WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama will vacation with his family in Martha's Vineyard, an island off the coast of the eastern state of Massachusetts, at the end of this month as he has done in years past, the White House said Wednesday, despite the weak economy and negotiations on the U.S. debt problem.
Press secretary Jay Carney defended Obama's plans to take a break even as he has pledged urgent action on those issues.
"I don't think Americans out there would begrudge that notion that the president would spend some time with his family," Carney said.
Carney added that there's really no such thing as a presidential vacation since Obama will travel with his aides, receive regular briefings on national security and the economy and be able to return to Washington if necessary.
"The presidency travels with you. He will be in constant communication," Carney said at the White House briefing.
Last August, the president, Michelle Obama and their two daughters spent 10 days at a rented farm on the wealthy island retreat.
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