State of the Union: Awkward moment
WASHINGTON (CNN) - It could have been a moment for Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to demonstrate the civility they say we need in our politics.
Oh, well.
Before the President entered the House Chamber for the State of the Union address, Clinton took a seat three chairs and an aisle away from Obama. While members of Congress were still greeting one another, Clinton crossed the aisle to speak with Democratic Rep. Jim Langvin of Rhode Island, a Clinton supporter. He was seated in front of Obama.
While Clinton was bent over talking to Langvin, who has been in a wheelchair since age 16, the senator sitting next to Barack Obama watched Clinton intently. It was Sen. Ted Kennedy, who had made a splash by endorsing Obama earlier in the day.
Here’s where it could have happened.
When Clinton straightened up, Kennedy quickly reached across Barack Obama to shake Clinton’s hand. She took it. As they spoke, Obama turned away. Then the senators seated to Obama’s right – Ben Nelson and Ken Salazar - both shook Senator Clinton’s hand and talked to her. Instead of doing the same, Obama turned to look at the back of the room. Sen. Claire McCaskill, who has also endorsed Obama and was seated next to Kennedy, reached across the Massachusetts senator - who was still talking to Clinton - and tapped Obama (still twisted toward the back of the room) on the shoulder. McCaskill engaged Obama in conversation until the moment passed.
It all lasted less than five minutes. Neither acknowledged the other all night.
UPDATE: Speaking about the moment Tuesday morning, Obama advisor David Axelrod said in an interview on MSNBC the Illinois senator was not trying to snub Clinton.
"I think he knew that Senator Kennedy and Senator Clinton were friends," he said. "This was obviously an awkward day from that standpoint, and I don't think he wanted to stand there while Senator Kennedy was greeting Senator Clinton. And I think that was an appropriate sentiment."
–CNN's Jessica Yellin
From CNN Politics
- Trump says he could see recommending all Americans wear masks March 31, 2020 12:38 am
- Trump's path to extending coronavirus guidelines was led by health experts and the scenes at one New York hospital March 30, 2020 07:54 pm
- The Point: Why Texas will soon be the most politically important state March 30, 2020 10:31 pm
- Fact check: Trump again touts unproven drugs for coronavirus, and other misleading statements from Monday's briefing March 31, 2020 01:23 am
- First US service member dies from coronavirus March 30, 2020 11:56 pm
- Illinois governor says feds sent wrong type of protective medical masks March 31, 2020 02:01 am
You are starting to see the real Obama. Good luck !!!!
I look at the photo above and read your article and you have captured an awkward moment...so what...?
They can't acknowledge each other? Are they still civil Democrats? I mean they might hate each other but they are still colleagues and should act accordingly. This actually upsets me a little. They both claim they will get things done and "reach across the aisle" but how can they do that when they cannot even look at people on their own side of the aisle.
Kevin, obviousily there was a discomfort and awkward moment. Maybe the media is going to sensationalize it but it was definitely an awkward and contentious moment.
Enemies can even look at each other and shake hands. This is crazy! I am reconsidering my support for Clinton and losing respect for Obama.
Ummmm.... what was he thinking? This was very disrespectful and completely lacking in taste. Unfortunate for him that it was caught on camera.
This is a real example of a picture being worth a million words. It shows a smiling Hillary, shaking hands with Sen. Kennedy, and Obama turning his back on her. Wow! What a guy!
If he doesn't have the courage to face his Democratic opponet, how could he possibly face Iran, North Korea, or Venezuela. Oh, I forgot, he was just going to call them up and play nice. Let's face it, Obama is out of his league. I'll vote for the first black candidate who is actually qualified for the job.
Word to what Kevin said.
What ashame. Hillary should be beyond this type of behavior. Now she really scares me.
Obama is talking about change and lets be honest, most of those senators don't want him around they want Hillary because she will cave into their policies.
But this tension between these two were created by her because Obama has made more of an effort to be respectful to her and her husband than vice verser.
Heck,
I wouldn't acknowledge someone who knowingly lies about me for their own gain. How would you like it if someone spread rumors about you that your a terrorist?
Maybe Hillary reminds him of his mother.
From Obama's autobiographical, Dreams of My Father: " I FOUND A SOLACE IN NURSING A PERVASIVE SENSE OF GRIEVANCE AND ANIMOSITY AGAINST MY MOTHER'S RACE".
What great leaders these two would make. Such "presidential" manners about them.
You far-left liberals can't honestly believe either of these two are fit to run our nation, can you? They can't even act like adults with one another. This time next year, you guys will be wishing you had nominated John Edwards. I wonder how future president McCain would have handled the situation?
The Body language says it best in this picture.
Hillary Clinton 08
hahaha, Kevin. i'm sure if the situation was the other way around, you would slam Hillary. men...
Who Cares
Does one shake hands with a cobra?
Kevin, I agree
obama is arrogant. vote clinton.
yeah ... that's nothing. How about that Billary canceled all post-speech interviews with the major networks ? I think she was not able to talk to Bill and did not know what to say. Maybe someone spotted him again with some cigars in his pocket ?
Just to make it clear – I would like a woman in charge like in Chile or Germany to name two. But it has to be one of the many, many strong women who can fight their own fight without her husband holding the candle. Gender and race does not matter. So NOW should calm down and focus on what matters ...
OBAMA'08 !
Agreed.
I really wish Hillary didn't bug her eyes out when she plasters that fake smile on her face.
Plastic all the way.
Ditto Kevin
obama is an arrogant idiot and pathetic character. he would fall on kennedys face after super tuesday.
Barak is a snob. Can't you tell? He needs to grow up. But then, most of the men do.
Wow. Scraping the bottom of the barrel for "news", huh?
i know obama being a doctor in illinois. he is two-faced and back-biter. i hope he loose the election nd be thr5own in jail with r5ezco