Grumpy Editor

Obama –-- plus Hillary –-- visits arouse Martha’s Vineyard

President Barack Obama, three days into an eyebrow-raising summer vacation on Martha’s Vineyard, already is gearing up for another fundraiser, this one tonight on the island, an affluent summer colony off Cape Cod, notes Grumpy Editor.

With the president in a rented three-story, seven bedroom, 8,100-square-foot home on the island over the next two weeks are wife Michelle, daughter Malia and dogs Bo and Sunny.  The vacation comes at a time of mounting crisis in Iraq with U.S. air strikes on terrorists, Hamas threatening major escalation in rocket strikes on Israel and widening problems stemming from illegals crossing the southern border. 

Added to all this, a secondary political attraction arrives Wednesday when former First Lady Hillary Clinton is scheduled to arrive on the island for a book-signing event. 

Meanwhile, some Martha’s Vineyard merchants --- such as ice cream shops and restaurants --- are excited, feeling that the president’s presence on the island will boost business in a season that has been slow. 

They overlook grumbling from others stemming from heightened security activity in the air and on the ground plus road delays and slow traffic as presidential motorcades make their way around the island to a golf course, a restaurant or to other locations such as in the past --- bicycle rides. 

Among major growlers:  private fliers. 

With the president on the island, the Federal Aviation Administration has instituted a 30-nautical mile perimeter temporary flight restriction for Martha’s Vineyard that runs through 10:30 p.m. on Aug. 25, reveals Sara Brown, Vineyard Gazette reporter. 

Obama was off to a golf course within 30 minutes of arrival on Saturday.

 

DID YOUR FAVORITE NEWS OUTLETS MISS THESE?

Declaring corporate America has done well under his economic policies, President Barack Obama tells London-based Economist magazine that chief executive officers should stop complaining about regulations and show greater social responsibility…An NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll finds six in 10 Americans are dissatisfied with the state of the U.S. economy, more than 70 percent believe the country is headed in the wrong direction and nearly 80 percent are down on the country’s political system…Okay, so it's "torture" for the bad guys:  In changing editorial word usage, The New York Times no longer will describe interrogation methods on terror suspects as “harsh or brutal” and now will term the procedures “torture”…A University of Southern California study finds Hollywood movies are under-representing non-white ethnic groups in the U.S., with Hispanic actors cast in five percent of speaking parts in last year’s 100 top grossing films despite making up more than 16 percent of the population; black actors appeared in 14 percent of roles while 17 percent of movies had no black speaking parts…Unsettling news for J-students:  In another study, the University of Georgia Grady College finds 2013 consumer magazine starting salaries of graduates with bachelor degrees in journalism sank $5,000 a year lower than the prior year…Not much mention in print or broadcast outlets that USASpending.gov, which tracks government spending, can’t locate at least $619 billion from 302 federal programs…More military trimming: Because of “financial restraints,” the U.S. Air Force’s 65^th Aggressor Squadron, based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, will be deactivated on Sept. 26…Hollis R. Towns, executive editor/vice president news at New Jersey’s Asbury Park Press, informs readers the newspaper is “hiring more reporters to help cover the community better” and “establish better relationships with you” while “putting more resources into digital”…Los Angeles radio station KFWB next month switches from its long-time news/talk format to all sports chatter.

 

In discussing the thousands of young illegals showing up at the southern border, Vice President Joe Biden declares:  "These are not somebody else's kids. These are our kids." 

 

Caddell notes media mum as new Benghazi details out

As fresh information on the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, surfaced over the weekend, Pat Caddell, public opinion pollster, had strong words in wondering why mainsteam media have been mum in reporting it, observes Grumpy Editor. 

Fox News revealed urgent requests for military assistance during the deadly attacks last month at the U.S. compound in Benghazi were denied.

Overlooking the latest information included the New York Times, which Caddell said, “has been in the tank on this in the way I have never seen.”  

(A key reason:  The Times on Saturday came out and endorsed President Barack Obama for a second term.) 

Caddell, who worked for presidential candidates George McGovern in 1972, Jimmy Carter in 1976 and 1980, Gary Hart in 1984, Joe Biden in 1988 and Jerry Brown in 1992 --- all Democrats --- appeared on Saturday’s “Justice With Judge Jeanine” on Fox News. 

In a stern voice, Caddell declared:  “I am appalled right now, this White House, this president, the vice president, the secretary of state --- all of them --- are willing, apparently, to dishonor themselves and this country for the cheap prospect of getting reelected” and are “willing to coverup with  lies." 

“And the worst thing is the very people (the mainstream media) who are supposed to protect the American people with the truth have become a threat. 

“Coverup is too nice a word.” 

Caddell also pointed out, “This president didn’t care enough to stay in the White House and find out what was going on.” 

He was referring to the day after the terrorist attacks in Benghazi when Obama, after learning four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens, were killed in the assaults, boarded Air Force One for a Las Vegas fundraiser.

Leno, Obama vie for most appearances in Las Vegas

With another campaign rally in Las Vegas on Sunday, President Barack Obama seems to be competing with Tonight Show host Jay Leno in the number of visits a year to Sin City, notes Grumpy Editor.

Obama, recognizing Nevada as a key battleground state in the upcoming election, returns to the casino-studded neon capital over the weekend, on the heels of another visit just 18 days earlier.

It marks the president’s eighth visit to Las Vegas and ninth trip to Nevada this year.

Obama is esxpected to stay three nights in the Las Vegas area before heading to Denver for an Oct. 3 presidential debate with Republican challenger Mitt Romney.

Jay Leno, meanwhile, reappears for his stand-up routine in Las Vegas Oct. 12 and 13 --- with six more appearances scheduled on The Strip through next Sept. 20.

The difference between Leno and the president, however, is that Leno encourages folks to visit Sin City.

Obama is remembered for taking two negative blasts at Las Vegas.

In February, 2009, one was directed at business meetings when the president declared, “You can’t take a trip to Las Vegas or down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayers dime.”

A year later, the president followed that with, “You don’t blow a bunch of cash in Vegas when you’re trying to save for college.”

Las Vegas’ economy then turned south, triggering pink slips to thousands of casino industry workers, knocking out construction, and sending the area’s unemployment and home foreclosure rates soaring to the nation’s highest. 

Obama media Wednesday: Are we in Sin City or N.Y. City?

Media who trail President Barack Obama, as he travels around on Air Force One, face multiple time zone disorientation, sagging sleep and deadline disorder, reminds Grumpy Editor. 

So they have to be a pretty sturdy bunch. 

Look at Wednesday's schedule. 

After an overnight stay in Las Vegas, with casino slot machines and table games distractions, foggy-eyed media were up early for a morning campaign rally at a North Las Vegas high school. 

There, in a 26-minute speech on education, the president declared, “I’m standing here as president because I had a bunch of great teachers.  Teachers matter.  They’re on the front lines of our future.” 

After media filed his remarks, it was back to Air Force One and across the country and time zones to New York City for a basketball-flavored fundraising dinner. 

The “Obama Classic,” as it was labeled, cost $20,000 a person.  About 120 people, including basketball stars, attended the event --- hosted by Michael Jordan --- at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center. 

"It is very rare that I come to an event where I'm like the fifth or sixth most interesting person," he joked, after an introduction by Jordan. 

But the best photo op of the day was shuttered to the press.  The president later changed to gym clothes to shoot hoops. 

Then it was back to Air Force One.

Obama again seeks funds from Las Vegas area he knocked

Grumpy Editor says imagine a U.S. president telling Americans to bypass a city and spend money elsewhere, yet visiting that city multiple times --- for fundraising toward his reelection.

That’s the case with Barack Obama who, again, routes Air Force One to Las Vegas this evening for tomorrow's fundraiser.

It’s part of a two-day stop in Nevada, a state hard hit by the souring economy.  Today he is visiting Reno.

In his fifth visit to the Silver State since January, the president’s trip this time comes as Nevada’s unemployment rate edged up to 12 percent last month --- the highest rate in the nation.

(Michelle Obama has made three trips to the Las Vegas area over a three-month period this year to rally campaign supporters.)

The president tomorrow will be passing his hat in an area, dependent on tourist travel and conventions, after he fired two blasts at Las Vegas after he took office.

In a February, 2009 message directed at business gatherings, the president declared:  “You can’t take a trip to Las Vegas or down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayers dime.” 

Then a year later, he warned:  “You don’t blow a bunch of cash in Vegas when you’re trying to save for college.” 

Las Vegas’ economy then turned south, with thousands of casino workers losing jobs, sending the area’s unemployment soaring.

Then Las Vegas soon rose to first place in U.S. home foreclosures.

Along with ranking tops in unemployment, Nevada also heads the list in bankruptcies and worst credit scores, finds a CardRatings.com survey. 

In connection with tomorrow’s visit to a high school in North Las Vegas, a statement from the Obama campaign mentions that among topics the president --- in office for almost four years --- will focus on:

How to grow the economy.

 

First lady's Monday L.A. fundraiser gets scant coverage

While there was much coverage of Michelle Obama’s visit to the Los Angeles area for two Sunday fundraising events plus a Monday appearance on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, news reports were scant from a third fundraiser which yielded about half a million dollars at a Monday luncheon in a quiet residential area, notes Grumpy Editor.

Sunday’s show business-linked fundraisers were at rock star Gwen Stefani’s home in Beverly Hills, followed by another at the Brentwood residence of Barry Meyer, chairman and chief executive of Warner Bros., a Time Warner Co.

The Monday afternoon gathering at a home in little-known Ladera Heights, an unincorporated area in Los Angeles County about three miles northwest of Inglewood, was noteworthy because about 150 guests paid at least $3,500 each.

African-Americans represent about three fourths of the upscale community’s 6,500 residents.

Olu Alemoru, a reporter for the Southwest Wave, a community newspaper, mentioned the first lady’s 20-minute speech focused on “the vision and values she and her husband had for the nation and implored the audience to transmit that to at least just one person in their circle.”

The three fundraisers benefited the Obama Victory Fund.

 

Paris or D.C.? Fundraiser for Obama creates confusion

One of the uncovered (in major media) and puzzling items last week, while Grumpy Editor took time off, was fuzziness in pinpointing Barack Obama’s schedule on Independence Day and what event --- linked to the president --- was going on in Paris. 

Confusion arose with Web mention that “the Obama campaign is headed overseas” with a fundraiser in Paris on July 4. 

That happened.  But without the president on hand. 

Accurate stories reported the president would be spending pre-Fourth days at Camp David followed by hosting a naturalization ceremony for active duty U.S. service members at the White House on Independence Day. 

Then it was back on the campaign trail, by bus, through Ohio and Pennsylvania on Thursday and Friday. 

Adding to the confusion was the White House’s official Website showed “no public schedule” all week. 

But look for more confusion with a pair of Obama fundraisers in Europe Aug. 27. 

That’s when actor George Clooney, labeled by the Hollywood Reporter as “presidential pal-in-chief,” oversees fundraising for Obama in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Tickets to a fundraising dinner there will carry a $20,000 per person price tag.

 

Both Obamas see $$$ signs in multi-visits to Las Vegas

President Barack Obama and the First Lady this year continue to see Las Vegas as the alluring place to visit, campaign or harvest funds despite earlier slaps at Sin City as the destination to avoid, notes Grumpy Editor. 

Michelle Obama today visits the Las Vegas area to rally campaign supporters in nearby Henderson. 

It marks her third trip to the area in 11 weeks. 

The three trips are on par with the number of presidential visits this year, most recent being on June 7.

Following a “private family trip” to Las Vegas on  March 28 with her two daughters, Sasha, 10, and Malia, 13, Michelle Obama returned to Sin City on May 1 for a private fundraising where each guest paid $2,500 for breakfast. 

What is noteworthy is that twice in recent years the president shot arrows at Las Vegas, scaring off tourist and convention activity.  

In a message directed at business gatherings, the president in February, 2009 declared, “You can’t take a trip to Las Vegas or down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayers dime.” 

Then a year later, he warned:  “You don’t blow a bunch of cash in Vegas when you’re trying to save for college.” 

Las Vegas’ economy then soured, with thousands of casino workers losing jobs, placing the area’s unemployment among the highest in the nation.  Las Vegas soon rose to first place in U.S. home foreclosures.

But media traveling with the president or First Lady don't mind the repeated opportunities to get close to Las Vegas' latest irresistible slot machines. 

 

 

L.A. gears for street snarls as Obama heads for fundraiser

Outside of the Los Angeles area, not much will be reported by print/TV media about huge traffic jams clogging freeways and city streets for going-home drivers this evening in the City of the Angels, predicts Grumpy Editor. 

Street closures and traffic backups will be triggered by the arrival of President Barack Obama and his entourage on their way to another Los Angeles fundraiser, this time at actor George Clooney’s home. 

Drivers, already facing daily traffic jams, will be grumbling even more as the president and company make their way from Los Angeles International Airport by freeways and surface streets to Clooney’s property in the Studio City section of the San Fernando Valley.

That’s about a 20-mile route.

Motorists in part of the Studio City area can expect delays or closures from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Residents near the fundraiser site will be required to show photo identification for home access, said a city councilman representing the district. 

Prior presidential visits to Los Angeles were not as extensive.  Most involved taking a helicopter from the parked Air Force One at Los Angeles International Airport to the Veterans Administration property on the city’s west side, then a short motorcade to a fundraising destination.

Obama’s many visits to Los Angeles have resulted in a new word bouncing around the city:  Obamajams.

After affected motorists settle down after a night’s rest, they will get smacked again tomorrow morning.

That’s when the president is scheduled to depart from an overnight stay in Beverly Hills, again causing street closures and traffic delays, this time along the way to the airport during the A.M. rush to work.

 

First Lady collects campaign funds in Las Vegas today

No doubt about it, the president and first lady love Las Vegas.

Michelle Obama makes her second visit in little over a month to Las Vegas today, part of a four-state campaign swing, where a breakfast fundraiser carries a price tag of $2,500 a person, notes Grumpy Editor. 

Las Vegas in this election year is high on the charts for the Obamas. 

Nevada is an important swing state in November’s voting. 

President Barack Obama also has made two trips this year to Las Vegas, a city that he knocked in recent years that resulted in scaring off tourist and convention activity. 

In February, 2009, aiming at business gatherings, he declared, “You can’t take a trip to Las Vegas or down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayers dime.”  Then a year later, he warned, “You don’t blow a bunch of cash in Vegas when you’re trying to save for college.” 

With ebbing of visitors in a sour economy, thousands of casino workers lost jobs and Las Vegas rose to the top of the foreclosed homes list in the U.S. 

Last year’s unemployment in Las Vegas, at 13.3 percent, was among the highest in the nation. 

Following the Las Vegas visit, Mrs. Obama is schedule to make campaign stops in Colorado Springs, Colo.; Tucson, Ariz., and Albuquerque, N.M.