Barack Obama and his wife have an image of jetting off to deluxe spots courtesy of the American taxpayer. Last week he had a run in with a St. Louis radio announcer who mentioned his callers have a problem with these travels given the costs that are borne by struggling Americans.

Barack Obama must have a tin ear or thinks he can rely on his media pals to get him out of his frequent "gaffes." The latest one took place in South America when he said:

And usually when I take these summit trips, part of my job is to scout out where I may want to bring Michelle back later for vacation.

Gee..if George Bush (derisively called King George back during his presidency) had said something as offensive to taxpayers as Barack Obama just did it would be spread like wildfire instead of being extinguished and smothered by mainstream media. Most Americans are trying to figure out how to pay their bills and not focusing on vacations to exotic ports of call in the years to come.

Barack Obama talks a lot about "empathy' and "fairness" but betrays his true feelings when he is off the teleprompter and the true Barack Obama (who suggested to struggling farmers that they grow arugula) emerges. The golf trips, the visits on the taxpayers' dime to Las Vegas (after decrying visits to Las Vegas by others who take trips there courtesy of the American taxpayer), the Indonesian trip, the Hawaiian beach front estate trips, the Martha's Vineyard romps, the stay in a Spanish palace by Michelle and his daughters -- and an entourage of friends...the list goes on and on. Members of the Obama family have traveled on extended vacations at least 16 times in the last three years.

No wonder he wants a second term.