Obama has golfed while on vacation on Martha's Vineyard. Steven Senne/AP
The tricky politics of campaign vacations
Leisure activities seen as 'elitist' can hurt candidates.
Campaigning for the presidency is exhausting work. Candidates are constantly on the move, making appearances, energizing crowds, and strategizing with their teams. And all the while they have to remain composed and camera-ready. They deserve some time off, right? But the decision of where to relax is fraught with political consequences; opponents can use too-ritzy locales or odd hobbies against their rivals. Case in point: Sen. John Kerry windsurfing while on vacation during the 2008 campaign.
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