New York Times reporter is ripped for saying Obama's 60th birthday bash was low COVID risk because of the 'sophisticated, vaccinated crowd' who attended
A New York Times reporter was blasted after saying Barack Obama's birthday was a COVID-safe event because of the 'sophisticated, vaccinated crowd' that attended.
A clip of Annie Karni, a White House correspondent for the New York Times speaking on CNN quickly spread on social media with critics berating her for justifying the party using such terms.
Quoting people from her own story, Karni said that residents on the island of Martha's Vineyard where the party was being held had given her various reasons as to why COVID concerns were low.
'This has really been overblown, they're following all the safety precautions, people are going to sporting events that are bigger than this, this is going to be safe, this is a sophisticated, vaccinated crowd and this is just about optics it's not about safety,' Karni stated.
Karni's comments came as Dr Anthony Fauci was blasted for saying he was worried about the Sturgis Motortcycle Rally in South Dakota as a potential superspreader event, but made no mention Barack Obama's controversial 60th birthday party.
As day three of the rally was winding down on Sunday, President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser said during an interview on NBC's Meet the Press that he understood why people want to attend, but said he remains 'concerned' about the potential to be a super-spreader event amid the Delta variant.
Critics, including journalist Glen Greenwald, slammed White House Correspondent Annie Karni, seen right, for ignoring concerns of the fast spreading Delta variant
On Twitter, the reporter later clarified that she was simply quoting what she had been told by locals quoting her own Times story.
'The Q was, what do people on the island think of the party? The A was me summarizing views of ppl I spoke with: some are upset, + others think the concerns about it are overblown. 'Sophisticated crowd' was from a quote in the story,' Karni tweeted.
But it was too late to quell criticism including from fellow reporters such as Glenn Greenwald.
'A NYT reporter on CNN justifying Obama's huge maskless birthday bash because he only invited 'a sophisticated, vaccinated crowd' is about as emblematic of liberal discourse as it gets. What happened to all the concerns about vaccinated people passing Delta to the unvaccinated?' Greenwald tweeted.
'Yes, it's a pandemic and a crisis, but let the sophisticated people have their fun!' he added.
New York Times reporter Annie Karni said President Obama's 60th birthday party was low risk COVID event because of its 'sophisticated, vaccinated crowd'
Dr. Anthony Fauci expressed concerned that the Sturgi bike rally would be a potential 'super-spreader' event, but didn't say anything about the hundreds gathered at Obama's Martha's Vineyard mansion for his 60th birthday party
The 10-day rally is expected to draw 700,000 from Friday, August 6 to Sunday, August 15
Motorcycle enthusiasts gather for a group photo during the 81st annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on August 8, 2021 in Sturgis, South Dakota on August 8, 2021 - the third day of the rally
'Of course viruses don't attack sophisticated people, Muffy!' attorney Harmeet K. Dhillon wrote, while jokingly using a stereotypically WASPy name.
'Someone really should inform Annie Karni what certain parts of Hollywood thinks of vaccines,' writer Stephen L. Miller chimed in.
'Oh that explains it. As long as you are rich and sophisticated, you are safe from Covid. All the rest of us lower level citizens must practice social distancing,' wrote Lain C.
'I guess from now on, the virus will be asking if you've read War and Peace before it infects you. If you are sophisticated enough to have read it, you'll get a pass,' added Mehdi Farbod.
President Obama's party was due to have a guest list of more than 500 but it was 'scaled back' due to concerns over the spread of the delta variant.
However, pictures from the party showed only those working at the party to be wearing masks while guest, who partied the night away under massive tents, did not.
A number of Twitter users mocked the 'sophisticated' comments online
Dr Fauci also came under fire for criticizing the 10-day Sturgis Motortcycle Rally over its potential as a super-spreader event, while making no mention of Obama's birthday.
Speaking on NBC's Meet the Press, Fauci said: 'Well I'm very concerned that we're going to see another surge related to that rally
'I mean, to me it's understandable that people want to do the kinds of things they want to do. They want their freedom to do that,' Fauci said.
'But there comes a time when you're dealing with a public health crisis that could involve you, your family and everyone else, that something supersedes that need to do exactly what you want to do.'
This riled up Fauci critics and rally participants who tore into the polarizing health expert on Twitter for not saying the same thing about former Obama's Great Gatsby-like soiree at his $12million Martha's Vineyard mansion, where guests celebrated the former president's 60th birthday.
'Yeah, no,' Twitter user 'RedState's Becca Lower' said. 'We should not have unelected bureaucrats telling us what our rights are, period!'
'I have come to loathe Fauci. I cannot believe I fell for this fraud for even a minute. Lollapalooza: Nothing. Obama birthday party: Nothing. Riding a motorcycle in the free air: SATAN'S DEVIL VIRUS WILL GET YA!' Melissa McKenzie tweeted.
'Kenny F.' tweeted, 'Lollapalooza, Obama's birthday, Bowser's wedding, etc etc etc Those telling us to worry aren't themselves worried, so why should we be?'
'No comment from St. Fauci on Obama’s soirée last night with a few hundred of his closest friends - or how about Lollapalooza last week in Chicago. Or, I guess it’s SELECTIVE festivities, because the virus knows, and only attacks those who fit the Dems’ narrative,' Sarah Johnson tweeted.
Pictured: People walk down the streets of Sturgis, South Dakota during the rally, which is expected to draw more than 500,000 people during its 10-day run
The 81st annual rally has already been linked to three motorcycle deaths and 207 open container violations
A sign outside a temporary shop advertising piercings and tattoos near the rally reads, ' F*** COVID Tour'
As of Thursday, one day before the rally, there were 10 COVID patients at the largest nearby hospital
The rally - which is the largest motorcycle gathering in the world - is expected to attract at least 700,000 people during the 10-day rendezvous for bike lovers at a time when the highly contagious COVID-19 'Delta' variant is decimating parts of the US.
Last year - with significantly less people - researchers linked about 266,000 COVID-19 cases and at least one death to the event, which for some is a once-in-a-lifetime goal to make it to Sturgis while others faithfully make the pilgrimage year after year.
'It's just a great big family atmosphere, everybody's out here for the same purpose - we all love motorcycles,' said Aaron Harper. 'If you're a motorcyclist, you have to see it at least once in your life.'
At least three people died in motorcycle accidents in the area Friday, when the rally began.
Only about 46% of adults who live in the county that hosts Sturgis are fully vaccinated, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, compared with 60.6% nationwide.
Virus infections are on the rise in South Dakota after a steady decline through the spring and early summer - though the state has the fewest new virus cases per capita in the United States.
There were 30 cases confirmed in the state on August 2, down from 72 on July 29, according to state public data.
The Department of Health reported a 68% jump in virus infections last week, with the highly contagious delta variant spurring a larger share of those infections.
Last year's rally transformed Sturgis, usually a quiet community of under 7,000 residents, into a travel hub comparable to a major U.S. city.
One analysis of anonymous cellphone data found that well over half of counties in the country were visited by someone who attended Sturgis.
Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen, second from right, is pictured during the rally this weekend
A bison is seen in South Dakota as Sturgis prepared for the 10-day motorcycle rally this weekend
A man is seen dressed like Captain America as he prepared for the rally in Sturgis this weekend
Captain America is seen waving at people on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle in South Dakota
A horse-drawn Budweiser buggy is pictured clopping down a road in Sturgis for the opening ceremony of the rally
A group of bikers attending the Sturgis motorcycle rally are pictured posing in front of Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota
A couple holds up the peace signh while riding on a Harley Davidson motorcycle ahead of the Sturgis rally
A couple is seen riding on an Indian motorcycle with three large American flags ahead of the Sturgis rally
A team of researchers from the Centers for Disease Control concluded that last year's rally ended up looking like a 'superspreader event.'
An analysis by the IZA Institute of Labor Economics last year found that the rally was a superspreader event that resulted in around $12.2 billion in public health costs, according to The Hill.
Researchers linked about 266,000 COVID-19 cases and at least one death to the event.
This year, the rally is expected to be even bigger. The city held an opening ceremony Friday for the 81st iteration of the event - something it skipped in 2020 in an attempt to tamp down the crowds.
Concerns over the event have pitted local health workers against each other - with some nurses claiming those concerned about the event should move and others blasting the rally as irresponsible.
Rikki Plaggemeyer, 46, works as an emergency-room nurse manager in Sturgis and told the Daily Beast that she hears of people that live in town and don't love the rally.
'If you don't like to live in Sturgis, and you don't like the Sturgis Rally, you shouldn't live here,' she said.
'It gives us great experiences in the ER and in the hospital, and I spend most of my time during the rally here.'
Registered nurse Jamie Lascelles, 30, agreed with Plaggemeyer but added that the rally raises other health concerns as well, like the use of drugs and alcohol.
EXCLUSIVE: The party continues! Barack Obama's 60th celebrations roll into their third day with a birthday brunch with Oprah in Martha's Vineyard
Barack Obama's birthday celebrations continued for a third day on Sunday, with the former president enjoying brunch at a seafront restaurant in Martha's Vineyard.
In a sky blue linen shirt and sunglasses, the birthday boy capped off a weekend packed with parties.
He and his guests dined beneath a specially-erected marquee, set beside the water.
Having turned 60 on Wednesday, on Friday he welcomed guests with a drinks party at a local restaurant ahead of his big bash on Saturday at his $12million home.
Barack Obama is pictured on Sunday enjoying brunch beneath a marquee following his huge birthday party the night before, at his Martha's Vineyard estate
The Obamas have been visiting Martha's Vineyard for many years, and bought a home on the island in 2016
A boat is moored outside the Beach Road restaurant, where on Sunday a marquee housed guests enjoying brunch on the third day of Barack Obama's celebrations
On Saturday night he was caught on video dancing maskless, having the time of his life.
In a video posted to Instagram by 50-year-old American singer-songwriter, Erykah Badu, Obama could be seen holding a microphone and strutting his stuff in the middle of the raised dance floor.
Obama could seen wearing an untucked, light grey patterned shirt and white pants together with some black beads around his neck as he made his way across the floor, to cheers from gathered guests.
Badu had been performing with members of her band and managed to convince Obama to get on stage as part of the celebration.
While the president's back was turned, she managed to take a selfie video capturing Obama fully in the frame, which she then posted directly to Instagram.
Badu gave a cheeky smile to the camera as she did so, perhaps knowing that such photography had been banned.
Huge crowds of people could be seen in the background, despite Obama insisting the event had been scaled back because of the spread of the Indian Delta variant of COVID.
One staff member told DailyMail.com that 300-400 people were in attendance.
Singer H.E.R. - real name Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, 24 - posted a photo to Instagram and Twitter showing her with her manager Jeanine McClean and the Obamas.
The image, posted in the early hours of Sunday, was removed several hours later.
Singer H.E.R., in a gray sequined dress with red decoration, poses with Barack and Michelle Obama, her manager Jeanine McClean (far left) and another partygoer. The image was posted to Instagram in the early hours of Sunday and removed several hours later
H.E.R. posted a video to Instagram, in violation of the former president's policy banning pictures and videos of the bash
The party was held in a giant tent at the mansion, and began around sunset and lasted until the small hours of the morning.
But with the coronavirus still a concern, the event drew some raised eyebrows after the host's claim it had been 'scaled back' from a guest list of 500.
An Uber driver told DailyMail.com that he drove one couple to the party who were turned away by Secret Service because they were cut from the final guest list.
He picked them up early Saturday evening from Winnetu Oceanside Resort, where Obama attended a pre-game party the previous night.
'They were dressed to the nines. He was wearing a black suit and tie; she was wearing a luxurious evening gown,' the driver said.
'They were on the original list but not on the reduced list.'
The couple, who'd been invited through a high-level political connection, got past a first checkpoint after presenting their original invite, then were blocked by the second set of guards.
'They thought they were all set when they got past the first point,' the driver said.
'Then the second set of guards asked again for their credentials. They were embarrassed. They were looking forward to the party. It was a big disappointment. But they understood the security protocol.'
Republicans argued that the party should have been even more reduced in size.
'It's hypocrisy at its finest and shows they don't believe what they are saying,' said Republican Party consultant Ryan James Girdusky, speaking to the New York Post.
'The liberal elites are laughing at us, attempting to sell this as a 'scaled-back party,' ' said GOP chairwoman and upstate New York Rep. Elise Stefanik.
'Rules for thee and not for me.'
Former President Barack Obama was caught on video dancing maskless at the bash in Martha's Vineyard for his 60th birthday
More details of the exclusive party were revealed after two cannabis-smoking DJs posted a series of pictures and videos to social media, also flouting the rules on posting pictures from the event.
The snapshot reveal how Obama's birthday party was an evening full of fantastic food, high-end cocktails and bespoke entertainment despite the threat of the Delta surge of the coronavirus looming large.
Source told the Daily Mail that Obama was drinking vodka, straight up, all night, and Dom Perignon.
Beyoncé was drinking vodka martinis, and Jay Z was drinking skinny margaritas with top shelf Don Julio 1942 Tequila.
The Clooneys did not attend the party, but Tom Hanks was there.
Common performed, as did Badu.
'It was Dom Perignon for everyone, all night,' the insider told DailyMail.com.
'It was a sick f***ing party. It wasn't like a political party. It was a real party.'
Despite there being a ban on photography by both guests and workers including talent appearing at the event, TJ Chapman and the DJ/musician he manages, Trap Beckham, managed to discreetly shoot footage and snap photos at the event while talking to their followers as party unfolded.
The pair continued to post pictures and video throughout the evening as the event was in progress and detailed everything from the food and high-end drink being served, to face masks and cocktail napkins specially branded for the event.
The posts even showed the luxury toilets set up for the party together with a rigorous security protocol in operation.
Guests are seen leaving Obama's birthday bash on Saturday night around midnight
Attendees are seen leaving Obama's party on Saturday night, in a traffic jam that caused chaos on the roads around the estate
Another party goer is seen leaving the Obama's mansion after Saturday's celebration
TJ Chapman (left) and the DJ/musician he manages, Trap Beckham (right), managed to shoot footage and snap photos at the event while talking to their followers as party unfolded, with both appearing to smoke cannabis
Guests could be seen mingling outside of the tents late into the night as the party got into full swing. The house can be seen in the background, together with purple lighting
The vast main tent stands out over surrounding mansions on Martha's Vineyard
TJ Chapman, manager for musician Trap Beckham, posted Instagram stories of some of the amazing food and drink at the birthday party for President Barack Obama in Martha's Vineyard
Trap Beckham posted images of some of the food being offered to those working at the party - which included shrimp and fried chicken and steak - despite claims the menu would be meatless and curated by Questlove
As the night wore on, the food seemed to improve with a taste of chicken, shrimp and steak dishes on offer together with Hennessy cognac
Video from the event showed guests near and around the dance floor which was erected OVER the $12M Martha's Vineyard compound's swimming pool
Chapman seemed pretty impressed by the bathroom amenities that included antiperspirant wipes, a lint roller and Advil
Specially created gold napkins were emblazoned with 44X60 - for the 44th President's 60th Birthday
Branded cups were also present at the event, left, with TJ Chapman so impressed he decided to shove a few into his bag as a souvenir
Backstage passes and face masks which were handed out to performers were also emblazoned with the 44x60 logo
Later, many of the pictures and videos that had been posted were removed from both Instagram accounts. 'Had to delete everything due to the rules', Chapman explained. 'It was epic for sure. If any videos surface it's going viral. He danced the whole time. Nobody ever seen Obama like this before.'
Chapman, who was one of those DJing at the event posted an Instagram story detailing his ride up to the Obama mansion that saw him encounter various levels of security.
Once inside the party, he continued to detail the evening and posted pictures of specially created gold napkins emblazoned with 44X60 together with face masks and even cups which he quickly stashed into his laptop bag to take home.
On Instagram, he revealed how he did not know initially what the numbers meant - but had soon worked it out.
'Amazing party @barackobama I couldn't figure out what the 44x60 meant. It's the 44th president 60th Bday,' he wrote.
Chapman also posted pictures of some of the food being served at the celebration.
And he even managed to record the sound of John Legend singing 'Happy Birthday' to the former president.
Later, Migos MC was said to have appeared on the raised stage while a DJ spun tunes in between the musical performances, including the 1989 hit Ain't Nobody by Chaka Khan - in honor of the former president.
Chocolate pieces together with chili - part of the ingredients for Mexican hot chocolate were on offer too, as was top shelf liquor with premium brands on offer throughout the evening
TJ Chapman, manager for musician Trap Beckham, posted Instagram stories of some of the drink that was available
Smores cocktails were on offer to the guests with a burner being used to melt the marshmallow
Bulleit Bourbon whiskey was on offer for guests, carefully positioned on top of some vintage books
Marshmallows were on hand for the taking whether it be for an alcoholic drink or to satisfy a sugar craving, left, while chili and chocolate were on hand to create a spicy concoction
TJ Chapman was spotted tucking into the food and drink on offer, left, while Trap Beckham also shared his euphoria at being at the event, right
A specially crafted martini was one of the special drinks created for Saturday night's event
TJ Chapman seemed impressed with the luxury toilets which had been set up for the event
Chapman continued to post Instagram stories of himself, together with some shots of Trap Beckham throughout the evening as the pair got ready to perform.
He even filmed himself smoking a very large blunt, which he described as a 'presidential' one.
His Instagram account also revealed specially designed face masks with the 44x60 logo imprinted on them.
Beckham also posted images of the food being offered to those working the event which included shrimp, chicken and steak.
Earlier in the week it was reported how guests would be able to dine on a fully meatless menu, featuring popular vegan brands like Impossible Foods and Eat Just.
From images posted on Saturday evening, it is likely that the 'meatless menu' was one of a number of options.
As the evening wore on, viewers were treated to a specially constructed espresso martini bar, salt station and s'mores station.
Beckham who was also scheduled to perform a specially adapted version of his song 'Birthday Chick' at the event, also posted from the event - despite informing his followers that he had been told not to shoot any video.
Later, many of the pictures and videos that had been posted were removed from both Instagram accounts.
'Had to delete everything due to the rules', Chapman explained.
'It was epic for sure. If any videos surface it's going viral. He danced the whole time. Nobody ever seen Obama like this before.'
Chapman snapped a shot of technical and party planning staff waiting in a holding area behind one of the marquees
Sniffer dogs were used as part of the security to the exclusive event with each vehicle assessed as they entered the grounds
Those attending parked close to the house in a grassy area. An ambulance could be seen on site
More shots of the party were posted to Instagram which could see some of the behind the scenes efforts
By the end of the night, with hundreds of celebrity guests, dignitaries and famous friends needing to dash back to their hotels, there was said to be huge traffic jams stretching from Obama's 29-acre estate with one police officer describing the situation as a 's*** show' over his police radio.
Taxis were seen lining up to enter the grounds in order to pick up guests and workers from the party back home.
A number of black SUVs were also see departing the premises, likely containing some of the famous names that had been invited to the soiree.
John Legend and Chrissy Teigen were seen leaving the event just before midnight.
The final preparations are made in a series of tents set up on the sprawling property
Staff could be seen as they prepared to work the event on Saturday night with colorful flower arrangements able to be seen
One of the open air bars at the party was being set up along the waterfront late on Saturday evening
The celebration began just as night began to fall. The sprawling setup in the grounds of the Obama mansion has been taking shape all week long as huge marquees and tents were erected.
The party came as Massachusetts officials urge vaccinated residents and visitors to put back on their face coverings in indoor public spaces amid a surge in new Covid cases.
The first of hundreds of guests to the celebration began arriving on Saturday evening with some even posting their partying attire to social media.
Singer John Legend's wife, Chrissy Teigen, posted a picture of her wearing a flowing white ensemble as she paraded down a staircase before heading to the party.
CBS This Morning host Gayle King also posted a snapshot of herself to Instagram hours before the main event
Trap Beckham gets ready to perform at the birthday party for President Barack Obama in Martha's Vineyard on Saturday
As Barack Obama's 60th birthday party begins, guests, secret service and party staff are seen on the shoreline behind the Obama residence, which sits on the Great Pond in Edgartown, on Martha's Vineyard
Hunter Biden's ex-wife Kathleen (right) and daughter Finnegan Biden, 21, are seen in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard flanked by secret service agents just before Barack Obama's 60th Birthday party
Staff working at the party were spotted taking a few minutes of down time before the event kicked off in earnest
OBAMA'S GUEST LIST
Who's in
Jay-Z and Beyoncé
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union
Tom Hanks
Bradley Cooper
Spike Lee
Stephen Colbert
Alicia Keys
Steven Spielberg
Bruce Springsteen
Questlove
Eddie Vedder
Don Cheadle
Kim Fields
Who's out
Nancy Pelosi
David Axelrod
Larry David
David Letterman
Conan O'Brien
Oprah Winfrey
Ava DuVernay
Singer John Legend's wife, Chrissy Teigen, posted pictures of her wearing a flowing white ensemble as she paraded down a staircase before heading to the party.
Meanwhile, CBS This Morning host Gayle King also posted a snapshot of herself to Instagram hours before the main event.
The 'trimmed down' guest list of 'close family and friends' reads more like the attendees of a Hollywood awards show.
On Friday, DailyMail.com revealed the true scale of the party that the former president had tried to pass off as an 'intimate family affair'.
Our exclusive aerial shots showed a marquee far bigger than his waterfront mansion complete with Sperry tents, a raised stage and sprung dance floor with a set-up that has taken days.
'His close friends apparently include his golfing buddies, politicians, celebrities,' one local businessman told the Daily Mail.
'Those people are here on the island and I doubt he'll be turning them all away.
'He wants people to think this is going to be small and intimate, but I don't think we have the same definition of intimate.'
Alan Dershowitz, president Trump's first impeachment lawyer and former Martha's Vineyard resident, said: 'People didn't want to disrespect him or throw ice on the party but everybody I spoke to was upset that 700 people would be congregating under a tent.
'There was a lot of upset about that and a lot of people on the Vineyard are happy he scaled it back. Everyone but Larry David because he got dissed.'
On Saturday DailyMail.com learned that a Temporary Flight Restriction had been put in place over the Obama's mansion with the secret service threatening to make it permanent.
Restrictions on flying drones anywhere near the property were also bolstered earlier in the week.
But however stringent their attempts to keep the party under wraps there is no hiding the celebrities who have descended on an island already used to dealing with the world's rich and famous.
Drinks on the deck! Obama was pictured on Friday night on the deck of a swanky local resort chatting with guests as they took in sweeping views of the ocean at sundown
Barack Obama has kicked off his 60th birthday weekend on Martha's Vineyard with an intimate cocktail party held at a swanky resort on Friday
Chrissy Teigen and John legend take their family and nannies for a walk through the Martha's Vineyard town of Edgartown, ahead of Obama's party
Al Sharpton could be seen wearing a blue suit as he checked into the Richard Boutique hotel in a quaint area of Edgartown
Nancy Pelosi is pictured arriving a the Sydney Hotel in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard on Friday. She did not attend Saturday's party
A security zone was setup today with blue buoys marking a restricted area as Massachusetts Environmental Police kept track of boats nearby
Actor Bradley Cooper and singer Erykah Badu missed the Friday festivities, but attended Saturday's bigger celebration.
The stars were both seen touching down on Martha's Vineyard on Saturday morning.
Oscar winning director Steven Spielberg was seen arriving at the local airport on Saturday afternoon. So too was Al Sharpton, who was spotted checking into a nearby hotel.
A maskless Kathleen and Finnegan Biden, Hunter Biden's ex-wife and his 21-year-old daughter, were seen strolling around in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, flanked by Secret Service agents hours before Obama's birthday party began.
During the Friday's cocktail gathering, Obama was pictured chatting with guests as they took in sweeping ocean views from the resort's deck.
The ex Commander-in-chief appeared in high spirits, smiling as he schmoozed with the crowd.
He cut a smart casual figure in black dress pants and a dark button down shirt worn without a tie.
Secret service and party staff are seen on the shoreline behind the Obama's residence
Mary Carroll and Ann Kendrick, of Apopka, Florida hold signs wishing Barack Obama a happy birthday as his 60th birthday party kicks off, while kayaking directly behind the Obama residence
Staff working at the party snap a few selfies before the main event got underway on Saturday night
Those working at the event managed to snap shots of themselves on the Obama's property before things kicked off
Various seating areas had been set up for the guests in order to enjoy themselves at the party on Saturday night
Staff working at the party chuckle as they share a selfie between themselves
DailyMail.com revealed that Grammy Award winning singer and composer Alicia Keyes would sing Happy Birthday at the party.
Legend and Teigen were seen strolling through Edgartown on Saturday afternoon with children and puppy in tow.
The couple were seen taking their family, staff and nannies for a walk in Martha's Vineyard ahead of the evening's celebrations.
Teigen, 35, wore a flowing summer dress with sandals and her hair up for the Edgartown walkabout - while Legend, 42, wore white sneakers and black pants with a white short-sleeve button-down with black floral print on the front.
Legend, born John Roger Stephens, was seen in exclusive DailyMail.com photos holding the hand of his three-year-old son Miles - who wore a blue Original Gucci shirt and jeans with white sneakers.
Daughter Luna Simone Stephens, 5, was pictured sticking close to her mom and nannies during the outing - as the family met and took selfies with people around town.
The family was spotted arriving Friday for the festivities.
The family was accompanied by an entourage including Teigen's 'glam squad' - stylist Alana Van Deraa, who wore a low-cut yellow dress, and hairstylist Irinel de León.
Barack Obama got in a game of golf at a local golf course on Saturday, just hours before the 60th birthday bash in a huge marquee at his $12 million Martha's Vineyard home
Legend and Teigen were pictured in Martha's Vineyard ahead of a weekend birthday bash for the Obamas
Legend is pictured carrying the family's Basset Hound puppy named Pearl in an exclusive DailyMail.com photo
Legend, born John Roger Stephens, was seen in exclusive DailyMail.com photos holding the hand of his three-year-old son Miles Theodore Stephens while Teigen speaks with her hair stylist Irinel de León, left
Teigen, pictured, was spotted taking selfies with people during the walk around Edgartown on Saturday
Chrissy Teigen and her husband John Legend were seen taking their family, and nannies, for a walk in Martha's Vineyard. Teigen's stylist Alana Van Deraa is pictured on the outing with her family
Earlier on Saturday, Obama was seen playing golf at the elite Vineyard Havens Country Club with a group of around 20 friends.
His golfing came just as Nancy Pelosi also arrived on the island, despite having been cut from the list.
She is said to have travelled to the island to attend a dinner in her honor, to be held on Sunday.
According to one well informed source Saturday afternoon brought a tense meeting as Pelosi dined with Oprah Winfrey at the elite Vineyard Havens Country Club.
In a moment of unfortunate timing, Obama had been playing golf on the private course with friends and walked into the club house just as the women dined.
The source saw the former president approach Winfrey and Pelosi's table but could not hear if he extended the speaker a face-saving invitation amid the pleasantries exchanged.
It is possible that Obama extended an invite after finding out Pelosi was in the neighborhood. She said after church on Sunday, however, that she did not attend the party.
Hours before the celebrations kicked off in earnest, a Massachusetts State Trooper's vehicle together with an ambulance and a local fire department truck were seen positioned along Obama's private road on Martha's Vineyard.
A firefighter refused to say why he was there when asked.
As guests arrive in their SUV's, Martha's Vineyard Police and Secret Service watch the entrance to Barack's birthday bash
Some guests arrived at the party by minibus and were checked in at the front entrance
There was plenty of staff on hand in order to ensure things ran smoothly on Saturday night
Staff were seen catching a few moments of relaxation before things began in earnest
A member of the Secret Service could be seen on his phone with final preparations underway before the celebration began, left, as security is of the utmost importance as a host of celebrities and politicians descend on the island
As guests arrive in their SUV's, Martha's Vineyard Police and Secret Service watch the entrance to Barack Obama's home
Staff working at the party could be seen close to the shoreline of the home with hours before the party kicked off
Staff wearing matching outfits and some with earpieces could be seen scanning the shoreline
Staff appeared relaxed as the time for the party drew near
A beachfront bar was set up along the shoreline of the sprawling Martha's Vineyard estate
As Barack Obama's 60th birthday party begins kayakers, boaters and paddle boarders are seen sneaking a peak at the party behind the Obama residence
A final look by staff to ensure everything is in order before Saturday night's big celebration
Staff seemed content to grab a few minutes of relaxation on the Adirondack chairs before the event began
The cocktail party lasted for three hours, according to locals, and also included a 30-minute speech dedicated to Obama.
Pictures obtained by DailyMail.com appear to show that none of the attendees were wearing face masks on the outdoor deck, but a 'source close to the party' says that the face coverings were worn inside.
Additionally, most celebrity guests who were seen arriving on Martha's Vineyard earlier this week also had their masks on.
Barack Obama headed to the Vineyard Golf Club just before noon on Saturday accompanied by a huge entourage of security and male friends, including the actor Don Cheadle
Obama's 60th birthday bash was scheduled to begin at 7pm on Saturday evening
Former President Barack Obama played golf with his Secret Service entourage seen close by
The former President Obama and his buddies hit the golf course on Saturday
Barack Obama is pictured at Vineyard Golf Club around lunchtime on Saturday ahead of his birthday party
The former president was seen on the links on Saturday lunchtime at the Martha's Vineyard club
Refreshments were laid out underneath a small outdoor tent by the clubhouse
The pair were seen walking around the picturesque town whilst Finnegan was on a bicycle whilst the two agents walked in front
Nancy Pelosi is pictured arriving a the Sydney Hotel in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard
Pelosi arrived in a four-vehicle convoy as Massachusetts State Police and the Secret Service closed the road down when she arrived and went into the hotel
Singer Erykah Badu also landed on the Massachusetts island shortly before the scheduled start of Saturday's celebration
Chrissy Teigen is pictured arriving on the island of Martha's Vineyard with and her son Miles and a stack of luggage
Teigen's husband John Legend was seen with their bags as the couple arrived ahead of the party
Among the biggest arrivals are Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, who are seen in exclusive DailyMail.com photos
John Legend is on car-seat duty as he and Chrissy Teigen arrive with their children for Obama's party
Late Show host Stephen Colbert and his wife Evelyn were also seen arriving the day before the star-studded event
Television presenter and comedian Stephen Colbert and his wife Evelyn already have a home on the island
Barack Obama's Secret Service vehicles leave the family home in Martha's Vineyard, MA Obama's Secret Service detail consisted of a 5 vehicle motorcade as they drove away from the area around prime time for a dinner reservation. The Secret Service set up a no-fly zone
Pressed hoteliers across the vineyard told of being unable to find taxis for their regular guests as taxi companies are booked solid by those attending the Obama extravaganza.
Among the others to arrive on the Vineyard are Spike Lee ,who enjoyed a slow start to his day with a drink from Vineyard Haven's Mocha Motts, and Bradley Cooper who checked into the exclusive Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown.
Even by the standards of an island used to the presence of stars this is a heady lot.
Political royalty, Caroline Kennedy was set to attend as well as former US Ambassador Samantha Power - now Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development Samantha Power.
Rev Al Sharpton who checked into a boutique hotel on island Saturday afternoon.
Asked if he was looking forward to the party Sharpton remained tight lipped and said only: 'I always hang out in Martha's Vineyard.
John Kerry arrives on Martha's Vineyard for Obama's 60th birthday bash
Hunter Biden's ex-wife Kathleen (left) and their daughter Finnegan (right) also arrived on the island for the party - but Hunter was nowhere to be seen
As well as people, gifts were also en route.
Former Obama advisor Valerie Jarrett drew consternation last week by asking Americans still struggling with covid induced shortages to donate $6 or $60 to Obama's library in Chicago for his birthday.
Meanwhile DailyMail.com has learned that one of the former president's birthday gifts is an exclusive and mysterious manuscript.
Wrapped in a black box, tied with a silver ribbon it was so closely guarded that it was flown in the clutches of a courier with instructions to hand it directly over to Obama, but was forced instead to hand it over to his Secret Service detail.
According to the source, 'I don't think even he knew what it [the manuscript] was, only that he had to give it directly to the former president.'
Guests arrive at The Barn, a restaurant and bowling alley, in Oaks Bluff, MA, on Martha's Vineyard, for an event with President Obama
Look who landed! Bradley Cooper may have missed out on Friday's festivities but he was seen in Martha's Vineyard on Saturday morning
Obama was seen for the first time since he turned 60 on Wednesday in these exclusive pictures and video showing the former president enjoying a round of golf near his home in Martha's Vineyard
President Barack Obama is seen golfing, with three other golfers and secret service close by, just a day after his 60th birthday at the Farm Neck Golf Club in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
The president emerged from the family's estate shortly after noon on Thursday.
Making the most of a break in the weather after a rainy start to the day, he took to the greens of Farm Neck Club on the edges of the town of Oak Bluffs.
Former White House photographer Pete Souza shadowed Obama as he played golf.
The 60-year-old joined the club which boasts that it is 'fully organic,' with ground keepers using no chemicals or pesticides, in 2016.
The course also encourages caddies not carts and the president and his three companions towed the line and walked the course.
Membership costs $12,000 a year on top of a $350,000 initiation fee and is currently at full capacity with 305 members.
Dressed in mottled navy polo shirt and navy slacks, he a wore a silver trimmed navy baseball cap that appeared to be a light-hearted birthday gift and bore the numbers 44 and 60 - a nod to his presidency and age.