(CNN) – It's not every day a President of the United States lands shirtless on a magazine cover.
But the May issue of Washingtonian Magazine, to hit newsstands Wednesday, is causing a bit of a sizzle inside the beltway. President Obama graces the cover, shirtless, in an issue that focuses on "26 Reasons to Love Living Here."
The number two reason: "Our new neighbor is hot."
The particular photo choice, taken while Obama was vacationing in Hawaii over Christmas last year, is certainly an unconventional pick to showcase the commander-in-chief.
But Garrett Gaffe, editor-at-large for the magazine, told CNN the picture is appropriate because, "our feeling was that this wasn't an ordinary presidency."
"The Obamas, through their involvement in Washington, are helping to showcase just how exciting it is to be in Washington right now" he said. "We use the word 'hot' tongue in cheek with the photo."
"He is a buff president that the paparazzi enjoy taking photos of," said Gaffe.
Contacted by CNN, the White House declined to comment on the magazine's cover.
From CNN Politics
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Not sure what to think of this!!
Take that, Putin!
It is not appropriate!
Even as a big Obama supporter, this is stupid. He's not a celebrity, he's the president of the United States. What is this, teen vogues? Ridiculous..
mmmmmmm GOOD!
Look at it this way: Maybe it'll inspire the 66% overweight and 33% obese in America to shape up. Prez as healthy role model! (If only he can and will give up smoking now...)
Does Mr Obama get any profit from these magazine or does the money go to the tax payers.
He had nothing to do with the selection. He's a public figure. Go after the editors
When we put him on our money some day, I think we should use this picture.
WELL, HELLOOOOO MR. PRESIDENT!
Wow this must be a first. I haven't seen a picture of the president on any magazine lately?
Can this man have some privacy, please??? He works his socks off
to help Americans, and he can't even go for a run!
Now, what the hell do you think the Republicans will do with this
picture? Just wait for Rush to get wind of this one!!!!
They need to take it off the news stands before it start selling
How fitting The Emperor has no clothes –just like Oblamo has not foreign or domestic policy or strategic idea. All he has is a blame Bush stump speech.
Time for the junior senator to retire back to a job he can handle
I sincerely hope the sales of this rag reflect the lack of taste it chooses by plastering the half-naked US President on it's cover.
More are offended than inspired.
Its capitalism get over it on the right..you love making money no matter what. As for Obama...a healthy man went swimming on vacation...ho hum..
I feel it's disrespectful to the office of the President,however I don't blame the President for being without a shirt. I blame the photographer and the publisher for disrespecting the President and having poor taste and judgment.
Come on haters. It's not like he posed for shirtless pictures, THEIR OLD PHOTOS THAT EVERYONE HAS SEEN! The right just hates on Obama because he whooped their butts in the elections and he enjoys one of the highest approval ratings ever. This country will NEVER look back to tired GOP ideology. Those days of the good old boys are OVER!
If it weren't for the skin color or face I'd think I was looking at Rush Limbuagh. Body doubles!
The picture is absolutley no reflection on Obama as president. Obama does not control what magazines put on their covers, and it is ridiculous to say that he's less serious because he wore a swimsuit once and looked good in it. He's hot, but he's also smart and doing an amazing job.
@August: Maybe he should be shown sunbathing with his buddy Chavez.
Maybe while they laugh about all the money they've leeched from us….
And I thought the last president was a bum…. sheesh.
_____________________________________________________
August, dear. Unlike Bush, who was having dinner with Osama Bin Laden's brother the evening before 9/11, President Obama won't be sunbathing with Chavez. Secondly, I'd prefer our President spend the money leeched from us on things that will benefit America not Iraq. And lastly, as for the last President being a bum... HE WAS!!!
The man is hot and I suspect a few of you are jealous.
So Obama decides to vacation with his family, some paparazi snap a picture and decide to put it on a magazine, and that means that Obama is unfit to be president?!?!? What president doesn't take vacation??? If anyone is to blame, it's the paparazi and the magazine editor. I'm sick of all you anti-Obama right-wing extremists.
WELL HELLOOOOO MR. PRESIDENT!
wow! how does he make time to keep so fit!? Good Job Obama! throw in some more Chest Flyes or Cable Crossovers and get that sternum area looking tip top. keep up the great work for us all!