(1). Obama went on a week long vacation when the Senate went on vacation. He went to see his family.
(2). No, he doesnt. It was a joke. After claiming he visited, in his words "fifty...*long pause*...seven states" he claimed they wouldnt let him visit alaska or hawaii. Obviously, a joke.
(3). Obama has done more Town Hall meetings than McCain. Its much harder to insure you get reasonable moderation in these meetings, and one side can easily skew the political side that enters. Its happend many times.
(4). The georgia-russian conflict was confusing at first. After a time however, it became clear russia was using excessive force, far more than was necessary to accomplish its goals. It was at this point that Obama solidified his position against russia's highly aggressive actions.
(5). As Obama explained, the bill presented to the IL senate was very likely unconstitutional in its wording. He also mentioned that what the bill was asking to do was already coverd under existing law, so having another bill for the same thing was pointless.
(6). Sadly, I cant recall the details on the housing issue. It had much to do with a related party buying an extra parcel of land connected to the house, allowing the obama's to buy just the house, not the empty lot adjacent to it as well.