Feb 9, 2009 3:08pm

Presidential Attire: ‘Dress Code of Respect?’

ABC News’ Stu Schutzman reports: As if there aren’t bigger fish to fry, Presidential office attire has recently become an issue. An official of the Bush Administration is taking the new President to task for shedding his suit jacket while working in the Oval Office. Andy Card, President’s Bush’s first Chief Of Staff, has castigated Barack Obama for doffing his suit coat during an Oval Office meeting. "There should be a dress code of respect," Card told Inside Edition. Card pointed to the very stringent dress code in force in the Bush White House(more on that in a moment). Card said, "the Oval Office symbolizes…the Constitution, the hopes and dreams and I’m going to say, Democracy." It is true that President Bush demanded "proper" attire in the office, many former staffers said he thought of the White House as a kind of corporate headquarters; the Oval Office as a boardroom. The Oval Office has been around since 1909, William Howard Taft was its first occupant. It’s come to be the place where Presidents work, meet Foreign dignitaries and call the Super Bowl winners. It is an awesome place to behold in person; so much history, responsibility, decision making. To visitor and staff alike, the awesome burdens of the Presidency are palpable throughout the room. So, it’s not surprising that a photo has surfaced of President Bush sitting behind his Oval Office desk sans suit coat. The Huffington Post has a slideshow, which shows many of the modern Presidents looking less than formal in the Oval Office. There’s Reagan in an orange western shirt; JFK in his rocker; Clinton and Ford in shirtsleeves; Carter meeting a dignitary in shirtsleeves. So relax Mr Card, have a seat, take your coat off…we have bigger fish to fry

User Comments

Most politicians apart from Ron Paul practically urinate on the constitution anyway. I get a lot more work done in my t-shirt and jeans than I would in a suit, and lord knows Obama has a lot of work to do. This is just silly. Andy Card needs to start making stuff to help out trade imbalance instead of complain about useless stuff to make himself feel important.

Posted by: Huh | February 9, 2009, 3:35 pm 3:35 pm

THANK YOU!!!

Posted by: Dee | February 9, 2009, 3:36 pm 3:36 pm

Republicans should just shut the hell up and let us democrats fix the mess they left for us. How dare they make the WH dress code an issue? shameless.

Posted by: dem in chicago | February 9, 2009, 3:39 pm 3:39 pm

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Enough is enough Republicans! Its Barack Obamas office he will dress the way he Pleases PUT A SOCK IN IT PATHETIC!

Posted by: Angie | February 9, 2009, 3:40 pm 3:40 pm

If this is all Mr. Card has to worry him, given the economic recession, then I truly feel sorry for him!

Posted by: savethemiddleclass | February 9, 2009, 3:40 pm 3:40 pm

Who cares what is worn/not worn as long as the problems get solved and the work gets done? Maybe if Bush had not worried so much about what everyone wore, and focused more on the problems of the U.S., we might not be in the mess we are now in!!

Posted by: imo | February 9, 2009, 3:42 pm 3:42 pm

Better to be ethical and honest in your shirt sleeves than to be a crook and liar in your suits while in the Oval Office. Get a life you jokers who wear your suits daily while doing not a bit of good while you were in the WH!!!

Posted by: Karen | February 9, 2009, 3:42 pm 3:42 pm

Now let me get this straight not wearing a coat is bad bad bad wearing a coat and being Bush is good good good because Bush was more respectful. I see how it works coats on respectful coats off not respectful.
Now explain how this is going to effect me in any way shape or form. I never saw Bush that he didn’t look like his mother dressed him and I did not respect him or is politics with or without a suit jacket on. President Obama has MY respect because he does not talk down to me or act like he is King not President.

Posted by: Bonnie Kimberly | February 9, 2009, 3:43 pm 3:43 pm

No one cares?!

Posted by: DUgan | February 9, 2009, 3:44 pm 3:44 pm

If President Bush had spent more time worrying about regulating the banks and less about his suit-jacket, we’d all be able to afford to dress casually right now. Andy Card is just a sour-grapes type.

Posted by: Alexk1952 | February 9, 2009, 3:45 pm 3:45 pm

isn’t this terribly old news?

Posted by: Cassandra Washington | February 9, 2009, 3:48 pm 3:48 pm

Andy Card is being pretentious and silly.

Posted by: Alex | February 9, 2009, 3:49 pm 3:49 pm

Huh what an awesome comment, Ron Paul is the only man who defends the constitution ,and yes seems Bush ran the White House as a corporation built on capitalism. Very bad major media shut Paul out, Obama would have had a real competitive campaign up against Ron. Maybe in four years we can get some real constitutional leadership, not this one world governance of UN chartered bs.

Posted by: FreshMeatz | February 9, 2009, 3:52 pm 3:52 pm

Mr. Schutzman is correct – there are indeed bigger fish to fry and none bigger than this trillion dollar boondoggle Obama & Co. are about to dump at our feet.

Posted by: Ed | February 9, 2009, 3:54 pm 3:54 pm

Another totally ridiculous attitude by a moron who values the wrong things at the wrong time. I am sure President Obama will conduct himself properly when needed, but the dress code for meetings that are among his staff, etc., where the decisions that are made, require better results if done so while relaxed, and comfortable. Give me a break, his shirt and tie are formal enough. Good thing I am not in office, they would see a lot of jeans in private meetings. If he shows up in a polo shirt and shorts, while getting us back on track it would be a better means to an end. Can’t we find better fish to fry ?

Posted by: 73toms | February 9, 2009, 3:55 pm 3:55 pm

PRESIDENT OBAMA TAKING OFF HIS JACKET SHOWS ME THAT HE A MAN READY TO GET DOWN AND DIRTY. I’M LOOKING FOR PICTURES THAT ALSO SHOW HIM WITH HIS SLEVES ALSO ROLLED UP!!!! GET DOWN PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!!!!!

Posted by: UNCLEOLLIE41 | February 9, 2009, 3:56 pm 3:56 pm

Andrew Card needs to get a life. This morning’s Chicago Tribune ran pictures of Ford, Clinton, and George W. working in the Oval Office in shirtsleeves.
And what intelligent human being cares what they wear, as long as they get the job done? As far as I’m concerned, Obama can wear his pajamas or a basketball jersey as long as he’s taking the work seriously.

Posted by: Eleonora27 | February 9, 2009, 3:58 pm 3:58 pm

Apparently, Mr. Card has absolutely too much time on his hands.

Posted by: LR | February 9, 2009, 3:58 pm 3:58 pm

If Obama was wearing a old concert t-shirt, cut off shorts, and flip flops while meeting with a foreign dignitary, then I can see the complaint. But to say that taking off a suit jacket is not respectful is ridiculous. Talk about nit-picking the new president.
Although, come to think of it, if Obama can fix our economy and get us out of the two wars while wearing gothic cloths, I wouldn’t care. At least he would be doing something Bush never did while wearing a suit jacket.

Posted by: Mack | February 9, 2009, 3:59 pm 3:59 pm

TYPICAL REPUBLICAN! RESPECT? Yeah, Lets focus on Obamas lack of jacket… RATHER THEN 8 years of BUSH wearing a jacket but lacking everything else.

Posted by: Squierghia74 | February 9, 2009, 3:59 pm 3:59 pm

I can only speak for myself.
I really don’t care what people wear or don’t wear.
Some people who commented on this story act as if ALL Republicans had a meeting and voted on this non-issue.
So, stop already with the insults.
It’s just foolish to waste time on this.
The insults are also a waste of time and energy.
What are you contributing with the insults? This goes for both sides.

Posted by: ddg | February 9, 2009, 3:59 pm 3:59 pm

Andy “the Emperor” has no clothes.

Posted by: robg9000 | February 9, 2009, 4:01 pm 4:01 pm

Andrew Card has got to be kidding, right? He obviously is in pretty good shape because he has nothing better to worry about than, heavan forbid, Barack Obama not wearing a coat in the Oval Office. They only point that Card made by his ridiculous statement is that he is a complete lame brain, just like his boss, Bushie Jr.

Posted by: Agnostic Free Thinker | February 9, 2009, 4:03 pm 4:03 pm

This is not Dem/Rep argument. It is in regard to respect for the title that he holds, a position for which he has been elected, and a dress code that fulfills the time honored tradition.

Posted by: jmknight01 | February 9, 2009, 4:03 pm 4:03 pm

I think that the old Bush clan should just go away and let the new guys try to govern the country. And if Card has nothing better to do than scold the president for his dress code (which most people, I would imagine, have no problem with), then his life must truly be pitiful. BTW, I love the new relaxed dress code, and I really don’t care.

Posted by: rafalweb | February 9, 2009, 4:03 pm 4:03 pm

SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING THE REPUBLICANS WOULD BRING UP!!! ANYTHING TO BULLY OR COMPLAIN ABOUT—–WE VOTED PRESIDENT OBAMA INTO OFFICE FOR CHANGE AND TO GET THIS COUNTRY BACK ON TRACK AFTER 8 YEARS OF ‘PROPERLY DRESSED BUSH’ GOT US INTO SUCH A MESS!!! GET A LIFE, RON PAUL, MAYBE YOU CAN WORK FOR GEORGE OUT AT HIS RANCH!! I AM SO SICK OF REPUBLICANS GOING ON AND ON AND ON TRYING TO DO ANYTHNG OR SAY ANYTHING TO MAKE OBAMA LOOK BAD–SHOULD BE WORKING TOGETHER TO GET THIS COUNTRY BACK IN SHAPE!

Posted by: lola | February 9, 2009, 4:03 pm 4:03 pm

This made me laugh. I am over 60 and a definite advocate of proper attire in proper places and for the dignity and respect due to the Presidency. But, come on! This is ridiculous in the extreme. Approval of torture from the Oval Office is okay, but dress shirt and tie is not?
Talk about displaced values! Better to work in shorts and t-shirt and demonstrate integrity and competence than let a city drown in flood waters,alienate our allies and spy on our own citizens in a suit and tie.

Posted by: Bayou947 | February 9, 2009, 4:03 pm 4:03 pm

Don’t you know they have to find something to pick on him for…
This is why I can’t stand the Republicans…Instead of coming together and trying to solve our mess (left by them) they are nitpicking. I know I can get more work done when I’m dressed comfortable and not in a suit and heels.
And I can see if they have ratted jeans and sweats on….
We have so much more to worry about, important things, and this is what is written about? No wonder we are in so much trouble.
God bless and help this President…He has a huge mess and a bunch of crybabies to work with.

Posted by: Barb | February 9, 2009, 4:03 pm 4:03 pm

It is understandable. The Republicans are all about putting on a show and the political perception. Creating their own reality as they have said. They have it all over Hollywood.
It is unfortunate that they never put any efforts into leadership and actual work for the country and the majority of the people.

Posted by: Truth Matters | February 9, 2009, 4:07 pm 4:07 pm

wait a minute….
throughout the past 8 disastrous years, Bush had been seen frequently in a dress shirt with rolled up sleeves and unbuttoned collar. This guy’s complaining about Obama not wearing a full suit?
We have bigger fish to fry than complaining about our new president’s attire.

Posted by: digicom | February 9, 2009, 4:08 pm 4:08 pm

OMG! You have GOT to be friggin’ kidding me!! I’m worried about my mortgage, my electric bill, providing for my kids, keeping my job…and this guy wants to complain that the Prez doesn’t have his coat on?!?!?!
I could see it if he wore jeans to greet the Queen of England, but taking his coat off in the Oval? Jeez, it’s not like he’s walking around in flip-flops.
Andy Card is as clueless as the creeps on Wall Street. Un-be-lievable. Just….unbelievable.

Posted by: Former Republican | February 9, 2009, 4:08 pm 4:08 pm

Card is an idiot. We the people represent the constitution.

Posted by: Kenneth Pennington | February 9, 2009, 4:09 pm 4:09 pm

If all we had to worry about in the world was how Obama dressed wouldn’t life be grand? Gee, Card must have a sweet, sweet life cause I’m busy worried about issues with a little more bite to them. Say the fact our country is in the first death throes of a depression. Heeeeelllloooo, Mr. Card, reality is calling!

Posted by: Lizzie | February 9, 2009, 4:09 pm 4:09 pm

So let me get this straight. There are those of you out there that think that it would be better to have a “formal” suit jacket wearing President that is totally incompetent, than have one that is more casual and competent?
That just about sum it up?

Posted by: V for Vendetta | February 9, 2009, 4:09 pm 4:09 pm

There are public photos of Reagan, Carter, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, Kennedy and Clinton without a suit jacket on, doing their jobs in the oval office.
Is there some reason that you believe there should be a different standard for Barack Obama?

Posted by: Truth Matters | February 9, 2009, 4:11 pm 4:11 pm

Maybe he’s all bent out of shape because without the jacket, you can’t see the dang flag pin! :D Priorities people!

Posted by: niceone | February 9, 2009, 4:11 pm 4:11 pm

V for Vendetta…that does just about sum it up.
Now do you see how Bush got elected not just once but twice????? and why our country is in such a mess.. This is how some people think…it’s unbelieveable…

Posted by: Barb | February 9, 2009, 4:12 pm 4:12 pm

Well – - I care. The White House is the most Important House in the Nation and the DRESS should be BUSINESS, not Business Casual. No Board member enters in to a board room in khakis-and coatless. PLEEZE – - Mr. President, step up to the plate. Leave your casual attire for the weekends and after hours…but when you head to the Oval office…be appropriately dressed…shoulders squared and head up…

Posted by: Cathy | February 9, 2009, 4:13 pm 4:13 pm

PRESIDENT OBAMA TAKING OFF HIS JACKET SHOWS ME THAT HE A MAN READY TO GET DOWN AND DIRTY. I’M LOOKING FOR PICTURES THAT ALSO SHOW HIM WITH HIS SLEVES ALSO ROLLED UP!!!! GET DOWN PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!!!!!
Posted by: UNCLEOLLIE41
==================================
You tell ‘em UNC. !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Clover121 | February 9, 2009, 4:13 pm 4:13 pm

I don’t believe Obama’s lack of proper attire necessarily demonstrates a lack of respect for the Oval Office. It is his socialist agenda and partisan politics that are much more damaging, not just to the credibility of the Oval Office – but to all Americans.

Posted by: South_Texan | February 9, 2009, 4:14 pm 4:14 pm

Typical Republican worrying about appearance instead of substance. Perhaps if 43 had taken his jacket off, more work would have been done properly, and 44 wouldn’t have to roll his sleeves up.

Posted by: Chuck S | February 9, 2009, 4:16 pm 4:16 pm

SO what!

Posted by: LongT | February 9, 2009, 4:17 pm 4:17 pm

Cathy come on, we need a president who is going to be competent…just because he takes his jacket off does not make it offensive….This is why our country is in such bad shape…Let’s concentrate on the problems, not this nonsense!!!! No wonder we are the laughing stock of the world

Posted by: Barb | February 9, 2009, 4:17 pm 4:17 pm

Cheney wore his suit around, and he is sort of evil.

Posted by: Huh | February 9, 2009, 4:17 pm 4:17 pm

V said “So let me get this straight. There are those of you out there that think that it would be better to have a “formal” suit jacket wearing President that is totally incompetent, than have one that is more casual and competent?
That just about sum it up?
—————————————-
V…move to the mid-west…they are all over the place.

Posted by: Chuck S | February 9, 2009, 4:19 pm 4:19 pm

Freshmeatz – thanks for the Ron Paul love. He will be 77 at that time though. Need someone like him to run, but Ron will be pretty aged. He would still be better than the competition.

Posted by: Huh | February 9, 2009, 4:20 pm 4:20 pm

wow the comments on this blog is so funny! Yes I agree …what a horrible story!

Posted by: us citizen | February 9, 2009, 4:21 pm 4:21 pm

I believe we have more important issues to address than”dress coat” it is not like he is wearing shorts and sleveless shirts, and sandals. Come on now, lets get serious, and concentrate our abilities on much needed issues.
\Thanks

Posted by: Jackie | February 9, 2009, 4:22 pm 4:22 pm

We won! And he can wear anything he wants! Bushies, shut up!

Posted by: Thormohlen | February 9, 2009, 4:23 pm 4:23 pm

How is this a story? I’d say we have a lot more pressing problems than if the Pres is wearing a suit coat. I’m sure Bush made the dress code in the oval office becuase he spent most of his time on vacation at Crawford Ranch mending fences in blue jeans and a cowboys hat. As long as Obama doesn’t show up looking like that, who cares.

Posted by: DSchles33 | February 9, 2009, 4:23 pm 4:23 pm

Card worked for a president that wore a suit all the time, but took over 3,000 days of vacation while he was in office. I’d much rather see a president with his tie loose and his shirtsleeves rolled up and working then one who pretended he was the “decider” on those rare days when he actually worked. I think Card is upset because he’s in the unemployment line.

Posted by: algwriter | February 9, 2009, 4:24 pm 4:24 pm

Umm, Bush had his coat ON and still left the country in shambles. Maybe if he had taken it off, he wouldn’t have been so stiff and rigid and would have done a better job. Thank goodness Obama is not following suit.

Posted by: liz | February 9, 2009, 4:24 pm 4:24 pm

Chuck….I am from the midwest and we love Obama …try down south!!!

Posted by: us citizen | February 9, 2009, 4:25 pm 4:25 pm

Sour grapes from the mental midgets. Biggest cry babies in the world, the Republicans are. Who cares if Bush was in his underwear???? Put him in a tutu, for all I care, get some freakn water sent to Katrina, stop attacking countries and provoking others, and STOP handing out trillions in handouts to the most wealthy so they invest it in china! I’ve never been so keenly aware of what small minded people republicans are until you see how they behave when they lose. It’s absolutely pathetic. Children.

Posted by: frank | February 9, 2009, 4:27 pm 4:27 pm

What do you expect from someone as CLUELESS as he is! His pork filled stimulus bill which economists say will be terrible for America is just the start and does nothing but continue the democrat leadership mess of the last 2 years. He should start with reversing Clinton’s rules of letting anyone own a home when they could not afford it and caused the current financial meltdown rather than further is own agenda of paying back the idiots that voted him in office.

Posted by: HH | February 9, 2009, 4:27 pm 4:27 pm

After the way Obama has ravaged our economy.. I think this is just a wee bit trivial.

Posted by: howwouldiknow | February 9, 2009, 4:27 pm 4:27 pm

How would I know: OBAMA has ravaged our economy? Yoooo Yooo….he’s only been in office not even a month! Perhaps it was Bush and Company who ruined us for the past eight years?
Perhaps we could give Obama a chance????
Some of the comments on this board are unbelieveable…Most of the people have sense but you and a few others…I really can see how we ended up where we are.

Posted by: Barb | February 9, 2009, 4:31 pm 4:31 pm

I am not a big President Obama fan, but is Andy Card living here and now in reality? This country has huge problems- financial crisis, huge job losses, housing market is terrible – foreclosures are everywhere and a debt that could bring us down for many years especially if more so called ” stimulus plans” get passed by the idiots especially in the House, and the list goes on yet this guy is offended that President Obama takes off his jacket!! No wonder President Bush was so far out of touch– his staff was too focused on the dress code.

Posted by: Angela | February 9, 2009, 4:31 pm 4:31 pm

How about this, Mr. Card: President Obama in shirtsleeves in the Oval office commands more respect than your former boss in formal suit in the same place.

Posted by: teddymaniac | February 9, 2009, 4:31 pm 4:31 pm

Since ties restrict blood flow to the brain, people who wear them are mentally impaired. This probably helps explain everything from Madoff to W.

Posted by: factscount | February 9, 2009, 4:32 pm 4:32 pm

Typical republican worrying about who is and who isn’t wearing a “dress coat” in the oval office while the country bleeds. Dang, if in his skivvies Bush actual ran the country instead of running it in to the ground (in his dress suite) we wouldn’t be in this mess right now.

Posted by: bravebrick | February 9, 2009, 4:33 pm 4:33 pm

HH- Please explain the way Obama has ravaged our economy in 2 weeks. 1.2 Trillion wasted in Iraq. 800 Bil + 700 Bil for the bailout/stiumlus = 1.5 T. If it wasn’t for the rightwingretard that is GW Bush we could use some of that money wasted in Iraq to better our own country. And lets be clear it was BOTH PARTIES who were responsible for the complete lack of oversight in the financial sector.

Posted by: DSchles33 | February 9, 2009, 4:33 pm 4:33 pm

i couldn’t care less if obama walked around in his underwear, as long as he gets the job done… the republicans are similar to the american car companies… all show and no go

Posted by: earthisnotflat | February 9, 2009, 4:34 pm 4:34 pm

Who cares? He’ll be a one-term President. We must impeach now, before he ruins us even more.

Posted by: Impeach Obama | February 9, 2009, 4:36 pm 4:36 pm

“And lets be clear it was BOTH PARTIES who were responsible for the complete lack of oversight in the financial sector.”…I completely disagree. Frank, Barney Frank, called for congressional hearings on predatorial lending nearly three years ago. Google it. Nothing came of it. He warned of the massive default in loans and the how banks were preying on the poor and ignorant so they COULD default and get the house back, and who cares, realestate always increased in value, they’ll sell it agai n to another sucker. Bush did NOTHING on this. BUSH DID NOTHING period on the financial mess. you could argue Frank could havef done more, but 1) he had NO support from republicans and 2) NO REPUBLICANS cared one tiny tiny bit about this and simply said “let hte market self correct”. So while you can say one didn’t do enough, HOW do you compare that to the president and the republicans in congress who not only did NOTHING but BLOCKED anyting being done based on ‘free market’??????? No, no, the blame is NOT equal. one TRIED, the other obstructed.

Posted by: frank | February 9, 2009, 4:38 pm 4:38 pm

Impeach Obama: Another example of the stupidity and ignorance that got us into this mess. Obama is going to ruin us???? Got news for you…your boy Bush already did that!

Posted by: Barb | February 9, 2009, 4:38 pm 4:38 pm

Frank I agree 100%…..I saw Frank on Meet the Press last Sunday and he made a lot of sense…tired of people bashing him too

Posted by: Barb | February 9, 2009, 4:40 pm 4:40 pm

And to think Bush surrounded himself with dip shots like this…

Posted by: Lax | February 9, 2009, 4:42 pm 4:42 pm

With all those Bushie Boys, about all they had going for them it seems was looking good…too bad they didn’t have a few brains as well. Stop being so straight-laced. Its results that matter, not how you look in your own “house”.

Posted by: Movn1 | February 9, 2009, 4:42 pm 4:42 pm

this is only an issue because ABC lets the likes of Andy Card have his way with you guys. What a ridiculous waste of time for all.

Posted by: hang | February 9, 2009, 4:43 pm 4:43 pm

I agree Barb. Obama is doing the right thing to create jobs – CREATE DEMAND and that is exactly what he’s doing. That is how every military weapondry has been developed in this country, through government contracts. Bids. Put out a solicitation to do XYZ, and companies compete for that money and whomever is awarded it, whomever has the best idea, hires engineers, scientists, testers, stock room boys, secretaries ,to make whatever they won the contract to make. Can you imagine if that is done for GREEN technologies, to update our grid, to create windfarms , which farmers are paid leases by thegovernment for their land, al l the technicians to work on them…obama has solid good ideas. Create DEMAND!!! Buhs just handed out trillions of welfare to the rich. TRILLIONS handed to the rich with NO strings attached, no requirment that they spend it in the country, so guess what!!!??>?? They didn’t. That money was invested in China for a better rate of return. Obama is right. THAT is what republicans are afraid of. This is the start of something great and all republicans are doing is getting i nteh way, but hey, midterms will be here soon, and we’ll be sure to thank you for all your obstructist attitudes of hoping the country fails. We’ll be voting our en masse comemidterms. Just dont be shocked when it happens.

Posted by: marty in the middle | February 9, 2009, 4:44 pm 4:44 pm

Lets see, Bush wore a suit coat and generated a $1 trillion deficit, while giving bonuses to CEO’s of floundering banks, plus adding $5 trillion to the debt, and Obama doesn’t wear a suit coat, and is going to spend a trillion dollars on economic stimulus. I don’t see where the jacket will make things better.

Posted by: Independent Realist | February 9, 2009, 4:44 pm 4:44 pm

Andy is worried about Obama’s suit jacket when he should have been worried about Bush destroying the world and commiting his many crimes.

Posted by: Mike | February 9, 2009, 4:46 pm 4:46 pm

In the photo that was released, Obama was alone in his office and he was still wearing a button up shirt and tie. I’m sure if he had visitors he would have his jacket on. He was still professionally dressed and it is HIS office he was working in after all. There are so many more things to worry about right now!

Posted by: Sue | February 9, 2009, 4:47 pm 4:47 pm

Too bad Card and the rest of the administration had so much more regard for a superficial dress code than, say, the US Constitution or telling the truth. I guess the Bush policy was that it is okay to ignore the Constitution and lie to the American people as long as you were wearing a coat and tie. Strange values.

Posted by: sean | February 9, 2009, 4:47 pm 4:47 pm

The entire team of the bush regime should be carted off to a deserted island and left there to stew in their misery. These are the most incompetent stupid people to ever see the inside of the White house, and now they are so stupid as to complain about Obama who is so diligently working for us to fix the horrible state of the country that the Bush regime left behind. Now instead of shutting up and letting him work, they are biting like the gnats that they are. They are like mosquitoes trying to suck blood off a tiger.

Posted by: Tom | February 9, 2009, 4:48 pm 4:48 pm

A raggedy patriot is better than a dressed-down traitor.

Posted by: Two-Six | February 9, 2009, 4:49 pm 4:49 pm

Ladies and gentleman, may I present Andy Card, CEO of Titanic Deck Chair Reorganization, Inc.? He also took down names to give to the teacher when there was a substitute.

Posted by: Dan | February 9, 2009, 4:50 pm 4:50 pm

Let’s See B.O is late to every thing, dresses like he is at home and is an over all wiener. Why expect him to dress up.

Posted by: fool's gold | February 9, 2009, 4:51 pm 4:51 pm

At least the Bushies, including Mr. Card, were nicely dressed as they ran the country into the ground. I’m pleased Mr. Card has a handle on what’s important here.

Posted by: Larry J | February 9, 2009, 4:52 pm 4:52 pm

Andy who?

Posted by: Jeff | February 9, 2009, 4:52 pm 4:52 pm

Who freaking cares whether Obama should or shouldn’t wear his jacket in his office? It’s *his* office now! Gee, it’s not like he has gone naked!
Mr. Card, we got better things to worry about now than the White House dress code. Sheesh!

Posted by: GWP | February 9, 2009, 4:54 pm 4:54 pm

Andy your boss lied this country into a war costing thousands of innocent American lies and you’re worried about a stinking tie? Just another attempt by Republicans to divert attention from their many mistakes and failures by focusing on non issues. Go back to Texas with Bush and shut up

Posted by: nickames | February 9, 2009, 4:55 pm 4:55 pm

jealousy and sour grapes.

Posted by: mary | February 9, 2009, 4:55 pm 4:55 pm

Ok, I actually agree that the president should be dressed appropriately. I think it’s not good for him to appear to be to relaxed and comfortable. Especially to foreign dignitaries. Also, I know personally when I am dressed right I get more respect and tend to act accordingly.

Posted by: Debbie | February 9, 2009, 4:56 pm 4:56 pm

So Mr.Card is more concered about what Pres. Obama is wearing than millions of american losing their jobs! WOW. What is really going on, there are more important issues to pan out, then whether Pres. Obama has on a suite jacket on or not. Maybe he was hot that day! lol

Posted by: monicakane420 | February 9, 2009, 4:56 pm 4:56 pm

I heard the musicians on the titantic wore their dress coats and top hats while they played while the boat sank. 24 hours later they were all dead. It’s not about the bling.

Posted by: andy | February 9, 2009, 4:57 pm 4:57 pm

Well, George W. Bush was REALLY BIG on APPEARANCES, wasn’t he??? (“There ‘appear’ to be WMDs over there!” “This ‘appears’ to be legal.” “I am the decider!”)

Posted by: Jordan | February 9, 2009, 4:58 pm 4:58 pm

This is just another spin-ploy to get everybody off topic! Repubs are good at that. Just like Darth Cheney last week saying the “terrorists” are going to get us and Karl Marx Rove spewing his vile crap. They all need to go home …..or someplace else that starts with an “h”.

Posted by: js45601 | February 9, 2009, 4:58 pm 4:58 pm

This is why republicans did so hideously. So ability to keep their eyes on the big picture.

Posted by: are U kidding me | February 9, 2009, 4:58 pm 4:58 pm

We dress well to impress other people. If he is alone in the office, what does he impress?? walls, furniture, pictures, flowers or what??????

Posted by: Rosie | February 9, 2009, 4:58 pm 4:58 pm

Andy Card, shut up. If you want to have a discussion about decorum, let’s talk about GWB’s misuse of the English language while in the White House. Andy Card, shut up.

Posted by: Stitch | February 9, 2009, 4:59 pm 4:59 pm

I think the news needs to starting having republican black outs. Only report when a republican says something intelligent.I know, I know, we may never hear from them again, but the distraction of the republican idiocy of the day is really getting old.

Posted by: waiting for the bell | February 9, 2009, 5:00 pm 5:00 pm

The republicans need to get a grip on the real world and forget about this petty stuff. they need to stop there nonsense and realize what a mess we are in,

Posted by: gw | February 9, 2009, 5:01 pm 5:01 pm

If Mr Card wants to start asking question or remarking on something, it should be why the SEC let the biggest Ponzi scheme go unchecked since 2000 when they were informed of it. Much better Questions to be asking then if Obama should wear a jacket or not.

Posted by: US Citizen | February 9, 2009, 5:01 pm 5:01 pm

What a “card!” Why is anyone listening to him about this type of petty trivia?

Posted by: mdenise | February 9, 2009, 5:02 pm 5:02 pm

must be a slow news day for abcnews.

Posted by: nathan | February 9, 2009, 5:03 pm 5:03 pm

Card has a point. jr. wore a coat and tie for the seven minutes he sat reading a book to second-graders after Card told him the nation was under attack. And Card wore a suit while he stood there silently immobile watching the whole affair unfold.

Posted by: unhipcat | February 9, 2009, 5:04 pm 5:04 pm

They should all wear coat and turn the heat off. In the summer they can run around in shorts and short sleeves. Less energy. Less of a carbon foot print. They could really impress Mr. Gore. Oh, that is right, Mr Gore lives in 20,000 square foot mansion of his own…

Posted by: R Garcia | February 9, 2009, 5:05 pm 5:05 pm

Why can’t the Bushies and Obamies just get along?

Posted by: Open-Mind | February 9, 2009, 5:05 pm 5:05 pm

Andrew Card is on the verge of being investigated for participating in major crimes as a member of the Bush Administration. One cannot blame him for trying to run interference and tune the public’s attention onto matters other than impending indictments. I think most people who are in as much trouble as some members of the Bush Administration would do the same.

Posted by: Think | February 9, 2009, 5:05 pm 5:05 pm

Socialist is going to be next to everything you folks say about President Obama for the duration. Can’t you come up with anything else? It is already old and tell me how coatless equels socialist????

Posted by: Bonnie Kimberly | February 9, 2009, 5:06 pm 5:06 pm

Oh! So it is the suit jacket! That is why ALL Americans so much respect Bush. Now I get it.
the job isn’t about working hard or doing the right thing, it is about looking good. Bush’s dress code explains why our economy is in such great shape.

Posted by: kbib | February 9, 2009, 5:08 pm 5:08 pm

Oh for God’s sake, is this kind of ridiculous nonsense the best the GOP can come up with, Mr. Card, you are a buffoon.

Posted by: JR | February 9, 2009, 5:10 pm 5:10 pm

This is ridiculous and as a registered Republican, I am embarrassed to see complaints over wardrobe issues while milions don’t have jobs, health care, thousands are in Iraq, etc. Seems to me some of the politicians (from both parties) need to focus on the people and not petty little issues. Furthermore, the dress code if today is much more casual- people don’t even dress for church anymore!

Posted by: lhart56 | February 9, 2009, 5:10 pm 5:10 pm

anyone who works in the Corporate arena knows that in a meeting, to include Board of Director mtgs, etc. IT IS APPROPRIATE to take off your jacket, especially if it is a working lunch or meeting.
I can’t believe people are spending time talking about this. President Obama is working. I am certain most of us aren’t used to the President doing any real hands on work, but sense he is working, but him some slack.
AMERICANS are laughed at around the world b/c of this type of banter.

Posted by: E | February 9, 2009, 5:12 pm 5:12 pm

This is just so ridiculous. Huffington Post has pictures of Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton all in shirts (no jackets) in the Oval Office. Just one more example that the people in Bush’s world are full of it.

Posted by: pamp205 | February 9, 2009, 5:13 pm 5:13 pm

At last I understand the Bush administration: violating the Consitution is OK as long as you do it with a jacket on.

Posted by: Liz | February 9, 2009, 5:15 pm 5:15 pm

To all of the libs saying the Republicans need to just be quiet. We are going to be almost as quiet as the libs were for the last eight years, almost.

Posted by: billy bob | February 9, 2009, 5:17 pm 5:17 pm

Reagan did not take his jacket off in the office.

Posted by: James | February 9, 2009, 5:17 pm 5:17 pm

Karen wrote: “Better to be ethical and honest in your shirt sleeves than to be a crook and liar in your suits while in the Oval Office.” — How can you be ethical and honest when your cabinet is full of lobbyists and tax cheats?

Posted by: Lindz1989 | February 9, 2009, 5:17 pm 5:17 pm

Andrew Card is an idiot!!!

Posted by: Liz | February 9, 2009, 5:18 pm 5:18 pm

hogwash

Posted by: Thinking | February 9, 2009, 5:22 pm 5:22 pm

Andrew Card probably placed tiny bombs or tiny listening bugs in Mr. Obama’s suit jackets, which is why he wants him to wear a suit jacket. Why else would Mr. Card even care??

Posted by: James | February 9, 2009, 5:24 pm 5:24 pm

Bush promised to restore honor to the White House. Wearing a suit jacket didn’t do it any more than all of the stunts he pulled as president. Card needs to get a life.

Posted by: Jeff | February 9, 2009, 5:25 pm 5:25 pm

Get outtta town. Oh, that’s right…you are outta town. Because we voted you out. When we want your opinion, we’ll ask for it. Ha.

Posted by: tmom | February 9, 2009, 5:26 pm 5:26 pm

Hey Liz, I hear a lot about Bush violating the Constitution…can you explain?

Posted by: brenda | February 9, 2009, 5:28 pm 5:28 pm

If this guy Card had made an issue about Bush not wearing a jacket, you libs would stand behind him 100% and go on and on about how Bush has no respect for the office…now you have just shown your true partisan colors…no principles, just politics. That’s why we’re in for a rough four years…

Posted by: Brenda | February 9, 2009, 5:31 pm 5:31 pm

You have to take off your jacket in order to roll up your sleeves and get to work ;)
Obama 2012

Posted by: Leah | February 9, 2009, 5:32 pm 5:32 pm

Can’t ABCNEWS find anything newsworthy?

Posted by: Bob | February 9, 2009, 5:34 pm 5:34 pm

Does Andy really, really believe that most of us have or had any respect for Bush suit or suitless? “Suits” that’s all the last administration was – just a bunch of “Suits.”

Posted by: Yankee | February 9, 2009, 5:34 pm 5:34 pm

Mr. Card should shut his hole and worry about his own problems. I think it’s actually pretty funny that this is the kind of crap they think people care about, as if it legitimizes ANYTHINGa the Bush administration did just because they wore their jackets in the Oval Office. Idiot.

Posted by: MaryMary | February 9, 2009, 5:35 pm 5:35 pm

When you plan to invade a soverign nation that had not attacked this one – against our own Constitution by the way – it’s nice to wear a suit. That way since you won’t attend funerals at least you looked nice in the planning. Mr. Card, the nation and indeed the world is in a mess and frankly most people could care less if the President had on a suit jacket, shirt or pullover – the most critical thing is that he’s working and not pretending to make decisions while the VP is doing them – including making the VP office part of the Executive for making things secret. Oh course he wore a jacket also…hmmm, what were you up to?

Posted by: OnTheGloryRoad | February 9, 2009, 5:36 pm 5:36 pm

James,
Yes Reagan did take his jacket off in the Oval Office. So did Kennedy, Carter, Clinton, Ford, George W. etc.

Posted by: Leah | February 9, 2009, 5:36 pm 5:36 pm

Card said, “the Oval Office symbolizes…the Constitution, the hopes and dreams and I’m going to say, Democracy.” ….pretty hefty weight to put on the room. How close is the port-a-potty? What did it symbolize under Bush?

Posted by: OnTheGloryRoad | February 9, 2009, 5:38 pm 5:38 pm

“Where in the h*ll does this Gas Bag get off on passing judgement on how the current president dresses?”
Same place you do, nitwit: he’s an American citizen. Get over it.

Posted by: roberto | February 9, 2009, 5:39 pm 5:39 pm

Am sure Mr. Card when planning the new Embassy in Iraq (complete with chandeliers, swimming pool – millions on millions of U.S. tax dollars) you thought geezzzz another place that represents Democracy complete with dress code: suits. The amount of time I have spent on this is ridiculous – such as your remarks. Enough.

Posted by: OnTheGloryRoad | February 9, 2009, 5:41 pm 5:41 pm

If the person can get the job done, I really do NOT care what they wear. This mentality of suit=respect is as OUTDATED as the GOP ideology. Clothes do not make the person. Do not judge a book by it’s cover.
Just for the record – IT was the SUITS that got us into this mess in the first place.

Posted by: jc | February 9, 2009, 5:41 pm 5:41 pm

OnTheGloryRoad: Where in the Constitution does it say we can’t attack unless attacked? Germany didn’t attach us before WWII? I don’t think we were attacked by Korea…I pretty sure Viet Nam didn’t attack us… We were however attacked on 9/11 by terrorists that were being harbored in Iraq. You seem like a smart-mouthed know it all who doesn’t have a lot of substance to back up what you say.

Posted by: Brenda | February 9, 2009, 5:42 pm 5:42 pm

That is always been the problem with Republicans ever since the first Bush….More concerned with image than substance.

Posted by: indy_voter | February 9, 2009, 5:44 pm 5:44 pm

Somehow the Chief of Staff didn’t have a problem with all of the horrifyingly bad decisions Bush made while being President, and the fact that he ran this country into the flipping ground…but hey, he was wearing a suit jacket! I don’t care if Obama is running around the White House in a tu-tu and a matching tiara!!! Already that man has done more good for this country then the 8 miserable years that Bush was President. Seriously? Upset over a jacket? Get your effing priorities straight!!!!

Posted by: Meghan | February 9, 2009, 5:46 pm 5:46 pm

Who gives a crap about dress. I’m more concerned with the path Mr. Obama has promised to put us on. I was a child during the depression and believe you me, what we are experiencing now is nowhere even close to the depression, regardless of what the libs say. FDR’s New Deal did not help the economy, only WWII got us out of the depression. Mr. Obama’s plan is going to depress the economy even further and prolong this recession (which we will recover from naturally, as we always do).

Posted by: Brenda | February 9, 2009, 5:49 pm 5:49 pm

Although this is only news because someone said it and it was reported as news, what’s really funny is that brain dead libs like dem in chicago keep forgetting that Democrats have been in control of the House and Senate for more than 2 years now. And…we’ve already seen wheat kind of Keystone Cop organization they are running there now.

Posted by: Squid | February 9, 2009, 5:50 pm 5:50 pm

Oh please…. The only primary profession that I’m aware of that keep their suit jackets on while working,(those that still wear suits by the way), are bankers on the floor who interact with the public. Of course Wall Street too. But, when you’re on a trading desk or the privacy of your own team/offices, the jacket comes off. I’m sure that when President Obama meets with someone outside of his staff, he dons his jacket as appropriate. Is it possible that Republicans have no idea how silly they look by knit picking, placing fear etc? HOW ABOUT TELLING US ABOUT SOME POLICY DIRECTION AND IDEOLOGIES? Wouldn’t that be novel…. This type of complaint and subsequent coverage only shows (to me anyway) what shambles the Republican party is in.

Posted by: FS | February 9, 2009, 5:51 pm 5:51 pm

Even as the media continues to cast the stimulus saga as one of mounting pressure on President Barack Obama to deliver a bill that’s become mired in partisan bickering, public opinion remains squarely behind the President’s effort. As Obama embarks today on a mini-campaign to sell the stimulus, the numbers indicate that he may be preaching to the converted. Jake Tapper of ABC News provides the essential rundown:
Sixty-seven percent of the American people approve of how President Obama’s handling his efforts to pass an economic stimulus bill, as opposed to 48% for Democrats in Congress and 31% for congressional Republicans.
In addition, the disapproval rating for Congressional Republicans remains a “staggeringly high” 58%. And the public continues to view the package as a matter of paramount concern. 51% of those polled consider the plan’s passage to be “critically important,” with “Only 16% say it is ‘not that important.’”
What remains obscured by these numbers, however, is whether or not public sentiment lines up behind the various compromises wrought and cuts made by the coterie of “moderate” Senators. Here, the press has done a poor job elucidating what is precisely at stake. Senators Ben Nelson and Susan Collins have been allowed to skate by and issue fundamental falsehoods about what they have done to the bill. In a press release, the two Senators claim to have “funded education,” and have ensured that the bill will contain “robust spending on infrastructure to create jobs, $87 billion in assistance for states, and assistance to schools, especially for special education and Pell grants.” Yglesias begs to differ:
Would you ever in a million years have guessed from this rhetoric that the primary change Collins and Nelson made was to implement big reductions in aid to states and, especially, in funding for education? I think not. In their rhetoric, Collins and Nelson preserved vital education funding and state assistance while eliminating various metaphorical animal products. Meanwhile, actual changes Collins and Nelson made include:
* Elimination of $25 billion in flexible funding for state governments.
* Cut $7.5 billion in funding for “state incentive grants” to help states make progress toward NCLB goals.
* Eliminated $19.5 billion in construction aid for schools and colleges.
* Reduced new aid for the Head Start early childhood program by $1 billion.
Nowhere in their statement do Nelson and Collins make any effort to justify these decisions. Indeed, they don’t even seem prepared to admit that they made these decisions.
And no one is holding Collins or Nelson to account, either. Nevertheless, the stage for these compromises — and the attendant concerns that have since issued forth from economists like Paul Krugman, who believe that damage is being done to the bill’s efficacy — was set by President Obama himself, who sought out bipartisan input and support at the expense of his negotiating position. As Ryan Grim notes, Obama’s “stimulus spending is one leg of a three-part approach” to stabilizing the economy, and if the stimulus bill shows any degree of efficacy, the President may elect to take a second pass. Whether the public will stand behind a rerun of this grueling period in the same buoying numbers is anybody’s guess.

Posted by: BlueJersey | February 9, 2009, 5:51 pm 5:51 pm

We were however attacked on 9/11 by terrorists that were being harbored in Iraq. — Brenda
Wrong.

Posted by: unhipcat | February 9, 2009, 5:51 pm 5:51 pm

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha
Leave it to a republican to have absolutely nothing better to do than be the dress code hall monitor. Get a life Card. If this isn’t the saddest waste of time, I don’t know what is. The President of the United States can wear whatever he wants, and I do beleive it would be just fine for all of us who voted for him.

Posted by: Bruce Burrier | February 9, 2009, 5:52 pm 5:52 pm

You have got to be kidding!!!!!! At least he’s working! More than we could say for suited(or unsuited) Bush!

Posted by: VITAL2U | February 9, 2009, 5:53 pm 5:53 pm

Our founding fathers would be sick if they saw the political mess this country has become. The very thought that we are considering moving to a socialist ideology would have Washington and the others sick after they sacrifced their lives to give us the freedoms we are now losing day by day. All you western Europe socialist hacks need to keep your hands off my country. We’re on a path to nowhere, just like all of western Europe.

Posted by: Brenda | February 9, 2009, 5:53 pm 5:53 pm

Brenda…although this is a tangent that i don’t think anybody at this blog cares to perpetuate, George W. Bush attacked a country (Iraq) that did not attack the U.S.. War was never declared by Congress. Totally unconstitutional. Read about it, shut up and go blog your crap somewhere else.

Posted by: MaryMary | February 9, 2009, 5:54 pm 5:54 pm

My question is why give him space for a useless “interview” or maybe because no one gave a damn about him so should we really give a damn now? I think not! Now let’s on with solving the REAL problems of our nation!

Posted by: Jessayin | February 9, 2009, 5:57 pm 5:57 pm

BTW…the one person responsible for MOST of the freedoms we’ve lost HANDS DOWN is George W. Bush and his thugs, including Scooter Libby and Gonzo. Take a gander at the Patriot Act sometime soon. THAT’s what would have the founding fathers in despair.

Posted by: MaryMary | February 9, 2009, 5:57 pm 5:57 pm

Let President Obama do whatever he wants, I mean, that is the way he like’s it. You can already see how mad he gets when he does not get his way. Well, welcome to the Oval Office Mr President.

Posted by: R Garcia | February 9, 2009, 5:57 pm 5:57 pm

Aren’t we contrary?

Posted by: ddg | February 9, 2009, 5:59 pm 5:59 pm

MaryMary, Congress did vote (almost unamiously) to go to war. I think if something unconstitutional did occur, you libs and the liberal supreme court would have said something at the time, not years after the fact (for politcal gain). I wish you libs would think for yourselves instead of just repeating the same stupid rhetoric you get from the lib media…

Posted by: Brenda | February 9, 2009, 5:59 pm 5:59 pm

billy bob, Tell us why Bush’s White House let the SEC look the other way when the biggest Ponzi scheme went unchecked since 2000 when they were informed of it. Oh yes that is right the Head guy was Rich.

Posted by: US Citizen | February 9, 2009, 6:01 pm 6:01 pm

mr card, are you kidding me?he is the president of the USA, and you republicans hardly call him. ‘president’ obama,now you are worried about him not wearing a jacket in his office, so you think thats disrespectful,please’now you need to shut to hell up, and let him get as comfortable as he need, to fix the mess the country is in.

Posted by: simplecake | February 9, 2009, 6:03 pm 6:03 pm

I’m not an Obama supporter and I even think this is pretty stupid.

Posted by: boxcar | February 9, 2009, 6:06 pm 6:06 pm

Much fiddling while Rome burns…

Posted by: MoonBeam | February 9, 2009, 6:06 pm 6:06 pm

Psssssst. He’s not wearing a flag pin either. LOL

Posted by: Mole | February 9, 2009, 6:08 pm 6:08 pm

Brenda – first do some Google work and you’ll find out how Bush threw the Constitution out the window as the neo-cons who planned the invasion of Iraq PRIOR to the election of 2000 forced the issue. Begin with (I’ll help)
Second the leading recognized Constitutionalist in the Senate by both parties (Robert Byrd, and no I don’t agree with him on many things) has a very good book about President Bush and VP Cheney and the trashing of the Constitution – you may not like it, but I have yet to read a Constitutional law professor denegrate his observations. Next you need to go back to school and know that we entered into WWII not to attack Germany, but to the defense of allies. We did not go into the Korean war as an attack on a soverign nation, but as an action under the auspices of the U.N. and for which a vote was taken in Congress (another one of those unpleasant Consitutional things the Republicans have trouble with) and Iraq was not “harboring” 9-11 terrorists. You may want to go to the RNC for their agreement that al Quaeda was not in Iraq before our invasion. You may also want to refer to some Middle East diplomatic issues and learn that Saddam was not exactly on good terms with Iran (could we have lost an ally in the war on terror?). When you say I am smart-mouthed without an substance to back up my posts – I at least don’t result to character assassination against you and as far as your second post against me, I’ll leave well enough alone. That being said I do have great delight in raising Republican dander since they do have to defend things which were against the Constitution – something on which a President places his hand and swears to uphold. And yes he did look nice wearing a suit before tens of thousands of “collateral damage” civilians died – no funeral to attend necessary. The premise of the war was WRONG, the execution of the war was WRONG, and there are many, many experts in this old world that fear with the elections to come in Iraq there will be bunches of little Saddam’s elected feeding the upward scale. You and I are probably very different – I listen to Rush, I heard what the Administration said for 8 years – but I kept my brain and didn’t hand it over to Karl Rove disciples.

Posted by: OnTheGloryRoad | February 9, 2009, 6:09 pm 6:09 pm

I’ll take someone with some brains in a shirt and tie over the villiage idiot who wears a suit, any day!

Posted by: Joe the Electrician | February 9, 2009, 6:10 pm 6:10 pm

Maybe that’s why they made such a mess of the country the last 8 years. Their jackets and ties were cutting off the oxygen!!!

Posted by: sandyelh | February 9, 2009, 6:11 pm 6:11 pm

Grow up and talk about something that is important. Shedding his jacket is not important.

Posted by: eyeon | February 9, 2009, 6:17 pm 6:17 pm

As far as I am concerned, if he is in his office working in his shirt sleeves then he is working and not carrying about an image — Bush so many times was off on his mountain bike even during one crisis if I remember, Cheney in the bunker w/ his wife and Nancy Reagan while bush was off riding his bike and I am sure that was not in a shirt and tie, althought that might answer all the falls he used to take.
Give it a break –

Posted by: Paulet | February 9, 2009, 6:18 pm 6:18 pm

its amazing how the only thing people can take about is fashion and not about what matters most! Palin for Obama! Your fashion rocks!

Posted by: ms palin | February 9, 2009, 6:36 pm 6:36 pm

Was ever a man so aptly named, Andrew CARD!

Posted by: john schwarz | February 9, 2009, 6:40 pm 6:40 pm

Gee he looks like a person who cares,not a dork who wears a stiff shirt, tie and jacket just to say hi to some one.What in hell do they care what he wears ?????I would care less if he wore shorts in the summer heat as long as gets the job done….

Posted by: NH voter | February 9, 2009, 6:43 pm 6:43 pm

This story starts out appropriately — AS IF

Posted by: snooch | February 9, 2009, 6:45 pm 6:45 pm

“Bush thought of the White House as a kind of corporate headquarters; the Oval Office as a boardroom.” –He sure ran that company into the ground as the CEO, special attire and respect and all.

Posted by: Terry | February 9, 2009, 6:58 pm 6:58 pm

Hmmmm…. maybe this is why our country went to hell during the Bush Administration; they were more concerned with how things might appear than how they actually were!

Posted by: tiredgirlie | February 9, 2009, 6:59 pm 6:59 pm

First, Andy Card is as irrelvant as they come. Second, HE should show some respect and not try to dictate the attire of the president. I think he knows how to dress himself andy….now beat it.

Posted by: ina | February 9, 2009, 6:59 pm 6:59 pm

This clearly indicates where the priorities in the Bush administration were…

Posted by: MIguy | February 9, 2009, 7:03 pm 7:03 pm

Talk about the politics of distraction. You know Mr. Card, Bill Clinton was known to be in the Oval Office in shorts and T-shirt, yet he maneged to leave us with a surplus, which was promptly wasted by the suit-wearing village idiot. Instead of wasting your time on such a stupid subject, use your time to volunteer at a homeless shelter, because thanks to your former boss, they are now overcrowded.

Posted by: MMartin | February 9, 2009, 7:06 pm 7:06 pm

Bush and Republicans so messed our economy, it is about time someone took off his jacket and got down to work. I remember when RUSH said the sign of a good economy was DOW over 14K..where are they now..? They kept saying economy is strong…now BLAME it on Obama..get real..

Posted by: John | February 9, 2009, 7:12 pm 7:12 pm

I don’t care what they wear at the White House. All I care about is what they produce for the nation.
By the way, it’s pretty obvious to us little folk out in the boonies that those suits didn’t make the Bush/Cheney crew any smarter. It certainly didn’t make them more ethical.

Posted by: jan | February 9, 2009, 7:15 pm 7:15 pm

I cannot stand Obama so anything anyone says about him that is negative(and they have a lot to work with) is o.k. with me.

Posted by: Jenny | February 9, 2009, 7:17 pm 7:17 pm

Jackets on — all the time — in the Oval office? Right, Andy? Hmmmm. Perhaps THEY were hiding those weapons of mass destruction in their shirt pockets. I didn’t know Cheney wore a jacket — I thought he was always donning a black cape, floor model. Republicans out of power — just keep talking, keep up the little news feeds. You are killing your party, stupid comment after stupid comment. (And we thought Sarah Palin was flakey?) We are now starting to see the both the difference in “style” and “SUBSTANCE” as well. Go Obama TEAM — love you all in shirt sleaves!

Posted by: profm2 | February 9, 2009, 7:25 pm 7:25 pm

Because it is the Oval Office and it should be respected. What does Obama and his angry wife respect? Yes, they got elected by the media, not the people in this country who pay taxes, go to work, go to church and try to live right. That just doesn’t matter to them and it shows. It is arrogance like we have never seen before. Even Bill Clinton tried to hide.

Posted by: Jane | February 9, 2009, 7:30 pm 7:30 pm

I love the story about Obama’s staff moving into a White House riddled with obsolete technology like computers running 6-year-old Microsoft OS. Bunch of crusty old suit-wearing dinosaurs.

Posted by: idahogirl | February 9, 2009, 7:37 pm 7:37 pm

What an idiot! I wouldn’t care if Obama wore a pink, polka dot tutu as long as he got this country back on track. Can we stick to the important facts please!

Posted by: Susan | February 9, 2009, 7:42 pm 7:42 pm

Andrew Card is an idiot, no wonder Bush left office with the lowest approval rating ever, and the highest disapproval rating ever. They are so out of touch. The Republicans are soooo out of touch, especially that crack pot Rush Limbaugh. They ruined this country by giving Bush 2 terms in office. It’ll take us decades to recover from Bush’s mess’s he left us.

Posted by: Stanley Hutchinson | February 9, 2009, 7:47 pm 7:47 pm

Pres-Socialist: Re-establish boundaries to benefit his social regime.
***************************************
Oh you mean copy what they did in Texas?
No they’re smart than that, because it didn’t
work.
*******
Pres-Socialist: What the H*** is Rahm going to do about it? Call in his Jewish Mafia bud’s.***********
A little irreverent in your remark toward an
alley to the US. Sounds like you need to start
looking at yourself in the mirror more often.

Posted by: spacerook1 | February 9, 2009, 7:47 pm 7:47 pm

if it weren’t so pathetic, it’d be funny

Posted by: Ted | February 9, 2009, 7:48 pm 7:48 pm

last week on The Daily Show – they showed a photo of the former President Bush without a jacket and his sleeves unbuttoned – Quit with the hypocricy – President Obama is a grown man and I trust him to dress appropriately…and act appropriately, which seemed next to impossible for the prior administration. PLEASE…Listing the faux pas’ would take too much space and time.

Posted by: Nancy | February 9, 2009, 7:48 pm 7:48 pm

Its not the suit but who wears it. I dont care if the President runs around the Oval Office bare naked, (like Clinton:)(and as long as Palosi doesnt make President:) as long as he or she is a good President, works hard for the American people,is honest and brings honor to the country and White House. Clinton was a good President naked or not. Not exactly honest though.

Posted by: CAW | February 9, 2009, 7:50 pm 7:50 pm

As I have said several times before. It is OK to add $4.5 trillion to the debt, to let Madoff and others ponzi and steal, to make it possible for rich CEOs to get billions of dollars in bonuses and golden parachutes at the same time millions of ordinary people lose jobs, homes, health care, retirement and the ability to help their children pursue advanced vocational education or college, to deregulate in such a way that contaminated food floods the USA, lead poisoned toys come into the hands of our children, dog food kills our dogs, and Katrina victims swing in the wind. All that is OK, so long as you wear a suit coat in the oval office. Frankly, Obama is the president now. He sets the dress code. It’s none of the Bushies’ business whether or not he wears a suit coat in the oval office.

Posted by: JAB | February 9, 2009, 7:54 pm 7:54 pm

Andy Card is a Card.

Posted by: Farhana | February 9, 2009, 7:54 pm 7:54 pm

Mr. Card – the proper attire for the former Bush administration should be an orange jump suit!

Posted by: Norm | February 9, 2009, 7:59 pm 7:59 pm

: JAB ——–Exactly!

Posted by: CAW | February 9, 2009, 8:06 pm 8:06 pm

I think Andrew Card is trying to fit
in the shoes of the late famous
dress attire critic Richard Blackwell.
They’ll never fit.

Posted by: spacerook1 | February 9, 2009, 8:07 pm 8:07 pm

Are we really going to use Bush as an example for anything other than what you shouldn’t do? Get serious. I like a president that doesn’t mind taking off his coat and tie and rolling up his sleeves and working for the good of the American Citizen.

Posted by: FoCo | February 9, 2009, 8:12 pm 8:12 pm

Could someone tell Mr. Card the US isn’t a Democracy!!! It’s a Constitutional Republic and what someone wears to work or play is none of his concern.
Could someone tell the Democrats we’re in the situation we are in because they’re party leaders signed off on the largest export of American jobs in history… Pres. Clinton, who wore a suit in the oval office, signed NAFTA in ’93, joined WTO in ’95, and gave China permanent most favored nation status in ’99.
Democrats have controlled Congress for the past two years, just about the same time the largest deficits in the history of our nation have been rung up. And just about the same time our economy hit the toilet.
In a Constitutional Republic, Congress it the most powerful branch of the government. Congress modifies, changes adjusts, and approves all budgets and money spent. Congress has the power to initiate, rewrite, revise, suspend and abolish the Constitution.
Congress can impeach any Justice of any court in America. Congress can remove any executive including the President. No court can remove a Congressman, even if he’s found guilty of a felony. The president cannot suspend the Legislative branch.
So who cares if Obama wears a jacket or not… he’s still a slave.

Posted by: To the Republic! | February 9, 2009, 8:23 pm 8:23 pm

Only because while Obama is yelling at us to conserve energy, he has his own office turned up to about 80 degrees. HE thinks he’s above the law and too good to take his own advice.

Posted by: midwestlady | February 9, 2009, 8:24 pm 8:24 pm

He told this to Inside Edition…..Yeah, major news story there.

Posted by: JWS | February 9, 2009, 8:25 pm 8:25 pm

I recall numerous blogging references during the campaign to Obama as an “empty suit;” a know-nothing, done nothing messianic “empty suit” using smoke and mirrors to beguile the electorate and mesmerize the sheep. Why does anyone even try to please a Republican? Well, at least we know he doesn’t have a Card up his sleeve.

Posted by: Chandra Yaan | February 9, 2009, 8:37 pm 8:37 pm

HA HA HA, I love it! You libs and dems are squeeling like stuck pigs. Mad at the repubs becasue they are complaining and impossible to please. HA HA HA, sounds very familiar, get used to it! It comes with the territory. We had to put up wit the BS from the left for 8 years, now it’s your turn and we have only just begun to begin!! HA HA.

Posted by: RJ | February 9, 2009, 8:59 pm 8:59 pm

I’ll take casual, pragmatic competence over a well dressed buffoon any day.

Posted by: DaveL | February 9, 2009, 9:00 pm 9:00 pm

who cares did anyone did any one see the obama look alike.hes funny as heck

Posted by: tn1206 | February 9, 2009, 9:19 pm 9:19 pm

well maybe it is ok for obama to not wear a coat but what gives with the omb guy, the underlings should show some respect….awful

Posted by: christopher | February 9, 2009, 9:21 pm 9:21 pm

It’s really amazing to me that our previous leadership allowed our entire economic system to be milked by the mega-wealthy, and now this Bush mouthpiece is complaining about what President Obama is wearing, as though he is Mr. Blackwell.
It’s a shame that President Obama’s predecessor didn’t insist on proper behavior, proper thinking, or proper policy instead of proper dress…

Posted by: BigDaddyCaneLXA | February 9, 2009, 9:24 pm 9:24 pm

Big Whoopie. Speaking of which, wouldn’t it be hilarious to put it whoopie cushions under all the seats at the UN meeting?

Posted by: A. Jean Yus | February 9, 2009, 9:26 pm 9:26 pm

Just like a Bushie to concern himself with such stupid superficialities. I’ll bet GWB was wearing a suit while he presided over the SEC’s failure, used superstition and bigotry instead of science to run the FDA, sent our military into harm’s way with inadequate equipment, on the basis of failed intelligence? Exactly as expected — an empty suit with a high thread count!

Posted by: A. Craig | February 9, 2009, 9:41 pm 9:41 pm

Card is beyond lame. He needs to:
1. Get a life.
2. Get sane again.
I doubt either is possible.

Posted by: MechanicalMan | February 9, 2009, 9:46 pm 9:46 pm

“It is better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt”

Posted by: Dilly | February 9, 2009, 9:50 pm 9:50 pm

Dress should not be an issue. This president has hundreds of bad policies… and you pick on the way he dresses? Writing an article about how he dresses only distracts from his bad policies. (Are you trying to protect him by writing an article about how bad he dresses?)
As for the dude below who thought the Democrats were cleaning-up the Republicans mess: You are hilarious. The $800 billion dollar stimulus is leading our nation directly into hyper-inflation. This is not called “cleaning the mess”, it’s called “making a huge one”.
As for the Ron Paul guy who commented before me: I commend you. Ron Paul is the only person in the White House who knows what he’s doing. The other 99% of our politicians should resign… and I mean that whole-heartedly.

Posted by: Dave Cribbs | February 9, 2009, 9:56 pm 9:56 pm

Sure Mr. Card, because it is much more important to wear a blazer in the Oval office than to act within the limits of the Constitution. Is this idiot serious? He should just be happy that president Obama doesn’t decide to prosecute Bush and Cheney and get a grip.

Posted by: The Tennessean | February 9, 2009, 9:56 pm 9:56 pm

I personally do not mind that Obama keeps it casual, neither do I mind that Bush kept it formal. I do however have a problem with no pants, ala Bill Clinton.

Posted by: Jeremy Lucas | February 9, 2009, 10:14 pm 10:14 pm

Who cares about the suit coat?
Can’t the press cover something really important such as if the man goes commando or not?

Posted by: Noz | February 10, 2009, 9:20 am 9:20 am

Attention American People”, President Obama’s stimulus package, must be passed.President Obama warned about the Wall Street crash a few years ago, and what did the Republicans do? Nothing! You must voice your support for the stimulus package plan by contacting your Congressmen! Republicans are Rich, and dont care about the average American, who has to struggle to get by day by day!Stand up and voice your support now!

Posted by: Demo Rules | February 10, 2009, 9:29 am 9:29 am

Demo Rules: don’t you have the roles reversed????????? How did Dashle make millions??? Reid, Pelosi and her clan when did they become republicans??????

Posted by: Lizzie | February 10, 2009, 11:09 am 11:09 am

As usual, the libs dem misses the point and context.
Proper attire is to show proper respects for the office.
Would you showed up at a wedding in jeans and t-shirt? Would you attend mass in shorts and tank top?
Get the point now?

Posted by: Reality2009 | February 10, 2009, 11:47 am 11:47 am

Obama is a disgrace to America

Posted by: 8mile | February 10, 2009, 2:27 pm 2:27 pm

Angie – It’s not Obama’s office it’s our office and Obama should respect our office!

Posted by: Geeeez | February 10, 2009, 7:46 pm 7:46 pm

Here comes Bill Clinton II. First the jacket, next the pants!

Posted by: Sadly said | February 10, 2009, 9:41 pm 9:41 pm

if Andy thinks Obama is disrespectful for wearing no coat then he must come clean and admit that Reagan must be a total cad because he doesn’t even have a tie on… republicans, go figure

Posted by: dk | February 11, 2009, 5:12 am 5:12 am

This guy is the worst kind of corporate devil. You know – the kind of people who walk around to see how people are dressed and if they are following the dress code. It’s clear these people are insecure and get off telling others how to dress. They are people who don’t have enough to do and should be fired

Posted by: Bob | February 11, 2009, 8:44 am 8:44 am

Does anyone get it? Slowly we are losing any tradition. We are viewed all over the world. It may not seem like a big deal, slowly but surely we will lose everything that sets us apart.
Will it then be okay to show up in Nike Baketball Shorts!!!!Oh yea we have bigger fish to fry.

Posted by: karen | February 11, 2009, 9:02 am 9:02 am

What was that pajama thing he had on the other day when he boarded the helicopter for Camp David? At least it was better than seeing him half-naked like we had to when he was in Hawaii.

Posted by: Gotterdammerung | February 11, 2009, 9:12 am 9:12 am

I guess we can live with t-shirts and shorts in the oval office, but the basketball hoop over the wastebasket has to go.

Posted by: Spread The Wealth | February 11, 2009, 4:53 pm 4:53 pm

We have really gone nuts when we make an issue over whether he wears his jacket in the white house or not. Are you sick? Who cares? Is this an important condition to being president? Why don’t you criticize his teeth, his clothes, his smile, the way he walks, jeez give it a rest. The only important thing is that he cares for the little people and not big business and he is willing to try to take steps to help them. He has accomplished more in one month than Mr. Bush in a year. These problems did not happen overnight , they have been brewing for a long time and we had a president who hid the fact that we were in a recession a year ago. I think it’s time to ask the republicans to take ownership of the last administration and let the new president try to straighten it out.

Posted by: Pat Napolitano Marietta. Ga. | February 12, 2009, 10:41 am 10:41 am

karen,
give up that self righteous “we’re viewed all over the world” crap. No one from “all over the world” can see into the Oval Office while the President works. I’ve seen picture of good ole Ronnie Raygun working in the Oval Office in jeans, eyes soar, popping red shirt, and cowboy boots. Was Gorbechev less likely to take Ronnie’s call because of that?

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Posted by: Viagra. | February 17, 2009, 7:21 pm 7:21 pm

I wonder why it is that heads od state always dress so they can be identified in a crowd. Are you suggesting tennis shoes and sweatclothes? Why do senators always wear a suit??

Posted by: POE | September 16, 2009, 10:00 am 10:00 am

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