Seeing lots of comments about this today.
Was Obama’s midnight visit to Dover Air Force Base for the arrival of the bodies of soldiers killed in Afghanistan meant to pay tribute to the fallen, or just a shameless photo op?
Anything the man does outside of his official duties is going to be declared as a “shameless photo op” so I voted for #1.
Shameless Photo Op is not actually a valid response. It’s a response for idiots. He’s the President, it’s his job.
A job long neglected by the previous administration.
c) all of the above
From what I understand, he chose to spend time in contact with the fallen soldier’s family members instead
I agree: it was probably both. Obama most likely felt very moved by the sacrifice those soldiers had made and intended to honor them wholeheartedly (as we all do), but I’m also sure he knew the photo op would look good.
Several facts:
The families of the fallen were asked if they would allow cameras without knowing the President would be there. 11 of the 18 refused. So their decision was not influenced by his presence.
The President met with all the families.
The President entered the plane, listened to the prayer offered over the coffin before it was removed from the plane, accompanied the coffin down the ramp and saluted the coffin as it was carried to the transport vehicle. 18 times.
The President didn’t get back to the White House until 5 am.
A “shameless photo op” would have been accomplished in 5 minutes, not 5 hours. I believe President Obama genuinely wanted to honor the fallen and to appreciate their sacrifice.
Heh from that perspective yes. Obama is image conscious and having a photo op taken is something he shouldn’t feel ashamed of.
Good points, gaffa.
It was, perhaps, something of a policy statement.
So is this the outrage of the week? I was wondering what it would be.
Yes, that was his unsubstantiated claim.
Outrage of the Century! (of the week)