To salute or not to salute?
After more than six months in office, the president still doesn’t know what to do with his hands around those who serve in the military.
Politico reports from the Marine Corps Evening Parade:
During the review POTUS seemed to struggle to figure out if he should salute when the Commandant and Colonel did. At first he went to lift his right hand but stopped. The next time the Commandant and Colonel saluted POTUS saluted quickly, like he does when boarding Marine One, while the Commandant and Colonel held theirs. At one point the Commandant and Colonel saluted, and POTUS did quickly. But this time the Commandant and Colonel held their salute for a long time. POTUS kept his hand at his side for a bit. Then at one point he put his hand on his heart. Then it was back by his side.
As Ed Morrissey at Hot Air notes:
How long has Barack Obama been President? Six month and four days on Saturday, more than long enough to figure out protocol for ceremonies involving the military and color guards.
… Wouldn’t it be nice if the White House had a protocol office who could walk the rookie through his paces at public events? Oh, wait … they already have one.
Sources:
Politico, July 25, 2009
POTUS and FLOTUS at the Marine Corps Evening Parade
Hot Air, July 28, 2009
