By Jessica Chasmar
The Washington Times
Thursday, July 10, 2014


Photo by: Jacquelyn Martin
FILE - President Barack Obama reacts as he misses a shot while golfing on the first hole at Farm Neck Golf Club in Oak Bluffs, Mass., on the island of Martha's Vineyard on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

President Obama is taking a 15-day vacation in Martha’s Vineyard next month, despite the widespread criticism he’s received for not visiting the U.S.-Mexico border while it descends into chaos.

The Obamas will leave Washington on Saturday, Aug. 9, and stay at a $12 million vacation home in Martha’s Vineyard until Sunday, Aug. 24, the White House confirmed late Wednesday.

The president is expected to return to Chilmark and stay in a secluded house off North Road that overlooks the north shore and Vineyard Sound, the Martha’s Vineyard Times reported.

Though not confirmed by the White House, the Obamas are expected to stay at the home of Joanne Hubschman at 72 Gosnold’s Way off Prospect Hill Road.

“The seven-bedroom, nine-bath, 8,100-square-foot house, sits on a 10-acre lot and is assessed at more than $12 million. It features 17 rooms in total, expansive water views of Vineyard Sound, an infinity pool and hot tub, and a dual tennis-basketball court,” the weekly newspaper reported.

Rumors about the first family’s visit began circulating around the island in March, and the White House began arranging for lodging this spring, sources told the paper.

The president’s extended vacation comes as the flood of illegal immigrants continues to cripple the United States’ southern border.

Republicans and Democrats alike have criticized Mr. Obama for visiting two fundraisers during his trip to Texas this week without taking a trip to survey the ICE detention facilities holding thousands of immigrants.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz jabbed the president Wednesday by tweeting Google Map directions to border towns from Mr. Obama’s planned fundraiser stops in Austin and Dallas.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/...vacation-mart/