The president made a "Public Service Announcement" earlier. His suggestion, according to the Washington Post, February 14, 2012, to all husbands and boyfriends is to "Go big!" Alas, he did not give a hint about what he plans for Michelle.
Past and present, the curious public sneaks peeks, when possible, at what goes on between the President of the United States and his First Lady on the day of romance. We know that presidents are political; but are they romantic? Do either they or their wives do something to make Valentines Day memorable?
Unfortunately, there is no public schedule for President Obama available today. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that President Obama and Michelle are not privately celebrating.
Back in 2008, President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush hosted a Valentines Day Dinner in the East Room of the White House. Laura looked stunning in deep red and everyone had a smashing sentimental time.
Fast-forward to Obama's first year in office, 2009, when former Press Secretary Robert Gibbs dodged a question about the private plans of the First Couple. Gibbs responded, "The only plans I know of is I'm sure the President and the First Lady will go out for Valentine's Day. And even if I knew where they were going, I wouldn't tell you until next week."
As promised, America did learn the Obamas dined out in Chicago. Perhaps our curiosity must wait a week again. (See photo of the president and Michelle as they depart from private Chicago dinner. February 14, 2009).
In 1994, Czech president Vaclav Havel presented President Bill Clinton with a stunning Amati tenor saxophone. Always ready to perform at a moment's notice, Clinton joined the band and exquisitely played, "My Funny Valentine". Can you imagine anything more romantic than Bill playing the enchanting tune just for Hillary? (Don't miss the audio release by Czech radio,"Two presidents jam session - Prague 1994".)
Still, the most charming Valentine story is of President Eisenhower and his beloved First Lady, Mamie Geneva Doud Eisenhower. This is one sure to melt the hearts of all romantics:
On St. Valentine's Day in 1916 he (Ike) gave her a miniature of his West Point class ring to seal a formal engagement; they married at the Doud home. From the White House Historical Association
Valentine's Day, 1962, America unofficially crowned Jackie Kennedy their sweetheart. That was the day she and CBS gave America the first televised tour of the White House. More than 80 million Americans watched. No wonder, that day lingers in the hearts of many as perhaps the most noted Valentine's gift to America from any presidency. Her dress was displayed in museums.
A slideshow "Political pucker-ups" is available on the left sidebar. It includes a collection of presidential and vice-presidential kisses, including the infamous open-mouth kiss then presidential candidate Gore planted on his wife.
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