# You are in close proximity to Obama or Trump, what do you do/say? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 29, 2020, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142 "2020-01-29T01:14:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![MEBuckner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mebuckner/32/2896_2.png) [@MEBuckner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MEBuckner)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142/21 "2020-01-29T10:45:00Z")
To Obama: “We miss you, Mr. President.” To Trump: I really think the best thing would just be to ignore his existence. (Now I’m picturing it on an elevator or something–just standing there, stone-faced, staring at the wall and ignoring the S.O.B. and his whole entourage until it’s my floor.) ---
**Author:** ![Two\_Many\_Cats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8dc957/32.png) [@Two\_Many\_Cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142/22 "2020-01-29T10:56:04Z")
Obama: Hi. Can’t wait to see your Library. That was horrible about Kobe Bryant, huh? Nice and polite, I’d be. I figure he’d like talking about basketball related stuff, and that would be a current events way to bring it up. Trump: I’m sorry, do I know you from somewhere? I figure that would piss him off. ---
**Author:** ![Urbanredneck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ea5d25/32.png) [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142/23 "2020-01-29T11:33:30Z")
Remember that scene from the movie “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” where the person traps the president and gets him to admit there is a book of secrets where EVERYTHING is. Ok, I know this sounds strange but I’m a bit of a conspiracy buff and I’d be tempted to ask something about the dark state, the illuminati, zionists, or if some other powerful group is working behind the scenes. Also things like JFK and such. Sounds odd but years ago when Jimmy Carter was running for president he promised to open up all the secret files on UFO’s if he became president but he never did. I really dont think I would get a full straight answer but even an odd whisper of “you dont really want to know” or something would be good. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 11:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142/24 "2020-01-29T11:39:28Z")
I’d probably just say “Hi” to Obama and avoid bothering him. Trump I’d avoid contact with altogether, both because I consider him utterly vile and because attracting his notice is dangerous. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142/25 "2020-01-29T12:17:20Z")
I don’t _say_ anything to Trump - I just point at him and laugh. Maybe if I can manage it, I’ll throw in “What a loser!” ---
**Author:** ![JcWoman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jcwoman/32/2889_2.png) [@JcWoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JcWoman)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142/26 "2020-01-29T13:53:32Z")
> [@Llama\_Llogophile](#): > > The first was a few years ago when I was introduced to a state governor. He was coming through a facility I was working at for the day and it turned out he knew one of our bosses. This all happened quickly and before I knew it I was in a sort of receiving line to meet him. Had I known, I would have made myself scarce because I considered this governor an odious person. But I summoned up my professionalism, shook his hand and said hello. Then I found the nearest restroom and washed up. I actually felt tarnished. I wouldn’t go out of my way to greet either of them for the same reason others are stating about public figures. But if I came face to face with Obama, I would happily shake his hand and thank him. I likely wouldn’t have time to chat with him, but if I did I would tell him that I am a life-long politician-hater but he’s the first president in my lifetime that when he came on the radio or tv I didn’t immediately shut it off. I enjoyed listening to him give speeches and loved him being interviewed even more. He was a great orator and never sounded oily, sneaky or bullshitting. If I encountered Trump… well I would likely handle that the same way I did when a much hated county supervisor came to my door. He’d been a supervisor for many years because he kept working the system to get re-elected. He was notoriously racist, homophobic, divisive and just an awful person (sound familiar?). He would frequently filibuster the county meetings to block work getting done. I always thought that if I encountered him I would punch him in the face. But then one day he came to our door to campaign for his next re-election. First I have to tell you that I have a great Resting Bitch Face and when I’m mad I apparently add some kind of homicidal-maniac-I’m-going-to-pull-your-liver-out-your-nose-and-eat-it viciousness to my eyes. I figured this out based on the way I occasionally have people take a step back just by turning to glare at them. So when my doorbell rang and I opened it to see this asshat standing there with his oily campaign smile… I just glared at him and gently shook my head. Seeing his smile fade and him turning and getting off my porch without a word spoken was actually quite satisfying. (We finally got him off our council a couple years after that.) ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142/27 "2020-01-29T14:03:27Z")
Obama: “Why didn’t you do more?” Trump: “You’ve done enough.” ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142/28 "2020-01-29T14:21:47Z")
Obama: “Thank you for your service, Mr. Obama.” Trump: “Fix the deficit, dammit - we don’t need another tax cut.” Neither: “Regards, Shodan” ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142/29 "2020-01-29T14:33:28Z")
Probably nothing? Maybe say “hi” if I came face to face with him. There have been a couple of times where I’ve taken the Acela and happened to sit near politicians like Joe Biden or NY Senator Chuck Shumer. Most of the time, people just say something like “thank you” or “good afternoon sir” or otherwise just leave them be. Maybe something like this?😃 [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/NPyUzaq8CbI/maxresdefault.jpg "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade "Indy meets Hitler."") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPyUzaq8CbI) ---
**Author:** ![Icarus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/icarus/32/72_2.png) [@Icarus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Icarus)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142/30 "2020-01-29T15:08:31Z")
For both: “It is an honor to meet you.” Because of their current/past POTUS status. Anything else would just make me look like someone who doesn’t know how to behave in public. And I do know how to behave in public. ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142/31 "2020-01-29T15:09:02Z")
I’d probably say nothing to either of them until/unless they speak to me first. Not out of respect, I just don’t talk much to people I’m actively hanging out with let alone someone I don’t know personally. Also, I don’t suspect either of having knowledge I particularly want, or a perspective on anything I’m really interested in. I’d definitely be kind with Obama because I feel he understands kindness. I would most likely not even acknowledge Trump–he doesn’t strike me as a particularly interesting person based on the sorts of things he promoted even before his presidency, and I doubt we’d have much to speak about. > [@Icarus](#): > > And I do know how to behave in public. Respectfully (no snark), you know what your agenda is with regard to comporting yourself in public. I refuse to be anyone other than who I am–which is usually respectful, but I make no guarantees if someone ‘goes first’. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142/32 "2020-01-29T15:10:06Z")
> [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](#): > > I’d leave them the hell alone. Their lives are tough enough as it is without having to deal with some wanker like me. I’m not a wanker, but I’m pretty sure I’d just fuss with my phone to get a picture or video. ---
**Author:** ![Icarus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/icarus/32/72_2.png) [@Icarus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Icarus)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142/33 "2020-01-29T15:17:39Z")
> [@Inigo\_Montoya](#): > > Respectfully (no snark), you know what your agenda is with regard to comporting yourself in public. I refuse to be anyone other than who I am–which is usually respectful, but I make no guarantees if someone ‘goes first’. Well, there is where we differ. In my ethos, how one behaves is even more important if someone ‘goes first’ (whatever that means). ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142/34 "2020-01-29T15:26:01Z")
> [@Icarus](#): > > Well, there is where we differ. And it’s going to be in imperceptible difference in practice, because we’re both going to present as nice, decent adults. But “Fuck off, pig” is close to my lips should someone turn passive aggressive or disingenuous. I don’t think that’s breaking decorum, I think it’s an honest reflection of the disrespect that person has just shown me. These guys may have chosen the road to the presidency, but they’re not better than I am. And as I say: I’d probably say nothing unless spoken to, then I’d be polite until I could escape the encounter, and I’d cease to be polite if that is how they indicate the encounter should go. ---
**Author:** ![Tired\_and\_Cranky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a87d85/32.png) [@Tired\_and\_Cranky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tired_and_Cranky)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142/35 "2020-01-29T15:41:05Z")
I like to ask questions. Obama: Do you regret trying to work with Republicans on the Affordable Care Act? Trump: What does Putin’s cock taste like? ---
**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142/36 "2020-01-29T16:48:11Z")
Obama: “Thank you, sir. I miss the days when we had a proper President.” Trump: _turns my back to him_ ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142/37 "2020-01-29T17:53:07Z")
Obama: I would thank him and try to indicate that I had voted for him three times (I vote in Illinois). Donald who? ---
**Author:** ![Kamino\_Neko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kamino_neko/32/34_2.png) [@Kamino\_Neko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamino_Neko)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142/38 "2020-01-29T18:01:29Z")
Obama - ask to shake his hand, and mention that it’s an honour to meet him. Trump - ignore like a motherfucker. If he addresses me, ignore harder. If he gets pissy about being ignored, walk away without acknowledging that. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142/39 "2020-01-29T18:12:32Z")
> [@Tired\_and\_Cranky](#): > > Trump: What does Putin’s cock taste like? that was funny! ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142/40 "2020-01-29T18:13:35Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > Obama: I would thank him and try to indicate that I had voted for him three times (I vote in Illinois). I’ve heard tell you can vote three times in Illinois, even if youre deceased.😃 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-in-close-proximity-to-obama-or-trump-what-do-you-do-say/847142.md?page=3)