New Jack City: Obama Slums It @ Holiday Inn Lawrence

Perception is everything…

But President Obama overnighting at the Holiday Inn during his visit to Lawrence?

Give me a break.

Was it the indoor pool at the Holidome? The daily housekeeping, the self-laundry facilities, ATM or limited fitness center that attracted the White House’s biggest fish to the hotel? A hotel chain that was tongue-in-cheek named after the 1942 Bing Crosby Fred Astaire Christmas movie?

If the lodging had to be in Lawrence, why not the historic Eldridge downtown? You know, the one a prominent local toured as a possible site for his daughter’s wedding, only to find a pair of whitey tighteys dangling from a hook on the entry door. Or what about the stately-looking Oread high on a hill overlooking the KU campus?

Of course, flying into Topeka could have also meant an exciting night at T-town’s Ramada Convention Center or the Senate Luxury Suites.

Then again, couldn’t the President just have overnighted INSIDE Air Force One?

The President’s modified 747 comes with an executive suite, including a stateroom with dressing room, lavatory and shower. It also has a spacious office and a conference/dining room for the President’s family and staff,

The Presidential Suite at the Holiday Inn in Ghana where Obama stayed

Seriously though, wouldn’t flying into KCI have been the ticket?

Mr. Obama then could have had his pick of Presidential suites at the Westin Crown Center, Hotel Sorella, Intercontinental or the Sheraton’s Crown Center or Overland Park properties.

Utilizing any of these KC facilities would have put him just over 40 minutes from KU.

And flying that giant jumbo jet into Topeka, complete with Obama’s support staffers, security and media personnel, had to be a tremendously expensive undertaking.

Then again, staying at a Holiday Inn leaves an ordinary guy impression – a perception – and perception after all is everything.