EDGARTOWN, Mass. — President Barack Obama wrapped up a 10-day vacation Saturday that was blissfully free of the news emergencies that have interrupted some of his past getaways.
During his time on this lovely island, the president never once had to shed his leisure wear to step in front of a lectern and address a national emergency or matter of state. So as the first family hit the beach under picture-perfect skies Saturday for their last day away, they could celebrate an apparent end to what had become something of a vacation jinx.
On Obama’s first extended presidential vacation, last August’s Martha’s Vineyard trip, he left the island for the funeral of Sen. Edward Kennedy. Then there was Hawaii, when Christmas Day brought the attempted terrorist attack on a Detroit-bound airliner.
This time, the only thing that kept Obama off the golf course was a spell of stormy weather. And even that didn’t dampen his enjoyment as he holed up with his family and friends to read and play Scrabble and board games at a rented 30-acre farm with a private beach.
At 10 days, this vacation will bring to 48 the number of vacation days Obama has taken since taking office. Former President George W. Bush had spent more than twice as much time on vacation at this point in his presidency.
The Associated Press
