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That Bow…

Posted by ROBIN KOERNER in Politics.
Apr 22nd, 2009 | Comments

… as seen by an American Jew, writing for Israelis under the headline “Why Does Obama Smile at Dictators?“, and a Dutchman writing for his countrymen under the headline, “America Bows to Unusual Depths for Islamic Tyrants”

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Marlowecan

Is this a real picture?

It looks like Obama is looking for something on the floor.

Sarko and the man to the right seem to be looking down at something too.

I recall McCain's goofy zombie shot in his debate with Obama. Maybe this photo is out of context too?

But both McCain and Bush took heat for out of context shots/moments. As Robin's second linked story notes...if this had been Bush, the Intertubes would be melting with liberal rage.

Fortunately, it is Obama.

AustinRoth

Marlo - here is the video. Decide for yourself. It happens about 54 seconds in. Personally, I think anyone who is trying to pretend he didn't bow is proving they cannot be impartial about Obama.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S60U-hl35Gw&feat...

Marlowecan

Thanks for the link AR.

I must say, the depth of the bow is shocking...that was why I had thought he had dropped something.

I have been consumed with work...and with the collapse of the Labour party in the UK in the recent Smeargate scandal...and so had not been paying attention,

Yes, the WH story that this was just due to height differences doesn't wash...he is taller still than the Queen...and HM never received such a bow.

I am sure, had this been Bush, the Democrats would be screaming for impeachment over an American head of state bowing so deeply to a foreign leader.

ChrisWWW

the depth of the bow is shocking

As was the grip of his handshake with Chavez, no?

Thanks for the laugh Marlo :-)

Marlowecan

You're welcome, Chris :)

I have no problem with Obama shaking hands with Chavez.

Did not Roosevelt shake hands with Stalin? Or Nixon/Eisenhower/Kennedy with Krushchev? Or Nixon with Mao?
The body counts of those Communist leaders were fearful.

Diplomacy requires shaking hands and smiling at all sorts of characters.

I recall reading an account of Roosevelt's charm offensive against Stalin at Yalta. He pulled Churchill aside and apologized in advance.
Then he began mocking Churchill and making jokes at his expense at the meeting table.
Stalin's frown gave way to a smile...then a grin...then laughter.

In diplomacy you have to deal with all sorts of folks.

However...the symbolism of an American head of state bowing to a Saudi king is something else entirely.

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