President Obama's Unfabulous Vacation
Crises at home and abroad overshadow Obama's time off.
1 / 14
A Vineyard State of Mind - As President Obama, the first lady and daughter Malia departed the White House on Aug. 9 for the sea, sand and fresh salt air on Martha's Vineyard, storm clouds hovered over their annual vacation. The U.S. was engaged in airstrikes against Islamic militants in Iraq, and Ferguson, Mo., was about to erupt in chaos over the fatal shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown. (Photo: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
2 / 14
Where in the World is Sasha Obama? - Sasha Obama didn't fly to the Vineyard with her family and the White House has not disclosed her whereabouts. She is most likely at camp and is scheduled to join her parents and sister Malia at some point during the two-week vacation. (Photo: Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images)
Photo By Photo: Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images
3 / 14
Hitting the Links - If it's Saturday and not raining, it's a safe bet that the president is working on his handicap. He is pictured here with Ahmad Rashad on the first green at the Farm Neck Golf Club on Aug. 9 in Oak Bluffs, Mass. NBA star Ray Allen and Cyrus Walker, senior adviser Valerie Jarrett's brother, were the other half of the foursome. (Photo: Matthew Healey-Pool/Getty Images)
4 / 14
Staying Abreast - On Aug. 12, Obama was briefed by National Security Adviser Susan Rice on the situation in Iraq. He later headed off for a round of golf with Washington rainmaker Vernon Jordan, former U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Chicago pal Allison Davis. (Photo: Pete Souza/Official White House)
5 / 14
A Man's Gotta Eat! - Obama waves at the crowd as he departs an Oak Bluffs restaurant on Aug. 12. (Photo: Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)
Photo By Photo: Reuters/Kevin Lamarque
ADVERTISEMENT
6 / 14
Update on Iraq - On Aug. 14, the president delivered a statement on the situation in Iraq from his vacation compound. Obama said Iraq took a promising step forward by designating a new prime minister and urged the formation of an inclusive government that will address the needs of all Iraqis. (Photo: Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)
7 / 14
Taking Care of Business - Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder met on Aug. 14 to discuss the situation in Ferguson, Mo. The president later delivered remarks on the crises in both Ferguson and Iraq. (Photo: Pete Souza/Official White House)
8 / 14
Peace and Calm - The president delivered remarks during a press briefing at the Edgartown School on Aug. 14 in Edgartown, Mass., where he spoke about the unrest in Ferguson, Mo., and Iraq. Obama called for peace and calm in Ferguson and communities across the nation as local police and the FBI conduct their investigations. (Photo by Rick Friedman-Pool/Getty Images)
9 / 14
A Vineyard Tradition - In their first sighting together, the president, first lady and Malia ride bikes along the Correllus State Bike Path outside of West Tisbury on Martha's Vineyard, Mass., on Aug. 15.(Photo: Rick Friedman-Pool/Getty Images)
10 / 14
Pause - Obama and daughter Malia headed back to Washington for a couple of days on Aug. 17. The president had initially planned the two-day break to receive briefings on Iraq and attend other meetings, but will also be briefed on the chaos in Ferguson, Missouri. (Photo: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
ADVERTISEMENT