How much did Obama’s little trip to South Africa cost us taxpayers? At least $5 miilion. That figure only covers the costs of operating Air Force One for 28 hours back and forth. Obama’s 10 minute propaganda speech praising the Communist Mandela cost us $500,000 per minute (at least.) That $5 million doesn’t include the security or food costs for Obama and his posse that included Valerie Jarrett, Ben Rhodes, Eric Holder and Susan Rice. $5 million doesn’t buy what it used to. All America got was a bow and a handshake with Raul Castro and Michelle Obama’s sour face towards Denmark’s Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt.
“Obama kept his usual quarters in the front of the plane, while the medical unit cabin was transformed into the Bushes’ quarters for the flight. Clinton stayed in the senior staff cabin.”
Henri Le Riche estimates “Obama’s expected 10-minute speech at Nelson Mandela’s memorial will cost taxpayers at least $500,000 per minute.”
That’s not counting any cakes and coffee he and his inner circle consume aboard Air Force One during the 18,000-mile round trip to Johannesburg, via Dakar, in Senegal.
The 28-hour two-way flight will cost $5 million because the four-engined Boeing 747 costs roughly $180,000 an hour to operate, according to a May 2012 report by the Congressional Research Service.
The cost includes jet fuel and subsequent maintenance of the aircraft’s engines, electronics and hotel-class facilities.
Obama has been accompanied by the First Lady, Attorney General Eric Holder, national security advisor Susan Rice and confidante Valerie Jarrett.
In addition to Obama and his entourage aboard Air Force One, the government sent along the presidential security detail – armed guards, bullet-proof limos, and other equipment – on a far less luxurious C-17 cargo lifters based out of Andrews Air Force base. Cost: $23,811 per hour.
Too bad it was raining in South Africa. Obama could have made a pitstop to a golf course down there before flying back to this country where he shows more love for Communists like Castro then the opposing party.