Was President Obama really chewing gum during the memorial service for Joplin's tornado victims?
Barely returned from his four-nation trip to Europe, President Obama flew to Missouri on the holiday weekend for the memorial service to the victims lost in the area's mammoth storms last week.
Then, in this video clip, after the sermon the television cameras turned to the president sitting in the front row.
And many distracted viewers immediately began wondering, what ....
... in the world was Obama eating or chewing during the memorial service for more than 113 dead?
What do you think?
An outraged Thomas Lifson here speculates that the president might have been chewing Nicorette gum to combat his ongoing struggle with cigarette smoking. Chewing is arguably better than lighting up during the service. And gum-chewing during public meetings fits with this president's more casual attitudes about some things, such as the tradition of wearing a tie and coat in the Oval Office.
Lifson also points out that this is not the first time Obama has been spotted chewing something during public meetings.
-- Andrew Malcolm
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The outrage of a few racists at President Obama's lack of tie, was followed by photos of Bush and Kennedy doing exactly the same. More patriotism, less nit picking.
Posted by: Duilawyer | May 31, 2011 at 06:57 AM
So he was chewing gum on a very hot and humid day in the south; is that a sign of disrespect for those lost and the survivors? He normally chews gum anyway, and as he recently quit smoking chewing gum helps in that effort. Would the press rather he smoke a cigarette during the memorial?
At least he didn't puke in anyone's lap, ala George I. He didn't say anything stupid that reflected badly on our nation ala The Shrub (many examples). He did show up, land on the ground and speak with those affected, unlike Bush who flew over New Orleans after Katrina and let it go at that after declaring his man ('Brownie') on the ground was doing "a great job".
Give the president a break, and please have some respect for the man and the office he holds-even if you don't agree with his policies and positions.
Posted by: NashvilleAudioGuy | May 31, 2011 at 07:11 AM
What drivel this blog, or "column" is. Our world and nation face extraordinary challenges which will require thoughtful, concerted effort over time. Today's political climate, which Malcom exploits, rather than illuminates, is rife with pettiness, immaturity and self-absorption. Talk about being part of the problem!
Posted by: michael dubrow | May 31, 2011 at 07:32 AM
Typical for Obama he has the class of a Democrat! He should be in prison for the treason he has committed. He and the rest of wall street and the Flee Bagger Party of Evil. The same S&P that told the world the sub prime mortgages were all safe? The same S&P that when Obama did not hold up his part of the Democratic scam to get rich while destroying the worlds economy told the whole world that Obama was a liar? (like Obama being a liar was news) Obama is bought and owned by Goldman Sachs the S&P should have spent a bit more when they were bribing him. As always you can contact me at work http://www.USA-businessreview.com and yes keep those jokes coming. Obamacare is so bad that the Democrats came up with a new name for it. They call it "waiversforfavors". "There's no doubt about it, Obama has secured the anti-semitic vote in the 2012 election."
Posted by: Yarbles | May 31, 2011 at 08:25 AM
Perhaps conservatives need to get a life...along with Andrew Malcolm.
Posted by: Mark Schaffer | May 31, 2011 at 10:24 AM
Fortunately there was no camera on you picking your nose. If you have nothing to write about then just read.
Posted by: Jochim | May 31, 2011 at 10:24 AM
When have you ever saw a world leader chewing gum? Obama has no class and lacks common sense. He is the president of the greatest country in the world, but he continues to say and show stupid behavior in public. These are bad examples for our kids. However, no matter what Obama does in a public setting, the democrats will never admit he's wrong. If he showed up with his pants on the ground, democrats would ignore it and start criticizing George Bush. Obama is bad for America in everyway.
Posted by: Yo | May 31, 2011 at 01:11 PM
Let he who hasn't chewed gum in church cast the first wad.
Posted by: Jeff B. | May 31, 2011 at 11:57 PM
I could have sworn this was something from The Onion. I didn't know that the President chewing gum was a national issue of concern, now I know.
Posted by: A | June 01, 2011 at 04:25 AM
Mr. Malcolm, are you not at all embarrassed to post such a petty story on the site of a newspaper as reputable as the LA Times? This story is only fit for tabloids and Fox News.
Posted by: Independent | June 01, 2011 at 02:52 PM
As these comments show, the left does "do" manners or courtesy. The guy is a classless slob. Can't wait for 2012.
Posted by: Nigel Roberts | June 05, 2011 at 07:27 AM
Do you people not have anything else to do but watch our President "Maybe" chewing gum!!!!
Posted by: Tara | June 11, 2011 at 10:54 AM