The White House is denying that the president bowed to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia at a G-20 meeting in London, a scene that drew criticism on the right and praise from some Arab outlets.
“It wasn’t a bow. He grasped his hand with two hands, and he’s taller than King Abdullah,” said an Obama aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Or your own lying eyes?
Really, the only thing more stupid than committing a diplomatic a gaffe is attempting to deny it. The first is forgivable, really.
The second merely adds insult to injury.
Reminds of a certain conversation where the meaning of the word “is” was parsed in overly legalistic terms.
More of the same only over inane trivialities. What possesses these people to deny reality.
As Newt Gingrich is fond of saying of late: “How stupid do they really think we are?”.
Pretty much it seems.
OldT6/
Well, Obama IS a lawyer, after all, as was that first President to parse the meaning of the word “is,” so whay’d ya expect? The rectitude of the Gethsemane Monks? (Who make great cheese, btw)
British PM Thatcher was curtseying to Saudi princes whilst visiting their country during her tenure. She was able to sign terrific arms deals with them at the time.
Thatcher was PM, the Sovereign is the Queen.
Message edited. I.
1: Yes, he’s bowing to a Saudi prince.
Let’s be honest though – this country has been prostrating itself before the House of Saud for decades. Obama isn’t doing anything out of the ordinary.
2: The press corps lies. Are you shocked?
Baghdad Bob has been reincarnated in Robert Gibbs. We all “know” that the American Army was committing suicide at the edge of Baghdad International Airport, and we all “know” that Obama did not commit obeisance before a Saudi Prince. Yup, that’s the absolute truth–and Gibbs is sticking to it.
Some things just don’t change. This is a problem for both sides. If you stop and think about it, What do you think about the time Saudi King “summoned” the Vice President of United States Richard Cheyney. Of course, the Vice President drops everything and flys over. The more you know of the region the madder you’ll become.
With due respect to our humble and sagacious host – I disagree.
It is not forgivable that P.BO bowed to a foreign head of state. To show himself – and this nation – as subservient to any foreign leader, let alone the House of Saud, is further proof this man is not fit for the office.
Wicked shocka.
Wicked shocka!
Ah, you’re from purt’ near Down Home, Kris.
OldTC6flyer … In answer to the question first posed by Gingrich, they think we’re petty stupid and naive, unworldly to the max. Many of the commenters on this blog are better educated and far smarter than the run of the mill politicians in Washington, so they continually underestimate us. Not having any healthy skepticism built into their natures, they’re shocked, I tell you, shocked that the grown-ups on the other side of the fence do.
And Kris, I agree with you. Symbolism is important. Actions matter. And the President of the United States should not make obeisance to any foreign leader. The Man is shaming us left and right.
Marianne
Many of the commenters on this blog are better educated and far smarter than the run of the mill politicians in Washington…
I have to say, watching our political leaders these days (on both sides of the aisle), I have to wonder whether I’m delusional or just an egomaniac… ‘Cause I spend half my time convinced I could do a better job than most of them.
With one hand tied behind my back!
How would a Muslim Sheik (in the real sense) present himself to the head of the House of Saud, Protector of Mecca? Do I deeply distrust this person who was elected President of the United States? You damn betcha I do.
Hey, if “O’s” dog robbers are to be believed, then why didn’t he bow to the Queen who’s only 5’4”?
Hey, if “O’s” dog robbers are to be believed, then why didn’t he do the same with the Queen who’s only 5’4”?
PK, A quick response to your rhetorical question….Dog Robbers/Butt Boys , as a sub- species, are never ever to be believed…these gomers thankfully are self-destructing as we speak…lets hope the trend continues. Best
You’ve got to be impressed. In less than 80 days he’s managed to piss of the Brits, deeply offend the French, and now, bow to the Saudi. Aren’t there ANY adults in this administration capable of giving him sound advice?
Marine6, it’s like watching a really bad Marx Bros. movie…
That would be KARL Marx…
I ran the phrase “president Barack Obama” through an anagram generator, just for fun. One of the possible anagrams came back as “an arab backed imposter.”
This could mean nothing, or explain everything.
g’night.
RPL/
Brilliant sleuthing!!
(PS-I’m putting my $ on “everything.”)
Greetings:
It wasn’t a bow; it was the formal opening of the Barack Hussein Obama Presidential Library and Lifetime Financial Security Campaign.
I was annoyed that he bowed. He didn’t go to grade school in the US, so he never learned that THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES bows to no king or potentate. He screwed up. Fair enough.
But the Press Secretary, speaking on behalf of the President, lying, and lying badly at that, that pisses me off.