December 13, 2008
Where Should the Obamas Stay Before the Inauguration?
So that's not exactly the sign that greeted the Obamas, but the message was delivered loud and clear: The New York Times's Caucus blog reports that the First Family-elect will not find early lodging in the Blair House, the traditional home for the incoming President and his family during January before the White House is being vacated. Apparently, the Blair House -- located at 1651-53 Pennsylvania Avenue NW -- is all booked up.
The Bush family won't say who pre-empted the Obamas; Laura Bush spokeswoman Sally McDonough got gruff with Caucus blogger Helen Cooper for "trying to make a story out of something that’s not a story." Yet with no foreign dignitaries scheduled to visit and no Bush family or friends planning to attend the event, it does not take a significant leap to arrive at the conclusion (as the post all but suggests) that the Bush administration has merely placed a hold on the house. Who trumps President-elect Obama? Unless the Pope's booked the room, I think Obama should get to play the eminent domain card.
In any case, Obama Family, you can totally stay with me. It might not be the Blair House, but the Flophouse has made it into the Times, too. If it turns out that our dogs aren't hypoallergenic, though, you might reasonably look elsewhere. Got any ideas about where they should stay?
UPDATE: As noted in the Caucus post, the Obamas asked to occupy the Blair House for a time in January preceding the inauguration leadup — during which time the house is (apparently) occupied. The Obamas weren't bumped, they were pre-empted. Some language in this post has been changed to better reflect the fact.
Photo used with permission under a Creative Commons license with Flickr user Jeremy Brooks.
| 
add to stumble upon
add to reddit
email this
add to facebook
add to del.icio.us
[ report this ]
Maybe the Clintons have some extra room?
[ report this ]
If you read the article on the NY Times website, the Obamas wanted to move into Blair House early. Nothing in the article suggests that they'll have to stay somewhere other than Blair House during the lead up to the Inauguration.
[ report this ]
I suggest this hotel if Michelle doesn't mind making public Barry's secret leather fetish.
If that's going to be an issue, he can be an example during these tough times and stay here. Just be careful.
Rahm suggested the barracks. Hello 1984.
[ report this ]
Ummm...Is it just me or has Barry been a senator since 2005? Wouldn't one expect him to have some sort of in town digs of his own after nearly 4 years?
[ report this ]
Obama asked if they could use Blair house early. Bush said no. This is the typical transition schedule, it doesn't matter if anyone is occupying it or not, it's Bush's perogative either way.
[ report this ]
Ditto what others have said - you've got the story wrong. On a side note, does anyone know if the DCist ever corrects their stories or responds to quality/content-related comments on their posts?
[ report this ]
Yeah, the Blair House is available to the Obamas five days out from the Inauguration. Your article misstates this fact.
[ report this ]
It seems to me the greater point isn't what President Bush CAN do, it's what he SHOULD do. But maybe that's just because I've always seen the Bush Administration through this lens.
[ report this ]
They can stay at my house for 5k a night! Talk about a steal!
[ report this ]
I betcha' there are some parents at Sidwell Friends who could put up the Obama's for a night or two. Maybe!
[ report this ]
Maybe they should stay in a house in www.rentaroomdc.com.
[ report this ]
Well, I offered the use of my pup tent and wind-up flashlight and they told me to go f**k myself. If he thinks I'm voting for him in another 4 years, he's got another thing coming.
You've made yourself a powerful enemy, my friend.
[ report this ]
mpc: Barry has a small one-bedroom apartment, his staff frequently jokes that he's the only senator to live in a crappier apartment than most of his junior staff.
Michelle has stayed there one time and didn't care for it at all, I doubt it has the capacity or the security capabilities to hold the entire First Family.
Video at: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2008/11/17/barack-obamas-capitol-hill-pre-election-apartment/ (skip to minute 4:25 for the segment about his apartment).
[ report this ]
The Willard, like Abe! (but without the whole sneaking through Baltimore to get there thing...)