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Obama grilled for 'jetting around' on vacations in poor economy

KMOV-STL’S LARRY CONNERS: The economy is a big issue and concern for folks. I mean, the unemployment, trying to make ends meet, gas prices, food prices going up. Some of our viewers are complaining, they get frustrated, even angered, when they see the first family jetting around, different vacations and so forth. Sometimes maybe they think under color of state business and that you're out of touch, that you don't really know what they're experiencing right now.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: Well, I don't know how many viewers you're talking about that say that.

CONNERS: We do hear from some.

OBAMA:  I hear from all kinds of viewers about everything.

CONNERS: I’m sure you do.

OBAMA: But the fact of the matter is, I think if you look at my track record, I’m raising a family here. When we travel, we got to travel through Secret Service, and Air Force One, that's not my choice. I think most folks understand how hard I work and how hard this administration is working on behalf of the American people.

CONNERS: Well, of course, with all due respect, the president side-stepped that question. No one is questioning his need to travel on Air Force One or have security. The questions being raised are the first family taking so many vacations, when and where, at taxpayer expense.