Quote:
|
Originally Posted by strandinthewind
I think it is impossible for the Pres. and the First Lady to eschew AF1. I guess they could, but that is not practicle. I mean the security clearances alone would be momumental. That is why they should just have to pay the going rate to charter an aircraft that size if the trip in anyway contains a campaign event.
BTW - that is why we pay taxes. I mean when a Pres. campaigns from the White House, should he have to pay a portion of the rent that month  Taxes are properly used to protect the Pres. and the First Family, etc. |
Oh lord, where do I begin?
Of course it's practical to stay off of AF1 if it's not going to be used to do your job. Past president shave chartered planes during their re-election campaigns and every president should. It was big news when Clinton chartered a plane for a week. Use AF1 when it's necessary to do your job; campaigning isn't.
And, no, we do not pay taxes to taxi the president aorund as he raises money to stay in the WH. I don't care if you're a liberal or a conservative, you shouldn't do it. Use that money that people so readily give to your campaign and either charter a jet or buy one. And, honestly, I do believe that presidents should pay rent. But that's a whole 'nother issue.