https://twitter.com/indiaknight/status/439909019030126592
The Guardian’s Paul Lewis and India Knight of The Sunday Times were both baffled by the White House’s release of a photo of President Obama’s phone call with Vladimir Putin. Why release it? Because, he’s super serious you guys! See, he’s totally on the case, even if only his empty chair attended the national security meeting on Saturday.
But what did the White House neglect to mention?
White House says Obama on the phone to Putin for 90 minutes. Didn't tell us he was on hold for 87. pic.twitter.com/gXE029198p
— Mark R. Boyle (@markrboyle) March 2, 2014
Ha!
Still, he’s super scary and strong, right?
Obama brandishes a phone at Putin (official WH photo) pic.twitter.com/K1Y6rxnv8a
— Bridget Johnson (@Bridget_PJM) March 1, 2014
Boom. Next up: Sternly worded letter.
'Bro… For reals?' RT @Circa: Obama talks on the phone in the Oval Office with Putin (WH Photo) http://t.co/qeJqrp5gye
— justin kanew (@justin_kanew) March 1, 2014
Giggles.
Wall Street Journal columnist and AEI fellow Sadanand Dhume attempted to explain why the photo was released.
He stood for 90 minutes? RT @indiaknight: What is point of White House releasing this pic? (Obama talking to Putin) http://t.co/Fd2qejmGol
— Sadanand Dhume (@dhume) March 2, 2014
Snort. So there’s that. What an accomplishment.
Others noticed something awfully disturbing about the photo.
Why the shirt? MT @PaulLewis: Don’t really get why the White House released this pic of Obama talking to Putin. pic.twitter.com/pi5GyZy8nt
— Jim Richardson (@jimrhiz) March 2, 2014
Denim on denim? Seriously? MT @Circa: President Obama on phone to Russian President Putin (WH Photo) http://t.co/C5DW2KIJ0t
— Matina Stevis (@MatinaStevis) March 1, 2014
I feel safe knowing he's in jeans MT @indiaknight What is point of WH releasing this pic? (Obama talking to Putin) http://t.co/PRvTBoMUT5
— Jeremy Stern (@JeremySternVM) March 2, 2014
Dad jeans PR? RT @PaulLewis: Don't really get why WH released this pic of Obama talking to Putin. What gain? pic.twitter.com/FiVWt8WD7S /Asinine
— Bob (@iuubob) March 1, 2014
Catering to pro-denim voters. RT @PaulLewis: Don't get why WH released pic of Obama talking to Putin. pic.twitter.com/g5jf8sTsbE
— Howard Riefs (@hriefs) March 1, 2014
Jeans diplomacy.
Aside from the jeans and the phone, what else does the president have?
He's got a Pen and a Phone… RT @Bridget_PJM: Obama brandishes a phone at Putin (official WH photo) pic.twitter.com/DJPQFrW3Yz
— WhiteHousePressCorps (@whpresscorps) March 1, 2014
Heh.
Where is it?
WH photo: Obama on the phone with Putin. But where is his damn pen? pic.twitter.com/a0wc8hlCG7
— Kris Kinder (@kris_kinder) March 2, 2014
And Asian News International editor Smita Prakash ties it all into “House of Cards” for the exit win:
Frank Underwood would know what to do MT @indiaknight: What is point of WH releasing ths pic?(Obama talking to Putin) http://t.co/yXec4E3KD4
— Smita Prakash (@smitaprakash) March 2, 2014
Related:
‘Extraordinary standoff’: Ukraine troops won’t surrender in Crimea [photos]
CBS political director/Slate correspondent covers for absentee president
President Empty Chair skips Saturday’s national security meeting?
Is this how we’ll know when President Empty Chair means business with Russia? [pic]