After somber statement, Obama golfs with friends

EDGARTOWN, Mass. — President Barack Obama is engaging in his favorite pastime— a game of golf with friends, including former professional basketball star Alonzo Mourning. The outing at Martha’s Vineyard off the Massachusetts coast came shortly after the president delivered a somber statement over the brutal killing of journalist James Foley by Islamic State militants.

Obama is in the second week of a two-week vacation. Domestic and international eruptions have intruded on his getaway and have created an awkward juxtaposition of sober public appearances and island diversions.

He interrupted his vacation to return to Washington on Sunday but was back on the island Tuesday evening as U.S. officials tried to verify the authenticity of an Islamic State video depicting the beheading of an American journalist. The White House confirmed the video Wednesday.

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