Obamateurism of the Day
posted at 8:05 am on December 17, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
The Anchoress captured today’s Obamateurism from the Oprah Winfrey interview, in which Barack Obama once again shows us the very essence of humility — by declaring that no one gives him better gifts than those he gives others:
“I have given some good gifts — you get some nice stuff — here’s the general rule: I give nicer stuff than I get.”
Let’s test that thesis, shall we? When Gordon Brown paid a state visit to the Obamas, he brought these gifts for his new partner in the “special relationship”:
Mr Brown’s gifts included an ornamental desk pen holder made from the oak timbers of Victorian anti-slaver HMS Gannet, once named HMS President.
Mr Obama was so delighted he has already put it in pride of place in the Oval Office on the Resolute desk which was carved from timbers of Gannet’s sister ship, HMS Resolute.
Another treasure given to the U.S. President was the framed commission for HMS Resolute, a vessel that came to symbolise Anglo-US peace when it was saved from ice packs by Americans and given to Queen Victoria.
Finally, Mr Brown gave a first edition set of the seven-volume classic biography of Churchill by Sir Martin Gilbert.
And what did Obama give Brown?
Gordon Brown has been given a collection of 25 classic American films on DVD as his official gift from Barack Obama.
The Prime Minister flew home from his successful trip to Washington this morning with the ’special collector’s box’ of films hidden in his luggage.
Why, how thoughtful! Did I mention that the DVDs were the wrong region code? And that Gordon Brown is visually handicapped?
Obama gave the Queen of the UK an iPod … with his speeches on it. The Obamas gave the Browns’ young children two plastic replicas of Marine One, the presidential helicopter, while the Browns gifted the Obamas’ daughters with Topshop outfits and six soon-to-be published childrens’ books from British authors.
If Obama has any gifts, gift-giving is certainly not one of them. Hubris, on the other hand, may well be.
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.
Blowback
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B+ gifter busted! It’s so easy.
Fletch54 on December 17, 2009 at 8:08 AM
LOLOLOL
dear leader is so funny
cmsinaz on December 17, 2009 at 8:09 AM
Obama thinks his arrogance is part of his charm.
CarolynM on December 17, 2009 at 8:10 AM
“I have given some good gifts — you get some nice stuff — here’s the general rule: I give nicer stuff than I get.”
———————————————————
Oh boy,the Queen really got a gift alright!!
===========================================
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 United States visit to Richmond, Jamestown and Williamsburg in Virginia. In return, the Queen gave the President a silver framed signed photograph of herself and the Duke of Edinburgh – apparently a standard present for visiting dignitaries.
canopfor on December 17, 2009 at 8:11 AM
Narcissus, thy name is Obowma!
bikermailman on December 17, 2009 at 8:11 AM
He just spews his lies loud and proud, don’t he…
SHARPTOOTH on December 17, 2009 at 8:11 AM
He’s gifted the presidency, we get the shaft. Well, in that case he’s right.
WesternActor on December 17, 2009 at 8:12 AM
Only two words are needed.
Key West Reader on December 17, 2009 at 8:13 AM
Back during the campaign, he said that he and his wife don’t even give their own children presents. Apparently because they get so many gifts from other people, but it just seems odd to me.
myrenovations on December 17, 2009 at 8:13 AM
Did he attend the same School of Humily and Grace as voxpopuli? As long as they have themselves, they’ll never be alone.
kingsjester on December 17, 2009 at 8:13 AM
excellent and to the point
cmsinaz on December 17, 2009 at 8:14 AM
Obama- America’s citizens gave me the Presidency, I gave them double digit unemployment and trillions in deficit spending. Oh, by the way, you’re welcome.
CBP on December 17, 2009 at 8:14 AM
I have an idea. Lets all list what gift we would like to give BO and his wife this christmas. Anyone?
I will start the list: I would like to give a box full of grade A, American cow dung. So POTUS will have a closer look at what he declares as a pollutant.
jbh45 on December 17, 2009 at 8:15 AM
“I’m the gift that keeps on giving” Obama..
the_nile on December 17, 2009 at 8:15 AM
Um..ah..just..ah..um..shoot..lost my thoughts again…
ah..um..just ah..um…to be ah..clear..um..ah..ah…
I.um..ah..shoot..I..ah..um..still searching..ah..for
the ah..right word…oh ya..ah..my gifts…are ah..
magical…no..thats ah..um..not it..um..um..ahh(Snark).
canopfor on December 17, 2009 at 8:16 AM
Ogabe is giving my finances an enema this year, and I didn’t get him a thing. What a jerk I am.
Bishop on December 17, 2009 at 8:16 AM
Best. Obamateurism. Evar!
oddjob1138 on December 17, 2009 at 8:16 AM
“I’m the gift that keeps on giving” Obama..
the_nile on December 17, 2009 at 8:15 AM
the_nile: You betcha,as Obama says,”We are the ones we have
been waiting for!:)(sarc).
canopfor on December 17, 2009 at 8:19 AM
+1
revolutionismyname on December 17, 2009 at 8:19 AM
This empty suit is truly an amateur, in thought, word and deed. Most everyone around him (his college of synchophants) is similarly afflicted by incompetence, inexperience, cluelessness, and corruption. Idiocy? Thy name is Democrat.
bradley11 on December 17, 2009 at 8:20 AM
His walking papers ;)
Beaglemom on December 17, 2009 at 8:21 AM
Ogabe is giving my finances an enema this year, and I didn’t get him a thing. What a jerk I am.
Bishop on December 17, 2009 at 8:16 AM
Bishop: Don’t be so hard on yourself,its the thought,that
counts!!:)
canopfor on December 17, 2009 at 8:21 AM
B+ gifter busted! It’s so easy.
Fletch54 on December 17, 2009 at 8:08 AM
But remember, when dingy harry & miss america pass healthcare, his grade is automatically increased to ‘A-’
Exist question: does he get his A- before the state of the union show?
lukespapa on December 17, 2009 at 8:22 AM
Unfortunately, the gift He is giving the American people is the ‘gift that keeps on giving,’ a tax increase.
Oh, wait. Isn’t that taking?
TimBuk3 on December 17, 2009 at 8:22 AM
Obama’s Christmas Gift to America.
Key West Reader on December 17, 2009 at 8:23 AM
I have an idea. Lets all list what gift we would like to give BO and his wife this christmas. Anyone?
His walking papers ;)
Beaglemom on December 17, 2009 at 8:21 AM
Beaglemom:Too late,FLOTUS already has one!!!:)
http://iowntheworld.com/blog/?p=13061
canopfor on December 17, 2009 at 8:24 AM
One way tickets to Kenya.
TXUS on December 17, 2009 at 8:24 AM
Obama’s Christmas Gift to America.
Key West Reader on December 17, 2009 at 8:23 AM
Key West Reader: Thats gonna go great with Mom Jeans,ahem!:)
canopfor on December 17, 2009 at 8:26 AM
One sign of a true narcissist is the inability to recognize one’s (The One’s) own arrogance.
ProfessorMiao on December 17, 2009 at 8:26 AM
Here’s what Obama needs. It’s for real!
Key West Reader on December 17, 2009 at 8:27 AM
Ed, glad you agree with my own observation shared the day after Obama stupidly pleasured himself on air for Oprah.
maverick muse on December 17, 2009 at 8:30 AM
Considering Obamas gifts to the American public, some of which we have not recieved yet, I would say that Brown should count his blessings…
percysunshine on December 17, 2009 at 8:31 AM
Obama has managed to do something none of us thought was possible…
Drive away the trolls. They never pop up on Obama threads anymore. Just Palin threads.
uknowmorethanme on December 17, 2009 at 8:32 AM
If I gave the Pookie-dent a flaming bag of dog poop on the White House steps, that would be a better gift than what he’s given us………then again, I would never leave poop on the White House steps, I have respect for the building.
Jerome Horwitz on December 17, 2009 at 8:35 AM
I’m just waiting for Obama to start talking about himself in the 3rd person. It will happen.
reaganaut on December 17, 2009 at 8:35 AM
Wait a tic,the next thing ya know,Lefty bloggers
will start saying,Obama was actually like the three
wise men,bearing gifts!(Sarc).
canopfor on December 17, 2009 at 8:35 AM
Can we safely say gifts and gift-giving are one thing Obama didn’t inherit from Bush?
Rovin on December 17, 2009 at 8:38 AM
LOL!
Was his mother actually named Stanley Ann Dunham? If that’s for real, his grandmother was not a “typical white person”.
TXUS on December 17, 2009 at 8:39 AM
Heres what Team Obama recieved,as gifts!
http://www.frabel.com/news/president-obama-and-world-dignitaries-presented-glass-art-frabel-pittsburgh-summit
canopfor on December 17, 2009 at 8:39 AM
Bleeds still makes an effort, though as usual it falls flat. If you had seen him trying to defend Ogabe for being against gay marriage…well you might have felt a twinge of pity for the boy. It was pretty sad.
Bishop on December 17, 2009 at 8:39 AM
More evidence that he’s totally lacking in any kind of self-awareness, and thus probably has sociopathic tendencies.
Some common behavioral features (from http://www.mcafee.cc/Bin/sb.html):
# Glibness and Superficial Charm
# Manipulative and Conning
# Grandiose Sense of Self
# Pathological Lying
# Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
# Shallow Emotions
# Callousness/Lack of Empathy
# Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
# Irresponsibility/Unreliability
# Poor work ethic but exploits others
It’s possible to find public examples of each of these behaviors in OB+ama.
mr.blacksheep on December 17, 2009 at 8:40 AM
The only gift I want from Obama is a press release with the words: “I quit”.
Doughboy on December 17, 2009 at 8:41 AM
The Iranians and Li’l Kim agree!
mankai on December 17, 2009 at 8:41 AM
Bleeds still makes an effort, though as usual it falls flat. If you had seen him trying to defend Ogabe for being against gay marriage…well you might have felt a twinge of pity for the boy. It was pretty sad.
Bishop on December 17, 2009 at 8:39 AM
Bishop: Bill Clinton,in his two terms,threw the Gay rights
Groups,under da bus,and now Obama has done the same!
And,since Obama has done it as well,the Liberal
Party has hit a trifecta of throwing the GRGroups,
under da bus for the third time!:)
canopfor on December 17, 2009 at 8:44 AM
His real gifts are being documented using The Twelve Days by the gents over at Hillbuzz
They will be releasing day #4 today!
singlemalt_18 on December 17, 2009 at 8:44 AM
I think he’s plenty good at giving.
I only hope he doesn’t stop to ask himself why we, his loyal opposition, are positively giddy these days.
Thank you Mr. President for all you do!
jeff_from_mpls on December 17, 2009 at 8:44 AM
Weekly jobless claims just came out: 480,000.
“You’re welcome.”
-Ogabe
Bishop on December 17, 2009 at 8:47 AM
Winner.
TXUS on December 17, 2009 at 8:49 AM
The Prince of Incompetence displays his lack of class every opportunity he gets.
And his concern for others is displayed equally well.
The American People should be sooooo proud of this (s)election.
It also shows how effective “Affirmative Action” is.
BUT, IT’S EMBARRASSING TO ADMIT WE MADE SUCH A HUGE MISTAKE.
Cybergeezer on December 17, 2009 at 8:49 AM
But he loves giving away our wealth.
forest on December 17, 2009 at 8:49 AM
Can we safely say gifts and gift-giving are one thing Obama didn’t inherit from Bush?
Rovin on December 17, 2009 at 8:38 AM
Rovin: You peeked my curiosity of Bush vrs.Hopey in gifts!
I present,exhibit A.
http://americandigest.org/mt-archives/picturethis/confirmed_the_o.php
canopfor on December 17, 2009 at 8:50 AM
He must have one of those fairy tale mirrors that lie to him….6 things God hates…Note the first God lists is ARROGANCE or PRIDE…Proverbs 6:16
ohiobabe on December 17, 2009 at 8:50 AM
He takes up basketball to please his POS dad who gave him a ball.
He assumes the Marxist economic theories of his POS dad who did nothing for him.
He writes a book about the dreams he got from his POS dad who gave him little else.
The One needs therapy.
What else will he do in his quest to gain the love of a dead man?
Disturb the Universe on December 17, 2009 at 8:50 AM
The difference between Obama and Santa when it comes to gift giving…
Santa comes down a shaft and then gives you presents. Obama gives you presents, and then you feel like you got the shaft.
JetBoy on December 17, 2009 at 8:52 AM
I wrote a post about that portion of the Obamamas special, starring Barry and Me-me-mechelle. They bickered back and forth about who gives better gifts… it struck me as classless and mean-spirited. Everytime I see them in an interview together, they are sniping at each other… very unpleasant.
jana on December 17, 2009 at 8:52 AM
Considering Obama’s gifts to the American public, some of which we have not received yet, I would say that Brown should count his blessings…
percysunshine on December 17, 2009 at 8:31 AM
Excellent observation. Brown no doubt is grateful that Obama isn’t HIS president.
The only avail that Americans have to reject this Fraud in Chief by utilizing Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” and P.O. “Return To Sender” is to apply the same verdict on every Congressional enabler.
Demand the initiation of the impeachment procedure on the basis of the UNCONSTITUTIONAL legislation awaiting Obama’s signature that breaks the dams separating distinction of powers between government branches, granting the potus access to tax funds to spend without Congressional approval. For the loyal opposition to not get the paperwork started is unforgivable, proving their own part in permitting the demise of our Constitutional Republic.
maverick muse on December 17, 2009 at 8:54 AM
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
December 8, 2009
My money says this trend shall continue.
Merry Christmas from the Obama’s.
Cybergeezer on December 17, 2009 at 9:02 AM
jana on December 17, 2009 at 8:52 AM
The Obama malice, bad enough from Chicago, is unbearable from the White House.
America saw Obama’s UNPRESIDENTIAL ANTIPATHY on his return flight from Berlin during the potus campaign as he gathered his minions to back his personal attack on FOX News David Gregory. At worst, censorship of free speech. At best, poor sportsmanship.
maverick muse on December 17, 2009 at 9:02 AM
I have found,the perfect gift for Obama!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eric_tank/2678855518/
canopfor on December 17, 2009 at 9:02 AM
The thing is, he really does. What else explains the Greek columns, the speeches in Germany, the Office of the President Elect, the repeated “never before in history did we think IIIII would come along”s and the “slow of the oceans’ rise” drivel?
inviolet on December 17, 2009 at 9:04 AM
A sign of the end of the English language.
gifted?
Gift is a noun, not a verb.
slp on December 17, 2009 at 9:04 AM
George and Laura Bush – pure class and deeply missed compared to these two!
PatMac on December 17, 2009 at 9:05 AM
The unemployed lack of money is on that decided trend, as well. “Seasons Greetings” from Spockbama who fails miserably the Emotional Intelligence test.
maverick muse on December 17, 2009 at 9:05 AM
Good point.
/And “gifted” is an adjective, not a verb.
maverick muse on December 17, 2009 at 9:07 AM
Dear Liar certainly is giving something to America — but it isn’t nice.
rbj on December 17, 2009 at 9:07 AM
So what does that say about Michelle and the presents she gives Obama?
albill on December 17, 2009 at 9:10 AM
You’ll love this: Fits Obama’s governing style.
From: http://kenyapage.net/sports/bball.html
Cybergeezer on December 17, 2009 at 9:11 AM
Now that’s a good lookin’ turtle!
Cybergeezer on December 17, 2009 at 9:16 AM
The difference between Obama and Santa when it comes to gift giving…
Santa comes down a shaft and then gives you presents. Obama gives you presents, and then you feel like you got the shaft.
JetBoy on December 17, 2009 at 8:52 AM
JetBoy: Just to be extra careful,about the shaft part,
I’m gonna spike the cookies and milk,and call
up Barney to pick Hopey him up!!Ahem(sarc):)
canopfor on December 17, 2009 at 9:17 AM
It’s statements like these that give credence to his poor upbring. Not a disadvantaged childhood, just one where humility and love for his fellow man apparently were deleted from his life lessons. We are witnessing what you get when a person is convinced that the Sun rises and sets on him.
Cindy Munford on December 17, 2009 at 9:17 AM
Crap,delete the him after Hopey!Ugh.
canopfor on December 17, 2009 at 9:18 AM
What would I give BO for Christmas? Well, since he claims to be sooo good at giving, how is he at receiving.
I’ll chip in for BO to have a weekend get-away with Barney Frank and Kevin (fisting) Jennings.
ZeeMI on December 17, 2009 at 9:19 AM
You can take the boy out of Walmart but …….
faol on December 17, 2009 at 9:20 AM
George and Laura Bush – pure class and deeply missed!
PatMac on December 17, 2009 at 9:05 AM
Laura Bush will always remain the real deal of our nation’s First Lady. Despite the obnoxious press, she was always so calmly dignified in her genuine love for America and pride in her husband’s character. We treasure our memories of Laura Bush sharing the White House Christmas Tour for Americans to enjoy experiencing the Christmas spirit together yearly, theme by theme beautifully created and commemorated.
The Obamas knew they couldn’t compete, so they do the AWOL for their official INCOMPLETE (claiming B+) to spite Americans and destroy tradition along with national unity. Obama revises the role of Ebenezer Grinch Scrooge to never repent.
Obama Greed Corruption Rules Unfettered
America, behold the Season of Change brought to you by Black Liberation Theology and Marx.
maverick muse on December 17, 2009 at 9:22 AM
So what does that say about Michelle and the presents she gives Obama?
albill on December 17, 2009 at 9:10 AM
bad sex
maverick muse on December 17, 2009 at 9:24 AM
Becoming an adult, and intermingling with your peer group gives one clues as to other people’s concerns and needs. And you learn to reciprocate in kind.
Apparently, Obama hasn’t reached that stage, and at this rate, never will.
Cybergeezer on December 17, 2009 at 9:26 AM
Gifts to Obama that he will have to better with nicer stuff:
China: T-Shirt, in Copenhagen, that says: “Er-r-r, No Chance, Dolt”
France: Sweatshirt that says; “Go Pound Sand”
Germany: Undershorts, from ‘Wall Celebration’ that says: “Well F U 2″
Iran: Plans for Bomb Shelter
North Korea: Empty Money Envelope that has Return Postage and is Self-Addressed to North Korea
Yoop on December 17, 2009 at 9:27 AM
Obama has clinical narcissism. The only cure is an unmistakable landslide thrashing at the polls. Listen and save Obama from himself, America.
jwolf on December 17, 2009 at 9:28 AM
America must be prepared to immediately officiate his removal since he only means what he says at the moment spoken (if ever).
maverick muse on December 17, 2009 at 9:29 AM
maverick muse on December 17, 2009 at 9:22 AM
I enjoyed the HGTV White House Christmas Tour specials that were shown while Bush was Pres.
She always was so gracious and enjoyed sharing their personal traditions as well as sharing historical WH traditions.
I saw an add for this years WH Christmas special and the only thing I could think was ‘Oh Lord, no’.
It most certainly will not be the same.
ZeeMI on December 17, 2009 at 9:30 AM
The sheer force of his personality is suppose to cover all of that. People are so lucky just to be around him. I don’t know how he fits that fat head through doorways.
Cindy Munford on December 17, 2009 at 9:33 AM
So true, I have had fun listening to his speeches and counting the I’s and Me’s contained in them. I also livens up an otherwise boring occasion.
MSGTAS on December 17, 2009 at 9:34 AM
All humans are narcisistic to some degree. What the filthy lying coward in the White House has is Narcisistic Personality Disorder.
highhopes on December 17, 2009 at 9:37 AM
Is he so wrapped inside of a bubble that he actually believes the things he says?
Or does he think that most Americans are so stupid, we wouldn’t know either way?
I’m just at a loss for words with this guy.
bridgetown on December 17, 2009 at 9:37 AM
That’s what he is called by many: But, he’s like a tool that’s promoted on TV, and breaks the first time you try to use it. And it’s not available in stores.
Cybergeezer on December 17, 2009 at 9:39 AM
I suppose he could claim he had given us a gift of the gab, but that too is highly questionable and even some of his most ardent supporters are demanding refunds.
Buy Danish on December 17, 2009 at 9:40 AM
I say we re-wrap this gift and give it to a more deserving country; Like Kenya.
Cybergeezer on December 17, 2009 at 9:42 AM
He tried his best. I give him a B+ for effort.
visions on December 17, 2009 at 9:46 AM
Did he give the Nobel Prize committee anything in return for the check and medal they gave him?
zmdavid on December 17, 2009 at 9:54 AM
If Obama has any gifts, gift-giving is certainly not one of them. Hubris, on the other hand, may well be.
phreshone on December 17, 2009 at 9:54 AM
canopfor on December 17, 2009 at 9:02 AM
Now that’s a good lookin’ turtle!
Cybergeezer on December 17, 2009 at 9:16 AM
Cybergeezer:)
canopfor on December 17, 2009 at 9:56 AM
‘Bam hates the British.
They fought the Mau Mau butchers,
Which ‘Bam can’t forgive.
Haiku Guy on December 17, 2009 at 10:08 AM
He gave them a speech,
And an hour of his radiance.
Fair deal, to be sure…
Haiku Guy on December 17, 2009 at 10:09 AM
Books on ‘fisting’ and ‘dental dams’ (as recommended by Safe School Czar, Kevin Jennings), so the Obama’s can read aloud to their daughters. Also, Mr. & Mrs. Obama can read to the DC area school children; they will be a hit with the kids!
TN Mom on December 17, 2009 at 10:40 AM
Two middle fingers
And a big F U in a tree.
crazy_legs on December 17, 2009 at 10:45 AM
His entire Presidency thus far is him playing out his daddy issues on all of us. Probably his mommy issues as well, since she was no great shakes, either.
crazy_legs on December 17, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Ed it is not the Resolute Desk but the Resolution Desk.
I wish you would get its name right.
F15Mech on December 17, 2009 at 10:50 AM
C-Span cameras for all his closed door meetings!
TN Mom on December 17, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Lest we forget: “Harry, I have a gift”
ya2daup on December 17, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Here’s an emoticon for our times:
… — …
Cybergeezer on December 17, 2009 at 11:13 AM
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