As Americans gather with family and friends to celebrate our nation's Independence Day, the country's leading politicians have plans of their own for how to capitalize on the freedom, patriotism, and pride of this day for their presidential campaigns. What are America's leading politicians and public figures planning for July 4th?
Mitt Romney
Republican nominee Mitt Romney has been spending the week vacationing in New Hampshire for an annual family reunion at Lake Winnipesaukee. His July 4th plans include marching in the Wolfeboro town's July Fourth parade, which will be his first public appearance of the week. Romney has been spending time with his family and participating in "Romney Olympics" all week, where his 30-person family of children and grandchildren compete in swimming, running, and other sports activities.
Barack Obama
After a weekend at Camp David with his family, President Obama will be spending his Fourth of July at home, in Washington, DC. Obama spoke at a July 4 White House citizenship ceremony for 25 immigrants who are serving in the military. "Our American journey, our success, would simply not be possible without the waves of immigrants," he said. “The story of immigrants in America isn't a story of them, it’s a story of us. Today is also daughter Maliah Obama’s birthday. On Thursday, President Obama gets back to work, leaving for a two-day swing state bus tour.
Ron Paul
Ron Paul plans to participate in a parade in his home district in Texas. He will then spend time with family. He said, "“but after that I want to take a little bit time off and spend some time at a family barbeque and at home. And I know a lot of you will those same types of festivities on this particular day.” Meanwhile, libertarian candidate Gary Johnson will also be marching in a parade and hosting a BBQ in Langford Park in Orlando, Florida starting at 2:00 pm.
Sarah Palin
From Palin's Facebook page: "Trig and I are gearing up to watch Piper Indi march in the “big” annual 4th of July parade tomorrow with her cousins in Wasilla! (Yes, Piper’s middle name “Indi” is short for Independence.) Todd picks up Bristol and Willow to fly them over to Bristol Bay so they can get their hands dirty on our commercial fishing grounds – the season’s peak is soon and we’re praying for an onslaught of wild Alaskan salmon to slay for appreciative consumers and a huge harvest for our young crew that needs to make some money for school tuition! Willow celebrates her birthday during this holiday week, and she gets a tank of gas in her pickup truck; it's her favorite gift.
Thinking about our son and all of America’s deployed troops and our vets who let us celebrate our great nation’s independence. Thank you, U.S. military, for serving there so we can celebrate here. We love America and we thank those who serve and sacrifice."
George W. Bush
Former President George W. Bush is spending the holiday volunteering in a cancer clinic in Kawbe, Zambia.
