Obama Worship Reaches New Heights in France

MediaJune 2009 • Views: 3,150

President Barack Obama, wife Michelle and their two daughters touched lives in simple ways during a private stay in the French capital that closed out a six-day presidential tour rich in history, symbolism and giant messages to the world. …

When dining out Saturday night at a no-star bistro, La Fontaine de Mars, the presidential party was served water, Coke and table wine to accompany foie gras, lamb and steak with shallots, and paid for meals “like any client,” said owner Jacques Boudon. “It’s just what they wanted.”

“And I think they were very happy since they stayed three-quarters of an hour after dining,” he said by telephone.

Boudon was over the moon. The table had been reserved 10 days earlier but he only knew his guests were the Obamas that morning.

“I saw God before me,” he said, “because I saw this smile that a million people have seen around the world. I saw her (Michelle) radiant. … It’s idiotic, but it’s like that.”

(Hat tip: Shiplord Kirel.)

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141 comments

solomonpanting Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:13:37pm

It’s idiotic, but it’s like that.”

True, dat.

Shiplord Kirel Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:13:56pm

Many thanks for the hat-tip, Charles.
I thought this article was just amazing, even to a hardened veteran of the media wars like me.

doppelganglander Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:14:10pm

Michelle, radiant? I am going to be ill.

Fenway_Nation Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:16:10pm

New Heights or new depths?

Hooray! and we're barely 4 months into this farce.....

nines09 Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:16:29pm

Who got the large fries?

Dr. Shalit Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:17:18pm

OK All Lizardim -

The Restaurant Owner has serious issues. That is all.

-S-

Crimsonfisted Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:17:47pm

Oh stab me in the head with a sharpened spork. This bitter man radiates disdain for all and warmth for himself. I read a comment somewhere that sums it up for me.

"I would rather look at the top of Cheney's head, than the bottom of Obama'a chin."

avanti Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:17:50pm

OK, I drink the Kool Aid, that guy must bath in it.

tommygum Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:17:55pm

The world has truly gone mad......

Tarkus289 Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:18:20pm

"It’s idiotic, but it’s like that"
rotating title nominee.

redc1c4 Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:18:39pm

/ deleted

jvic Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:19:09pm

When dining out Saturday night at a no-star bistro, La Fontaine de Mars, the presidential party was served water, Coke and table wine to accompany foie gras, lamb and steak with shallots, and paid for meals “like any client,” said owner Jacques Boudon. “It’s just what they wanted.”>

Why the wine? Surely Obama could have changed the water...

solomonpanting Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:19:12pm

re: #8 avanti

OK, I drink the Kool Aid, that guy must bath in it.

Actually, it runs in their veins.

Killgore Trout Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:19:39pm

... It’s idiotic, but it’s like that.

Heh.

Fenway_Nation Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:19:40pm

re: #8 avanti

OK, I drink the Kool Aid, that guy must bath in it.

After he bathes in it!?

Eeeeewwww!

Crimsonfisted Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:19:56pm

re: #10 Tarkus289

"It’s idiotic, but it’s like that"
rotating title nominee.

Seconded.

Tarkus289 Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:20:27pm

foie gras, PETA is not going to like that.

Kronocide Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:20:38pm

Oh. My. God.

Is it OK to say that?

doppelganglander Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:20:57pm

re: #7 Crimsonfisted

Oh stab me in the head with a sharpened spork.

I like that one. Mind if I borrow it? I think it will come in handy for the next 3 1/2 years.

PhillyPretzel Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:21:07pm

Michael Ramirez's cartoon of Obama worship. Check out the May 4, 2009 cartoon. Sad, but true. [Link: www.ibdeditorials.com...]

avanti Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:21:08pm

re: #9 tommygum

The world has truly gone mad......

Oddly, his approval rating have gone way up in most of the Arab world too, but down with Pali's and Lebanon.

Shiplord Kirel Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:21:17pm

Btw, folks, we are not cherry-picking. The whole article is like that, an astonishing and frankly embarrassing orgy of sycophancy, all wrapped up in bloated purple prose that should have editors laughing and a couple of writers unemployed.
Even the deification of JFK by the contemporary media was more restrained and professional.
AP writers Elaine Ganley and Jenny Barchfield must be auditioning for a job with the North Korean propaganda ministry.

Crimsonfisted Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:21:30pm

re: #19 doppelganglander

I like that one. Mind if I borrow it? I think it will come in handy for the next 3 1/2 years.

Feel free.

Gus Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:21:39pm

re: #8 avanti

OK, I drink the Kool Aid, that guy must bath in it.

Name: Jacques Boudon
Blood Type: Kool-Aid Purplesaurus Rex

Kronocide Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:21:54pm

"Can I just finish my waffle?"

Randall Gross Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:22:13pm

It's neo Camelot...

I'm seconding that rotating title nomination

OT: in other news VB continues to lose ground:

The Christian Democrats (CD&V) have performed strongly in Flanders in Belgium's regional elections, trouncing the Flemish Liberals (VLD). But in the European Parliament elections, where Jean-Luc Dehaene, the former prime minister, headed the list for the CD&V, the VLD closed the gap, helped, it would seem, by Guy Verhofstadt, his successor as prime minister and now head of the list for the VLD.

With results in from half the voting stations, the CD&V are clearly the biggest party, with about 24% of the vote. The VLD is on 15%, on a level with the far-right Vlaams Belang which has lost significant ground compared to five years ago, probably to the Flemish nationalist N-VA and the right-wing Lijst Dedecker (LDD) which have performed strongly. The Flemish socialists (SP.A) have held their 2004 level, but are still behind the VLD and Vlaams Belang on about 14%

yochanan Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:22:51pm

it is a two for the chinese can keep Nagin and the french can have the zero

SteveRogers Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:22:57pm

"I saw God before me," he said, "the head honco himself!"

"Then I saw the arms of a goddess! Shortly afterwords, unicorn honcos arrived on rainbows. Sacre bleu!"

Killgore Trout Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:23:01pm

I don't know if anyone here really understands the French concepts of race and black in particular but it's odd. There is an element of racism in their fascination with blacks (especially Americans). You can still find lawn jockey's and Aunt Jemimah stereotype statues and art but it doesn't mean the same thing to them as it does to us. I've never really understood it.

Killgore Trout Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:24:00pm

re: #25 BigPapa

"Can I just finish my ~~waffle~~crepe?"

Lincolntf Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:24:07pm

Somehow I'm seeing Obama's career arc ending up pretty much like Britney Spears'. Everybody is tingly and awed now, but people prone to tingliness and awe are notoriously fickle.
He might ultimately rue the day that he was made into an idol.

pink freud Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:25:05pm

Well. That was disgusting.

Pianobuff Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:25:29pm

re: #31 Lincolntf

Somehow I'm seeing Obama's career arc ending up pretty much like Britney Spears'. Everybody is tingly and awed now, but people prone to tingliness and awe are notoriously fickle.
He might ultimately rue the day that he was made into an idol.

Upding for the last sentence. This burden would be difficult to carry for even the most decent among us.

Crimsonfisted Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:25:32pm

The French are not alone.

Newsweek’s Eleanor Clift seemed flabbergasted on this weekend’s McLaughlin Group as fellow panelists Pat Buchanan, Monica Crowley and Mort Zuckerman all criticized President Obama’s speech to Muslims in Cairo. Perhaps reflecting the mindset of her Newsweek colleagues, Clift exclaimed: “Until I came on this set, I heard nothing but rave reviews for this speech. I feel like I’m in a total parallel reality.”

Shiplord Kirel Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:25:37pm

This reminds me of a classic story from the heyday of print journalism, the 1920s. An eager young reporter was sent to western Pennsylvania to cover a massive and damaging flood.
His first report started with the words, "God sat on a hill and laughed as the town of (whatever) died."
His hard-boiled editor wired back, "Forget flood, interview God, get pictures."

sonofsheldon Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:25:54pm

And if Boudon tires of the bistro business, he can work for Newsweek.

Youtube Video

haakondahl Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:26:26pm

re: #29 Killgore Trout

I don't know if anyone here really understands the French concepts of race and black in particular but it's odd. There is an element of racism in their fascination with blacks (especially Americans). You can still find lawn jockey's and Aunt Jemimah stereotype statues and art but it doesn't mean the same thing to them as it does to us. I've never really understood it.

Me neither, but if you could mime a few bars, I might.

Velvet Elvis Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:26:41pm

I really do think he's bigger over there than he is over here, even among the koolaid drinkers.

solomonpanting Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:27:01pm

Once in a generation do we see the French go ga-ga over someone from America. First, it was Jerry Lewis. Now, Obama. I'm in awe.

slotgun Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:27:07pm

Isn't this the way Weimar Republic's citzenry viewed that brown-shirted newcomer back in '33?

haakondahl Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:27:30pm

Boudon will be sniffing that chair for months.

Fenway_Nation Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:28:00pm

re: #34 Crimsonfisted

'Nobody I know voted for McCain'

doppelganglander Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:28:15pm

re: #31 Lincolntf

Somehow I'm seeing Obama's career arc ending up pretty much like Britney Spears'. Everybody is tingly and awed now, but people prone to tingliness and awe are notoriously fickle.
He might ultimately rue the day that he was made into an idol.

We will know the signs - he'll appear at press conferences with a Frappuccino in one hand and a bag of Cheetos in the other.

Crimsonfisted Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:28:58pm

re: #41 haakondahl

Boudon will be sniffing that chair for months.

EWWWW GET THAT IMAGE OUT OF MY HEAD! BRAIN BLEACH STAT!

Pianobuff Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:28:59pm

re: #38 Conservative Moonbat

I really do think he's bigger over there than he is over here, even among the koolaid drinkers.

And this is especially for you!

Gus Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:29:04pm

re: #41 haakondahl

Boudon will be sniffing that chair for months.

He took the chair home.

Dr. Shalit Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:29:14pm

re: #17 Tarkus289

foie gras, PETA is not going to like that.

Tarkus 289 -

Just tell them it was "French Liverwurst." They will or will be made to understand.

-S-

haakondahl Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:29:49pm

re: #44 Crimsonfisted

EWWWW GET THAT IMAGE OUT OF MY HEAD! BRAIN BLEACH STAT!

_Yessssssss!

SteveRogers Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:30:13pm

Jacques Boudon can easily be mistaken for an MSNBC anchor.

haakondahl Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:30:26pm

re: #46 Gus 802

He took the chair home.

//

I don't think he made it past the office.

avanti Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:31:48pm

re: #39 solomonpanting

Once in a generation do we see the French go ga-ga over someone from America. First, it was Jerry Lewis. Now, Obama. I'm in awe.

I'd prefer something in between shoe thrower and worshiper myself.

haakondahl Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:32:21pm

I still have this image of the Obamas dining with the Clintons:

"Hey--urmf--Barry, you gonna--gorpt--eat that?"

IslandLibertarian Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:32:51pm

"But we are all individuals!"
"How shall we follow you?"
That' all that comes to mind......oh yeah......women were crying over "0"s date night.

/looking for a real messiah........

Code Red 21 Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:33:02pm

I don't know what people see in BO and Michelle that I obviously don't. I keep thinking I must be missing something.

doppelganglander Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:33:03pm

Well, gang, it's been fun, but I need to haul my butt out of this chair and get some walking miles in. You can consider this a shameless plug for the Breast Cancer 3 Day.

haakondahl Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:33:04pm

re: #51 avanti

I'd prefer something in between shoe thrower and worshiper myself.

Foot fetishist?

SteveRogers Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:33:05pm

re: #29 Killgore Trout

I don't know if anyone here really understands the French concepts of race and black in particular but it's odd. There is an element of racism in their fascination with blacks (especially Americans). You can still find lawn jockey's and Aunt Jemimah stereotype statues and art but it doesn't mean the same thing to them as it does to us. I've never really understood it.

So there's an element of racism in France but not really, and you never understood it?
Well, that certainly clears things up. :)

zombie Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:33:48pm

I assume everyone has seen this -- the editor-in-chief of Newsweek saying that Obama is "sort of God":

Newsweek Editor: Obama “Is Sort of God”

Newsweek editor Evan Thomas brought adulation over President Obama’s Cairo speech to a whole new level on Friday, declaring on MSNBC: “I mean in a way Obama’s standing above the country, above – above the world, he’s sort of God.”

Bias in the MSM? Nah. If anything, the media tilts right!

/////

Dr. Shalit Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:34:02pm

re: #42 Fenway_Nation

'Nobody I know voted for McCain'

Fenway _Nation -

Everybody that I know, "Black Americans" excepted - I understand and appreciate a bit of "tribalism" - I voted more or less for Joe Lieberman in 2000 - voted for Sen. McCain - OR - bottom line - FOR GOVERNOR PALIN - in 2008.

-S-

Pianobuff Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:34:07pm

re: #31 Lincolntf

Somehow I'm seeing Obama's career arc ending up pretty much like Britney Spears'. Everybody is tingly and awed now, but people prone to tingliness and awe are notoriously fickle.
He might ultimately rue the day that he was made into an idol.

I should have also added that it seems Obama is quite (too?) comfortable with the adulation, and that's one of the things that makes me uneasy about the guy.

Killian Bundy Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:36:08pm

re: #58 zombie

I assume everyone has seen this -- the editor-in-chief of Newsweek saying that Obama is "sort of God":

Newsweek Editor: Obama “Is Sort of God”

Bias in the MSM? Nah. If anything, the media tilts right!

/////

/video

SteveRogers Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:36:46pm

Jacques Boudon has received several offers to join the White House press corps.

Gus Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:36:51pm

Can't help but notice that there's always a food or culinary story regarding Barack Obama. Almost twice a week. Waffles, burgers, pizza, the vegetable garden, arugula, tuna fish sandwiches, etc. If he's always eating why is he so thin?

IslandLibertarian Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:36:54pm

re: #58 zombie

Evan Thomas owes someone mighty powerful an apology.

"Who is like unto the ~~Beast~~ "0"?"

/no, I'm not saying he is.

jvic Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:37:00pm

re: #34 Crimsonfisted

The French are not alone.

Newsweek’s Eleanor Clift seemed flabbergasted on this weekend’s McLaughlin Group as fellow panelists Pat Buchanan, Monica Crowley and Mort Zuckerman all criticized President Obama’s speech to Muslims in Cairo. Perhaps reflecting the mindset of her Newsweek colleagues, Clift exclaimed: “Until I came on this set, I heard nothing but rave reviews for this speech. I feel like I’m in a total parallel reality.”

Eleanor Clift laps the field and coasts to an uncontested win of this season's Pauline Kael Commemorative Award.

(Full disclosure: back before I threw away my TV--inadequate value for the space it took up--, I kinda liked Clift: obviously not her politics, but her personality.)

Crimsonfisted Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:37:18pm

From the article:

But it was the few brief minutes that Obama spent with 61-year-old Gerard Daldoss and other drivers in the presidential motorcade that mattered.
Before climbing into his limousine in the Pompidou Center's underground parking garage, Obama shook the men's hands, then posed for a group photo.

"It's fantastic. What a beautiful souvenir!" exclaimed a beaming Daldoss.

He said he has worked in motorcades for Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush without ever getting such hands-on gratitude.

"The others were nice but not more than that," Daldoss said. "I retire in a few months. This is a magnificent mission."

Nice swipe at Bush too. They got two birds with one stone; Bush (and Clinton) bashing, and the French Obama Swoon.

zombie Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:38:39pm

Also:

Glamour Magazine: 'A Lot of Women' Fantasize About President Obama:

The June issue of Glamour magazine has an article on women’s "racy fantasies" and it wouldn’t be complete without Barack Obama sex dreams. (The same trend was highlighted in the media about Bill Clinton in the early years.) One woman offered her Obama dream, complete with punchline:

I have this fantasy where I’m with Barack Obama at my parents’ house. We’re both naked, and he’s giving me a full-body massage. Suddenly my father appears and says "How could you do that?" And no kidding: In my dream, Obama replies, "I’m serving my constituents." -- Nicki, 34

Lincolntf Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:39:20pm

re: #63 Gus 802

The taster takes big bites?

Dom Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:40:22pm

BREAKING NEWS:

Two days after winning its first County Council seat, in Lancashire, the far-right British National Party has just won its first seat in the European Parliament, in Yorkshire & Humber.

avanti Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:40:28pm

re: #60 Pianobuff

I should have also added that it seems Obama is quite (too?) comfortable with the adulation, and that's one of the things that makes me uneasy about the guy.

I like that he makes fun of it. i.e. "During the second 100 days, we will design, build and open a library dedicated to my first 100 days.
My next 100 days will be so successful, I will complete them in 72 days. And on the 73rd day, I will rest."

haakondahl Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:41:16pm

re: #66 Crimsonfisted

He said he has worked in motorcades for Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush without ever getting such hands-on gratitude.

How ironic.

Lincolntf Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:41:32pm

re: #70 avanti

Of course we must also worship his good humor. After all, he is who we've been waiting for.

Gus Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:42:41pm

re: #69 Dom

BREAKING NEWS:

Two days after winning its first County Council seat, in Lancashire, the far-right British National Party has just won its first seat in the European Parliament, in Yorkshire & Humber.

Oh boy. They won a seat after all.

Here's the BBC story.

[Link: news.bbc.co.uk...]

capitalist piglet Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:42:56pm

The real God was not asked for comment.

avanti Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:43:02pm

re: #72 Lincolntf

Of course we must also worship his good humor. After all, he is who we've been waiting for.

Well. maybe not the Special Olympics quip.

DistantThunder Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:43:41pm

re: #67 zombie

Also:

Glamour Magazine: 'A Lot of Women' Fantasize About President Obama:

I find him geeky and unattractive. Although, when guys like this asked me out I tried to say yes, and figured that they might have a great personality to make up for it. It was 50-50.

Dr. Shalit Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:44:52pm

re: #70 avanti

I like that he makes fun of it. i.e. "During the second 100 days, we will design, build and open a library dedicated to my first 100 days.
My next 100 days will be so successful, I will complete them in 72 days. And on the 73rd day, I will rest."

Avanti -

Pres. Obama is Pres. Obama - Ha'Shem is Ha'Shem - which do YOU believe? Methinks that IS enough.

-S-

DistantThunder Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:45:32pm

re: #68 Lincolntf

The taster takes big bites?

What would the press say if Sarah Palin had a food taster in France? How insulting? How paranoid? Maybe Sarkosy wouldn't let him bring his food taster to a state dinner.

capitalist piglet Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:45:46pm

re: #76 DistantThunder

I find him geeky and unattractive. Although, when guys like this asked me out I tried to say yes, and figured that they might have a great personality to make up for it. It was 50-50.

He's not masculine enough for my taste. Way too typical liberal beta male, way too narcissistic. And he seems far too eager to go along with this stuff.

iceman1960 Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:48:03pm

This God stuff creeps me out completely.
I'm in no way making a comparison to Hitler or Hirohito but when I was a young boy I read a lot about WWII and was always kind of fascinated at the ability of one man to have so many people blindly follow him. I remember thinking in my youth that there was know way this could ever happen again because people are so much smarter now.
But when I read things like this I realize how wrong I was.

Pianobuff Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:48:14pm

re: #70 avanti

I like that he makes fun of it. i.e. "During the second 100 days, we will design, build and open a library dedicated to my first 100 days.
My next 100 days will be so successful, I will complete them in 72 days. And on the 73rd day, I will rest."

To each his own, but I pretty much as a rule find cults of personality a little creepy.

avanti Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:49:52pm

re: #78 DistantThunder

What would the press say if Sarah Palin had a food taster in France? How insulting? How paranoid? Maybe Sarkosy wouldn't let him bring his food taster to a state dinner.

If Palin ever becomes POTUS, she'll get a taster too. Apparently, one guy has done it for the last three.

Gooddad Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:51:47pm

foie gras, force fed 'fat goose'

Tortured animals, for his twisted appetite, but no waterboarding for other animals.

[deleted] Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:53:00pm

DistantThunder Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:54:37pm

re: #80 iceman1960

This God stuff creeps me out completely.
I'm in no way making a comparison to Hitler or Hirohito but when I was a young boy I read a lot about WWII and was always kind of fascinated at the ability of one man to have so many people blindly follow him. I remember thinking in my youth that there was know way this could ever happen again because people are so much smarter now.
But when I read things like this I realize how wrong I was.

People have psychological needs, and when they aren't being filled in healthy ways, then toxic methods are employed. This is like infatuation, and it has a very real chemical effect on the brain.

By contrast the left was foaming at the mouth over Sarah Palin. They were close to brain aneurysms over the wolf cull.

Pianobuff Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:54:45pm

Feel like you want to know more about food tasting?

The Food Taster Timeline

caligal Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:55:56pm

re: #12 jvic

touche!

Pianobuff Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:56:57pm

An article about Food Tasting in the Bush administration.

CC Señor Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:56:58pm

All the way to Paris for foie gras? Didn't Barry get the word that Chicago lifted its ban on that about a year ago?

jvic Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:57:19pm

re: #60 Pianobuff

I should have also added that it seems Obama is quite (too?) comfortable with the adulation, and that's one of the things that makes me uneasy about the guy.

If he serves two terms, he'll be 55 when he leaves office. These days, that's comparatively young.

What next? Maybe he's positioning himself to become Secretary General of the United Nations.

There may be precedent: Bill Clinton was reported to have that job in mind. (Meanwhile, Hillary was planning to become President.)

latingent Sun, Jun 7, 2009 3:57:52pm

Dont really have a problem with a food taster, what I dont like are bu__tasters. Looks like France has its share. Is France still French?

[deleted] Sun, Jun 7, 2009 4:01:08pm

irongrampa Sun, Jun 7, 2009 4:02:14pm

Thinking the give-a-damn meter just finally, irrevocably broke.

pink freud Sun, Jun 7, 2009 4:03:11pm

re: #70 avanti

I like that he makes fun of it. i.e. "During the second 100 days, we will design, build and open a library dedicated to my first 100 days.
My next 100 days will be so successful, I will complete them in 72 days. And on the 73rd day, I will rest."

You thought he was joking?

livefreeor die Sun, Jun 7, 2009 4:05:48pm

re: #18 BigPapa

Oh. My. ~~God.~~ Obama.
Is it OK to say that?

FIFY, Comrade.

avanti Sun, Jun 7, 2009 4:05:55pm

Have you got a link for that? I've never, ever heard that. Not about Clinton, nor Bush. Ever, anywhere.
Thanks.

Yep
taster.

[deleted] Sun, Jun 7, 2009 4:10:08pm

Cato the Elder Sun, Jun 7, 2009 4:13:02pm

And anybody who takes this literally or seriously as some kind of indication of Obama's antichristhood needs therapy.

Flyers1974 Sun, Jun 7, 2009 4:22:57pm

re: #98 Cato the Elder

Well said.

100

nyc redneck Sun, Jun 7, 2009 4:28:04pm

re: #31 Lincolntf

Somehow I'm seeing Obama's career arc ending up pretty much like Britney Spears'. Everybody is tingly and awed now, but people prone to tingliness and awe are notoriously fickle.
He might ultimately rue the day that he was made into an idol.

he will. they all do.
they all wake up and wonder what happened .
where everybody is.

101

nyc redneck Sun, Jun 7, 2009 4:32:39pm

re: #60 Pianobuff

I should have also added that it seems Obama is quite (too?) comfortable with the adulation, and that's one of the things that makes me uneasy about the guy.

he is eating it up. he loves it. he believes he so incredible and magnificent that he
can, by the sheer power of his persona, effect grand changes the world over.
this includes makes the oceans recede. stuff like that.

102

jvic Sun, Jun 7, 2009 4:43:30pm

re: #92 Iron Fist

Right now he can't be Sec General. None of the veto powers can be. That is one of the few things about the UN that does make sense. Even Obama isn't narcisistic enough to give up the veto power so he can be Sec General. I'm not even sure that he could give up the veto power without restructuring the whole UN setup.

Hm. You wouldn't think that Bill Clinton or the Washington Post (to which I linked) would get something like that wrong.

According to Wikipedia, fwiw, it is apparently protocol, not statute, that the Secretary General cannot be from a permanent member of the Security Council.

And I could see Obama running as a Kenyan with the African bloc's support!

The whole scenario is hypothetical of course, but stranger things have been attempted. People like Obama and Clinton don't have a sense of perspective about themselves.

103

Patriot Sun, Jun 7, 2009 4:52:39pm

re: #98 Cato the Elder
You don't have to believe in the anti-christ, or any-christ for that matter, to have grave misgivings about the idea that the only way some people can find to express their emotions about BHO is to describe him as a/the diety. I would submit that anybody who does so also needs therapy.

104

Clutch Sun, Jun 7, 2009 5:36:13pm

('Scuze me while I go puke in a trashbasket somewhere...)

Tres' stoopid... but i guess you would think that way if you thought that G*d was a socialist. Maybe this restaurant owner should have asked the ebony Messiah to turn his tap water into a fine Bordeaux and Michelle could have turned a pumpkin into a Citroen...

105

hazzyday Sun, Jun 7, 2009 5:58:42pm

re: #29 Killgore Trout

I don't know if anyone here really understands the French concepts of race and black in particular but it's odd. There is an element of racism in their fascination with blacks (especially Americans). You can still find lawn jockey's and Aunt Jemimah stereotype statues and art but it doesn't mean the same thing to them as it does to us. I've never really understood it.

I think the Europeans think more in terms of classes then we do as a general rule. I met a couple that derided US ers for being racist but had problems with people in their own countries they considered inferior. The European left. Maybe the Muslims will fix them a little bit.

106

PISSED Sun, Jun 7, 2009 6:10:22pm

"god" and his wife are going to ruin this country

107

Maui Girl Sun, Jun 7, 2009 6:11:06pm

re: #63 Gus 802

Smoking helps keep the weight down. So do other things that one could imbibe in but I'm not gonna make any presumptions.

108

VioletTiger Sun, Jun 7, 2009 6:18:57pm

Idiotic doesn't even begin to describe it.

109

Tisto Sun, Jun 7, 2009 6:32:16pm

"foie gras, lamb"

... there went his campaign promise to PETA ;-)

110

Idle Drifter Sun, Jun 7, 2009 6:34:35pm

My Late Two Cents:

The last time a man was worshiped as a God in the Americas there was regular human sacrifice on top of huge, stone pyramids.
///////

111

Ojoe Sun, Jun 7, 2009 6:47:44pm

Fawning idiots, get a life.

112

Ming Sun, Jun 7, 2009 6:56:14pm

Some French people who work in a restaurant see the President of the United States come in with his family. The President's family enjoy their meal, stay for a long time, and everyone seems happy. Life has so many ups and downs. I don't begrudge these French people if they happen to get excited about seeing the President of the United States. I've never seen a President (in person) in my entire life. Gosh, why don't we just wish these people well? Who knows what their politics are? I'd be thrilled to see any President or ex-President, even someone I would disagree with (well, I must admit, I'd enjoy seeing even Jimmy Carter). So some people are actually excited about Barack Obama. So what?

113

Jimmah Sun, Jun 7, 2009 7:12:55pm

re: #112 Ming

Some French people who work in a restaurant see the President of the United States come in with his family. The President's family enjoy their meal, stay for a long time, and everyone seems happy. Life has so many ups and downs. I don't begrudge these French people if they happen to get excited about seeing the President of the United States. I've never seen a President (in person) in my entire life. Gosh, why don't we just wish these people well? Who knows what their politics are? I'd be thrilled to see any President or ex-President, even someone I would disagree with (well, I must admit, I'd enjoy seeing even Jimmy Carter). So some people are actually excited about Barack Obama. So what?

I agree. Nothing to see here but a little off the cuff and clearly somewhat star struck comment from a French citizen.

When a Frenchman reacting positively to an American president causes Americans to almost choke to death with rage, something is wrong.

114

Shiplord Kirel Sun, Jun 7, 2009 7:14:19pm

So, tell us, Ming, would you feel this way if the proprietor of a Texas barbecue had made similarly worshipful comments about the evil W. Bush?

There is a difference between being excited about meeting someone and declaring that person to be a deity. The exception of course is if you are a celebrity worshiping pop-culture conformist, in which case every well-known person is part of the Pantheon; unless they are major Republicans and other designated uncool types, in which case they are demons rather than gods.

The real issue is not a silly statement from a French restaurateur but the outrageously sycophantic and propagandistic tone of this whole piece, coming as it does from what is alleged to be a news organization. It is crude cheer leading, filled with loaded terms and ridiculous generalizations about the perceptions of the French populace.

115

KSK Sun, Jun 7, 2009 7:17:51pm

Mary had a little lamb.

Then God came and eated it

116

Shiplord Kirel Sun, Jun 7, 2009 7:22:29pm

re: #113 Jimmah

It is AP that is star-struck. Until the Messiah came along, we just didn't see this kind of slobbering sycophancy in the media this side of the Iron Curtain. Even the deification of JFK was less blatant.

117

Shiplord Kirel Sun, Jun 7, 2009 7:25:48pm

I've met every president since Eisenhower, largely thanks to the legacy of my great-uncle Sam Rayburn, "Mr. Democrat" himself.
They were all very pleasant in person, it is a skill you would expect from anyone who has done well in public office.

118

KSK Sun, Jun 7, 2009 7:27:19pm

I went through the French reports of that visit. God is missing. Maybe a fabrication?

119

Jimmah Sun, Jun 7, 2009 7:31:33pm

re: #116 Shiplord Kirel

It is AP that is star-struck. Until the Messiah came along, we just didn't see this kind of slobbering sycophancy in the media this side of the Iron Curtain. Even the deification of JFK was less blatant.

For me, it makes a refreshing change from seeing the American president, and by implication America, continually bad mouthed by all and sundry. But I guess for you the fact it's a democrat President spoils everything. Partisan bitterness trumps all, once again. Conservatives had a chance to show they were better in this respect than the anti-Bush morons, but they have blown it big style.

120

Shiplord Kirel Sun, Jun 7, 2009 7:35:26pm

re: #119 Jimmah

For me, it makes a refreshing change from seeing the American president, and by implication America, continually bad mouthed by all and sundry. But I guess for you the fact it's a democrat President spoils everything. Partisan bitterness trumps all, once again. Conservatives had a chance to show they were better in this respect than the anti-Bush morons, but they have blown it big style.

You guess wrong. This article would be an embarrassment if it were written about a Republican president, not that such a thing could happen in this universe. I don't see anything refreshing about it, it is the same stuff we saw about Mao and Stalin from their controlled media.

121

avspatti Sun, Jun 7, 2009 7:39:51pm

re: #61 Killian Bundy

/video

That literally made me want to puke right on my cute little MacBook! Especially the part about Reagan being all about America, but now (under Obama) we have risen above all that. (My paraphrase) What on earth is the matter with these people? If they think being a 'Citizen of the World' is such hot stuff, let them move to France.

122

Shiplord Kirel Sun, Jun 7, 2009 7:42:44pm

Btw, Jimmah, I don't know if it's refreshing that the Bush-hating media are more positive about their own guy, but it is certainly no surprise.

123

Cygnus Sun, Jun 7, 2009 7:53:44pm

re: #3 doppelganglander

Michelle, radiant? I am going to be ill.

Her ~~fangs~~ teeth, maybe. Must be that new toothpaste.

124

Cygnus Sun, Jun 7, 2009 7:58:44pm

re: #67 zombie

Also:

Glamour Magazine: 'A Lot of Women' Fantasize About President Obama:

More brain bleach - STAT!

125

Jimmah Sun, Jun 7, 2009 8:02:45pm

re: #120 Shiplord Kirel

You guess wrong. This article would be an embarrassment if it were written about a Republican president, not that such a thing could happen in this universe. I don't see anything refreshing about it, it is the same stuff we saw about Mao and Stalin from their controlled media.

Yeah, you'd have screamed the house down with blue faced rage if a Frenchman had had the audacity to get all gooey over Bush./

126

Jimmah Sun, Jun 7, 2009 8:04:43pm

re: #122 Shiplord Kirel

Btw, Jimmah, I don't know if it's refreshing that the Bush-hating media are more positive about their own guy, but it is certainly no surprise.

It's absolutely no surprise. But the blind partisan hatred for Obama that I've seen conservative Americans spouting(which will now be denied, of course!) did surprise and disappoint me. I honestly thought you were better than that. That's where I guessed wrong.

127

Shiplord Kirel Sun, Jun 7, 2009 8:06:10pm

re: #125 Jimmah

Yeah, you'd have screamed the house down with blue faced rage if a Frenchman had had the audacity to get all gooey over Bush./

I didn't do that here, I wouldn't have done it in that highly unlikely event either. I would have thought it was pretty silly. A sycophantic Pravda style personality piece about Bush would have alarmed me though.

128

Lynn B. Sun, Jun 7, 2009 8:09:43pm

Here's another take on Obama's visit to France. And from al-Guardian, of all places. But of course! M. Sarkozy he is a ... how you say? ... right winger!

Obama has also kept Sarkozy at a diplomatic arm's length. Sarkozy, looking to draw personal political capital from the American visit on the eve of voting in the European elections, had originally hoped that the memorial ceremony would be a simple Franco-American affair. However, pressure from London and Washington forced a last-minute change of plan.

Sarkozy's hope for a photograph of the two presidential families together over the weekend also appears likely to be dashed. Obama and his family spent Saturday night in the home of the American ambassador only a few hundred yards from the Elysée Palace and are reported to have turned down an invitation to dinner with the Sarkozys.

129

Shiplord Kirel Sun, Jun 7, 2009 8:11:04pm

re: #126 Jimmah

It's absolutely no surprise. But the blind partisan hatred for Obama that I've seen conservative Americans spouting(which will now be denied, of course!) did surprise and disappoint me. I honestly thought you were better than that. That's where I guessed wrong.

No, I won't deny that there is a lot of Obama hate being spouted but it isn't from me. A lot of the debate on this site in recent months has centered on our conflict with the crazy elements; nirth certificate troofers and those who think Obama is the anti-Christ or a Muslim usurper, for example; and the rest of us who are willing to serve as a rational opposition and, in particular, to give him credit where it is due. I have done that. More importantly, so has Charles. That is just a fact.

130

Jimmah Sun, Jun 7, 2009 8:29:39pm

re: #129 Shiplord Kirel

Well stop getting your knickers in such a twist over the comments of a star struck Frenchman then. Democrat Presidents have done the right thing on the world stage before - Clinton and Bosnia springs to mind immediately. Having a President who is able to act in such a way, addressing contemporary international issues from a position of popularity in the world at large could be a very, very good thing.

Later(bedtime for me).

131

Shiplord Kirel Sun, Jun 7, 2009 8:41:27pm

re: #130 Jimmah

Well stop getting your knickers in such a twist over the comments of a star struck Frenchman then. Democrat Presidents have done the right thing on the world stage before - Clinton and Bosnia springs to mind immediately. Having a President who is able to act in such a way, addressing contemporary international issues from a position of popularity in the world at large could be a very, very good thing.

Later(bedtime for me).

Kiss my arse, moron.
I don't wear knickers, little man. Stupidly trying to demean me me like that is proof that you have finally come to the understanding that you have no case and I am sure as hell under no obligation to accept your orders. You are truly desperate to try lying about my posts when they are right there for all to see.
Now run along and come back when and if you are sober.

132

Former Belgian Sun, Jun 7, 2009 8:51:55pm

re: #67 zombie

Also:

Glamour Magazine: 'A Lot of Women' Fantasize About President Obama:

Zombie, you deserve multi updings for finding this "gem", but my Macbook doesn't appreciate being barfed on ;-)

/Brain bleach

133

Former Belgian Sun, Jun 7, 2009 9:02:52pm

re: #122 Shiplord Kirel

Btw, Jimmah, I don't know if it's refreshing that the Bush-hating media are more positive about their own guy, but it is certainly no surprise.

Their own guy, not just in terms of party affiliation and convictions but especially in terms of socio-economic class.

134

Jimmah Sun, Jun 7, 2009 9:22:45pm

re: #131 Shiplord Kirel

I come back for a sneaky post-log-out peek at LGF and I find this:

Kiss my arse, moron.

WOW. You've lost it. I like how you wait till I've logged out for the night before unloading this crap, btw.

I don't wear knickers,

OF COURSE YOU DON'T IT'S A FIGURE OF SPEECH FOR CHRIST'S SAKE. All it means is that you are getting too wound up over this. The vehemence of this post of yours would appear to prove me right.

little man.

The meltdown continues...

Stupidly trying to demean me me like that is proof that you have finally come to the understanding that you have no case and I am sure as hell under no obligation to accept your orders.

I wasn't trying to demean you actually- but that you tried to stupidly demean me in your response is indeniable, and as a result you have only demeaned yourself with this irate, spluttering excuse for a post.

You are truly desperate to try lying about my posts when they are right there for all to see.
Now run along and come back when and if you are sober.

I have not lied about your posts, and I have not been drinking. What are you talking about?

I had no idea you would take my figure of speech about getting your knickers in a twist as a serious allegation of cross dressing. Or, equally ludicrously, as giving you orders. But ironically you have given the most concrete illustration possible of what is meant by the phrase "getting your panties all bunched up in a wad". Next time you feel like making a post like this, take a cold shower. And loosening your undergarments might not be a bad idea either.

135

Optimizer Sun, Jun 7, 2009 10:32:04pm

re: #3 doppelganglander

Michelle, radiant? I am going to be ill.

You know, I was going to opine at length in agreement, but then I went and looked up the actual meaning of "radiant" (which I had taken as a synonym for "beautiful", or the like), and I GET IT NOW!

The definition I found was "bright with joy, hope, etc." [Link: dictionary.reference.com...]

Well, naturally Mrs. Hopenchange is going to be "bright with hope!"

But if you think about it a little more, they've chosen an adjective which apparently does NOT imply any sort of physical beauty (although perhaps a lot of people think it does), and so we see why it is so popular with them - it fits their needs perfectly!

They're so excited about this term, "radiant", in fact, that I've heard them use it in reference to the new SCOTUS nominee as well.

Now that I know better what it means, I expect I'll get a chuckle whenever I hear it from now on. I mean, think of all the other possible terms that might be used instead - terms that denote attractiveness, or even intelligence, or some other positive trait. No, these women are to be defined as being liquored up on the Hopeychangy Kool-Aid!

136

ashan Mon, Jun 8, 2009 12:25:33am

If Hussein the [not so] Great is "god", then I'm a iron-clad, die-hard atheist. Ugh.

137

Land Shark Mon, Jun 8, 2009 8:04:23am

What is it about Obama that causes normally thoughtful people to gush like schoolgirls swooning over some teen heartthrob? The cult of personality surrounding this man of zero accomplishments is truly bizarre to behold. The lack of critical thinking and zero intellectual curiosity people display about this man is really creepy, are people that easy to fool and manipulate, or do they want to be fooled and manipulated? It's like people put their brains in suspended animation in regard to Obama. To go from a President like Bush, who was scrutinized and criticized over everything to Obama, who's getting a free ride and a free pass on everything, even to the point of being portrayed as "god like" has me thinking we must be at the signpost ahead, The Twilight Zone!

138

Cato the Elder Mon, Jun 8, 2009 8:56:17am

re: #115 KSK

Mary had a little lamb.

Then God came and eated it

Careful. From one angle, that could be a parody of Christian doctrine.

139

Land Shark Mon, Jun 8, 2009 10:39:52am

I recently got a "No Thanks, I Already Have A Messiah" t-shirt. After hearing Obama described as "god-like", it has a whole new meaning. I know JFK and Reagan have been the subject of hyperbole at various times, but never anything like this.

140

Optimizer Mon, Jun 8, 2009 10:59:37pm

re: #137 Land Shark

What is it about Obama that causes normally thoughtful people to gush like schoolgirls swooning over some teen heartthrob? The cult of personality surrounding this man of zero accomplishments is truly bizarre to behold. The lack of critical thinking and zero intellectual curiosity people display about this man is really creepy, are people that easy to fool and manipulate, or do they want to be fooled and manipulated? It's like people put their brains in suspended animation in regard to Obama. To go from a President like Bush, who was scrutinized and criticized over everything to Obama, who's getting a free ride and a free pass on everything, even to the point of being portrayed as "god like" has me thinking we must be at the signpost ahead, The Twilight Zone!

I looked up "cult of personality" (on Wikipedia), and that seems to hit the nail on the head. The oddball thing about it is that normally this occurs in totalitarian societies, where the cult figure actually has explicit control over the media. Here it seems that Obama simply fulfills several Utopian fantasies of the elitist media all at once, resulting in their voluntary cooperation. I guess I'm saying it literally IS a love affair (not so different from those "schoolgirls" you mention), of a sort.

It's unsettling to have a signature trait of totalitarianism occurring in the US, especially since it seems to be unprecedented, and we have both Houses of Congress fawning over the One at the same time.

141

eaglewingz08 Tue, Jun 9, 2009 6:19:04am

Barack Obama dines in fancy restaurant as unemployment hits 9.4 percent in US in worst recession since Herbert Hoover. We're sure that if George Bush had been so dining in France the media would have called him 'a god' and would not have said a nasty snarky thing about his dining habits.

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