White House Crashers

[Abraxas]

It looks like there may be a criminal investigation against Michaele and Tareq Salahi for crashing the white house event.

Crashers probe may become criminal investigation
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091127/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_state_dinner_uninvited_guests

[Mimi428]

I read last night, I think maybe on CNN, that between the two of them, they have been involved in 16 different civil suits. Some as plaintiffs, some as defendants. It seems that their finances are not necessarily what they would want folks to think they are. Sorry, no link, but if I find that article again I will post it.

I think a criminal investigation may be in order & I will almost pity them when they face questioning by the feds. The last thing they need to do is lie to the feds & it looks pretty obvious that they lied to the Secret Service to begin with.

Dumb, dumb, dumb.

[Mimi428]

Hi Mimi ....

I can't put my finger on it, but I think there is just something strange about this whole fiasco. Someone on one of the threads had gone so far as to make the point he/she thought the pictures were fake. That picture she had taken with the VP looks fake to me also.

http://celebrifi.com/gossip/Michaele-Salahi-Facebook-PHOTOS-1142804.html

I have to say, if it comes down to it, I think criminal charges SHOULD be placed. I keep thinking how close they were to the President, other dignataries, and guests at that dinner. The fact it seemed so easy for them to get access, is shocking to me.

jmo

Hi FL!

I also read (somewhere) that a film crew was following them around as they were getting prepared to go to the party. Apparently the film crew was part of the show Real Housewives of DC.

ITA on the shock of it. I am deeply disturbed to realize that the Secret Service failed to stop these two from gaining entrance.

And I am disgusted at the malignant narcissism that seems to be running rampant these days - the balloon boy's parents, now these two gate crashers. Each of those idiotic, irresponsible, totally self-centered individuals has caused a lot of valuable time & resources to be spent - time & resources which should be spent on other things, but which have to be spent because of them.

At the very least, I would slap every last one of them with a big, fat bill & demand they pay for the costs they created. But I don't think that's going to happen.

[Lady_Jean_La]

Just heard on the news that the crashers got to meet the President. Earlier reports were that they did not get close to him. imo

[Casspian]

Hi FL!

I also read (somewhere) that a film crew was following them around as they were getting prepared to go to the party. Apparently the film crew was part of the show Real Housewives of DC.

ITA on the shock of it. I am deeply disturbed to realize that the Secret Service failed to stop these two from gaining entrance.

And I am disgusted at the malignant narcissism that seems to be running rampant these days - the balloon boy's parents, now these two gate crashers. Each of those idiotic, irresponsible, totally self-centered individuals has caused a lot of valuable time & resources to be spent - time & resources which should be spent on other things, but which have to be spent because of them.

At the very least, I would slap every last one of them with a big, fat bill & demand they pay for the costs they created. But I don't think that's going to happen.

A BIG ditto on everything you said. I don't think I can say it better. I'm really upset with the secret service (how could they let this happen) and I am also fed-up with the narcissism (and the expenses the public is incurring do do wanna be reality stars and such - heck I don't even think we should pay to find those folks who hike up Mt Everest and get lost or hurt!)

[ninetoes]

"WASHINGTON — The celebrity-seeking couple who sneaked into a state dinner this week came face-to-face with President Obama and his wife, Michelle, the White House said Friday in a disclosure that underscored the seriousness of the security breach and prompted an abject apology from the Secret Service."

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/28/us/politics/28crasher.html

[LisaM22]

I do not see any charges forth coming, this was an embarrassment to the secret service, they may not of got an invitation, BUT they were invited in... it showed a weakness in the system, it will get fixed - jmho

[LisaM22]

"Us" has nothing to do with this incident. We have been safe since
9/11. I am concerned about the security President Obama had at the dinner party and the Idiots who were bold enough to stroll in.
ARREST THEM!!

just like because of 911, planes are safer - because of this, the white house events will be safer - both of these events had never occurred before, now that they have 'people' look out for them - cause and effect

a lesson learned by a party crasher is a much better learning scenario then 911 was - jmho

[Lady_Jean_La]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWMPOmmHU2E&feature=fvhl

[Lady_Jean_La]

Absolutely, Deannalynn. Now, Lady said earlier in the thread, that they DID get to come face to face with the President and First Lady !!!!!!

WOWZERS !!

jmo
Photo just released by White House.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWMPOmmHU2E&feature=fvhl

[RayStar]

After seeing that photo, they deserve some prison time. jmho

[LisaM22]

I don't think they were invited in....they lied their way in. They obviously knew they were not invited. I think there should be a price they have to pay for their actions.

Also the failure of SS needs to be investigated and stern action taken.

they were announced, and invited in, mistakenly or not doesn't change the facts, the people at the party sure did not seem to have a problem with them being there, the photo's back that up

I agree the secret service needs to investigate how this could happen and make changes to ensure it never happens again... this time was harmless, there should never be a next time

[LisaM22]

After seeing that photo, they deserve some prison time. jmho

because the president smiled and shakes hands with her she should get prison time? come on, she definitely did not look like a unwelcomed guest to me, I do not see any charges coming from this, there was no harm done

[Mimi428]

"WASHINGTON — The celebrity-seeking couple who sneaked into a state dinner this week came face-to-face with President Obama and his wife, Michelle, the White House said Friday in a disclosure that underscored the seriousness of the security breach and prompted an abject apology from the Secret Service."

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/28/us/politics/28crasher.html

From your link, something I was posting about just yesterday.

Domestic security experts said that the episode raised serious questions about protection for the president. Ronald Kessler, author of “In the President’s Secret Service: Behind the Scenes With Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect” (Crown) said threats against the president had increased 400 percent since Mr. Obama took office.

This whole thing is about to give me an ulcer, I swear.

[LisaM22]

If it was known that they were sneaking in, they would not have announced them. They were not invited. They manipulated and lied their way in and were not caught. Just because they were not caught doesn't make them invited.

well it seems for unwanted guests, people had no problem with them being there, at least according to the pictures and interviews I have heard - they may not have had a rsvp, but they were invited in

no different then going to a hotel, saying you had a reservation when you did not, and suddenly a full hotel just happens to have another room available... unethical yes, a crime no

when you are announced as a guest at a party, imo, you are at that point considered a guest of the party

[Lady_Jean_La]

well it seems for unwanted guests, people had no problem with them being there, at least according to the pictures and interviews I have heard - they may not have had a rsvp, but they were invited in

no different then going to a hotel, saying you had a reservation when you did not, and suddenly a full hotel just happens to have another room available... unethical yes, a crime no

when you are announced as a guest at a party, imo, you are at that point considered a guest of the party

How did another room become available? :confused:

[LisaM22]

How did another room become available? :confused:

got me, guess hotels lie too, once you have that hotel room though you are a guest at the hotel just the same

[LisaM22]

Just because they duped them into announcing them does not give them the rights to be an invited guest after the fact. This is no minor infraction. It is a potential felony. They got in there improperly. They made false statements to SS, fed officials, etc. Lieing to Federal Officials is a felony.

http://www.politico.com/click/stories/0911/couple_sneaks_into_state_dinner.html

guess we will see, i am betting no charges are filed as I believe no crime occurred

[Lady_Jean_La]

got me, guess hotels lie too, once you have that hotel room though you are a guest at the hotel just the same
Don't you have to pay for the room?

[LisaM22]

Don't you have to pay for the room?

yes you do, a room that only existed by reservation.... funny how that works, you don't have a reservation, say you do, they magicly find a room available and you pay, get a room and are then a guest

[Lady_Jean_La]

guess we will see, i am betting no charges are filed as I believe no crime occurred

IIRC the last time this happened the party crasher was banned from the White House grounds for 5 years. I expect something similar.

[Lady_Jean_La]

yes you do, a room that only existed by reservation.... funny how that works, you don't have a reservation, say you do, they magicly find a room available and you pay, get a room and are then a guest
But the crashers didn't have a reservation and didn't pay either. I don't think it is the same. More like sneaking into a movie for free and eating popcorn you don't pay for. imo

[LisaM22]

IIRC the last time this happened the party crasher was banned from the White House grounds for 5 years. I expect something similar.

I could definitely see something like that happening

[MercedesV]

From what I say/heard on the news tonight the couple was interviewed by authorities today and the investigation is ongoing. Their lawyer claimed that more info will be coming out and that the couple had permission to be there.

The WH released photo showing Obama met them on the receiving line. Apparently the excuse being given is when the couple got to the first check point the guard couldn't find their name on the invitation list and instead of stopping them, let them through figuring it would be figured out at the next check point. What the devil kind of behaviour is that? I don't know if simply firing that person is enough. Seems like felony stupid behaviour to me.

As was noted the film crew was following around while she spent hours getting ready at a beauty salon. She was chatty, but when asked to see her invitation oops she didn't have it with her.

[LisaM22]

But the crashers didn't have a reservation and didn't pay either. I don't think it is the same. More like sneaking into a movie for free and eating popcorn you don't pay for. imo

they paid what all guests paid as there was no cover charge

it is not sneaking in if you enter the way all the other guests did

[Mimi428]

well it seems for unwanted guests, people had no problem with them being there, at least according to the pictures and interviews I have heard - they may not have had a rsvp, but they were invited in

no different then going to a hotel, saying you had a reservation when you did not, and suddenly a full hotel just happens to have another room available... unethical yes, a crime no

when you are announced as a guest at a party, imo, you are at that point considered a guest of the party

I don't know if anyone had a problem with them being there or not. Seems like the information coming out of the Secret Service is getting less & less - & understandably so, since this is under investigation.

I do think it is very different than your hotel scenario, because it appears that it was simply a matter of pure luck that that low-class duo had no intent to harm someone at the WH. When it comes to the security of the POTUS & First Lady & people as important as some of their guests at that dinner, I think the security measures should be as close to perfect it is humanly possible to get.

Then there is a matter of protocol, which is VERY important in that setting. That is another area where I think the hotel scenario & this one are not even semi-similar.

And in this situation an investigation will take up time, will take up a lot of human effort & will cost a whole heck of a lot of money. The hotel scenario would not be nearly as costly in any of those areas.

Bottom line for me is that I just cannot see the behavior of those two crass, egotistical individuals as benign.

JMO

[LisaM22]

Whatever was paid to provide for invited guests was not there for them and they were not intitled to it. They were not invited.

then they should not of been ALLOWED in, yet they were allowed entrance

[LisaM22]

I don't know if anyone had a problem with them being there or not. Seems like the information coming out of the Secret Service is getting less & less - & understandably so, since this is under investigation.

I do think it is very different than your hotel scenario, because it appears that it was simply a matter of pure luck that that low-class duo had no intent to harm someone at the WH. When it comes to the security of the POTUS & First Lady & people as important as some of their guests at that dinner, I think the security measures should be as close to perfect it is humanly possible to get.

Then there is a matter of protocol, which is VERY important in that setting. That is another area where I think the hotel scenario & this one are not even semi-similar.

And in this situation an investigation will take up time, will take up a lot of human effort & will cost a whole heck of a lot of money. The hotel scenario would not be nearly as costly in any of those areas.

Bottom line for me is that I just cannot see the behavior of those two crass, egotistical individuals as benign.

JMO

oh I agree, the secret service was at fault here, no doubt about that imo, I see what they did as a service to this country, they very well may have prevented a much worse scenario in the future, think of the cost if this investigation never occurred and a terrorist crashed the party someday in the future, sounds like a huge savings to me

[kakax]

I'm wondering if the importance of these people has something to do with why the SS didn't question the invitees. They didn't feel comfortable making a huge scene so let them through. Not that it makes this any better.

[LisaM22]

That's like me having a get together and strangers who were not invited show up and make their way in. That is trespassing at it's best. Of course, that's my opinion. The fact that SS let them pass thru is sticky but the issue is IT happened on their watch. SS should be blasted for this!!!

yeah, someone uninvited that you party with, shake hands with, have pictures taken with, in which you were smiling and having a good time.... let's see you try that in court

[kakax]

Mark Fuhrman on fox talking about it now.

[Mimi428]

I'm wondering if the importance of these people has something to do with why the SS didn't question the invitees. They didn't feel comfortable making a huge scene so let them through. Not that it makes this any better.

I think you are right about that. From what I have read so far, the two of them were well known in the Northern Virginia area, due to his family's winery, etc. I think by the time it is all said & done we will end up finding out that they used that to their full advantage.

[Lady_Jean_La]

I read that this has never happened in history. Will you elaborate.
I remember two cases which were similar. One was the wedding of President Johnson's daughter. The other was an event held by President George W. Bush. Probably a state dinner has never been crashed. imo

[kakax]

kakax .... If you check back to post #16 on the thread, where Lady posted a link .... you'll see there where Katie Couric mentioned she thought "security was lax that night". I took it from her saying that, security was lax for everyone .... :confused:

jmo

That's what I meant. The importance of ALL of the people made them lax about turning people away. If these people had been pulled over to the side while others were whisking by, it would have been a scene.

Instead of saying wait here while we check, they let them through so as not to embarass anyone of importance.

Bad, I believe, but could be why the SS didn't stop them.

[Susan43]

If it was known that they were sneaking in, they would not have announced them. They were not invited. They manipulated and lied their way in and were not caught. Just because they were not caught doesn't make them invited.

Abraxas, I don't think you understand how the announcing works. After you have gained entrance you go up to the Marine, tell him your name and he announces you. He does not have a guest list and would have no way of knowing whether or not you'd been invited. Since you were standing in front of him, he undoubtedly wouldn't think twice about announcing you.

So the problem started when they talked their way in.

[kakax]

Did anyone see them on Larry King tonight? Weren't they supposed to be on?

[kakax]

Yes, I had heard they were going to be on Kakax. I wonder if they have been told NOT to ....

By the way, I understand what you were saying in your earlier post. I'm STILL shocked that someone could get such easy access to the President.

jmo

I am still shocked too. This is the President after all with his wife and children very close by. Not only that, but our VP and Speaker of the House were there as well.

If this had been someone with bad intentions....this would have been HORRIBLE!


Look at this line of succession...

1 Vice President Joe Biden
2 Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi
3 President pro tempore of the Senate Robert Byrd
4 Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
5 Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner
6 Secretary of Defense Robert Gates[2]
7 Attorney General Eric Holder


We could have been at Senator Byrd as our President :w00t:

[Lady_Jean_La]

I am still shocked too. This is the President after all with his wife and children very close by. Not only that, but our VP and Speaker of the House were there as well.

If this had been someone with bad intentions....this would have been HORRIBLE!


Look at this line of succession...

1 Vice President Joe Biden
2 Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi
3 President pro tempore of the Senate Robert Byrd
4 Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
5 Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner
6 Secretary of Defense Robert Gates[2]
7 Attorney General Eric Holder


We could have been at Senator Byrd as our President :w00t:

Good point. I wonder how other heads of state will feel at invitation only events in the USA. Just think had the leader of India been harmed.

imo

[LisaM22]

Hi Lisa .... I really think this is a serious breach of security. Yes .... you're right .... no harm was done in THIS instance. I can't even begin to imagine what harm COULD have been done however. They obviously got in there under SOME kind of "dubious" circumstances. If they had an invitation, why didn't they produce it ??

jmo

so what you saying is you can't imagine what this couple may have prevented from ever happening because of this event

[kakax]

Good point. I wonder how other heads of state will feel at invitation only events in the USA. Just think had the leader of India been harmed.

imo

Assuming now that it has been caught, i hope it will now be one of the safest places to be on the planet (I already thought it probably was the safest - proven wrong) It just looks so bad that this happened.

[LisaM22]

Lisa, Lets say you have a party at your house and someone sneaks in, do you think it should be legal, if you do not catch them. Then with your logic, shouldn't be legal if they sneak into your home some other time when you are not having a party?

I think it is a much bigger deal for someone to sneak into the white house.

they were let in the front door, they were invited in, announced by their real names even and no one said a thing, they welcomed them with open arms, it's not like they jumped a fence and sneaked inside

[LisaM22]

Assuming now that it has been caught, i hope it will now be one of the safest places to be on the planet (I already thought it probably was the safest - proven wrong) It just looks so bad that this happened.

I agree 100% and I am sure this has improved security, I do not think we will see this happen ever again... I am sure the secret service will be reminded of this event before every event going forward and that is a good thing, thanks to these two's actions, the presidential events will be that much safer going forward

[MercedesV]

I agree 100% and I am sure this has improved security, I do not think we will see this happen ever again... I am sure the secret service will be reminded of this event before every event going forward and that is a good thing, thanks to these two

It appears that protocol wasn't followed and caused this security breach. If protocol had been followed these two wouldn't have been allowed in. I don't think this taught them anything new, it embarrassed them no end.

[Susan43]

Lisa had an argument earlier in thread that they were announced so that made them guests.

I agree with you Susan, and what I meant was the only reason they were announced was because they lied there way in and in no way does being announced make them invited guests.

OK :biggrin: No problem.

I'm actually over being mad about it. I think it was a good lesson for the SS and from now on the security will be much tighter.

[LisaM22]

It appears that protocol wasn't followed and caused this security breach. If protocol had been followed these two wouldn't have been allowed in. I don't think this taught them anything new, it embarrassed them no end.

may not of taught them anything new, but it reinforced the importance of following protocol...

and if being embarrassed is what it takes, then I am glad our secret service was embarrassed by this

I am just glad it was her and wasn't a terrorist that exposed this security issue, that is truly something to be thankful for this thanksgiving

[LisaM22]

No .... I can't imagine what might have happened if this couple had done harm at this event.

jmo

think had they not been at this event what harm could of been done at a future event

[LisaM22]

Lisa .... I'm not sure what you're saying. Are you not alarmed that this couple got into that State Dinner, apparently without an invitation ?? Don't you think they could have done great harm to anyone at the dinner, including the President ?? Yes .... they looked harmless .... they looked like they "fit right in", but had anything happened, it could have been a tragic event.

jmo

I am alarmed that it happened of course, I am just not attacking the girl for it and saying she should be arrested, it was a error on the secret service side, she should never of been admitted entrance and I am glad this event happened because it may have prevented something from happening in the future that none of us would like to think about, I think she may have done us a favor

[kakax]

Facts Belie Fantasy Resume of Socialite Who Crashed White House Dinner

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/11/27/gate-crashing-socialite-led-active-fantasy-life-sources-say/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%253A+foxnews%252Fpolitics+%2528F OXNews.com+-+Politics%2529

Several press accounts, including a November 2008 Washington Post report, identify Michaele Salahi as a former cheerleader for the Washington Redskins. And photos posted to the 44-year-old's Facebook page show a beaming Salahi -- pompoms in hand -- at a September 2009 Redskins cheerleader "alumni get together."

But the team told FoxNews.com it's never heard of Salahi. Michael Pehanich, Redskins assistant director of communications, and Terri Lamb, president of the Redskins' cheerleader alumni association, said Friday that they have "no records to indicate she was a cheerleader for the team."



Also, in this article, it states other fictitious jobs Michaele claimed to have had.

[LisaM22]

Facts Belie Fantasy Resume of Socialite Who Crashed White House Dinner

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/11/27/gate-crashing-socialite-led-active-fantasy-life-sources-say/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%253A+foxnews%252Fpolitics+%2528F OXNews.com+-+Politics%2529

Several press accounts, including a November 2008 Washington Post report, identify Michaele Salahi as a former cheerleader for the Washington Redskins. And photos posted to the 44-year-old's Facebook page show a beaming Salahi -- pompoms in hand -- at a September 2009 Redskins cheerleader "alumni get together."

But the team told FoxNews.com it's never heard of Salahi. Michael Pehanich, Redskins assistant director of communications, and Terri Lamb, president of the Redskins' cheerleader alumni association, said Friday that they have "no records to indicate she was a cheerleader for the team."



Also, in this article, it states other fictitious jobs Michaele claimed to have had.

sounds like the makings for a movie - lol

[kakax]

sounds like the makings for a movie - lol

Oh don't you know one will be made!

Does anyone have the link to her facebook? I want to see the pictures of her as a cheerleader/fake cheerleader lol

I'm nosey.

[kakax]

I found it, nm.

There is a picture of her with Oprah and Gayle and this is what she wrote as the caption...

Gayle, OPRAH, MICHAELE & Tareq Salahi... let us again not forget the quote from Oprah "Michaele, you have the most amazing voice I have ever heard!"


I'm thinking she has a problem with feelings of grandeur. Look at her and Oprah's name capitalized. I wouldn't be able to stand her for two seconds.

[LisaM22]

Oh don't you know one will be made!

Does anyone have the link to her facebook? I want to see the pictures of her as a cheerleader/fake cheerleader lol

I'm nosey.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michaele-Salahi/101907941877

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1995036&id=101907941877

[kakax]

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michaele-Salahi/101907941877

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1995036&id=101907941877

Thanks Lisa!

I am clicking through all the pictures. Some of them really do look faked....seems like some of them have lines down the middle.

[Hanalei]

This couple is a fraud trying to come off as a weathly couple in DC. I'm glad they are exposed a fakes.


http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2009/11/white-house-crashers-want-be-reality-stars-have-trail-lawsuits

[Mimi428]

Facts Belie Fantasy Resume of Socialite Who Crashed White House Dinner

But the team told FoxNews.com it's never heard of Salahi. Michael Pehanich, Redskins assistant director of communications, and Terri Lamb, president of the Redskins' cheerleader alumni association, said Friday that they have "no records to indicate she was a cheerleader for the team."

Also, in this article, it states other fictitious jobs Michaele claimed to have had.

<snipped>

I don't know about you, but that does not surprise me in the least.

She also claimed to have been a model for Victoria's Secret. Guess who denied she was ever a model for Victoria's Secret? Yep.

[kakax]

<snipped>

I don't know about you, but that does not surprise me in the least.

She also claimed to have been a model for Victoria's Secret. Guess who denied she was ever a model for Victoria's Secret? Yep.

Nope not surprising at all. Con-woman. I am amazed at how brazen she is. Also how conceited she is. I guess they go hand in hand.

[Lady_Jean_La]

http://www.sacbee.com/977/story/2356562.html



Bayh says it's no laughing matter that two people could get so close to President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden without being cleared.

[Lady_Jean_La]

White House crasher enjoyed the social life at UC Davis, professors recall

http://www.sacbee.com/yolo/story/2355872.html

White House party crasher is a UC Davis grad

http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/story/2355366.html

White House Party Crasher Graduated UC Davis; Lawmaker Calls for Secret Service Review

http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=71024

[PosterGuy]

Just out of curiosity, what laws were broken?

[PosterGuy]

D.C.Code 22-3102 (1967) provides:

Any person who, without lawful authority, shall enter, or attempt to enter, any public or private dwelling, building or other property, or part of such dwelling, building or other property, against the will of the lawful occupant or of the person lawfully in charge thereof, or being therein or thereon, without lawful authority to remain therein or thereon shall refuse to quit the same on the demand of the lawful occupant, or of the person lawfully in charge thereof, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $100 or imprisonment in the jail for not more than six months, or both, in the discretion of the court.

I bolded part of it.

I am not sure that they did this.....

[Lady_Jean_La]

Just out of curiosity, what laws were broken?

I think the investigation may show lying to a federal employee. Same thing as perjury. imo

[Susan43]

Couple accused of crashing state dinner said to seek payment

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/28/AR2009112802447.html

I'll bet nobody's surprised at this.

[birdwatch]

I had to laugh watching GMA this morning. The Salon that the Wannabees tied up all day long (along with their camera crew) getting ready for the party state that they left without tipping! Don't you just love it? Not only that, they say they are still owed thousands from this couple's wedding. They are not only the height of obnoxious - they are CHEAP! I keep hoping that none of the networks or shows will take them up on their requests for big bucks for an interview - but I realize that is unrealistic. As least now they have embarrassing info to talk to them about. :laugh:

And obviously, if they had an invitation, they would have been seated for dinner - not quietly disappearing as the invited guests were taking their places at their tables.

[Mimi428]

Yes Fairlady...There is that. I was thinking perhaps they were not investigated as of yet. When in fact, the SS and CIA were probably all over them by now. I don't understand why this has not been reported as to whether they were legally there or not. hmmmm.
It may be obvious by silence that the two of them had no invitation, eh?
Stopping them from making any Television appearance could be a little tough. An arrest would do that for now, I guess.:sneaky:

Bet they won't be getting paid by the House Homeland Security committee on Thursday!

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/11/30/rep-white-house-crashers-says-couple-interested-media-interviews/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%253A+foxnews%252Fpolitics+%2528F OXNews.com+-+Politics%2529

Meanwhile, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security committee is calling the Secret Service director and the Salahis to testify on the incident Thursday.

Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said he wants answers about the agency's security deficiencies that allowed the couple into the dinner even though they were not on the guest list.

[doctor_J]

I can't believe that woman's hairdo took 7 hours. It looks like she had it cut with a dull steak knife, then took a dip in the pool, then just let it dry on the way.

And the make-up -- yikes! :scared:

[Not Telling]

I just read a article that these two party crasher's have been working with the SS and investigators in respect to their visit to the White House last week.
They were on the Today show and have indicated they have turned over proof that they were invited to President Obama's dinner.

Now what, (they are a couple schemer's) will they file a suit against the President and sue the White House?:laugh:

Sue for what?

[Lady_Jean_La]

I just read a article that these two party crasher's have been working with the SS and investigators in respect to their visit to the White House last week.
They were on the Today show and have indicated they have turned over proof that they were invited to President Obama's dinner.

Now what, (they are a couple schemer's) will they file a suit against the President and sue the White House?:laugh:

I think it is interesting they appeared on the Today show after news they were asking big money for an interview. Reportedly they are under contract to Bravo which has a relationship with NBC. It all sounds rather fishy in this age of reality shows. imo

[LisaM22]

they are getting to be almost as popular as Palin, the people must love them

[Lady_Jean_La]

they are getting to be almost as popular as Palin, the people must love them

Where did you hear that? Everything I hear is just the opposite. imo

[Carol25]

Battle Brewing Over Whether to Subpoena White House Aide in Gate-Crashing Incident

The top Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee said Thursday that he will ask to subpoena White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers to appear before the panel, which is investigating last week's "gate-crashing" by a couple who attended President Obama's first state dinner uninvited.
But the White House on Wednesday said it does not make aides to the president available to testify, raising concerns that the Obama administration's professed commitment to transparency may soon devolve into a battle over executive privilege.



http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/12/03/house-committee-probing-crasher-gate-subpoena-salahis-rogers/ (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/12/03/house-committee-probing-crasher-gate-subpoena-salahis-rogers/)

In one article I read, one of the rooms the guests were in was where the president has confidential meetings with leaders of other countries. It would not be good to have that room bugged!

[Debb]

I can't believe that woman's hairdo took 7 hours. It looks like she had it cut with a dull steak knife, then took a dip in the pool, then just let it dry on the way.

And the make-up -- yikes! :scared:


ITA! I was shocked to hear of the security incident, but was even more shocked to hear that that woman involved had spent all afternoon at a hair salon! She got robbed. Her hair looked terrible. What did the stylist do for her? He certainly didn't give her any low lights which she really needs.

[Marcia3]

ITA! I was shocked to hear of the security incident, but was even more shocked to hear that that woman involved had spent all afternoon at a hair salon! She got robbed. Her hair looked terrible. What did the stylist do for her? He certainly didn't give her any low lights which she really needs.

Well, she and hubby owe the salon money, according to what I read, so maybe it was a sabotage!

Seriously, I am appalled at how close they were able to get to the Pres and Biden. While I didn't vote for Obama, I certainly want him and his family to be safe and believe they should be protected from those who mean to do harm.

As others have pointed out upthread, hopefully this will be a lesson learned by SS and others who have a hand in protecting Obama and the other members of the executive branch.

Things could have been much worse.

[Lady_Jean_La]

While the President's safety is always a concern, I would be more afraid of Pakistani terrorists assassinating the leader of India. Both countries have nukes!

It isn't by accident that the first state dinner was to honor India which is in an area of turmoil. Should Israel attack Iran and Pakistan side with them all heck could break loose. imo

[Debb]

I agree that it was shocking. Terrible things could have happened. Perhaps we should be thankful that this incident exposed lapses in security.

Call me crazy, but I have been very concerned about security since the campaign. I went to see Obama when he was on the campaign trail in my city. I was excited, yet anxious. There are so pretty crazy people out there. They closed down buildings surrounding the outdoor area he appeared at so that people could not get any access to the venue he was speaking at. There were also visible sharp shooters on top of buildings all around the venue. That made me feel pretty secure. This recent incident has really shaken me though. I pray it was a wake up call.

[birdwatch]

Well, she and hubby owe the salon money, according to what I read, so maybe it was a sabotage!

Seriously, I am appalled at how close they were able to get to the Pres and Biden. While I didn't vote for Obama, I certainly want him and his family to be safe and believe they should be protected from those who mean to do harm.

As others have pointed out upthread, hopefully this will be a lesson learned by SS and others who have a hand in protecting Obama and the other members of the executive branch.

Things could have been much worse. I was shocked by their not turning up to testify for the congressional hearing. Sheeesh - they finally get invited to something and they don't even turn up. It would never occur to me that this is a choice. I do hope that they are subpoenaed.
And I'm sure that the people at the salon can testify that their cell phones were working just fine that day. But that will come later if/when they are charged with something.
Apparently they did this same gate-crashing thing at a Congessional Black Caucus (CBC) dinner in Sept. But they told the "Today Show" they were invited to that one also. Again they had Bravo TV with them. Bravo wasn't allowed in - and the Salahi's were quietly escorted out.

[Marcia3]

I was shocked by their not turning up to testify for the congressional hearing. Sheeesh - they finally get invited to something and they don't even turn up. It would never occur to me that this is a choice. I do hope that they are subpoenaed.
And I'm sure that the people at the salon can testify that their cell phones were working just fine that day. But that will come later if/when they are charged with something.
Apparently they did this same gate-crashing thing at a Congessional Black Caucus (CBC) dinner in Sept. But they told the "Today Show" they were invited to that one also. Again they had Bravo TV with them. Bravo wasn't allowed in - and the Salahi's were quietly escorted out.

If they were invited to the CBC dinner, why did they leave when the patrons who had purchased the seats they occupied had them removed?

This couple is something else altogether, IMO. We have entire segments of the population who will do just about anything to get their faces on TV. I like some reality shows and watch them or record them, but is it reality programming that has caused people to go off the deep end in their quest to be on a reality show? Or maybe these folks would just obsess about something else if reality shows weren't available. IDK. Just seems ridiculous to me.

[birdwatch]

If they were invited to the CBC dinner, why did they leave when the patrons who had purchased the seats they occupied had them removed?

This couple is something else altogether, IMO. We have entire segments of the population who will do just about anything to get their faces on TV. I like some reality shows and watch them or record them, but is it reality programming that has caused people to go off the deep end in their quest to be on a reality show? Or maybe these folks would just obsess about something else if reality shows weren't available. IDK. Just seems ridiculous to me. Apparently Bravo never learns; but this couple learned something from that earlier experience. They didn't try to sit down to dinner at the White House - and left before anyone (but Roxanne Roberts) realized they weren't real "guests".

[Marcia3]

Apparently Bravo never learns; but this couple learned something from that earlier experience. They didn't try to sit down to dinner at the White House - and left before anyone (but Roxanne Roberts) realized they weren't real "guests".

At least we know they can learn something from their past mistakes.

Sort of.

But why not just stop crashing parties to which you were not extended an invitation? Just wondering...:wink:

[birdwatch]

At least we know they can learn something from their past mistakes.

Sort of.

But why not just stop crashing parties to which you were not extended an invitation? Just wondering...:wink: Lots of people have strange hobbies: apparently this is theirs, LOL. Maybe there is some record they are trying to set; getting thrown out of the most or best parties.

[Hanalei]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091204/ap_on_re_us/us_uninvited_guests_bounced_check

[Lady_Jean_La]

I remember two cases which were similar. One was the wedding of President Johnson's daughter. The other was an event held by President George W. Bush. Probably a state dinner has never been crashed. imo

US Secret Service counts dozens of lapses since 1980: report

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20091207/pl_afp/ussecuritywhouse

The Secret Service -- the branch in charge of the president's security -- have mistakenly seen at least 91 breaches of their checkpoints since 1980, said the daily, adding that the report was used to train agents.

[ninetoes]

"Salahis Vow to Take the Fifth"

"Michaele and Tareq Salahi, the aspiring reality-television stars whose unauthorized entry into the Obama administration's first state dinner resulted into a congressional inquiry into White House security, are vowing to invoke their Fifth Amendment rights if they are forced to appear before Congress. "

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/12/08/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5942044.shtml

[IaNsSyAlNuE]

Unwitting tourists attend White House event

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34437846/


These tourists ended up at a White House brunch with the Obama's. They should have never been. SS messed up.

This is insane IMO. The entire secret service staff should be replaced.

[theal3]

The article clearly stated they took all info and did a background check.

Secret Service spokesman Ed Donovan said agents performed the same screening procedures on the Dardens that were used for other breakfast guests: They checked the Dardens' names and did a criminal background check — steps that were not taken for the Salahis at the Nov. 24 state dinner.

Because the Dardens were able to pass Secret Service vetting, they were allowed to attend the breakfast for veterans as a "nice gesture," White House spokesman Nick Shapiro said. He added that it's not unusual for White House staff to take people who are cleared in for tours to other events if there is space, including Marine One arrivals, East Room events and Rose Garden ceremonies.

Much to do about nothing. IMHO It was a Veteran's event, and the guy was a veteran.

[IaNsSyAlNuE]

The article clearly stated they took all info and did a background check.


Much to do about nothing. IMHO It was a Veteran's event, and the guy was a veteran.

Right, and the Darden's say that it is a lie, I believe them, not the SS.

That explanation was news to Harvey Darden, 67, a retired pharmacist, who said he and his wife never were told about the breakfast. They thought they were simply starting their tour until they were ushered into the East Room, offered a buffet spread and told they'd be meeting the president.

[RedSocksFan]

At this juncture, I might agree with you. Once? Twice? Time to reevaluate the bureaucrats with guns, imeo.

Or, a quick investigation and remove those racist thugs who stand aside, as we pay them.

What??? Racist thugs? This is going waaaay too far with the daily talking point.

[theal3]

Right, and the Darden's say that it is a lie, I believe them, not the SS.

Are you saying they never took their names, just ushered them in with NO checking at all? Cause that is not what I read, and Darden himself said he was asked if he was a veteran. That they just walk on the grounds and in the door? They showed up with others and their name wasn't on the list, and they were checked. Geeze Louise. Mr. Darden didn't say they lied, he said the explanation was news to him, as he wasn't told about the breakfast. From reading it seems they the SS did well and tried well to accomodate them and not offend them, and they showed up on the wrong date.

Oh well, This whole thing is silly IMHO.

[Lady_Jean_La]

It shows me that if two people look the part, not offending them is more important than safety of the President. This is not about groupies wanting to meet a celebrity but about the safety and security of the First Family. imo

[theal3]

There's been 91 breach "incidents" since 1980, that's about 3 a year on average.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1234016/91-breaches-security-White-House-Secret-Service-chiefs-revealed.html

[AngelWings]

Why is this different from what the "other" couple did by going to the State Dinner???? :shrug:


http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/12/16/surprise.visit/index.html

[KatieLady]

Why is this different from what the "other" couple did by going to the State Dinner???? :shrug:


http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/12/16/surprise.visit/index.html

Hi friend! I would guess because they were screened and the other couple was not?

From your link

The White House says it put the Dardens through the appropriate screenings and criminal background checks before allowing them to go to the Veterans Day breakfast because there were no tours scheduled that day.

[incidentally]

Because it was an honest mistake not a planned security breach. A decision was made to allow them access once they were screened.

Those other two, I'd stick them in prison for 5 years just for being annoying liars who think they're clever.

[KatieLady]

Because it was an honest mistake not a planned security breach. The mistake was caught and a decision was made to allow them access once they were screened.

Those other two, I'd stick them in prison for 5 years just for being annoying liars who think they're clever.

I have a few people that I would like to put away for just being annoying.....sure wish we could! :lol:

[AngelWings]

I have a few people that I would like to put away for just being annoying.....sure wish we could! :lol:

Oh Good Lord...me too...I could hand over my list....of course, I am never annoying....:unsure:

[AngelWings]

Thanks tally & katie...I was under the impression the 1st 2 had sent their personal info ahead of time to be processed but they were never notified of their acceptence, so they went anyway....

[KatieLady]

Thanks tally & katie...I was under the impression the 1st 2 had sent their personal info ahead of time to be processed but they were never notified of their acceptence, so they went anyway....

Yes.....but they were never invited so they were not "screened". That is my understanding anyway

[Silk]

Because it was an honest mistake not a planned security breach. A decision was made to allow them access once they were screened.

Those other two, I'd stick them in prison for 5 years just for being annoying liars who think they're clever.

:laugh: I'm all for that!

[Amy]

Because it was an honest mistake not a planned security breach. A decision was made to allow them access once they were screened.

Those other two, I'd stick them in prison for 5 years just for being annoying liars who think they're clever.

Probably wouldn't bother them all that much, they got all that national attention--were on @ least one show like Today or whatever--for all I know they showed up on all those type shows. Just like the Balloon boy's parents, they are looking for a reality show. For them, all this notoriety might have been worth having to spend a bit of time in the pokey. I don't think they will get their own reality show-but some reality show producers might let them one one of their shows.

[Lady_Jean_La]

There's been 91 breach "incidents" since 1980, that's about 3 a year on average.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1234016/91-breaches-security-White-House-Secret-Service-chiefs-revealed.html

Not very good for a president who gets threats. imo

[Xenam]

The article clearly stated they took all info and did a background check.


Much to do about nothing. IMHO It was a Veteran's event, and the guy was a veteran.

This also happened two weeks before the Salahis crashed the dinner party and new rules were put into effect. JMO

[PosterGuy]

Here we go again.....:rolleyes:

The myth of all of these phantom "racist thugs," was debunked a long time ago.

[IaNsSyAlNuE]

Another non-issue that the extreme rw repubs want to make into an issue, and are attempting to do so by mis-stating the facts. shame on you all! mo

Ahhhh yes, security of the president is a non-issue, of course! These people were taking a tour of the WH. These tours consist of limited areas which are highly secure (or supposed to be).

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/tours-and-events


They were NOT cleared to have brunch with the president or even. And not even cleared to be in that area of the WH.

[Lady_Jean_La]

This also happened two weeks before the Salahis crashed the dinner party and new rules were put into effect. JMO

The old rules just allowed strangers to visit the President?

[Meridian]

I laughed until I cried at the Saturday Night Live skit a couple of weeks ago concerning the couple that came to the dinner. One of the funniest skits I had seen in a while.

[syringa]

Unwitting tourists attend White House event

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34437846/


These tourists ended up at a White House brunch with the Obama's. They should have never been. SS messed up.

This is insane IMO. The entire secret service staff should be replaced.

Why do you think the Secret Service all of a sudden is not doing as good of a job as it did with previous President's?
IMO - it is not the SS who have all of a sudden gotten lax and less professional. There has to be something else going on.

[snookums1]

Why do you think the Secret Service all of a sudden is not doing as good of a job as it did with previous President's?
IMO - it is not the SS who have all of a sudden gotten lax and less professional. There has to be something else going on.

It is doing the same job as it always did. The only difference is that now because of the transparency, we hear about it. This sort of thing has been an issue for years and years.

[Lady_Jean_La]

It is doing the same job as it always did. The only difference is that now because of the transparency, we hear about it. This sort of thing has been an issue for years and years.I thought it was because of Facebook.

:confused:

[snookums1]

Secret Service chiefs admit there have been almost 100 security breaches at the White House since 1980, including letting in a woman who claimed to have a 'special relationship' with Bill Clinton.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1234016/91-breaches-security-White-House-Secret-Service-chiefs-revealed.html#ixzz0ZscpZgOV

[snookums1]

An internal US Secret Service document used for training purposes indicates 91 security breaches since 1980.

Secret Service spokesman Edwin Donovan says the agency used the 2003 report to evaluate security procedures and help agents improve their response to breaches. Donovan says that since 2001, there have been 10 security breaches, including an incident last month where a couple was allowed to enter a White House state dinner despite not being on the guest list.



http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/international/us-secret-service-cites-91-security-breaches-829 OK. Add the 10 breaches since the report was drawn up to aid in training and that means that since 1980 there have been over a hundred breaches of security. Strange that it is just now making the news.

[IaNsSyAlNuE]

It is doing the same job as it always did. The only difference is that now because of the transparency, we hear about it. This sort of thing has been an issue for years and years.

Why is it you seem to try and make this a partisan issue?

"Weaver the handshaker" one of the most notorious WH crashers has been reported on EXTENSIVLY BEFORE this and is a big part of that report. Out of the 8 times the WH has been crashed to this extent the Salahi’s were TWO, the handshaker was 4 times with different presidents. One time there was a van and the other that woman, who is also well known because she was photographed in the Easter Egg Hunt and it was reported on extensively because she was nutty over Clinton.

All of this under 5 different presidents. From Carter to Bush II equaled 4 of the same sort of breaches. And now the recent breeches with Obama total 4.



The rest of the incidents from the UNCLASSIFIED 2003 report which was readily available are such things as people trying to jump the fence NONE being next to the president as the Salahi’s were and the handshaker.

"Weaver the handshaker

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_C._Weaver

Here are your 91 breaches, many are and were WELL covered in the press, from the plane crashing onto the lawn of the WH to the grenade being thrown at Bush. The 91 breaches are NOT what have been happening to Obama.

Secret Service counts 91 breaches

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/06/AR2009120602556_2.html?sid=ST2009120602708

In counting those which are close to what happened with Obama there are 8 breaches since 1980. FOUR ( each person is counted as one breach according to WH and SS rules) of those charged to Obama's SS since 1980---29 years. I hope those numbers put it into a little better perspective for you.

[snookums1]

Why is it you seem to try and make this a partisan issue?

"Weaver the handshaker" one of the most notorious WH crashers has been reported on EXTENSIVLY BEFORE this and is a big part of that report. Out of the 8 times the WH has been crashed to this extent the Salahi’s were TWO, the handshaker was 4 times with different presidents. One time there was a van and the other that woman, who is also well known because she was photographed in the Easter Egg Hunt and it was reported on extensively because she was nutty over Clinton.

All of this under 5 different presidents. From Carter to Bush II. The recent breeches with Obama.



The rest of the incidents from the UNCLASSIFIED 2003 report which was readily available are such things as people trying to jump the fence NONE being next tot eh president as the Salahi’s were and the handshaker.

"Weaver the handshaker

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_C._Weaver

Here are your 91 breaches, many are and were WELL covered in the press, from the plane crashing onto the lawn of the WH to the grenade being thrown at Bush. The 91 breaches are NOT what have been happening to Obama.

In counting those which are close to what happened with Obama there are 8 breeches since 1980. FOUR ( each person is counted as one breech according to WH and SS rules) of those charged to Obama's SS since 1980---29 years. I hope those numbers put it into a little better perspective for you.


Secret Service counts 91 breaches

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/06/AR2009120602556_2.html?sid=ST2009120602708

? What are you talking about? I simply pointed out that this has been going on for as long as SS details provided security for the WH and this is the first time anyone has known about it. What is "a partisan issue" about that? The SS checks thousands and thousands of people a year that are visiting the WH. They are human. Humans do make mistakes.

The biggest problem that I see is that some are posting stuff like this as though it has never happened before Obama was president in an attempt to make him look bad. The truth be known, it has always occurred and this is the first time anyone knew about it.

[Lady_Jean_La]

? What are you talking about? I simply pointed out that this has been going on for as long as SS details provided security for the WH and this is the first time anyone has known about it. What is "a partisan issue" about that? The SS checks thousands and thousands of people a year that are visiting the WH. They are human. Humans do make mistakes.

The biggest problem that I see is that some are posting stuff like this as though it has never happened before Obama was president in an attempt to make him look bad. The truth be known, it has always occurred and this is the first time anyone knew about it.

I've heard of these many times, part of doing it is to get noticed after all. Hard to believe you haven't heard of them and think no one has. imo

[IaNsSyAlNuE]

? What are you talking about? I simply pointed out that this has been going on for as long as SS details provided security for the WH and this is the first time anyone has known about it. What is "a partisan issue" about that? The SS checks thousands and thousands of people a year that are visiting the WH. They are human. Humans do make mistakes.

The biggest problem that I see is that some are posting stuff like this as though it has never happened before Obama was president in an attempt to make him look bad. The truth be known, it has always occurred and this is the first time anyone knew about it.

It is NOT the first time anyone has known about it and it has nothing to do with transparency. Most of the events were reported on as I showed in my post.

And HOW, PLEASE DO tell how the SS being inept makes Obama look bad? I do not see where you are getting that-- one of the reasons I believe you see it as a partisan issue.

[LisaM22]

Why do you think the Secret Service all of a sudden is not doing as good of a job as it did with previous President's?
IMO - it is not the SS who have all of a sudden gotten lax and less professional. There has to be something else going on.

these mistakes have always occurred from time to time, just now your hearing about it

[IaNsSyAlNuE]

these mistakes have always occurred from time to time, just now your hearing about it

Not true, we have heard about many, many of the problems in the press BEFORE.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/06/AR2009120602556_2.html?sid=ST2009120602708

The reason this is so rare is because of the 8 times that security has been breached in this manner in 29 years and 6 presidents. Four (4) of those times in 11 months, have been under ONE president, Obama.

[Lady_Jean_La]

these mistakes have always occurred from time to time, just now your hearing about itWith the internet it is easy to get 15 minutes of fame and people can be more aware. imo

[ninetoes]

"WASHINGTON -- The Secret Service says another person not on the guest list was allowed into a White House state dinner for India's prime minister in November."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/04/AR2010010401802.html

[LisaM22]

be interesting to go back through the years, bet this has happened many many times over, sure this wont happen again after this last incident though

[MercedesV]

Inexcusable. Should never happen. And hopefully steps have been taken so it won't happen again.

[Lady_Jean_La]

Makes me wonder how many have done that. :confused:

[Lady_Jean_La]

I would say the President is at risk 24 hours a day. Just heard on the news they arrested a guy who was going to kill the President and First Lady. imo

[juliekan]

Apparently, according to the Secret Service .... a THIRD person crashed the White House Dinner.

Just unbelievable ....

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34690470/ns/politics?GT1=43001

per the article:

But the Secret Service said all three uninvited guests went through other screening, such as metal detectors, before the event.

Whoop-di-doo, so did the wanna be bomber on Christmas day. I don't know how anyone could ever say that everyone at the Dinner could not have possibly been at risk. jmo

[ShooFly]

SOMEONE on security detail dropped the ball, three times. That is not good. :angry: Anyone who attend was at risk, as it turned out nothing happened. but that is no explanation for this.