A portion of the lead item in Monday’s Jolt, off to the editors:

If You Seem Vain in Spain, Your Reign Will Wane

The closing item in Friday’s Jolt became a hot topic over the weekend. On the one hand, Michelle Obama can take her kids on vacation anywhere she likes. On the other hand, the taxpayer picks up the tab for the security costs of the First Lady’s travels, and she’s enjoying a trip that’s not merely extravagant by the standards of most Americans; I’d bet it was extravagant by the standards of Michelle Obama until about, oh, 2009. Certainly the Michelle Obama of early 2004 would never contemplate a trip that could cost up to $375,000.

Some people might find that extravagant – you know, the kind of guy who says, “I do think at a certain point you’ve made enough money.” . . .

Mickey Kaus wonders if folks’ first instincts on this story might be more right than they know.

The NRSC recognizes a pattern that goes well beyond Michelle’s trip, and unleashes a pretty hard-hitting video, found now at Campaign Spot. I note that as the NRSC hits Obama for spending his time on golf links, hanging out with celebrities, and raising money for Democrats, the president was hard at work with . . . with . . . well, “President Obama shot hoops Sunday with some NBA superstars, a combination late birthday present and a showcase for some wounded warriors and participants in the White House mentoring project . . . Obama, who marked his 49th birthday in Chicago on Wednesday at a dinner that included Oprah Winfrey, was set for yet another celebration today at the White House — a barbecue with family, friends and staff.”

Is it just me, or have President Obama’s birthday celebrations gone on longer than Mardi Gras?