VOA News

May 22nd, 2014

Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Washington every year to see the national monuments and iconic buildings.

Several visitors were startled and delighted Wednesday to see perhaps the greatest attraction of all – President Barack Obama.

Obama took advantage of a sunny afternoon to take an unexpected stroll from the White House to the Department of the Interior, where he announced the establishment of a national monument in New Mexico, before walking back to the White House.

Flanked by Secret Service agents, the president chatted with visitors from Israel and China, handed out boxes of candy to children, and invited a group of shocked tourists to shake hands, assuring them that he does not bite.

Obama told reporters that it is good to get out.

Video: Obama Takes Afternoon Stroll Through D.C. (NBC News)

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