US President Barack Obama said Wednesday his security
staff put the kibosh on a birthday cake that was to be offered by
union leaders for his 49th birthday.
Obama, who spoke at an AFL-CIO labor federation meeting in
Washington, said that "it's good to spend my birthday with some
good friends," but that "the Secret Service nixed the cake."
AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka had offered the US head of
state birthday wishes and said the powerful labor group wanted to
provide a cake for the occasion.
"I was disappointed there wasn't a cake," Obama said. Referring
to the Secret Service detail that protects the leader around the
clock, Obama said: "They're probably eating it right now."
His celebration may be a muted affair as First Lady Michelle
Obama and youngest daughter Sasha are vacationing in Spain, while
older daughter Malia is away at summer camp.
Spokesman Robert Gibbs said Obama would be in Chicago later
Wednesday and would have dinner with friends.