I must have misplaced my outrage for the moment
posted at 8:48 am on January 8, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
According to the Australian press, you and I are “miffed”, “outraged”, and protesting the decision to have former Prime Minister John Howard stay at Blair House instead of President-elect Barack Obama this week. It’s a “hot topic” on the blogs and radio and TV talk shows. I’m glad someone let me know:
John Howard’s decision to stay at the luxurious Blair House mansion in Washington DC has sparked a firestorm of protest in the US.
Outraged American taxpayers are demanding the former Australian prime minister book a hotel or stay at the Australian embassy.
The story is also a hot topic on US radio and TV talk shows.
For weeks the name of the occupant booked at Blair House on January 12 was a mystery.
President-elect Barack Obama and his family asked to stay at Blair House before taking the keys to the White House but were told it was already booked.
It forced Obama, his wife Michelle and young daughters, Malia and Sasha, to stay at a DC hotel, the Hay-Adams.
Howard is in DC to receive a Medal of Freedom from President Bush for his stalwart support of the US in the war on terror. Australia, under Howard’s governance, fought side by side with the US in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Howard provided a clear voice of reason for the fight against radical Islamist terrorists. He did so at considerable risk to his own political career, which apparently ended with his loss to Kevin Rudd in December 2007, after almost twelve years at the helm. (Rudd has also been supportive of the US and the war.)
Tony Blair has also arrived to receive the same medal for the same reason, but he’s staying at the British Embassy, as Bush had already offered Blair House to Howard. Alvaro Uribe, president of Colombia, will also receive a Medal of Freedom for his work in ending abuses and fighting narco-traffickers while holding off FARC terrorists backed by Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez. They will only be in town one night, and we should be happy to offer American hospitality to any of these three men, but Howard and Blair especially.
Besides, the Hay-Adams ain’t exactly Motel 6. I’ve been there for a meeting, and it’s one of the most luxurious hotels in Washington. I don’t think Michelle Obama and the kids are going to be terribly uncomfortable in those digs, “forced” there or not. Please curse me with a room at the Hay-Adams the next time I’m in town in our nation’s capital, if I can’t get the Obama administration to put me up at Blair.
And, oh, by the way — Obama isn’t the President yet. In fact, since he resigned from the Senate, he’s actually just a private citizen at the moment. Howard’s award of the Medal of Freedom is an official act of government, and Howard is here in the US as our guest. It makes more sense to offer the facility to Howard than to Obama.
So how did Australia’s 9 News determine that we’re “miffed”? The reporter read the comments on the Washington Post piece on Obama’s “inconvenient” stay at the Hay-Adams. That’s reporting for you …
Blowback
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Obarfy is the freakin’ MESSIAH, and he has to stay at the Hay-Adams dump?
I smell racism.
Bishop on January 8, 2009 at 8:52 AM
I am terribly miffed… that we couldn’t do even more for Mr. Howard.
myrenovations on January 8, 2009 at 8:52 AM
Yawn
LimeyGeek on January 8, 2009 at 8:53 AM
What- is the Aussie press in a contest with the MSM to see who can have the brownest nose?!
(I know, I know, RACIST!!)
anniekc on January 8, 2009 at 8:54 AM
Rachel Maddow makes comments on the Post blog, eh? Makes sense.
JamesLee on January 8, 2009 at 8:56 AM
Perturbed, nonplussed, chagrined…
I’m none of these things, and doubt seriously if anyone worth listening to, is.
I guess liberal reporters are lying sacks of feces no matter what country they lie to.
heldmyw on January 8, 2009 at 8:56 AM
ROTFLMAO… Does anyone wonder why most people get their news from the internet now instead of these tools???
doriangrey on January 8, 2009 at 8:57 AM
Hey Gang -
Don’t forget. Barry is America’s “gift to the world”.
I gotta go. I’ve got a little throw up in my mouth.
kingsjester on January 8, 2009 at 8:57 AM
I dunno…maybe Olbermouth & Air (anti-)America mentioned it.
jgapinoy on January 8, 2009 at 8:57 AM
An honest non-snarky question comes to mind- Obama was a senator for
four2 1/2 years there- didn’t he have a place there, or was he so sure he’d get elected he sold it once he started campaigning? I suppose it’s possible that the Secret Service felt it couldn’t provide adequate security, but I’d like to know.Scott P on January 8, 2009 at 8:59 AM
The Obama family WILL be staying at Blair House before taking the White House as is traditional. What they asked for and didn’t get is to move in before Blair House is customarily made available to the incoming POTUS.
The Bush Administration has been utterly gracious and cooperative in this transition. Contrast this to the Clinton hijinks in the previous transition. But, the drive by media needs something to snipe at, and this outrage that George Bush is still President will have to do.
Pablo on January 8, 2009 at 8:59 AM
Those MSM dirtbags can blow it out their ears. I’d be glad to contribute to Howard’s lodging bill as a taxpayer or a private citizen . . . he’s a great friend of America and a great leader.
rplat on January 8, 2009 at 8:59 AM
I spent the week after Christmas in DC visiting old colleagues and family, and was taken aback by the overall mood in the Capital. Seems we are headed for a Coronation instead of an Inauguration.
Private homes in Great Falls and Potomac are being rented out for upwards of $3k for the week of the Inaugural since all the major hotels have been booked within a 50 miles radius of DC. Washington, DC government will spend a lion’s share of its public safety budget on Inaugural activies. The tourist shlock “celebrating” The “O” has already prevaded the entire city…it is everywhere. The entire block around the Hay-Adams is already behind a barrier of police and roadblocks.
But, what is forgotten by most, is that until 12:00 noon on the 20th George W. Bush will still be The President, not a moment before that hour.
If the President wishes to put up a homeless family from Podunk in Blair House, that is his Right. Blair House is the official guest house for the White House. That Bush set it aside for the Australian Prime Minister is well within the bounds. That Bush has been so accommodating to the incoming President-elect thus far is apparently not enough for the Obamaniacs. Will Obama and the Dems be so accommodating in January 2013?
coldwarrior on January 8, 2009 at 9:00 AM
First I’ve heard of it. Too bad I don’t really care.
loudmouth883 on January 8, 2009 at 9:00 AM
So you don’t like it when people lazily refer to “americans” as if they are a single entity?
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
MattMacD on January 8, 2009 at 9:00 AM
Yeah, what’s up with that?
And you ain’t kidding, the Hay-Adams Hotel is sweeet. It’s right near the White House too.
JetBoy on January 8, 2009 at 9:01 AM
Seriously, I’ve walked through the lobby of the Hay-Adams and let me say it is one of the nicest hotel lobbies I have ever seen. So cry me a river Obamanics.
Lance Murdock on January 8, 2009 at 9:02 AM
Maybe Tony Rezko and his wife can help obama buy a house in DC.
bullseye on January 8, 2009 at 9:04 AM
Wow, you mean by reading these posts I am an official “reporter” too. Cool.
Sugar Land on January 8, 2009 at 9:04 AM
Inconvenienced? I’ll tell you who’s inconvenienced. It’s anybody who has to catch a bus in downtown northwest DC in the evening, because they’re all rerouted to bypass the “perimeter” around the Hay-Adams. This town is practically an armed camp as it is.
Now, once they put Leon in the driver’s seat at the CIA, I can finally relax and feel safe. Until then, however, certain sacrifices must be made…
manwithblackhat on January 8, 2009 at 9:04 AM
What a joke they are making of the upcoming Obama Presidency. They make the man look like a true dufus; small, and whiny.
DannoJyd on January 8, 2009 at 9:05 AM
Apparenly all the K Street Republicans have headed out of town next week.. Everyone booked their weddings, beach vacations, trips to the playoffs and Vegas for that time period.
And I agree with you that the whole Obama imagery is extra creepy. There are still banners “congratulating” the Messiah outside gov’t buildings in Chicago.
Illinidiva on January 8, 2009 at 9:08 AM
I thought Blair house was first come first served and John Howard got there first. The Aussies don’t seem to understand that being president of the USA (POTUS) grants no special priviledge to the office holder. The President is simply a regular citizen with a high office. We are not England. We have no royalty. Thats why we kicked the brits out. We are a nation free of being a colony and not beholding to the crown.
kanda on January 8, 2009 at 9:09 AM
You see, the problem is that Blair has a “Whites only” policy. It’s racism doncha know.
Kafir on January 8, 2009 at 9:10 AM
Well, there was no room for Mary and Joseph the night Jesus was born, so they had to stay in the manger….
So. Many. Parallels.
revolutionismyname on January 8, 2009 at 9:13 AM
Obama should feel lucky if the computers in the WH still have “O”s on them when he gets there, but the Bush team has more class than the Clinton team did.
cs89 on January 8, 2009 at 9:13 AM
Scott P, per your query about Obama’s housing as Senator, for the FEW DAYS he was even in DC as a Senator (spent more days away from the city running for Prez).
Michelle Obama in a recent interview stated she NEVER has spent the night with good old Barry in his Bachelor Apartment digs in DC. She refused to even consider “making do” there during this “inconvenient” 3 weeks of homelessness before they take over the Whitehouse.
Then it is Conservatism in exile, however I would submit that Conservatism has rarely been seen in this city since Newt left and Reagan withdrew from public life.
karenhasfreedom on January 8, 2009 at 9:13 AM
I never cease to be impressed by comments like the one above. They add SO much to the discussion.
With regard to the article, 9MSN does not allow comments to the article. It has a “Contact Us” link, but the link is for contacting them regarding news stories, or with photos.
Junk like this article can only drive a wedge between us and the Aussies. I really regret that the reporter seems to have decided “What Americans Think” based on “What The Reporter Thinks Americans Ought To Think.”
__________
RJGatorEsq. on January 8, 2009 at 9:14 AM
Couldn’t George Soros buy him a condo or something?
angryed on January 8, 2009 at 9:15 AM
Let’s see. What am I outraged about?
The trillion dollars the government is forcing me to pay to sh*tty companies and banks?
The nanny state this nation is becoming?
The lack of ‘change’ Mein Fuhrer has chosen for his cabinet?
The open borders that allows 3,000 American citizens to be murdered each year by illegal aliens?
The mercury-filled bulbs the government tells me are good for the environment but dangerous to my health?
Oh, yeah. A head-of-state staying in a hotel. I must have forgotten.
madmonkphotog on January 8, 2009 at 9:17 AM
No, G*d BLESS John Howard!
G*d BLESS Tony Blair!
Oh and…
G*d please damn Katie Couric for her foamy version of events. I watched her last night not just golden shower Aussie’s boy Johnny but W. and frankly the war on terror. She’s no Kimberly Dozier!!
HotAirJosef on January 8, 2009 at 9:17 AM
I remember when Obama asked and they said, sorry we already promised Blair House to someone else. I do not recall any protests or yells about that. This is just common sense. When some one is using an asset prior to you (and the time when it is yours to give out), well first come first serve.
There have to be dozens of mega rich Obama supporters in and around DC who would just love to host the President Elect and his wife at their homes. I think how John and Abigail Adams were treated, when they went to the Presidential Home and found George Washington took the silverware, furniture and basically left the shell of a house. Or when they went to the new “White House” which was half constructed in a muddy wilderness. We have grown weak as a people if this is a controversy.
Mr. Joe on January 8, 2009 at 9:17 AM
Ummm…yeah. This is the first I’ve heard of it.
vcferlita on January 8, 2009 at 9:17 AM
I’m just miffed at the fact that I didn’t know I was perturbed.
That leaves me in an outrage.
geckomon on January 8, 2009 at 9:19 AM
The world must have been one sorry, scary place for millions of people based on their glowing adoration of the Messiah. How lost and desperate do you have to feel to hang your hat on this guy. I’m just waiting for the photo of someone getting down to wipe off his shoes as he makes his way through crowds of adoring worshippers.
sherry on January 8, 2009 at 9:22 AM
???
I’m a fan of history, but never heard this before. Do you have a source where I could learn more about this?
cs89 on January 8, 2009 at 9:24 AM
The way its being reported in the Australian media is that Obama was kicked out of his bed by Bush so one of his lackey’s could have it.
Fortunately most people in Australia aren’t a complete bunch of morons and aren’t easily suckered in by this type of shoddy sensationalism.
That’s part of the reason why there always was and continues to be such strong support in Australia for the war on Terror and Australia’s involvement in it by the silent majority of Australian’s who see this type of behaviour by the media as little more than a cheap shot by left wing blowhards who have a personal dislike of the former Prime Minister.
As for Obama having to go to a hotel instead, so what. Traditionally the President elect doesn’t take up residence in Blair house until a couple of days before the inauguration anyway. The only reason he made the request in the first place was because he was coming to Washington early to get his daughters settled into school. And from what I hear the booking for Prime Minister Howard was made before Obama was even elected so as far as I’m concerned its a non issue.
Dreadnought223 on January 8, 2009 at 9:29 AM
Thanks. Must’ve been a real dump…
Scott P on January 8, 2009 at 9:30 AM
I truly despise so many in the media. Truly. The only ones outraged are the liberal reporters and the idiots they are able to stir up over something this stupid.
pannw on January 8, 2009 at 9:30 AM
Also, imbedded in this story is this tidbit about Obama, who wins the World’s Biggest Jackass Award:
Buy Danish on January 8, 2009 at 9:31 AM
It was in the John Adams book and miniseries. When they got to the President’s house in NYC at the end of episode 5, the place was basically a dump.
Illinidiva on January 8, 2009 at 9:35 AM
Agenda driven journalism lives Down Under too.
petefrt on January 8, 2009 at 9:36 AM
I am much more concerned about the health of the porn industry than this story.
rbj on January 8, 2009 at 9:37 AM
The rules and traditions that governed all of those other Presidents mean nothing to Obama. He’s all about the ego trip. That’s why he asked for a meeting of all the living US Presidents this week. Obama wanted another issues-free photo opportunity, and figured getting a rub from the other Presidents couldn’t hurt, either.
“See? I’m a great President, I’m just as tall as these guys!”
hawksruleva on January 8, 2009 at 9:44 AM
George Washington, whose term began in 1789, never lived in The White House because it hadn’t been built yet, so can we assume that that’s satire or something?
Buy Danish on January 8, 2009 at 9:44 AM
Obama is just a citizen, as pointed out, I doubt Obama will ever receive as high of stature from his peers as Howard has.
right2bright on January 8, 2009 at 9:48 AM
2000 years ago the Messiah’s parents had to stay in a barn and he was born amid Hay. History redux.
Paul-Cincy on January 8, 2009 at 9:50 AM
At least a sentiment promoted by the mid-stream media with which I can agree.
mr.blacksheep on January 8, 2009 at 9:51 AM
As The Princess might put it, “We’re like, you know, all pissed off and sh*t about it…whatever.”
whitetop on January 8, 2009 at 9:51 AM
Yes, but there was a house set aside for the President in the nation’s first two capitals, NYC and Philly. Washington’s servants basically took everything when he left in 1797. It was in the John Adams’ miniseries at the end of the fifth episode.
Illinidiva on January 8, 2009 at 9:53 AM
Slightly OT: Obama says “recession will worsen without bold action… and if it doesn’t, by God, I’ll make it worsen!”
Get ready for stagflation, here comes Jimmah again.
mr.blacksheep on January 8, 2009 at 9:54 AM
“So if he’s ginned up to fight the good fight in Iraq, I would suggest he calls up another 20,000 Australians and sends them up to Iraq”
“ginned up” is that a slur on Howard’s Irish background?
max1 on January 8, 2009 at 9:54 AM
But…but…but…Obama’s the President-Elect! He even had podium placards made so it’s shown every time he’s spoken since November.
NCJeff on January 8, 2009 at 9:55 AM
“Obama isn’t the President yet. In fact, since he resigned from the Senate, he’s actually just a private citizen at the moment. ”
Most obnoxious nitpicky statement of 2009 so far.
Had McCain won and he wanted the house, you would have shat upon Howard for being frequently critical of Bush and not deserving the house.
Next.
Dave Rywall on January 8, 2009 at 9:57 AM
How about if the Obama’s got to Australia and Howard stays here?
ctmom on January 8, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Illinidiva on January 8, 2009 at 9:35 AM
Thanks. I watched most of the series, and remember the White House scenes. Must have missed the Washington-Adams transition somehow.
I’ll be looking to watch it again, and remember to pay attention to that part.
cs89 on January 8, 2009 at 10:01 AM
McCain would not have had the bad taste and sense of entitlement to demand that he be able to take up residence in Blair House before the customary time to do so.
As for Howard being critical of Bush, please provide specifics. The fact is that when it comes to 9/11, the Iraq War, and the W.O.T. in general, Howard has been squarely on Bush’s side.
Next.
Buy Danish on January 8, 2009 at 10:04 AM
McCain knows how to make his own accomodations for transition periods. Obama apparently thinks government timetables and facilities need to bend to accomodate his personal/family whims and needs.
He made a request, the request was denied. Justification was given for the denial- we’ve already booked the space for a foreign dignitary. Now we know who it was.
If Howard is hosting Obama or Clinton in the future, and an Australian official asked for the space already assigned to them, would they defer in that instance?
Maybe, but somehow I kind of doubt it.
cs89 on January 8, 2009 at 10:06 AM
That would be an excellent trade. I lived in Australia for almost the entire duration of Howard’s tenure, and he was a very good Prime Minister (his failure to lower the marginal tax rate in any meaningful way notwithstanding). he was pragmatic and had a way of connecting with the people with simple common sense. He was somewhat like Reagan in that he communicated past a hostile media directly to the people.
He was the guy who said (or supported the assertion of one of his cabinet members) to the effect of: “Our courts interpret the law as passed by Parliament. If you want to live under Sharia, maybe Australia’s not for you.”
mr.blacksheep on January 8, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Bullshit.
The fact is, if McCain had been turned away, he would have understood it was for a good reason and wouldn’t have made an issue about it.
Or, he would have stormed in, with his bare hands and a jungle knife between his teeth, hunted down the culprit, and found out what was going on. Upon seeing his old friend Howard, he would have had a drink up and camped down in the lobby with him, under a coolibah tree. They would have sang as they watched and waited till their billies boiled, and then gone out to waste some terrorists for you and me.
Summer on January 8, 2009 at 10:07 AM
mystery solved.
Now someone need to tell the Australian press he doesn’t speak for us or the US. Prime Minister John Howard is welcome to stay anywhere he want in the US – and stay for the next 4 years.
batterup on January 8, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Wonder if Australia 9 News was able to drum up any outrage over the shoe-throwing incident?
whitetop on January 8, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Well, maybe like Bill and Hill, Obama is going to take advantage of fat cat rich friends’ hospitality. You know, the democrats “you owe me” mentality, you know.
Johan Klaus on January 8, 2009 at 10:08 AM
what, the Lincoln bedroom wasn’t available? Seems that it was back in the 90′s, hmm, I digress.
maineconservative on January 8, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Well at least the Australian reporters do as thorough a job of reporting as the media in the U.S.A..
Johan Klaus on January 8, 2009 at 10:14 AM
I am outraged that Obama must go Cadillac instead of Rolls Royce.
Get Real, Ozzies.
BKennedy on January 8, 2009 at 10:17 AM
When you have two people who have suckled off the teat of white guilt, entitlement and affirmative action, it is no wonder the Obama’s think they should be in Blair house weeks ahead of any other President.
God Bless what’s left of this country!
katy on January 8, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Olbermann thinks Bush did this deliberately to insult Obama
cyclosarin on January 8, 2009 at 10:18 AM
MSNBC is quite miffed about it. Chris Matthews especially because the Blair house is being used by an Iraq war supporter (we used to call them allies).
This is the kind of thing people that move deal with. We have done it several times. The Obama girls are young, they could have started school a few days late, or they can stay in the fabulous hotel.
The other thing MSNBC is outraged about is the china Laura Bush bought – in these tough economic times. It was paid with private money, and the manufacturer was American. Not a word about the expense of the Obama inauguration (or the price of the Hay Adams!) in these tough economic times.
MayBee on January 8, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Boo hoo. Obama wants people to jump through hoops for him just because he is Obama. It doesn’t matter how trivial.
This is probably the first time he has heard the word “no” in a while.
reaganaut on January 8, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Wait till Harry and Nancy start saying no to BHO, and they will at some point, watch the violins will come out.
maineconservative on January 8, 2009 at 10:25 AM
We’d offer the Obamas our guest room in our house in suburban Maryland. I’m sure he could help me with Blue Book citation form.
Attila (Pillage Idiot) on January 8, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Silly people. He can’t have his family at his Senate apartment. That’s where he keeps his birth certificate and his gay porn stashed.
/sarc….NOT!?
mrsmwp on January 8, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Oh, leave Soros alone. Hasn’t he done enough for Obama, getting him that soon-to-be-vacant place over on NW Penn?
Snowed In on January 8, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Olbermann thinks Bush did this deliberately to insult Obama
Yeah, this is what I believe happened. Bush PURPOSELY did it to embarrass, inconvenience, and upstage Obama for the negative publicity.
What the freak planet is Olby from? His logic just doesn’t even make sense! Talk about BDS!!! EVERYTHING is Bush’s fault!
tru2tx on January 8, 2009 at 10:39 AM
For the record, shrieky yahoos, I don’t give a sh1t if Obama gets the house or doesn’t get the house. I think Howard should have given it up just to be a nice guy. He didn’t. Who really cares. The media have whipped this up into something when it’s less than nothing. That Bush was secretive about who was using the house was pretty stupid and the media took it to a new level of stupid from there.
Dave Rywall on January 8, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Which is but a half-step up from the fever swamps of the DUmp.
steveegg on January 8, 2009 at 10:59 AM
I looked up the Hay-Adam hotel the other day, and calculated that it was probably costing from 200k and up for Obama and brood to stay there.
At 2300 a day per luxury suite (and they probably need more than one, having the grandma and girls), I believe it was, this place is similar in cost to the digs they rented for their Hawaiian vacation.
I looked on the various menus, too – looked delicious!
Plus they have arugula.
Alana on January 8, 2009 at 11:13 AM
I think that has been taken care of.
drunyan8315 on January 8, 2009 at 11:17 AM
I’ve been in the presidential suite at the Hay-Adams. Let’s just say it’s probably the best digs the Obamas have ever stayed in, with the possible exeception of the $8 million beachfront manse they stayed in during their Hawaii vacation.
Obama wanted Blair House for the symbolism. He was trying to start the Inauguration as soon as possible.
rockmom on January 8, 2009 at 11:20 AM
I don’t have a clue as to why anyone listens to this idiot in the first place.
Pulchritudinous Patriot on January 8, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Howard is more of an American patriot than Obama is. I’m glad he’s in the mansion.
Grafted on January 8, 2009 at 11:24 AM
The food there is to die for. One of the best restaurants in DC.
rockmom on January 8, 2009 at 11:25 AM
You know, I was just sitting here on my lunch break, cruising along enjoying reading these posts, and then I come across this nonsense. Now I’ve not only lost my appetite, but my good mood.
Nothing constructive or intelligent to add, Dave? Then STFU.
UltimateBob on January 8, 2009 at 11:27 AM
The hypocrisy here is just too good to pass by without commentary.
For the past week we’ve seen the filthy bastard remain silent on the issue of Israel and the Gaza because “we only have one President at a time.” Yet, that same rule doesn’t seem to apply to the use of the official guest house of the President of the United States. The leader of another nation and strong ally is making an official visit and somehow the Bush administration is supposed to put PM Howard up at the local Ramada Inn because the Obama’s want to move in two weeks early?
Filthy bastard was offered accomodations at one of the DOD facilities nearby but turned it down for posh digs in Lafayette Square. I’m outraged but it isn’t at the fact that filthy bastard isn’t in Blair House it is that the media is already skewing the news to fit the story they want to tell, not the reality of the situation.
highhopes on January 8, 2009 at 11:30 AM
You know, I was just sitting here on my lunch break, cruising along enjoying reading these posts, and then I come across this nonsense. Now I’ve not only lost my appetite, but my good mood.
Nothing constructive or intelligent to add, Dave? Then STFU.
UltimateBob on January 8, 2009 at 11:27 AM
—————–
Sorry the internet isn’t helping your dreams come true, drama queen.
Dave Rywall on January 8, 2009 at 11:31 AM
BuyDanish- Washington never lived in the White House. Adams was the first president to do so.
I can’t believe that no one has mad the Messiah connection… he arrives in D.C. only to find that there is no room at the Blair House.
espnjunkie on January 8, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Aren’t you Canadian? Have you ever been to DC? Do you even comprehend that Blair House is a lot more than a nice room across from the White House? That it has security features that are appropriate in protecting and accomodating visiting heads of state? That Howard was probably scheduled to be there for months and it’s not the kind of logistics detail that one puts on a marquee outside the residence? That nobody went to Howard and asked if he was willing to sleep on the sofa in the Blue Room since the filthy bastard, his ghetto-chic wife, and two snotty kids needed a place to crash before the bastard takes power and destroys the nation???
I’m asking all these questions because that is probably the most moronic post of the day.
highhopes on January 8, 2009 at 11:36 AM
I’m disappointed he isn’t trying to emulate Lincoln and skulk into the city by train in the middle of the night the day before inaguration. It would be so much easier to watch this nation going down the tubes without all this faux ceremony that the filthy bastard has lined up for the days prior to the day he is able to start destroying America.
highhopes on January 8, 2009 at 11:38 AM
Mr Howard , enjoy your stay. You booked it, you got it. No doubt the White House suggested it. No one is miffed.
pat on January 8, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Well, there was no room for Mary and Joseph the night Jesus was born, so they had to stay in the manger….
So. Many. Parallels.
+5
Jvette on January 8, 2009 at 11:45 AM
You have a very strange concept of hospitality toward an invited guest.
James on January 8, 2009 at 11:46 AM
a new level of stupid…
Dave Rywall on January 8
Pot, meet kettle.
SKYFOX on January 8, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Aren’t you Canadian? Have you ever been to DC? Do you even comprehend that Blair House is a lot more than a nice room across from the White House? That it has security features that are appropriate in protecting and accomodating visiting heads of state? That Howard was probably scheduled to be there for months and it’s not the kind of logistics detail that one puts on a marquee outside the residence? That nobody went to Howard and asked if he was willing to sleep on the sofa in the Blue Room since the filthy bastard, his ghetto-chic wife, and two snotty kids needed a place to crash before the bastard takes power and destroys the nation???
I’m asking all these questions because that is probably the most moronic post of the day.
highhopes on January 8, 2009 at 11:36 AM
——-
I already said I didn’t give sh1t whether or not the “filthy bastard” got the house.What is “filthy bastard” supposed to mean? I’m surprised you didn’t call him the Magic Negro Black Person of Colour Who Looks Different From The Rest Of Us Americans.
As for the arrangements for a visiting head of state, there have been many many many occasions during which there have been multiple heads of state in DC at the same time and made whatever arrangements they needed to make elsewhere.
As for your calling Obama’s wife “ghetto-chic”, why would you call her that? Because you’re a racist? Because you have evidence that she’s from a ghetto? Or something?
As for your calling his kids snotty, well, that’s just so insightful based on some kind of evidence you clearly have been amassing in your parents’ basement/trailer where you probably live. But t would be interesting to hear why you think they’re snotty.
If all you’re going to do is complain like a sobby little girl for the next 4 years, the stress and anger is going to shave years off your life. So please, by all means, carry on. But give the racism a rest.
Dave Rywall on January 8, 2009 at 11:53 AM
espn junkie – I watched the Oberman video, and I believe the lady reporter DID make the connection of “no room at the inn.”
These so-called news reporters should be taken out back and shot.
I don’t fault Obama for asking, since the family needed to be in DC early for the girls’ school. But it was an outside chance, at best, and I’m sure he knew that. These things are arranged months in advance, and it is hardly surprising that bookings had already been made.
And no, you don’t just dump several families or delegations in there at once (14 guest bedrooms or no), because it is not a hotel. That is a crazy expectation on the part of these so-called newscasters.
Then the reporter says “I have a feeling” [that the Bushes dug up the former Australian prime minister at the last minute just to have an excuse] – and this is supposed to pass as news reporting??? That is just astounding!
Totally astounding. Anyone who watches this sort of “news” for their information deserves to be an ill-informed idiot.
Alana on January 8, 2009 at 11:54 AM
What’s more, the Aussie reporter was never identified, so no feedback was possible.
RMCS_USN on January 8, 2009 at 12:03 PM
I count exactly two people (term loosely applied) who are complaining about this. Neither of them have “Obama” as a last name. Both of them work for MSNBC.
BobMbx on January 8, 2009 at 12:07 PM
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