Blogger Rips Obama¿s Spain Vacation
A New York Daily News blogger says Michelle Obama is throwing away taxpayers’ money on a luxury vacation in Spain. The White House denied the allegations.
The blog by political commentator and former Republican campaign strategist Andrea Tantaros compares Obama to Marie Antoinette, and claims Obaba has 70 Secret Service people with her on the trip.
“Michelle Obama seems more like a modern-day Marie Antoinette - the French queen who spent extravagantly on clothes and jewels without a thought for her subjects' plight - than an average mother of two,” Tantaros said.
The accusations brought a quick rebuttal from the Obamas, who said they are paying for the vacation themselves and there is a “minimal” Secret Service crew with the First Lady.
On Friday, Spanish police cleared off a stretch of beach in Estepona for Michelle Obama and daughter Sasha to relax by the Mediterranean after a busy day of sightseeing.
Police used palm trees Friday to mark off the boundaries of a 100-meter (100-yard) expanse for the American delegation. On either side, onlookers gawked.
As the first lady rested inside a canvas hut by the shore, her 9-year-old daughter splashed around in the sea and a security guard swam with her.
The Obamas arrived Wednesday for a five-day private stay, although Mrs. Obama is to meet with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia Sunday at their summer residence on Mallorca.
On Thursday they toured Granada, taking in the Alhambra palace and the city's cathedral and watching a flamenco show.