President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, greet trick or treaters at the White House, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009 in Washington. Beside the first lady on the left is her mother, Marian Robinson. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst

Oct. 31, 2009 – The president and first lady greeted some 2,600 children and their families at the White House Saturday evening and handed out treats alongside First Grandmother Marian Robinson.

The president reframed from wearing a costume and the first lady opted for a tasteful Cat Women outfit.  Other senior staff joined in on the Halloween sprit by donning costumes, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs appeared as Darth Vader and U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice as Goofy. (Not sure that was the best pick.) 
 
The lucky guest were children from 11 area schools, five in the District of Columbia, three in Maryland and three in Virginia.  All the schools were selected by the Department of Education.

The party continued inside the White House for military families and White House staffers.  The president told the families gathered,   “We are so grateful to you,” especially those who are separated from family members to serve your country.

The president thanked staffers and their children, and Mrs. Obama chimed in, “They’re so cute!”  The president agreed, “They’re adorable,” he said, “as is, by the way, my wife — a very nice-looking Cat Woman.”

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