Extreme Makeover: Oval Office Edition?
SodaHead News
2010/09/02 22:00:00
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If you’re like me, the first thing you do when you move into a new house or apartment is gut it. Away go the tacky curtains, the lame wallpaper, the ugly paint and any grandma furniture the previous tenants left behind.
But when you’re the president and the room you’re doing an extreme makeover on is the Oval Office, well, everyone has an opinion.
While the First Family was on vacation in Martha’s Vineyard last week, a team of designers came in and gave the most famous office in the world a fresh coat of paint.
Why President Obama waited 18 months to re-arrange the furniture is anyone’s guess, which might explain why New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd slammed the ill-conceived timing, writing “Obama clearly needs a reminder about what really counts as the Democrats prepare to get their clocks cleaned.”
Designers added a new mica custom coffee table surrounded by coffee-colored sofas that an interior designer told The Washington Post were too casual and lacked regard for “history and tradition.” They hung hand-painted gold striped wallpaper on the formerly eggshell-colored walls. And the piece de resistance? A rug embroidered with quotes that have meaning for the President from Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy, as well as past presidents Lincoln and both Roosevelts.
Designers replaced a rug hand-picked by former first lady Laura Bush, one that former president Bill Clinton famously commented on during a January 2009 visit to his old digs, when he exclaimed “I love this rug!”
The White House did its best to make sure the new materials were all American made, but it's not like Obama is some design diva.
The Oval Office facelift is a presidential tradition and the funds for it came from a contribution from the Presidential Inaugural Committee to the White House Historical Association, not taxpayers' pockets. The White House stressed that the changes were minimal and comparable to what former presidents George W. Bush and Clinton spent on their makeovers.
What Do You Think of the Oval Office's New Decor?
But when you’re the president and the room you’re doing an extreme makeover on is the Oval Office, well, everyone has an opinion.
While the First Family was on vacation in Martha’s Vineyard last week, a team of designers came in and gave the most famous office in the world a fresh coat of paint.
Why President Obama waited 18 months to re-arrange the furniture is anyone’s guess, which might explain why New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd slammed the ill-conceived timing, writing “Obama clearly needs a reminder about what really counts as the Democrats prepare to get their clocks cleaned.”
Designers added a new mica custom coffee table surrounded by coffee-colored sofas that an interior designer told The Washington Post were too casual and lacked regard for “history and tradition.” They hung hand-painted gold striped wallpaper on the formerly eggshell-colored walls. And the piece de resistance? A rug embroidered with quotes that have meaning for the President from Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy, as well as past presidents Lincoln and both Roosevelts.
Designers replaced a rug hand-picked by former first lady Laura Bush, one that former president Bill Clinton famously commented on during a January 2009 visit to his old digs, when he exclaimed “I love this rug!”
The White House did its best to make sure the new materials were all American made, but it's not like Obama is some design diva.
The Oval Office facelift is a presidential tradition and the funds for it came from a contribution from the Presidential Inaugural Committee to the White House Historical Association, not taxpayers' pockets. The White House stressed that the changes were minimal and comparable to what former presidents George W. Bush and Clinton spent on their makeovers.
What Do You Think of the Oval Office's New Decor?
Top Opinion
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KCurtis 2010/09/03 00:05:33I think it was the wrong time to do this
This reminds me of Gov Patterson here in NY paying $5,000 for 2 rugs! yea 2 rugs...that was th ebeginning of the end for him
When this guy ever does something right,, somebody PLEASE,, let me know...
Even the LEFT is getting tired of this guy's "Marie Antoinette" attitude.. Bush MIGHT have taken more days off at his CRAWFORD ranch during his two terms but THIS guy and his Wife spend more on ONE vacation then HE did for all that..
THIS clown needs to put away his Golf Clubs and at least ACT like his,, and his Party's,, Destruction of the economy has had SOME effect of him like it has anyone else..
Instead.. HE,, and his FAMILY,, are treating their positions as FIRST FAMILY,, as though they have WON the LOTTERY and can't move FAST enough to SPEND their newfound wealth..
He chose his 6th vacation at taxpayer expense at pricey Martha's Vineyard
paid for on taxpayer dime!
He could have moved into Blair House, but he is not interested in Americans and their plight.
Deal with it. He DOES not care about you or me.
He's living high on the hog off the taxpayer dime and he will continue to do it,
with no remorse. This man believes, you owe him!
We know only the destruction he has caused to our freedoms and the Constitution.
What can you possibly come up with to make amends for that ever?
Can you honestly tell me you are better off today??
Query your friends and neighbors and just ask them, conversationally with no mention of Obama,
"Do you think you are better off today than last year?" Then come talk to me!
Unless of course, you are a govt. worker on the taxpayer dole who has not felt the pain!
I am truly sorry that you are struggling. Imagine, if you can't get by with three retirement checks, what the rest of the private sector is doing with one retirement check or SS.
I don't honestly intend to make light of, or belittle your situation, but check with your school and you will find that the majority of students are getting free breakfast / lunch,despite the fact that most of those families have one or two parents working!
That, in itself, should convince you that you are probably right "not to care for the man's politics".
I would like to thank your husband for his service and as an American want him to know, that I am truly grateful to him for his courage and sacrifice.
I agree that our servicemen are sorely underpaid and that is absolutely obscene.
I was appalled when I heard recently that there was talk of cutting military pay.
Thank you and best wishes.
edit: clarity!
You call some one a "IDIOT" and they should not be offended......
'better ways to spend tax dollars at this time'
Believe me there are many, many things that President Obama has done and doing that I dont like. But, this is something that every president has done reguardless of the economy. And no one has ever said a thing.... This is what gets to me.
Simple and sophisticated.
I don't blame Michelle for wanting to make further changes just in case there is still some Clinton DNA stuck in the old crevices, but couldn't she find something other than the lobby at the Days Inn to get her decorating ideas?
will not accept the responsibility of the office, attacks states, supports illegals over American citizens, Signs law that he has not read. Takes vacations early and often, kills jobs in the private sector. So far has done nothing to earn praise. Sorry you picked a loser, Are you sorry yet for voting for him?