Bearing Cookies, Obama Spreads Cheer

President visits Boys and Girls Club, reads 'Polar Express'
By Marie Morris,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 21, 2009 6:58 PM CST
Bearing Cookies, Obama Spreads Cheer
President Barack Obama poses with children for a group photo during a visit to a Boys and Girls Club where he read a Christmas book and gave out White House gingerbread cookies in Washington, Monday, Dec. 21, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

A Washington Boys and Girls Club had an unexpected visitor this afternoon: President Obama. The Elf in Chief chatted with 6- to 11-year-olds, read The Polar Express, handed out cookies—some shaped like first dog Bo—and asked the kids what they want for Christmas. He seemed surprised when they said they iPods and video games, asking, "Whatever happened to, like, asking for a bike?" One of the children explained: "Everybody has a bike."

Seven-year-old Niko Letterlough issued a foosball challenge, McClatchy reports. "You know, I hate getting beat," the president responded. No problem. "I'll let ya win," Niko said. "That's what I'm talking about," said Obama, offering a fist bump.
(More President Obama stories.)

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