The First Family’s Vacation

The First Family lost no time enjoying their vacation and seem just as busy as they would be in Washington. Since arriving at Mount Desert Island, Maine on Friday afternoon, they have been biking, hiking, and boating. But, as a matter of course, critics have already assailed the Obamas for their destination selection. Many pundits say that Michelle Obama ignored the advice she gave the rest of the country by not traveling to the Gulf of Mexico. Scott Stanzel, a deputy press secretary during the administration of George W. Bush, told Fox News that the president could be "setting an example" but "has chosen not to do that." But White House deputy press secretary Bill Burton jumped to the president’s defense. "I don't think that there's a person in this country [who] doesn't think that their president ought to have a little time to clear his mind," he told the Associated Press.