by Mark Silva
There's a saying about presidents and Air Force One, when it comes to Las Vegas: He who lands in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas long.
Sometimes, it's a matter of dropping in on a convention, the way former President George W. Bush did with the National Guard meeting there. An air traffic control problem in the region delayed flights out of Vegas that day, but Air Force One sure got out of town - leaving the press charter marooned and reporters stranded for the night at the Bellagio. Or addressing Legionnaires on the war on terror.
Sometimes, it's a matter of raising money, the way President Barack Obama will help Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) raise it on May 26.
Our colleagues at The Ticket report that Reid is drawing Bette Midler and Sheryl Crow for the evening's entertainment -- and Obama for a headliner at the party fundraiser in the Colloseum at Caesers Palace. Our own source confirms the date.
Never mind that Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman hasn't recovered yet from Obama's own offhand remark about Sin City and the corporate excess of retreats there:
"You can't get corporate jets. You can't go take a trip to Las Vegas, or go down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayers' dime,'' Obama said in February. "There has got to be some accountability and some responsibility, and that's something that I intend to impose as president of the United States.''
Obama, on his way to a campaign event in Vegas last summer, acknowledged that he collects lucky tokens in his travels. With Middle Eastern leaders scheduled for visits at the White House on May 26 and 28, the Vegas trip could become a challenge, it seems -- unless the president wants to bring his visitors along. They might all get lucky.
Goodman says this of Obama's planned visit: He hopes that "somebody places me close to him so I can get him to do the right thing and tell people that he recognizes Las Vegas as a great spot for serious meetings."
(Photo by John Handley, Chicago Tribune)
Comments
Meanwhile, in the real world, one business is making out like bandits--the government business.
Under Obama, federal government hiring and wages have soared. Plus the Dem Congress has given itself a raise. Even CBS is reporting this--see: http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/05/12/business/econwatch/entry5007862.shtml
So much for "shared sacrifice."
Posted by: Dissent is Patriotic | May 12, 2009 11:42 AM
Just like when this issue cropped up the first time, the media apparently is too lazy to focus on what Obama actually said (although he is quoted here with the crucial context): Obama didn't diss Las Vegas or those who want to travel there - the issue was that they can't have lavish parties and meetings at resorts *on the taxpayer's money*. Is that so hard to comprehend? Is it too much to ask corporations being bailed out by the public to use that money as it is intended and don't throw it out of the window?
Posted by: Candia | May 12, 2009 12:07 PM
Posted by: Dissent is Patriotic | May 12, 2009 11:42 AM
Although dissent IS patriotic, he is a hypocrite. When he is on the outside looking in, he has changed his view. Before his name was dissent is unamerican.
Posted by: bill r. | May 12, 2009 12:23 PM
For once, the LA Times, the Trib's sister newspaper, nails it:
"And what better way for a new Democratic administration to symbolize cutting out excess in a time of hardship for millions of Americans than to hold a mega-fundraiser in Las Vegas, that urban personification of understatement, for a guy with millions in hand already and no one to spend it against?"
Posted by: Dissent is Patriotic | May 12, 2009 1:24 PM
Candia, the reality is that the Obama badministration has attacked corporate meetings and get togethers whether those companies received taxpayer dollars or not. Places like Vegas depend on those corporate events, which means the folks working at the hotels, restaurants, casinos, attractions, etc. do too. But it does seem to be the Left's mission to destroy the U.S. economy and make everyone a ward of the state.
Posted by: John D | May 13, 2009 11:54 AM
Candia,
Is Obama hitchhiking to Vegas or is he flying out there on the taxpayers dime?
Posted by: Terry | May 13, 2009 10:38 PM