[WhistlingPastTheGraveyard]

The White House's decision is likely a response to tough economic times

But the larger state dinner for the Prime Minister of India isn't, of course. Neither are the six-figure weekend "date nights".

But it's nice of the author to speculate about the motive. Very professional. These WaPo Jr. guys are first-rate.

[livius]

The move comes on the heels of Obama's cancellation of an appearance before the General Assembly of North American Jewish Federations last week.

And no explanation at all of this one.