Ditching security, Obama hits street for walk about Washington

Sunday, May 25, 2014

WASHINGTON — “The bear is loose,” President Barack Obama said last week as he ditched his motorcade and left the White House on foot, favoring the fresh air in a walk toward the Interior Department.

Tourists near the White House never expected to see the president in person on a steamy spring afternoon. One woman squealed with delight; another suggested she thought Wednesday’s sighting might be an Obama impostor.

Since taking office, Obama has grumbled periodically about the claustrophobia that sets in when his every move is surrounded by intense security. That makes it nearly impossible to enjoy the simple pleasures that others take for granted.

“It’s good to be out,” Obama said.

Traditionally, whenever the president leaves the White House, he travels by motorcade or helicopter. Before he arrives at his destination, Secret Service agents have prepared security, which generally keeps Obama at a distance from anything unpredictable.

Life in this bubble can feel suffocating.

For Obama, relief usually means a weekend golf outing, usually at a military base. But sometimes the golf course just doesn’t cut it.

“I don’t get a chance to take walks very often,” Obama said last week. “Secret Service gets a little stressed. But every once in a while, I’m able to sneak off.”

Nearly six years into his presidency, Obama seems to be sneaking off a bit more often. Last week, diners at a Shake Shack near the White House looked up from their cheeseburgers to see Obama and Vice President Joe Biden stroll in. Three days later, Obama was en route to a fundraiser in suburban Maryland when his motorcade made a detour and pulled into a park. Obama stopped by a baseball field where Little League teams were getting ready for a game. Obama lobbed a few balls toward home plate and posed for photos.

Former White House aides said it’s always gratifying to depart from the norm by allowing the president to interact more directly with people, even if it’s a headache for those responsible for making it happen.