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Obama's Bow

Last week at the G-20 summit, Obama bowed to Saudi King Abdullah.

It's hard to know how big of a deal to make of something like this. On the one hand, it's an apolitical gesture, and unlikely to indicate future deference to Saudi Arabia, or even cause substantial discomfort next time our interests conflict.

Still, I see at least two problems. One, it'll never happen again, given the criticism now being leveled. Which makes me think that King Abdullah might actually be bothered by it the next time he meets Obama. What? Last time I got a bow, this time nothing? To the extent foreign leaders can be driven by emotional impulses, I think there's at least some potential for danger down the road.

And second, it just makes me *feel* like it's a display of weakness. Why should the U.S. President bow to anyone? The answer of course, is that he/she shouldn't. It's improper protocol.

"[T]he president of the United States does not bow to kings. He is not only the chief of government, he's our head of state -- the equal of any monarch."

Oh, and add this to the list of intentional deceptions put out by Obama or his White House:

The White House says Obama didn't bow, that he "grasped (Abdullah's) hand with two hands and he's taller than King Abdullah."

Sorry, but a videotape on YouTube doesn't quite back that up. Obama clearly bends his body toward the Arabian monarch, and Obama doesn't grasp both the king's hands until he's standing straight up.

Not good.

Full post as published by Expressio Unius on April 11, 2009 (boomark / email).