Nina Caldwell
Former US President Barack Obama has been criticized for golfing during times of crisis. In 2014, Obama delivered a statement on the execution of American journalist James Foley by Islamic State militants and then proceeded to play golf, drawing criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Obama has also been criticized for golfing during the Gulf oil spill, the Ukraine crisis, and racial unrest in Ferguson, Missouri. Some have defended Obama's golfing habits, arguing that the president deserves time to relax and clear his mind. Obama is not the only president to face this dilemma, as former President George W. Bush also faced criticism for golfing during the Iraq War.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | August 2014 |
| Location | Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts |
| Number of Golf Rounds | 8 |
| Crises | Islamic State challenge in Iraq and Syria, racial unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, Ukraine crisis, Gaza crisis |
| Criticism | Lack of leadership, insensitivity, inappropriate leisure activity during a crisis |
| Defense | Need for the president to have some time to relax, criticism not universal |
| Golfing Partners | Underlings, including a body man/ex-bartender/caddy and his brother, and the family chef |
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What You'll Learn
Obama's golf outings during the Gulf oil spill crisis
During his presidency, Barack Obama faced criticism for his frequent golf outings, particularly during times of crisis, such as the Gulf oil spill in 2010.
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, caused by a BP oil rig, resulted in a significant environmental disaster. While Obama addressed the crisis and secured a $20 billion agreement with BP to pay for claims, he also faced criticism for his leisure activities during this time. Obama played golf on multiple occasions, drawing negative attention from the media and political opponents.
White House spokesman Bill Burton defended Obama's golf outings, arguing that the president deserved time to relax and clear his mind, especially given the numerous pressing issues he was addressing. Burton highlighted Obama's efforts in tackling the oil spill, strengthening lobby and ethics rules, and addressing economic concerns.
Despite the defense, Obama's golf outings during the Gulf oil spill crisis were scrutinized by the public and the media. Some compared his actions to those of BP CEO Tony Hayward, who faced criticism for watching a yacht race during the spill. Obama's decision to play golf while dealing with the crisis was seen as a lack of sensitivity to the ongoing environmental disaster.
The Gulf oil spill was not an isolated incident of Obama playing golf during a crisis. In August 2014, Obama faced similar criticism when he played golf after delivering a statement on the execution of American journalist James Foley by Islamic State militants. This juxtaposition of events drew negative reactions, with some questioning the president's judgment and sensitivity to the unfolding crises.
Obama's golf outings during times of crisis became a recurring topic of discussion, with defenders arguing for the importance of leisure activities for the president's well-being and critics emphasizing the need for leadership and focus during challenging times.
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Obama's response to the Islamic State challenge in Iraq and Syria
In 2014, President Barack Obama faced criticism for golfing during his vacation on Martha's Vineyard while grappling with the Islamic State's challenge in Iraq and Syria, among other crises. Beyond the crisis in the Middle East, Obama also dealt with racial unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, the Ukraine crisis, the Gaza crisis, and other pressing issues.
In response to the Islamic State's growing threat, Obama authorised airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq to defend Yazidi citizens stranded in Sinjar. He also acknowledged the execution of American journalist James Foley by ISIS militants and committed to countering the terrorist group. Obama recognised that ISIS posed a threat to homeland security and worked to organise an international coalition to address this challenge.
Obama's strategy focused on airstrikes, Special Forces operations, and collaboration with local forces fighting to regain control of their countries. He emphasised avoiding a costly ground war in Iraq or Syria, as it would play into the hands of groups like ISIS. Obama also provided humanitarian aid, promoted ceasefires, and supported political negotiations for Assad's departure in Syria.
The Obama administration's efforts contributed to the decline of ISIS in Syria and Iraq, forcing them to shift tactics. However, ISIS continued to inspire attacks globally, highlighting the ongoing challenge of combating terrorist ideologies. Obama remained committed to dismantling terrorist networks and pursued a strategy that prioritised sustainability and minimised American casualties.
While facing the Islamic State challenge, Obama faced criticism for his response to other crises, such as the 2016 floods in Louisiana, where his absence was noted as he was on vacation and playing golf.
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Obama's vacation during the August 2016 Louisiana floods
In August 2016, Louisiana experienced severe flooding, which has been described as the worst U.S. natural disaster since 2012. The floods claimed 13 lives, damaged 40,000 homes, and left around 4,000 people in shelters. The Red Cross declared it the worst disaster since Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and about 85,000 people applied for FEMA assistance.
At the time of the flooding, President Barack Obama was on a two-week vacation in Martha's Vineyard, where he played golf on several occasions. Obama faced criticism and resentment from some quarters for his refusal to interrupt his vacation and visit the flood-hit region. This decision drew comparisons to President George W. Bush's response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which was widely criticized. Obama had previously criticized Bush for his handling of the Katrina disaster.
The White House defended Obama's decision, stating that he was closely monitoring the situation and receiving updates from high-ranking staff. Obama also spoke by phone with Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. In Obama's defense, the Homeland Security Secretary, Jeh Johnson, argued that "the president can't be everywhere," and Governor Edwards said he was "not complaining in any way about our federal partnership."
Instead of visiting himself, Obama sent Jeh Johnson to Louisiana to survey the devastation. Obama also issued a 16-page guidance, warning Louisiana recipients of federal disaster assistance against "unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin." This "guidance" was criticized by some as being politically motivated and unnecessary, especially as it was issued while the President was on vacation.
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Obama's golfing during racial unrest in Ferguson, Missouri
In 2014, President Barack Obama faced criticism for golfing during his two-week vacation on Martha's Vineyard, while crises were unfolding both at home and abroad. One of these crises was the racial unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, which had been sparked by the shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager, by a white policeman, Darren Wilson.
During the unrest in Ferguson, Obama made several calls for calm and restraint. On August 18, 2014, Obama sent Attorney General Eric Holder to Ferguson to quell the violence and demand a thorough and speedy investigation. The decision came after violent protests during which demonstrators clashed with police, set buildings on fire, and fired gunshots. More than 70 people were arrested during these protests.
On August 25, 2014, members of the CBC wrote a letter to Obama urging his administration to establish a commission to review state and local police practices and address racial bias in police departments. Obama described the racial tensions in Ferguson as a failure to live up to America's ideals, acknowledging that the world had taken notice of the small American city "where a young man was killed, and a community was divided".
In November 2014, Obama again called for calm in Ferguson after violent protests erupted following the grand jury's decision not to indict Officer Wilson. More than 40 people were arrested during these protests, and the National Guard was deployed to keep the peace and protect property.
While Obama faced criticism for golfing during the Ferguson unrest, the White House defended his actions, stating that the issues facing the country had "absolutely captured the president's attention".
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Obama's golf partners and recreational time
Former US President Barack Obama has faced criticism for his golfing habits, particularly when they occurred during times of crisis or economic troubles. Obama played 333 rounds of golf during his eight years as president, averaging a game once every 8.77 days. This compares to his successor, Donald Trump, who visited a golf club once every 4.92 days during his presidency.
Obama's golfing partners were almost exclusively male, and he appeared reluctant to introduce new faces to his foursomes. Of the 16 men Obama played golf with at least five times, 12 were younger than him, most by at least a decade. One of his most frequent companions was Marvin Nicholson, who joined Obama for golf on 103 occasions. Nicholson, a former bartender and caddy, served as Obama's trip director.
Obama's other golfing partners included sports journalists Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon. He also played with Nicholson on September 14, marking the 11th straight weekend of golf for the president.
Despite the criticism, some have defended Obama's golfing habits, arguing that he was still focused on addressing the country's issues. The White House, for instance, defended Obama's golf outings during crises, stating that the issues facing the country had "absolutely captured the president's attention."
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Obama has golfed during crises, including during the Gulf oil spill, the Ukraine crisis, the Islamic State challenge in Iraq and Syria, and the Gaza crisis.
Obama golfed frequently since moving into the White House. As of 2013, he had played golf 35 times that year, eclipsing his previous record of 34 in 2011. He also played 28 times in 2009 and 30 times in 2010.
Obama received criticism from both sides of the political spectrum for golfing during a crisis. Some argued that it sent the \"wrong signal\" and showed a lack of leadership ability. However, others, including White House spokespeople, defended Obama, stating that the president deserves some time to relax and clear his mind.
