Obama Surprises Tourists With Impromptu D.C. Stroll
In a rare foray outside the armored-plated security of the presidential motorcade, Obama opted to walk from the White House to the Department of the Interior, a couple of blocks away.
"The bear is loose!," quipped Obama. "It's good to be out."
Obama, flanked by several bodyguards, took time to chat with a group of Israeli and Chinese tourists during his short walk, according to journalists who accompanied him.
After making a short speech at the Department of the Interior, where he announced the federal protection of a region of New Mexico, the president returned to the White House on foot.
He shook hands with several more tourists on his way back, as well as a man running a hot dog stand.
One family with two young children were given boxes of White House M&M candies, while another group of tourists were startled when Obama called out: "How's it going guys?"
"We can shake hands. I won't bite," Obama added, before speaking to a sixth grade school student and inquiring about homework.
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