Am trying to understand the criticism of Obama’s gift to the Queen. We have (1) an appealing piece of American technology, used and enjoyed all over the world, (2) American show tunes, an aspect of American culture that the Queen reportedly enjoys, (3) video footage commemorating her last visit to the U.S., (4) video of a couple speeches by the gift-giver that millions have found inspiring, (5) an autographed songbook by a well-known American songwriter. (Details and more of the back story here.)

This somehow reflects badly on Obama? I guess he could have given her a nice crystal bowl because, gosh, I bet no one else ever thought of that.

P.S. The Queen did, in fact, already own an iPod, but it was an older version w/no video.