— -- With the first family in tow, President Obama jetted off for a two-week vacation in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, over the weekend. Meanwhile, Bill and Hillary Clinton decamped for their rental home in the Hamptons last week.
Yes, there are political points to be scored here – Could the Clinton’s pricey vacation alienate some voters in 2016 especially with Hillary Clinton’s “dead broke” comment still resonating? Does the president’s penchant for golf suggest he’s taking his eye off pressing international and domestic matters? (Sen. Ted Cruz seems to think so).
But, as long as we’re in a scoring mood, here’s the really important question: who’s got it better this summer – the Obamas or the Clintons?
Property Value
This one’s an easy call. The Obama’s vacation pad is worth an eye-popping $12 million. But the Clinton’s rental, reportedly worth around $18 million, leaves the Obamas in the dust. (The Clintons are reportedly paying $100,000 for their summer stay.)
Point: Clintons
Size
The Clintons will enjoy a seven-bedroom, seven-and-a-half-bath home. That puts them neck-in-neck with the Obamas, who will spend their vacation in a seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom residence. When it comes to acreage though, the Obamas win hands down. Their place is set on 10.11 acres, while the Clinton’s property is a paltry 1.39 acres (okay, maybe paltry is a bit harsh).
Point: Obamas
Amenities
Chalk it up to presidential taste or to security concerns – Obama’s getaway is replete with private amenities. The family can lounge in an ocean-view infinity pool and hot tub or exercise on the private dual tennis/basketball court (and the way the president’s games have been going, he could certainly do with some brushing up). There’s even a vegetable garden for the health-conscious first lady, the Vineyard Gazette reports.
Not much is known about the Clinton’s rental -- though well-known real estate website Zillow says the property boasts a pool and mother-in-law suite. And it’s sure to have a spectacular view: the home reportedly sits atop a 200-foot bluff overlooking Gardiners Island.
Point: Obamas
Actual owners
The Obamas win this round too. Sure, the owners of the Clinton’s vacation home, Andre and Lois Nasser, are art collectors, so their décor is sure to be exquisite. But no matter what hangs on the Nassers’ walls, it really can’t compare to Obama homeowner Joanne Hubschman’s taste in paintings – she reportedly has a painting of Bo, the Obama’s Portuguese water dog, on display in the entryway.
Plus, according to the Daily Mail, Andre Nasser is a Republican donor – which means that theoretically, the Clintons’ rent money could end up in her challenger’s campaign coffers should she choose to run for president in 2016.
Point: Obamas
Famous Neighbors
No contest here. The Clinton’s vacation neighbors reportedly include actors Harvey Weinstein and Alec Baldwin, as well as legendary movie director Steven Spielberg.
Point: Clintons
In Martha’s Vineyard, the president is expected to log some serious time at nearby Farm Neck Golf Club, where he's already played a few rounds with sportscaster Ahmad Rashad. In years past, the family also seems to enjoy local favorites like Nancy's Restaurant and Alleys General Store.
But what gives the president’s place the edge is Mad Martha’s Ice Cream – which reportedly developed a new flavor, “Barack My World” (espresso with a caramel swirl), in honor of the president. Unless a Crazy Clinton Caramel flavor shows up at any of the local ice cream joints, this round goes to the Obamas.
Point: Obamas
At final tally, the Obamas took the edge, with four points to the Clinton’s three. Game set match.
