Obama not in isolation for vacation

VINEYARD HAVEN, Mass. — President Barack Obama began the first full day of his Martha’s Vineyard vacation on Friday by dropping into a bookstore with daughters Malia and Sasha, emerging to shouts of “2012!” and “Four More Years.”

Inside the Bunch of Grapes bookstore, Obama, casually dressed in khakis and an untucked blue polo shirt, introduced the girls to some patrons before setting out in search of some vacation reading. The scenario for his daughters seems entirely different, according to the president.

“They’ve got to buy some books,” Obama said of Malia, 13, and Sasha, 10. He added that one of them had an assignment.

One woman who later identified herself as Terry Wilson, 63, of Alexandria, Va., told the president: “Please don’t forget the teachers.” Obama replied that he loves teachers. “How could I forget them?” he said.

After going upstairs and looking around the store, Obama was seen holding five or six books, including “Brave New World” and “The Bayou Trilogy.” He went to the cashier after Malia and Sasha had picked out some books of their own, but disagreed with the $32 price he was quoted, which seemed low for the size of his stack. He paid by credit card, telling the cashiers that he uses it only about three times a year.

“We’re counting on you!” one patron yelled as Obama left the store.

He also found a supportive audience outside the shop.

“He’s working all the time. He’s getting a little relaxing when he’s with his girls,” said Virlynn Atkinson, also was on vacation from Washington, D.C. “But for the most part, I’m sure he’s working. There’s too much going on in the country. He’s very conscientious.”

Several Republican presidential candidates have criticized Obama for coming to this upscale island resort off the coast of Massachusetts at a time of such economic uncertainty across the country.

The White House defends Obama’s desire for time to recharge and spend time with his family before the new school year begins. Officials also note that the president is never really on vacation. Obama received briefings on the economy and national security before going to the bookstore.

Obama arrived on the island on Thursday for a 10-day vacation with his wife and daughters, his third summer vacation here as president.