Under the Stars, Obama Toasts India’s Prime Minister
EmailFrom Sunlen Miller:
Underneath a massive white tent, with a glass ceiling and eight chandeliers, President Obama noted during his first toast at his first state dinner that guests were celebrating the spirit of the U.S.-India partnership under the stars this evening.
“In India, some of life’s most precious moments are often celebrated under the cover of a beautiful tent. It’s a little like tonight. We have incredible food, the music, and are surrounded by great friends," he said. "It’s been said that the most beautiful thing in the universe are the starry heavens above us and the feeling of duty within us. Mr. Prime Minister, today we worked to fulfill our duty to bring our countries closer together than ever before.”
Standing in full black-tie tux next to Prime Minister Singh of India, at the conclusion of their long day of festivities and meetings, Obama said they are drawn by ties that bind them together — movements like that of Ghandi and Dr. Martin Luther King’s allowing each to stand in leadership today.
“It’s the bond of friendship between a president and a prime minister who are bound by the same unshakeable spirit of possibility and brotherhood that transformed both our nations, the spirit that gave rise to movements led by Gandhi and King and which are the reason that both of us can stand here tonight,” he said.
The president closed with words of India’s first prime minister, spoken on the eve of India’s independence.
And with that Obama raised a glass — of what looked like water in a wine glass — to toast. Singh toasted with what looked like white wine.
“To the future that beckons all of us, let us answer its call and let our two great nations realize all the triumphs and achievements that await us. Cheers,” Obama said.
Singh said that the engagement between the United States and India is “highly important” for the world as a whole, at a time when “profound changes are taking place in the world,” prompting new needs for international cooperation.
The prime minister said the two leaders are embarking now on a new phase of their partnership.
“Your journey to the White House has captured the imagination of millions and millions of people in India,” Singh said toasting Obama. “You are an inspiration to all those who cherish the values of democracy, diversity and equal opportunity.”
Michelle Obama wore a floor-length sparkling silver and gold strapless dress, by Indian-American designer Naeem Khan, for the dinner. She carried a chiffon shawl and wore a bunch of churis, the traditional Indian bangle bracelets.
-Sunlen Miller
Sen. DeMint: GOP Race Could Go Until Convention 
Obama Avoids Questions on Contraception Rule
Posted by: Bob | Nov 24, 2009 10:15:54 PM
Why didn’t she go all the way and wear a sari?
Perhaps it’s because she wanted to be more subtle about honoring her guests Billy-Bob. Still, she would have looked gorgeous in a sari being so tall and statuesque.
Oh and the Prez didn’t “kowtow” – he merely bowed as is customary in Japan. The world’s a big place ya know?
Posted by: Milam | November 24, 2009, 10:47 pm 10:47 pm
What about reaching out to the American people he has alienated?
BTW, Even many Japanese were embarrassed by Obama’s profound bow. At least one Japanese newspaper didn’t print the picture of the bow because the Japanese were embarrassed by his behavior.
Jake Tapper’s November 15 entry reported that a scholar of traditional Japan noted to him that: “Obama’s handshake/forward lurch was so jarring and inappropriate it recalls Bush’s back-rub of Merkel.
“Kyodo News is running his appropriate and reciprocated nod and shake with the Empress, certainly to show the president as dignified, and not in the form of a first year English teacher trying to impress with Karate Kid-level knowledge of Japanese customs.
“The bow as he performed did not just display weakness in Red State terms, but evoked weakness in Japanese terms….The last thing the Japanese want or need is a weak looking American president and, again, in all ways, he unintentionally played that part.”
Posted by: EPU | November 24, 2009, 11:40 pm 11:40 pm
Oh and the Prez didn’t “kowtow” – he merely bowed as is customary in Japan. The world’s a big place ya know?
_____________________________________
Yes, and bowing lower to a respected elder, is considered very respectful.
Posted by: tierra | November 24, 2009, 11:54 pm 11:54 pm
Sunlen writes a nice blog about a totally non-political state dinner with an important U.S. ally. The Obama Haters unload about the Tokyo “bow”. This concerted effort to degilitimize the U.S. Presidency is is becoming very obscene and dangerous. Your false, hate filled comments give aid and comfort to America’s enemies.
Posted by: B. Bear | November 24, 2009, 11:57 pm 11:57 pm
No more dangerous than 8 years of ‘false hateful’ Bush bashing. Don’t dish it out if you can’t take it.
Posted by: EPU | November 25, 2009, 2:31 am 2:31 am
Tierra…..down to 45% approval rating and dropping when are you going to become one of the majority?
Posted by: james | November 25, 2009, 6:04 am 6:04 am
ha! It was beautiful like all the rest. Sorry.
Posted by: sara | November 25, 2009, 8:48 am 8:48 am
Bowing low to a elder is not considered respectful when you are to be considered their equal. It is a sign that you are subservient to the other leader. That you are the beta dog being humped by an alpha.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Krakatoa | November 25, 2009, 9:24 am 9:24 am
“You are an inspiration to all those who cherish the values of democracy, diversity and equal opportunity.”
____
Well said. I agree. And the dinner sounds lovely.
As for the critics…
In general,Democrats have tough first years in the presidency and the reason for that is Democrats come to office to actually govern on both the domestic and foreign policy fronts, to actually take on the tough, seemingly impossible issues, like health care reform, saving the economy,civil rights and responsible war, national security and energy strategies– and eventually balancing the budget. Dems are often wonks that rely more on details and deliberation than their gut, and yes, they can sometimes get lost in the details, but for me its refreshing to have a president willing to work through the layers of our complex issues, and I am thankful. The real evaluation of President Obama will actually come when we see the results of his decision on Afghanistan (THE DECISION TO TBA TUES, DEC 1 AT WEST POINT PER BREAKING NEWS),the health care reform bills in Congress, and jobs. And it will be difficult to render judgment immediately, though that hasn’t given his critics any sense of restraint or reasonableness.
I’m still with ya, Mr. President (but then I fall under the liberal Democrat post-grad break downs that Gallup takes a peek at today. Funny that the President’s approval rating hasn’t dipped as much with those of us who are well-educated and enlightened…)
Interestingly,Gallup also finds that nearly half of Americans (47%) would now advise President Obama to increase the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, while 39% would advise him to reduce U.S. troop levels. Earlier this month, Americans tilted more toward a troop reduction than a troop increase, 44% to 42%.
I’m guessing a thorough explanation of a sound strategy on Tuesday will get his numbers back up over 50%.
Posted by: Cara A. | November 25, 2009, 10:41 am 10:41 am