Smart power: Obama gets the queen … an iPod
posted at 2:35 pm on April 1, 2009 by Allahpundit
Because, after all, nothing says “special relationship” like a gadget you can buy in every mall in the western world. What’d he get Prince Philip? An Xbox?
The inevitable punchline — almost as inevitable as the fact that Gordon Brown’s DVDs were the wrong format: She already owns one.
Barack Obama met the Queen at Buckingham Palace today and gave her a gift of an iPod loaded with video footage and photographs of her 2007 visit to the United States. In return, the Queen gave the President a silver framed photograph of herself – apparently a standard present for visiting dignitaries.
The Queen already has an iPod, a 6GB silver Mini version she bought in 2005 at the suggestion of Prince Andrew.
Turns out there was more loaded on there than just 2007 mementos. Tapper shares the somewhat horrifying detail that they added some music for her too, leaving us to wonder what America’s diplomatic brain trust considers appropriate for a royal mix tape. We know what a big fan The One is of that “Yes, We Can” track…
Seriously, none of this merits a firing or three in the protocol office?
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 4 … 6 Next »
Remember, it’s April Fools. I’d check this one thoroughly before getting in a twist over it.
wfcook on April 1, 2009 at 3:00 PM
you know, the UK Telegraph will be all over this one. and we will look like bigger jerks to the world than even Hillary or joe Biden can make us.
kelley in virginia on April 1, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Oh no! Sooner or later, you KNOW they’re going to send the real thing. Maybe she’ll bring the Queen a toilet handle so they can “flush” away the memories of the previous visit.
Rogue Traveler on April 1, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Bishop on April 1, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Probably both pre-loaded with Hannah Montana too.
I remember when Christmas was about me getting loaded and watching Joe Montana.
NoDonkey on April 1, 2009 at 3:00 PM
You know, Hot Air, your right (of course). He should have given her a gold-plated framed picture of himslef. Then you would have absolutely nothing to talk about, right?
PresidenToor on April 1, 2009 at 3:01 PM
Is the best Hot Air can come up with? DVDs? Ipods? Teleprompters? I guess when you have no political power this is the type of childish nonsense you focus on.
Tempest in a Tea Bag
“When Prince Charles – ‘a most likeable person’ – visited the White House, he recalled: ‘The ushers brought him tea but horror of horrors they served it our way with a tea bag in the cup.’”
maleman on April 1, 2009 at 3:01 PM
The Stanley corporation couldn’t produce a bigger tool if they tried.
MadisonConservative on April 1, 2009 at 3:01 PM
Seconded
Palin 2012
husker3000 on April 1, 2009 at 3:01 PM
Oh Lord, can this administration even get ONE THING right?
And people thought Bush was embarrassing…what’s next, McDonald’s coupons?
Geministorm on April 1, 2009 at 3:02 PM
Better one of those cheesy commemorative plates with Obama’s picture on it.
Wethal on April 1, 2009 at 3:02 PM
What’s next? Keggers at the fu**ing White House? It’s getting absolutely embarassing.
RWLA
So, how would you feel about coke parties in the white house? Barry was (reportedly) a coke dealer in the past who sold it to support his own habit. How sure are any of us that he’s given up the using part? I would consider it possible that he doesn’t sell it from the oval office.
Why, yes, I am happy to assume the absolute worst about this lying, freedom-killing f*ckhead.
SKYFOX on April 1, 2009 at 3:02 PM
What… no Sarah?
Daddy-O on April 1, 2009 at 3:02 PM
This “huge scandal” is small potatoes compared to the gift Bush Sr. presented to the Japanese Prime Minister.
benny shakar on April 1, 2009 at 3:03 PM
To quote Ed McMann; “You are correct, sir!”
Geministorm on April 1, 2009 at 3:03 PM
bambi isn’t smart enough to read this blog. however, you would think someone in the White HOuse would have noticed the British uproar about “no one is at the Treasury to answer the phone”, the huge gaffe of the DVDs to Gordon Brown, the plastic helicopters, the bust of Sir Winston Churchill & so on.
kelley in virginia on April 1, 2009 at 3:03 PM
And if you like tea, you know this is a terrible way to prepare it.
Rogue Traveler on April 1, 2009 at 3:03 PM
We should all be relieved he didn’t give her one of those hats with the cup holders and straws on either side.
LibTired on April 1, 2009 at 2:59 PM
How about a Colt .45 malt and a box of Church’s Extra-Crispy with some jalapeno poppers?
He’s historic!
TexasJew on April 1, 2009 at 3:04 PM
Two words: plastic turkey.
Slublog on April 1, 2009 at 3:04 PM
Uh, that was weird, wrong copy-n-paste…
Sorry, let me try that again.
—————————————–
To quote Ed McMann; “You are correct, sir!”
Geministorm on April 1, 2009 at 3:04 PM
You know, 99.9999% of this country would get a better gift for the Queen of England? And that’s without Obama’s unlimited resources.
LibTired on April 1, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Hahahaha, you made me snort Diet Mt. Dew through my nose…good one! Forgot all about that “gift”
Geministorm on April 1, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Lame, who cares. Obama embarrasses himself yet again.
nazo311 on April 1, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Trolls flooding in trying–and failing miserably–to control the damage.
Now THAT’S a gift that keeps on giving!
Christien on April 1, 2009 at 3:06 PM
I’ll bet that Achmadinejad gets a truly nice, and thoughtful, gift – even aside from The Precedent serving Israel up to him on a platter.
The SCOTUS had better get their act together and throw this moron out of office, already. This joke has gone way too far, already.
progressoverpeace on April 1, 2009 at 3:07 PM
libtired: you are right. there are very few Americans who wouldn’t make some effort for the Queen. I mean, they could have taken pictures drawn by their daughters–that would have been a helluva lot better than a damn iPod
kelley in virginia on April 1, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Why couldn’t he have at least given her a portable DVD player so The PM could at least watch those movies Uhhhhbama gave him?
darwin-t on April 1, 2009 at 3:08 PM
you mean Iran wants something other than Israel? you don’t mean it!
kelley in virginia on April 1, 2009 at 3:08 PM
You’re right. All that doesn’t reach the high intellectual standards of stuff like banners, children’s books and “food on your family”.
LibTired on April 1, 2009 at 3:08 PM
Anyone else notice MO stepping in front of the Duke and blocking him to the fringe? Sweeeeet.
MarkT on April 1, 2009 at 3:09 PM
I daresay the Queen has provided a solution for this pesky little problem. From here on out Obama should just present dignitaries with a gold-framed photo of himself.
Blacklake on April 1, 2009 at 3:09 PM
We’re #1! We’re #1!
Rogue Traveler on April 1, 2009 at 3:10 PM
yes, a gold framed picture of bambi is a good gift. everyone already knows he is an arrogant SOB. it is not necessary for the rest of the world to know that he is such a moron.
kelley in virginia on April 1, 2009 at 3:10 PM
No one is this lame, did they do it on purpose? They gave the most powerful and a very wealthy woman, something this so inconsequential? The Etiquette department at the White House hasn’t been filled yet has it?
Dr Evil on April 1, 2009 at 3:10 PM
What on Earth is Mo wearing?
BigD on April 1, 2009 at 3:10 PM
Trolls flooding in trying–and failing miserably–to control the damage.
Now THAT’S a gift that keeps on giving!
Christien on April 1, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Odd how they seem to show up at approximately the same time, as if, oh I don’t know….
Bishop on April 1, 2009 at 3:10 PM
I guess we all missed the bigger faux pas in the video.
According to that dude on Fox, Obama really screwed up when he grabbed both of the Queen’s hands when they shook.
Knucklehead on April 1, 2009 at 3:12 PM
I think bho neeeds to name a ‘czar for giftgiving’. So far he isn’t doing all that wonderful in the gift selection.
L
letget on April 1, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Hawaii’s Royal Palace, ‘Iolani Palace, has two gift shops.
Heck, a couple gorgeous leis would’ve been appropriate gifts.
Aloha, Your Majesty!
Christien on April 1, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Conspiracy!!
Rogue Traveler on April 1, 2009 at 3:12 PM
is it a joke?
Mommypundit on April 1, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Err… did you guys miss this, from Tapper’s item:
Compare this to what Obama got: a picture of the Queen.
If Obama had given anybody a picture of himself, you guys would have been up in arms about that.
orange on April 1, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Dear Leader says: “And so I’m very much looking forward to meeting her for the first time later this evening. And as you might imagine, Michelle has been really thinking that through — because I think in the imagination of people throughout America, I think what the Queen stands for and her decency and her civility, what she represents, that’s very important.”
The Monarchy stands for what? Religious oppression and confiscatory taxes that Americans had a Revolution against? Yeah, that Monarchy, the one Dear Leader wants back with himself the freakin’ King.
kirkill on April 1, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Yes….but their stuff is so lame. One would think their material would be a bit better given the coordination involved.
genso on April 1, 2009 at 3:13 PM
They probably loaded the IPOD with QUEEN songs.
eaglewingz08 on April 1, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Ed = Good Cop
AP = Bad Cop
jp on April 1, 2009 at 3:14 PM
And the left spent 8 years shrieking about *Bush* being an international disgrace and a joke.
Good Lord.
Laura on April 1, 2009 at 3:14 PM
He is a complete idiot, but oh my gawd did you see Michelle’s arms??
Viper1 on April 1, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Whoa! This story must really be big because the Trollway is freaking busy!!
carbon_footprint on April 1, 2009 at 3:16 PM
That’s what the Queen gives everyone. It’s a traditional gift.
Slublog on April 1, 2009 at 3:17 PM
If Obama had given anybody a picture of himself, you guys would have been up in arms about that.
orange on April 1, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Not if the standard protocol for the last fifty years had been for the sitting POTUS to do such a thing, as it has been for the QOE.
Try to broom it away all you like, you and everyone else knows that Ogabe has blown it completely in this department and looks like a dope.
Bishop on April 1, 2009 at 3:17 PM
I hope the Queen gave him something equally impressive. Like a set a mirrors. That would have pleased the hell out
out of him. Or maybe a set of Thatcher and Reagan speeches.
.
.
.
On 8 track cassettes
oldernwiser on April 1, 2009 at 3:18 PM
Well, that’s our High Chief of Hopenchange! Easy come, easy go, a little high, little low, any way the wind blows, doesn’t really matter to him.
You’d think a big union guy like Obama could at least have given her a product that was made in America, instead of courtesy of oppressed (probably laogai) Chinese labor.
Laura on April 1, 2009 at 3:18 PM
What about her arms?
LimeyGeek on April 1, 2009 at 3:18 PM
Only 45 more months til Queen Sarah takes the throne.
faraway on April 1, 2009 at 3:18 PM
Actually I kind of expected that. Wouldn’t be up in arms, just laughing at this pathetic moron.
JammieWearingFool on April 1, 2009 at 3:18 PM
Rogue Traveler on April 1, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Proven out, I caught one yesterday.
Bishop on April 1, 2009 at 3:19 PM
hey, at least he’s not winking at the queen like a moron.
sesquipedalian on April 1, 2009 at 3:19 PM
Well, I agree with that.
Her gift to him was the usual (in a silver frame), though…and why go out of her way after what he gave Gordon Brown? I think the things Obama got from the UK already were quite wonderful – why should they do more than is typical at this point? No point in allowing themselves to be embarrassed in a gift exchange with No Class Obama a second time.
capitalist piglet on April 1, 2009 at 3:19 PM
You know, if we think about it, these constant gift gaffes should be expected. Chicago pols only know one way to give gifts…from greased palm to greased palm.
pcpower1 on April 1, 2009 at 3:20 PM
Obama doesn’t have to follow social rules like everyone else. He does his thing and everyone has to deal with his hands all over them.
econavenger on April 1, 2009 at 3:20 PM
Actually, a nice family portrait might have been a wholesome gesture…
LimeyGeek on April 1, 2009 at 3:20 PM
Guess we know the Ed’s Palin joke’s on Allah cuz he’s not participating.
Christian Conservative on April 1, 2009 at 3:20 PM
An iPod! As if one of the richest women in history has not already received one, or sent someone to purchase one for her!
It gets more embarrassing by the day. Is he going to present the Chinese and Russians with perfect copies of the nuclear football? Or, will it be a wok and Gray Goose vodka?
No sarcasm intended!
calguyintexas on April 1, 2009 at 3:20 PM
At the rate of his previous gift successes, I wouldn’t be surprised if he gave the good Prince a catalog of p0rn.
juanito on April 1, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Caption:
Celebrity Apprentice asks Queen what her bonus was last year
faraway on April 1, 2009 at 3:21 PM
What the MSM do not understand is how smooth the Bush White House was – until we get this lying Marxist nitwit in there. He is making Carter look like Einstein………………
Cinday Blackburn on April 1, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Jammie, when I first read he had given Gordon Brown twenty-five DVDs, my thought was, “Oh G_d, did he give Brown twenty-five copies of his inauguration? Tell me he didn’t do that.”
capitalist piglet on April 1, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Exactly, Bammy should have just had the Treasury print up a few trillion dollars and then stuffed it in a plain manila envelope.
Perfect gift.
NoDonkey on April 1, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Its a habit he picked up from taking payola in Chicago. Like cigs, its a hard habit to break…apparently.
genso on April 1, 2009 at 3:22 PM
About which songs were on the iPod…
Apparently Michelle herself chose them. It was easy. She went onto iTunes and just found the category titled “Queen”.
There were all sorts of songs there apparently meant for the Queen. It was easy. What’s hard about all this gift-giving diplomacy stuff?
VitalRoar on April 1, 2009 at 3:22 PM
A Retweet from the boss, er, a re-Airing rather.
carbon_footprint on April 1, 2009 at 3:22 PM
I’m just glad the British had the good sense to kick Obama’s commie father’s ass in Kenya. Good for them.
Maybe he will now explain to the Queen (and to the rest of us) why he removed Winston Churchill’s bust from the White House.
TexasJew on April 1, 2009 at 3:23 PM
The Russians already got a cheap imitation of “The Button” … mislabeled. The Precedent will hae to reach deep for the next gift … ginsu knives are sounding pretty good.
progressoverpeace on April 1, 2009 at 3:23 PM
He loaded a scene from BLAZING SADDLES of Cleavon Little saying, “Hey, where the white women at?”
DamnYankee on April 1, 2009 at 3:23 PM
The device was probably loaded with Obama audiobooks and inspirational Jeremiah Wright sermons.
Annar on April 1, 2009 at 3:24 PM
The complete works of Queensryche.
Bishop on April 1, 2009 at 3:26 PM
Damn yankee,
Now that is funny! Hands up; how many are cleaning screens now?!
calguyintexas on April 1, 2009 at 3:26 PM
Just another example of what a self-centered jerk this new POTUS is. He’s so wrapped up in himself that he shows very little thought or consideration for others. He’s an embarrassment.
Redneck Woman on April 1, 2009 at 3:26 PM
DamnYankee on April 1, 2009 at 3:23 PM
. . . he said, “the President is a-nearin’”!
NoDonkey on April 1, 2009 at 3:27 PM
Maybe the song was Barney Fwank’s “Banking Queen” by Shanklin.
Christian Conservative on April 1, 2009 at 3:27 PM
Ugliest First Couple ever..
TexasJew on April 1, 2009 at 3:28 PM
But Rangel leases a Cadillac on our dime. This administration is the tackiest, slimiest group, except where they take care of themselves, ever.
MNDavenotPC on April 1, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Maybe the first time it can be construed as a gaffe. But after all the flack with the DVD’s he should have known better.
I can only believe now, that he is a total buffoon, or high,or he’s doing it on purpose to embarrass the US.
oldernwiser on April 1, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Key Difference:
When Bush Sr. vomited something all over a friendly foreign power we at least know he didn’t mean to do it.
TheUnrepentantGeek on April 1, 2009 at 3:29 PM
The Precedent hates the US and hates the West. That is what this is all about. These are definitely not gaffes. They are just preludes.
progressoverpeace on April 1, 2009 at 3:30 PM
This is some of the spew coming from the worshipers on HuffPo. We’ve somehow become a nation controlled by immature teenagers and American Idol viewers. Ten years ago A&E ran shows like John Adams, Pride and Prejudice, and Horatio Hornblower. Today it runs Dog the Bounty Hunter, Intervention, and Criss Angel Mindfreak.
There is no longer any concept of culture or decorum in this country. I hope we can survive until the backlash comes.
ExcessivelyDiverted on April 1, 2009 at 3:30 PM
The Queen has been “baracked”
faraway on April 1, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Eh, I’ve got a signed concert shirt from Rob Zombie
Probably worth more than the book
Where’s my Sarah Allah??
husker3000 on April 1, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Yep….a common gift to make the Queen seem more common.
genso on April 1, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Could somebody please see if Martha Stewart’s available. Seriously, how do you possibly get this much BAD protocol advice. And this was after he gives a speech about our relationship with ENGLAND… dude, you just don’t diss the Irish, Scotts and Welsh. I’m beginning to think those rioters are actually a bunch of really angry Irish Grandmothers!
2nd Ammendment Mother on April 1, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Maybe the Queen can put Michelle to work in the royal garden for a couple of hours.
Crusty on April 1, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Music: Queen, Boy George, Wham!
Movie: An American Werewolf in London.
Tele: The Avengers, Benny Hill.
Feedie on April 1, 2009 at 3:34 PM
drudge reports that michelle did not curtsey. ok, so, the next time i go to a wed. night party at the White House, i refuse to…uh, what decorum does the White House actually have now?
kelley in virginia on April 1, 2009 at 3:34 PM
Fist bump.
genso on April 1, 2009 at 3:35 PM
This is unreal. It really represents the clash of tradition and modernity.
blatantblue on April 1, 2009 at 3:35 PM
LOL!
Rogue Traveler on April 1, 2009 at 3:36 PM
They told her it’d be slimming.
hoosiermama on April 1, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Shoulda got her an Obama Chia!
gmoonster on April 1, 2009 at 3:37 PM
Hmmmm…I wonder if the iPod’s charger works on British current.
Obama should be at home on British roads though, he always likes to veer to the left.
Steve Z on April 1, 2009 at 3:37 PM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 4 … 6 Next »