Barack Obama enjoys 50th birthday with burgers and banter

After weeks of political crises, the US president jokes at Chicago fundraiser before intimate party and weekend trip to Camp David

August 4, 2011


Barack Obama celebrates his birthday at a party fundraiser in Chicago where Herbie Hancock, far left, OK Go and Jennifer Hudson performed.
Photograph: KeystoneUSA-Zuma/ Rex Features

Barack Obama has not had much to celebrate in the runup to his 50th birthday, although he must wish his US poll ratings, currently 43% approval, outscored his years. But the US president, who in recent weeks has been battered by a debt standoff that ended with a deal no one liked, seems determined to enjoy the milestone.

On Wednesday he took aides out for pre-birthday burgers and fries on Capitol Hill before leaving Washington for a campaign fundraiser in his adopted home town of Chicago.

Supporters paid up to $38,500 (£23,600) to join the president and hear him joke that he would soon have a reminder from a national organization that helps the over-50s have "independence, choice and control" in ways that "are affordable to them and society as a whole". "By the time I wake up, I'll have an email from AARP asking me to call President Obama and tell him to protect Medicare," he quipped.

Inevitably, Happy Birthday was sung, and there were performances by singer Jennifer Hudson, jazz musician Herbie Hancock and the rock band OK Go. Obama may take heart from the group's new EP, All is Not Lost.

Later, at a dinner party for wealthy party donors, Obama revealed he knew of one very important present waiting for him in Washington: his eldest daughter, Malia, would be coming home from summer camp to celebrate his birthday.

The festivities in the capital on Thursday evening will include a toast from senior White House staff, followed by a party with family and friends. The president will then spend the weekend at his Camp David retreat in Maryland.

An administration official said the Obamas would foot the bill for the celebrations.

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