WH Says Judicial Watch Wrong About First Lady’s Africa Trip
EmailThe conservative government watchdog Judicial Watch FOIAed the US Air Force for information about the June 2011 trip to Africa by First Lady Michelle Obama and Sasha and Malia Obama and today issued a press release about the trip.
The White House says a number of assertions made by the group are in error.
To wit:
The group calculated that the use of the C-32A aircraft cost taxpayers $424,142 (34.8 flight hours x $12,188 per hour).
“The number stated is misconstrued and out of context,” says a senior White House official. “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.”
Judicial Watch says that Sasha and Malia Obama are listed as “Senior Staff.”
Not true, says the White House.
“The Obama daughters were not listed as Senior Staff – that only designates the area of the plane where they were seated,” says the official. “The Air Force categorizes the passengers by compartment on the plane.”
The conservative group noted that the “trip ended with a private family safari at a South African game reserve before the group returned to Washington on June 27,” with Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton saying in a statement “This trip was as much an opportunity for the Obama family to go on a safari as it was a trip to conduct government business.”
The senior White House official says that private safari “was designated as a private event and paid for personally,” and argues against any suggestion that this trip was a vacation. “It was an official trip with a 5-7 official events each day,” the official says.
UPDATE: In response to the White House’s pushback on its flight expense calculations, Judicial Watch’s Tom Fitton provided ABC News with this letter from the Air Force from January 11, 2011 about the air travel of former House Speaker, now Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Judicial Watch says it was just doing the calculations in the way the Air Force recommended. “The White House is once again trying to play the American people for fools,” Fitton says.
-Jake Tapper
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“It was an official trip with a 5-7 official events each day,” the official says.
The why did the girls, mother, niece and nephew, hairstylist, etc. go? ABC, when are you going to quit parroting everything the WH tells you, and do some investigations on your own???
Posted by: wheresmymoney | October 4, 2011, 6:27 pm 6:27 pm
Why did Judicial Watch have to FOIA this material…. where is ABC’s FOIA and independent inquiry into this. Instead they just take the word of the White House even though we know they lie through their teeth every day.
Posted by: Michelle Shu Jas | October 4, 2011, 6:58 pm 6:58 pm
Thankfully we have an organization like Judicial Watch…no one else is investigating these things!
Posted by: denise | October 4, 2011, 7:21 pm 7:21 pm
“It was an official trip with a 5-7 official events each day,” the official says.-
What official events would those be?
Posted by: Inkosi | October 4, 2011, 7:52 pm 7:52 pm
““was designated as a private event and paid for personally,””
Chump change when you don’t have to pay for travel, meal or lodging expenses.
““It was an official trip with a 5-7 official events each day,””
I wonder what the kids were doing, did they have official events as well? And why is our country’s taxpayers paying for official events for someone with an unofficial position? The first lady should not be doing official events on her own.
Posted by: J.R. | October 4, 2011, 8:34 pm 8:34 pm
Tell the right wing conservative Judicial Watch to let this taxpayer know how much did it cost me to send Laura Bush, her staff, her daughters on these trips, Zambia,Mozambique,Mali,Senegal,Burma, Middle East, Haiti. I’m waiting for their answer.
Posted by: anniebella | October 4, 2011, 8:58 pm 8:58 pm
All I’m saying folks is don’t have double standards here. Show me were Judicial Watch made a big deal out of Laura Bush travels. I don’t believe a word Judicial Watch says.
Posted by: anniebella | October 4, 2011, 9:04 pm 9:04 pm
Is Judicial Watch the same group that provided Michele Bachmann with her insane numbers regarding President Obama’s trip to India?
Right wingers lie.
Posted by: Kimberly | October 4, 2011, 9:08 pm 9:08 pm
“Mrs. Bush has traveled to all 50 States and more than 75 countries. She has made five trips to Africa alone.” Source: White House, Laura Bush page.
Republican political operatives are nothing if not two-faced scumbags. One standard for them, other standards for everybody else.
Posted by: Chris | October 4, 2011, 9:14 pm 9:14 pm
the hildabeast just want to make sure she gets her reparations before bho is voted out and then she won’t have to be proud of America anymore her words not mine.Enjoy!
Posted by: jtm371 | October 4, 2011, 9:23 pm 9:23 pm
I have to agree with earlier comments. This entier article is a quote of what “the White House said”. That isn’t investigating, that is potentially aiding in propaganda. At least find out what really happened and report that, before you start parrotting one side. This article does not show whether or not Judicial Watch is right or wrong, they only give us the response of the White House.
Thanks for nothing, Jake Tapper and ABC.
Posted by: Char | October 4, 2011, 9:25 pm 9:25 pm
If Obama said jump off the cliff, tapper and sawyer would wave bye-bye on the way down
OBAMA________VS_________AMERICA
Posted by: Yep I said that | October 4, 2011, 9:31 pm 9:31 pm
This article is a Judicial Watch says this, White House says that article. The right wing is so unfamiliar with the idea of a balanced approach to issues, they think balanced reporting is biased.
Posted by: Cudy | October 4, 2011, 11:18 pm 11:18 pm
This article does not show whether or not Judicial Watch is right or wrong, they only give us the response of the White House.
Thanks for nothing, Jake Tapper and ABC.
Posted by: Char | October 4, 2011, 9:25 pm 9:25 pm
According to Media Matters, Judicial Watch is nothing but axe-grinding good-gov’t poseurs faking outrage without anything of substance to undergird said outrage.
Media Matters also points out that “Mrs. Obama met with the South African president’s wife, Nompumelelo Ntuli-Zuma; spoke to the Young African Women Leaders Forum; participated in community service events in Johannesburg; visited U.S. embassies and consulates; spoke at the University of Cape Town and met with students from poor communities; held a meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu; met with Botswanan president Ian Khama; and gave interviews to several news outlets, including NBC, ABC, BET, and CNN.”
Posted by: Kimberly | October 5, 2011, 2:20 am 2:20 am
Not only her daughters went on the trip but also mommie dearest and nephews and nieces. I guess it was a trip to find their “roots”.
Posted by: Linden | October 5, 2011, 9:10 am 9:10 am
Ok they want to cut pay of military, they want to do this and that to help in our debt , yet this women goes on her TRIPSSSS that have nothing to do with america, or helping them, or fixing the debt, why dont you stop using the UNITED STATES TAX PAYERS money as your own personal piggy bank and meal ticket . STAY home and actually do some hard work!!!!!! IT make you look frivolous and uncaring!!!!! Better yet go over seas to the front line of the men and women whos pay you want to CUT !!!! and stop!!! and SPEND YOUR VACATION THERE!!!!!! FASHION AND TRAVEL ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE A PART OF A HARD WORKING AMERICAN!!!!!
Posted by: mARY | October 5, 2011, 11:06 am 11:06 am
According to Media Matters, Judicial Watch is nothing but axe-grinding good-gov’t poseurs faking outrage without anything of substance to undergird said outrage.
Posted by: Kimberly | October 5, 2011, 2:20 am 2:20 am
Media Matters? You mean the Soros owned Media Matters? The one that should have their tax exemption revolked because they are so political? TOO FUNNY.
Posted by: wheresmymoney | October 5, 2011, 4:51 pm 4:51 pm
Where’s my money (according to Cain, if you don’t have any money, its your own darned fault and weakness, quit whining already….) If Judicial Watch is going to be given weight, Media Matters ought to be too. Glad you see the problem.
Posted by: Kimberly | October 5, 2011, 5:03 pm 5:03 pm
Is this the same WH who flew Bo, the first dog, on his own GulfStream Jet to Mass. for Vaca??? Gives “corporate jets” a whole new meaning…So WHAT jobs was Bo creating??? Judicial Watch Thank You for keeping tabs on WH spending on ALL….VOTE 2012
Posted by: Parallex View | October 5, 2011, 5:34 pm 5:34 pm
Judicial Watch Thank You for keeping tabs on WH spending on ALL….VOTE 2012
Posted by: Parallex View | October 5, 2011, 5:34 pm 5:34 pm
According to Media Matters, Judicial Watch is nothing but axe-grinding good-gov’t poseurs faking outrage without anything of substance to undergird said outrage.
Posted by: Kimberly | October 5, 2011, 5:45 pm 5:45 pm
I seriously do not understand why this a big deal.This is what first ladies do..Laura Bush, Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton..Where was the outrage then..I am soo sick of all of the hate towards Michelle Obama..Iv never in my life seen A first lady disrespected and questioned at every turn..I mean, Jesus Christ, people came out against her for saying maybe we should get of off our fat behinds and work out and maybe give our children fruits and veggies instead of Doritos and Ring dings.????..Now this??I was never a fan of GWB , but Former First lady Bush was a sort of saving grace for him in my eyes..I read her autobiography and she seemed to be a real decent lady and i firmly believe First Lady Obama is as well..Instead of coming out with all of these stupid allegations and trying to go over everything she does just come right out and say what you want:”I HATE BLACK PEOPLE”..It would save everyone the trouble of trying to figure out why you are such a petty weirdo..
Posted by: Wendy | October 5, 2011, 5:48 pm 5:48 pm
As First Lady, she took five goodwill trips to Africa.[49] The purpose of these has mostly been to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and malaria, but Bush has also stressed the need for education and greater opportunities for women.[50] She has taken many other trips to other countries to promote and gain support for President Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS relief;[51] these countries include Zambia (2007),[52] Mozambique (2007),[53] Mali (2007),[54] Senegal (2007),[55] and Haiti (2008).[51]…Im sure she flew coach and traveled alone with only her good intentions to keep her company and style her hair for photo ops..lol..
Posted by: Wendy | October 5, 2011, 6:02 pm 6:02 pm
Media Watch….a politically progressive watchdog…in other a far left watchdog…Get my meaning???
Posted by: Parallex View | October 5, 2011, 6:22 pm 6:22 pm
I don’t dislike the Obama’s…I hate the hypocrisy…..And….Can no longer afford to support it….VOTE 2012
Posted by: Parallex View | October 5, 2011, 6:26 pm 6:26 pm
The figures weren’t real because they were accounting figures? Those are the true costs as they are figured in business and how they should be figured in government.
Posted by: J in NC | October 5, 2011, 7:01 pm 7:01 pm
.VOTE 2012
Posted by: Parallex View | October 5, 2011, 6:26 pm 6:26 pm
I like how generic you keep it given the unpopularity of the individual candidates in the GOP field. Everyone is problematic in his or her own way. lol.
But I agree, vote! And remember the majority of Americans aren’t conservative and view the tea party negatively. Stand up and be counted. Don’t let the radicalized right freak you out ;^)
Posted by: Kimberly | October 5, 2011, 7:21 pm 7:21 pm
Kimberly, do you homework…the majority of Americans are indeed conservative.
And, you would be a lot more creditable if you stopped swiping that old race card …. it’s getting very worn out. The outrage is that nieces, nephews, mother, etc. were included in this so-called “official” trip which does make one wonder just how any White House can justify that. They could have flown over “commercial” to take this family vacation together…no big deal. It’s when they use OUR taxpayers dollars for these exotic, luxurious trips that people get upset.
Posted by: Jan | October 5, 2011, 7:48 pm 7:48 pm
“According to Media Matters…”
Posted by: Kimberly | October 5, 2011, 5:45 pm 5:45 pm
lol
Posted by: Susan | October 5, 2011, 9:26 pm 9:26 pm
Kimberly, do you homework…the majority of Americans are indeed conservative.
Posted by: Jan | October 5, 2011, 7:48 pm 7:48 pm
No, actually the majority of Americans are not conservatives – the majority of Americans are either moderate or liberal.
Posted by: Ben | October 6, 2011, 2:24 am 2:24 am
Not only her daughters went on the trip but also mommie dearest and nephews and nieces. I guess it was a trip to find their “roots”.
Posted by: Linden | October 5, 2011, 9:10 am 9:10 am
you would be a lot more creditable if you stopped swiping that old race card …. it’s getting very worn out.
Posted by: Jan | October 6, 2011, 2:28 am 2:28 am
Well I’ll remember this if we have acountry after Obama and you animals bash a conservative presidents wife for using any money to walk down the street! Boy will I let you have it!
Posted by: Jason Prather | October 6, 2011, 8:47 am 8:47 am
Vote my way or the highway uh kimberly (personal digs at conservatives or tea party)…Don’t you get it….That’s the problem today…My Way or The Highway….The smart vote says RESEARCH YOUR CANDIDATE whatever the party may be…RESEARCH THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS…RESEARCH THEIR MISTAKES……RESEARCH THEIR PLANS AND PROBABILITY FOR SUCCESS…The President is your employee and not the other way around….VOTE FOR THE PERSON, NOT THE BACKERS (that is a separate election.) I chose to fire the current manager for ineffective job performance……Jason you should let ANY party “have it” for out of control personal spending on the taxpayers dime…Don’t care if your Repub or Dem or Indep….Goes for corporations as well…CUT THE LOOPHOLES for corporations…unions…government….
Posted by: Parallex View | October 6, 2011, 11:22 am 11:22 am
BEN: “No, actually the majority of Americans are not conservatives – the majority of Americans are either moderate or liberal.”
When comparing all three, most Americans are conservative. It’s inaccurate to combine independents and liberals, as none of the polls do. According to the latest ‘US Political Ideology’ poll by Gallup:
Conservatives – 40%
Independents – 35%
Liberals – 20%
Posted by: Anonymous | October 6, 2011, 5:00 pm 5:00 pm
The question is did the children and grandmother travel as part of official business? If not, I believe they are to pay the cost of a round-trip full-fare economy ticket, food, lodging, and other expenses. Doesn’t matter if they are family or not.
Posted by: Alix | October 6, 2011, 7:53 pm 7:53 pm
Someone earlier asked: “The why did the girls, mother, niece and nephew, hairstylist, etc. go? ”
I have a friend who has to travel to conferences for work. She takes her husband and kids with her. They do fun stuff while she attends the conference. See, it doesn’t cost more money to run the vehicle with more people in it and a hotel room for one isn’t much cheaper than one for 2 adults and 2 kids.
Taking the kids and Grandmother didn’t make the trip cost any more. Would you prefer the Obamas schedule separate outings that did not coincide with official business so that the transportation and extra Secret Service cost are ONLY because someone wanted a vacation – or do you think this method is better – where vacations piggyback onto official visits?
Posted by: Bridget C | October 26, 2011, 7:58 pm 7:58 pm