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Here comes top-security travelling White House
Paul Thompson30 Mar 2009
WHITE House aides are today putting the finishing touches to President Barack Obama's eagerly anticipated first major foreign trip.
More than six weeks of planning has gone into the visit which begins with the G20 summit in London followed by other European cities.
Mr Obama, who has an entourage of several hundred, has become the most protected president in US history. All 76 seats on Air Force One will be taken by his aides and support staff, including his chef.
As many as 200 secret service agents will be on duty during the three days he is in London.
Secret service agents will create a "sterile area" around the President, with only those approved in advance allowed to come near him.
Many of the agents arrived over the weekend although teams of armed bodyguards have already been in London on at least three occasions to fine-tune security.
The driver of the presidential limo - Cadillac One - arrived last week to familiarise himself with driving on the left. The £300,000 rocket and bullet-proof car was flown to the UK by a US Air Force transport plane.
Some of the 20 vehicles that make up the President's convoy were also flown in. Mr Obama will have what aides call the "travelling White House" - a scaled down version of his secretarial, intelligence and administration support.
The President and his wife Michelle are said to be "nervous but excited" about meeting the Queen at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.
They will then join other G20 leaders for a reception attended by Prince Charles and Camilla.
At Camp David over the weekend the President spent time with White House head of protocol going over royal etiquette for the meeting.
The President will touch down at Stansted Airport tomorrow and be taken to the US ambassador's residence in Regent's Park.
Accompanying the party will be a total of 500 officials including kitchen staff, 35 vehicles in all, four speech writers and 12 teleprompters.
Reader views (49)
Are you kidding me that all you can complain about is telepromters? Bush had to have his own pastry cheif. What the other chiefs can't bake a cake?
- Carrie, Peoria/USA, 02/05/2010 17:40
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Obama's 12-Teleprompter Entourage Is Not Newsworthy, or Humor-worthy
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/tom-blumer/2009/04/05/obamas-12-teleprompter-entourage-not-newsworthy-or-humor-worthy
- Stewartiii, Fort Washington, USA, 06/04/2009 05:22
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I would like to see what slips out when he dosen't have a telepromter, I mean twelve of them, come on, Why not just memorize your speech? like Sarah who spoke from the heart many times when telepromters malfunctioned.
If I hear uh uhmm ahh. well, or hmm one more time i think my head may explode thatis all you hear from him with no telepromter.
- A. Ambrose, Ft. knox, KY, 03/04/2009 16:21
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This man is so FULL of HIMSELF!
It would be soooo funny if EVERY TIME Obama starts to speak, his teleprompter would malfunction and in order for him to continue, he would HAVE to speak on his own!
I am STILL wondering about what went on when he was attending Harvard. We have NEVER heard! Reporters were certainly on-board when GWB was attending College.
- Barb Towns, Ellijay, Georgia, 03/04/2009 15:18
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Obama uses the word uh more tha a 2yr old try to learn to talk.
- Rich Gonzales, Thornton co. usa, 03/04/2009 15:12
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And in France this morning WITH his teleprompter he bumbled along, poor thing can't talk for himself....
- Jacque, Coushatta USA, 03/04/2009 15:09
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12 telepromters and he still uses the word uh more times than my 12 year old son does when he is trying to make up the story.
- Rich Gonzales, Thornton co. usa, 03/04/2009 15:04
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MY HUSBAND AND I WOULD ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT IF SOMEONE WOULD SOMEHOW DISENGAGE OBAMA'S TELEPROMTERS AND SEE JUST WHAT COMES OUT OF HIS MOUTH. HE IS NOTHING BUT A GOOD ACTOR READING HIS LINES. HOW ANYONE COULD BE FOOLED BY HIM IS BEYOND!
- Carol, Grand Rapids MI USA, 03/04/2009 14:57
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I think it's rather pathetic that Obama can't speak WITHOUT a teleprompter!!! More proof that he doesn't have a clue about what is going on and so far has destroyed the foundation of the Constitution in America. Beware of his mission!!! He is ransacking America, piece by piece.
- Theresa, Norristown, PA, 03/04/2009 14:56
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Obama seems to be on one great big power trip. Perhaps if his ideas held any sort of value whatsoever, the "entourage" wouldn't be quite so offensive. However, considering the economic condition this country, perhaps next time the chef could be left at home. There's just no need.
- Beth H., Concord, NH USA, 03/04/2009 14:49
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I loved hearing this about his teleprompters. Some people I know stated they voted for this man because he talks nice and can put a sentence together and Bush just " um-ed" his way through. Well I wonder if these people now listen to him at his town meetings, this man "um's" more than anyone I know. He can only speak when he has his little screens telling him what to say. Just like he relies on Pelosi and Frank and Reid and others like Sorezes ( not sure if that is how it is spelled) to tell him what to do.
- Marie, Millsboro De, 03/04/2009 14:43
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I thought we were in a financial crisis. All this government knows how to do is spend our money! How much did his entourage set back the American people? This is ridiculous! When will this nonsense end? When will the American people stand up and say "No more!"? I'm ready!
- Ssg Anthony Cruz, Lawton, Oklahoma, 03/04/2009 14:22
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Possibly he is using the lessons learned from the previous administration, knowing that accurate and concise delivery of complex information is key to his political success and the success of his policy? Seems to me that GWB might have benefitted from the technology...
- Mark Rinker, Elk River, MN - USA, 03/04/2009 13:53
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When will people recognize what a despot,and empty toga he is...He couldn't talk his way out of a wet paper bag if not for prompters, and getting talking points from his Ipod, ear piece or any other way getting answers from his puppeteer....
- Dorrie, Selden USA, 03/04/2009 12:39
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I laugh when I think of all the telepromters....what do they say?
"Blah...blah blah, blah blah blah."
Because that is all I hear when I hear him blathering on and on and on.
Eeesh.
- Kristine Pederson, Hugo, Minnesota, 03/04/2009 11:55
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Too bad, Obama should have brought some common sense with him at the same time!! Maybe the Brits should consider Obama running for PM next time around, we sure don't need him in this country. I understand Kenya would like him there as well.
- Robert J., Seattle , WA USA, 03/04/2009 07:11
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With all this spending and other unfound heard of policies and putting our great grandchildren in debt, my question is when are we going to take actions and recallthis president and is there a way to do so in our constitution?
- Darlene Mariucci, San Mateo, California, 03/04/2009 06:32
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I am so fed up with all the hype over the Obama's and their being so new and fresh and NOT BUSH crap, enough is enough!!! My question is this is there a way in our constitution that allows the American Public to RECALL THE PRESIDENT on the grounds that he is incompetent and leading us to HELL?
- Darlene Mariucci, San Mateo, California, 03/04/2009 06:28
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Anyone realized how much this whole overseas trip is costing the taxpayers? I hope the people that voted for this maniac are happy now. Guess it won't smack them in the face until they get the carbon trade tax that's on it's way. $3100.00 per household per year. Then there's all the promises he's breaking (didn't I know this would happen).."absolutely no taxes for anyone making $250,000 and under"...what do you call the brand new tax on cigarettes? Smoker or not, it hits a lot of those people. Anyone know about the $23 million dollar earmark in the Omnibus bill for botox, plastic surgery etc. for members of Congress? All paid for by you taxpayer...It's time you pay attention, listen, read and be informed about what's going on. This president and his administration is sending our country into an abyss we'll never recover from. I still question his religion....WAKE UP!!
- Mary, Omaha, NE, 03/04/2009 05:51
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If this was not such an extravagant expense it would be
a comedy of errors. So much for the Eur O Bamas 'carbon footprint ' .. lead by example oops.. or is it do as I say not as I do ???
- Medical-Disaster, TempleMtn USA, 03/04/2009 04:04
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Bill Clinton ruled by focus groups and polls. Obama reads other people's words. The democrat party is an empty shell of emotion and hollow promises.
- Obamasteleprompter.Com, Washington D.C., 03/04/2009 03:53
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While many Americans can't even put food on their tables, gas in their cars, and the fact of losing their homes, this man is living it up on the backs of hard working tax payers. Is this guy for real. For those who voted for this, I sure hope you're happy. Twelve teleprompters?? Are you sure this isn't an April Fool's joke? And we thought Gore was bad.
- Tom, Burlington, United States, 03/04/2009 03:27
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12 telepromters!!!!! What a clown this guy is. Can he not open his mouth without a teleprompter telling him what to say. So much for affirmative action at work.
- Michael Knowles, san antonio tx, 03/04/2009 03:15
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He would only need 6 if stopped talking out of both sides of his face. Talk about a hypocrite! I'm scared for us all!
- Mike, Pittsburgh, PA, 03/04/2009 02:40
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I hope they are solar powered telepromters.
- Paul In Ma, Boston MA, 03/04/2009 02:33
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The Obamas are a laughing stock and a total embarrassment to our country. It's only been two months. God help us all
- Deb, Minot N.D USA, 03/04/2009 02:19
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12 teleprompters cannot be good for the environment.
- Oz, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 03/04/2009 01:58
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I personally think this was way over doing the visit- making him seems more like a rock super star. I take comfort though in knowing that when we re-gain true control of the public schools that we will get to slant things around with the truth--- for instance- On April 1st, 2009, The United States of America sent the biggest joke in the history of man over to London- bHo. Its so perfect- one almost has to wonder if he is making an idiot out of himself subconsciously.
- Jinx, Binghamton, USA, 03/04/2009 01:47
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So he reads all the "uhs" from his teleprompters? I can't believe how many times he says "uh". Taking an iPod as a gift to the queen was a slap in the face.
- Jan, Calif, 03/04/2009 01:32
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Obama might be a hero to the Brits but he has to come back to America & face the people who voted for him. Good luck with that and I WILL be attending a Tea Party on April 15
- Linda Ross, Shoals, IN, 03/04/2009 01:07
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Did we send the Beverly Hillbillys to London? TOUCHING THE QUEEN;AN I-POD for a gift? No class whatsoever
- D. Simmons, Florence USA, 03/04/2009 00:31
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And how much did this all cost my children this time????
- Dennis, Margate, New Jersey, 02/04/2009 23:59
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I wonder how hard it was for the queen to be approved to enter his "sterile area." As for the teleprompters, I find it difficult to believe a man who is incapable of speaking for himself has the ability to think for himself.
- Angela, Coleman, TX, USA, 02/04/2009 23:54
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Yes, I know he's the President and should be protected, etc. but is this all REALLY necessary? We are on a path to financial destruction and he takes this kind of a trip with hundreds of staff and cars and CHEF???? Is this going to happen every time he goes international? The article noted the President met with the Head of Protocol at Camp David over the weekend? He obviously wasn't listening to his lessons nor was Mrs. Obama. No one else on the planet would dare TOUCH the Queen. Even I was embarrassed over this breach of etiquette. Same on you for embarrassing the country.
- Carla Bowman, Pensacola, Florida, United States, 02/04/2009 23:03
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what difference does it make if he has 12 or none. Check the news the dow is up, house sells new and existing are up, his ratings are up, his wife ratings are up, and he got the g 20 to pledge 1 trillion dollars to the cause. What I dont understand is when Bush spends billion to destroy and kill (iraq) its ok but Obama is spending to rebuild this country and its not ok. What do we have to show for 8 years of Bush please tell me this.
- Parrish, Memphis, 02/04/2009 22:42
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Fox News should delve into the excessive costs for this trip as well as the grandstanding, budget-promoting Town Hall in California.
- Carol, Sarasota, FL USA, 02/04/2009 22:06
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Wow--just think, Obama needs a staff of 500 people so he looks good as President of the US. But, to be fair, a portion of the 500 does include security, although, what does it say about him needing 4 speech writers and 12 teleprompters!
- Floridaann, Lakeland, Florida, 02/04/2009 21:17
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'A Liberal Democrat is a person who will wave a white flag at the drop of a hat.'...Obama is definitely a liberal Democrat...he is waving the white flag all over Europe, easily, handing over our dignity and sovereignty!
- Barbara, Anderson, Ca., 02/04/2009 21:06
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Why can't our President of change do something that at least appears to be cutting back. I mean from day one, his inaugural was 5 times the cost of Bush who got skewered for the cost of his. With the country in the shape its in, can he not make a sacrifice himself. Does he need a support staff of 500? Will they publish the cost of this summit? It has to be 10's of millions. Even though it might all be to look austere even though its not, wouldn't it be the thing to do seeing he is talking about all the suffering the American people can expect. Hell when his cronies in Congress manages to vote them selves a raise at a time like this why should he. They are above us all. The elite politician is here to stay. The out of touch millionairs that tell us all what to do. Have not even been in a grocery store in years. Had not had to worry about retirement, medical coverage, making car payments. They are taking care of themselve first. Like Dashall who can retire and immediatly make 5 million a year. What did he do while in Congress that was worth that? Ican only imagine. Without a revolution of sorts we are doomed for more of this corrupt system. How sad.
- Rob, Taylor, 02/04/2009 21:06
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I wonder if we couldn't divert some of that stimulus money to the Brits to bribe them to keep the Obamas over there. Whatever it would cost would be well worth the money. Twelve teleprompters!
- Judy In Az, Rio Rico USA, 02/04/2009 17:28
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Would be better if he swapped one brain for the 12 tele-prompteers.
- Dave, Redding, CA, 02/04/2009 17:28
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He will cost taxpayers billions. He really needs to start conserving .
- Bella In Florida, Orlando, 02/04/2009 17:21
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Think of the environmental impact he creates. Yet he intends to force citizens of the world to adhere to strict environmental restrictions.
Do as a say, not as I do!
- Okizoo, Bangkok, Thailand, 02/04/2009 17:20
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Please adopt this fool London. How much of our money will this loon spend! He IS DUMBER than Bush!
- Jason, Fresno, CA USA, 02/04/2009 17:06
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What a joke! How many millions of dollars is this costing us? I thought he was supposed to be a "green" President? 35 vehicles? How many tons of co2 is this visit creating?
- Tim, Atlanta, 02/04/2009 03:57
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I'm not a big fan of Bush but this guy seems dumber than Bush, twelve teleprompters! Who needs twelve teleprompters?
- Donald, London, England, 01/04/2009 23:32
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You have got to be kidding....twelve teleprompters....I thought he was a genuis.....what an embarassment...keep him over there....please.
- Rose, napa, CA USA, 31/03/2009 06:07
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And to think that this goon and his 19 mates will lecture us on combatting "climate change" later this week. They really don't get irony in the US, do they?
- Nobby Clark, Perth, Scotland, 30/03/2009 15:19
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"Yeah: dress-down and look casual, Lads . . . !"
- Roz, Chamonix, France, 30/03/2009 15:16
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