President Barack Obama raised a lot of eyebrows today when he met King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia at the G20 summit in London. It wasn't the meeting with the Saudi monarch that raised eyebrows, it was his waist deep bow to the king (photo below).
Generally, a bow to a monarch is done by their subjects in acknowledging the monarch's authority over them. Generally, a slight nod or a handshake is given by a U.S. president to a foreign monarch. Many have expressed embarrassment over Obama's bow.
Some Obama apologists would say, "But, but George Bush held the Saudi King's hand!" We're not talking about Bush, are we? Besides, he was assisting an elderly man, as I recall.
Speaking of monarchs, it has been reported that Obama gave Queen Elizabeth II an iPod containing his speeches, including his acceptance speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. More eyebrows are being raised over this odd gift.
Hubris seems to be making a comeback with Obama.
UPDATE (4/8/09): It is being reported that the White House is denying that President Obama was bowing to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.
Politico is reporting:
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.
This reminds me of an old saying, "Are you going to believe me or your lyin' eyes?"
Not a bow. Uh-huh.
1 comment:
Note to Max:
Read the rules!
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