Has Obama Snubbed the British Prime Minister?
The Brits Say Yes.
During Barack Obama's run for the White House, one of his perceived weaknesses was in international affairs. The new President's interactions with one of America's closest allies - the United Kingdom - may be proving the critics right. According to reports in various British media outlets, the U.S. President snubbed British Prime Minister Gordon Brown during his visit to the White House last week.
On Friday The Daily Telegraph miffed:
"President Obama has been rudeness personified towards Britain. His handling of the visit of the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, to Washington was appalling."
The list of offenses is quite long. First, Obama is said to have cancelled a planned, podium-to-podium news conference with Brown, and also recently removed a bust of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill from the Oval Office. Adding further insult to the PM's visit were the cheap and thoughtless gifts that the President gave Mr. Brown and his family.
Brown clearly took care in choosing his gift for President Obama, presenting him with a pen holder crafted from the timbers of the 19th century British warship HMS President. The HMS President's sister ship, the HMS Resolute had previously provided the wood for the Oval Office's desk. Therefore the PM's gift was clearly not a last minute thought.
Obama, however, did not take the same amount of care in choosing the British leader's gift - 25 DVDs of American classic movies. In fact, some believe he put absolutely no thought in to it at all for several reasons: Brown could get these movies anywhere himself, and US DVDs are typically incompatible with UK DVD players. Oh, and Brown is blind in one eye.
The First Lady's gifts to Brown's children - Fraser and John - have also been labeled equally as offensive as the gifts the President gave to the Prime Minister. Michelle Obama gave the two boys toy models of Marine One, one of the President's helicopters, that the Times of London says were likely pulled from the White House gift shop at the last minute.
In contrast, Brown's wife Sarah came with much more thoughtful gifts. She picked out dresses and matching necklaces from the trendy UK store Top Shop for Obama's girls, Sasha and Malia, as well as a selection of books by British authors.
Other British papers have been quick to point out that this simply shows that the once "special" relationship that the UK and US shared is no longer all that special.
Comments
The President was responding to Brown in the same way that Brown behaved towards Bush.
Gordon Brown was desperate to be the first European leader in Washington and to try and impress his domestic audience. It was his only hope after making a complete mess of things in the UK for over 11 years. Don't forget that he is also responsible for a lot of the economic problems facing us all today.
Brown is certainly not a leader to listen to or copy - he has not thought anything out properly for years and has plunged the UK into the mire.
Well done Mr President for adopting exactly the right tone during this visit.
By the way, Brown himself will have put very little thought into the gifts and his office only asked for some ideas a couple of days before the visit.
As soon as anybody goes after Obama, the loyal Obama lovers bring out the "B" word, and find some way to blame Bush. Obama can do no wrong, all problems must come from Bush.
Thank You!! somebody finally said it.
Good god, How can anyone support what this amateur has done, its Shameful.
Think this is a case of a real PINHEAD!!!!!!!!
I'm looking for page two of this story because I refuse to beleive anyone could be so utterly petty. The Brits didn't like the gifts they received and its now some kind of low key international incident? How about reporting on what the two talked about rather than try to infer some kind of sinister subtext to their relationship because of some etiquette faux pas.....
So what? The point of the meeting was to discuss how to get through the global economic crisis not who gave who a better gift.
The choice of gifts really shows how uncultured and backward our new president is. How un-statesman like, without dignity and pride in being an American. Who cares about some stuff made in China!
Now he has his Hilary running all over the earth apologizing to the very people who want to bring this nation to it's knees...
I honestly tried to give him some time to prove himself. I thought "well he is the president let's give him a chance who knows..." My attempt lasted three days!
He and his group of tax-evading lefties are out to destroy this nation and create more presidential powers then Bush ever did! How do we get rid of him and his crew???
My sentiments exactly. How cheap! No class! They should contact President Bush and Laura for ideas if they don't know how to choose proper gifts. I am embarrassed.
Though you were better than me, I didn't last through the inauguration...guy couldn't even repeat the words of the oath correctly, words that could have been memorized by someone supposedly as smart as him in just a few moments.
He is becoming an embarrassment more and more each day. If he were white, and from the South, like former Pres. Bush, the media would be screaming "Redneck" at the top of their lungs.
If you watch the tapes carefully, you will note that the one who slubbed the oath of office was our wonderful Chief Justice who apparently hasn' read much of the Consititution lately.
Andrew, I couldn't agree with you more. BRAVO ! Unfortunately, we have another Jimmy Carter on our hands.
i agree he is definitely uncultured!!!!!!
Well, let's face it, the British Prime Minister is much more likely to learn something new by watching 25 American films, than President Obama will, scrawling notes with a silly pen fashioned out of war time junk.
When will modernity reach British elite circles anyway? Are we to wait until the Queen loses jurisdiction over the Falklands before British hubris is finally put to pasture for good?
Bravo Barak. Don't reward the British for all of the dumb short-sighted policies they implemented when they were ruling the world a century ago. We've been paying dearly from their neanderthal divide and conquer tactics.
It's time to remember why we kicked the Brits out of here to begin with and not show them any special treatment at all until they are prepared to nibble on that stiff upper lip a bit and reflect upon what a vicious, foolhardy and ugly power they once were.
Seeing Red, there are so many things one could say about your post regarding the British but one thing that popped out was your comment regarding the Queen and the Falkland Islands. Argentina initiated that war to turn its own citizen's attention away from the government's brutal torture and execution of thousands of young Argentines in the "Dirty War." While the Argentine military junta was busy with blooding their hands on their own people, the Argentine people were fed daily propaganda that they were winning the war. Until they lost.
Ash,
I am not particularly interested in exploring the roots causes of something as irrelevant as the Falklands "war". I think the distance from London and the importance level placed on it by the Thatcher regime kind of bears out the absurdity on its own, without any help from me.
A more illuminating study might involve an exploration of exactly how such a tiny little collection of islands off the coast of deep South America, somehow, miraculously developed an English character? One wonders precisely how many natives were murdered, how many young girls were raped and at exactly which moment in time did the spirit of the native culture finally give way, collapse and form the leather soles on the bottom of British shoes.
Take that silly cane brother, and walk away with it.
Apparently you don't know that the Falkland Islands were uninhabited when Europeans settled them. But, hey, don't let me spoil your ignorant rant.
There are two ways to look at this.
1 - That President Obama is incompetent, classless, and lacking in international decorum, or
2 - That President Obama intentionally acted in a way to show that his administation doesn't give a S__T about Great Britain.
I don't know which answer is correct, but either way - we have a problem.
Assuming President Obama is not incompetent and this his actions were intentional, we must ask the question, WHY? Great Britain has been our most loyal ally. The way Prime Minister Brown was treated was worse that had he been our most hated enemy.
It's ignorant fools like you that will cause us to be standing without an ally in the world, and you'll be so pleased with yourselves for giving others their "fair treatment" that you won't see the bombs coming. Imbecille.
oh my god....how can you criticize the messiah?!?!?!
Give me a break!
the world is in the worst economic crisis in many decades and the brits are concerned about gift exchanges?!?!! really?!?!!?
Well Obama is stupid, no doubt about that.
why are they giving each other gifts anyway? why does anyone care? does obama's butt itch? maybe brown likes to collect stamps. meanwhile the world is rapidly running out of water, food, energy, minerals and metals. thanks press!
A snub? It is no small handshake for an internationally lauded U.S. President to hold his first audience with the head of another state, in this case, the PM of Britain. Who CARES how uncreative the fourth assistant to Obama's 20th assistant may be? The significance of this meeting was and remains clear. Only tabloids would suggest otherwise.
The Prime Minister of Britain was not his first guest. Obama first hosted the Japanese Prime Minister, then visited the Prime Minister of Canada. He then met with Britain and gave him some DVD's. Who cares though? Obama will meet many guests at the Whitehouse and doesn't need to be showering them with expensive gifts.
That was pretty thoughtless on the Obamas' part... kind of embarassing, too. However, I would like to see more articles about what Brown and Obama actually talked about... that is more important in the long run...
With all the serious problems in the world the Brits continue to churn out tabloids about petty crap. If the media in England focused more on important matters perhaps they could have uncovered the credit default swaps fiasco going on at AIG. P.R. Rochester, NY
The gifts exchanged by national leaders are important symbols both of the respect a leader has for his counterpart but also the regard Americans have for, in this case, the British people. Taking a lesson from Mr. Brown, these gifting opportunities allow for reflection on the rich history shared by two nations and selecting a unique gift from that history which echoes a strong positive statement about today is greatly appreciated by everyone in both countries. This approach will reassure the American people most of all that the difficult times we see in Washington, Wall Street and Main Street are being managed professionally with considered forethought and not being handled in real-time or with 5 minutes' preparation.
I agree, First Impressions and Symbolism are Important. This is true for governments, religion, family, and even gangs. Anyone who takes the time to learn what the Symbolism stands for will learn a great deal about history and why things are done the way they are. One who adheres to Symbolism shows a willingness become a valued member of the community. It shows to everyone that you are willing to listen with respect to their views with an understanding of their past. One who shows a calluses disregard for Symbolism shows disrespect to people (nations) and what they represent. They also show that they have NO regard for civility among others and give rise to suspicion and distrust. In a family, this person is usually considered the “black sheep of the family”. In a gang, they are routinely killed as having “No respect”. In a religion, they are often excommunicated. As a politician representing the people of a country; well, you get the point. Osama’s display of complete ignorance of Symbolism and Tradition has been for many; and should be for all; a wake up call as to how dangerous this person is to the good people of this Great Republic.
Wonder if Fidel Castro would have been treated with more respect. My guess is - yes he would.
The Obama administration obviously has a lot to learn about diplomacy. Like it or not, that is part of the job he campaigned for. So buck up.
And besides, remember that the Brits were celebrating in the streets when he won. What a slap in the face.
As an American, I am embarrassed. Although I have little fondness for Gordon Brown, Obama's treatment of the PM's visit was shabby. Insulting gifts followed by the excuse "I was too tired". John McCain's age was an issue in the election and I am sure he would never say he was too tired. This is a window in how "Team Obama' understands the world. As President, Obama's first telephone call was to Abbas. Obama's priorities are backwards. Honor Abbas and insult the Brits.
Obama's actions are not backwards, but very very planned.
Once we understand and accept this, then we can work on
reversing the damage.
He knows exactly what he is doing, and so does his staff.
Lots of powerful people both within Europe and the USA seem to be having a go at Obama. Maybe its because he is going to tax the wealthy whom the USA owes almost $11 trillion dollars to. The multi-nationals control the UK newspapers so these propaganda stories about Obama snubbing brown are a sign that they are not happy with Obama.
As a British person I can tell you that British people know that these anti-Obama stories are garbage. We were all brought up to believe that its the thought that counts when receiving gifts. Obama is a busy man right now and hasn't got time to run around the shops for hours looking for gifts but he still made an effort.
Who cares if Churhill's bust was removed from the oval office. The movies were a perfectly good gift that I'm sure Brown was very happy with and many British people have multi-regional DVD players anyway because we don't like being told which DVDs we can watch and which we can't.
The important thing is that Obama and Brown had constructive and useful talks.
Brown's speech to Congress was superb in every sense of the word. I have never seen all of its members respond more positively to any man or woman. His message was loud, clear, and convincing. Afterward I wondered why the media treated this moment in history with silence. That speech ought to be played and replayed so that every American can hear it. In the meantime I will not judge our President's alleged conduct until I have heard or read his recital of the facts - what he did and why he did it.
Wow, Obama has no class, from rug to riches.
That is all !!!
It should surprise no one that Obama and his wife have absolutely no class and don't have the slightest idea how to behave before other leaders of the world.
He is a total embarrassment to this country. Where is the staff, that is supposed to advise him on protocol? Obviously they are clueless also.
What a jerk
As a country we should be totally embarrassed by our President. Our country gave our best a most trusted, loyal ally a Time classic Video set you can buy at Wal-mart during the head of state gift exchange. Lets get this right the pin set given to the American People by PM Brown was made of wood from of the HMS Resolute which had become ice locked during exploration of the north pole in 1855. The Americans rescued and repaired in 1856 the ship, sailed it 1200 miles and returned it to England as a goodwill gift. When the Resolute was finally retired in 1880, Queen Victoria had twin desk made from its timbers one was presented it to President Rutherford Hayes in 1880. One sits in Buckingham Palace the other in the White House. The richly carved desk has been used by almost every president since then. A piece of history traded for a DVD set, embarrassing to every American, indeed
This stuff is hard to make up! It is almost comical that the "President" of the United States does not have fundamental hospitality etiquette. My 15 month old son is a better host to our guests than Mr. O is to foreign dignitaries.
All we (convervatives and Republicans) have to do is sit back and wait for 2010 (regain control over Congress) and 2012 (take back the White House). The Democrats in power are self destructing very quickly. They do not know what they are doing; they are running out of steam and as a result they cannot get along even with each other.
I believe we have all missed the point to some extent. England is very well versed in protocols. I do not believe the giftes given to our President were a last minute grab days before the first state visit. England selected gifts that represented the people of England as the gift is actually from the people not the visiting head of state. While the Engish have reason to be upset, I think we the American People should at least be a bit concerned that our President gives gifts that are meant to represent the good will of the American People. It would have been better to give the Prime Minister a Paula Dean Fruitcake, at least they could have eaten it.
It is not about the cost, though I do believe if any of us tried to get that Pen case it would cost us a few Pounds.
I am more concerned that our President will serve beef that cost 100 a pound to Hollywood, but gives the British people gifts that cost less than what the average american spends in a month on entertainment.
Maybe he gave them copies of his Michael Moore movie collection...
I say old boy, the removed bust of Winston Churchill from Obama's oval office is perhaps a bust transition from Winston Churchill to Ward Churchill, the Ethnic Studies University of Colorado professor who professed that American Citizens are like the "good Germans" of Nazi Germany. If, as I believe, Obama agrees with Ward's assessment it's no wonder he'd snub the British Prime Minister, PM, given the likelihood he perceives himself to be the President of a nation of good GermanNazis, an historical enemy of the British people if there ever was one. Recent treatment by Obama of the PM is persuasive, is it not?
GROW A THIN MUSTACHE President Obama. Keep your finger on the button Isreal, you're (now) all alone and surrounded, AND it seems the American calvary are slowing being directed over to the other side. Perhas Obama's foreign non-policy will soon be sprouting mushroom clouds. "The doomsday we can believe in?" Tell dat Obama man that mushroom clouds aren't good for the environment, and if he ain't mo careful he be loosin the endorsement of the Sierra Club. Heck, they don;t even like nuclear power plants. But then, maybe they don't consider nuclear was as environmentally damaging as nuclear power plants Carbon mushrooms are much mo bigger than carbon footprints - last time I checked.
I don't understand all the fuss, I found the list of 25 CD's and they are all American Classics and in very good taste:
01 - Cotton Comes to Harlem
02 - Shaft
03 - Black Caesar,
04 - Hell Up in Harlem,
05 - Super Fly,
06 - Boss N***ers
07 - Blacula
08 - The Mack
09 - White Apple Booty
10 - Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song
11 - Phat Booty Hoes
12 - Juicy, Round and Brown
13 - Minivan Mommies
14 - Dude Looks Like A Lady
15 - Booty Call
16 - Executive Booty Call
17 - Booty Call II
18 - Booty Call III
19 - Booty Call IV
20 - Booty Call V
21 - Booty Call VI
22 - Booty Call VII
23 - Booty Call VIII
24 - Booty Call IX
25 - Booty Call X
Who gives a crap about gifts??? I am glad that the president didn't put any time into something as insignificant as a gift because in the current crisis his time should be spent on something different not pondering possible gifts.
It's amazing how quickly the "neocons" sprung to the attack. First of all, President Obama has a lot on his plate right now, having to correct Bush's & the Republican Party's mess from the last 8 years!!
I am confident that the DVD's were in good taste, unlike the joker here who listed among others the "Booty Calls" sequels. So lame !!
Let's not forget how disrespectful~disgraceful Bush's behavior was at the G8 summit, when he gave Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, an "unwelcomed" neck & shouldrer rub!!
Anyone who supports Obama is obviously very ignorant. Obama's treatment of the British Prime Minister was a direct slap in the face, and in the eyes of many, a deliberate attempt at breaking our allience. The point is not that "what they are here to talk about is important" as several of you have written. The point is that Obama disrespected the Prime Minister. Our allience with Britian is crucial to the survival of our country, and offending it's leaders is pure stupidity.
I thought he wanted the rest of the world to like us! Well, he's off to a good start, isn't he? Nobody likes anybody who has bad manners. He's an embarrassment. He doesn't even know that he's an idiot. That's the sad part. He's got all his puppetmasters pulling all his strings. Unfortunately, his ignorance has done a ton of damage to this country in 6 short weeks. If he doesn't live up to his oath to protect and defend the Constitution, and it already appears that he's taking liberties, my hope is that we can impeach him, before he can cause catastrophic harm.
I am embarrassed to be an American today, probably for the first time. The only consolation that I have is that I know I didn't vote for him. No, Bush wasn't perfect, but we blame him for companies overspending their limits and banks giving out bad loans. Now Obama is buying up our democracy and slowly moving us towards socialism.
His gifts to the PM are truly atrocious. What an ass.
It took him 6 weeks to completely drive all of America mad.... new record?