The place where President Barack Obama vacations each winter is farther from Washington than almost any other place in the United States. So, it is not terribly surprising that less than 45 minutes after Congress passed a bill averting the "fiscal cliff" on Jan. 1, Obama was racing back there.
The president's vacation with family and friends had already been cut short by the protracted negotiations in Washington over taxes and spending. Obama was eager to get away from it all and enjoy a few final days of rest before the next battles begin.
"I think Hawaii for him is a place that he gets to recharge both physically and emotionally. The schedule is one that's relaxing. The climate is warm like he likes it. And he's surrounded constantly by family and the friends he grew up with," said Robert Gibbs, Obama's former press secretary and a longtime adviser. "It's the perfect elixir for having had a long and busy year in national politics."