No British leader in modern times has been greeted with less decorum by his American counterpart, and the amateur reception he received was more fitting for the arrival of a Third World potentate than the leader of America’s closest ally.
Brown is hugely unpopular in Britain ”“ with good reason ”“ but he is still the leader of the only nation in the world that the United States can rely on in war or time of crisis, which has consistently shed blood and expended treasure in numerous conflicts alongside America. A British Prime Minister deserves to be treated with respect, even he is a lame duck at home or is barely recognizable to much of the American public.
President Bush was frequently labeled a cowboy and an isolationist by his critics, but the Bush White House knew how to receive its guests (including traveling press corps) with tremendous dignity, respect for tradition and sincere warmth towards visitors who had traveled thousands of miles to be there.
Also, from the Times (U.K.) – “Barack Obama ‘too tired’ to give proper welcome to Gordon Brown” included this statement from an administration insider:
Sorry – that was the Telegraph quoted above.
And the link didn’t take, so here’s the URL – http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/4953523/Barack-Obama-too-tired-to-give-proper-welcome-to-Gordon-Brown.html
I understand that Prime Minister Brown presented President Obama with a pen set, made of wood from the HMS Resolute, the ship that the USA “rescued” from the Arctic ice pack in the 1850’s – 60’s, and returned to Great Britain as a symbol of our then-growing friendship. The pen was made to coordinate with the desk presented to Eisenhower by QE II, which was also constructed from wood used in the decommissioned Resolute.
President Obama gave Prime Minister Brown a boxful of CD’s!! Mrs. Brown arrived with a gift of designer children’s clothing for the Obama children; Mrs. Obama, in return, gave Ms. Brown models of the “Marine-1” helicopter(s).
If all this is true, and I think it well may be, our President and his wife, at the very least, need a quick course in “Personal Diplomacy and Courtesy 101.”
President Obama had better get up to speed pretty quickly. I think these kinds of gaffs are partly due to the fact that he is not seasoned. Of course Hillary offered up a sizable blunder with her “reset” button issue. The translator on that one is probably looking for a new job.
Actually, JKC, it was a box of classic American movies on DVD, the same set that was featured on Amazon as a ‘deal of the day’ shortly before (IIRC).
Next time PM Brown visits, I suggest he present Obama with a DVD set of “I, Claudius”!
What is the proper protocol for the greeting of a Prime Minister by a Messiah? Statmann
It never ceases to amaze me that no matter [b]whom[/b] we elect to the Oval Office, someone somewhere is going to badmouth him and try to tear him down! It goes with the territory, I guess. It also amazes me how in God’s name we get anyone to [b]run[/b] for that office in the first place! I guess anyone would have to be a glutton for punishment.
[Of course Mr Obama has a lot to learn![/b] What new President doesn’t? The Diplomatic Protocol Office should’ve handled the matter of the gifts, and not the President’s secretary…..or whoever handled the affair.
#8. Cennydd,
I’ll bet we’ve had a lot more narcissists and megalomaniacs than introverts as presidents. That may offer an explanation for why some ran for the job. By the way, this opinion is not based on research so don’t ask me to back it up.
Cennydd,
Sorry, but anyone with the least bit of class and intelligence would know that wasn’t an appropriate gift for the Prime Minister of our chief ally. I read that the DVD set wasn’t even the sort that can be played on European players! I suspect that the Browns were the victims of “re-gifting.”
We’ve been hearing ad nauseum from his followers and the star-struck media how Obama is SO intelligent, SO classy, and SUCH an improvement. Say what you want about the Bushes but they were VERY gracious hosts. That function requires being sentient and concerned about other people’s comfort and requirements and not being self-absorbed. Clearly, Obama hasn’t learned that.
Cennydd,
You are right that it would be a good thing if the President of the United States could have some time for on-the-job training. That is not the case, however. And Mr. Obama is clearly a “manufactured president,” that is, he was very likely selected for a run at the job way back in his Illinois legislature days, because he “appears and speaks” in a presidential way, and it was clear to certain very astute “kingmakers” that he could be brought along in the “camelot image.” He is undoubtedly a very nice guy. But he is not presidential. And he is not likely to be, very soon. And the United States cannot afford, at this critical time in our political – economic – military history, to train somebody on the job. He has to hit the ground running. And he cannot appear to do so, by feints and well-written speeches; he really has to do it. and Obama is not doing it, and very likely, cannot do it.
I am not at all sure that these reports are fair if the misinformation on the Epstein Bronze of Churchill is anything to go by. It has always been part of the British Government art collection and was lent to President Bush during his term of office. There were some questions raised at the time and it is only right that it has been returned, perhaps at the request of the UK. See an old report:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2005/aug/28/usa.politicsandthearts
There is always a settling in period and there are always gaffes. I am put in mind of the Queen’s reported surprise at seeing her flag flying upside down a few years back, a compliment I gather which was duly reciprocated.
Mr Brown was honored to be the first European leader to visit President Obama and to be invited to address Congress. I am not sure that anyone has taken offence here save for the usual disgruntled newspaper hacks.
If you want someone with training, elect a diplomat or a governor (not bad choices, by the way). The electorate has its own deficiencies and they readily show up in who they elect.
But, no, we really want a Chicago community organizer (pol) for president.
Don
Um…
This is what the British are complaining about?
We’re relying on the British press to be an accurate barometer of Diplomatic Niceties?
I’m amused the commentators on the blog are taking this seriously.
He’s expected to take a couple hours off fixing the global economy to hear him talk to congress?
To go to Camp David in the middle of the week? When does he do that?
This is so adolescent.
For background on this embarrassing diplomatic faux pas, see [url=http://wannabeanglican.blogspot.com/2009/03/what-is-behind-obamas-bizarre-snub-of.html ]What is Behind Obama’s Bizarre Snub of PM Brown and the UK?[/url]
Um, John, receiving the head of our closest ally with graciousness and “diplomatic niceties” is part of the job description of the POTUS. While the British press may have its faults, I daresay that the Brits know a thing or two about doing this kind of stuff right. At the very least, the folks who were charged with making sure that Brown was treated as accords his position should be taken to the woodshed.
BTW, if what the unnamed State Dept. official said about the “special relationship,” or now lack thereof is really true, then I shudder for the next four years of Obama Administration overtures to less-friendly nations.
And, if BHO is SO busy saving the global economy, maybe he could use the time taken in advancing the anti-life agenda of NARAL et al. and use it more profitably.
#17 – um, did Prime Minister Brown complain? Until he does, this is a manufactured issue by a bunch of whingers. He was the first European head of state to visit.
While some complain about the festivites at the White House, you’d think those same people would be happy they didn’t spend lots of money on a state dinner.
There will be time later on for this.
I don’t think the Brits know better than the US necessarily.
The Obama White House is staffed with large numbers of experienced hands from the Clinton administration. Surely some of these people should have known the routine for visiting foreign leaders. I am glad to hear Pageantmaster say that the British in general aren’t too upset. And Gordon Brown isn’t my idea of a great PM, nor is Obama my idea of a great President so far. The point is that the protocol is an indication of respect for the nation and the office, not for the particular officeholders. One hopes the White House will improve its manners on formal occasions.
This week the Chinese three times attempted to mess with our naval operations in the Pacific , the North Koreans all but declared war in advance on anyone who crosses them, Hugo Chavez publicly suggested to the man Fred Simpson refers to as “D’Obama” that he make the US into a socialist country ( with no discernible response ), and Obama continues to allow the country’s financial markets to self-destruct. Sounds like a Manchurian Candidate. What do you think, Um John Wilkins ? ( see “Manchurian Candidate Starts War on Business:” Kevin Hassett )
BTW I am not sure that we should take lessons on protocol from the director of an organisation which cannot even get the title of it patron right.
If you want to know which way up to fly the Union Flag, the red diagonal cross of St Patrick observes gravity where it meets the flagstaff:
http://www.britishflags.net/UnionFlag.png
#15. John Wilkens,
“This is so adolescent.”
President Obama doesn’t respect the British Prime Minister and you offer your usual respect of those with whom you disagree.
#20. Manchurian Candidate sounds appropriate to me.
#23 – my reflection is that perhaps a “stiff upper lip” might come in handy right now.
Juandeveras, are you blaming Obama for the Chinese, NK and Venezuelan hostilities. But what do YOU think we should do? Perhaps we should bomb China? Send a couple b52s to tell them what’s what? Oh- but they own our debt! Perhaps things are a bit more complex.
North Korea…. They’re in the middle of self-destructing right now. It seems that when someone rattles their sabres, you think we should rattle back. And why should we be caring about what Chavez says again? So that you can score political points?
Nor am I convinced that Obama is “allowing” the markets to self destruct. Besides, I thought we didn’t WANT government interference. You’ve got him trapped, I suspect. He offers something to help, he gets called a socialist. He doesn’t, and he’s Nero. Whatever.
Guys, you need to learn. To John, Obama can do no wrong. His actions are what define “correct” and “smart.” He could set a child on fire and John would tell us how this was an example of pragmatism inspired by Harold Washington and influenced by some philosophy he read about on wikipedia that we’re too dumb and conservative to comprehend.
#25 – Obama is perceived by world leaders right now as a socialist wuss & way over his head. In addition he is pursuing a “nothing like a good crisis” philosophy to deliberately drain the economy,
#25 You are very naive. Because Obama is perceived to be so weak by other heads of state , it will encourage Netanyahu to take the Iranians out sooner rather than later, which will have obvious repercussions for our troops in Iraq. It will encourage other goofy heads of state to do other unstable things as well. Obama can’t even throw a cabinet together. His wife does the heavy lifting around the house. He’s a narcissist – constantly awaiting acclaim – could care less about anyone else. Law Review at Harvard has an exception for minoritries in lieu of grades and/or writing ability. He’s a shuck and jive artist. Nothing more. Notice he conducts press conferences in front of a gold set of drapes in the East Room – the press room isn’t big enough.
I actually believe that President Obama was not elected to the office because of who he was or the policies he represents, but rather because he was “Not-Bush.” As such, he was “a great opportunity” for the young voter, and the idealistic progressive, to finally and completely display their hatred for President Bush and all they perceived that he represented.
What we essentially have now is – – an empty suit, a social worker from the south side of Chicago, “made” to be who he is by certain members of the Illinois legislature, some of whom are South-Chicago machine guys – – and also a pretty nice guy (really!! he seems like he could be a great guy to hang with!) who doesn’t have a God’s clue how to begin to administer or execute this government. Perhaps he can learn, but so far, it doesn’t look promising.
There is great significance in the fact that President Obama says absolutely nothing without a teleprompter available. What it tells us is – – he doesn’e really do the thinking in his administration and he doesn’t sneeze unless it is written “sneeze here!” by someone else. He is essentially the real-life version of Robert Redford’s character in “The Candidate,” who, when he had won the election to the Senate, walked upstairs to his hotel room, turned to one of his advisers, and said, “What do we do now?” End of movie. Sadly, we don’t live in a movie.
the man has been in office for only a few weeks, lay off the community organizer insults will you? there is nothing wrong with doing that, it sure as hades is better than claiming you are fit for vp because you can see russia from your back porch. i read the telegraph daily and even though the comments are right based, the actual news story was pretty positive when it happened, so i don’t know who to believe. obama’s mothers’ ancestors are english from what i have read and i cannot imagine him totally rejecting that. yes, we have as a nation never acknowledged what britain has contributed to us(like…America), but better education would change that…
Magnolia, my observation that President Obama is a social worker from Chicago was not an insult, but a statement of pure fact. Social workers have immense value to society, when they are doing what they are trained to do. So. . . the real question, then, is – – does urban social work and community organizing qualify one for service as the leader of the free world? In this case, certainly, and at this point, the answer is a clear NO. Perhaps he can learn. . . I said that. . . but if he doesn’t get started really soon, we will find ourselves in a potentially irreversible peck of trouble as a nation and republic. None of that is insulting; all of it is opinion. And most of it is based on more knowledge of the world than President Obama appears to have.
And BTW, magnolia, Sarah Palin never made that comment about Russia; it was Tina Fey on Saturday Night Live. Please don’t perpetuate media myths that are unflattering to people.
#30 – I’d suggest the lady from Alaska had more experience at being a governor than Obama had at “community ” organizing – pretty clearly a la Saul Alinsky. Suggest you read the “Manchurian Candidate Starts War on Business”: by Kevin Hassett.
#33 Kevin Hasset? who predicted the Dow would go to 36,000? Right. Given his past predictive power, I have my doubts.
It could be that the powers are simply trying to undermine a popular president who is seeking to fulfill his mandate.
I’m really not sure how you think he is perceived to be weak by other heads of state. It seems that, if anything, other countries are nervous because they are more comfortable with a belligerent US. they would like us to return to that role.
Andrew 717 – I think Obama could probably make more mistakes than you would admit that he was right. I do think you have taken my attacks personally, and that’s too bad. It’s blogging.
But what’s up with the wikipedia reference? Dude, I’m a reader. If you are going to attack me, you might try attacking the ideas rather than the person.
I’ve got nothing against conservatism. I do have something against modern movement “conservatism” which is pretty far from either Adam Smith or Edmund Burke (look, I don’t need a wikipedia reference. I’ve even read most of the TMS).
But modern american conservatism seems to have been burdened with a Racist, plutocratic streak ala Lee Atwater.
Change conservatism to Liberalism and you may have a valid point. I notice the Obama administration has brought back the ‘enemies list’.
#34 – ” I’m realy not sure…..”
It’s called life experience. Obama’s behavior is sophomoric. Anybody with sufficient life experience can see that.
Explain “modern movement conservatism …Atwater….etc”
Life experience? um yes. Life experience tells me that the weak sometimes challenge the strong, and the strong can choose to bully, or they can keep a steady course and engage constructively, if they make their intentions clear and stay connected. Acting strong is different than sabre rattling or acting out of fear.
“movement” conservatism especially applies to the combination of the religious right and tax cuts that became empowered under the Reagan years. It was fueled, especially, by the southern strategy, which played upon the racist fears of white conservatives, also harnessing the religious right. If you want more information, I suggest looking up Lee Atwater, the Republican consultant, and how he viewed campaigns. I don’t begrudge him, really. He was very effective.
But this is not necessarily historic conservatism, which is a little more nuanced.
#37 – If by “strong” you mean Obama, then kindly explain why Jack Welch, Jim Kramer and Warren Buffett have all thrown him under the bus this week – on just about all of his big ideas ?