Lucrative book deals might finance the Obamas' post-White House life

Washington

AFTER he is out of the White House, President Barack Obama has said he wants to become a venture capitalist, own part of an NBA franchise, and avoid taking off his shoes during security screenings at commercial airports.

All of those goals, serious or not, might soon be achievable if Mr Obama and his wife Michelle sign post-presidency book contracts for what literary agents and major publishers say could amount to US$20-45 million - more than enough to pay the estimated US$22,000 monthly rent for the nine-bedroom home they will occupy in the Kalorama neighbourhood of Washington and foot the bill for flights on private jets. (Mr Obama has said he would like to avoid commercial flights once he surrenders Air Force One.)