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Food in the Field gives a sneak peek into what CNN's team is eating, and the food culture they encounter as they travel the globe. Today's contributor, Senior Photojournalist Mark Walz is based in Washington D.C. He covers the White House and has traveled on Air Force One many times. It's sometimes like a four-star restaurant in the sky, and sometimes like a favorite down-home diner. The food aboard Air Force One offers first class fare with a home-cooked flair. I recently flew aboard Air Force One with President Obama, on the way to Jakarta, Indonesia, a 6 hour flight. This was the second of four countries the President visited on his globe-encircling trip. All the meals served on Air Force One are prepared on board, in the galley by Air Force personnel. One of the Air Force flight stewards confirmed that the President is served the same menu as the rest of the plane. The meals come on gold-rimmed Air Force One china, with beverages in glassware embossed with the Presidential Seal. Silverware comes wrapped inside a folded napkin and held together with a Presidential paper ring. Even the drink napkin says, "Aboard the Presidential Aircraft." I found the steak to be peppery and fork tender. The fried coating looked picture-perfect and the gravy atop was luscious and creamy, as you would expect to find in a Southern down home diner. Firmly-cooked eggs came with a sprinkling of cheddar cheese and chives, and the biscuit was nice and brown on the top and bottom, flaky as promised, yet heavy with lard. Though I probably would have enjoyed the gravy on top of the biscuit, I chose butter and jelly. The yogurt parfait was exceptional, with fresh strawberry slices adding fresh flavor and a satisfying crunch from the granola. I was so fond of the tiny bottle of Tabasco sauce, complete with the Presidential Seal on the label, that it went into my pocket as a souvenir. Later in the flight a snack of beef kabobs, scallops wrapped in bacon, and spicy potato sambosas arrived in an oval bowl, accompanied with a beverage of choice. There is always a bowl of fruit and a bowl of candy and gum to tide over hungry journalists between meals. Being a member of the White House Press Corps is prestigious, and a big responsibility. It involves long hours, and hectic deadlines, but it allows me to keep an eye on history, recording it and sharing it with others. Still, I left this flight with one unanswered question: did health-conscious First Lady Michelle Obama make her husband scrape the gravy off his chicken fried steak? Follow CNN's new White House blog The 1600 Report |
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Just checked the exchange rate, 1 Billion rupees is about $217 million USD. A lot of money for sure, but then, I'd like you to decide which secret service agents to leave behind, or maybe you think the President should go back and muck around in the kitchen rather than read briefing papers on a country with 1 Billion people so he at least appears knowledgeable about it.
I love chicken fried steak. And it sure is cheap to make it.
Quit your whining about costs people. And to ANNOYED, the cost was
1 Billion RUPEES, which is about normal for a Presidential trip. That was a mistranslated rumor from India that has filled the blogosphere for too long already. And besides, I didn't hear much complaining about the cost of helicopter travel for the last President to spend 240 days a year at his so-called ranch with his Saudi friends.
Marge ??? Do you know if there are any Presidential Donuts ???
Mhmmmm......Chicken Fried Steak....aahh
The only President who toned down the AF1 fare was Carter, and the Republicans bashed him for that too. Fact. They said he was cheapening the office.
No wonder it costs almost $1 trillion to send him and his entourage to India.
Looks and sounds like pretty good food but nothing extravagant. I would have grabbed the tabasco also.
Obscene.......whether or not you are a Republican or Democrat, it's just plain obscene.
In order to convince the reader that Obama is NOT a Muslim, we know the reporter (photo-journalist Mark Walz) should have reported that Obama ATE the bacon. But Mr. Walz did NOT ! Why? We know, it would be a LIE if Mark Walz wrote something like that, for which lie he can not bear the responsibility as a journalist as well as the moral consequence as a person of Judeo-Christian culture. For such persons the real TRUTH lies just in what he did NOT say (the Germans used to say, … die Wahrheit liegt gerade in … was Sie nicht sagen! In English-speaking culture it is called “reading between the lines.” In plain words, Mark Walz wants to mean, Obama did not eat the bacon-dish, or, in other words, Obama is a Muslim ! By virtue of Mr. Walz's report we now know for sure that Obama is Muslim, since otherwise our photojournalist would have happily reported, “Obama has enjoyed the bacon-wrapped scallop with great delight.”
A 2010 poll shows that 61% Americans thinks, Obama is, or may be, a Muslim.
Only 34% of American adults say Obama is a Christian, down from 48% in 2009.
YOU look Soooo enticing with that Pork Chop around Your neck.
You are a remarkly stupid individual.
Pork wrapped scallops? I guess thet puts the whole "Obama is a Muslim" thing to rest.
State of Blue has stupidly erred: Mark Walz's article does not at all say Obama eats the bacon. It only says, the US Air Force serves bacon on its planes, period. Of course our Air Force is NOT a Muslim! What's the problem with that? However, to conclude that Obama eats the bacon, not only is too far fetched, but logically also incorrect.
I wish I would have gotten on this post the other day cause JDizzle McHammerpants just killed it. I wanna be facebook friends with him!!!!
Wow..can't believe the fuss over chicken fried steak! I live in the south, and that's just Saturday morning breakfast! Not expensive at all!
And as for all the "Fried chicken and watermelon" comments, it amazes me that in this day we're still going that route. Down here, if you even dream about having a picnic without both, no matter what your race, you'd better wake up and apologize! Seriously guys, get over your status quo being gone. It's over, k?
What in the hell is a "Moran"? Are those the people that keep ringing my doorbell and leaving booklets?
LOL Richard they are annoying ! What a moran is...I'm not sure LOL
...It's spelled MORONS.....As in what kind of MORON...can't spell MORON when using it as a diss....
You "morans", this is the President of the United States. He is the living embodiment of America. He receives foreign dignitaries.
Air Force One is a symbol, a symbol of American prosperity. When we think of America, we think of the land of good and plenty. It is not without its faults, but do you want the President going around the world chowing down on spam? People, use your brains, don't be freakin' "morans".
YOU ALL NEED TO GET A LIFE!!!!! GOOD GRIEF! WHO CARES WHAT CR*P THE PRESIDENT EATS!!!
@ Rod C. Venger....the fact you got married and went on a honeymoon is lovely. The fact you ate Taco Bell upon your return....is nobody's problem but yours. I am not trying to be rude. However, if you can't afford to eat maybe you should have skipped any sort of Honeymoon.
The President of the United States of America should have what ever he wishes to eat aboard AIR FORCE ONE. As for the media folks/ press corp whom, by the way, always, always follow, the President when he travels. Lucky them to have a nice meal. No big deal and none should be made of it for all those of you whom commented, about all the poor poverty folks in the USA. This President and his staff and others are doing a hell of a job a far cry from the previous administration than there miss handling of everything from Katrina to the 9/11.
A breath of fresh air with a President that speaks well and can be understood by all. Not the like the kid on the MAD Magazine cover whom looks so much like George W. BUSH. They need to find a Darth Vader outfit for tricky dick Chenney. Can't believe the guy is still alive.
But back to the above article about cuisine aboard the AF One aircraft. We won't want to have the President or his guests eating from paper plates would we? Just imagine a STATE DINNER at the White House served on thick paper plates and plastic forks, spoons and knives? I think not.
A retired US Army veteran from Northern California
thanks for standing up! Someone who has the guts, finally!
How nice for you, Mark Waltz. I'm a newlywed of 4 days, just back from a relatively inexpensive honeymoon...inexpensive by necessity not by choice...and tonight, our first day back home, we ate at Taco Bell while you were catered to, at taxpayer expense.
No wonder you give the President such favorable reviews.
Mr. Rod C. Venger, the writer paid for his meal and passage on AF1. It has nothing to with your tax money.
Wish I could eat like that, I might put on some needed weight.
OK, I'll bite... So how much did the "whole trip" from soup to nuts cost us. As in U.S.. Including the brute squad.
Really, a tray? I've flown Business internationally, and nobody would give you stuff on a tray... International First means caviar. This is far from extravagant, you'd get better service flying commercially.
It is great that you are recording history.Kindly edit your work for typos.Is this too much to ask of today's journalists? Check your last sentence.There is no excuse for sloppy wriitng.
What do you loonies expect: the President to fast until the national debt is repaid? Get real.
..WOW,I'm kind of surprised at the reaction. Granted as I have mentioned before...I'm Canadian. With the economy in the state it's in in both of our countries...cutbacks need to be made everywhere not just by the taxpayers. I reiterate my earlier note...I just found the meal unhealthy not particularly extravagant. Someone posted..."who eats fruit for a snack'...well my family does. Scallops,lobster,prime rib,filet mignon a little expensive but not extravagant.
I guess it bears repeating: THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES PAYS FOR HIS OWN FOOD (AND HIS FAMILY'S) AT THE WHITE HOUSE AND ON AIR FORCE ONE, UNLESS IT IS A STATE DINNER. In my mind, there are more than enough reasons to find fault with Mr. Obama, but this isn't one of them.
Craig, where in the heck do you get your info? My state's governer doesn't even pay for any meals. That is a lie from the deepest pits of hell and you know it. The prez doesn't pay for one single meal at all, ever while he is serving as president. I'm okay with feeding him since he pretty much has a 12 hour day everyday, the problem is that normal people eat a sandwich or something like that most days, he has a gourmet meal prepared by a professional chef every day. Not just occasionally like the rest of us but EVERY DAMN DAY! And he feeds probably hundreds of other people the same food daily as well on the taxpayer dime.
It amazes me that people can't just google this information...the press pays to fly on AIr Force One,the President and his family pay for their own grocery bills...you can repeat these simple truths (as people have on this thread) a hundred times and the haters are still going to deny it.....these truths were also in effect during republican administrations.....Come on people use your own brains,instead of what the pundits say......
Tellmenolies needs to learn to tell the whole truth instead of part of it. Tell me, do you get a seperate expense account on top of your salary to pay for groceries? Do you have a team of people to do your shopping and a team of chefs to cook the food the shoppers buy? If you do have a grocery expense account, can you buy gourmet foods for each meal with it? The president has basically a built in loophole. If you think that he is paying out of pocket for his meals you are stupid. Of course that's why there is an expense account set up instead of just taking it out of the general fund, so that they can fool idiots like you. Look a little past the obvious my friend and it's amazing what you'll find.
Christopher, I rest my case...the truth is too basic for haters like you.......
Yes, your state's "governer" does pay for his own meals, unless it is the State inviting someone for a "State" dinner, just like with the White House. As I explained earlier, the president is given an allowance, but if he exceeds it, he is REQUIRED to pay that overage. That's part of the reason the president gets (last I checked) $400,000 a year, and why they generally tend to have lots of money. It's also why elections cost so much, because the winner's party often "transfers" much of the money raised to help cover the president's expenses. That's also why the first family has to do fundraisers to pay for all the furnishings in the White House that they don't bring with them. You'd be surprised at how much we, as taxpayers DON'T pay for.
Finally, someone in here who's smart about this!
While hard working Americans are clipping coupons, and asked by our government to tighten our belts even further ... with increasing prices and inflation on its way ... our elitist president and first lady continue to extravagantly indulge themselves with the finest foods, accomodations, etc. ... all, with our tax money. We the people need to kick these free loading ego maniacs out of OUR whitehouse, and cut their bloated allowance to that of the average American.
Howard, I agree that it's a big problem but putting the blame on Obama is like your buddy for giving you a cold you caught from him. This is how things worked under Bush, Clinton, the other Bush, Reagan and so on. Now in my opinion a good president would put an end to it but we haven't seen one in more than a century so I don't see it happening any time soon. We the people need to first understand that all politicians are corrupt and then we need to demand 100% transparency except when dealing with security interests and we need to actually pay attention when things are transparent and hold leaders accountable. That won't happen because people either think this is okay or they aren't interested in the first place but that is the only way to solve this massive problem.
For all you that think this is no big deal and it's a cheap meal. When's the last time you ate like that. When's the last time you had biscuits, country fried steak and grave, yogurt parfait with granola and scrambled eggs for breakfast. Remember that this is an everyday thing for the president and any guests he may have. I haven't had a breakfast like that in probably 4 months or so. It's a treat when we get that kind of breakfast. It's the norm for our president who is supposed to be working for us. When did we (his boss) have the chance to agree to this stuff? And keep in mind this is just breakfast which is typically the cheapest meal of the day anyways. The snack was more expensive than the breakfast. I haven't bought scallops in over a year. Why? I CAN'T AFFORD THEM! And to pair them with beef kabobs and have fruit available at all times. Most people don't eat fruit as a snack. know why? IT'S EXPENSIVE! And again, this is everyday for our president and whatever guests he may have and they didn't even serve lunch or dinner it doesn't appear. What if they had. Lunch and dinner are generally far more expensive than breakfast and a snack. It isn't our presidents fault. That's just how the system has worked for many many years. It doesn't make it okay though. We'll continue to ignore it though because Americans seem to be okay with gov't waste whether it's on food or the pork that is in every bill voted on in the senate. We turn a blind eye and say things like. Oh, it's not that extravagant.
What type of bar drinks are available?
I'm sorry to be that guy but this is rediculous. AF1 is an insanely luxurious plane with a huge staff and a gourmet kitchen all paid for by the taxpayer while Americans either go hungry or are on gov't support. I'm not saying the prez doesn't need to get around and that we shouldn't feed him but he isn't entitled to live in the lap of luxury and to wine and dine all of his press team on the taxpayer's dime. Scallops easily run 10 dollars a pound and this was just their snack? I know many who can only afford a small bowl of off brand cereal for breakfast and don't get snacks at all and they are the one's paying for this. It isn't Obama's fault as this is a systematic thing and all presidents live this way but why do we the people put up with it. I know this is small in comparison to all the gov't waste going on but whey do we put up with that too? We are so blind as citizens. There is no excuse for this, you can make as many as you want and try to justify it any way you want. "well they are at work." Since when does a normal person get fed at work? Everyone I know is responsible for their own lunch at work. They either go somewhere or if they can't they take it with them. Yes even gov't employees. "Well he's the president, shouldn't we take care of him since he is serving us." Last I checked the presidents salary was 400,000 dollars plus a place to live and a fleet of cars and a staff bigger than even the richest celebrities could even dream of affording. I think the 400,000 by itself is more than enough compensation. He has a hard job but it's one he wanted. It's one he worked very hard to convince us to give him. A nation that is broke full of people who are broke should absolutely not be footing the bill for the leader to have a lavish lifestyle. It's corruption that apparently no one cares about and at best it's extremely unethical.
Sir! The President PAYS FOR HIS OWN MEALS unless it's a state dinner. Also, the press paid for their own meals and passage aboard AF1. Do some research before complaining. You could have had a valid point if all your assumptions were correct, but you only made yourself look stupid and ignorant.
No Fried Chicken and Watermelon???
Come on now, that was uncalled for.
Oh my gosh!! That was so....... original.
I'm a Republican, but even I expect the President to eat a half way decent meal.
Calm down, people.
I am a Republican and not a fan of President Obama......HOWEVER, in the interest of accuracy, the President of the United States actually PAYS for all food he and his family eat both at the White House and on Air Force One, unless it is a State Dinner. It has been this way since the JFK was in office. Surprising, but true.
Tenderized, lean pork steaks (seasoned, lightly floured & fried in veg. oil) are delicious. Bake a potato and open some green beans & water chestnuts or mushrooms and you have a gourmet meal. It's not difficult and you have something really good to serve your family & guests for very little $. I cooked 2 pork steaks last night for $1.97. I bet Obummer would have loved the meal. :-))))
It certainly is not the Spam and Pop Tarts some experienced last week, nor the no food policy airlines provide.
Maybe the OBamas should try spam on AF1 being Hawaiian and all.
Chicken fried steak is made (at least the way I was taught to cook it by my southern mom) with cubed steak, typically a very tough piece of beef from the butt-end of the cow that's had the crap pounded out of it (the steak, not the cow!) to help tenderize it a bit and that has to simmer in the gravy for 20-30 minutes to tenderize even more. Even after all that, it's still got some chew to it. If the AF1 steak was 'fork tender', they were using a different, better, MORE EXPENSIVE cut of meat.
Personally, the meal sounds...unhealthy at best. I also think Michelle Obama shouldn't be espousing about obesity. Last week in an interview she was not looking the most slender.
Too much rutabaga from the White House Garden!
I am not a lover of President Obama, but I don't view the breakfast that was served as extravagant. There's a small restaurant in Noble, Oklahoma called Kendalls, they serve the best chicken fried steads anywhere. They are so big if you order the big one that it covers a huge plate. I'll never forget my sister in laws eyes bug out the first time she saw itl Priceless!
I love a good medium rare horse from Oklahoma. It tastes different than that Texas stuff.
Wait a minute...is that a PLASTIC jelly container on the breakfast tray of Air Force One?
This is such a non story. who cares what they eat on airforce one. if we have to worry about the money, then we are worse off than I thought.
This would be the LAST thing I would want for breakfast. BLECHHH. So who is paying for this meal and I don't even want to know the carbon footprint. I hope all enjoy it while they can!!
Why is everyone so concerned about Michelle pushing healthy food choices while her husband eats what may not be considered the most healthy foods? Laura spend years pushing reading and we all know how much of a grasp GW has on the Elglish language.
The way my East African relatives pronounce it, and the way I have always seen it spelled is "SAMOSA" No B. In fact if you put the word "sambosa" into Google, it asks if you mean "samosa" and proceeds to show you lots of tasty information about these treats. Oh look, even this dialog box is tagging "sambosa" as a misspelling. Dear CNN: USE A SPELL CHECKER AND DO YOUR HOMEWORK!! (In a Food column, no doubt, tisk tisk!)
Sambosa is a regional variation of the spelling. It can also be sambusa, sambusak, etc. Not unlike kebab, kabob, kabab, etc.
Burn!
Hmmm – Feeding and flying American reporters in luxury class on taxpayer money. Well it explains the WHY we have to read European, Australian and New Zealand papers to get some actual FACTS. It you look up the words bribery and Corruption in Blacks Law Dictionary you can see where WE THE PEOPLE have a huge amount of restitution forth coming if we can find an honest judge – like the one who sentenced Bernie Madof.
Not exactly the Ritz, if that's all they have on Air Force one, they need to hire me. If they had a taste of my home made sauces and fall of the bone ribs, they'd keep me on 24hr standby!
It's funny, all these people whining about Country Fried steak on Air Force one is a joke. Yet when Bush was eating his beef and real choice steak (which for those morons who think country friend steak is a 5 star meal compared to their boxed Mac and Cheese dinners, steak is a little more pricey), they would think it was justified. I'm making grilled fish with asparagus for dinner tonight. I'll take that over country fried steak any day. I can at least get what the president had in a TV dinner in the frozen food section if I really wanted to for $1.09...
That's nothing. Back in Bush's day they were serving cocaine and tequila sunrises.
ZING!!
Chicken Fried Steak...So good for the heart.
I'm Southern and I don't think I've ever had chicken fried steak. I agree, the food doesn't sound all that spectacular to me and I think the adjectives used in the description are highly overdone. Sounds like "press corps spin"
Nice meal! I wonder if the Pres has to pay baggage fees on Air Force One? Are headphones free?
I'd rather the President be fed like this so he can spend all his time doing his job.
chicken fried steak and people are complaining, what should the President of The United States eat, bread and water. I am sure the press corp traveled and was fed during the Reagan,Bush, Clinton, Bush presidency, and the economy was in the toilet during the last 2 years of the Bush admin, and I sure Bush wasn't served bread and water.
When did Americans get so petty and ridiculous to the point that they are scrutinizing the U.S President down to his plane meals? I find nothing wrong with what the President of the United States eats on the plane. Even if you think it is wasteful (which is ridiculous), cutting the food menu down the just bread and water isn't going to solve the billions of dollars deficit left by the Bush Administration.
Most Americans are on Food Stamps?? Where does that statistic come from? The president pays for his own meals just like we do. Besides all that, it's a Chicken Fried Steak, not Beluga Caviar.. give me a break. If you don't want to be on food stamps, get a job, and education..
[sic]:
Jdizzle McHammerpants
"While many Americans are on food stamps."
Sounds delicious, while I work my ass off everyday and have a bagel for breakfast, a ham sandwich for lunch and pasta for dinner routinely....I got an idea to help cut the federal budget, no more f'in plane trips to Eurpoe, Asia, the Middle East, no more fancy food. All of this is ok for the President to do, because it is diplomatic and he is working on Foreign Affairs, how about you invite these people to America instead....I am not sure if it is already or not, but every voting American should have access to a list of what is paid for with tax dollars by a politician and how much is spent. Many people have learned to live within their means the past couple of years, yet we look at sh1t like this and makes us all wonder why our country is in debt....I hope that Mark Waltz or CNN paid for his food while aboard, if not, I will expect my thank you card in the mail....oh and by the way, 'Your Welcome, Mark!'
I must say that it does not seam that outlandish, but if think about what they are using to make this, like the cut of beef. I am sure that it is not cheap meat, and also every meal is top of the line and you and me are paying for it. It is not just this meal that is the issue, it is all of the over the top spending that the White House does and we are paying for it! Try not to spend a million on Christmas decorations in the White House this year Mrs. Obama. He don't get me wrong, I voted for the guy, but you can not ask Americans to support you when you are living it up on the hog and we can not even afford to put fuel in the car!
I read some where that the president pays for there meals at home unless it is a major function (then its politcal). They make a list of food and they pay for it not the tax payers. I bet that is the same case here. Now for the journalists...not sure.
^^^^see above
The press pays the equivalent of a first class fare to fly on Air Force One.....for a flight between Washington and Jakarta ,that would be approx, 14,000 dollars....so stop complaining......
Prove it, I would like to see published receipts for this....not calling you a liar, but I don't believe things until they are proven/shown to me.
Google it,moron.....it's public record
Oh really? That's news to me.
From a culinary perspective – I'm disappointed, especially with the breakfast. From a health perspective, I'm also disappointed. Michelle needs to hit the treadmill. Oh, and plastic surgery.
hey what up, he is the president let him eat whatever, we don't pay him enough to run this country, let him be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No one made him take the job. I think $400,000/year with everything paid for ain't bad. Single mom's working 3 jobs 18 hrs a day to feed 3 kids don't get that. Not the same, but I think a good analogy.
I want some food, well i wish people in crappy michigan had this luxury:(
Yup, most Americans routinely dine on a SNACK of bacon wrapped scallops and beef skewers. This is our tax dollars at work. Yours and mine.
that is great,it is important for the government to spend lots of money on food for the President and media.........maybe they should take a look at the reality of what us underlings eat....maybe instead of a bunch of pompus waste they could pull up a chair at the local soup kitchen, you know get back in touch w/ the people they are supposed to representing....... oh wait that will never happen
I thought they would have Grape Drink on the menu too ... lol ... its just a joke. I am black too :D
Sugar, water, and Purple.
Grape drink no – Purple Drank? Helltotheyeah!
And yet hunger is epidemic: "Federal report: U.S. hunger remains at highest levels in 15 years:
right mike, both reports on cnn at the same time
people hungry and the fine food on af 1
Fried Chicken and watermelon
LOL, I love racist jokes. I just don't tell them for fear of being cast a racist.
I can't believe everyone is missing the big part of the story here!! This journalist stole from the President of the US. He took the Tobbasco from the plane!!! Can you believe the nerve of some people!! LOL!!
I was expecting a much better menu as well... and groovygoober I am a current enlisted service member and I have eggs to order, sausage, french toast, shrimp, steak... same as the officers on ships and at the DFAC' while in Iraq from 2008-2009 Perhaps back in 1980 they didn't but now life is different, some service members want to make it seem worse than it is...
WHO CARES? Like should we rly care wht they eat on the damn plane? This country is going to crap and we are reporting on wht they eat. They eat wht we eat FOOD. Who cares,
I'm sure you'd say the same thing if it were Bush, right?
Oh and if you people are so angry about the menu on Air Force One, imagine what king of culinary delights they stuff their faces with in the White House.
You do realize that news networks PAY to have their journalists fly on Air Force One, don't you? Not everything is funded by tax payers.
hey mttrailboss ur an idiot. Who wants a country fried steak with fdaa grade Z meat thats fake. And if you hate those places so much and think they taste like cardboard then why keep going back. S**t today is still S**t tomorrow
OMG!!!!!! All this over country fried steak and egg breakfast?
I dont give a dang about the Obamas, but that menu looked friggin good. And Mrs Obama is telling the fat people what to eat because they apparently cant get it right on their own. So her being so fit and living a healthy life she can eat whatever she wants.
She should battle her own obesity and work off her badonkadonk before she tells everyone else how to eat / live
I expected better food.
Even though its not really chicken isn't it funny that the "so called president" is eating something that has the word chicken on it.. doesn't shock me at all.. im sure they also had KFC on board...
I really don't care who eats what when they travel. My concern would be who is paying for the press corps's meals? Either the correspondents or their employers should be billed. I would be seriously annoyed to find out that in this time of deficit spending that taxpayer money is being spent on elaborate meals for the press.
simpleton. you don't know what you don't know.
The members of the Presidential Press Core pay the cost of an air fare ticket when flying on AF-1 and they also pay for their meals on AF-1 and they pay for their hotel rooms also. Well I should say that their companies pay the cost for their reporters.
Yes, you could make that meal for that price but something tells me that this meal didn't cost that.
Yes, every media organization in the White House press corps reimburses the government for the cost of the flight and food and so forth. Trust me, the news folks hate paying for it, but they like being where the news is – and that's usually where the President (whoever that may be) is. Just sayin'.
Where can I find information about news outlets paying for tickets on AF1? I've searched high and low and haven't been able to confirm that news organizations do, in fact, pay for tickets on AF1? I can find all sorts of numbers that say that the cost of a flight for Air Force 1 is something stupid like $1500/minute, but can't seem to find any indication that the press pays its own way.
Wow. And on the same site we're told hunger in the US is at a 15-year high. So much for the party of the "little guy"
Why do you spoiled brats make such a big deal about what food you get fed on airplanes yet on the ground you could care less about the junk that McDonalds or Taco Bell throws in your trap? All of a sudden up in the air you all acquire taste and culinary expertise. Spoiled brats!
suprised – fried steak instead of fried chicken! No grape soda either.......
I done be da president yall....
I find it ridiculous that the Obama haters try to find anything and everything to complain about when it comes to his Presidency. I highly doubt that Dubya passed up a meal on AF1 because he didn't want to spend the taxpayers money. Puhleeze! If we all put the energy that we use to nitpick about this stuff towards things more productive and useful, imagine what this country could be!!
wow...why is everyone so mad at the president having BREAKFAST!!!
The menu is a lot more normal and down to earth than I thought it would be. Nothing all that fancy. I could find the same breakfast at a local diner (although probably not cooked as well). When there's so much at a person's disposal, I think it's interesting to see that person choose the same comfort foods anyone would have access to.
I wish I hadn't seen the bacon wrapped scallops. Now I want some.
Wish they served this type of meal at McDonalds and Burger King. If it was done right and at a good price.., these types of meals, maybe a little bit smaller in size and at a reasonable price. McDonalds and Burger King and the rest would have a 'run-away' hit on their menu. McDonalds menu, even the new items are simply to bland, dull and boring. Lets have a little fun with fast food.., we certainly need it. McDonalds burgers and other items on the menu, is like eating 'cardboard'. Lets put fun back into fast food and enjoy. Hope your listening McDonalds and Burger King.. Mike in Montana
He may as well eat good while is in office, as he damn sure won't be in office after t next election/
That remains to be seen. Two years is a long time in politics. Besides, even given that I don't agree with all of his decisions, I still must say that he has done more positive things for this country in two years, than Bush did in eight years. And don't start about what he added to the deficit. He inherited a tremendous deficit from the Bush years, and the majority of money has has spent was to attempt to rectify the mess he inherited. I don't hear you crying over what all the rich, fat cats did to our country's economic well-being, or doesn't that count? As an example, those on the right point to all the homes in foreclosures, as a result of home loans being given to people who shouldn't have qualified for one to begin with. Agreed. But what about all the people getting fat monthly bonuses from the loan companies who were pushing those loans. I know of one woman who worked for a finance company, who was pulling down bonuses in excess of $5,000 a month. She finally quit, in spite of the excellent money, because she could no longer take being told to push loans on people who couldn't afford them. Blame should be allocated also to those people who stayed and got rich off the backs of those unqualified borrowers.
He's done something positive? I must of caught a nap and missed it. All I see that he's done is try his best to socialize and enlarge the government
T-Bone steak, cheese eggs & Welch's grape! Conversate for a few, cause in a few we gone do what we came to do, aint that right, Boo? True!!
B.I.G.
It is a federal crime to steal an item with the Presidential Seal on it.
Obama has a terrible diet! He and his wife are trying to tell Americans what to eat! Give me a break! People who live in glass houses, etc,etc!
You are incorrect in stating that the Obama's are telling people what they should eat. Michelle Obama makes suggestions, doesn't dictate. It is true that we have a horrible obesity rate, terrible percentages of diabetes in children, medical illnesses are rampant due to poor eating habits, etc., etc. etc. Many cannot qualify for the military because of their weight problems, knees go bad due to overweight, backs degenerate due to being overweight, hypertension, poor mobility due to being overweight....and the list goes on as to why we need to be concerned about our eating habits.
So to complain about the First Lady being concerned for her fellow Americans is just a shame that you could use your mouth to spew such ignorance. Suggestions are that we make healthier choices for the majority of our meals. It is never suggested that we don't allow ourselves to thoroughly enjoy some of the meals we enjoy that may not be the healthiest for us...just that it could be unhealthy for us if we continually choose poor eating habits.
The Obama's are a healthy eating family that all realize that in reality we like to indulge occasionally. They choose to make it the exception and not the norm. So you in your ignorance want to complain that they choose to be healthy. You are a sad sack!
I have zero issues with what our POTUS, FLOTUS, their children and the flight crew eat on-board AF1. That said, I do have some concerns about feeding the press corps on our tax dollars. If the press corps pay for their meals then such is a mute point. If however, they do not pay for their meals and beverages, then why should they be exempt from paying? If the press corps does pay, then declare such and let them enjoy their meals. If not, this tax payer recommends the brown bag lunch.
The press corps not only pays for their meals, but also pays for their ticket to ride.
I don't know if the Press Corp pays for their meals or their flight, but I do know that if we didn't have a Press Corp, we would not know what the President eats on flights between India and Indonesia...
Mike, thanks. Since riding on-board AF-1 is above my pay grade, I really had no idea if the press paid for anything. Like I said, if such is the case, then my point is mute.
Wow like you really miss the .0001 cent of your lousy quarter! Come on where is the California love Jimmy?
our tax dollars hard at work
READ THE ARTICLE!
Michelle Obroad butt, would scrape the gravy off of his plate to put it on hers!
That comment is totally uncalled for.
HAHAHAHAHAHA – "A gravy IV for the first lady please"
Who really cares what they eat... Live and let live. It's more important to know that the President is getting things done. I would want good meals if I was flying all over the world. C'mmon. There is nothing that outlandishserved on the plane. And remember, rank has its privledges.
what has the prez done for me.......someone who actually pays in to the gov't. everything he has done for citizens are the ones who just take from the gov't
Getting things done? LOL! Ooookaaaayy, if that's what you want to call it.
Heck Yeah! I don't care who's the President of the United States, with all the flak they get, hard work they do (regardless if you agree w/them or not), and ummmm.....their life on the line the day they enter office – darn right they deserve a good meal. If you were on the road almost 24/7 away from family and friends, you'd appreciate the meal more then most.
Besides, we're not going to turn into a starving nation because the Prez has good meals. Comon' people...Sheesh.....
So by your assessment, putting your life on the line and working hard for your country should get this type of treatment... I wonder if our men in uniform had the same breakfast?
As a recently retired vet of 24 years service, I can guarantee without doubt they do not.
Yeah Bob. How could our law officers afford to have the cheapest steak dinner on the planet? Boy, have you seen the price of chopped beef, lately? It's nearly $2 a pound! Ass...
Yes, they all work for the government. And, yes, the service they all perform is invaluable to our country. But the roles they fill are totally different. They are all putting their lives on the line, each and every day, including the President. His life is threatened every day, which is why he has such heavy security. So, yes, he is entitled to eat whatever he wants. And I am just as sure that the military provides its line personnel with the best possible food commensurate with logistics and their mission. In other words, you need to get a life.
The Snack Bars on base would say different. Burger King? Pizza Hut? Both Iraq and Afghanistan have (or had them), it isn't all K-rations. And as any service member will tell you that not all posts are made equal. What you eat in a AF general mess is better than a Army officer's.
You can get this meal at Denny's minus the pretty menu. Bet you Denny's probably tastes just as good. People are making a fuss of CHICKEN FRIED STEAK? The reason that people fry the steak is because it's not the best cut of meat, it's not a ribeye or even sirloin. I mean really, chicken fried steak.
You want this meal go to Denny's they even have the yogurt.
What the heck are you people complaining about, this is a Denny's meal.
Maybe if we didn't spend so much sending them places they shouldn't be in the first f'ing place, the country could afford to make sure they ate like that.
Deep fried steak???
Candy???
Cheese on eggs???
Don't they know that Michelle is telling kids what to eat? How dare they?
Typical of the hypocrisy of the far left party of hate.
Ha. Good point.
another whiner. he's the prez (and an adult for that matter) and can eat whatever the f he wishes. look at him, he's a bag of bones and can probably run circles around your phat ace.
^^^^^^Fish On the line. Don't lose him!
Actually I am completely in favor of people eating what they want, but it is his wife who feels the need to dictate what Americans should eat. And for the record, I run marathons in my spare time. Idiot!
Exactly! Just about the only thing I don't agree with in this article was the lavishly printed menu, who cares just feed me already.
@Truth – so she actually comes to your local supermarket and stops you from buying whatever you want, does she?
Oh wait, she doesn't? Believe it or not, she's exercising her freedom of speech rights. If you don't like it, don't listen to her, or even better yet, you can go around telling people what YOU think they should be eating, and no one could stop you.
Party of Hate – Geez, then your party must be the party of LOVE!
"how dare they?" really . Stop pretending to be so surprised. If this is the only inconsistency you can find with Obama and you just want to yell hypocrisy every time you get a chance, you probably aren't paying attention to the more serious issues.
I'm sure George Bush ate on Air Force One also.
Nope, only democrats eat on planes. GW goes to the Ponderosa all you can eat buffet and lines his pockets with zip lock bags so he can save some chicken wings for later :-)
Last I checked, Barack and Michelle were in great shape. So, it is not hypocrisy as you state.
Bob, I think the point was that it's pretty funny that Michelle Obama has become the Obesity Czar and goes around the country telling others what they should be eating, while they are eating this terribly fattening food on Air Force One. It's not a political comment, just an observation.
Yes, because everyone will just eat up their raw vegetables and fruit cups on the way to a major meeting of world leaders. What were they thinking????? OMG, damn democrats....such a fool to draw a conclusion for a one time meal that is sometimes a necessity.
It's not a political party issue. It's a credibility issue. If you are going to go around the country telling others that they should eat healthy, you should be doing the same. I don't care what the Obamas eat or what anybody else eats, which is why I don't go around bloviating about healthy eating to others. Same deal with Obama pontificating about health care and preventitive care on camera and then he sneaks off to smoke his cigarettes off camera.
That's ridiculous, should the president advocate smoking to children because he smokes? Also, the menu cannot be too health food conscious because lets face it mostly Americans ride on the plane and most Americans do not eat particularly healthy. If they served a vegan meal many people on the flight would starve rather than eat rabbit food.
"It's not a political party issue. It's a credibility issue"
Actually, it's a moron issue. As in, you are one.
You idiot.
Michelle isn't telling kids what to eat, shes encouraging people to cook at home, choose healthier options and to stop feeding our kids crap. If you find a problem with that, you are an idiot. She isn't telling ANYONE what to eat. Not to mention, cooking at home, with healthier ingredients is a lot of the time less expensive.
you da man.
Get over it!!
Uh, actually, you useless half-wit, Michelle is SUPPLYING INFORMATION about food to children and parents. How outrageous.
If she and her husband weren't black, useless garbage like you wouldn't have a problem with it.
I didn't see anything in that post regarding race. The only one who mentioned it in regard to that particular post was you. It's Thanksgiving, there's no need to be so venomous towards anyone here. I hope you and your family have a nice Thanksgiving.
While many Americans are on food stamps.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/11/15/poverty.hunger/index.html?hpt=T2
You can have the same meal at Denny's, folks you don't know Jack.
I don't see anything too outlandish here. Not much better than you would get on a first class international flight on most airliners.
It's not like they are serving up Kobe beef and caviar.
Ok.. i've seen that "whipped and beaten culinary works cookbook" post on here a lot.. what the heck?
oh.. the must have removed it.. now my comment doesnt make sense..lol.. sorry.. go on with your day.
When's the last time you had a chicken fried steak on an airplane?
You do realize chicken fried steak is generally a cheap cut of beef, right? It's not like he's even eating prime rib. It's a basic staple of southern diners; you people are acting like its something that only the hyper elite who live in the Ritz could ever afford to eat.
I know maybe one person that could afford that. For elitists.
For the record, I don't mind the guy. Just sayin'.
"I know maybe one person that could afford that. For elitists."
I find it hard to believe that the majority of your acquaintances can't afford $2.49 lb meat. Either you are dramatically out of touch on the cost of groceries or so below the poverty level that I would suggest selling your computer and disconnecting your internet service in order to purchase food.
If you read my handle, you will see I was addressing Nathan's comment about First-Class International travel.
You could get that meal at waffle house at 3am for about $8 plus a drink, I'm not sure why anyone thinks that's extravagant?
I got to tour Air Force One some years ago when Clinton came to Africa. It has two kitchens. The one up front for people who sit on the fancy seats or in the private suites serves fresh-cooked food. The one in back for people who sit in crappy old seats serves nothing but standard airline microwave food. Those are usually reporters and staffers without seniority.
Except for the fact that each meal/setting probably costs the taxpayers $500.00 a pop once you factor in the food. the staff to prepare it, etc.
EVERYONE – including White House Staff – who flies on Air Force One gets a bill for their food at the end of the trip. CNN picked-up this tab – not the American Taxpayers
Try flying Singapore Airlines First Class. It is fantastic food and service. American carriers suck even in first class.
Besides, I'd rather my tax dollars go to pay to support the office of the president, who is working his ass off (regardless of whether I believe everything he does is correct) than someone who is just looking for a handout on foodstamps. (This coming from a republican)
Well said Nathan....
Good One!!!
Thank you! There are a lot of people out there that are just looking for reasons to complain and bash this President.
YES!!
right, mike, had it been bush, or the rnc's jet, Death from Above, koolaid drinkers would be all over this, crying about how people are starving, bla bla bla
Nathan, you are being fair and opened minded but you might exercise some caution as some Republican may see your post and take your standing in the party away. As one of my Republican friends to me, "It's not nice to compliment the President"
Nathan, please remember that at least SOME of those people collecting food stamps have been knocking themselves out trying to find a job .. with no luck. Every time I advertise a part-time vacancy on my staff at $12/hr, I get 500 or more resumes, even from people who would use up the pay traveling from where they live to get to the job. Things are gawd awful desperate out there.
No one has an issue with the President and staff eating on the plane, as they serve our country. But why do the taxpayers have to pay for the freeloading journalists? Do they pay anything to fly on Air Force one? All I know is they took away my cr*ppy pretzels last flight I took and I paid good money for the flight.
Well said! And I didn't even vote for him.
you know i dont like obama period. but any president will have these types of meals on the plane and maybe even more luxurious. really its just food. it all comes out as cra* in the end anyway. its a perk of the office.
Wow...someone with logic, reason, maturity,yeah. Not anything to do with his party affiliation and everything to do with his desire and ability to critically think. Yeah for return to sanity!
@Bill Clint on:
READ the article. It clearly states that all journalists/their parent organizations (like CNN) PAY THEIR WAY. They get billed. Stop mouthing off your preconceptions, try reading the article first.
Get a life and be just a bit reasonable. Besides what have you done today? Besides waste time on the computer?
Tax payers don't pay for my wages and meals. I can waste time anywhere I want. I'm saying the leader of a country whose economy is in the toilet should tone it down a notch willingly to show a little empathy.
McHammerpants: Tax money paid for more of your meal than you think. I'd suggest a little research on USDA farm subsidies.
I doubt my Cup O' Noodles costs us that much. It's probably what I eat the most. I know, bad for me. Ooh! And jarred banana peppers. I can go through one of them in two days.
Are you angry because you were named for a lavatory, or because you were conceived in one?
"tone down a bit.." It's country fried steak, not Kobe. The entire entree cost on average less than $5.00 and that's being generous.The snack, consisting of kabob and samosa are a simple two or three small cuts of meat with a potato pastry, again less than $5.00 per person if done in appetizer size portions. Do I sympathize that you obviously are having a rough time financially right now, absolutely but by no means is the above meal extravagant. Just because your diet consist of roman noodles and jarred peppers doesn't mean that everyone must eat the same.
reasoning is un-american ;-] wonder if you, in addition to pondering, use adverbs. if so, you can not, possibly, be a patriot.
How much of your dinner did you give to some one on food stamps or a homeless person???
You'd be amazed at how light I eat. Always been that way, plus I don't make that much money – child support eats half my check. Yes, I pay child support. Statistics say there is likely a few of you on here that don't (nor have a job due to laziness) and try to come across as perfect. Time volunteered is another way to donate, as well.
Your child support is not Obama's problem, it sounds like you made a poor decision at some point in your life and now you want someone to bail you out.
By the way, I'm 100% positive that no one cares "how light you eat"
Your sister does. And it was not a mistake, but an epic display of bedroom masterdom.
@Matt. OUCH! Love your post. Seems to be MCHammer thinks he's pretty clever on these threads.
if so, that would add the cost of a cooler and dry ice – a lot of it. this was a long round trip.........
Let us put the leader of our country on food stamps even though he earned his seat. C'mon man!
If he was on food stamps he could eat the exact same meals
While 45 million Americans are starving this idiot eats well in our airplane....we need to take this toy away from this kid and buy him a choo choo train.......................it is DISGUSTING the way we allow our Presidents to live so high off the hog.......is he a public servant or are we his servants?
I would hardly call chicken fried steak w/gravy and a biscuit eating high on the hog. I can make that at home, but i never would.
You know I would think the job of POTUS should come with some perks. It's a pretty responsible position. When you're in charge of a decision to launch nuclear missiles you should be treated well.
This should be titled "what we ate on the tax payers dime, on airforce 1)...with the country bankrupt they should be eating potatoe soup, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Obama is thief...lier and charlatan ...He is a One TERM wonder...
I don't have a problem paying for this. I do have a problem paying for all the crap that is not reported... Imagine ...
The country is in debt, not bankrupt. If it was bankrupt I guarantee you wouldn't have time to come online and bitch... you would be heading to canada or something.
If the President is supposed to live like a common person maybe the country should elect a middle class person as president instead of a millionaire. Good or bad (bad imo) people around the globe respect and worship money so the pres needs to be flashy to get the respect the office deserves. this goes for both republicans and democrats.
Should be a Cessna surving Jiffy pop. I think the civil servants of this country are under the delusion they are a form of royalty.
The same President who forces Obamacare down our collective throats eats Fried Steak, Bacon Kabobs, and ice cream at every photo op. This guy makes Nero look like Gandi.
Quit complaining about everything Obama does, it's getting boring....FYI, the press corps pay the equivalent of a first class ticket to ride Air Force One, so it's not on your tax dollar...
In my opinion, the journalists should be charged for the flight and meal. CNN has plenty of cash and should contribute to the huge deficit the country is facing. We have enough freeloaders!
They do, idiot. Media outlets have to pay for their journalists to fly on AFO.
Journalists pay only a small fraction of the tru cost. Just another subsidy by the man.
So journalists should pay for the technology upgrades and added security on AF1? Allowing journalists to travel with the president is actually saving money, why would you have a large jet with only a few passengers when you could charge journalists for a first class ticket to subsidize some of the cost? AF1 was not made to make money like one of Delta's planes, it's built to protect the president so obviously there are many added costs. Not allowing journalists on the plane would actually cost taxpayers more money, why are people so stupid?
Uh, moron, it says in the article THAT THEY DO pay for the cost.
How many of you Republican idiots are actually reading the article you're posting on? It clearly says that EVERYONE who flies Air Force One pays for the flight and the meals. Yes, tax money provided the plane, which by the way, is the same one Bush flew for 8 years while ruining our country so thoroughly that we might never recover, but EVERYONE (Yes, even President Obama) pays for the food. He only flies for free if it's related to the Government. If he flies for pleasure, he pays. As for the food, the president gets an allowance, but if he exceeds it, he is charged for the excess. Pay attention when you're gonna shoot your mouth off (unless you're literally gonna shoot your mouth off, then I might not mind so much).
You are right! In spite of the fact that the President entertains international dignitaries aboard Air Force One, he should eat cheese crackers and peanut butter only or something.
After all, YOUR sensibilities are FAR more important than Head Of State functions and responsibilities!
Maybe he should move out of the White House too, as we have homeless Americans? Dignitaries can visit him at the Presidential clothes dryer box.
Get a grip on reality!
Glad you see my point! =D
What should really get you upset are all the logo'd items on the plane. Just think how much cheaper the napkins would be in they didn't have a logo on them, or the "presential seal" tabasco? Does the napkin work better when it has a presedential seal on it? Is the TP covered with the presidential seal . . . well, maybe people would pay for that one.
Specialty logo items and labels don't really cost that much, actually. There's not a whole lot to get upset over that. Companies brand everything from water bottles to wine glasses all the time. When you have a standing account with a printer, you're not paying for much more than the materials and print run.
Graphic Designer – hmmm, you sound like my realtor when she said the electric company has a study proving that living near high tension power lines is safe.
Give me a break. That's the best you can come up with?
"I refuse to believe you because, though I know nothing of the subject, I want to make a point. I don't need facts, all I need is an unrelated example of something dangerous and everyone will think I'm right."
Really?
Why don't you look up real bulk rate pricing on imprinting a logo on a napkin and then get back to me with your shocking cost to the taxpayer.
Specialty logo napkins go for about 20 cents a napkin, while a Bounty napkin can be had for as little as 1 cent per. There is no sense in wasting the extra money on the logo. The job of a napkin is to clean, not look good. In the end they all go in the same trash pile.
That number is only accurate if you're buying a relatively small number of napkins. The more you buy, the less they cost. For instance I googled this online printer randomly (jbusinessproducts . com), for a 2 color napkin at 5,000, the price is about 19 cents each. For 10,000 napkins, the price drops to 10 cents, it's about 6 cents for 60,000 napkins, and the price drops to 4 cents per napkin at 250,000. This is just one flat rate online printer. When you have a standing account with a local printer, you get even better deals as they're willing to give you the best price they can for your continued patronage.
Now if the government is buying 500 napkins at a time and wasting 50 cents per napkin, I can see your point, but it's much more likely that they are buying them in bulk from someone with whom they've had a long standing relationship.
Graphic – I see your point. If we order large enough quantities, the price will be cheaper than the plain napkin. My bad. . .bring on the logo'd TP.
@ Graphic – you are a mor0n, and indicative of the waste seen in goverment. You're so busy explaining why items with specialty logos are reasobable when bought in bulk, that you don't stop to question why we even need to buy items with logos. Typical government mentaility – by your logic, you can probably get it for free if you buy a large enough quantity.
Serviously, "Govt Waste", do the gene pool a gigantic favor and blow the dog sh1t that passes for your brains out now.
People will always be on food stamps. Get over it.
–what happened to the salad? no vegetables? that should be the center of your diet!
When was the last time you had a salad for breakfast?
No kidding... can't the media fly on company dime and why are we feeding the press. I love Obama...and things he stands for but it pisses me off that kids over here in the states are going to bed hungry and the press is flying on AF1!
"No kidding... can't the media fly on company dime and why are we feeding the press."
Another half-wit who can't be bothered to read the article she's commenting on heard from.
While many Americans are on food stamps, journalists are allowed to purchase sandwhiches!!!! OMG!!!!
Seriously, if I were as dumb as you are, I'd have to seriously consider blowing my own brains out for the sake of the gene pool.