Sorry Barack, no room in this inn
WASHINGTON — That’s what Barack Obama was told when he asked the White House to let his family move early into Blair House so his daughters could start school on Jan. 5.
So reports the New York Times this afternoon, adding the White House response that Blair House is booked until Jan. 15.
The White House said that Blair House would be tied up in ”receptions and gatherings” by outgoing Bush administration officials, the paper reported.
The stately Blair House, situated across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House, is known as the president’s guest house and has housed dignitaries from Harry S Truman and daughter Margaret to the King of Morocco. (Check the guest book.)
Laura Bush spokeswoman Sally McDonough sounded a little snarky in responding to the Times’ inquiry. “There’s nothing more to say other than that it’s not available and won’t be available until Jan. 15 … You’re trying to make a story out of something that’s not a story.”
That may be true, but this little transition episode is triggering some decidedly different Web responses — ranging from criticism of Obama for being presumptuous to criticism of Bush for not giving the Obama kids a break.
Obama’s transition office said the family is looking at other options and doesn’t think that Malia and Sasha Obama will miss the first day at their new school — Sidwell Friends in Washington.
If it’s booked, it’s booked. How is that so hard to understand?
“Snarky” you say? Ms. McDonough has a point, is this really newsworthy? Considering the overwhelming majority of Democrats in Congress who probably have a place to stay nearby, I am sure they will find someplace to stay so their girls can start at their private school on time.
Barack Obama has been a US Senator for 4 years. Where did he live? Besies, he’s wealthy enough to afford a hotel suite until January 20th. The first two weeks I spent in St. Louis and going to grade school originated from a motel room as my parents looked for a house.
As much as I like President-elect Obama I must throw the wince and shrug at him on this one. Scot Simon made an excellent observation. You know that Brother Obama had some kind of a posh set-up while serving as a U.S. Senator. I know full well that the four of them could “make do” in what is probably a two-bedroom two bath townhouse anyway. Someone double check me on this one, The people that get elected to serve in Congress, don’t they get some sort of housing allowance or stipend?
It doesn’t seem that the Obamas are upset about it so I guess it truly is a non story. Can’t wait for the flak to develop over the “Quaker values” school they will be attending.
I’ll bet there’s not a darn thing scheduled there at all. Tell the snarker to release the e-mails to show what bookings were made before the snarking started! Typical lack of class for an administration doomed to go down as the most inept, corrupt and divisive in American history!
Right now as it stands they will be moving for a week to the Hays-Adams Hotel just yards from the White House. So that seems like a better choice anyhow.
Just goes to show us once again that our current President had a habit of hiring people who were ill-prepared for their jobs… or as Ms. Brinker would never admit, ready to please her benefactor. Just another MISTAKE??? Or one made on purpose?
Don’t care. Let’s just be glad these undependable people are soon gone.