President Barack Obama slipped out of the White House for a run to a nearby Starbucks, ahead of the knot of White House reporters who normally accompany him when he leaves the White House grounds. The short jaunt without reporters disregarded a longstanding tradition of the White House ensuring that reporters keep the president in sight.Obama and chief of staff Denis McDonough left the White House at mid-afternoon. Upon learning that Obama was on the move, White House communications director Jennifer Palmieri attempted to mobilize reporters to a nearby Dunkin Donuts, apparently the shop Obama and McDonough initially planned to visit.Instead, the two headed for Starbucks, avoiding most reporters. Palmieri said that before leaving Obama patted her on the back and said, quote, "The bear's loose," referring to himself.
Withouth the usual press pool, Pres Obama took a walk from the WH to a nearby Starbucks. Passed @plantecbs on the way.
-- Mark Knoller (@markknoller) June 9, 2014
Pres Obama returns from Starbucks run with Chief of Staff Denis McDonough. pic.twitter.com/KnIPUBZWQH
-- Mark Knoller (@markknoller) June 9, 2014
"How's the coffee," shouts @plantecbs to the president. "It's tea," he responded. pic.twitter.com/wnXsdyXHfn
-- Mark Knoller (@markknoller) June 9, 2014
A lot of personnel and vehicles just to get a cup of tea, though Pres Obama clearly enjoyed the walk. pic.twitter.com/QMPQKD8MSt
-- Mark Knoller (@markknoller) June 9, 2014
When you're president, you don't have to show a pass to enter the WH. Or go through magnetomaters. pic.twitter.com/uSxRfp1enb
-- Mark Knoller (@markknoller) June 9, 2014Advertisement