Obama Leaves Hawaii, Heads Back to Work

President Obama ended his Hawaiian vacation last night to return today to the Washington he never really escaped. Obama and his family boarded Air Force One for an overnight flight, capping off an 11-day trip that would be remembered more for an al-Qaeda affiliate's botched attempt to bring down a plane on Christmas Day than the hours spent on golf courses or at luaus. Asked if the Obamas were ready to return, Michelle Obama responded, "‘No! Let's stay. We'll all stay. Are we all in? I'm trying to mount a coup."

As Obama heads back to Washington, lawmakers from the House and Senate must resolve their differing versions of a health care overhaul that is squeaking toward passage. Financial regulations are on the verge of their own overhaul. A State of the Union address to Congress is due during the first weeks of 2010. Then there's the escalating war in Afghanistan and an intelligence community reorganization that will require a direct hand from the Oval Office. (More President Obama stories.)