[news] president-elect obama's acute hotel fatigue

President-Elect Barack Obama is our first narrative president. That keeps him attuned to narrative politics and their resonance. To wit, when John McCain made Sarah Palin his vice-presidential running mate, Obama commented on her amazing personal narrative. As if it were a commodity. So Obama's recent grousings about having to stay in a hotel before the Blair House, the official White House guest quarters, becomes available come off as whiney. The word "petulant," which I used in another post just the other day, comes to mind. Many people have to live in a hotel when they relocate for a new job.

Here's what he told reporters last evening, per an article in today's New York Times:

After arriving at Andrews Air Force Base about 7 p.m. Sunday, Mr. Obama entered a presidential limousine and was driven to the Hay-Adams Hotel near the White House, which will be the family’s home for the next two weeks.

For all of the luxury of the Obamas’ temporary home -- Hay-Adams suites cost as much as several thousand dollars a night -- Mr. Obama clearly was not looking forward to the short residency there after nearly two years on the campaign trail. "Well, living in a hotel for two weeks, I kind of did that for two years," he said.

On one level, I empathize. I'd be mighty tired of hotels after two years, too. And I do appreciate his openness. On another level, I wish he'd censor himself, especially when he emits evidence that suggests he is not the perfect stranger we take him to be. I mean, the economy, two wars, the Middle East. The Hay-Adams is hardly a hardship post.

The blocks around the Hay-Adams have been closed off by cement barriers. That's not stopping locals and tourists from gathering there, to try and get a glimpse of the new First Family. It's very exciting to be in Washington these days.

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