Obama,the friendly neighbourhood guy

It has been only two months since the Obamas moved into the White House,but here in the nations capital,some people are already asking...

It has been only two months since the Obamas moved into the White House,but here in the nations capital,some people are already asking: Have you bumped into your President and first lady yet?

During the Bush years,Washington got used to a President who preferred bringing friends into the Executive Mansion to venturing outside it. But these days,Obama and his wife are popping up all over this city.

Like basketball? There was Obama sitting courtside recently alongside astonished fans at the Verizon Center as he cheered on the Chicago Bulls in a losing battle against the Washington Wizards.

Enjoy the performing arts? The Obamas have been to the Kennedy Center twice,once to see the Alvin Ailey dance troupe with daughters Malia and Sasha and once for a musical tribute to Senator Edward M Kennedy.

How about a tasty meal? The Obamas have enjoyed white-tablecloth dining at Equinox,Bobby Vans Steakhouse,B Smiths and Georgia Browns,and street-corner casual at Bens Chili Bowl and Five Guys Burgers and Fries.

They have gone to parent-teacher conferences,school sporting events and visited working-class and gentrifying communities that have rarely served as stomping grounds for American presidents and first ladies speaking to students at a charter school in a predominantly Hispanic neighbourhood,and worshiping in a Black church,among other activities.

Everywhere you go,youre wondering whether or not youll run into them, said Washingtons mayor,Adrian M Fenty,who has lunched with the President and first lady.

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Political observers are still debating whether this out-and-about style simply reflects the personal inclinations of the Obamas or some political calculus or both. But one thing is clear: No other modern President has reached out so widely to so many corners of the city,says Doris Kearns Goodwin,a presidential historian.

They want their lives not to be confined solely to the White House but rather to become a part of the urban,vibrant fabric of DC, Valerie Jarrett,a senior advisor to the President and a close family friend,said in an interview.

Lets face it: Its very good for getting re-elected, Letitia Baldrige,the White House social secretary to Jacqueline Kennedy,said of the Obamas socialising.

Political analysts say that the images of Obama hooting and hollering during a basketball game,eating a hot dog at Bens Chili Bowl and watching the ballet with his wife and daughters may humanise a politician who is sometimes viewed as too cerebral and distant.

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Some warn,however,that such a schedule can also carry political risks,particularly if it undermines the mystique of the presidency.

Every once in a while its great,but theres a chance of overexposing yourself socially, said Bradley A Blakeman,a former aide to George W Bush. People scratch their heads and say,Doesnt the president have other things to do?

We were taught you have to get to know the community youre in,and you have to be a part of that community, Michelle said during a visit to Marys Center,a health clinic that serves a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood. DC is our community now,and its our home.