Enjoying weekends are so much harder for President Obama: His weekend family trip to Maine is drawing all sorts of criticism and analysis. The Republican National Committee even has a website showing what Obama has been doing besides focusing on the Gulf oil spill, while some suggest that the Obamas should be vacationing in the Gulf (thought wouldn't that be tricky, sunbathing while people are dealing with rescuing baby animals?)
For some reason, the voices of reason might be former Bill Clinton adviser Paul Begala and former George W. Bush press secretary Ari Fleischer. Fleischer, who worked at the Western White House, told the Times, “I just think that people should leave the president alone and not make a political issue of where he takes vacation or how he takes vacation. He and his family are perfectly entitled to do whatever works for them."
And Begala, now a CNN talking head, pointed out, "The president is the president wherever he is. I thought it was silly when people attacked Bush for going on vacation, so I'll be consistent and say it's silly when people attack President Obama for going on vacation. Of all of the concerns that Americans may have, they do not need to worry whether President Obama is a hard-working man. They may agree or disagree with his policies, but there is just no doubt that the guy is busting his rear end."
