PrintAfter condemning Foley execution, Obama golfs
Glenn Reynolds calls him "President Perfunctory." That's far too kind. While British Prime Minister David Cameron returned from his vacation after only one day to deal with the crisis in Iraq, president Obama made some tepid remarks about the execution of James Foley - and then went directly to the golf course and teed off.
Shortly after delivering a statement denouncing the execution of American journalist James Foley by Islamist militants in Iraq, President Obama hit the golf course on Wednesday.
Obama completed the statement at a school in Martha’s Vineyard where he is vacationing, before arriving minutes later at a local golf club.
ADVERTISEMENTThe president planned to play a round with former Miami Heat star Alonzo Mourning, private equity investor Glenn Hutchins, and longtime friend Cy Walker, according to the White House.
It is the seventh round of golf for the president during his vacation on the Massachusetts island, but the first round since Sunday. The president briefly flew back to Washington Sunday night for meetings at the White House, but returned on Tuesday to his vacation home.
Last week, White House spokesman Eric Schultz acknowledged there were "ongoing complicated situations in the world" as the president was looking to squeeze in a summer vacation. But he said Obama had remained "engaged."
"I think, as many have observed over the past few days, there’s never a perfect time for the president to take some time away with his family," Schultz said.
"But I think we can also all agree that it’s valuable to recharge your batteries. And I just don't think the American people begrudge their president for taking some downtime with his family," he added.
Just what has Obama done in the last few months that would require him to "recharge" his batteries? He took another holiday in June. He's either got the biggest batteries in the world or he's ill and needs rest. Or could it be that he just doesn't give a hoot?
It is embarrassing to have a president who is going through the motions. The world is literally on fire and leaders like Cameron and French President Hollande are fully engaged while the president is out goofing around with celebrities and his friends.
And what of Foley's family? How do they feel about the president making some pro forma remarks about their son's horrific death and then sauntering over to an exclusive country club to play golf? Recall, also, that the president danced the night away while Ferguson exploded.
Apparently nothing will deflect this slacker from having his fun.
