The Worry in Washington: Obama Has Too Much on His Plate

There’s no disputing the fact that President Obama has plenty of important tasks to contend with. The historically stalled economy and two difficult wars are just the beginning. Now, less than 60 days into his presidency, the buzz in Washington has turned to whether Mr. Obama can manage everything on his plate.

Administration officials have been busy this week firmly portraying President Obama as focused on each and every item before him. Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, and others have all brushed aside concerns that the President has too much to handle. Regardless, the chorus of worry grew so loud this week that Mr. Obama personally downplayed the concerns on Thursday.

“Look, in my estimation I have 124 peas on my plate,” said the President to a small group of reporters. “In addition I have several ounces of grilled chicken breast covered with a lite honey mustard glaze, as well as a healthy serving of polenta and a side of apple sauce. That may be a lot, but I think if you ask any American, you know, is this too much for one plate, I think they would say no.”

“Besides,” the President continued, “I think Americans elected me to try and clean my plate no matter what’s on it.”

But critics remained unsatisfied by the assertions of the President and his staff. Republican congressional leaders and television and radio personalities alike have openly expressed worry about the fullness of the President’s plate. Senator Mitch McConnell appeared on The Today Show on Wednesday and challenged the President’s assessment.

“The President says he’s focused on cleaning his plate,” said Senator McConnell. “But what President Obama’s not saying is how much salad he has to finish before he can get to the particular plate he’s talking about. We know he likes his fancy radicchio. We know that for a fact. And if you pay attention you’ll notice the President doesn’t mention his breakfast, which is bursting with nourishing whole-grain cereals and flax, fresh oranges, heart-healthy grapefruit, kiwi, coffee, milk, juice, toast, maybe a dollop of organic jam, a few dried figs, waffles, pancakes, probably an egg or two—without the yolks, of course. I don’t think he eats scrapple, but that’s still a ton of food.”

Other prominent figures expressing concern this week included Michael Steele, embattled chairman of the Republican National Committee.

“The socialist in Obama wants you to believe he’s got room for everything, that he can spread all the calories around” Steele told a CNN correspondent on Thursday. “But no one in the administration mentions snacks between meals. They still haven’t admitted Obama eats a granola bar before his morning workout. Everybody knows he loves expensive Kashi bars, but they won’t just say it. When is he gonna come clean? Americans have a right to know how many handfuls of trail mix their President is eating on Air Force One.”

Publicly, administration officials dismissed Mr. Steele’s comments as exaggerated, with one aide calling the comments “ridiculous.” However, multiple sources close to the White House privately worry Mr. Obama may soon develop a “tummy ache.” Indeed, leading dietitians have noted that while the President’s dietary choices appear to be nutritious overall, the sheer quantity of food items may lead to indigestion or, worse, weight gain. Such experts note that excessive weight is associated with a range of chronic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and insanity.

Despite the increasing pressure, by press time the White House had not released detailed portion sizes for the President’s weekend meals. While officials appear to have staved off the release of Mr. Obama’s imminent meal plans, the White House is certain to face ongoing questions in the coming week. Said one administration staffer late Friday, “We know this is an issue that will continue to marinate, but no one’s reaching for the Pepto. Shit, I could go for a burger right now.”