Investigation Finds Gaping Holes in ‘Transparent’ White House Visitor Logs
- Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:45am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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Remember that transparency award the president received in secret last month? Well, it appears it wasn’t based on the way the White House keeps its visitor logs.
According to an investigation by the Center for Public Integrity, the logs are missing droves of people and information. Politico reports they are missing celebrities as well as “the names of thousands of other visitors to the White House, including lobbyists, government employees, campaign donors, policy experts and friends of the first family.” That‘s despite the White House website’s claim that the logs contain “over 1,000,000 records of everyone who’s come through the doors of the White House” (emphasis added).
Here‘s what the center’s investigation found:
• The “event” description in the logs is blank for more than 205,000 visits, including many that involved small meetings with the president and his key aides.
• Five junior staff aides together received more than 4,440 visits. By contrast, then-chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, famed for his workaholic schedule, is listed as having fewer than 500 visits.
• Less than 1 percent of the estimated 500,000 visits to the White House in Obama’s first eight months — a time when the new administration was bustling with activity — have been disclosed, according to the Center’s analysis.
• The logs include names of people cleared by the Secret Service for White House entry who apparently never showed up. The Center analysis found more than 200,000 visits with no time of arrival, an indication that the person didn’t enter the White House, though there is no way to be certain. For instance, actor Ryan Gosling is listed at a West Wing event with members of his band, Dead Man’s Bones, in October 2009. But Gosling’s representative, Carolyn Govers, said the actor did not go.
• Two-thirds of the more than 1 million names listed are people who passed through parts of the White House on guided group tours.
And just who do you think the data reveals has been a frequent visitor without much explanation? You guessed it: AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka — the man who says he visits once a week:
AFL-CIO head Richard Trumka has been logged in at least four dozen times, often with other labor bigwigs, but the records tell why he was there in only 12 of those cases, and those are mostly ceremonial events or social functions. Twice last year, Trumka met privately with Obama and once with Vice President Joe Biden, the records show, but no details are given. The AFL-CIO declined to comment.
Besides leaving out information, Politico reveals another popular end-around — claiming to be visiting a junior staffer:
Another practice calling into question the veracity of the logs: Junior White House staff members routinely list themselves as the “visitee,” or person being visited, when in fact the visitor has arrived to see someone higher up the chain of command.
The practice appears to apply to the commander in chief in some instances.
Reggie Love is recorded as receiving nearly 300 visits in the West Wing of the White House. Love is Obama’s personal assistant, the young aide who is constantly at the president’s side. Celebrities like NBA star Kobe Bryant and some Obama friends are listed as visitors to Love.
In addition, nearly two dozen campaign fundraisers and their family members are listed as visiting Love. The records give no hint as to who else they saw once they entered the White House or the purpose of their meetings. Among them was Hildy Kuryk, a New York fundraiser for Obama who now is deputy national finance director of the Democratic National Committee.
The White House’s response? The logs are not meant as an archive, and the administration has taken “unprecedented steps to increase transparency by releasing visitor records.”
True. Kind of. As Politico notes: “However, the White House agreed to release the data only as a result of settling a lawsuit.”
“If this is transparency, who needs it?” Steven Aftergood, director of the project on government secrecy at the Federation of American Scientists, told Politico. According to him, the logs are “very thin gruel.”
It seems the White House visitor logs are so transparent you can’t even see parts of them.
Read more interesting details and examples at Politico.
Read the Center for Public Integrity’s write-up on the report here (which was adapted for the Politico article).
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Comments (135)
pandora
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:43pmThat explains why we can’t find Bin Laden – he’s hiding in the White House!
Report Post »Ghandi was a Republican
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:43pmINVESTIGATE THE CZARS. Question them and make them accountable. What are they up to. What discussions have they had. Who have they talked to. What visits have they made too the WH. Who else do they conspire with?
Who will they roll to stay out of jail?
Report Post »code green
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 1:46pmGhandi who would investigate? Obummer owns the Justice Dept. and obviously the Secret Service .
Report Post »Only a House investigation is even thinkable,and I think most are either scared or incompetent.
The House ethics committee has made some grumblings about irregularities, then dissappeared.
I have no faith in our gov.any more .
Not on our watch
sjohn70037
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:42pmWhen it comes to the WH and Barry… a pos is as a pos does. Surprised?
Report Post »Goldenyears22
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:41pmAnd we thought the Clinton’s were pretty bad, but Obama takes the blue ribbion for corrupt. History will record him as the biggest mistake ever made in American History. Just pray he is not the final mistake that takes our nation completly down.
Report Post »Magen_daveed7
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:37pmIf the republicans will run someone in the next election worth voting for this time we will get rid of these traitors to the constitution and America. We are tire of the Republican party running liberals like Bob Dole, the Bush’s and John McCain.
Report Post »SheriS
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:35pmGotta keep all those Andy Stern visits hidden! Seems we know about all the early visits, but when exposed they decided to keep all those union visits hidden! Thought this was supposed to be the most transparent White House ever! Well, now we know it is the most secretive White House ever–even Billy Boy keep the records!
Report Post »RightPolitically
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:30pmJust more corruption. Like any leftist regime, things must be done secretly. Sunshine might be a disinfectant, but try to find any in the Obama White House.
Report Post »NOBALONEY
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:26pmClearance by the secret service has changed, based on my security clearance in the mid 60′s while in a unit attached to the White House. People that now are routine visitors to the White House today, wouldn’t have gotten passed the gate, and that was a time before the pilings were added to the west gate entrance.
Report Post »trueblueday
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 8:33pmIs that why Obo was locked out of the WH a week or so ago? Tryin’ all the doorknobs and none would open. LOL! Too bad he got back in.
Report Post »InformationSeek
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:25pmMaybe he’s meeting with Obama Sin Laden, oops I mean Obama Bin Laden, wrong again, I mean Obama Hussein meeting with Osama. I tend to confuse the two
Report Post »Amazingoly
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:12pmShouldn’t we be able to know who visits OUR HOUSE honestly? No wonder Obama received his “award” in private. What a joke we have to put up with for a few more months.
Report Post »sweetscience
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:11pmPreaching to the choir. Nobody on the left, nobody in journalism, and certainly nobody who does TV news will say a word because they simply don’t care. This is their guy, and that’s what counts.
Report Post »NickDeringer
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:09pmIronically, the Obomunist Administration is far more transparent than they realize. In fact, it‘s pretty transparent that they aren’t transparent.
Report Post »BetterDays
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 7:51pmIt’s like they are wearing nothing but Saran wrap, clearly we can see their nuts.
Report Post »Junter
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:09pmThere is less transparency in our government now then there has ever been. Obama = opaque
Report Post »Banshee34
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:07pmAnd people are surprised by this?
Report Post »ccr
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:07pmHe/they say all the “pretty” things……..but do whatever they want! And……..the press has their back! Occasionally there is some one that questions.
Flattering words before the election got him in the WH……….and so it continues.
Report Post »geonj
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:07pmjust another example of obama’s hypocracy. and he gets away with it because the major news outlets (so called) never call him out.
Report Post »papapatriot
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:06pmI urge everyone to read the fine book “Masters of Audacity and Deceit” by author William Been. This book discloses what went on and what they are trying to accomplish in their attempt to destroy our Republis. It is a must read for all Patriots. The book is available at WEBPATRIOTICSERVICES.COM. You can also join up with us to help us reestablish true American Values.
Report Post »harumph
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:03pmCan you imagine Barry‘s fear that he’ll be found out to be the imposter that he is? He probably can’t sleep at night knowing that, someday, his background, skill set, actions and intelligence will be an open book. Looks like we’re closing in on some it. I say, it’s about time.
Report Post »JP4JOY
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:16pmCan a president “pardon” himself? Oh, that’s right, Nixon needed Ford to do that or he would have done it himself. Maybe King Obama will be immune to any prosecution when his FRAUD perpetrated on our nation is finally revealed. Only time will tell!
Report Post »Chicago Ray
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 1:45pmScranton Joe would probably pardon him, although I bet he’d be one happy loon seeing the Obumble marched off OJ style after having the humiliating job of being his personal valet for the past 3 years huh … ;)
What a trivia question that’ll be someday huh? lol….
Alex Trebeck: who was the first ever white man to shine the shoes of the first black president later removed from office for identity fraud and a litany of felonies too lengthy to list at the end of his first and only term?
Uhh…Who would be Scranton Joe Biden, Alex?
Congratulations Johnny, You‘re the New 2035 Children’s Jeopardy Champion!!
Report Post »BetterDays
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:02pmBIG SHOCKER!
Report Post »Can’t say enough about how dismal this administration is, and how powerless we seem to be to change it. Obama routinely contradicts his own statements and congressional voting records these days and the propaganda ministries voices of lame stream media are as silent as mimes.
With every passing day, this feeling in my gut grows heavier, we are all but to far down the road to ever get back.
For me 2012 is as far as I’m willing to walk with things as they are, after that I just don’t know.
PavZilla
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:08pmI second those emotions. Ayup.
Report Post »RLTW
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:38pmI’ll 3rd, 4th, and 5th that sentiment, all in favor say I?
Report Post »Azmodious
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:56amBarry is a flaming socialist….it’s probably best his friends are not logged in.
Report Post »miles from nowhere
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:56amTranparent BS: Obama given an award for being tranparent. What a bunch of BS! Evan his award was done in a closet. Recall Nancy Pelosi giving herself an award, what BS!
Report Post »AMERICA4EVER
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:55amThis administration is a joke and the joke is on us.
Report Post »nacilbuper
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:54amDid they not just get an award for this?
Report Post »JP4JOY
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:12pmIn a closed event, humbly transparent.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:36pmSits right next to his Nobel Peace Prize on the Loncoln bedroom mantle.
Report Post »Eblaze44
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:51amHow could one “man” tick off 18 Nations or Organizations !!!!!!
The American people can now more readily ‘understand’ why the Obama’s were omitted from the guest list to the Royal wedding in April!
This is a very sobering article. Our handling of relationships with the Britons over the oil spill don’t help either.
From The London Daily Telegraph Editor On Foreign Relations
“Let me be clear: I’m not normally in favor of boycotts, and I love the American people. I holiday in their country regularly, and hate the tedious snobby sneers against the United States. But the American people chose to elect an idiot who seems hell bent on insulting their allies, and something must be done to stop Obama’s reckless foreign policy, before he does the dirty on his allies on every issue.”
One of the most poorly kept secrets in Washington is President Obama’s animosity toward Great Britain, presumably because of what he regards as its sins while ruling Kenya (1895-1963).
One of Barack Hussein Obama’s first acts as president was to return to Britain a bust of Winston Churchill that had graced the Oval Office since 9/11. He followed this up by denying Prime Minister Gordon Brown, on his first state visit, the usual joint press conference with flags.
The president was “too tired” to grant the leader of America ‘s closest ally a proper welcome, his aides told British journalists.
Mr. Obama followed this up with cheesy gifts for Mr. Brown and the Queen. Columnist Ian Martin described his behavior as “rudeness personified.” There was more rudeness in store for Mr. Brown at the opening session of the United Nations in September. “The prime minister was forced to dash through the kitchens of the UN in New York to secure five minutes of face time with President Obama after five requests for a sit down meeting were rejected by the White House,” said London Telegraph columnist David Hughes. Mr. Obama’s “churlishness is unforgivable,” Mr. Hughes said.
The administration went beyond snubs and slights last week when Secretary of State Hillary Clinton endorsed the demand of Argentine President Cristina Kirchner, a Hugo Chavez ally, for mediation of Argentina’s specious claim to the Falkland Islands, a British dependency since 1833. The people who live in the Falklands, who speak English, want nothing to do with Argentina. When, in 1982, an earlier Argentine dictatorship tried to seize the Falklands by force, the British — with strong support from President Ronald Reagan — expelled them.
“It is truly shocking that Barack Obama has decided to disregard our shared history,” wrote Telegraph columnist Toby Young. “Does Britain’s friendship really mean so little to him?” One could ask, does the friendship of anyone in the entire world mean anything to him?
“I recently asked several senior administration officials, separately, to name a foreign leader with whom Barack Obama has forged a strong personal relationship during his first year in office,” wrote Jackson Diehl, deputy editorial page editor of the Washington Post, on Monday. “A lot of hemming and hawing ensued.” One official named French President Nicolas Sarkozy, but his contempt for Mr. Obama is an open secret. Another named German Chancellor Angela Merkel. But, said Mr. Diehl, “Merkel too has been conspicuously cool toward Obama.”
Mr. Obama certainly doesn’t care about the Poles and Czechs, whom he has betrayed on missile defense. Honduras and Israel also can attest that he’s been an unreliable ally and an unfaithful friend. Ironically, our relations with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority have never been worse. Russia has offered nothing in exchange for Mr. Obama’s abandonment of missile defense. Russia and China won’t support serious sanctions on Iran. Syria ‘s support for terrorism has not diminished despite efforts to normalize diplomatic relations. The reclusive military dictatorship that runs Burma has responded to our efforts at “engagement” by deepening its ties to North Korea.
And the Chinese make little effort to disguise their contempt for him.
For the first time in a long time, the President of the United States is actually distrusted by its allies and not in the least feared by its adversaries. Nor is Mr. Obama now respected by the majority of Americans. Understandably focused on the dismal economy and Mr. Obama’s relentless efforts to nationalize and socialize health care, Americans apparently have yet to notice his dismal performance and lack of respect in the world community. They soon will.
–London Daily Telegraph editor — Alex Singleton
Report Post »Zcat
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:02pm@Eblaze44
Thanks for the article. When will people wake up to this fraud!
Report Post »NHwinter
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:08pmA very sad article. Thank you for sharing it with us. 2012 cannot come too quickly. I pray to God America wakes up soon, very soon. We are in serious trouble.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:25pmGood story. It’s obvious by his actions that Obama dislikes our traditional allies and is trying to appease our enemies. Why? I think Dinesh D‘Souza’s explanations are right on the money.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:31pmGood job! Thanks!
Report Post »watchtheotherhand
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:35pm“I recently asked several senior administration officials, separately, to name a foreign leader with whom Barack Obama has forged a strong personal relationship during his first year in office,”
King of Saudi Arabia maybe Hugo Chavez ?????????
Report Post »vennoye
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:37pmGreat and true article. I DO remember, however, before and right after the election how THEY were fawning all over him while many of US were screaming and gnashing our teeth over his election!! When you put an amateur manchild in control………you should expect and usually get chaos.
Report Post »KyGal
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:43pmThank you for posting that article! The writer could have added Obama’s horribly rude treatment of the Israeli Prime Minister in 2009 to the list of allies that have been offended.
Report Post »Chicago Ray
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 1:33pm“How could one “man” tick off 18 Nations or Organizations !!!!!! ”
Well he’s ticked off 200 million Americans who have the collective brainpower and ballz of 20 times the other 100 million, so he’s good at it…
The Obasturd 2012….Coming to campaign stop near you!!! ;)
Report Post »thegreatcarnac
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 1:56pmgood article.
Report Post »Rickfromillinois
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 2:05pmRemember the Dali Lama having to leave out the back door next to the bags of garbage? He has shown nothing but contempt towards our traditional allies. Couple that with his ineptitude and inability to make a decision and stick with it, is it any wonder that he is held in such contempt by the rest of the world?
Report Post »mrclean
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 6:14pmWE THE PEOPLE are disgusted and infuriated with this immitation American president and I hope our allies realize that. They blame us for voting him in but I feel pretty certain that, thanks in part to social web sites and the internet in general, they know where we now stand.
It breaks my heart what this creature has done to us and our allies. We are victims of his vile disrespect and hatred, but not for long. We promise we will do everything humanly possible to kick his white/black @ss to the curb come 11/2012. That is, if the pencil d**k dictator hasn’t canceled the election.
Great article.
Report Post »Sandy
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:50amSimply shows how scared the “establishment” has become of Americans. They know we are watching………
Report Post »RLTW
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:55amI just pray that someone within the secret service will bust this criminal admin wide open. Is it too much to ask they honor their oath to the constitution?
Report Post »CultureWarriors
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:03pmHey it sounds like a crime has been committed. Imagine that from this, the most corrupt WH ever.
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:13pmClearly Obama is using “transparent” to mean “invisible”.
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:14pmAre not all people who work for the government sworn to up hold and defend the Constitution of the United States…Why are these people not doing the it JOB??? If it is not pertaining National defense, OPEN the Books, Keep and Show Records, NOW!
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:20pmAnd is there anyone on this planet who expected Obama to be honest, transparent, or reliable?
Report Post »Honestly!
joe conservative
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:25pmDuh! This is the most non-transparent administration in history. Anybody who bought the hope and change garbage is an idiot. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68uzsXdMLS4
Report Post »Dustyluv
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:26pmAn unscrupulous person in the White House? Tell me it aint so!!
Report Post »watchtheotherhand
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:29pm“How fortunate for governments that the people they administer don’t think.”
Adolf Hitler
Report Post »SPOT_OF_TEA
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:43pmLook at the people that Glenn has exposed who has visited the White House…..Just think about how many who slip through the cracks.
Report Post »TheHardTruth
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 12:48pmRaise your hand if you are actually surprised by this story. The writing was on the wall during his campaigning back in 08. EVERYONE knew the guy had zero experience in Foreign Policy. Why are we shocked?
BTW, I think it’s time to stop looking at Obummer for answers. He is obviously just a front guy for a very covert behind-the-scenes operations. The poor guy is way out of his league. He is little more than an actor with a teleprompter. The big question we should be asking is: WHO IS THE FORCE BEHIND HIM?
Report Post »theonefromabove
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 1:12pmYeah I think bin laden is hiding in the WH.
http://politicalbowl.com – Political Videos
Report Post »Chicago Ray
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 1:27pmAs the saying goes “when the government fears we the people there is liberty, when we the people fear the government there is tyranny”. ;)
Report Post »thegrassroots
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 1:31pm@rltw
It might not be “… the secret service [who] will bust this criminal administration wide open.” It Just Might Be Donald Trump Who Will Bust It Wide Open.
If obama’s not an American Citizen — he’s outa the White House and guilty of all kinds of fraud. He will be exposed as a below life crook. In spite of the nay-sayers and dismissers, et al — If obama’s NOT an American Citizen — THAT IS obama’s FIRST of MANY Constitutional Violations.
Keep Going Donald! Flush The Usurper-In-Chief Out of the Darkness and into the Light! Yes Sir! Be Obama’s Worst Nightmare!
No More “Slip‘n and Slide’n, Peep‘n and Hide’n” For You BHO!
“…, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.”
Report Post »~ Jesus Speaking ~~ Luke 12:3
Islesfordian
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 1:37pmObama is our first Jedi President. “These aren’t the names you are looking for”. And he’s as pompous and boring as Qui Gon Jinn.
Report Post »GETLIFE
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 2:31pmReally, how hard can it be to keep clear honest records?
Report Post »No1YaKnow
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 4:38pmAgree with RLTW, why are our other agencies complicit in the matter? Their duty is not to serve the president, it’s this country.
Report Post »restorehope
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 4:53pmIf the logs are not meant to be archives, then maybe they should be. In every facet of this administration, things are done in a slipshod, evasive manner. They are true masters at cover-ups. No doubt, there is a Cover-up Czar who is hard at work……undercover of course.
Report Post »tspark
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 5:07pmthe Secret Service have Delta Force mind conditioning, they’ll never *rat out* a president
Report Post »ConsiderThis
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 5:34pmGangster Government!
Report Post »RLTW
Posted on April 13, 2011 at 7:06pm@TSPARK
Report Post »I will assume that’s sarcasm, but either way you’re incorrect and I know a little and a lot about who you reference.
NuffSaid
Posted on April 14, 2011 at 6:41amI used to ask everyone I know this question:
“Is he stupid or is he a liar? He can’t be both.”
Guess I was wrong.
Report Post »mfsmith46
Posted on April 14, 2011 at 10:40amDoes anyone know WHO gave the “transparency award”? In all the stories I have never heard. And the reporters have never said they asked.
Report Post »