Maybe it’s because all that messy foreign policy is so overwhelming these days. Or maybe it’s just that reporters have noticed that President Barack Obama just doesn’t seem that interested in his job anymore.
Whatever the reason, the media just can’t seem to stop speculating about Obama’s post-presidency digs.
The L.A. Times reported Monday that the Obamas were in talks to buy a $4.25 million home on 3.29-acres in Rancho Mirage in Southern California. Speculation over the purchase began when Obama spent Father’s Day weekend there.
The house includes a gym, four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. An additional 2,000-square-foot “casita” on the property has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, the L.A. Times reports. The exterior of the house includes a pool and a putting green. With all of Obama’s golf games, one could see how a house with that amenity ended up on his short list.
In June, it was reported that the Obamas were planning to purchase a home in Asheville, N.C. No details about any particular home were given in that report, instead this speculation was based on a speech Obama gave in the city in 2013.
“Love coming to Asheville,” said Obama. “Michelle and I always talk about how after this whole presidency thing, we’re looking for a little spot to…play a little golf, do a little hiking, fishing, barbecue,” said Obama. “There’s two things that keep bringing me back here. Number one is I really like the people. And number two is 12 Bones (Smokehouse), which I will be stopping on the way back to the airport.”
Politico also reported that month that Obama had been looking at New York City as a possible post-presidential move.
“Despite his deep connections to Chicago, he has told friends he would like to live in New York City,” the Politico article stated.
In 2013, interviews indicated that the president might want to stay in D.C. after his term ends so that Sasha could finish her schooling at Sidwell Friends School.
And back during the 2012 campaign, there was a rumor spinning that the Obamas had purchased a $35 million Hawaii home.
White House officials have denied these reports. Maybe they aren’t as ready to see Obama head to the “retirement home” as the rest of us.
