Maybe this was just an awkward accident. Or maybe it’s some odd Russian formality that everyone at a reception has to shake the hand of the Russian president before shaking the hand of a visiting dignitary.
But this video sure seems to portray President Obama repeatedly snubbed by Russian officials to whom he offered his hand.
The first two times seemed a possible gaffe, a mistake. But the third and fourth rejection looked as if someone had set up Obama for a punking.
Innocent explanation? Then again, the comments that came in after the video was posted indicate that Obama may not have been reaching out to shake Russian hands at all. Instead, he may have been introducing President Medvedev to his American delegation.
Upon further review, this explanation holds up. Obama already had shaken hands with the Russians. Here, Medvedev was meeting the U.S. diplomats. Case closed.
Frank Warner
It's weird either way you look at it. I'm inclined to think that the Russians would not be so crass. So that leaves the other option open that Obama is merely introducing them.
But why aren't his lips moving? That's weird.
Plus, I don't like the guy.
Posted by: Kevin | July 17, 2009 at 08:51 PM
His staff probably introduced themselves to Medvedev. Heck, who knows everyone in the State Department? No one. That's how they get away with helping Fidel Castro for 30 years.
"Who's that across the hall with the Cuban flags and the Che T-shirt?"
"I don't know, Mr. Vance, but he's angry all the time."
"Very well, carry on."
Posted by: Frank Warner | July 17, 2009 at 11:01 PM