What is the Role of the White House?

For more than 200 years, the nature of the White House, home to 43 of the 44 presidents of the United States, has been the subject of debate.

Here we are back at the White House after 39 years

Leery of the trappings of royal power, but cognizant of the inherent symbolism of the presidency, early  presidents and planners struggled to create a house that was grand, but not too grand.  In modern times, that struggle has shifted on how to keep the White House open to the public while still maintaining the security necessary for such a vital center of democracy and freedom to operate. Much of the problem stems from the fact that the White House simultaneously serves as

• a home for the president and his family
• a functioning operational site to determine and run US positions both here and around the world
• a political center to celebrate freedom and contributions of citizens from all 50 states
• a symbol of the power, grandeur, and history of America
• a museum of the presidency and
• one of Washington's leading tourist attractions, a site which can attract as as many as 100,000 visitors a month. 

My wife Judy and I last visited the White House more than 40 years ago. Today, we returned to the home of our presidents to see how much such a visit has changed in 4 decades.

The most obvious changes concern increased security measures. After the 9/11 attacks, all tours must be arranged through a member of Congress, permission that can only be granted after much paperwork and a background check. You may only take 4 items on the tour. The permitted items are cell phones, wallets, car keys, and umbrellas. You will pass through 2 checkpoints where your ID will be scrutinized. You must also submit to a complete X-ray screening.

President Obama listens as Jagger sings in the Blue Room

However, once inside, you are able to wander at your own pace through the open portions of the building and grounds. Although the tour is self-guided, knowledgeable and helpful guide/guards are stationed throughout to answer your questions.You can pause and envision yourself at a presidential press conference or see yourself at a state dinner. I chose to imagine myself at the recent tribute to the blues concert where B. B. King graced the notes of "The Thrill Is Gone," Mick Jagger pranced while singing "Miss You," and president Obama himself sang a few lines of "Sweet Home Chicago."

Tales, Tidbits, and Tips
Probably every one who tours the White House thinks about running into the president. But such encounters are extremely rare. In fact, it may actually be better for you as a visitor if the president is not on site at the time of your visit. That way there is less chance that your tour will be called off at the last moment for some presidential business or crisis. On the day of our visit, President Barack Obama was in Vermont, where one of my favorite bands Grace Potter and the Nocturnals served as his warm-up. Since he wasn't there to greet us, I plan to write him and tell him how much we enjoyed our visit.