Fresh off of Michelle Obama’s whirlwind trip to Spain, the Obamas are fleeing to another vacation spot. While Obama promised to vacation in the Gulf to prove things were better, he ended up spending less than 48 hours there — and he didn’t actually swim in the Gulf either, as promised. Fresh off the news that jobless claims have jumped again, the Obamas are fleeing to Martha’s Vineyard today. You know, always best to keep a low profile by going on an inexpensive, discount vacation spot like Cape Cod!

A year ago, less than one year into his presidency, Barack Obama came to Martha’s Vineyard for a summer vacation that was all about relaxing with his family, enjoying the best the island had to offer.

And the mood last year, among both residents and visitors, was also generally upbeat and welcoming.

… Today, as the president and his family return to the Vineyard for a two-week vacation, Obama’s approval ratings are considerably lower. While bike rides, the beach, golf and long walks may again be on the agenda, the mood on the island, and in the country, has shifted from a wary optimism to the realization that the road ahead is long, hard and more difficult than it seemed last year.

And the residents of Martha’s Vineyard are welcoming him with open arms.

Meanwhile, Americans are continuing to suffer. I wonder how many Americans can afford to go jet-setting like the Obamas — Spain! Florida! Cape Cod! — in between golf games and star-studded fundraisers.

While of course the president deserves a vacation occasionally, this is borderline ridiculous. All this president does is go on vacations, go golfing, and hang out with athletes and celebrities. He rarely does any actual governing. He loves the perks of the job, but he doesn’t want to actually do the job. Being the president is undoubtedly a stressful job, but it also requires actual governing. Obviously the campaigner-in-chief can’t understand that.