Obama's Rhetoric is the Real Catastrophe

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by sugar and spice

I buy it. Some news story I read said that representatives often stand in line for hours to get aisle seats for the address--if they're sitting in the aisle, they're more likely to get a hand shake or a hello from the president than if they're in the middle. So it's not just an Obama thing, but a general starstruck-by-the-president thing. "Congress, they're just like us!"

There's a big difference between trying to get a handshake or hello from the President, and asking for his autograph. One I can chalk up to an attempt at facetime...the other seems like a grab for memorabilia.

That said, even if it's happened with past Presidents, I still think it's inappropriate.

[nittanyalum]

Originally Posted by KSigkid

There's a big difference between trying to get a handshake or hello from the President, and asking for his autograph. One I can chalk up to an attempt at facetime...the other seems like a grab for memorabilia.

That said, even if it's happened with past Presidents, I still think it's inappropriate.

I've been in the gallery for a SotU before and they do "rush the aisle", Repubs and Dems alike, regardless of what President of what party is walking down the aisle. It's a funny sight, especially from above.

[SWTXBelle]

Wait . . . someone is advising the Republicans? I figured they were making it up as they went along!

[sugar and spice]

Originally Posted by KSigkid

There's a big difference between trying to get a handshake or hello from the President, and asking for his autograph. One I can chalk up to an attempt at facetime...the other seems like a grab for memorabilia.

That said, even if it's happened with past Presidents, I still think it's inappropriate.

It's not the handshake part that I find ridiculous, it's the "lining up for hours" part.

I found the actual quote; it's from the New York Times live blog of the speech:

House chamber is quickly filling up. Senators have now arrived en masse from their promenade across the Capitol Building to the House side. Some representatives had been staking out choice seats for hours — if they’re stationed along the aisles they get to shake the president’s hand or receive a shout-out. (A congresswoman who shall remain nameless embarrassed herself a few years back by clinging lengthily to President Bush during one of his final appearances before Congress.)

I feel like this is a blind item! Are we talking about President Bush or the Jonas Brothers here?


ETA: I agree with you on it being inappropriate, obviously, but I just want to point out that the "celebrit-ization" of politicians is hardly a phenomenon that just came along with Obama. And given his historical position, I don't find it surprising that people, especially those in politics, want his autograph--but I think they should be able to restrain themselves. It's hard to put your faith in lawmakers who act like hysterical Miley Cyrus fans.

[SWTXBelle]

Can he sell his autograph - to help the budget?