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 5 6 Next »
Is it just my eyes playing tricks on me, or does BO and Michelle look like mutant giants when standing next to the Queen and Philip?
btw…Michelle’s stylist should be fired for that hideous GAP outfit she is wearing.
smartsy on April 1, 2009 at 3:37 PM
God help us if they were right.
genso on April 1, 2009 at 3:37 PM
The Huffies are claiming it is a great gift cause the queen is a real “techie”. I wonder if it came with a british charger?
ctmom on April 1, 2009 at 3:37 PM
Apple is an American company.
getalife on April 1, 2009 at 3:37 PM
He found something called God Save the Queen by some English band called The Sex Pistols so he stuck it on there.
29Victor on April 1, 2009 at 3:38 PM
BYOB and “pay da man”!
NoDonkey on April 1, 2009 at 3:38 PM
I forgot to add that I hope Her Majesty, grabbed Barry by the ear and reminded him that she’s been a Monarch longer than he’s been alive, was a relief worker in World War II (beats community organizer hands down), and KNEW Winston Churchill.
If he doesn’t get his act together, he’ll be yet another wanna-be that She’s Outlasted! Heck, She’s on her way to outlasting her own Heir and She’s far more popular.
2nd Ammendment Mother on April 1, 2009 at 3:38 PM
I agree. As I said previously…
I am quite sure that the gifts to the Prime Minister and the Queen were intentional snubs. The Obamas are racists who despise anyone who is European or of European descent. They blame all European types for slavery. Of course there is no blame for the Africans who sold their rivals to the Europeans.
Remember, Obama said in one of his books that if he could cleanse the whiteness from his DNA he would.
ExcessivelyDiverted on April 1, 2009 at 3:38 PM
I would have put on the complete works of Queen and Victoria by The Kinks.
29Victor on April 1, 2009 at 3:38 PM
220 volt mains. Universal power supply or Ouch!
Feedie on April 1, 2009 at 3:39 PM
Well at least Michelle didn’t grab the crown and place it on Obama’s head.
kthomas8268 on April 1, 2009 at 3:39 PM
That’s the one thing Michelle got right. US citizens should not bow or curtsey to foreign rulers.
Wethal on April 1, 2009 at 3:40 PM
BYOB, smoke your own and “pay da man!”
NoDonkey on April 1, 2009 at 3:40 PM
an iPod? For the queen?
I’m no royalist but what a clod.
The urban sophisticates will begin their assult on the prez in 3, 2, 1……*crickets*
moxie_neanderthal on April 1, 2009 at 3:41 PM
Apple is an American company.
getalife on April 1, 2009 at 3:37 PM
More amazing insight from HA’s token ‘tard.
They let you out of your mom’s basement this afternoon?
TexasJew on April 1, 2009 at 3:41 PM
???
It’s a formal greeting. The foreign rulers and figureheads aren’t flags, they’re people. It’s still polite for men to bow and women to curtsy.
Rogue Traveler on April 1, 2009 at 3:42 PM
“…wrote the scores for several feature films including LOVE ME TONIGHT starring Maurice Chevalier, HALLELUJAH, I’M A BUM starring Al Jolson and THE PHANTOM PRESIDENT starring George M. Cohan)”
econavenger on April 1, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Notice Phillip is standing away from Michelle
ToddonCapeCod on April 1, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Or the muslims who started the trade and are the only ones in the world (with some Africans) who still have slavery.
I missed that classic.
This is going to be so incredibly ugly …
progressoverpeace on April 1, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Barack – “Excuse me while I whip this out.”
Michele nods at Hillary.
*Queen faints*
DamnYankee on April 1, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Well at least Michelle didn’t grab the crown and place it on Obama’s head.
kthomas8268 on April 1, 2009 at 3:39 PM
Or in her purse, like at K-Mart.
TexasJew on April 1, 2009 at 3:43 PM
I can’t help but notice that these gifts are all rather token.
LibTired on April 1, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Where were you on Christmas?
I could have used this lame excuse after I bought this last-minute, no imagination, half-assed gift for my wife on December 24 at 10:45 p.m.
NoDonkey on April 1, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Or for the Arabs motivated by the Arab Supremacy Cult known as Islam for their part in the slave trade that long preceded European sins and which continue to this day!
Maquis on April 1, 2009 at 3:44 PM
What a jug eared jackass.
I wasn’t sure if it was an april fool’s joke or not but it appears that other news channels are carrying the same story.
I wonder if the ipod was second choice… because the ‘personal massager’ wasn’t available in the gift shop.
As I said before, this is hunorous in a gallows sort of way. God help us when a real crisis hits. We are screwed… totally screwed and stewed…
bullseye on April 1, 2009 at 3:44 PM
And Ipods are manufactured in China. Great stuff there, moron.
progressoverpeace on April 1, 2009 at 3:44 PM
Wow, it took you an hour after this thread started to get programmed with a false talking point?
Apple is in fact a multinational corporation.
Del Dolemonte on April 1, 2009 at 3:44 PM
With the complete works of Mos Def…
d1carter on April 1, 2009 at 3:45 PM
I’m importing my comment from headlines, way late to the party here!
Interestingly enough, the Gordon Brown’s gift to Obama wasn’t a mere pen set as reported, but one enclosed in a box built in part from wood from the HMS Gannet (spelling? going from failing memory…) a British frigate that took part in anti-slavery patrols back in the day against Arab slavers. So the gift given him was especially poignant and quite valuable I presume, and incredibly relevant to his presidency. Yet it didn’t seem to impress the Obamas. Might have something to do with their contempt for Europeans as you expressed, might have something to do with the slight percentage of Arab blood in his veins as a member of the Luo tribe. (Baldilocks will let me know if I’m wrong in that! :) )
Looks to me like there’s no pleasing Obama, and he doesn’t care to please anyone else either.
Maquis on April 1, 2009 at 3:46 PM
Awesome! I know a few people who will be getting one.
Now, if only I could find a ‘Chellebacca doll.
ExcessivelyDiverted on April 1, 2009 at 3:46 PM
I hope BarryO remembered to erase the ‘personal video’ of him and michelle ala European Vacation…
bullseye on April 1, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Beats a gram of coke and a straw.
TheBigOldDog on April 1, 2009 at 3:48 PM
A parody of the Obama gift to the queen… but it’s not much worse than the real thing.
cs89 on April 1, 2009 at 3:51 PM
Hey, it’s all about ME. The old lady is lucky I even dropped by.
GarandFan on April 1, 2009 at 3:51 PM
I was not aware of that statement. That’s infuriating.
Hmmm, what other deceptive leader bent on obtaining power at any cost with extensive plans for domination and radical remaking of his country and the world do we know of who happened to himself possess the blood of a people he demonized and sought to destroy? Help me out here… Anyone?
Maquis on April 1, 2009 at 3:54 PM
Phillip is a Navy man, he should be used to the smell.
portlandon on April 1, 2009 at 3:54 PM
Ironically, it was British navy ships that patrolled the African coast and chased off Muslim slave ships. Obama’s Kenyan ancestors may have been spared being captured and enslaved by Muslims thanks to Britain’s efforts to stop the slave trade. But I don’t expect Barry “I’ll side with the Muslims” Obama to acknowledge any debt he owes to the British, least of all their establishment of a colony on the North American continent that became the greatest country in the world and provided Obama with all the wealth and privileges he now enjoys.
AZCoyote on April 1, 2009 at 3:54 PM
Well it could have been worse.
He could have given the queen:
1) a list of promises he didn’t intend to keep once elected.
2) a sweetheart deal on a mortgage for buckingham palace.
3) an introduction to the ghost writer William Ayers for when she decides to “write” her autobiography.
4) a coupon to Michelle’s favorite Spa Frowns are Us.
5) a lecture about those bitter clingy brits
6) a bag of blow and a pack of smokes
7) a sightseeing tour and limo ride with Larry Sinclair
8) a copy of her birth certificate alternative straight from Hawaii
9) An autographed nude photo of his mother in nothing but heels (check the net folks – its for real)
10) a Bucket of KFC
11) Hillary’s Reset Button.
BillaryMcBush on April 1, 2009 at 3:55 PM
Shelly couldn’t have done better than a cardigan and a skirt?? Jackie O, my…
//If it makes me shallow, who cares?
Dubn8tr on April 1, 2009 at 3:55 PM
Yes, but does she have an Ipod from The Messiah?
catmman on April 1, 2009 at 3:56 PM
You know, he really didn’t have to spend any taxpayer money. I have three or four of these lying around – he could have just given her one of mine.
capitalist piglet on April 1, 2009 at 3:58 PM
On further review,Barrack Insane Obama doesn’t believe that The Queen of England can do anything for him. Ergo cheap meaningless gift. Now if it was Barney the Queen of banking……………………..
oldernwiser on April 1, 2009 at 3:59 PM
Are we sure it was President Obama who visited the Queen, or was it…
Frank Drebin, Police Squad?
catmman on April 1, 2009 at 4:00 PM
I am outraged that someone at the White House Office for buying extravagantly wealthy people gifts would insult a doddering, powerless, walking anachronism with an iPod.
Proud Rino on April 1, 2009 at 4:03 PM
Prince Phillip seems very gracious. I have never actually watched him before. At least Obama wasn’t totally tongue tied. I would be.
I’m glad we don’t have a monarchy. But I’m glad Britian still does. There is just something romantic about pretending that these people are more important than everyone else. It balances the rent a mob breaking bank windows.
I am hoping that soon the novelty of The “First Black President” will wear off for the Europeans and they will start to figure out how bad this particular President is for the world. Familiarity will built contempt hopefully.
Michelle is sadly awkward. That’s against stereotypes I think. I’m not sure I know all the stereotypes because I’m from the North West Farm country and haven’t had exposure to all the racial conflict. I’ve sort of watched from afar.
petunia on April 1, 2009 at 4:04 PM
Yep, saw them.
carbon_footprint on April 1, 2009 at 4:04 PM
29Victor,
For you.
But this is even better!
Christien on April 1, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Barack the Mansourian Candidate Obama is not going to be content until he makes America not only financially and militarily inconsequential, but also a diplomatic laughingstock the world over.
Once his term is done i have even money on him pulling a Cat Stevens,
reclaiming his Childhood Muslim faithconverting to the Muslim faith and running off to live in a cave with his friends and mentors.I just hope he has filled the Angry Gorilla in on the whole Burqa thing.
BillaryMcBush on April 1, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Are you brain damaged?
progressoverpeace on April 1, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Barack kicked himself for not bringing an interpreter.
Prince Philip thought James Brown had died, and strange that he showed up in a dress.
DamnYankee on April 1, 2009 at 4:07 PM
I smiled at that, so true, then so sad when one realizes that our supposed equivalent is the classless Obamas.
Maquis on April 1, 2009 at 4:08 PM
That hurts.
BigD on April 1, 2009 at 4:10 PM
An I-pod? i mean come on. Thats like Batman giving Commissioner Gordon one of those pay as you go Trac Phones.
I am surprised he didn’t fill it with his plagerized speeches about words hope and change.
Anyway, when are we going to start seeing the planet healed and the oceans rising stopped? its been two months already…
BillaryMcBush on April 1, 2009 at 4:11 PM
I bet she’d rather have had a Kindle.
Fortunata on April 1, 2009 at 4:11 PM
This fool doesn’t have a clue what he is doing….DVD’s for the prime minister, ipod for the Queen, sending back the bust of Winston Churchill. Hey Obama, there’s a big green statue in New York harbour that was a gift to the U.S. Why don’t you go ahead and send that back to France. We really don’t need it anyway now that you are president.
cashless on April 1, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Give it time…still three years + to go.
BillaryMcBush on April 1, 2009 at 4:13 PM
I think that is the most gracious and accurate portrayal of Miss Michelle I’ve seen yet. Not that many folks are striving for graciousness on that front. It’s amazing to me how many peoples previously persecuted and abused, either here or abroad, live here with their liberty and blessings and prosperity and the near universal acceptance and respect of our society yet it’s not enough, somewhere they get the idea that they have to hate, that they can’t fit in, and this awkwardness develops that makes life for them so much less than it should be and blinds them to the truth of what they have and enjoy and the sacrifices made for them by this very people. Amazing, and sad, and sometimes frightening.
Maquis on April 1, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Look at that, I agree with getalife.
This wouldn’t have been a big deal if he had given her the iPod in private (so that it was a personal gift). However, in this case its a diplomatic gift and should have been more appropriate, something that would have been more in line with a historical gift between allies. Things that can be bought with money by any consumer is not likely to be a good choice when the Queen is one of the richest people in the world (land, jewelry, money, etc.).
Where are the cultural experts to guide this sort of thing? Why didn’t the Obamas question the gift themselves? Surely they would have wondered…no, wait, they have no real experience…
You know, it might not be such a bad idea to start giving some of the former PotUS a call on these things, I’d bet a year’s paycheck that they would have some insight into this sort of stuff.
Geministorm on April 1, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Was the Obama i-pod gift manufactured in the USA?
What is wrong with this jackass?
There ARE hand crafted gifts “Proudly made in the USA” like a Steinway worthy of giving to the British Queen–but there are also smaller hand made gifts; American artwork, or find out what musical instrument she played as a child, a flute or recorder or guitar? Or give her an archeological gift or meteor that fell to earth on US soil for the British Museum of natural history, something they don’t have yet. A Texas Pecan Pie or Southern fruit cake would at least get a chuckle.
maverick muse on April 1, 2009 at 4:16 PM
Yeah…get advice from Bill…I wonder how much stuff will dissappear from the whitehouse when they get the boot. I am thinking Hillary’s stolen Silverware will be peanuts in comparison.
BillaryMcBush on April 1, 2009 at 4:16 PM
There’s an idea. He should have given gifts to her staff, and the hell with her. After all, what is she but a “doddering, powerless, walking anachronism”?
Typical liberal. You’re not human if you happen to have anything. (Unless you make movies or have a television show, or are part of the administration.)
capitalist piglet on April 1, 2009 at 4:16 PM
I keep expecting to find out the entire Obama “administration” is really just an outtake from some wacky 70′s sit com.
The one with the bumbling dad, the cliched catch phrase (“Dyn-o-mite, What’s happening?, or Hope and Change), the wise cracking mom).
Then I can just laugh, watch the news and see real people in charge of our government.
Nope, instead I get JJ Walker as President and Uncle Fester as Vice President.
NoDonkey on April 1, 2009 at 4:17 PM
Exactly.
maverick muse on April 1, 2009 at 4:19 PM
How long until America Cancels the Obama show?
Its ratings are beginning to sag.
BillaryMcBush on April 1, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Is this best that Axelrod could feed you trolls today?
Knucklehead on April 1, 2009 at 4:21 PM
RESET that retro-TV show another decade and you’ll find much better characterizations for this lunatic presidency.
Even the Beverly Hillbillies had more couth than the Obamas–so out of their league on the international stage. You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig. The Obamas have bitter chips on their shoulders so big, they want to feign being Atlas.
maverick muse on April 1, 2009 at 4:23 PM
Kelley in Virginia, if memory serves, people who are not subjects of Her Majesty (or any other monarchs or royalty) are not required or even expected to bow or curtsy. A slight tilt of the head is okay, I believe. Does anyone know anything else about this? Someone put it to me this way a long time ago: “Our ancestors fought a bloody battle to gain the freedom not to bend the knee to kings and queens.”
By the way, I was visiting Scotland about 25 years ago, visiting a Scottish friend of mine. He wanted to show me Balmoral Castle, but said that the queen wouldn’t be there, because she was on her way to China. He and I took a walk down by the River Dee — beautiful fall weather, no other tourists around.
There is a very old stone bridge there, and we saw someone peek over the top of it for a moment, then disappear. Next thing we knew, a Range Rover drove along the dirt road on the far side of the little river, and out stepped two older women and about 11 Corgis, along with a driver in military attire.
The younger of the two women (although she was still elderly) wore what I recognized as the royal tartan, and had on a head scarf and brogue shoes. I gasped, “Alan, that’s the queen!” He said no, couldn’t be.
The three of them glanced at us once or twice, as all of the Corgis took a drink at the river (and barked at us). As they started to go back to the Range Rover, Alan and I ran up over the stone bridge and called out, “Good afternoon, your majesty!” By that time, she was just about to get into the car. She turned and gave us a wave, and then they all got in and drove away.
Luckily, I had three photos left in my old 35mm camera, so I got her picture. It was indeed QEII — she didn’t leave for China until the next day. We found out later that she often drove the dogs down to the little river (more like just a stream, where I come from)so they could get a drink and a quick run around.
Anyway, it was quite a thrill. But, no, I didn’t curtsy!
KyMouse on April 1, 2009 at 4:24 PM
Because the queen is not our sovereign, as a result of the Revolutionary War, it has been our custom NOT to bow or curtsy to her, or any other sovereign for that matter.
The British do it out of respect for their long history of the monarchy, but America does not recognize that tradition.
pocomoco on April 1, 2009 at 4:24 PM
I guess you could refuse to wear your “formal” toga, opting instead for a more casual, off the shoulder version
uncivilized on April 1, 2009 at 4:25 PM
I’m not going to touch that “disappear” comment, but yes, I think BJC would know what to get a foreign dignitary. Bill has been around the world a few times, so I think he’d have a pretty good idea. Apparently the Chinese were thrilled with all of those nuclear secrets… (queue drum) ba-dat-dat /snort
Geministorm on April 1, 2009 at 4:25 PM
The only way this would have been remotely acceptable is if this was 2001 and the president gave her the very first one to come off the Apple production line. Otherwise, it’s a joke and a disgrace. Even Oprah has to think this is a pathetic. She has been putting them under audience chairs as gifts for about five years now.
sherry on April 1, 2009 at 4:26 PM
There is not doubt in my mind that the Obamas know the implications of the gifts given to the UK’s monarch and its head of state. No doubt.
baldilocks on April 1, 2009 at 4:26 PM
Look out. Whenever the plebeians express dissatisfaction, the uberlordtards brow beat all the harder.
maverick muse on April 1, 2009 at 4:27 PM
Exactly.
So much for Obama diplomacy.
maverick muse on April 1, 2009 at 4:29 PM
I’m sure you’re right but why use the gifts? It seems so obviously petty.
sherry on April 1, 2009 at 4:29 PM
Where the hell is Sarah???
misslizzi on April 1, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Do you really think that they care?
baldilocks on April 1, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Installed Movies and Music:
Music: The Battle of New Orleans, God Save the Queen — Sex Pistols, The Wolfe Tones and Dubliners Greatest Hits.
Movies: Braveheart, Rob Roy, In the Name of the Father, The Patriot, Michael Collins and Gandhi
Caper29 on April 1, 2009 at 4:32 PM
If only for their image.
sherry on April 1, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Are you guys kidding? The One in trouble for putting down the British? After they tortured his grandfather? And that was reported….and it would explain a lot.
The drive-by media will Kennedyize this visit with the Queen and notice how busy and put upon he is. All his work and straining at the G-20!
And we talk about gifts!
IlikedAUH2O on April 1, 2009 at 4:35 PM
Obama singin the Blues.
JellyToast on April 1, 2009 at 4:35 PM
Tell that to John Adams.
You are wrong to assume that diplomatic protocol has no bearing just because you are uncouth. Manners and the lack thereof have consequences. Wars are begun and fought over MUTUAL RESPECT and the lack thereof; and Obama is pushing his envelope. That is NOT OK.
Morons need not assume I speak of war between the US and our European allies. I absolutely allude to Obama’s inability to maintain the peace with those who are NOT our European allies. This social ineptitude of Obama’s is not only a generational thing that he’s abusing at America’s expense, it is an immature BLACK racist thing that he’s out to prove NO ONE can tell him what he ought to do, that HE RESPECTS NO ONE.
maverick muse on April 1, 2009 at 4:36 PM
Given how race obsessed both of the Obamas are, it’s odd that they haven’t been using these occasions to showcase black Americans’ achievements. They could have been giving unique gifts of art painted (or sculpted or whatever) specially for the foreign head of state by talented black American artists. That sort of gift would be a lot more appropriate than these cheap, manufactured-in-China gadgets that anybody can buy in a corner drugstore or Walmart.
AZCoyote on April 1, 2009 at 4:38 PM
Re: Kennedy parallels, we saw how well things failed to go with JFK and Jackie O.
So how are things now between Michelle Obama and Caroline Onassis? Stewing.
maverick muse on April 1, 2009 at 4:40 PM
They care about their image alright–just not the conjured by us.
That would require class.
baldilocks on April 1, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Is there some protocol that the Obama’s are supposed to flank the queen for a photo shoot? Prince Philip seemed ready to stand next to his wife until Michelle elbowed him out of the way. Watch it again, MO practically pushed him out of the shot, as if he didn’t belong there. Had she stayed to the right, at least they would have bookended the royals. As it was, Michelle made the Prince look like an afterthought. I also have heard that one is not to shake the queen’s hand, only hold it for a quick touch. Classless.
And her outfit looked like a parochial school uniform. What was our trendsetter in chief thinking? She looked better, and thinner, getting off the plane.
The Obamas’ boorish behavior and dopey gift are an embarrassment.
marybel on April 1, 2009 at 4:41 PM
Yes but more importantly it is helpful if the most powerful politician in Britain – be it Gordon Brown or David Camerson – still has to kowtow to someone other than himself. It is precisely because the European Commission does not have to do this that Britain is in such a bad way.
aengus on April 1, 2009 at 4:41 PM
Who?
baldilocks on April 1, 2009 at 4:41 PM
Like minds!
maverick muse on April 1, 2009 at 4:42 PM
Protocol is a bit different on the Klingon homeworld…cut Worf a break…
sven10077 on April 1, 2009 at 4:43 PM
Not the point, Automaton. Everyone with a brain knows it’s not the point.
A question I’d like to ask is, who’s job is it (or should it be) to think of these gifts. Isn’t it a bit unfair to lay all of that on an self-described “overwhelmed” POTUS? Be/cause it makes all of us look just as overwhelmed as he does.
bluelightbrigade on April 1, 2009 at 4:45 PM
Of course Yahoo is practically calling Michelle’s attire couture.
I CANNOT TAKE FOUR YEARS OF THIS CLASSLESS COUPLE.
Dubn8tr on April 1, 2009 at 4:46 PM
OMG! I am sooooo embarrassed for us.
skatz51 on April 1, 2009 at 4:47 PM
The Queen visited Hong Kong on Oct. 21-23, 1986. She would have been 60 when you saw her. Enjoyable story.
JiangxiDad on April 1, 2009 at 4:47 PM
Obama: iDiot.
profitsbeard on April 1, 2009 at 4:47 PM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next »