Replies

I worked on the WH Advance Team under Bush. The cost and number of people don’t add up. Bill Clinton’s China world tour only cost the taxpayer around $50MM and it had half of DC on the trip and 77 aircraft supporting the trip. On this trip, they also only booked about 700 rooms in India. Even at 700, that’s an astounding number in and of itself. I never saw any overseas trips with Bush have anywhere near 700 people.

http://rpc.senate.gov/releases/1999/df033000.htm

Is this standard procedure?

http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?699768

All roads close to the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel, where US President Barack Obama will be staying during his visit to the financial capital, will remain closed for public for two days.

“Obama will be in the city on November 6 and 7. We have made adequate security arrangements for Obama, a world leader who has a high threat perception,” Joint Police Commissioner (Law & Order) Rajnish Seth said.

The roads connecting the Taj Hotel, booked entirely for the US President, will be closed for two days, he said.

“We have made appropriate arrangements to ensure minimal inconvenience to the people living in residential buildings very close to Taj area. Passes have been issued to car owners. Over 500 passes have been issued so far,” he said.

http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/mumbai-gateway-jetty-to-be-shut-during-obama-s-visit-64062

Mumbai: No ferry boats will be sailing off the Gateway of India for three days: November 5, 6 and 7. Given the vulnerability of the coastline, security agencies are taking all possible measures during the Obama visit.

Operations of private ferry boats and cruise boats going to Alibaug, Mandwa, Elephanta Island and Rewas have been asked to stay closed for three days.