from the Congress, whom he initially intended to circumvent.

Under pressure to gain approval, the President has held numerous meetings. And tonight, he is leaving on a trip to Sweden and Russia, so it is now in the hands of Congress.

Weekly Air Force One and Helicopter flying time (11 hours total):

• President Obama : White House to Stockholm, Sweden : 11 hours

Below is a summary of President Obama's official schedule during the week of Wednesday August 28 through Tuesday September 03 2013.


Today, Tuesday, September 3, 2013

• President Obama, along with VP Biden, met with members of Congress at 9:45 AM. Then, he has a 12:30 PM lunch with the Vice President. At 8 PM, Mr. Obama will leave the White House and fly to Stockholm, Sweden.

Saturday, August 31, 2013

• President Obama delivered a statement about Syria. After that, he went golfing with VP Biden, White House trip director Marvin Nicholson, and Walter Nicholson.

Friday, August 30, 2013

• President Obama met with President Toomas Hendrik Ilves of Estonia, Dalia Grybauskaite of Lithuania, and President Andris Berzinš of Latvia at 2:15 PM.
• VP Biden hosted a lunch meeting for the same 3 Presidents.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

• VP Biden swore in: Todd Jones as Director of the ATF; and later Dan Tangherlini as Administrator of the GSA.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 10 AM. Then at 2:45 PM, he attended the Let Freedom Ring ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King's March on Washington.

Airplanes, buses, receptions, and tennis to avoid Syria, Egypt, plus ongoing IRS and Benghazi scandals

The latter part of last  week was occupied by President Obama's 2 day bus tour from Buffalo NY to Scranton PA. The purpose was to promote college affordability.  Along the way, he stopped in 6 cities and was joined in part or all by VP Biden and Secretary of Education Duncan.

White House photo of President Obama in Tully NY

When the weekend began, Mrs. Obama flew to New York City to attend the U.S. Open. Mr. Obama remained in Washington and most likely golfed.

As this week began, the President focused on national interests by receiving daily briefings two days in a row. He also met with a group of mayors, presented the Medal of Honor, greeted Debate Champions, and is hosting a "March on Washington" reception at the White House.

Weekly Air Force One and Helicopter flying time ( 8.25 hours total):

• Mrs. Obama and daughters : Washington DC to New York City (round trip): 3 hours
• VP Biden : Washington DC to Houston TX : 3 hours
• President Obama (VP Biden and Arne Duncan): White House to Buffalo NY : 1.25 hours
• President Obama (VP Biden and Arne Duncan): Scranton PA to Washington DC : 1 hours

Below is a summary of President Obama's official schedule during the week of Wednesday August 21 through Tuesday August 27 2013.

Today, Tuesday, August 27, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 10:15 AM. His next appointment is at 2 PM, when he will meet with mayors about reducing youth violence. Lastly, he and wife Michelle will host a reception for the March on Washington at 7:30 PM.
• Mrs Obama is hosting a private screening of: "The Powerbroker: Whitney Young’s Fight for Civil Rights.”
• VP Biden hosted a breakfast meeting with Secretary of State John Kerry. Afterward, he will fly to Houston Texas where he will delivers remarks at The American Legion National Convention.

50th Anniversary of March on Washington (from msnbc.com - Photo by Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images)

Monday, August 26, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 10 AM. Then, at 11:30 AM, he met with faith leaders. Mr. Obama next awarded the Medal of Honor to Staff Sgt Ty M. Carter at 2:10 PM. He ended the day after a 4:15 pm meet and greet with the 2103 Urban Debate National Champions.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

• Michelle Obama flew to New York City to see a Broadway play and attend the U.S. Open. To justify expensing this to the the American taxpayers, Mrs. Obama delivered remarks and participated in Arthur Ashe Kid's Day.

At Kids's Day (from nydailynews.com photo: Cory Sipkin/New York Daily News)

Friday, August 23, 2013

• Leaving Syracuse, President Obama made a visit to the Tully Junior-Senior High School soccar practice in Tully NY. Then, he participated in a town hall meeting at 12:45 PM at Binghamton University in Binghamton NY. After that, he drove to Scranton PA, where both he and VP Biden delivered remarks on college affordability at Lackawanna College. He left Scranton at 5:50 PM and flew back to DC. He was back at the White House at 7:05 PM.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

• President Obama left the White House at 9 AM and flew to Buffalo NY where he began a 2 day bus tour. In Buffalo, he delivered remarks at the University of Buffalo (11:23 AM). Next, he drove to Rochester NY and spoke to college students, graduates and educators at Magnolia's Deli & Cafe in Rochester NY. Then, he drove to Syracuse NY where he spoke at Henninger High School at 6:25 PM.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

• Although nothing was listed on the official White House agenda, President Obama participated in a video conference about the Affordable Care Act (photo of the day).

MV Vacation's over! So, now it's time to honor another football team

If you have ever been to Martha's Vineyard, you will know why President Obama wants to return every year for a family vacation. This year, the weather was beautiful, and Mr. Obama was able to play 6 rounds of golf, dine at some fabulous restaurants, and spend some time on a private beach.

Great Image from gadling.com

The following links provide some very interesting pictures and summaries of Mr. Obama's vacation.

• Obamas Leave Martha's Vineyard After 8-Day Vacation
• Obama family wraps up Martha's Vineyard vacation
• The Obamas' 2013 summer vacation

But, all good things come to an end and the family returned to the White House late Sunday night.

Back at work, the President received 2 daily briefings and met once with his senior advisers once. He also met with financial regulators.

Today, he is spending the afternoon honoring the 1972 Champion Miami Dolphins.

Also today, the First Family introduced a new female dog that they purchased. it is another Portuguese Water Dog named Sunny.

Weekly Air Force One and Helicopter flying time (4 hours total):

• President Obama (and family): Martha's Vineyard to White House : 2 hours
• Obama daughters : White House to Martha's Vineyard : 2 hours

Below is a summary of President Obama's official schedule during the week of Wednesday August 14 through Tuesday August 20 2013.


Today, Tuesday, August 20, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 9:45 PM. Next at 2 PM, and lastly, he honors the 1972 Miami Dolphins at the White House.

1972 Miami Dolphins - from addmorejuice.com

Monday, August 19, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 11 AM. After, he met with his senior advisers at 11:45 AM. He completed his workday by meeting with finzncial regulators at 2:15 PM.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

• After finishing a day of golf, the President and his family left Martha's Vineyard and returned to Washington DC.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

• President Obama although on vacation, made a statement about the unrest in Egypt.
• The two daughters of Mr. & Mrs. Obama arrived in Martha's Vineyard.

West to East, North to South and back again: Mr. Obama travels the country and then Vacations in the Vineyard

Wrapping up his West Coast visit, President Obama flew back to Washington DC and prepared for his Martha's Vineyard August vacation. Making sure he is informed about national security issues, he received 3 daily briefings.  In addition, he met with Secretary of Defense John Kerry. Other than that, he attended a meeting with the Prime Minister of Greece.

The President and his wife left DC on Saturday and flew to Martha's Vineyard. On the way, they took a detour to Orlando Florida and spoke at a Disabled Veterans Conference.

Making sure that their dog was not discomforted, they flew him separately to Chilmark MA on an Osprey helicopter it was reported by HotAir. However, the Politico photo below shows the dog leaving Air Force One.

Politico.com Photo Gallery showing Bo leaving Air Force One

So, one of these 2 sources is wrong or misleading. The children did not accompany their parents either. They will fly by themselves to the rented vacation house later this week aboard the busy Air Force One.

Weekly Air Force One and Helicopter flying time (13.5 hours total):

• President Obama (and wife): White House to Orlando FL, to Cape Cod MA, to Martha's Vineyard MA : (2 + 4.5) 6.5 hours
• Bo, President Obama's Dog : White House to Martha's Vineyard MA : 2 hours (although, photos show him leaving Air Force One)
• President Obama : Los Angeles CA to White House : 5 hours

Below is a summary of President Obama's official schedule during the week of Wednesday August 7 through Tuesday August 13 2013.

Today, Tuesday, August 13, 2013

• President Obama is on vacation in Martha's Vineyard with no scheduled events.

Monday, August 12, 2013

• President Obama s on vacation in Martha's Vineyard with no official scheduled events. However, he did announce more administration appointments. Plus, a White House photo was released showing him receiving a daily briefing with Susan Rice in the MV vacation home.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

• President Obama, along with his wife Michelle, left the White House at 9:05 AM and flew to Orlando FL where the President and First Lady delivered remarks at the Disabled American Veterans Conference at noon. After that, they were back on Air Force One and flew to Cape Cod, MA and then to Martha's Vineyard to begin their vacation.

Friday, August 9, 2013

• Mister Obama received a daily briefing at 10 AM. Then at 2 PM, he signed the student loan bill. Next, he held a rambling press conference at 3 PM. And finally, he ended the day with a 4:15 PM meeting with Secretary of Defense Kerry.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

• President Obama attended a daily briefing at 10:15 AM. He was then free until 2:55 PM when he held a meeting with Prime Minister Antonis Samaras of Greece.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

• President Obama, on the West Coast, was interviewed by the Zillow CEO at 1 PM PST. Then, at 3:50, he delivered remarks to soldiers at Camp Pendleton. Mr. Obama then boarded Air Force One at 5:20 PM and flew back to Washington DC.