Fight Erupts Over First Lady's Travel Costs

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I thought the look on Michelle's face in that Target shopping photo op was very revealing. She managed to look snotty, smug, condescending, and dismissive all at once. Like, "There, that ought to fool the stupid masses." "And if it doesn't, I could pooking care less!"
And what is the deal with listing her kids as staff? Were they being paid or something? Was that to legitimize her trip as "part business"?
Face it, she's nasty.

GrandeMarm of NY 6:53PM October 05, 2011

"The hourly rate is not the marginal cost of operating the plane—it is an accounting figure that prices in a number of fixed costs from maintaining the Air Force fleet for this kind of plane over a year. For example, it includes estimated replacement parts, depreciation, repairs, and costs that would have been incurred regardless of this flight," said an official." The procedure discredited by the WH is standard accounting practice used to amortize non variable costs over the activity of the cost center. Their response shows that they, like Bozo the clown, are dishonest, and have absolutely no business experience or knowledge. Incidentally, when the, Admin beloved, IRS creates the mileage credit for business use of an auto ($.30 mi) they include insurance, depreciation, repairs, etc. Ain't that amazing!
Easily the most incompetant and corrupt WH in history.

hughglass of IL 6:45PM October 05, 2011

Sounds like Ms Obama and the family took a little vacation back to Africa to visit relatives somewhere in the bush.
They could have saved some money leaving her kids and old woman at home.

Mitt Romney of MA 6:44PM October 05, 2011

Why aren't we talking about Michelle listing her daughters as WH employees?
O and Michelle are outliers.
No wonder she had to have a photo op at Target.
She must of been steaming.
How dare taxpayers question her lavish lifestyle.
I still want to see coverage of the $10ml travel expense us lowly taxpayers got a bill for last year.

KansasGirl of KS 5:55PM October 05, 2011

So, reporting the truth is a "hatchet job"? Media Matters has lost credibility and those that believe their tripe get what they deserve.

Della B of MA 5:43PM October 05, 2011

Even if the Judicial Watch numbers are off by 2 x... that stupid cow would still have wasted over $ 200,000 tax dollars. So what is the point of Media Matter's point? It doesn't really have one does it?That trip to Africa had absolutely no relevance to anyone or anything of importance here in America. It was a friggin vacation and sight-seeing trip nothing more. Screw Michelle, she should get a bill for all the parties and vacations she and Barry have been having on our dime.

Martin of IL 5:36PM October 05, 2011

"...it includes estimated replacement parts, depreciation, repairs, and costs that would have been incurred regardless of this flight," said an official."
Hey "official, FYI if the plane hadn't been used for a taxpayer paid junket, why would it need any of that stuff? If you don't drive your car, do you perform maintenance (change the oil, rotate the tires, etc) or order replacement parts? Regardless of the costs, Michelle & Obummer are leaches on the teat of America and need to be cut off.

Sick ofthe Extravagance of NC 5:34PM October 05, 2011

So Judicial Watch - the organization that went after the Bush White House as much as the Clinton one - is a "CONSERVATIVE public watchdog group" but Media Matters - MEDIA MATTERS for crying out loud! - is merely a "press watchdog"???
Some reporters make the liberal bias charge too easy.
Paul Bedard, such writing is completely beneath you.

AtomicFX of MN 5:33PM October 05, 2011

Steve Grant--Just one more useful idiot to add to the Obozo crowd! Don't worry, you'll all have a glorious time for a few more months and then everything changes! Mitt Romney's going to wipe the floor and five votes from my household are going to help him do it! Go Romney!

bolsen of CA 5:32PM October 05, 2011

These trips are a disgrace. The family has wasted money on vacation after vacation, dinners out, shopping expeditions, and entertaining family and friends on our dollar. The rest of the country is forgotten; they could care less.........shameful...

Sharon of TX 5:31PM October 05, 2011