President Obama greets Marines in Hawaii on Christmas

Larry Downing / Reuters

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greet military personnel and their families as they walk into Anderson Hall base chow hall at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii, in Kaneohe Bay, Dec 25.

 

KANEHOE, HAWAII – President Obama spent part of his last full day in Hawaii participating in an annual tradition for his wife Michelle and him: greeting Marines at the base near his vacation home here.

The president will return to Washington D.C. early Thursday morning, the White House announced, as the Senate returns to session to work on a way forward on avoiding the so-called fiscal cliff.

But his attention was far from tax hikes and spending cuts as he and the first lady slipped around a corner of the Anderson mess hall at Marine Corps Base Hawaii to greet military families as they ate an early Christmas dinner.


In short remarks, Obama, dressed casually in a blue button-down shirt and khakis, thanked the service members and their families – mostly Marines, but some Army and Navy as well - for enduring the challenges of military life.

“Not only do those in uniform make sacrifices but I think everybody understands the sacrifices that families make each and every day as well,” he said.

The president also noted that the country is “still in a wartime footing,” even as the troop drawdown in Afghanistan, slated to conclude in 2014, continues.

“Some of you may have loved ones who are deployed there; some of you may be about to be deployed there,” he said. “So we want you to know that it’s not easy. But what we also want you to know is that you have the entire country aligned with you.”

After his remarks, the president and first lady disappeared behind the mess hall walls, where they posed for pictures with troops. 

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All one has to do is read some of these comments, and it becomes perfectly clear why the Rethuglican party is irrelevent and will soon be an afterthought. Whining and crying,crying and whining is all they are good for. They stumble and blunder from one day to the next. What a bunch insignificant losers. LMAO.

  • 4 votes
Reply#79 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:01 AM EST

@ Job1Job1

Yes, and this act caused the people that opposed Civil Rights to leave the Democratic Party and become Republicans. Mostly people from the south switched. Now today the Republicans are the bad guys who don't like for people of color to have Civil Rights or vote, because these people vote for Democrats.

That's sounds pretty ridiculous saying Republicans don't want people people of "color" to vote, or have civil rights. But whatever I'm sure it takes all kinds on either side of the aisle. btw aren't most of those "turncoats" gone anyway?

"People of Color" I really wish in this day and age that we could look past pigment of skin, toward the content of character within . That's just Me though holding on to the hope that some day it won't factor in to decision making anymore.
skyparrot
too much on Congresses pay and perks--lets start there.

That is why I believe that A term limit on congress should be enacted

Good place too start-----> "term limits" 4ward

4 terms House of Rep.

2 terms Senate

Total no. of years for 1 person, in both houses of congress 20 years of service in elected positions in Washington D.C.

This Sounds reasonable to me, However just my Opinion.

  • 2 votes
Reply#80 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:01 AM EST

Conservative, believe your on to something, however, may need a Constitutional Amend, or light a fire under state legislatures to enact legislation for term limits--probably won't see that due to too much self-interest and ego's.

  • 1 vote
#80.1 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:16 AM EST

ZZZZZZZZ..Lefties..so lame ..sleeeeeepy.

  • 1 vote
#80.2 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:23 AM EST

I am always amazed when people 'want their freedoms back', but are willing to support term limits which destroys the freedom to vote for whomever one chooses - including incumbents who have served for awhile.

Maybe it's just a case of 'my guy is a good legislator, but we need term limits to get rid of your guy who is a jerk."

  • 1 vote
#80.3 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 12:59 PM EST
Reply

Well after the republican implosion late week hopefully they will come back and agree to the tax increases on those above $400,000.00 and the trillion dollar is spending cuts put forth by the President. We can move on the get our economy moving again. The teabaggers want only to tank the economy like they did in 2011. We need to get rid of those baggers.

  • 5 votes
Reply#81 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:01 AM EST

The 2013 edition of the republican book of "Lies and Fractured Fairy Tales" has just come on the market.

  • 3 votes
Reply#82 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:03 AM EST

Thinking back over 2012 - just who was the republican nominee and his vp pick. Whoever they were where did they go, what happened to them? Oh well I guess it doesn't matter.

  • 1 vote
Reply#83 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:09 AM EST

They're still sitting in the shadows licking their wounds.

  • 3 votes
#83.1 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:11 AM EST

Star, licking whatever and wherever the tongue may reach--still into Norquist, wearing a blister on his soft spot. Poopy Head is fast loosing whatever clout he may have had--bet the baggers got more than an earful from the homies!

    #83.2 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:20 AM EST

    Cheney and Bush have all but disapeared from sight too so they couldn't attend the RNC in Miami. Bush being in his gated community locked from the outside and Cheney hiding in his bunker thinking the terrorists will get him and they locked the lid so he can't get out either.

    • 2 votes
    #83.3 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:25 AM EST

    "Thinking back over 2012 - just who was the republican nominee and his vp pick. Whoever they were where did they go, what happened to them? Oh well I guess it doesn't matter".

    They are waiting for the recount.

      #83.4 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:48 PM EST
      Reply

      Oblunder exercising his one core competency... campaigning...

      • 3 votes
      Reply#84 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:18 AM EST

      Fed, are you in sort of time warp? the President doesn't have to campaign, he won remember. Don't pretend that November 2012 didn't happen, nah, nah boo boo!

      • 3 votes
      #84.1 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:28 AM EST
      Reply

      Gosh..I'm as Threatened and Frightened..

      As AL QEDA was by OBAMA..

      When They KILLED 4 People in Ben Ghazi..

      • 2 votes
      Reply#85 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:22 AM EST

      The shrub killed more than a million civilians and STILL didn't get the number 1 target.

      The GOP denied more funding for the embassies when requested for security.

      • 4 votes
      #85.1 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:27 AM EST

      Dat Bammy B.u.l.l. Shytte..

      Fresh on MSNBC..Daily ..Give Us..our........hahahhahahah

      • 1 vote
      #85.2 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:32 AM EST
      Reply

      OBAMACARE...Free..EUTHENESIA..For ALL

      • 1 vote
      Reply#86 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:24 AM EST

      Don't worry Aii, your appointment has been made as you requested.

      • 3 votes
      #86.1 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:35 AM EST

      aliblahblah...I hope they start with you?

      Does Rush buy dinner before he makes you swallow?

      • 2 votes
      #86.2 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 11:39 AM EST
      Reply

      Perhaps, you are correct sky

      However, it's a good thought... people serving in DC become,

      Entrenched career politicians, loosing sight of where their service to the people ends, and selfish service begins...

      • 1 vote
      Reply#87 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:26 AM EST

      Agree, Convenient, that old adage about Power and corruption, and not necessarily monetarily more about the soul.

        #87.1 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:33 AM EST

        Was Daniel Inouye corrupt? Gerald Ford? Bob Dole? Mark Hatfield? All of these gentlemen served nobly and well for many years and the country is better off for their service. Then there are the Michelle Bachman's of the world. But even Rep. Bachman has at least one thing in common with the luminaries listed above - they were all elected by their constituents. So is term limiting the answer or a more enlightened electorate?

          #87.2 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 1:05 PM EST
          Reply

          'OLE Ben Ghazi..Dat You Ben..?

          Yeah..dats Me..I'm da Ghost of Hillary Clinton Foreign Policy past..

          Whas -up Ben.? .Got sumptin' ..to say..?

          Naw..I's just told to shut up.....till this thing..blows Over..

          Hillary an' Rice Goin' Down..But Bammy .....he still hidin'..under da Sheets..

          Later Ben...

          • 1 vote
          Reply#88 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:30 AM EST

          Hillary/Powell 2016

          • 3 votes
          Reply#89 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:32 AM EST

          The Broom Stick Can't hold Hillary and Pelosi Both..

          specially when It's Stuck up there..

          • 2 votes
          #89.1 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:35 AM EST

          Is that really you Rush?

          The next time the gopers take control of the White House again will be in about 30 or more years from now, if they're lucky.

          • 3 votes
          #89.2 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:36 AM EST

          President Occu=Plop..

          Distracted ..on Vacation ..on GILLIGAN's Island

          • 1 vote
          #89.3 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:39 AM EST

          Wrong Ali, especially if stuck up the Gnarly Old Poser's--ride them off to space and parts unknown, 2014 looms.

          • 1 vote
          #89.4 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:39 AM EST
          Reply

          BREAKING NEWS..

          Brave Hawaii Lifeguard...

          Saves a Big Shark..from Obama...

          • 1 vote
          Reply#90 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:38 AM EST

          ali, if you are so unhappy with our President, then might I suggest that you find some other Country to live in? I am sure you would be much happier there, and I KNOW the American People will be happier with you and those like you gone. Just one thing. Dont let the doot hit you in the A$$ on your way out!

          • 3 votes
          #90.1 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:43 AM EST

          You know

          OBAMA...... Loves Kittens and Puppies..

          He Hugs Them daily in front of the Press Corps

            #90.2 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 11:06 AM EST
            Reply

            President Obama is cutting his vacation short.

            Will President Obama attempt to resurrect his "grand bargain"?

            Will President Obama consort with Sen. Reid to create "Plan D(emocratic)"; though fiscal bills are to originate in the House?

            Will there be some resolution that 54 Democratic Senators, 200 Democratic Representatives, 45 Republican Senators, 234 Republican Representatives, and President Obama can agree on?

            Stay tuned as the leaders of the U.S. march us closer to the edge of a self-inflicted crisis known as "the fiscal cliff", sponsored by, two parties in American politics that would rather claim victory than actually further the folks that voted them in.

              Reply#91 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:42 AM EST

              Good on him for visiting with the Marines! This will most likely be the only positive post I ever give on President Obama.

              • 1 vote
              Reply#92 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:42 AM EST

              Then you either have a very shot memory or are biased. Which is it?

              • 1 vote
              #92.1 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 11:45 AM EST

              Hey Stephen W---I just thanked the President for visiting the Marines. What's your problem?

                #92.2 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 4:59 PM EST
                Reply

                OOOps, things are descending here. I believe that was the sound of my ripcord, float with ya later...

                  Reply#93 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:48 AM EST

                  BREAKING NEWS..

                  Joe Biden Found to Be related to Obama..

                  Joe biden was foiund ..In Obama's family Tree..

                  Yet..Someone ..Did manage..to coax Him down......with a piece...of fruit...

                  • 1 vote
                  Reply#94 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:56 AM EST

                  We're all related, we just choose to act like we're not.

                  • 1 vote
                  #94.1 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 11:14 AM EST

                  With the sexual orientation of liberals there's probably chimpanzees in Obama's family tree...

                    #94.2 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 11:33 AM EST

                    Well, seeing that you seem to be completely ignorant of Evolutionary Science, here's some new for ya....Chimps are in your family tree.

                    • 1 vote
                    #94.3 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 11:40 AM EST
                    Reply

                    Well I'll bet he didn't visit the Staff NCO Club...

                    • 1 vote
                    Reply#95 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:57 AM EST

                    The demnrats are cowards, they are more concerned about cornering the Republicans, than fixing anything, They have the votes(NOT) to pass what they want. Even the demonrats in the Senate will not vote for his obamanations! Let Obama negotiate with Hairless Reid. The Demonrats are worried about 2014 if they try and pass what obama wants. ADd in gun control and in 2014 there could be payback time, and it is a bxitch.

                      Reply#96 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 12:12 PM EST

                      The righties have been blaming Obama for not passing a budget. Exactly how many votes does any President have on any bill - budget bills or otherwise?

                      And for those who think of themselves as strict followers of the Constitution, may I remind you that Article I, Sections 7 & 8 specifically require that all spending and revenue bills must originate in the House of Representatives, not in the Executive Branch.

                      • 2 votes
                      Reply#97 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 12:27 PM EST

                      Hate to tell you all, but these little 5 minute meet and greets, and quickie speeches are so that he can charge off most of this 50 million dollar vacation to the american taxpayer. Just the truth of it. Same as when Michelle to the kiddies off on the all expenses paid African Safari vacation for a few weeks a couple years ago... all charged to the U.S. as she was termed a contracted employee of the government and gave one 4 minute speech on helping children. Thats a fact too.

                      • 4 votes
                      Reply#98 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 12:36 PM EST

                      Facts are supported by evidence. Got any?

                      • 3 votes
                      #98.1 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 1:10 PM EST

                      BINGO.........glad someone else realized it.

                      Funny the photographer was already in place to get them on their "surprise" visit.

                      Fact is he didn't start to do Christmas in Hawaii or vacation at Martha's Vineyard until after he was elected Prez.

                      He is such a phony.

                      • 3 votes
                      #98.2 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 1:13 PM EST

                      comarde obama's only intention is to Spend America into amerikka!!!

                        #98.3 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 1:16 PM EST

                        You guys are amazing. How many bankrupting wars has Obama started?

                        • 1 vote
                        #98.4 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 2:02 PM EST

                        Well Bruce, not sure if you are stupid or lazy or both, but you can go google up just about anything off a factual source any time. Or you can sit wanting someone to feed you whatever they put into your head. Don't worry, you can still shift subjects onto whatever bunch of other nonsense someone has fed you in the past any time you like. Hey, its a free country, for a while yet.

                          #98.5 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 5:52 PM EST
                          Reply

                          Hilarious!!!!!!!!!!! You can tell the Marines are "overjoyed" to see obama and "double-wide."

                            Reply#99 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 2:08 PM EST

                            so now the fascist commie rather then enjoy a "religious" holiday decides to interject militarism on a high holy day.

                            You TEA Jerks are a HOOT

                              Reply#100 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 2:21 PM EST

                              navyvet98

                              Have you lost any more of your bathtub navy lately?

                              • 1 vote
                              Reply#101 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 2:36 PM EST

                              Lincoln's Republicans are today's Democrats.

                              Dumbest - most ignorant post of 2012!

                              You go Rweeber!

                                Reply#102 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 4:30 PM EST

                                By the way there A$$Hole, the GOP/TP brought us to this juncture! Obama is trying to dig us out.

                                My bad, may have spoke too soon - here's another gem from that dimwit Rweeber! You're on a roll for stupid RW!

                                Nice finish to the year of it doesn't make sense - nice!

                                Maybe a vote should be taken on the Rweeber dumbest post for the year - definitely wins the poster award

                                  Reply#103 - Wed Dec 26, 2012 4:38 PM EST
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