Yesterday we took a look at U.S. Vice President Joe Biden’s $1 million hotel bill from one night in Paris ($585,000) and one night in London ($480,000) earlier this year.
Rollin’ deep, right? Damn straight … no free embassy lodging for this guy.
Anyway in addition to dropping $1 million on hotels, Biden also spent $321,665 on limousine travel around Paris during the same trip. Pretty pricey tabs for a guy who was recently hailed by S.C. Democratic Party chairman Dick Harpootlian as “protecting middle class families.”
For those of you keeping score at home, the lodging costs were uncovered by The Weekly Standard. The limo tab was first reported by CNN.
No word yet on what other costs Biden incurred during his trip abroad …
Meanwhile, the White House (a.k.a. the “People’s Mansion”) remains closed to the public due to “budget cuts.”
Biden arrives in South Carolina on May 3 to keynote the S.C Democratic Party’s Jefferson/ Jackson dinner, incidentally. Count on FITS to keep “middle class families” in the Palmetto State abreast of the costs he incurs on his trip.
Oh … and the women he gropes, too.
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48 comments
Sure, this is news. Like we don’t know these elected Party (both parties) scum do this. Compile reports from other sources on stuff we already know. Scraping the bottom of the barrel, aren’t you FITS? Too bad. FITS enjoyable irreverent, snide writers view many many crave to see in competent, well researched articles about slimy elitist politicians. But your incompetent investigative/writing and lack of training in professional journalism, and inability to separate writers view from writers bias promises no delivery of real news to critical, thoughtful readers. SC needs such a source of news.
How to do critical reading – http://www.criticalreading.com/index.html
I enjoy this site because it’s like going to a favorite bar where all sorts of folks show up, each having opinions and peculiar quirks, and being the cosmopolitan guy I am, I am considerate and tolerate their different personalities even when I disagree with them. Sic Willie keeps the doors open 24/7 for everyone. Anyway, I have some fun with you folks, and every once in while I can make an intelligent comment. And like this Donald Duck cartoon says ——–
With your sense of humor you are probably the guy that diffuses tempers that flair with a few well placed words. Interesting how people come here for different things, and posts can be understood better when considering their view, like the contrast between ours. Shifty’s: refreshing. Kat’s: bludgeoning. Strong need for real news with FITS irreverent writer’s view. FITS advertisement of news that don’t meet news standards is another reason SC can be mocked. Ah well. On with the bludgeoning!
Well, it’s just like hanging out where folks drift in and out. Sic Willie provides the clubhouse and throws stuff out for us, just like feeding the chickens on my granddaddy’s farm. Some chickens ignore the feed, or just look at it, and some chickens gobble it up as fast as they can.
What I do find interesting, though, is that I can review the posts on articles for a few weeks (hindsight) to see how many comments there are and also who comments on each article. It’s interesting to see what grabs someone’s interest.
Some folks know more about one article than others, and that adds to my knowledge and interest. I can also see how their personalities show through their posts. Me, I’m simply just “shifty”.
Sure, this is news. Like we don’t know these elected Party (both parties) scum do this. Compile reports from other sources on stuff we already know. Scraping the bottom of the barrel, aren’t you FITS? Too bad. FITS enjoyable irreverent, snide writers view many many crave to see in competent, well researched articles about slimy elitist politicians. But your incompetent investigative/writing and lack of training in professional journalism, and inability to separate writers view from writers bias promises no delivery of real news to critical, thoughtful readers. SC needs such a source of news.
How to do critical reading – http://www.criticalreading.com/index.html
I enjoy this site because it’s like going to a favorite bar where all sorts of folks show up, each having opinions and peculiar quirks, and being the cosmopolitan guy I am, I am considerate and tolerate their different personalities even when I disagree with them. Sic Willie keeps the doors open 24/7 for everyone. Anyway, I have some fun with you folks, and every once in while I can make an intelligent comment. And like this Donald Duck cartoon says ——–
With your sense of humor you are probably the guy that diffuses tempers that flair with a few well placed words. Interesting how people come here for different things, and posts can be understood better when considering their view, like the contrast between ours. Shifty’s: refreshing. Kat’s: bludgeoning. Strong need for real news with FITS irreverent writer’s view. FITS advertisement of news that don’t meet news standards is another reason SC can be mocked. Ah well. On with the bludgeoning!
Well, it’s just like hanging out where folks drift in and out. Sic Willie provides the clubhouse and throws stuff out for us, just like feeding the chickens on my granddaddy’s farm. Some chickens ignore the feed, or just look at it, and some chickens gobble it up as fast as they can.
What I do find interesting, though, is that I can review the posts on articles for a few weeks (hindsight) to see how many comments there are and also who comments on each article. It’s interesting to see what grabs someone’s interest.
Some folks know more about one article than others, and that adds to my knowledge and interest. I can also see how their personalities show through their posts. Me, I’m simply just “shifty”.
Just happen to have photo of how Biden, The Duck, flew home
The duck on bottom represents the American Taxpayer
Just happen to have photo of how Biden, The Duck, flew home
The duck on bottom represents the American Taxpayer
It must be sad to be a sorry-ass jerk who goes through life and no one respects him.
Biden or FITS? Correct me if I’m wrong, but Biden has been elected Senator multiple times and then VP. I’m gonna go out on a limb and say some people respect him.
OK, I’m and adult and will take my hit. Amend my post to reflect that it’s me who has no respect for Biden.
Gotta repost Smirks’ comment from yesterday’s “Biden Stays in Expensive Hotel Article.” Also, stop sounding like such a jealous bitch.
“I’m sure the Secret Service doesn’t consider the Motel 6 down by the ghetto
for a reason when a trip is planned by the President or Vice President.
Granted, I’m sure a luxury hotel isn’t exactly necessary either, but
trips by the executives aren’t ever cheap. Keep in mind they likely rent
the rooms near and over/under where the VP stays to ensure his safety,
as well as other special accommodations.
Of course, do we have a breakdown of how these costs were incurred?
Of course not, but that won’t stop the Rush Limbaughs and Weekly
Standards of the world from gasping at travel expenses that are by their
very nature going to be high. Break down the bill by what cost what and
what is necessary and what isn’t, or show us comparable lodgings by
previous VPs that were far cheaper when adjusted for inflation.
The clip they show says “Contract Award Dollar Amount,” so was this the lowest bid? How many other hotels bid on it?
Hell, maybe I’m wrong, maybe the trip could’ve been cheaper, but
there seems to be a lot of questions that you and your source (The
Weekly Standard) aren’t asking, and likely due to the fact that it
doesn’t fit your narrative to question a perfectly good talking point.”
The jealous bitch comment must be directed at me. Interesting take. What am I jealous about?
No, Kat, “jealous bitch” is directed at Sic.
Thanks, appreciate the clarification. Not seeking to refute, only seeking to see from other angle.
How about he just keeps his gaffe prone goofy ass at home and guides tours of the White House – that’s as close as he’ll ever get to living there (I hope)
I would actually argue the notion that Biden should not be taking these trips unless absolutely necessary would be a fairly valid criticism.
It would have been more revealing and useful if these hotel values/travel expenses were side by side/adjusted for inflation with prior administration/VP stays.
Do these international meetings ever really amount to much? Given how we are told that sequestration amounts to the world’s end and another depression is around the corner, and austerity measures need to be taken, etc., etc., telecommuting or video conference calling would have been a nice gesture.
I’m not sure how often the VP actually needs to travel in order to carry out his duties. If he’s doing it at the behest of the President, that wouldn’t be so bad, but I’d question Obama’s judgement for sending Biden of all people to talk on his behalf.
I would hope that all government officials would use teleconferencing or other cheaper means of communicating or talking with people “face to face” whenever they can. Government should be made to pinch pennies wherever it possibly can.
Yeah, Nixon should have just had a conference call wih China!
If I’m not mistaken, these contracts are awarded without bidding. Security concerns, I believe.
It must be sad to be a sorry-ass jerk who goes through life and no one respects him.
Biden or FITS? Correct me if I’m wrong, but Biden has been elected Senator multiple times and then VP. I’m gonna go out on a limb and say some people respect him.
OK, I’m and adult and will take my hit. Amend my post to reflect that it’s me who has no respect for Biden.
Gotta repost Smirks’ comment from yesterday’s “Biden Stays in Expensive Hotel Article.” Also, stop sounding like such a jealous bitch.
“I’m sure the Secret Service doesn’t consider the Motel 6 down by the ghetto
for a reason when a trip is planned by the President or Vice President.
Granted, I’m sure a luxury hotel isn’t exactly necessary either, but
trips by the executives aren’t ever cheap. Keep in mind they likely rent
the rooms near and over/under where the VP stays to ensure his safety,
as well as other special accommodations.
Of course, do we have a breakdown of how these costs were incurred?
Of course not, but that won’t stop the Rush Limbaughs and Weekly
Standards of the world from gasping at travel expenses that are by their
very nature going to be high. Break down the bill by what cost what and
what is necessary and what isn’t, or show us comparable lodgings by
previous VPs that were far cheaper when adjusted for inflation.
The clip they show says “Contract Award Dollar Amount,” so was this the lowest bid? How many other hotels bid on it?
Hell, maybe I’m wrong, maybe the trip could’ve been cheaper, but
there seems to be a lot of questions that you and your source (The
Weekly Standard) aren’t asking, and likely due to the fact that it
doesn’t fit your narrative to question a perfectly good talking point.”
The jealous bitch comment must be directed at me. Interesting take. What am I jealous about?
No, Kat, “jealous bitch” is directed at Sic.
Thanks, appreciate the clarification. Not seeking to refute, only seeking to see from other angle.
How about he just keeps his gaffe prone goofy ass at home and guides tours of the White House – that’s as close as he’ll ever get to living there (I hope)
I would actually argue the notion that Biden should not be taking these trips unless absolutely necessary would be a fairly valid criticism.
It would have been more revealing and useful if these hotel values/travel expenses were side by side/adjusted for inflation with prior administration/VP stays.
Do these international meetings ever really amount to much? Given how we are told that sequestration amounts to the world’s end and another depression is around the corner, and austerity measures need to be taken, etc., etc., telecommuting or video conference calling would have been a nice gesture.
I’m not sure how often the VP actually needs to travel in order to carry out his duties. If he’s doing it at the behest of the President, that wouldn’t be so bad, but I’d question Obama’s judgement for sending Biden of all people to talk on his behalf.
I would hope that all government officials would use teleconferencing or other cheaper means of communicating or talking with people “face to face” whenever they can. Government should be made to pinch pennies wherever it possibly can.
Yeah, Nixon should have just had a conference call wih China!
If I’m not mistaken, these contracts are awarded without bidding. Security concerns, I believe.
This is just more Biden hater bullshit! Check out what Darth Cheney spent. You probably won’t find much difference.
This is just more Biden hater bullshit! Check out what Darth Cheney spent. You probably won’t find much difference.
No doubt in my mind that Cheney drove himself around in a rusted out pick up truck……Wasn’t it Sanford that sent SLED to the farm to get his boots……pick up potato salad…….deliver Christmas bread…….pick up the dogs???????? Forgot,he’s a family values Christian Republican,so no problem.
No doubt in my mind that Cheney drove himself around in a rusted out pick up truck……Wasn’t it Sanford that sent SLED to the farm to get his boots……pick up potato salad…….deliver Christmas bread…….pick up the dogs???????? Forgot,he’s a family values Christian Republican,so no problem.
For God’s sake, man, on the very link you yourself posted:
Several officials from previous administrations said this is just
what it costs to run a full-scale, overseas trip for someone like the
president or the vice president.
One former official from the George W. Bush administration thought
the price tag was high, but conceded there are a lot of factors that
drive up the cost, such as compensation for emptying rooms or displacing
guests for security purposes.
…
The vice president’s office referred CNN to the State Department, which said the costs are “nothing out of the ordinary.”
“They are in line with high level travel across multiple
administrations. The contract costs cover the entire range of support,
including accommodations for military, communications, secret service
staff, and other support professionals,” the department said in a
statement.
In addition, the department said, security experts are also required to travel in advance of the president or vice president.
Really? Does Biden have to ride around in a 2002 Honda Civic that burns oil and has windows that don’t roll down just to make you happy? Was the limousine in question bulletproof and did it have other features that the typical motorcade for Presidents have? What else did this pay for? Other cars for Secret Service agents to lead/follow the limo? Was this a contract awarded to the lowest bid?
You can’t even include the quote above, so that speaks volumes. Give us some hard data, or give us some comparisons to run by, otherwise this is a non-story sensationalized by people who just want to have whatever talking point.
Trips by the executives are expensive no matter who is in office. If you can demonstrate Biden’s are more expensive than usual, and unnecessarily so, then do it. That would constitute a reason to be mad.
So, the State Department, which shares the same boss as Biden, said this is not an issue? Got it.
If it really were easy to compare and contrast his expenses with those of predecessors, why didn’t the State Department do just that?Wouldn’t they have the easiest access to such information?
For God’s sake, man, on the very link you yourself posted:
Several officials from previous administrations said this is just
what it costs to run a full-scale, overseas trip for someone like the
president or the vice president.
One former official from the George W. Bush administration thought
the price tag was high, but conceded there are a lot of factors that
drive up the cost, such as compensation for emptying rooms or displacing
guests for security purposes.
…
The vice president’s office referred CNN to the State Department, which said the costs are “nothing out of the ordinary.”
“They are in line with high level travel across multiple
administrations. The contract costs cover the entire range of support,
including accommodations for military, communications, secret service
staff, and other support professionals,” the department said in a
statement.
In addition, the department said, security experts are also required to travel in advance of the president or vice president.
Really? Does Biden have to ride around in a 2002 Honda Civic that burns oil and has windows that don’t roll down just to make you happy? Was the limousine in question bulletproof and did it have other features that the typical motorcade for Presidents have? What else did this pay for? Other cars for Secret Service agents to lead/follow the limo? Was this a contract awarded to the lowest bid?
You can’t even include the quote above, so that speaks volumes. Give us some hard data, or give us some comparisons to run by, otherwise this is a non-story sensationalized by people who just want to have whatever talking point.
Trips by the executives are expensive no matter who is in office. If you can demonstrate Biden’s are more expensive than usual, and unnecessarily so, then do it. That would constitute a reason to be mad.
So, the State Department, which shares the same boss as Biden, said this is not an issue? Got it.
If it really were easy to compare and contrast his expenses with those of predecessors, why didn’t the State Department do just that?Wouldn’t they have the easiest access to such information?
Why doesn’t the filthy bugger stay at the US embassy in Paris? Obviously the money is only a token issue since we are already so far gone as a country it doesn’t really matter any more.
Hell Obama took a posse of 750 federal employees to visit el salvador for 2 days. Pimpin Aint Easy!
Why doesn’t the filthy bugger stay at the US embassy in Paris? Obviously the money is only a token issue since we are already so far gone as a country it doesn’t really matter any more.
Hell Obama took a posse of 750 federal employees to visit el salvador for 2 days. Pimpin Aint Easy!