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thedrifter
12-26-08, 08:22 PM
Friday, Dec 26, 2008
Posted on Fri, Dec. 26, 2008
Obamas visit aquatic park, eat shave ice on outing


By PHILIP ELLIOTT
Associated Press Writer
A day after spending a quiet Christmas evening at their vacation retreat, President-elect Barack Obama and his children watched a dolphin show at an aquatic park and then picked up some shave ice, a local treat.

Obama and his two daughters, Malia and Sasha, visited Sea Life Park on Friday. Reporters were not allowed to join Obama inside the park, and aides to the president-elect did not immediately have a roster of who joined Obama for the 90-minute visit. Obama's wife, Michelle, was not in reporters' view during the outing.

Visitors to the park said the Obamas attended a dolphin show. Some visitors showed reporters snapshots they took with Obama, who assumes the office of president in less than a month.

Malia and Sasha later ate shave ice at Kokonuts Shave Ice and Snacks while their dad downed a tuna melt.

Obama joked with reporters traveling with him that he would eat his lunch first, to set an example for his daughters. The president-elect then ordered a mound of shave ice, colored orange and green.

He laughed as the children and family friends ordered their snacks, which included flavors such as pina colada, vanilla and cherry.

"I'm not arguing anymore," Obama said in faux exasperation when one of the group's young members asked for a complicated blend of flavors poured on her midday dessert. "I gave up."

He also offered to buy journalists a plastic bowl of the slush - a second offer this week, coming after he offered beer to reporters waiting while he played golf last Sunday.

"Guys, here's your chance," he said. "No? I'm telling you, this is really good."

No one took him up on the offer.

Obama and his family are on a 12-day trip to Obama's native Hawaii, a family vacation the president-elect is trying to keep as private as possible.

Obama has largely stayed out of public view while at a rented vacation home near Honolulu. No speeches, no fundraisers, no forced political meetings. Just family and close friends, holed up behind stone and lava walls at the $9 million beachfront home for his last trip before he takes office on Jan. 20.

So far, it has worked.

Obama has ventured into public only a few times since arriving here from his home in Chicago last Saturday. He brought with him only four aides and his Secret Service detail. His comments to journalists have included little more than jokes about bar tabs or self-deprecating humor about his golf game.

On Friday, Obama made his daily trip to the Semper Fit Center at Marine Corps Base Hawaii and made small talk with onlookers who waited for him to leave the gym.

"You guys have a wonderful new year," Obama said, moving down the makeshift ropeline as visitors snapped pictures with their cell phones.

On Christmas Day, Obama ventured from his home to thank Marines and sailors at the base. He spent more than an hour at the dining hall, posing for pictures between the ham, roast beef and turkey on the buffet. The trip came well after the network evening news programs had aired, a move that allowed him to visit without the suggestion of exploiting the military to get on TV.

"Hey," Obama said as he walked into the mess hall wearing a short-sleeved shirt and slacks, passing by a life-sized Santa Claus. "Just wanted to say 'hi.'"

Obama lingered a few minutes at each table as the Marines and sailors and their families stood to greet their next commander in chief. At other tables, the visitors ate candied sweet potatoes with marshmallow topping, mashed potatoes and simmered corn and broccoli.

It was one of only a handful of trips Obama and his motorcade have taken. He and his wife, Michelle, have visited Marine Corps Base Hawaii for daily morning workouts. Twice, he and friends have played a round of golf. He attended a private memorial service for his grandmother on Tuesday and scattered her ashes into the Pacific Ocean.

And that's been it - something his aides say will keep pace until he returns to Chicago in the new year.

Ellie

thedrifter
12-27-08, 06:17 AM
PresidentelectObamavisitstroops

12/25/2008 By Lance Cpl. Alesha R. Guard , Marine Corps Base Hawaii

MARINE CORPS BASE, Hawaii —Marines and Sailors at Marine Corps Base Hawaii were surprised with a special visitor during their holiday dinner at Anderson Mess Hall Thursday evening.

As the troops enjoyed their turkey and pie, President-elect Barack Obama mingled with the service members and families, wishing all a happy holiday season and thanking them for their service.

"I was most impressed that he met with the Marines and Sailors individually," said Lt. Richard House, Chaplain, MCBH. "It was a 'Wow' moment. He could've been with his family, but he was with Marines and Sailors today. I think that says a lot about him."

To be personally thanked with a smile and handshake for their service meant the world to the Marines and Sailors, House said.

"I was ecstatic to meet the newly elected president," said Seaman Recruit Kywame Summers, storekeeper, Patrol Squadron 47.

Seaman Apprentice Jeff Trenton, Aviation Machinist Mate, VP-47, said the president elect didn't simply make an appearance but took his time eating and speaking one-on-one with the troops.

"He asked where I was from and how I was doing," Trenton said. "To me, it showed he is truly interested in the people who serve our country."

With a big smile and endless enthusiasm, Obama made his way around the mess hall to each table, talking and laughing with the Marines and Sailors.

"It was very generous of him to spend the holiday with service members - to show he cares about the troops and what we're doing," said Sgt. Ashley Thompson, food service specialist, Anderson Mess Hall. "It increased my confidence in him even more. He showed he has the characteristics of a leader, which is what it's going to take to lead our county."

Gunnery Sgt. Henry Pollard, assistant manager, Anderson Mess Hall, said Obama's visit displayed his deep appreciation and concern for service members.

"To come here . . . showed a level of selflessness and showed the level of support we have from him," said Pollard, while enjoying his holiday meal at Anderson Mess Hall with his family.

After Obama's visit, Pollard said he now feels military members have support not only from the president elect but also from his family.

"His wife is behind him 100 percent, understanding his role and him coming out here to be with the troops," Pollard said.

Obama is not 'just talk', Pollard said, because he's still putting in the work to support the people who voted for him.

"He showed the level of commitment he has is going to continue, so that when he is in office he's not going to forget about our military service members," Pollard said.

Lieutenant Col. Thomas W. Ward, base inspector, Base Inspector's Office, HQBN, also enjoyed a greeting from Obama while eating Christmas dinner with his family at the mess hall.

"His visit was so special," said Delilah Ward, spouse. "He was so personable, and made the extra effort to ask everyone their name."

Taking the time to greet each service member and family, displayed what a great leader he is, said Lt. Gen. Keith Stalder, Commanding General, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific.

"He was very gracious and kind to come spend Christmas with us," said Stalder, speaking of the president-elect. "We are so grateful he would do something like this - he cares about the American people because he told them so today," Stalder said.

Ellie