It is the most coveted ticket in Irish America, the invaluable access to the Obama White House for the annual St.Patrick’s Day event honoring the Irish Prime Minister.
This year there are many disappointed faces.
Many who have been invited in previous years, including some significant leaders in key re-election states, have been left empty-handed.
It has caused no end of consternation and surprise, especially in an election year when a key constituency like Irish Americans is usually strongly courted.
Indeed, key leaders in many leading organizations have had their stipend cut from two to one, leaving many spouses baffled after they had been on the guest list for several years.
As any couple will tell you hell hath no fury like a spouse scorned and White House personnel have been hearing it hot and heavy over the past week from disappointed significant others.
The culprit appears to be the President’s re-election committee who have bagged many of the Irish invites and shuffled them to big party backers who are only too glad to take part in a White House event, Irish or not.
The upshot has been a similar occurrence to the very first year of the Obama White House in 2009 when old Chicago buddies and other key constituency leaders made it over stalwart Irish names.
That caused such a firestorm that the following year it was Cead Mile Failte to one and all and it has been that way ever since-- until this year.
There were murmurings this week when the British Prime Minister David Cameron had a state dinner in the usual St. Patrick’s slot at the White House. The fact that their joint op-ed in The New York Times did not even mention their joint success at helping solve the issue of Northern Ireland was also noticed.
Ireland and Irish America it seems is relegated to the annual St.Patrick’s shindig, except now, with many being refused invites, even that may not be the case.
It seems a trifle foolish given that Pennsylvania, Ohio and other key states all have large Irish Catholic constituencies which are key swing votes.
The Obama folk should really pay more attention.
43 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.Meanolgrouch | Mar 21, 2012, 07:55 AM EDT
Arrrgh! There's a misplaced modifier in my preceding text. Also a particular word overworked. I don't write in a formal manner, but poor composition is still inexcusable. I'd give a lot for an after-posting edit button. Nothing ever turns out right the first time for me.
Meanolgrouch | Mar 21, 2012, 07:50 AM EDT
Sile1212, a great big hug right back to you! I've been greatly blessed by everyone on this website; we can learn from opponents just as well as supporters. In fact on this website I feel like a kid in a candy store. Maybe I took the biblical advice, to do whatever my hand finds to do with all my strength, a bit too literally. Besides nursing two very old dogs who together outweigh myself, Spring's the busiest season for me indoors and out. So last night I realized more self discipline will be required. My new plan will restrict me to no more than 3 or 4 active threads at a time. They're likely to focus on America's presidential race since we do indeed need to clean up our own backyard first. President Obama is indeed our Rainbow President, isn't he? Nobody outside his family could love him more than I do, although there's no chance I'll get to meet him in person before he retires like myself. I retired to a flyspeck town in the remote Midwest for financial reasons, and this place is crawling with crazies who play soldier in the woods on weekends if you catch my drift. It would be almost suicidal for him to stop here. The very few other so-called Democrats are all blue dogs, and they wouldn't budge 5 inches to go to a rally next door much less a major city, the nearest of which is over 100 miles away. I don't drive anymore myself for health reasons. But I can still wear out my knees praying for him and pound the internet at least an hour every day. Glad to know you're in the mix.
sile1212 | Mar 20, 2012, 04:47 PM EDT
Niall, why not name names of those left out this time? Maybe our definition of important is different from yours? Were you invited? It almost sounds like a petulant article written by the boy left off the list. That said, if your claims of important people being left off the list are true then the Obama White House needs a wake up call. In reality, I think this is less of an issue than moving the "traditional" date for the St. Patrick's Day dinner to accommodate the British PM, of all people. #Meanolgrouch ... I think I love you!!! Thanks for taking the time to respond to the less informed people on the site. You are 100% correct. Obama has done much good for this nation -- his PR in getting his accomplishments across could use some help. I think that for now his people are right that it is best to just sit back and watch the Republican Party implode! So far any candidate they've supported, with the possible exception of Romney, will be so reactionary that it will be a "call to arms" (call to vote) to all women and forward thinking people in the country. Democrats are enjoying this and rooting for Santorum ... he is so wacky that when a full light is shone upon his ideology he will be un-electable. To the commenter who would rather have dinner with Niall O'Dowd than Obama -- you are wrong. I've had dinner with Niall and he is quite interesting but he couldn't hold a candle to the leader of the free world -- and I'm sure Niall would agree with that!
Meanolgrouch | Mar 19, 2012, 06:05 PM EDT
Oh, wait, y'all... let me cut you off at the pass (NOT the knees!) and anticipate your likely response to the post below; a twisted "Are you threatening me/us?" meant to intimidate me into submission. I never threaten anyone. I've kept a promise or two in my time, but only to those who absolutely forced the situation. Never fear - you don't have that kind of power.
Meanolgrouch | Mar 19, 2012, 05:10 PM EDT
IHL, I promise to raise a pint of Guiness to you in President Obama's honor on the occasion of his second inauguration, and hopefully the repossession of the House of Reps by my lifelong love, the Democratic Party. Meanwhile I continue fervent prayers that the suicidal GOP will indeed run Santorum as their candidate because his 12th Century mindset has alienated so many that we'd sweep the elections by a huge majority. And why are you so determined to focus on American politics on the IrishCentral forum anyway? Seems like a double waste of the precious little time you have left. Nothing would thrill me more than to see the Klan stage some noisy boondoggle, further sealing the GOP doom to come. If lightning strikes, as it will at times, and you get your wish, dig yourself a deep hole to hide in when you finally succeed in pushing the US into a second civil war. In other words, careful what you pray for. If God really wants to punish this nation, you might get what you want. At first, maybe.
IrishHeartLass | Mar 19, 2012, 01:28 PM EDT
I pray that the tyrannical dictator, Obama, bites the big one this November. I say he's been here 4 yrs too long.
Meanolgrouch | Mar 18, 2012, 09:30 PM EDT
Sorry, DaithiSuibhne, I almost forgot to reply to your description of myself. If by that you meant a well informed, educated, fire breathing and totally irrepressible sometimes finger-in-your-eye far left liberal, well then for once you might accidentally be right.
Meanolgrouch | Mar 18, 2012, 09:13 PM EDT
To simplify, "natural born" has nothing to do with location or even conception and gestation. Only proper lineage.
Meanolgrouch | Mar 18, 2012, 09:10 PM EDT
arialgirl, natural born citizenship IS conferred by birth to an already existing US citizen even where the parent might be naturalized! President Obama's mother was a natural born US citizen, though, and he himself was born in Hawaii. What, you didn't know Hawaii is even a state??? Some US teabaggers don't know that, among most other things worth knowing.
Meanolgrouch | Mar 18, 2012, 08:53 PM EDT
DaithiSuibhne, yes President Barack Hussein Obama does salute the flag just the same as he wears a flag pin. Although I think it's silly for you to be so concerned with small details. Next will you be wanting to know if he wears the kind of underwear you approve? Keep focusing on such things and you'll never be able to broaden your view of the world.
arialgirl | Mar 18, 2012, 04:56 PM EDT
"... It wouldn't matter if PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA had been born on the moon or Mars so long as one of his parents was American." Actually that is not true. To be the president of the US, one must be a natural-born citizen. Having a parent be a US citizen does confer US citizenship but it does not necessarily mean one can be president.
DaithiSuibhne | Mar 18, 2012, 04:03 PM EDT
@Meanolgrouch-From your posts you sound like a typical 'A$$#0!e'. To even start to think that Obama has the American people's best interest at heart is just plain nonsense. He won't even salute the flag during the 'Pledge of Allegiance'. He definitely does have an agenda, but you had better watch out for 'It'.
Meanolgrouch | Mar 18, 2012, 12:20 PM EDT
Don't let sour grapes humiliate you into premature predictions of our doom. You guys sound like the teabaggers who relieve themselves on the AARP.com website. We know you take blood money to spend all your time spewing hate and nonsense. Too bad you seem determined to infect the universe.
dev4 | Mar 18, 2012, 11:22 AM EDT
biggest loser since carter
seansarto | Mar 18, 2012, 06:06 AM EDT
The Adminstration thinks of the Irish as no good jiggers....
cinderfella1 | Mar 18, 2012, 01:42 AM EDT
Now is the time for Osama Obama to be defeated. He's very arrogant, conceited and gone totally Hollywood! We need a President of the U.S.A., not a president of Hollywood, CA!
Meanolgrouch | Mar 17, 2012, 08:26 PM EDT
Dear Recent Posters Against Obama: Chew the rug all you want, t'wont change a thing. See what a united front is doing to Rush Limbaugh? We'll have him selling pencils on the street before you know it. BTW, several large studies here have proven better-educated folks lean to the left. Probably always have. Certainly always will. Why do you think so many religious though terribly poor people don't even want to send their kids to college? As for the GOP, they really stirred up a hornet's nest with their recent attacks on women and our rights. If the Texas Ferhengi forces his way onto their ticket as VP, I'll cackle all the way to the voting booth. Our elections are closely watched by members of both major parties in unison, so they're reasonably accurate. To the person whose attack on Michelle Obama I never got around to answering, she's a great lady in the truest sense of the word. Given a chance to meet her or her husband, I'd have a hard time choosing which because like so many others, I dearly love the whole family. Rest assured I'll do everything in my small power to re-elect (drum roll here, please) President Barack Hussein Obama!
MegK311 | Mar 17, 2012, 05:45 PM EDT
remember this wee song we used to chant as kids in Ireland. Will ya come to my wee party will ya come Bring your own cup and saucer and a bun. If you go to Obama's wee party at the White House you would need to bring your credit card or your check book or both.
whiteycat | Mar 17, 2012, 03:50 PM EDT
meanolgrouch. If you think listening to obama is hearing truth, you dont pay close attention.
whiteycat | Mar 17, 2012, 03:47 PM EDT
I hope this does not bother the Irish to much, after all their bloc isnt big enough to secure the election but visiting Ireland was a fun thing.Hes not big on loyalty.
immigrant1979 | Mar 17, 2012, 03:46 PM EDT
Hermittalker is right on. He knows the truth that those uneducated people on the left won't admit. They do not live in reality. Time for this dumb President to leave the White House so that our country will stop going down the tube just as he wants and anyone who denies this is simply blind. Roll on November we will do our best to rid him and his likes from the Administration who haven't a clue what they are doing. Evil is rampant in the White House right now. The only way we will win is if the Dems on the left stop their voter fraud. Happy St.Patrick's Day everyone especially those that were left out of the White House celebration.
Meanolgrouch | Mar 17, 2012, 02:48 PM EDT
PS: hermit, dear, brush up on US law before lecturing others on the subject. It wouldn't matter if PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA had been born on the moon or Mars so long as one of his parents was American.
Meanolgrouch | Mar 17, 2012, 02:45 PM EDT
hermitTalker, do you live alone on top of a mountain somewhere with your head in the clouds, man? You keep regurgitating GOP-fed lies like that and you'll make yourself entirely irrelevant. In the US, birthers - those claiming President Barack Obama to you, buster! - was not even born in America have become a laughingstock among educated, truthful people; namely those of us on the left. Rightwing blather will only mark you as a dinosaur. BTW, don't expect an invitation to 44's second inaugural event, either. Sometimes Irish is as Irish does. Take it from a lifelong yellow dog Democrat. Someday I'll explain what that is. Until then, visit and read barackobama.com for the truth if you want some.
walleyeman | Mar 17, 2012, 01:51 PM EDT
Do you really belive all ofthe BS he handed you when it made a pit stop in Ireland to claim he was Irish. There is only one constituency he is faithful too and it's not black, shanty, lace curtin or just plain Irish.
MegK311 | Mar 17, 2012, 01:43 PM EDT
Obama brags about being Irish when it is convenient for him to be Irish. I wont vote for him whether he invites me to the White House or not. I don't like his political leanings. Hopefully he wont be in the White House this time next year.
John G. Hogan | Mar 17, 2012, 01:38 PM EDT
Niall, how does it feel to be under the bus.............you finally made it, along with all the others that he has thrown under there.
micky74007 | Mar 17, 2012, 12:23 PM EDT
When will we all wake up and realize we have a racist bastard in the White House?
irishcopper | Mar 17, 2012, 12:18 PM EDT
I couldn't be bothered wasting my time with this socialist phoney! Jack Kennedy and Tip O'Neil must be sitting in a pub in Heaven shaking their heads!
hermitTalker | Mar 17, 2012, 11:13 AM EDT
The man's famously touted Community organiser boast has shown its true abilities and colours. Taking on the Catholic bishops, pretending to be defending women's right to prevent birth and destroy their unborn babies with abortifacients, and their bodies with sterilisation was a really unwise call. His support from women has dropped 12 points since- so much for pitting them against their bishops. The support of 2500 evangelicals, some rabbis and imams in favour of the defence of conscience moves, the loss of key Democrats eight months before the election, with other topics like job creation is troubling to him. The strong support for Mr Santorum who is seen as principled and consistent, combined with the support for Mr Romney and Mr Gingrich, even if they are a bit to the right on some subjects is showing that POTUS' Left swing is " A bridge too far." The judgment that he was too young and inexperienced and not tested is proving true. He should have waited and let Mrs Clinton take the standard.
pilib04 | Mar 17, 2012, 11:04 AM EDT
Niall, this begs the question, are you the disgruntled "left-behind." Did your invite get lost in the mail like mine. I'm sure this was an oversight and not a conspiracy by the re-election committee. However, you could dial up Rick Santorum, I'm sure he would appreciate your support for his misogynist campaign.
like2tweet | Mar 17, 2012, 11:02 AM EDT
irish leaders in key state of Ohio not invited
pilib04 | Mar 17, 2012, 11:01 AM EDT
Tom Swinford, nice job. Go raibh maith agat.
pilib04 | Mar 17, 2012, 10:59 AM EDT
How many of us received invites last year when the party was "open?" Yeah, that's what I thought, none! So who is it that feels slighted this year. Not a name in the article so presumably they wish to remain unmentioned. Could it be someone connected to the author? Sounds like someone was deeply disappointed, but not sure that is newsworthy. Get over yourself!
mreinhar2001 | Mar 17, 2012, 10:55 AM EDT
Micjelle Obama's expressed disgust with "White Irish Catholics" involved in politics in Illinois apparently had an effect on how Irish and Irish Americans are treated by President Obama and his administration...Moneygall or not.
Searlit | Mar 17, 2012, 10:53 AM EDT
Begorah! 'The higher they put themselves up on the pedestal, the harder they fall when it crumbles.'
Searlit | Mar 17, 2012, 10:46 AM EDT
Poor Niall, sounds like you didn't make the list this year. P.S. The Irish Catholic vote ain't what it used to be. Back in 1960 it was practically rock-solid for JFK but times have changed. A significant portion of it is now supporting Santorum for president, an Augustine of Hippo vintage lunatic - who would deny women every purpose in life other than having babies and raising children and both men and women every purpose for sex other than procreation. Perhaps this White House does not feel it needs to suck up to red-faced, pot-bellied, blathering Irish pols as much as it used to because they don't bring a unified Irish vote anymore.
seagreen | Mar 17, 2012, 10:29 AM EDT
Stop Whining...............
antoman | Mar 17, 2012, 09:52 AM EDT
A few words of appreciation should be expressed to towntroll. After all, were it not for his inane words regarding the Irish Famine and me pulling him on those words. People on IC might not have sought out and discovered for themselves it was genocide. Nice one towntroll. :)
donal1951 | Mar 17, 2012, 09:50 AM EDT
I'd rather have dinner with Niall O'Dowd than President Obama. The conversation would be more interesting.
Murph46 | Mar 17, 2012, 09:33 AM EDT
Read Jody Kantor's -The O'Bama's to see how they really feel about the Irish.Michelle wanted the power that the Hynes,Madigans and Daleys had and built over generations-Michelle wanted it now with her sense of entitlement,It was no coincidene that William Daley quit the White House when the book came out.
Towngate | Mar 17, 2012, 09:30 AM EDT
We have had a lot of fun with the Nike nick-naming the sneaker Black an Tan and upsetting the delicate sensibilities of the sensitive Irish. Now, with all this fuss about trying to scrabble into the White House by the thrusting ambitious, and self-serving Irish, perhaps it is time for the building ~ shortly to be vacated by the Obama's ~ to be dubbed 'The Black'n'Tan House.
like2tweet | Mar 17, 2012, 09:09 AM EDT
Obama doesnt get the irish Catholic thing -- he prefers to not think of ethnic Americans
antoman | Mar 17, 2012, 08:30 AM EDT
Are people that awestruck by celebrity and the aura of power that they get upset by not being invited around for dinner at the White House with Obama? All that pomp, ceremony, good trousers and cutlery (start on the outside and work your way in) to sit and eat in the presence of a President. This is partially the reason why we send our politicians over for the dinner. Shur you'd rather be at home eating the mothers dinner and having a few jars with the buddys later. Happy Paddy's Day Niall O'Dowd and the staff and members of IrishCentral.