Marines give Obama a cool Yule reception


Vacationing in Hawaii, President-elect Barack Obama dropped in on the Kaneche Bay U.S. Marine base to say hello last night, and the reception he received from the Leathernecks was… cool. ABC’s Jake Tapper reported:

As Obama entered the room, it was absent of the regular fanfare of cheering and clapping. The diners were polite, staying seated at their respective tables and waited for the president-elect to come to them to stand up.

The obvious contrast in the responses which President Bush and the president-elect evoke from military personnel should be obvious, but if Obama’s supporters need a clue, milblog Blackfive was more than willing to provide one:

It should surprise no one familiar with the military that Obama got a respectful but unenthusiastic response when he dropped in at a meal. W catches rock star greetings, but when you have spent your political career trying to lose a war these folks were busy fighting…..well you get “Yes sir Mr. Obama Sir, can I get back to chow now?”

Rather than sitting down and eating with the troops or even working the chow line to serve them, as Bush has done, Obama, according to Tapper, dined at his beach house that night. Perhaps that was for the best after all, as Blackfive observed:

Well he certainly wasn’t among friends at the chow hall.

Oh, Bam! Uh…

- JP


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Uh...

jthomson Friday, December 26th at 11:59PM EST (link)

… maybe they’re bummed that they’ve been fighting in the wrong country for 5+ years. I know I would be if I was a soldier but I’m just a DFH.

JT

Translation: "Deflect! Deflect!"

aesthete (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 12:03AM EST (link)

n/t

The act of defending any of the cardinal virtues has today all the exhilaration of a vice – G.K. Chesterton

yup,

jthomson Saturday, December 27th at 12:13AM EST (link)

Bush, et al were rather good at deflecting!

JT

Nice,

Brian Simpson (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 12:20AM EST (link)

I think the 7th grade wants its cheesy line back.


| My RedState archive |
Important principles may and must be inflexible. ~ Abraham Lincoln

 
 
 

As a veteran of OIF,

Pi Over Three (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 1:59AM EST (link)

by the time I left Iraq I had seen the bigger picture, and knew that I was in the right place.

I drive a car powered by hydrogen – C8H18 to be exact.

 

I get the DF, it's the H I'm having trouble with

Vegas_Rick (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 1:57PM EST (link)

Let’s see.. D= Dumb, F = F*&%ing, H = ???

“God is great, beer is good and people are crazy.”- Billy Currington

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” Calvin Coolidge.

 

Wrong country?

Kudzu (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 7:26PM EST (link)

You do realize that we’re in more than one right? So which one would it be? Afghanistan? Iraq? Philippines? Columbia? Kosovo? Bosnia? And you’re not a Soldier, I am, and we’re not angry at being in Iraq. We’re a little disappointed in the population for not realizing that he campaigned on us losing. If we lost, he’d get it. When we started to win against this insurgency in Iraq he deflected the attention away and focused on the economy.

He still hasn’t apologized for calling me a war criminal and a terrorist or saying the surge worked.

It always did take two of you to take down one of me. – Jo Bob Priddy, North Dallas Forty.

Now on at http://kudzu630.wordpress.com/

 

mr, jthompson

gekster (Diary) Sunday, December 28th at 7:53PM EST (link)

I didn’t want to blog out untill after New Years Day, but this…

Long before “Bush” went to war in Iraq, it was the right war.
In 1998, BEFORE 9-11, Bill Clinton and both houses of Congress passed a resolution for regime change in Iraq. It was the US position that the regime of Sadam was to fall, if eventually by the US, then so be it.
Cousin George just decided to get the job done. If anything, GW has never shide away from a job no matter what.

On a different note but along these line, I sent this out as a last of the Bush era message. It applies to your comment.

“Bush will be gone soon, and like Nixon said, you won’t have me to kick around any more.
So I say let’s get our last lick in before he leaves office.
The biggest I heard about was his WMD’S. Remember, “Bush lied and people died?”
Check out the web site, and we all can say for the last time, It’s all Bush’s fault”.

Check this web site out. Please be kind enough to read it all. Then leave another comment. Thank You
http://theanchoressonline.com/2005/11/02/where-did-the-wmd-intel-come-from/

They say Republicans are for the rich, Democrats are for the poor.
If they need more voters,
then they have to make more of who they are for.

We are there in the various Tea Party groups, leaderless, but not rudderless.
We steer always toward the Constitutional principles this nation was founded upon.
Erick Brockway

Ok folks, 2012 is here. Get involved

 

WTH is DFH?

Raven (Diary) Monday, December 29th at 12:57PM EST (link)

It sounds like a compound I should be familiar with but I can’t even find it in my 3-34…

“If you do not have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.”
Luke 22:36

 
 

I was gratified

Warner Todd Huston (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 12:08AM EST (link)

I was gratified to read that the Marines did not give him the standing O that Bush gets. Obama has done NOTHING to earn such respect and what he HAS done makes one suspicious that he cannot do so.

———-
Be sure and Visit my Home blog Publius’ Forum. It’s what’s happening NOW!

5 5 5 nt

JadedByPolitics (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 1:33AM EST (link)
 

A couple things left out

hmmcontrib Saturday, December 27th at 12:27AM EST (link)

It was Christmas night, not just any holiday season night, and Obama had Christmas dinner with his family, at his house. This is a bad thing?

From the article: “Obama, dressed casually in a blue polo shirt and dark khaki trousers, worked his way around the room — table by table — and took pictures with the service members. He slapped them on the back at times, shook hands, and signed some autographs.” So the military that hates him was asking for autographs why – just to be polite?

It puts me in mind

Justin_Case (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 12:45AM EST (link)

of the time in Germany when he decided shooting hoops was preferable to visiting wounded US servicemen.

The troops he was visiting in Hawaii weren’t given the luxury of dining with their own families at home. Sounds like Obama needs to take some classes in leadership.

 

Most of those Marines are away from their families

tankertodd (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 1:35AM EST (link)

Obama gets to visit his family and hang out and drink expensive wine, while these Marines are away from theirs and get DFAC food and firewatch. Good leaders share the hardship with the troops. Bad ones seek comfort and privilege.

Say what you want about GW Bush, but he “got” being Commander in Chief much better than Clinton, and certainly better than Obama.

I guess that’s because he served his nation in uniform, as a future President should.

———————————
The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race – Chief Justice Roberts

 

And how many of those were made out to "ebay"? (nt)

zuiko (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 1:40AM EST (link)

Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. – Milton Friedman

 

The traditional Christmas meal

Josh Painter (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 7:46AM EST (link)

is not eaten at “night”. At least not where I come from. The time to break break with family and frineds, as Obama did, is during the daytime, It wouldn’t have killed him to share a meal with the troops, but 0 has proven himself time and time again not to give a tinker’s d*mn about our fighting men and women.

But he is at least an improvement over the Clintons, who treated the military aides around them with disdain.

Aren’t they missing your presence atHuffPo?

- JP

“An armed society is a polite society” – Robert A. Heinlein, “Beyond This Horizon” (1942)

 

Hmmm?

Wayne (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 11:58AM EST (link)

I don’t think anyone said the military hates the Obamunist, they just recognize BS when they see it, hear it, sniff it in the air, or it enters the room. And how many are “some autographs”? I know, after talking to my Marine son that it wasn’t everyone in the building, or even many of the Marines in the building. His statement to my question of the visits to the DFAC and the gym, were, “yeah he’s here, no biggie”.

“Hell, these are Marines. Men like them held Guadalcanal, and took Iwo Jima, Baghdad ain’t s–t”. Maj. Gen. John F. Kelly, USMC, Deputy CG, First MEF

 

You're an idiot whose obviously never served. nt

Vegas_Rick (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 1:55PM EST (link)

nt

“God is great, beer is good and people are crazy.”- Billy Currington

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” Calvin Coolidge.

 

On general principle [nt]

Bill S (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 2:00PM EST (link)

“It’s such a fine line between stupid, and clever.” – David St. Hubbins

 
 

From comments on B5

USNJIMRET (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 12:33AM EST (link)

Until he takes the oath of office, the -Elect means exactly jack shit to those in uniform. He’s vacated his senate seat, and is not holding any gummint office. Therefore, the proper courtesy to offer him when he enters a dining facility is to show him the sign that states ==>the facility is only open to Active Duty Military, their dependents, and Government Employees. Then show him the door. <==(After giving his secret service detail a good meal.)
Sounds like a good idea to me!!

He's still a Senator (nt)

Neil Stevens (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 1:30AM EST (link)

RS contributing editor, technical administrator, and “a hardy variety of crabgrass.”
Read the RedState Posting Rules

Unlikely Voter: Poll Analysis, Election Projection.

“I rejoice that America has resisted.” – William Pitt, the Elder

No he's not Neil.

Brian Simpson (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 1:41AM EST (link)

He resigned his seat. You may still call him Senator out of ceremony, but he does not hold any of the duties of a Senator.


| My RedState archive |
Important principles may and must be inflexible. ~ Abraham Lincoln

He's still collecting his government check (nt)

zuiko (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 1:45AM EST (link)

Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. – Milton Friedman

Salary, or Pension?... nt

rbdwiggins (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 1:55AM EST (link)

“Well, the trouble with our liberal friends is not that they are ignorant, but that they know so much that isn’t so.” – Ronald Reagan

Does it matter?

zuiko (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 2:06AM EST (link)

I don’t see how the fact that he resigned his seat so Blago could get the ebay listing ready changes the fact that he has pretty much unrestricted access to anything and everything as the President-Elect.

Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. – Milton Friedman

Nope...

rbdwiggins (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 2:12AM EST (link)

There’s no way that anyone authorized to receive the PDB would be restricted from visiting a military installation.

“Well, the trouble with our liberal friends is not that they are ignorant, but that they know so much that isn’t so.” – Ronald Reagan

 
 
 
 

That was dumb (nt)

Neil Stevens (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 1:56AM EST (link)

RS contributing editor, technical administrator, and “a hardy variety of crabgrass.”
Read the RedState Posting Rules

Unlikely Voter: Poll Analysis, Election Projection.

“I rejoice that America has resisted.” – William Pitt, the Elder

 
 

Technically...

rbdwiggins (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 1:52AM EST (link)

President-elect Barack Obama officially resigned from the Senate yesterday [November 16, 2008], removing himself from any official role in the lame-duck session of Congress that will convene this week.”

Although, I suppose a visiting “dignitary” should be afforded the courtesy he’s due.

“Well, the trouble with our liberal friends is not that they are ignorant, but that they know so much that isn’t so.” – Ronald Reagan

 
 
 

I heartily approve of the horrible pun in the last line (nt)

Jeff Walden (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 1:55AM EST (link)

I thought it was fine.

bobojake (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 1:51PM EST (link)

Its ok to let the librals know what we think and be PROUD of it. I’m sick of what the liberal left has done to this great nation under the guise of PC. PC is my computer not what I believe.

 
 

P-E of the US

rick554 Saturday, December 27th at 9:51AM EST (link)

There’s no doubt in my mind that when/if Barry becomes the POTUS, MARINES will render the Salute the Office deserves. I watched with interest the reaction to the One’s visit to the chow hall. MARINES reading newspapers, walking past him to find a seat and eating their meals. Good luck seeing that little snippet again on the “news”
Respect is earned. To see it, I’d suggest going to FT Hood on January 20th. Frankly, I’ve seen more respect for our TROOPS from a MASS Pike toll booth collector then Barry has ever shown. He’s got a long row to hoe with our TROOPS and their Families and I sincerly doubt he’s got what it takes.
Maybe he could symbollically register for the draft, unless he’s too busy surf-boarding or golfing.
A Proud Parent of a SOLDIER and AF Vet
GOD bless our TROOPS!!

Rick554

Well stated

wayneinnh (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 12:45PM EST (link)

Once BHO becomes POTUS, the Marines will snap to attention when he enters the room. Although it will not be for the man, but for the office he represents. That display will show the true professionalism of the Marines and the respect they have for the country. Unlike the future first lady, they have always been proud of this country.

Jon 14:6 –
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

It’s not intellectual to believe we evolved from hydrogen gas.

 
 

peeO isn't my CIC either an Ex-US NAVY

bobojake (Diary) Saturday, December 27th at 11:36AM EST (link)

This isn’t Chicago style politics in the military. When the military has been bashed by peeO, Reid, Peloski, Schummmmmmer, Clinton, and Kennedy calling GeorgeW a liar. I think the Democrat maybe ought to think about getting on their knees and asking forgiveness from the Men and Women of this Great Nation that has been protecting the Senators and Congressman geister in our right for free speech. Maybe its about time the Democrats think about giving something back to our country and it not another bail out. How about a government free of corruption. Defund ACORN and put no lobbist within 200 miles of Washington DC.
Thank You Marines for the job you done

 

If it walks like a duck and quacks like one

woodsman (Diary) Monday, December 29th at 9:11PM EST (link)

then it’s a duck. The Marines will do what is required, but I certainly would not hold it against anyone who does not show enthusiasm when the Big O enters the room.

Respect is earned…

 

A reader of PowerLine who was there

mbecker908 (Diary) Monday, December 29th at 9:18PM EST (link)

wrote the following…

Aloha.

I’m an active duty naval officer stationed in Pearl Harbor. I was there for the president-elect’s appearance. The crowd was respectful, as you might expect from today’s professional Marines.

The reception was a short photo-op kind of thing. Couple of quick turns around the tables and he was gone.

What was of more interest, at least to me, were the conversations after he left. Many Marines expressed concern that they will be out of Iraq before it’s prudent. These are 3rd Regiment Marines, who have been in heavy rotation in Iraq for the past 3-4 years; many are returning from their 3rd tour and will be heading out on their 4th presently.

Being Marines, they want the Army to hold Iraq so they can go to Afghanistan and work on solving that problem. What they don’t want is a retreat or a hollow residual force that masks a retreat. They know Iraq is on weak legs now and it will need a strong US presence for at least a decade.

Hope the P-E knows that too.

Ahhh, that's our guys in a nutshell, no? They

janis (Diary) Monday, December 29th at 10:20PM EST (link)

put the mission above all else and never quit until it’s completed. I long for these same men and women to be the leaders of this country. Tomorrow morning wouldn’t be too soon.