No birthday cake for Obama as Secret Service steps in
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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.