WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Party Chairman Tim Kaine is defending first lady Michelle Obama’s vacation trip to Spain, saying critics of her travels are trying to politicize the issue.

Kaine tells NBC television that he thinks “it’s wrong” to talk critically about her trips. Critics contend they send a poor message at a time when many Americans are out of work.

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Kaine said, “She’s a mom.” He said this was an opportunity for her to take nine-year-old daughter Sasha to a part of the world she hadn’t seen before.

Kaine said President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are “focused on being good parents.” Mrs. Obama returned with Sasha to the White House late Sunday. Her trip occurred as Obama was celebrating his 49th birthday and their other daughter, 12-year-old Malia, was away at summer camp.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.