WASHINGTON, D.C. — Jennifer Benner and her family had planned a whirlwind two-week excursion from Maine to Florida and back.
The Cushing family, however, got what Jennifer Benner said was a very exciting surprise when they met first lady Michelle Obama at the White House on the morning of Thursday, Feb. 16.
Benner, her daughter Casey Benner, sister Sarah Jones, nephew Zach Jones and stepmother Alyson Jones were in the middle of a tour of the White House — arranged by Maine’s 1st District U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree — when the first lady came out and greeted the members of the tour group.
“Yes, yes, it was very exciting. I thought it would be cool to see the White House and then the first lady appeared,” Benner said by telephone from the nation’s capital.
They talked about Maine and Obama mentioned how she enjoyed her family’s visit to the state last year.
The trip also was a birthday present for Casey and Zach, 13-year-olds who are seventh-grade students at Thomaston Grammar School in Thomaston. The first lady gave the youths high-fives, Benner said.
Visitors are not allowed to take photographs while in the White House but staff at the White House told the family that photographs and videos will be posted to whitehouse.gov
Jennifer Benner said she is a supporter of President Obama and the first lady.
A news release from Pingree’s office notes that the congresswoman is happy to arrange tours of the White House and U.S. Capitol. The Web page for a tour is https://forms.house.gov/pingree/webforms/tours.shtml
The Benners had visited the Capitol building and the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing on Wednesday.
Crickets please.
Let me guess. She said, “Let them eat cake”, right.
At first I was happy for Andre and then I read the story.
I think she’s a smart women and regulating the “foods” that have a label edible needs to be done. There is so much out there that people should NEVER put in their pie hole. Talk about all the welfare fraud that cost millions…….I think the focus should be on all the political thieves first and then the corporations making millions as they kill off americans. The sick americans are costing way MORE than the welfare recipients!!! All because of what America labels food and YOU put in your pie hole. Go Ms Obama!!!!! Food regulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our daily update from “Control Freaks of America” has been provided…
Thank you for your update.
Thanks for telling us all that you think the government knows best. Id rather make decisions for myself and not have some busybodies doing it for me.
You lefties seem to have no problems when it comes to the government telling you what you can and can’t put in your “pieholes”, but when it comes to other orifices of the human body you are for anything goes.
Too bad a benign and straightforward narrative of “locals meet” ( nice family & kids meets First Lady ) calls forth such hateful and slimy analogies on your part. I guess you’re the prophet of political orifice analysis. You must be lots of fun at family gatherings.
Ms.Benner is a supporter of President Obama? Look at your kiddies are think of the deficit debts that the present occupier of the White House has loaded onto your kids and grandkids backs….economic stagnation, poor job prospects and a massisve welfare society of takers. Yup, someone I would like !!
You’ll do good to remember the bush years. Bush did not leave us in the land of pleasure and joy that many would like to think.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/adding-to-the-deficit-bush-vs-obama/2012/01/31/gIQAQ0kFgQ_graphic.html
I think you mean Barney Frank and Chris Dodd did not leave us in the land of pleasure and joy. And there’s not much Bush could have done to undo the racist / socialistic 70+ years of marxist entitlement that was set up by democrats, given the limited amount of time he had the house & senate on his side.
I am not going to yell at the partisan walls. I think it is important to at least remember the last decade when it comes to considering the current calamity. Both parties are completely to blame for the stalemate that we call politics and have an equal share in the success and failures we have seen as a nation. It all adds up. Find some middle ground.
“Half of the people can be part right all of the time Some of the people can be all right part of the time But all of the people can’t be all right all of the time”
What are,”deficit debts?” If you are refering to national spending, that only Congress can pass & approve….what does that have to do with this article? If the President is spending money that hasn’t been voted on and approved by House & Senate,then his opposers would have him in prison. Please learn how our government works.
It’s proper etiquette to remove one’s cap when indoors – especially the White House….
I know it…she should really ditch that ugly hat
At first I saw the picture and ashamedly figured it was some typical Maine hunting / outdoors type family (conservative) based on the camo hat. But then I read the story and it made perfect sense that a supporter of Obama would figure to be the sort to let their kid traipse around the white house wearing a hat. These types are also the ones who leave tremendous garbage & disarray in their wake whenever they march on Washington or set up Occupy camps.
What a grump you are.
“Jennifer Benner said she is a supporter of President Obama and the first lady.” ……….. hurl, blouuagghh, hurl…. phew…
The subjects paying homage to their queen…
She is a gracious person, and it would be an honor to meet any of the First Ladies who have generously given their time, energy, and loss of a truly private life in order to benefit our nation. Unfortunately, many of the comments below represent a real lack of class or humor, and are a disservice to this Maine family and our First Lady.
The president and his wife deserve the respect of the American people. I cannot stand either one but they did get elected and they are running the country. It must have been quite exciting to meet the first lady. And leave the kid alone, wearing a cap is his deal, if he was an adult then you might have a point. But this is not the first time I hear of the lax attitude surrounding BO and his entourage, but he is democrat and they tend to be little loose with things.
“Loose with things”…like our children’s financial futures right?
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