WASHINGTON — Turns out, the White House did not get egged.
Trick-or-treaters marched up the White House driveway on a wet, snowy Saturday, past the spider-web-like gauze, the pumpkins and the costumed actors to the mansion’s north portico, where President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama handed out treats, an annual tradition.
“What’s this? Look at this guy,” the president said at the sight of one costumed child. “A headless man. Terrifying!”
And yes, the sweets included signature boxes of White House M&Ms, signaling a temporary respite from the first lady’s healthy eating campaign. Dried fruit and White House baked cookies rounded out the handouts.
Last week, in an appearance on “The Tonight Show,” Obama joked to host Jay Leno that he had warned his wife that if she wanted to avoid Halloween mischief, she might want to dole out more than just fruit and raisins. “I told her the White House is going to get egged if this keeps up,” he said, suggesting that she might want to add “a couple of Reese’s Pieces or something.”
In the spirit of compromise, a trait the president often says is all too rare in Washington, the M&Ms made it into the goody bags. Not exactly Reese’s Pieces, but close enough. (Truth be told, the M&Ms were included in the treats last year too.)
Michelle Obama hugged several of the children and even wrapped one shivering child with her overcoat, declaring, “Oh, she’s freezing!”
