Obama: 'I Miss Being Anonymous'

The notoriously camera-shy president, who never misses an opportunity for a photo op, television interview, appearances on ESPN to tout his college basketball picks or any chance to preen for the camera, has suddenly decided he misses his anonymity. Maybe he should just go into early retirement and become a recluse. At least half the population would be content to leave him alone.

President Obama wishes he could go to the supermarket like a regular guy and longs to people-watch in Central Park.

The President told Hearst magazine publishers and editors that he misses ordinary pleasures and pastimes now that he is living in the White House fishbowl.

"I just miss - I miss being anonymous," he said. "I miss Saturday morning, rolling out of bed, not shaving, getting into my car with my girls, driving to the supermarket, squeezing the fruit, getting my car washed, taking walks. I can't take a walk."

He can't take a walk? Then eschew the golf cart next time and walk the course.

Obama said he is not a golf fanatic. "It's the only excuse I have to get outside for four hours at a stretch," he said.

Poor guy. Sounds like this whole presidency thing makes him unhappy. Here's hoping he becomes anonymous once again come January 2013. But mark it down: The second he leaves the White House he'll be (or someone will be doing it for him) writing books and giving interviews to anyone with a microphone.