Is the president really stupid...

or does it just look that way?

First, having spent 25 years working for a news reporting medium, I know we never get the full story. Not always the reporter's fault... there are lots of obstacles (time among them) that keep us from getting all the details.

In politics, however, that matters little. It is the perception that counts.

Some months ago, when the city of Las Vegas was just beginning to feel the pinch of the recession, President Obama went on the air. Intending to discourage wasteful spending, he cautioned everyone not to go running off to Las Vegas. That misguided statement tightened the noose around Las Vegas' neck as group after group canceled conventions and meetings in that city, in fear of appearing wasteful.

Stupid? You make the call.

Now we have a situation wherein a oil spill, followed by an apparently ill-advised moratorium on off-shore drilling, has caused great economic pressure on a big chunk of America. Again, perception hurts. Talk of oil-soaked beaches and dead pelicans has scared away people who would normally be vacationing in the region. In reality, many of the beaches and associated resorts are pristine... someone needs to get the word out! Call the White House!

The President wants to take a vacation. Fair enough. All he has to do is make a big prime time TV announcement that he, Michelle and their daughters will be going to the Gulf to relax on the powder white sand beaches and in the crystal clear waters. Can you imagine him saying, "Come join me, America... let's show the people of the gulf that we support them!" That announcement would surely result in sell out crowds throughout that region. Not only would it boost the economy of the region, it would boost the president's sagging popularity ratings.

Does the president take advantage of this gold-plated P.R. gift? Nope. He vacations in Maine.

This time I will make the call... that was just plain, old-fashioned stupid!