Obama joins family for 10-day vacation

WEST TISBURY, Mass. -- President Barack Obama ditched the Beltway grind Thursday to seek the pleasures of summer on the beaches of Martha's Vineyard, his leisure time competing with a stock market plunge, fears of global recession and restless voters demanding jobs.

The president arrived on this wealthy island retreat in the afternoon, where he was joining first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters, Sasha and Malia. They are to spend 10 days in a rented compound.

Obama left Washington in business attire, gray suit and tie, that belied his resort destination. He was traveling with a handful of aides, including his counterterrorism chief, John Brennan.

His family was awaiting him and the family dog, Bo, who traveled with the president on Air Force One.

Republicans complained that the president should stay in Washington to work on the faltering economy.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Obama would continue meeting with economic advisers throughout his vacation as he prepares for a September jobs speech.

"The president of the United States is the president of the United States wherever he goes," Earnest said.

"I don't think the American people begrudge the president spending a little time with his wife and daughters at the end of the summer before his daughters head back to school," he said. -- AP