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Life With The Secret Service
The Obamas have a head start among First Families in learning to live with the Secret Service's constant presence.
By Katie Paul - Published on NEWSWEEK MAGAZINE
Publishing date: Nov 13, 2008
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How would you feel if a frowning man in dark sunglasses and wires in his ears grabbed the back of your pants every time you walked into a crowd? That's just one of many less-than-enjoyable aspects of presidential life that the Obama family have been living with, ever since they were christened with their recently-released official Secret Service code names: Renegade (Barack), Renaissance (Michelle), Radiance (Malia), and Rosebud (Sasha).
The Obamas have a head start among First Families in learning to live with the Secret Service's constant presence.
By Katie Paul - Published on NEWSWEEK MAGAZINE
Publishing date: Nov 13, 2008
.
How would you feel if a frowning man in dark sunglasses and wires in his ears grabbed the back of your pants every time you walked into a crowd? That's just one of many less-than-enjoyable aspects of presidential life that the Obama family have been living with, ever since they were christened with their recently-released official Secret Service code names: Renegade (Barack), Renaissance (Michelle), Radiance (Malia), and Rosebud (Sasha).
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The Obamas have had some time to adjust; they have had a Secret Service detail since May 2007, the earliest one ever assigned to a presidential contender. The detail was assigned because of concerns that the African-American candidate might face greater dangers. Those concerns were not misplaced, as evidenced by the discovery of several plots to do the candidate harm this fall.
The Obamas have had some time to adjust; they have had a Secret Service detail since May 2007, the earliest one ever assigned to a presidential contender. The detail was assigned because of concerns that the African-American candidate might face greater dangers. Those concerns were not misplaced, as evidenced by the discovery of several plots to do the candidate harm this fall.
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The Obamas aren't the only ones keeping the Secret Service busy. Since 9/11, the ranks of the protected have swelled to include key cabinet and congressional leaders, and even their assistants. Files are kept on some 40,000 U.S. citizens, including about 400 deemed by the agency to pose a specific threat. Using gadgets that would make James Bond envious, agents sweep offices and hotel rooms for surveillance devices, test food for poison and measure air quality to check for dangerous bacteria. The cute code names might make for good stories, but they're functionally obsolete; Secret Service agents actually rely on modern encryption technology to help keep discussions about those they protect confidential.
The Obamas aren't the only ones keeping the Secret Service busy. Since 9/11, the ranks of the protected have swelled to include key cabinet and congressional leaders, and even their assistants. Files are kept on some 40,000 U.S. citizens, including about 400 deemed by the agency to pose a specific threat. Using gadgets that would make James Bond envious, agents sweep offices and hotel rooms for surveillance devices, test food for poison and measure air quality to check for dangerous bacteria. The cute code names might make for good stories, but they're functionally obsolete; Secret Service agents actually rely on modern encryption technology to help keep discussions about those they protect confidential.
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Of course, all the technology and planning in the world can't protect a candidate or president if he won't do what he's told. Some politicians have been cooperative—Dwight Eisenhower, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush, for example—while others have gone rogue; Bill Clinton, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson all loved to make mischief. What can agents expect from the new First Family? With the help of two valuable books on the subject—"The Secret Service: The Hidden History of an Enigmatic Agency" and "Standing Next To History: An Agent's Life Inside the Secret Service"—and interviews with an agency staffer, NEWSWEEK compiled a tip sheet of anecdotes from administrations-past illustrating the sundry ways Renegade, Renaissance, Radiance, and Rosebud might manage to stir up trouble for the folks in the dark glasses.
Of course, all the technology and planning in the world can't protect a candidate or president if he won't do what he's told. Some politicians have been cooperative—Dwight Eisenhower, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush, for example—while others have gone rogue; Bill Clinton, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson all loved to make mischief. What can agents expect from the new First Family? With the help of two valuable books on the subject—"The Secret Service: The Hidden History of an Enigmatic Agency" and "Standing Next To History: An Agent's Life Inside the Secret Service"—and interviews with an agency staffer, NEWSWEEK compiled a tip sheet of anecdotes from administrations-past illustrating the sundry ways Renegade, Renaissance, Radiance, and Rosebud might manage to stir up trouble for the folks in the dark glasses.
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Lesson 1: Expect the Unexpected At a pet show at Ethel Kennedy's Virginia estate, Secret Service agents had to scoop up and whisk away Jimmy Carter's daughter Amy when Suzy, a 6,000 pound elephant, charged in her direction. With Amy in his arms, the agent jumped over a split-rail fence—which the rogue elephant soon splintered—and carted the First Daughter to safety inside Kennedy's house, while crowds scattered and trainers struggled to get Suzy back under control.
Lesson 1: Expect the Unexpected At a pet show at Ethel Kennedy's Virginia estate, Secret Service agents had to scoop up and whisk away Jimmy Carter's daughter Amy when Suzy, a 6,000 pound elephant, charged in her direction. With Amy in his arms, the agent jumped over a split-rail fence—which the rogue elephant soon splintered—and carted the First Daughter to safety inside Kennedy's house, while crowds scattered and trainers struggled to get Suzy back under control.
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Lesson 2: Agents Protect, Not Serve President Jimmy Carter, accustomed to asking his state trooper guards to do errands for him, initially used his Secret Service detail as bag carriers—much to their dismay. He eventually backed off, but other presidents have requested such favors as babysitting and providing a fourth for a bridge game; all of which, agents have complained, detracted from their ability to do their jobs. Jackie Kennedy was the opposite: after JFK died, her children continued to have protection until they were 18. She insisted that the guards remain as inconspicuous as possible—and that they not pick up after or run errands for her children.
Lesson 2: Agents Protect, Not Serve President Jimmy Carter, accustomed to asking his state trooper guards to do errands for him, initially used his Secret Service detail as bag carriers—much to their dismay. He eventually backed off, but other presidents have requested such favors as babysitting and providing a fourth for a bridge game; all of which, agents have complained, detracted from their ability to do their jobs. Jackie Kennedy was the opposite: after JFK died, her children continued to have protection until they were 18. She insisted that the guards remain as inconspicuous as possible—and that they not pick up after or run errands for her children.
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Lesson 3: Leave the Shrubbery to the Gardeners The Obamas might want to watch the security improvements made to their home. The Secret Service spent over $10 million on Richard Nixon's three residences, including some $12,000 a year to "keep the landscape from interfering with security." This raised more than a few eyebrows among Congress and the press, which alleged that Nixon had finagled inappropriate home improvements for his friends as well. (Nixon maintained the upgrades had been suggested by the agency).
Lesson 3: Leave the Shrubbery to the Gardeners The Obamas might want to watch the security improvements made to their home. The Secret Service spent over $10 million on Richard Nixon's three residences, including some $12,000 a year to "keep the landscape from interfering with security." This raised more than a few eyebrows among Congress and the press, which alleged that Nixon had finagled inappropriate home improvements for his friends as well. (Nixon maintained the upgrades had been suggested by the agency).
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Lesson 4: The Words ' Public Restroom ' Will Assume New Meaning Presidents and their families quickly learn that even trips to the bathroom come with security precautions. Lyndon Johnson, never very subtle, had perhaps the most direct way of expressing his frustration. Once, after pulling his car over to the side of the road for a pit stop, agents quickly surrounded him as he relieved himself. A sudden breeze prompted one agent to alert the president, "Sir, you're pissing on my leg." Johnson, not budging, replied, "I know. That's my prerogative."
Lesson 4: The Words ' Public Restroom ' Will Assume New Meaning Presidents and their families quickly learn that even trips to the bathroom come with security precautions. Lyndon Johnson, never very subtle, had perhaps the most direct way of expressing his frustration. Once, after pulling his car over to the side of the road for a pit stop, agents quickly surrounded him as he relieved himself. A sudden breeze prompted one agent to alert the president, "Sir, you're pissing on my leg." Johnson, not budging, replied, "I know. That's my prerogative."
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Lesson 5: You Are Not Normal A proud Everyman, President Harry Truman liked to preserve a sense of normalcy at the White House by going on strolls to buy newspapers, walk the dog, spend time with his family, and deposit checks at the local bank. Unfortunately for Truman, gawking pedestrians and drivers weren't as nonchalant about his wanderings—and neither was the Secret Service. Agents responded by rigging traffic lights to turn red in all four directions as Truman walked past, though the president soon noticed and scolded them for ruining his walks.
Lesson 5: You Are Not Normal A proud Everyman, President Harry Truman liked to preserve a sense of normalcy at the White House by going on strolls to buy newspapers, walk the dog, spend time with his family, and deposit checks at the local bank. Unfortunately for Truman, gawking pedestrians and drivers weren't as nonchalant about his wanderings—and neither was the Secret Service. Agents responded by rigging traffic lights to turn red in all four directions as Truman walked past, though the president soon noticed and scolded them for ruining his walks.
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Lesson 6: Mind the Models While staying in a hotel room one night, Secret Service agents placed a small model, shaped like the Washington Monument, next to the bed of Vice President Dan Quayle and his wife. If they knocked it over, they would trip an alarm hidden inside—giving the Quayles a convenient means of alerting security to any problems. About half an hour after they had retired, the vice president accidentally knocked over the device, prompting agents to rush in and surprise a very off-guard Mr. and Mrs. Quayle.
Lesson 6: Mind the Models While staying in a hotel room one night, Secret Service agents placed a small model, shaped like the Washington Monument, next to the bed of Vice President Dan Quayle and his wife. If they knocked it over, they would trip an alarm hidden inside—giving the Quayles a convenient means of alerting security to any problems. About half an hour after they had retired, the vice president accidentally knocked over the device, prompting agents to rush in and surprise a very off-guard Mr. and Mrs. Quayle.
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Lesson 7: Kids Will Be Kids Presidential kids often give their protectors trouble. Tricia Nixon was called a "tough and troubled cookie" for ordering agents to wait on her hand and foot, then claiming that she caught them staring at her legs. Luci Johnson liked to race ahead of agents in her car, trying to lose them in traffic. One time, she slipped out the back door during a private party so that she and her fiancé could enjoy a night on the town free of surveillance. In a famous First Kid escapade, in 2001, Jenna and Barbara Bush used Jenna's fake ID to order drinks at a bar in Austin, Tex. Secret Service agents hustled the girls out before police officers could detain them, but they were later cited for underage drinking.
Lesson 7: Kids Will Be Kids Presidential kids often give their protectors trouble. Tricia Nixon was called a "tough and troubled cookie" for ordering agents to wait on her hand and foot, then claiming that she caught them staring at her legs. Luci Johnson liked to race ahead of agents in her car, trying to lose them in traffic. One time, she slipped out the back door during a private party so that she and her fiancé could enjoy a night on the town free of surveillance. In a famous First Kid escapade, in 2001, Jenna and Barbara Bush used Jenna's fake ID to order drinks at a bar in Austin, Tex. Secret Service agents hustled the girls out before police officers could detain them, but they were later cited for underage drinking.
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Lesson 8: Play Nice with the Agents She vehemently denied the reports, but rumors circulated widely in the early days of the Clinton administration that Hillary Clinton often yelled and cursed at her Secret Service detail. Some unproven reports even had her chucking objects in fits of anger—including, one time, a lamp intended for the president's head. Regardless of whether the stories are true, aides said Clinton was deeply upset by the possibility that Secret Service agents had started the rumors, making the relationship between agents and the president and First Lady tense.
Lesson 8: Play Nice with the Agents She vehemently denied the reports, but rumors circulated widely in the early days of the Clinton administration that Hillary Clinton often yelled and cursed at her Secret Service detail. Some unproven reports even had her chucking objects in fits of anger—including, one time, a lamp intended for the president's head. Regardless of whether the stories are true, aides said Clinton was deeply upset by the possibility that Secret Service agents had started the rumors, making the relationship between agents and the president and First Lady tense.
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© 2008
© 2008
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Vocabulary
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head start: idioms - An early start that confers an advantage
frowning: Present Continuous Tense of frown: verb [I] to bring your eyebrows together so that there are lines on your face above your eyes to show that you are annoyed or worried.
crowd: group noun [C] a large group of people who have gathered together
christened: Past Tense of to be christen - christen - verb [T] to use something for the first time
plots: noun [C]a secret plan made by several people to do something that is wrong, harmful or not legal, especially to do damage to a person or a government
have swelled: Present Perfect Tense referring to a Past situation of swelled –swelled, swollen or swelled [I or T] to become larger and rounder than usual; to (cause to) increase in size or amount
deemed: Past Tense of deem - verb [T not continuous] formal to consider or judge something in a particular way
threat: noun [C] a suggestion that something unpleasant or violent will happen, especially if a particular action or order is not followed
gadgets: noun [C] a small device or machine with a particular purpose
surveillance: noun [U] the careful watching of a person or place, especially by the police or army, because of a crime that has happened or is expected
devices: noun [C] an object or machine which has been invented to fulfil a particular purpose
poison: noun [C or U] a substance that can make people or animals ill or kill them if they eat or drink it
rely: rely on sb/sth phrasal verb - to trust someone or something or to expect them to behave in a particular way
gone rogue: As a noun, "rogue" refers principally to "An unprincipled, deceitful, and unreliable person; a scoundrel or rascal." And as an adjective, "rogue" means "Vicious and solitary. Used of an animal, especially an elephant." – gone rogue: pretending to be something you're not, lying or acting in order to deceive others
mischief: noun [U] behavior, especially a child's, which is slightly bad but is not intended to cause serious harm or damage
an agency staffer: an employee of the C.I.A. Agency
sundry: adjective [before noun] formal several different; various
to stir up trouble: verb [I] -rr- UK INFORMAL DISAPPROVING to cause trouble intentionally between other people, especially by telling false or secret information
folks: plural noun [as form of address] INFORMAL used when speaking informally to a group of people
to scoop up: scoop sth/sb up phrasal verb [M] to lift something or someone with your hands or arms in a quick movement
whisk away: Verb - take away quickly and suddenly (synonym) whisk off (hypernym) take away, bear off, bear away, carry away, carry off
split-rail fence: A split-rail fence and log fence is a type of fence constructed out of timber logs, usually split lengthwise into "rails" and typically used for agricultural or decorative fencing. (um tipo de cerca de madeira).
splintered: Past Tense of splinter - verb [I] to break into small, sharp pieces – in the text used figuratively
to do errands: to go out to buy or do something
dismay: noun [U] a feeling of unhappiness and disappointment
backed off: (STOP) phrasal verb INFORMAL to stop being involved in a situation, usually in order to allow other people to deal with it themselves
detracted: phrasal verb [not continuous] to make something seem less valuable or less deserving of admiration than it really is or was thought to be
inconspicuous: adjective not easily or quickly noticed or seen; not attracting attention
pick up after: phrasal verb - pick up after someone – to collect things bit by bit left from someone else
eyebrows: noun - The bony ridge extending over the eye (sombrancelhas)
finagled: v. .intr. - To use crafty, deceitful methods. [Probably from dialectal fainaigue, to cheat.]finagler fi·na'gler n. improvements: The act or process of improving (making it better – melhorias)
subtle: So slight as to be difficult to detect or describe; elusive (sutil)
pissing:Present continuous form of to piss - (fazer xixi!!!!)
strolls: verb [I] to walk in a slow relaxed manner, especially for pleasure
gawking: Past continuous form of to gawk - verb [I] (UK ALSO gawp) INFORMAL to look at something or someone in a stupid or rude way
scolded: Past Tense of Scold - scold verb [T] OLD-FASHIONED to tell off someone of whose behavior you disapprove
knocked over: Past tense of knock over - HIT) phrasal verb [M usually passive] to hit someone or something
off-guard: unprepared
tough and troubled cookie: used to describe somebody difficult (character) and trouble maker
to wait on her hand and foot: With concerted, never-ending effort: had to wait on them hand and foot.
hustled the girls out:Verb – cause to move furtively and hurriedly; "The secret service agents hustled the speaker out of the amphitheater"
cited: verb [T] LEGAL to officially name or mention someone or something in a court of law, or to officially request someone to appear in a court of law
underage drinking: to drink alcohol under the age limit
Vocabulary
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head start: idioms - An early start that confers an advantage
frowning: Present Continuous Tense of frown: verb [I] to bring your eyebrows together so that there are lines on your face above your eyes to show that you are annoyed or worried.
crowd: group noun [C] a large group of people who have gathered together
christened: Past Tense of to be christen - christen - verb [T] to use something for the first time
plots: noun [C]a secret plan made by several people to do something that is wrong, harmful or not legal, especially to do damage to a person or a government
have swelled: Present Perfect Tense referring to a Past situation of swelled –swelled, swollen or swelled [I or T] to become larger and rounder than usual; to (cause to) increase in size or amount
deemed: Past Tense of deem - verb [T not continuous] formal to consider or judge something in a particular way
threat: noun [C] a suggestion that something unpleasant or violent will happen, especially if a particular action or order is not followed
gadgets: noun [C] a small device or machine with a particular purpose
surveillance: noun [U] the careful watching of a person or place, especially by the police or army, because of a crime that has happened or is expected
devices: noun [C] an object or machine which has been invented to fulfil a particular purpose
poison: noun [C or U] a substance that can make people or animals ill or kill them if they eat or drink it
rely: rely on sb/sth phrasal verb - to trust someone or something or to expect them to behave in a particular way
gone rogue: As a noun, "rogue" refers principally to "An unprincipled, deceitful, and unreliable person; a scoundrel or rascal." And as an adjective, "rogue" means "Vicious and solitary. Used of an animal, especially an elephant." – gone rogue: pretending to be something you're not, lying or acting in order to deceive others
mischief: noun [U] behavior, especially a child's, which is slightly bad but is not intended to cause serious harm or damage
an agency staffer: an employee of the C.I.A. Agency
sundry: adjective [before noun] formal several different; various
to stir up trouble: verb [I] -rr- UK INFORMAL DISAPPROVING to cause trouble intentionally between other people, especially by telling false or secret information
folks: plural noun [as form of address] INFORMAL used when speaking informally to a group of people
to scoop up: scoop sth/sb up phrasal verb [M] to lift something or someone with your hands or arms in a quick movement
whisk away: Verb - take away quickly and suddenly (synonym) whisk off (hypernym) take away, bear off, bear away, carry away, carry off
split-rail fence: A split-rail fence and log fence is a type of fence constructed out of timber logs, usually split lengthwise into "rails" and typically used for agricultural or decorative fencing. (um tipo de cerca de madeira).
splintered: Past Tense of splinter - verb [I] to break into small, sharp pieces – in the text used figuratively
to do errands: to go out to buy or do something
dismay: noun [U] a feeling of unhappiness and disappointment
backed off: (STOP) phrasal verb INFORMAL to stop being involved in a situation, usually in order to allow other people to deal with it themselves
detracted: phrasal verb [not continuous] to make something seem less valuable or less deserving of admiration than it really is or was thought to be
inconspicuous: adjective not easily or quickly noticed or seen; not attracting attention
pick up after: phrasal verb - pick up after someone – to collect things bit by bit left from someone else
eyebrows: noun - The bony ridge extending over the eye (sombrancelhas)
finagled: v. .intr. - To use crafty, deceitful methods. [Probably from dialectal fainaigue, to cheat.]finagler fi·na'gler n. improvements: The act or process of improving (making it better – melhorias)
subtle: So slight as to be difficult to detect or describe; elusive (sutil)
pissing:Present continuous form of to piss - (fazer xixi!!!!)
strolls: verb [I] to walk in a slow relaxed manner, especially for pleasure
gawking: Past continuous form of to gawk - verb [I] (UK ALSO gawp) INFORMAL to look at something or someone in a stupid or rude way
scolded: Past Tense of Scold - scold verb [T] OLD-FASHIONED to tell off someone of whose behavior you disapprove
knocked over: Past tense of knock over - HIT) phrasal verb [M usually passive] to hit someone or something
off-guard: unprepared
tough and troubled cookie: used to describe somebody difficult (character) and trouble maker
to wait on her hand and foot: With concerted, never-ending effort: had to wait on them hand and foot.
hustled the girls out:Verb – cause to move furtively and hurriedly; "The secret service agents hustled the speaker out of the amphitheater"
cited: verb [T] LEGAL to officially name or mention someone or something in a court of law, or to officially request someone to appear in a court of law
underage drinking: to drink alcohol under the age limit
vehemently: adjective expressing strong feelings, or characterized by strong feelings or great energy or force
denied: Past Tense of deny - verb [T] to not admit that you have knowledge, responsibility, feelings, etc
yelled and cursed: gritar e blasfemear – (easier explained in Portuguese)
aides: noun [C] a person whose job is to help someone important, such as a member of a government or a military officer of high rank
denied: Past Tense of deny - verb [T] to not admit that you have knowledge, responsibility, feelings, etc
yelled and cursed: gritar e blasfemear – (easier explained in Portuguese)
aides: noun [C] a person whose job is to help someone important, such as a member of a government or a military officer of high rank
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