How many vacation days did Barack Obama take in office?

Answer 1

According to various sources, including CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller, considered the unofficial presidential statistician, President Obama at the end of November 2012 had spent 84 days on vacation since he became president on January 20, 2009. Some sources said the figure was 92 by January 2013.

To compare, at that point of their terms, George Bush had spent 180 days at his ranch, Ronald Reagan spent 112 vacation days at his ranch, and Bill Clinton had spent the least time off -- 28 days. Knoller says President George W. Bush spent 879 days on holiday during his eight years in office.

But it should be noted that being the president is not an easy job. Any President deserves a vacation; and even when a president is on vacation, they are not really on vacation, because they need to be available at a moment's notice, in case there is a crisis. Barack Obama has always maintained contact with his staff, and has had to hold a press conference or comment on a major issue in the midst of several "vacations." The same was true for President George W. Bush when he went to Crawford, Texas, or when Ronald Reagan went to his residence in California or Bill Clinton to Martha's Vineyard. For example, during President Bush's "vacations," he also visited with nearly twenty heads of state in Crawford, and in 2002 he wired his ranch so secure video conferencing with intelligence officials could take place. In other words, Crawford, TX became like the Western White House for him.

That said, there are internet myths that President Obama has taken more vacations than other presidents, or the most expensive vacations. Neither of these assertions is accurate. Perhaps because Mr. Obama is from a very distant state (Hawaii) and goes back there for Christmas with his family, that seems like more time away than a trip to Massachusetts or Texas does.

Answer 2

Some sources say 84 and others say 90 during his first four years. This is not an unusual number, and is less than some presidents but slightly more than others. It should also be noted that a president is never really on vacation, since he needs to remain in touch with his staff and take charge at a moment's notice if a national emergency occurs.

Answer 3

In his first term, by most accounts, he took between 84 and 90 vacation days. This is far fewer than some presidents have taken, and slightly more than others. But the point is that no president is ever really "on vacation." Even if he is away from the White House, he has to be in communication with his staff so that if an emergency occurs, he can take charge.

Answer 4

15