Smart power: Obama gets the queen … an iPod
posted at 2:35 pm on April 1, 2009 by Allahpundit
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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?
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Damn!! I lost a $ 20.00 bet. I said Chicago Jesus would get the Queen a snuggie and Prince Phillip a Daisy “Red Rider” BB gun. shucks.
I wonder if the I-pod had the new love duet from Rihanna and Chris Brown??
Dire Straits on April 1, 2009 at 4:49 PM
As I understand it, The Big O left the gift selection stuff up to Chewbacca – I dunno, can he fire her?
uncivilized on April 1, 2009 at 4:51 PM
I’ll bet that’s the first set of leopard print sheets and lamp shades received at Windsor Castle.
viking01 on April 1, 2009 at 4:51 PM
What about a crown and scepter?
Loxodonta on April 1, 2009 at 4:55 PM
Does anyone have a link to previous exchanges of gifts between world leaders? I remember laughing reading that Blair gave Bush a woolly jumper (sweater) at the infamous “Yo Blair” meeting a few years ago, but that wasn’t their first meeting or a state visit or anything.
Fortunata on April 1, 2009 at 4:56 PM
NoDonkey on April 1, 2009 at 4:17 PM
whatchutalkinbout, NoDonkey?
I know, I know…
RAAAAAAAAAACIST!!!!!!!!
catmman on April 1, 2009 at 4:57 PM
Hopefully, this crappy Obama-rama show doesn’t have any spinoffs.
NoDonkey on April 1, 2009 at 5:00 PM
No no no,please tell me this is not true! Obama did not get the queen an IPOD?!
canditaylor68 on April 1, 2009 at 5:01 PM
He brought gifts for the rest of the G20, too.
Mr. D on April 1, 2009 at 5:07 PM
Seriously. Something must be up. I can’t believe that this administration is this dumb. I think it’s deliberate and I wonder what it means.
Ordinary1 on April 1, 2009 at 5:09 PM
One would think they would have tried really really hard to make up for the Brown faux pas. The fact that they didn’t suggests that the prior lack of protocol was intentional and not a faux pas at all.
patriette on April 1, 2009 at 5:11 PM
From Telegraph.co.uk:
Could someone please translate this sentence because I have read it three times and it still makes no sense at all.
Obviously, off-teleprompter.
tru2tx on April 1, 2009 at 5:14 PM
Not a chance this would happen. Such gifts would be indicative of an imagination and a sense of humor. Neither of this is detectable in either member of the First couple.
baldilocks on April 1, 2009 at 5:18 PM
this=these
baldilocks on April 1, 2009 at 5:19 PM
One must check the British sites for more photos, and some criticism as well. I love the caption on the last pic
“Could the ‘crease’ halfway up Mrs Obama’s right thigh prove she wears body-slimming ‘magic pants’?”
Brat on April 1, 2009 at 5:19 PM
No, I think they really are self-obsessed to the point that they can’t see what’s wrong with their choices. I also think that they’re literally unprepared for their sudden elevation to the Presidency, and like awkward teenagers, too arrogant to ask for help. The diplomatic corps must be having collective kittens.
Fortunata on April 1, 2009 at 5:20 PM
baldilocks on April 1, 2009 at 5:18 PM
Yep. Barry and Boo think Decorum is what you hire a Interior Designer to do.
Pitiful. Just Pi-ti-ful.
kingsjester on April 1, 2009 at 5:20 PM
I bet that set him back what, a couple hundred bucks.
Nothing but the best!
jeff_from_mpls on April 1, 2009 at 5:20 PM
force yourself to watch “King Ralph”….
sven10077 on April 1, 2009 at 5:21 PM
Liz Phair’s “H.W.C.” was ON the Ipod!
HondaV65 on April 1, 2009 at 5:21 PM
Oh Please! Man Up! You certainly can – you took 8 years of the Clintons!
HondaV65 on April 1, 2009 at 5:24 PM
Is this the new diplomacy? Re-gifting?
Chekote on April 1, 2009 at 5:27 PM
There is no comparison between Carla Bruni and Michelle Obama. Mrs. O looks like a WNBA player. She has no grace. Her style is frumpy or inappropriate.
Chekote on April 1, 2009 at 5:29 PM
Geez, one Obamateurism of the day is not enough. You can’t keep up with this clown.
tommuck on April 1, 2009 at 5:31 PM
Thanks. I had thought it was just typical incompetence, but I think you may well be right. An elitist put down would also be quite characteristic.
Loxodonta on April 1, 2009 at 5:31 PM
faux pas MA strikes again…
VTWaldrup on April 1, 2009 at 5:31 PM
That photo – did they resurrect Diane Arbus and the Jewish Giant theme? Jesus it’s a freak show over there.
BrideOfRove on April 1, 2009 at 5:33 PM
An Ipod????
How delightfully tacky…
Preloaded with all the best in hip-hop and gangsta rap I’d expect. Nothing like Her Majesty getting down, keeping it real, whilst getting in to Lil Dee, Crook Bladez, and the rest of the crew…
This nonsense has got to stop.
Obama is certainly on the bottom left of the winning friends and influencing world leaders curve.
Isn’t there anybody in the White House social secretary’s office who has actually dealt with world leaders, protocol and appropriate behaviours?
This is what happens when the former head of the Illinois Lottery is appointed White House Social Secretary. Desirée Rogers must be working overtime to come up with these “gifts.”
coldwarrior on April 1, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Her Royal Majesty was not amused at the impudent knave’s choice of a gift. Nor was she impressed with his clear lack of any discernible taste in women.
PercyB on April 1, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Wow, I wasn’t aware this thread was about Pappy Bush. But I guess deflection is SOP for you clowns.
If course, if that had been Bill Clinton puking on the Japanese PM, benny here would blame the Japanese for infecting Slick with a stomach flu and food poisoning, forcing him to “involuntarily” Meet Ralph in the PM’s lap.
Just curious-do you hold stock in Maytag?
Del Dolemonte on April 1, 2009 at 5:37 PM
Let’s see, an iPod for the British version of Mickey Mouse in exchange for a framed picture of said British tourist attraction. I’d say that’s a pretty good deal.
If you don’t like it, too bad. In case you didn’t the memo, you cretins lost – badly.
capitulus on April 1, 2009 at 5:38 PM
It’s obvious that 0bama is an anglophobe: the sending back of Sir Winston, the Costco gifts.
Lou Budvis on April 1, 2009 at 5:40 PM
Knowing what he would receive from the queen, I’m surprised that Obama didn’t opt for one of those Shepard Fairey campaign posters just to show her up.
Mr Tips on April 1, 2009 at 5:41 PM
Another day, another Obama embarrasment.
Did anyone watch the video feed of that meeting? How pathetic, Michelle Obama literally butting Prince Phillip out to hog the camera shot. Real class.
What’s next? A carton of menthols to Sarkozy?
Norwegian on April 1, 2009 at 5:43 PM
I just saw this. This is incredible. I can’t believe it.
Now I have to read the thread.
INC on April 1, 2009 at 5:43 PM
I managed to find out what the Queen gave to President Sarkozy on his state visit: some rare British stamps (he’s a mad keen stamp collector) and an honorary title (Order of the Bath). So it’s seems it’s OK to give a mixture of personal and “to the nation” kind of gifts. In which case, what the hell, at least they could have given her something like a fine American racehorse, a Texas longhorn, some artworks, some fine American weaponry (she’s a big huntin’ shootin’ fishin’ type). Anything that makes it seem that you didn’t just pick something up coming through the duty-free.
Fortunata on April 1, 2009 at 5:43 PM
I heard Obama gave Prince Charles a Frisbee.
albill on April 1, 2009 at 5:43 PM
I hope she set the royal corgis on him!
herrevery on April 1, 2009 at 5:44 PM
First DVDs. Now a iPod. Did the State Department go to Circuit City liquidation sale and stock up on gifts?
Chekote on April 1, 2009 at 5:44 PM
InkyBinkyBarleyBoo on April 1, 2009 at 5:44 PM
Thanks for that historical reference. I didn’t know that.
INC on April 1, 2009 at 5:45 PM
Mr Tips on April 1, 2009 at 5:41 PM
InkyBinkyBarleyBoo on April 1, 2009 at 5:44 PM
They would need a architectural printer designed for printing blueprints for that.
kingsjester on April 1, 2009 at 5:46 PM
My God.I never knew this guy was that smart.When he goes to Iran he could give the leader there a big country ham.Wow what a smart guy we have as Pres. and to think i did not vote for him.Shame on me.
thmcbb on April 1, 2009 at 5:47 PM
Tell me the resemblance isn’t there.
BrideOfRove on April 1, 2009 at 5:48 PM
As I’m reading through, I’ve noticed some other comments like this one. It becomes ever more clear that this administration’s expertise is limited to taking down political opponents and cramming through Leftist policies.
INC on April 1, 2009 at 5:48 PM
Hey Crapitalist, nice moving goal posts….back in 2000 it was PV that was “the real measure”(which was close) in 08 it is the EC….keep on spinning.
sven10077 on April 1, 2009 at 5:49 PM
They could have shot that photo a hundred other ways. Some photographer was feeling pissy -
BrideOfRove on April 1, 2009 at 5:49 PM
“Change”
Dr. ZhivBlago on April 1, 2009 at 5:50 PM
One good one was the first time the Japanese Prime Minister came to visit Dubyah. Dubyah learned that he was a major fan of Western movies so got him a vintage John Wayne poster.
The Japanese PM is also a huge Elvis fan, and gave Chimpy a CD of him singing Elvis’ hits.
The next time he came to visit Bush, his gift from the President was a private guided tour of Graceland.
Del Dolemonte on April 1, 2009 at 5:50 PM
You’d think they were offended by Ogabe and Chewbacca’s gaffes or something….
sven10077 on April 1, 2009 at 5:52 PM
You’re still here? Do you do anything other than commune with your fellow luddites on here, be slick with teh womenfolk and talk about Star Wars/Trek? Geez, welfare must be grand.
capitulus on April 1, 2009 at 5:52 PM
Bush wins 51% of the vote = “Nation divided”
O’bama wins 52% of the vote = “you cretins lost-badly”.
Thanks for the laugh, crap.
Del Dolemonte on April 1, 2009 at 5:53 PM
If your clown president ever gives me such a cheap and inappropriate gift I will give him a series of judo lessons on the spot!
PootyPoot on April 1, 2009 at 5:53 PM
The next time he came to visit Bush, his gift from the President was a private guided tour of Graceland.
Del Dolemonte on April 1, 2009 at 5:50 PM
Dubya also took him to The Rendezvous and treated him to the world famous ribs while in Memphis.
kingsjester on April 1, 2009 at 5:53 PM
Wouldn’t that be Geithner?
Blacklake on April 1, 2009 at 5:54 PM
Or the fact that Chewwy wore the frumpiest frock in her closet.
BrideOfRove on April 1, 2009 at 5:54 PM
Chiming in late on this, but a curtsy or bow is to denote subservience to a particular entity. In other countries, the citizenry bows or curtsies to their sovereigns; Americans do not have sovereigns, and it is incorrect to bow/curtsy to those of other nations. We bend our knees to God, or whatever we worship. American debutantes will curtsy to Society. Americans properly treat royalty with dignity, which is to say, with the traditional handshake and appropriate address (”Your Majesty” to the Queen, “Your Highness” to the Prince, “Your Holiness” to the Pope).
(Thank you, Mother and Daddy, for all those years of etiquette and deportment training).
DrMagnolias on April 1, 2009 at 5:54 PM
Not sure if anyone has pointed this out already, but this is an insult to the British on another level-after all, they had an Apple Corporation long before Steve Jobs founded his firm.
What do Sir Paul and Sir Starkey thing of that angle?
Del Dolemonte on April 1, 2009 at 5:56 PM
The Queen gave Obama an Etch-a-Sketch in return.
(And Michelle received a case of NAIR.)
profitsbeard on April 1, 2009 at 5:56 PM
Indeed Crappy must have a hard life what with that “gloriously large victory and all”….
Michelawroo is getting ready to drop a litter if Bambi drops below 55%…
sven10077 on April 1, 2009 at 5:56 PM
WTF? Like she couldn’t afford her own iPod. How many 80 year old women are pining for an iPod anyway? The other one she has is probably a gift one or her grandkids gave her.
Ann NY on April 1, 2009 at 5:58 PM
and a gift pack to PetSmart for when she is home….
sven10077 on April 1, 2009 at 5:58 PM
Maybe the “Humpty dance” was on it.
“I once got busy in a Burger King bathroom”
That’s affirmative action for ya.
LtE126 on April 1, 2009 at 6:00 PM
What else is on the Clueless One’s list of inappropriate gifts for foreign dignitaries???
Perhaps a gift certificate to Home Depot? A sports bra?
This one should easily win the Obamateurism of the week (and maybe the whole month).
landlines on April 1, 2009 at 6:01 PM
Ahh yes, the Larry Craig story. Another proud moment in the history of ‘Conservatism’.
capitulus on April 1, 2009 at 6:02 PM
It’s the thought, not the gift itself, that counts.
Clearly, little or no thought went into picking the Obamas’ gift to Queen Elizabeth.
Christien on April 1, 2009 at 6:02 PM
“The Queen gave Obama an Etch-a-Sketch in return.
(And Michelle received a case of NAIR.)”
Maybe she gave them a couple of cans of Magic Shave.
They get the “bumps” you know.
Michelle uses the menthol, Bambi uses original.
LtE126 on April 1, 2009 at 6:03 PM
Wow what an awesome example of how liberals are so accepting of alternative lifestyles…You have quite a small tent there capitulus.
canditaylor68 on April 1, 2009 at 6:05 PM
OK. Just saw Major Garret say that the Queen wanted a video iPod and it went over well. I guess never mind.
Ordinary1 on April 1, 2009 at 6:06 PM
The President, his wife and team represented our country great today.
getalife on April 1, 2009 at 6:07 PM
Or maybe Bambalamba and MustacheMichelle gave her a Shamwow, a SlapChop and a Graty.
Brought Vince along to personally demonstrate them.
LtE126 on April 1, 2009 at 6:07 PM
“OK. Just saw Major Garret say that the Queen wanted a video iPod and it went over well. I guess never mind.”
Dude. It’s Major Garret. He turned into another slurper months ago.
LtE126 on April 1, 2009 at 6:10 PM
It was loaded with video of the Queen’s last trip to our country.
The Queen gave the President a picture of her and her husband.
getalife on April 1, 2009 at 6:10 PM
I always thought Major was fair. I haven’t seen any reason to believe otherwise. Maybe the Queen really did want a video iPod with video of her last visit to America plus some of her favorite music?
Ordinary1 on April 1, 2009 at 6:13 PM
I love Diane Arbus’ work. That was a very fitting comparison!
sherry on April 1, 2009 at 6:18 PM
Now see, that’s why Southern’s and Westerner’s make better Leaders. You know darn well Laura Bush (or any Southern Woman) would be mortified to go visiting without a very good hostess’ gift. We’re raised to be good guests (or our Mothers would know hear about it.)
2nd Ammendment Mother on April 1, 2009 at 6:19 PM
Eh, which 80-year old woman wants a Ipod? Regardless, she is the wealthiest woman in the world, she could buy millions of these gadgets if she wanted to. Obviously she did not.
Just saw a story this on SkyNews, this is becoming quite the embarrasment for Obama….
Norwegian on April 1, 2009 at 6:19 PM
He followed numbnuts and Patrick Ewing around the campaign trail. Most of the time it looked like he had a “Cincinnati Slick” goin’.
Don’t know what that is?
Look it up.
LtE126 on April 1, 2009 at 6:19 PM
I guess subliminal advertising is one way for Obama to pay his debt to people who made his presidency happen. He can scratch Steve Jobs for the list.
Michelle Dubois on April 1, 2009 at 6:21 PM
The only embarrassment is in the minds of the cons as usual.
getalife on April 1, 2009 at 6:24 PM
Obama reminds me of that Seinfeld episode where Kramer falls in love with the handicapped woman and he and George get her a used wheelchair.
ddrintn on April 1, 2009 at 6:26 PM
Not according to many in the UK media.
ddrintn on April 1, 2009 at 6:28 PM
Worf broke protocol by breaking up the hosting couple….
that ain’t “con angst” chum…
sven10077 on April 1, 2009 at 6:29 PM
The Precedent should have gotten with the times, and his own idiocy, and bought the Queen a set of carbon offsets.
progressoverpeace on April 1, 2009 at 6:29 PM
Is the Queen and Prince Phillip standing in a hole? I like how Michelle nearly knocked Prince Phillip over to pose with the Queen. Classy…not.
RobCon on April 1, 2009 at 6:30 PM
Yes, your President is shameless and unembarrassable. Just like Borat.
Fortunata on April 1, 2009 at 6:32 PM
How can this be happening?
They didn’t learn anything from the Brown DVD gift debacle?
Yet our main stream media go on about how chic Mrs. O is.
Check Drudge, he put the gift gaffe as his headline.
FireBlogger on April 1, 2009 at 6:32 PM
Trolls flocking in vain to defend iBama…sure sign Barry’s flailing yet again.
Yep.
Christien on April 1, 2009 at 6:32 PM
Instead he gave her something that uses power.
Y-not on April 1, 2009 at 6:33 PM
As well as
Photos from President O’bama’s Inauguration
Audio of then-state senator O’bama’s speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, and
Audio of President O’bama 2009 Inauguration Address
The
adultsself-absorbed narcissicists are in charge now.Del Dolemonte on April 1, 2009 at 6:35 PM
She’s an “elite” so she is allowed….
it’s called the Goreon Rule…
sven10077 on April 1, 2009 at 6:35 PM
What I especially like about this gaffe is its tremendous efficiency. In addition to demonstrating what a crass moron he is, Obama manages to insult our neighbors to the north (according to polls done on her 80th birthday, she’s quite popular in Canada) and our other allies from the UK. Nice shootin’, Tex.
Y-not on April 1, 2009 at 6:37 PM
Knowing Obama he probably loaded the thing up with all of the Audio of all his speeches as well a personal narration of both his books.
Then again I am surprised that Obama didn’t get the Queen a region 1 DVD player so that way Gordon Brown could come over to the Palace and watch his DVDs with the Royal Family.
Dreadnought223 on April 1, 2009 at 6:39 PM
A poster over on L-com is thankful that Zero didn’t get QE2 a set of pink flamingos for the lawn.
viking01 on April 1, 2009 at 6:43 PM
Thinking that it’s ok to make the troops pay for their injuries is enough embarrassment for a lifetime. The untactful gifts and laughing at people with disabilities on primetime TV are pale in comparison but still embarrassing.
BTW getalife, I hear there’s a medicine that can fix that problem you’re experiencing in the frontal lobe.
Michelle Dubois on April 1, 2009 at 6:44 PM
I think it’s a joke.
Fortunata on April 1, 2009 at 6:44 PM
I wondered.
They should’ve gone all out and had the Queen giving the girls a unicorn instead of the pony.
Y-not on April 1, 2009 at 6:47 PM
Michelle sounded like a frickin’ elephant tromping into the room!
Jeez, these two are such an embarrassment…
Rae on April 1, 2009 at 6:47 PM
I would imagine the Queen has a great deal of practice at being unfailingly polite in all circumstances.
INC on April 1, 2009 at 6:48 PM
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