Obama’s Oval Office Makeover
EmailFrom Ann Compton and Sunlen Miller:
Faced with a deteriorating economic horizon and while President Obama was vacationing in Martha’s Vineyard the Oval Office received a makeover, complete with a new carpet, new wallpaper and new furniture.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs – when asked by ABC’s Ann Compton in an interview this morning – downplayed the changes, saying that it was not “a whole lot different” than it looked a few days ago, and stressed that taxpayers did not foot the bill for the makeover.
“Some very modest changes not paid for at taxpayer expense,” Gibbs said, “As many presidents want to put their own little stamp on the office they spend so much time in, the president has done that in his own very modest way.”
The White House says the cost of the redesign was “in line with the amount spent by Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush on the redesigns of their Oval Office.”
The focal point of the room – the expensive sunburst carpet designed by then-First Lady Laura Bush has been replaced. The new beige carpet installed by President Obama features a traditional presidential seal in the center, with multiple quotes from former presidents, and one by Martin Luther King are around the border.
The quotes — described as being “of meaning” to and selected by President Obama — are:
“The Only Thing We Have to Fear is Fear Itself” – President Franklin D. Roosevelt
“The Arc of the Moral Universe is Long, But it Bends Towards Justice” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Government of the People, By the People, For the People” – President Abraham Lincoln
“No Problem of Human Destiny is Beyond Human Beings” – President John F. Kennedy
“The Welfare of Each of Us is Dependent Fundamentally Upon the Welfare of All of Us” – President Theodore Roosevelt
The rug was produced by Scott Group, an American carpet manufacturer headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan and paid for by the non-profit White House Historical Association through a contribution from the Presidential Inaugural Committee. The Scott Group had previously made Oval Office rugs for former President Bill Clinton as well as rugs for the White House State Dining Room.
The wallpaper is now striped with two tones of beige and gold tones, replacing the formerly plain eggshell walls. The handmade wallpaper was produced in Amagansett, N.Y and the trim around the re-painted with American-made Benjamin Moore paint custom-mixed by Donald Kaufman Color.
Modern furniture now adorns the office – an updated coffee table, made out of American walnut and mica and lamps with blue ceramic bases and cream lamp shapes.
The two sofas – formerly beige and tan — have been replaced by fluffier light brown ones, with small striped throw pillows. The couches were custom-made in New York, the White House says. The fabric, with red, white and blue threads running through it, was woven in Pennsylvania.
The president now has a new brown leather desk chair, which the White House says was produced in New York.
The two-arm chairs previously used by President George W. Bush were reupholstered, changed from the more formal blue and cream striped, to now brown leather.
The Resolute Desk – the iconic piece of furniture of the Oval Office – has stayed in place.
The furniture removed from the Oval Office will remain the property of the White House and will be placed in a storage facility.
Presidents usually update the Oval Office to their liking when they take office, but when he first arrived last year, the president declared he liked the carpet and decor and saw no need for immediate redecorating.
Shortly before taking office in January of 2009 White House advisor Valerie Jarrett told ABC News Obama "loves" the sunburst carpet that President Bush and Mrs. Bush designed for the office, and that it was too early to redecorate the office.
Instead the president added small touches to his workspace, rather than a major facelift.
Last March President Obama added a bronze bust of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr to his office. And on MLK day this January the president hung a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation, on loan from the Smithsonian Museum of American History, on a wall in his office where it would hang for six months before being moved to the Lincoln Bedroom.
The nation will get their first glimpse of the president in his newly decorated office this evening when he addresses the nation on the end of the combat mission in Iraq. Under traditional White House protocol, the network television camera will be allowed to focus only on the President at his desk, without wider angle views of the new spruced-up furniture.
The Oval Office was designed by architect Nathan C. Wyeth at the order of President William Howard Taft in 1909. It was damaged by fire in 1929 and rebuilt by President Herbert C. Hoover, and later enlarged to the Oval office known today by Eric Gulfer at the order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- Ann Compton and Sunlen Miller
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The quotes — described as being “of meaning” to and selected by President Obama — are:
“The Only Thing We Have to Fear is Fear Itself” – President Franklin D. Roosevelt
“The Arc of the Moral Universe is Long, But it Bends Towards Justice” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Government of the People, By the People, For the People” – President Abraham Lincoln
“No Problem of Human Destiny is Beyond Human Beings” – President John F. Kennedy
“The Welfare of Each of Us is Dependent Fundamentally Upon the Welfare of All of Us” – President Theodore Roosevelt
It would be nice if the President would live by those rules.
Posted by: Lizzie | August 31, 2010, 11:29 am 11:29 am
No one is questioning his right to make the change.. just the wisdom of it.
Where have I heard THAT before?
What a sad,tone deaf administration.
Posted by: MK | August 31, 2010, 11:45 am 11:45 am
The only makeover which will improve the White House is in 2012.
Posted by: pauldia | August 31, 2010, 11:50 am 11:50 am
“George Bush did it.”
Posted by: Nephron | August 31, 2010, 11:54 am 11:54 am
“Government of the People, By the People, For the People” – President Abraham Lincoln
Huuummmmm . . . . I’m not sure if NoBo has read that one yet from his lack of response to the Restoring Honor March on Saturday.
He did leave out the most important quote a president or world leader has ever made. Maybe his girls can get a sharpie and write the following on the carpet to help out their dad.
“Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” – Ronald Reagan
Posted by: Noz | August 31, 2010, 12:01 pm 12:01 pm
IT LOOKS TERRIBLE!!!!!
Posted by: chip | August 31, 2010, 12:01 pm 12:01 pm
“the cost of the redesign was “in line with the amount spent by Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush on the redesigns of their Oval Office.”
Another example of no-change. “They did it, so can I”
And the timing… wow. I’d LOVE to remodel only one room of my house. I’d LOVE to go on a vacation with my husband. but it’s time to tighten our belts. Unless you’re an obama, live life to it’s fullest in-your-face!
Posted by: SallyW | August 31, 2010, 12:07 pm 12:07 pm
I see that the censors are out today.
Posted by: Nephron | August 31, 2010, 12:20 pm 12:20 pm
I see that the censors are out today.
—
More incense!
Posted by: Chakra | August 31, 2010, 12:36 pm 12:36 pm
Attention all Obama Haters: The taxpayers didn’t pay one dime for the make-over !!! Although, he had a right to have taxpayers foot the bill, he chose to do it privately!!
So what’s the problem ? It’s his office and he decorated the way he wanted too. CASE CLOSED!!!
Posted by: Kent | August 31, 2010, 12:37 pm 12:37 pm
I see he didn’t use the JFK line:
Ask not what your country can do for you, but what YOU can do for your country”….
Obama Believes the country owes EVERYONE a living, heathcare, ..no need to work for anything
OBAMA VS AMERICA
Posted by: Yep I said that | August 31, 2010, 12:56 pm 12:56 pm
“So what’s the problem ?” – Kent
No Problem Kent, it’s just that he left off the most important quote ever.
“Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” – Ronald Reagan
Posted by: Noz | August 31, 2010, 12:58 pm 12:58 pm
Regarding those quotes:
There really IS a mole in the White House!
Posted by: mariann | August 31, 2010, 1:02 pm 1:02 pm
48 HOURS: 21 American soldiers killed in Afghanistan…
Troops yet to give Obama full salute…
The Iraq surge will not work..The war is lost OBAMA/BIDEN/REID
Obama VS America
Posted by: Yep I said that | August 31, 2010, 1:03 pm 1:03 pm
What’s the problem of getting rid of Bush’s bad karma, which tanked the economy as we are speaking?
Our Greatest Smartest Clueless Leader is smart. As soon as he realized it more than 18 months later, he corrected his first mistake of keeping Bush’s fault in the Oval Office when he took the office.
Posted by: skinny dog | August 31, 2010, 1:21 pm 1:21 pm
While Americans are unemployed, (while rome burns) obama fiddles and gets new design for oval office
Posted by: DJ | August 31, 2010, 1:29 pm 1:29 pm
Are we cats so paranoid or what? The color of the decor surely looks like someone has just pooped all over – not our cats job though.
What a taste!
Posted by: cats | August 31, 2010, 1:39 pm 1:39 pm
What I loved the most were those Quotations. They were so strong, so evocative and yet so strong for someone who feels lonely and must take major decisions affecting his hsitory, his country and his world.
Would it be nice to auction the Old Furniture? say after five Years or Donate them to the previous Office Holder?
Posted by: emman usanga | August 31, 2010, 1:40 pm 1:40 pm
As long as taxpayers didn’t pay for it, I have no problem with it.
Though the personal selection of the quotes pretty much guarantees the next President will replace this carpet, too.
Posted by: MayBee | August 31, 2010, 1:45 pm 1:45 pm
Chap,explain that to the families of the 21 killed by Obama’s policies in 48 hours.
Posted by: Nephron | August 31, 2010, 1:46 pm 1:46 pm
Oh chip..so negative..I think it looks nice enough, in a “lets watch football in grandpa’s den” kinda way..is that couch made out of corderoy?
Posted by: cindy | August 31, 2010, 1:46 pm 1:46 pm
has anyone eaten those apples on the table in the OO?
Posted by: duh | August 31, 2010, 1:47 pm 1:47 pm
Ok, so it didn’t come out of tax payer dollars, and all the presidents have done it.
The issue is ‘do as I say, not as I do.’ While others are foregoing vacations, and remodels/redecorating, he and his family are on vacation for months and redecorating…what’s wrong with this picture?
He’s supposed to lead by example, so far…it’s not a great example.
Posted by: Beano | August 31, 2010, 1:49 pm 1:49 pm
Well, well, it’s SO nice to see that SOMEONE still has some money to spruce up their “home”. Oh wait, yeah, it’s the People’s house, and it’s OUR MONEY he’s spending!
Posted by: resilient | August 31, 2010, 1:49 pm 1:49 pm
Nephron – can’t. I’m still explaining George W. Bush and the neo-con agenda to the thousands of beloved killed in a war of choice. You see Mr. or Ms. Nephron your spin does nothing but set-up confrontation. Spin, absent accountability is nothing but running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off – and that is exactly what Bush did to this country when it bought hook, line and sinker [both Democrats and Republicans alike] a neo-con agenda that had been in the planning since his days as Governor. That my friend is why we are explaining the deaths of thousands and 21. Accept accountability and the table for discussion is open – evade it and there will be nothing.
Posted by: Chap | August 31, 2010, 1:57 pm 1:57 pm
May God bless the USA and all those that live each moment of their lives hating others. May God forgive each of us for our own mistakes and shortcomings. Only God knows the true matters of a person’s heart, therefore only God can judge. I speak peace, blessing and prosperity over your lives and I pray that God will change all the bitterness and hate to LOVE for all mankind.
Posted by: Peggy | August 31, 2010, 1:58 pm 1:58 pm
Peggy – it is God who will forgive Bush [His decision}. I will NEVER [that is my decision] and I am more than willing to live with it. You’ve done nothing to offend me so I don’t need to forgive you, but I can certainly tell you that living in a world of “forgiveness” let’s one wide open for having really, really, really bad things happen to themself and those they love.
Posted by: Chap | August 31, 2010, 2:03 pm 2:03 pm
The room is rather boring now but as long as we didn’t have to pay for it than he could put in psychedelic designs for all I care. He missed out putting the JFK biggest quote in the seal on the carpet, he put a quote that nobody remembers. But it’s his room for NOW, but in a couple of years somebody else will be changing it out. So, it’s his money wasted.
Posted by: Sharon | August 31, 2010, 2:04 pm 2:04 pm
I love the quotes on the new carpet, and Benjamin Moore paint is the best.
As for those who say the president should lead by example, I think he is– take vacations with your family, spend time with your kids, exercise and get outside your bubble, buy American, do what you can afford to do to keep the economy going, and inspire others with things/quotes that motivate you.
Posted by: true blue | August 31, 2010, 2:06 pm 2:06 pm
Not only was this unneccesary, it spits in the faces of all those Americans who are forgoing many luxuries inorder to just survive. And dto top it off he will give a speech in this room taking credit for a withdrawal from Iraq that was already developed before he took office. what a putz!!!
Posted by: mj | August 31, 2010, 2:08 pm 2:08 pm
Chap,so why is Obama doing the same thing in Afghanistan? Where are the Al Qaida?
Posted by: Nephron | August 31, 2010, 2:16 pm 2:16 pm
“so why is Obama doing the same thing in Afghanistan? Where are the Al Qaida?” – Nephron
NoBo is just a Neo-Lib, they like Wars too, and an incompetent one to boot.
Posted by: Noz | August 31, 2010, 2:27 pm 2:27 pm
it spits in the faces of all those Americans who are forgoing many luxuries inorder to just survive.
———–
What an odd way to look at the world. When businesses are all concerned about demand, it actually would be spitting in the face of those looking for jobs to sit on money. Moreover, my window treatment guy says business is booming (Budget Blinds franchise).
Posted by: true blue | August 31, 2010, 2:32 pm 2:32 pm
Oh, it was ok if George Bush re=decorated, and previous President’s==something to make it their own, and was not payed for by the taxpayers…he waiting well into his term to do any changes, and it looks very classy to me; stop complaining and using this as another chance to put down our wonderful President; it really is amazing how well he is doing against all opposition from the tea party nuts and extreme right who only want to tear him down and follow their own agenda, getting funding from wall street and special interest groups, who of course want things to return to their advantage, they don’t like regulation; get the Republicans in again, and it will be more of the policies that brought our country down-P.Obama is only doing what he promised in his campaign, and he was elected by a large majority, in all areas of the country; because he is not cleaning up the bush years fast enough, oh, and Americans want things done FAST… he is being attacked and lied about-yes, bring the bush years back, and see how fast the country can go down again, but not just down next time, WAY down; like Humpty Dumpty down. Funny, many bloggers would say they are Christians, and yet they are the haters, the liars, the cheaters..filled with pride, only wanting to promote themselves at the expense of the poor little sheep who follow them..like Palin, Beck, Hannity, Rush…to the point again, let the President be…he decorates HIS office, as past Presidents did. SO WHAT?? Just another chance for you complainers and downer debbies to complain. Try being positive and as a country, we can stand together, but if not, don’t drag everyone else down with you.
Posted by: Susan Martin | August 31, 2010, 3:01 pm 3:01 pm
Oh, and incidentally, I happen to be a Christian, and so ashamed at the poor testimony of the prestent Christians in the media who show nothing but hate and rebellion,to promote themselves and their agenda under the guise of “helping the American people”…Pride and hate… something Jesus was very against; “Pride comes before a fall”..
Posted by: Susan Martin | August 31, 2010, 3:06 pm 3:06 pm
i think the president should be able to change the oval office to their liking as long as the keep the historic desk. also as long as it comes from their own pocket.
Posted by: NICOLE | August 31, 2010, 3:32 pm 3:32 pm
Bush was the worst president that we have ever had and people are just mad b/c Obama is doing a good job, why is Obama being talked about so much and Bush was drunk half of the time that he was in office, come on people wake up, if we put another republican in office it is going to get even worst then it is now.
Posted by: martymcfly | August 31, 2010, 3:48 pm 3:48 pm
Obama blows, but hey every president deserves to re decorate the oval office I see nothing wrong with this. NOBAMA
Posted by: Jason | August 31, 2010, 4:02 pm 4:02 pm
I was upset when I heard about this. But since taxpayer dollars weren’t used to pay for a office face-lift, I no longer have a problem. Unless of course, good ole Gibbie is lying about that.
At least he did buy American.
Posted by: malcat | August 31, 2010, 4:03 pm 4:03 pm
I like it. The wall paper is a huge improvement over all that beige. If it was me I would have gone with even more color with accent pillows and the rug.
Posted by: JJ | August 31, 2010, 4:18 pm 4:18 pm
Hoo Rah for New York … and the other businesses who help manufcture furniture, cloth, paint, etc for President Obama’s Oval Office. I hope they can make great use of their work in the marketing of their businesses to attract even more business. Great job! The room looks great! I really liked the carpet that Mr. & Mrs Bush designed, but I like this new carpet a bit better because of all the inspirational quotes from past greats!
Posted by: mytakeonthis61 | August 31, 2010, 4:46 pm 4:46 pm
Spend, spend, spend. Has this person ever kept a checkbook in his life? What a stupid and insensitive person this president has turned out to be.
Posted by: MBA | August 31, 2010, 4:54 pm 4:54 pm
You can wrap a pretty little ribbon on a turd… It’s STILL a TURD, okay?
Posted by: CBA | August 31, 2010, 5:01 pm 5:01 pm
This is part of the Obama private stimulus. (Spend like a drunken sailor) Too bad he couldn’t find a quote from a Republican President such as “tear down this wall” or “read my lips, no new taxes”! (Too bad the carpet will need to be replaced so soon)
Posted by: tillyerkt | August 31, 2010, 5:08 pm 5:08 pm
I’m always amazed at how many far right people comment without reading the article. Clueless comments can be the only result. A few points they missed.
1. Obama didn’t spend tax payers money on this.
2. All recent presidents (as far back as I can remember) have changed the Oval Office decor.
3. Obama is setting a good example by buying American made goods. That is the only way we will get out of this bad economy. (So if you have the dough, spend it and buy American whenever you can. The job you save may be your own, as jobs are like the circle of Life in ‘The Lion King’, they are dependent on one another.)
Posted by: Lydia | August 31, 2010, 6:50 pm 6:50 pm
Another thoughtless and wasteful act by a BIG SPENDER President! Wish I could afford to change my carpet every few years! He takes way too many vacations!
Obama is a detriment to our country with his plush vacations and now senseless wasteful unnecessary re-decorating!!! That’s why I vote for the incumbant………..so a new President will not be elected to waste more time and money redecorating his palace!!!
Posted by: sharon | August 31, 2010, 7:07 pm 7:07 pm
I try and try to love my country…reading many of the above comments makes me so sad to see much ignorance that I am embarrased to be one of U.S.
Posted by: Hank | August 31, 2010, 7:33 pm 7:33 pm
“be one of U.S.???” American..I seriously doubt it….
Posted by: Parallex View | August 31, 2010, 8:03 pm 8:03 pm
I wish he would concentrate on putting people back to work instead of fussing with decor.
Posted by: Downwithsocialism | August 31, 2010, 8:07 pm 8:07 pm
Why do republicans hate our country and show absolutely no respect for our President? Somebody tell Noz if somebody IN the government is trying to sell you that government is evil there are issues with that argument.
Posted by: secondlook | August 31, 2010, 8:53 pm 8:53 pm
“paid for by the non-profit White House Historical Association through a contribution from the Presidential Inaugural Committee”…..so it was paid for with taxpayer money that the government contributed to a non profit sponsor so they could say it wasn’t taxpayer money. Well it wasn’t after the government gave it away. Sometimes the truth can be hard to see but it always comes out.
Posted by: gollywiggle | August 31, 2010, 9:53 pm 9:53 pm
The good thing is; everything came from America. And the President is coming of age,not afraid to put his mark on the place.
However,how the hell do people think the economy can be restarted if they do not spend.
Obama has led the way! Lets hit the stalls,the small businesses need everyones patronage.
Posted by: Emeka K Duru | September 1, 2010, 4:02 am 4:02 am
“Some very modest changes not paid for at taxpayer expense,”
—
What does he call modest? A $40K rug and lamps at $10K each… (semi educated guess, could be much more) A community organizer’s #1 skill is spending other people’s money. I’d like to know how much money he’s throwing around while unemployment is stuck on 10%.
Posted by: smartlillena | September 1, 2010, 6:31 am 6:31 am
How did this help our economy?
How did this help unemployment?
How did this help secure our borders?
Etc., etc., etc.!!!
WILL THIS WARRANT ANOTHER VACATION???
Posted by: GOD HELP US ALL! | September 1, 2010, 7:22 am 7:22 am
I was disturbed by the comments of Bianna said about if this is the right time or not. This was not paid by taxpayers’ money. In fact, due your research! The rug was DONATED by a company here in Michigan where I live. Just a quick thought that I wanted to pass along!
Posted by: Wade Lee Haron | September 1, 2010, 7:59 am 7:59 am
I work for a local government. It is a very stressful job under normal circumstances, let alone during such a difficult economy. If my job is stressful, I can’t imagine how stessed President Obama must feel. Heavy decisions and people’s lives are in his hands everyday. The least he should be entitled to is a decent office where he can be comfortable enough to make these tough decisions. And for him to do it at minimal or no cost! Amazing!! Government officials have had to get creative and figure new ways to be able to accomplish big things without spending more money….infact….trying to spend much less money. I may not always agree with President Obama, but goodness….let him have this! He needs a place where he can close the door and think.
Posted by: Grace R | September 1, 2010, 8:14 am 8:14 am
It looked better before, the quality of everything was higher. This make over was unnecessary and bizarre—I HOPE THE NEXT PRESIDENT HAS THE White House debugged before saying anything.
Posted by: IndependentVoice | September 1, 2010, 8:16 am 8:16 am
Isn’t it wonderful that they redecorated the oval office, with whats going on in our country and they are redecorating. That tells you what a waste this man is. I don’t believe one word that comes out of his mouth.
Posted by: Helen | September 1, 2010, 8:53 am 8:53 am
I love the quotes on the new carpet..
As for those who say the president should lead by example, I think he is– …get outside your bubble, buy American, do what you can afford to do to keep the economy going, and inspire others with things/quotes that motivate you.
Posted by: true blue | Aug 31, 2010 2:06:30 PM
I like the quotes, too, and would remind people that he spent his own money, that we need those who can afford to to spend their money as what is holding many businesses back is weak aggregate demand, and that its ridiculous that this subject would draw so many negative comments.
Silly season, indeed.
The 10 banks that received the most bailout aid during the financial crisis spent over $16 million on lobbying efforts in the first half of 2010. If you want to complain about spending, complain about that.
Posted by: dawn_marie | September 1, 2010, 9:40 am 9:40 am
No matter who paid for it, this just was not the time to redecorate. Just shows again how out of touch this administration is and how it’s all about him.
Posted by: Jan Saunders | September 1, 2010, 10:36 am 10:36 am
Now that the oval office is decorated to his taste President Obama may not feel obliged get away from the White House all of the time!
Posted by: tillyerkt | September 1, 2010, 11:54 am 11:54 am
Do I have a problem with Obama redecorating the Oval Office? No, not really. Do I have a problem with his timing? Yes. I think it’s another indication of how out of touch the man is with the situation in our country. Multiple vacations, sending the wife and daughter on an extravagant trip to Spain (yes, at major expense to the taxpayer), and now redecorating 18 months into his term, while the economy continues to spin downward. It might have been wiser to wait.
Also… the quote attributed to MLK was NOT written by MLK. MLK said it, yes, but he was quoting 19th-century Unitarian minister Theodore Parker, who wrote it in 1853. Nice of the White House to want to quote Dr. King, but couldn’t they have found an original quote to use?
ABC… you might want to try some real journalism for a change, and call the White House out on the misattribution of that quote. I won’t hold my breath.
Posted by: Lynn | September 1, 2010, 11:55 am 11:55 am
It wasn’t the right time to redecorate? To those who dislike him, no time would have been a good time. I’ve never seen any other president get this much slack over every little move he made. It’s really petty.
Posted by: Kayla71482 | September 1, 2010, 12:23 pm 12:23 pm
No one spent more than Nancy Reagan (remember the china?), and if Jackie Kennedy had not renovated the White House it would have crumbled into a heap. A new carpet after nine years, donated at that, is NOT unreasonable. Get over it, haters!
Posted by: Christine | September 1, 2010, 2:01 pm 2:01 pm
I see nothing wrong. He did not use tax payers money and all American companies were used to do the job. The domestic companies that were choosen were all given a boost in these tough times.
Posted by: TAJ | September 1, 2010, 2:08 pm 2:08 pm
There are many people in this country that are redecorating, not just Obama. You people just don’t know or maybe you do know some people who have redecorated. Just because you don’t have millions to spend on redecorating, doesn’t mean everyone else can’t redecorate the way they want. That is just calling for more government oversight. Do you want the government to come in and tell you when and how you should decorate? Get over it.
Posted by: MissyAnn | September 1, 2010, 3:32 pm 3:32 pm
Oval Office Makeover: The Oval Part got a makeover patch Presidency Obama and the intermission of the Eldest Tribe were gone on pass in Martha’s Farm lastly period. The doctor is a a contemporary going from the regal gold-infused ornamentation of Presidency George W…..
Posted by: Mannan Tasneem | September 1, 2010, 3:33 pm 3:33 pm
One point; the single factor which will stimulate the economy and create jobs better and faster than anything else is CONSUMER SPENDING. Take a day trip to the beach with your family. Repaint or redecorate a room in your home. Go out to dinner or to a movie once in a while. Small things which most of us (even me, a widowed mom in college on a tight budget) can afford now and then and which put money into our local economies and support local businesses and workers. Obama is setting an example of what more of us should do on our own level…get the money and the economy moving. remember when Bush called on Americans to take a trip? To fly to Disneyland or go to the mall and shop? Same idea, folks…even HE understood that consumer spending is what powers our economy. May seem like a paradox to spend when you are on a tight budget and/or unemployed, but as more people relax a bit and spend a bit, more prosperity is created for everyone. Like any other President, he has the perfect right to redecorate. His changes have been very modest compared to what some others have done. Better he should send the message that things are so dire he won’t do so and encourage people to stop spending, thereby aggravating the economic situation even further? Yeah, the right would love that…it’s their whole plan; ensure things are as bad or worse come 2012. Thanks guys, always looking out for the good of the nation.
Posted by: Raven | September 1, 2010, 3:39 pm 3:39 pm
You people that are saying this redecoration is o.k. are blind to what is going on in this country because of unnecessary spending. And, do you really think that he paid for it? Give me a break. He took some more money from us. He does not know how to tell the truth and neither do any of his evil followers on Capitol Hill. He’s in for a rude awakening and you who think he is telling the truth. Just remind yourself that he has not done ONE thing that he promised he would do. He’s a muslim, you idiots and he is going to be the death of all of us. You had better start praying because GOD is the only one that can help us now!
Posted by: Maddy | September 1, 2010, 4:45 pm 4:45 pm
I just want to go on record, as to not liking the new changes to the Oval office. The cost is not a problem. It is all the modern replacements. The Obamas can do whatever makes them comfortable to their residential area. But the Oval Office is used to meet and greet all kinds of dignitaries, and should reflect the pomp and formality that goes along with the position as President. A little damask and brocade, along with some antiques would not have damaged Obama’s cool-guy demeanor. For God’s sake , please replace the striped pillows on the sofa (too casual);those mahogany chairs were not meant to be covered in leather; and a pair of brass urn table lamps would look better than those blue ones. If Ronald Reagan could take a little history and damask in the Oval office , so should Obama.
Posted by: lwba | September 1, 2010, 4:45 pm 4:45 pm
Posted by: Maddy | Sep 1, 2010 4:45:40 PM “He took some more money from us.”
No Maddy, he did not.
Recent Presidents have all redecorated the Oval Office using funds from their Inaugural Committee donations. In Obama’s case, nearly 500 donors had given $50 grand each. Isn’t it nice that remaining inaugural donations were used to buy American-made products and hire American workers?
This information, along with evidence that our President is NOT a Muslim, can be found by reading outside the fear factory.
Posted by: green.goddess | September 1, 2010, 6:24 pm 6:24 pm
Just so boring. Jackie, Nancy, Laura had taste. Looks like an old Sears ad…..
Posted by: oneeyeopen | September 1, 2010, 10:23 pm 10:23 pm
The new decor is a reflection of what goes on in Obama’s head….nothing.
It looks cheap and dull. The coffee table doesn’t go with the more traditional furniture in the room.
Boring.
Posted by: Teddy | September 1, 2010, 10:35 pm 10:35 pm
Wow the venom is apparent i think a lot of these people may have an issue with obama for reasons that they are a shame to admit so they harp on every little thing. the thing is, if they let people see the real reason they’ll lose support. the people who dont like this president you’re your own enemy because you let your hate show. so keep it up.
Posted by: lou | September 2, 2010, 12:10 am 12:10 am
Lou, isn’t America grand! We can all express our opinions, even you!
Posted by: Teddy | September 2, 2010, 3:26 am 3:26 am
I love the quotes on the new carpet..
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I’d love to see the prices. I’ve no doubt those lamps the WH doesn’t elaborate on are $10K each, give or take a little, but the bulbs in them have more of an impact on the economy. It’s easy to see where Obama & Co wouldn’t want numbers like that thrown around publicly where the unemployment rate is stuck at %10. Someone in that boat would be more likely to use that money for rent, or having their utilities turned back on, or catching up on car payments, or groceries. Ten thousand dollars could go a long way for someone on umemployment with no prospect of a job in the foreseeable future.
As the man says, it isn’t that he can’t do it it is about the wisdom of doing it.
Posted by: smartlillena | September 2, 2010, 6:39 am 6:39 am
smartlillena | Sep 2, 2010 6:39:32 AM posted: “Ten thousand dollars could go a long way for someone on umemployment with no prospect of a job in the foreseeable future.”
The fund did “go a long way” to help those workers in New York, Michigan, D.C. and Pennsylvania who were paid with this upgrade.
Posted by: green.goddess | September 2, 2010, 11:32 am 11:32 am
I am glad he tried to buy American. Things would improve if everyone went out a bought something American or used a local American business with American workers. Don’t go crazy with the spending, but push it a little to help get the economy going. It takes all of us.
Posted by: MikeMo1947 | September 2, 2010, 7:55 pm 7:55 pm
The fund did “go a long way” to help those workers in New York, Michigan, D.C. and Pennsylvania who were paid with this upgrade.
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Two lamps? High end furnishings have no effect on our economy, employ very few people, and are not union made (spare me the BBBBBenjamin Moore hockey). The 800% to 1000% profits go into the bank account of one individual.
Explain that to someone who lives in their car because they have no job.
Posted by: smartlillena | September 3, 2010, 5:53 am 5:53 am
It takes all of us.
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Just remember November and be patient. We’re fixing to bail him out of the mess he’s gotten us into.
Posted by: smartlillena | September 3, 2010, 5:59 am 5:59 am
I don’t mind each President changing the decore of the oval office, but shouldn’t there be a design expert giving advice about what is appropriate for such an important, high profile room?
Obama has turned the oval office into a DEN! Where is the remote!? Where are the Cheeto’s!? The fabrics are inappropriate, and the colors are lifeless. The wallpaper looks like it belongs in a powder room.
Posted by: Lila | September 3, 2010, 12:48 pm 12:48 pm
oops! decor, not decore!
Posted by: Lila | September 3, 2010, 12:51 pm 12:51 pm
Maybe the Oval office’s thinkers need an extreme makeover.
Posted by: Magnum1 | September 6, 2010, 2:12 am 2:12 am
So absolutely perfect to have quotes from famous Americans where Obama can trample them at will. So telling.
Posted by: Jo | September 21, 2010, 5:18 pm 5:18 pm
It looks like a common living room! I about fell asleep watching the vid, there’s no personality, projected power or anything to make you go “wow this is ~the~ Oval Office”. I guess this is what comes from the mind of the president who can’t go 30 seconds without having a prompter to tell him what to say..or think.
Posted by: Jay | January 5, 2011, 4:22 pm 4:22 pm
Yikes not good, too matchy matchy
Posted by: Dory | January 5, 2011, 4:41 pm 4:41 pm
The quote on the rug from Abe Lincoln should be in BIG BOLD print. Maybe it will remind him of what government is.
Posted by: loddo | January 5, 2011, 4:45 pm 4:45 pm
Is it functional to redecorate to “THE new families taste”? I SAY IT’S A SHAME AND A WASTE…..
How many of us can afford to redecorate and buy new furniture for our house every year or every 4 years?
SHAME to all of you SPEND MONGERS in our POLITICAL USA….”WASTE NOT WANT NOT” ….WASTE IS A SIN! STOP BIG SPENDING NOW….in EVERY AREA.
Jay
Jay
Posted by: JKlein | January 5, 2011, 7:35 pm 7:35 pm
Hey Dory? About that comment concerning the teleprompter…at least HE can read. Unlike the idiot that was there previously…..Obama can at least formulate his own thoughts and say them without the constant laughter as Bush did. Let’s not forget, “Laura and I really don’t realize how bright our children IS sometimes until we get an objective analyis.” Or “Well, I think if you say you’re going to do something and don’t do it, that’s trustworthiness.” Yup. You nailed it Dory, Bush was so much better….love that Yale education, don’t you? Says a lot for Yale….
Posted by: KK | January 5, 2011, 8:31 pm 8:31 pm
Who was on the camera, Ray Charles? I’ve knocked my camera over and gotten better film. And if the taxpayers did’nt foot the bill, who did? And why do all the presidents have to remodel. They should leave everything alone until it breaks.
Posted by: Doug | January 6, 2011, 1:37 am 1:37 am
It’s all politically correct. =Boring
The most unpresidential room I’ve seen.
Posted by: STEFF | May 2, 2011, 8:29 pm 8:29 pm