President celebrates 51st birthday

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

President Barack Obama celebrated his 51st birthday Saturday with a round of golf and plans for a quiet weekend at Camp David, taking a break from campaigning three months before Election Day.

Obama, wearing a white golf shirt, khaki pants and sunglasses, boarded Marine One at Andrews Air Force Base after about six hours on the golf course en route to Camp David. He was joined by a small group of friends and aides that included White House chef Sam Kass, a frequent golf partner.

He returns to campaign mode soon enough, with fundraisers in Connecticut on Monday and campaign rallies in Colorado on Wednesday and Thursday.

Next weekend, Obama will have several birthday-themed fundraisers in Chicago, including one at his family’s South Side home. Obama’s campaign used the event to drum up small-dollar donations before the end of the July fundraising deadline, offering two lucky winners the chance to attend the fundraiser at Obama’s red, brick home.

In an email to supporters, Obama warned that his birthday “could be the last one I celebrate as president of the United States, but that’s not up to me — it’s up to you.”

Republicans offered tongue-in-cheek birthday greetings. The Republican National Committee delivered a birthday cake to their counterparts at the Democratic National Committee on Friday featuring a picture of a smiling Obama next to the words, “You didn’t bake this.”