In Gulf, Obama says he’s committed to full cleanup from oil spill

President Obama commended the Coast Guard’s efforts to stop the worst
oil spill in American history but said the job isn’t over.

“I
made a commitment in my visits here that I was going to stand with you
not just until the well was closed, and not just until the oil was
cleaned up, but until you have fully recovered from the damage that
has been done,” Obama said during a speech Saturday in Panama City
Beach, Fla. “And that is a commitment my administration is going to
keep.”

{mosads}The president has faced criticism from conservative commentators
for encouraging Americans to vacation in the Gulf states while he
himself only makes brief forays to the region.

Obama brought his wife, Michelle, and daughter Sasha for a short
vacation during this trip to Florida. The visit is expected to last
about 27 hours, with the first family returning to the White House on Sunday
night. Observers are now questioning whether there will be any images
of the Obamas swimming in the Gulf.

Obama told pool reporters after his speech that he will go swimming but away from the eyes of the media. The president joked that last time he went swimming without his shirt on he wound up on the covers of magazines.

Earlier on Saturday, Obama and the first lady first met with
small-business owners at a local Coast Guard station where they
discussed long-term restoration plans for the region. Florida Gov.
Charlie Crist, who’s running for Senate as an independent, Navy
Secretary Ray Mabus and Panama City Beach Mayor Gayle Oberst also
attended the meeting.

During his speech to reporters, Obama said the small-business
owners he met with had yet to be compensated by BP’s $20 billion
special fund, which was set up to pay compensation claims stemming from
the disaster.

“I want to be clear about this: Any delays — by BP or by those
managing the new fund — are unacceptable, and I will keep pushing to
get these claims expedited,” he said.

Obama
praised the Coast Guard’s response to the oil spill, which he noted has
included more than 7,000 vessels and some 47,000 personnel. 

“I know
that two cutters — the Aspen and the Juniper — are in port here this
week after tours skimming and performing other recovery work,” he said.
“Many have toiled day and night — spending weeks, and months away from
their families — to stop the leak, remove the oil and protect waters
and coastlines. So I want thank all those who continue to participate
in this effort.”

His message to the rest of the country was simple: “Come on down and visit.”

This story was updated at 2:05 p.m.