Obamateurism of the Day
posted at 8:05 am on November 30, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Let’s see what Emily Post has to say about toasting with little paper cocktail napkins stuck to the glass … especially at state dinners:
U.S. President Barack Obama and India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh make a toast during a State Dinner on the South Lawn of the White House, November 24, 2009.
Did we have the good plastic sporks on the table, too? I hope they didn’t forget the Chex Mix and the Cheez Whiz. (via SondraK)
Got an Obamateurism of the Day? If you see a foul-up by Barack Obama, e-mail it to me at obamaisms@edmorrissey.com with the quote and the link to the Obamateurism. I’ll post the best Obamateurisms on a daily basis, depending on how many I receive. Include a link to your blog, and I’ll give some link love as well. And unlike Slate, I promise to end the feature when Barack Obama leaves office.
Illustrations by Chris Muir of Day by Day. Be sure to read the adventures of Sam, Zed, Damon, and Jan every day!
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I suppose Obama could have said the glass was wearing a burka, but I doubt that would have gone over very well with the Indian prime minister…
jon1979 on November 30, 2009 at 8:08 AM
“It is appropriate on this occasion that I should have a napkin stuck to my glass for the first time in my administration.”
apostic on November 30, 2009 at 8:08 AM
Oh No, the messiah was performing a magic act. See how that napkin was defying gravity. That’s the proof we’ve all been waiting for. I believe, I believe……
poxoma on November 30, 2009 at 8:12 AM
That’s not a napkin, it’s a white flag.
myrenovations on November 30, 2009 at 8:15 AM
I love it when there’s funny with my coffee.
anniekc on November 30, 2009 at 8:15 AM
Too funny.
publiuspen on November 30, 2009 at 8:15 AM
The French heartily approved the surrender.
Hongqi on November 30, 2009 at 8:16 AM
Another unprecedented moment in the Obama Administration.
kingsjester on November 30, 2009 at 8:17 AM
I wonder if there’s toilet paper stuck to his shoe…
loudmouth883 on November 30, 2009 at 8:17 AM
Just be happy they have wine glasses. With this administration, it would have not surprised me to have plastic cups and a keg.
highhopes on November 30, 2009 at 8:20 AM
Do not try to
bendremove thespoonnapkin — that’s impossible. Instead, only try to realize the truth: there is nospoonnapkin.doriangrey on November 30, 2009 at 8:20 AM
That’s a historic napkin!! An UNPRECEDENTED AND HISTORICALLY AWESOME NAPKIN!!!
/Media
crazy_legs on November 30, 2009 at 8:20 AM
You’ve got it all wrong. The Cover-girl in chief was presenting the napkin as a gift to the Indian Prime Minister.
TXUS on November 30, 2009 at 8:21 AM
The Indian guy has an amber colored liquid, Ogabe’s is clear. What was it, a water and apple juice toast; man up you puss.
Bishop on November 30, 2009 at 8:22 AM
It’s bad luck to toast with water, isn’t it?
myrenovations on November 30, 2009 at 8:23 AM
is he toasting with water? He has beer summits and makes toasts with water?
who does that? Even people that don’t drink toast with a little wine, or some sparkling cider or something…
whatevs. Fits the narrative–he’s an amateur. Reap what you sow.
ted c on November 30, 2009 at 8:26 AM
hahahaha
becki51758 on November 30, 2009 at 8:26 AM
This is exactly why I can’t sleep at night….
ladyingray on November 30, 2009 at 8:28 AM
Where’s the cocktail umbrella?
ya2daup on November 30, 2009 at 8:28 AM
was his shirt tail zipped through the front of his tux as well? Just reminds me, once again, of another great dinner scene from one of the greatest movies of all time!!!
Don’t laugh now…
ted c on November 30, 2009 at 8:29 AM
Yeah, tragic if something bad should happen to the rat bastard traitor. Gotta ask why Singh, who had heart surgery in January is drinking though. Maybe it’s just the Obama Kool-Aid.
highhopes on November 30, 2009 at 8:29 AM
Toasting with water
Considered to be bad luck,
And is very rude.
Seriously, dude!
Invest in a glass of wine!
Don’t be such a dork!
Haiku Guy on November 30, 2009 at 8:29 AM
White flag of surrender.
maverick muse on November 30, 2009 at 8:31 AM
Can anyone improve on this?
ncborn on November 30, 2009 at 8:32 AM
And too true.
rbj on November 30, 2009 at 8:32 AM
Straight vodka.
katy the mean old lady on November 30, 2009 at 8:32 AM
thanks to wikipedia for the info
ted c on November 30, 2009 at 8:33 AM
Worse yet, his glass is stemware. The napkin should have been under the base. What the hell was it doing stuck to the side? How did it get up there?
Kafir on November 30, 2009 at 8:34 AM
What if GWB had done it?
ted c on November 30, 2009 at 8:34 AM
“Who could have imagined, that one day, this nation would be led by a man of African descent with napkins stuck to his glass.”
BadgerHawk on November 30, 2009 at 8:34 AM
Obama’s blind spot exposed?
maverick muse on November 30, 2009 at 8:34 AM
Hey, Manny! I spit in your glass!
Haiku Guy on November 30, 2009 at 8:35 AM
If GWB had done it, today’s narrative would be one of a “dry” president seeking to stay on the wagon. Had GWB lifted his glass with alcohol in it, they’d say he’s off the wagon again.
But, Obama does it and the MSM goes “whatevs…”
Narratives.
ted c on November 30, 2009 at 8:35 AM
ted c on November 30, 2009 at 8:34 AM
Rephrase for strength: “Bush never did that.”
maverick muse on November 30, 2009 at 8:37 AM
And thank you for posting it.
myrenovations on November 30, 2009 at 8:38 AM
To date, we have Saved or Created 147,513 coctail napkins.
Oh, wait a minute! Make that 147,514!
Haiku Guy on November 30, 2009 at 8:38 AM
They were the special Holiday napkins that came with the sporks.
Cybergeezer on November 30, 2009 at 8:40 AM
Too blind to see it, too proud to fix it, inability, apathy. No matter the spin, Obama couldn’t care less.
Antipathy for the moment and the guests.
maverick muse on November 30, 2009 at 8:41 AM
Do nit diss chex mix. At least, not the jalapeno-flavored variety.
irishspy on November 30, 2009 at 8:42 AM
Just remember this…..Every day above ground is a good day.
I assure you, one day good times will once again shine down on this great country, and we’ll all look back and laugh, saying “Remember that POS that used to be President….Wow, was he ever a moron”.
Jerome Horwitz on November 30, 2009 at 8:43 AM
These napkins were left over from the previous administration.
Ted Torgerson on November 30, 2009 at 8:44 AM
As for the toilet paper, it’s stuck to his tele-prompter.
Cybergeezer on November 30, 2009 at 8:44 AM
I blame Bush.
Itchee Dryback on November 30, 2009 at 8:44 AM
Did he bow after the toast?
Hongqi on November 30, 2009 at 8:45 AM
How he treats others speaks loudly of his arrogance and condescending attitude.Sickening.
ohiobabe on November 30, 2009 at 8:45 AM
Michelle put it in her hair.
Shy Guy on November 30, 2009 at 8:47 AM
“Momma always said: tacky is as tacky does…”
rockbend on November 30, 2009 at 8:48 AM
You miserable neocons! He’s only been in office less than a year! Give him a chance!/
Lanceman on November 30, 2009 at 8:49 AM
Bullseye
LibTired on November 30, 2009 at 8:51 AM
All he needed was some toilet paper stuck to his shoe and the ensemble would be complete.
mizflame98 on November 30, 2009 at 8:59 AM
…or maybe a toilet paper tail sticking out from the back of his trousers.
mizflame98 on November 30, 2009 at 9:01 AM
“Spare a square for ObamaCare.”
LibTired on November 30, 2009 at 9:01 AM
It’s not a problem as long as it doesn’t block his reflection.
hamnj7 on November 30, 2009 at 9:05 AM
Looks like that Ivy League education really taught him well. Hell, even a kid from a Big Ten school would at least raise a can of Busch Light for a toast…
ted c on November 30, 2009 at 9:08 AM
Can you read a teleprompter through a glass of water?
ted c on November 30, 2009 at 9:09 AM
If I had to guess, Mr. Obama’s only complaint about this photo is that it is a very unflattering angle of him. The money shot is always The Won and that is all that is important.
Cindy Munford on November 30, 2009 at 9:12 AM
Great idea, Ed, I’ll be watching and thinking!
Webutante on November 30, 2009 at 9:15 AM
He had a shirt tail weenie too.
Akzed on November 30, 2009 at 9:18 AM
It would be even bigger news than the fact that Tiger Woods has a problem with his driving.
As it is, the left will rally the usual groups of “historians” including Doris Kerns Godwin and Douglas Brinkley to issue the opinion that there is a long tradition of Presidents using a napkin as part of the first toast of their administration. Given enough time, they will even photoshop George Washington holding a glass/handkerchief as he pays tribute to France upon Lafayette’s visit to the US.
highhopes on November 30, 2009 at 9:19 AM
Perhaps it’s an ethnic thing. The core constituency of the filthy lying coward is likely to be drinking al fresco from a vessel encased in brown paper wrapping. Maybe holding a napkin in that matter is a shout out to Cousin Pookie and the rest of his homeboys.
highhopes on November 30, 2009 at 9:22 AM
Really hilarious thread. LOL You guys are awesome.
thread WINNAR – and on this thread that’s saying something.
inviolet on November 30, 2009 at 9:25 AM
Not really that bad for a Chicago South Side street thug.
ManUFan on November 30, 2009 at 9:25 AM
+2
ted c on November 30, 2009 at 9:26 AM
Obama. Once again redefining America. Downward.
coldwarrior on November 30, 2009 at 9:27 AM
Finally we have toasting justice.
And as for mere water being in the glass, well, it only STARTED OUT as water. Then when Obama gave thanks and blessed the water…
Mojave Mark on November 30, 2009 at 9:27 AM
funny!
ted c on November 30, 2009 at 9:29 AM
What? He had the words of his toast written out on that napkin, it had to be in his line of sight….
/sarc
cs89 on November 30, 2009 at 9:32 AM
This was merely careless and inconsiderate. I’m counting on more egregious obamateurisms to fill out the week. Giddy with anticipation.
SKYFOX on November 30, 2009 at 9:50 AM
So Obama, the Japanese Emperor and the Saudi King are all in a sauna together.
A faint beep comes from the direction of the Saudi King, who looks at his wrist and nods. By way of explanation, the King offers: “I have had a miniature pager surgically implanted in my wrist, so I can keep in touch of all affairs of state no matter where I am.
A short time later, yet another faint beep echoes in the sauna, this time from the direction of the Japanese Emperor, who briefly holds what is apparently a conversation, before offering the explanation: “I have had a miniature cell phone embedded in my skull, so I can immediately communicate with my government at any and all times”.
A few minutes later, Obama, a little embarrassed by having only his klunky Blackberry, gets up and leaves the sauna. When he returns, he has a long train of toilet paper trailing from his posterior. When the King and the Emperor draw his attention to it, he explains: “Yo, I’m gettin’ a fax!“.
mr.blacksheep on November 30, 2009 at 9:51 AM
Well done.
myrenovations on November 30, 2009 at 9:53 AM
Kobe beef at State Dinner: $100 per pound
Arugula salad greens flown in from France: $125 per pound
Toasting with spring water from Tibet: $80 per glass
Hoisting a white flag lifted from Hardees: Priceless
Yoop on November 30, 2009 at 9:54 AM
I’m still waitin for the One or Mrs. One to appear with TP stuck to a shoe. *sigh* Never, ever am I surprised at this guy. If he can look like a dink, he does.
Mad Mad Monica on November 30, 2009 at 9:55 AM
And, just for lingering effect…
“
RuprechtBarack, do you want the genital cuff?”ExpressoBold on November 30, 2009 at 9:56 AM
+1000
I can’t stop laughing, OMG. Thank you, guys.
And thanks very much, Ed. I’ve never laughed as hard as this for a loooong time. That picture should definitely be included in your book / compilation of Obamateurisms that will one day (soon, I hope) be published.
mz.josephine on November 30, 2009 at 9:57 AM
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ted c on November 30, 2009 at 9:58 AM
You can take the domestic enemy out of the ghetto, but you’ll never take the ghetto out of the domestic enemy.
Alden Pyle on November 30, 2009 at 9:59 AM
My thoughts exactly, that or his coat tucked into the back of his pants!
dhunter on November 30, 2009 at 9:59 AM
If its true that sh%t runs downhill and I believe it is, we are so screwed. Absolute embarassment to our Nation.
LSUMama on November 30, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Later that evening…………..
Alden Pyle on November 30, 2009 at 10:15 AM
No Cheez Whiz necessary. Obama is cheesy enough.
UltimateBob on November 30, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Nice white flag.
GarandFan on November 30, 2009 at 10:30 AM
A couple shakes from a salt-shaker on your napkin prevents such humiliations, FYI.
visions on November 30, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Yeah. Then there is the troublesome issue of the proper way to hold a wine glass. I’m not a bigshot politician but I know how. Another etiquette FU.
LarryG on November 30, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Unprecedented !
borntoraisehogs on November 30, 2009 at 12:10 PM
?????
You’re letting me down, Haiku Guy.
Honestly, I don’t think you’re even trying any more.
*
*
It’s only three lines
And seventeen syllables.
Stay true to your art.
Tom_OC on November 30, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Obviously this is only a hypothetical scenario you’re describing because I see no mention of Obrawndo then bowing to demonstrate his humble apologies for America’s divisive past.
Tom_OC on November 30, 2009 at 12:20 PM
C’mon now. Don’t you guys recognize a Chicago-style toast?
n0doz on November 30, 2009 at 1:35 PM
As stupid and oblivious as he looks, he’ll go in history, eternally, in the picture bowing to the emperor of Japan. It’s sealed.
Schadenfreude on November 30, 2009 at 2:01 PM
Stupid is as stupid does!
Pinnochio the king of stupid!
dhunter on November 30, 2009 at 2:39 PM
Paper napkins at a State Dinner.
Napkin stuck to your glass, as you give a toast, at a State dinner using paper napkins.
So called suave, and cool President, with paper napking stuck to his glass, as he makes a toast at a state dinner, using paper napkins?
Worthless!
capejasmine on November 30, 2009 at 2:53 PM
The adults are in charge.
malclave on November 30, 2009 at 2:55 PM
OK, the same chance libs gave GWB. Deal?
mwdiver on November 30, 2009 at 3:07 PM
What? The damn teleprompter broke again!
Rahm: wait I have an idea. Take this napkin and….
faol on November 30, 2009 at 4:32 PM
“My many sincere aplogizes….my nose was to far up in the air to take note of anything that happened below eye level
proudteadrinker on November 30, 2009 at 9:34 PM
I know I respect those world leaders who can keep from breaking out laughing at Obama’s gaffes a whole lot. How they keep a straight face is beyond me. (Note, Putin and Medvedev didn’t keep nice straight faces.)
{^_^}
herself on December 1, 2009 at 2:18 AM