January 21st, 2009
08:18 PM ET
9 years ago
A major Bush rule gets scrapped by Obama
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/01/21/art.ovaloffice.cnn.jpg caption="What’s missing in this picture?"] (CNN) - It's the same Oval Office. The same desk. Even the same curtains. But President Obama has already made one major change: Go through eight years of White House photos, and you won't find one of former President Bush in the Oval Office without his jacket on.
It wasn't just a personal preference. In the Bush administration, it was a rule: Jackets in the Oval Office - and now, it seems, one of the first Bush-era regulations to get scrapped in the Obama White House.
- CNN's John King contributed to this report
From CNN Politics
- Biden confronts an unprecedented challenge with a clear -- and quiet -- road map
- 10 Cards Charging 0% Interest Until 2024
- Trump's criminal indictment unleashes a bitter new phase in American politics
- Donald Trump indicted by Manhattan grand jury on more than 30 counts related to business fraud
- Trump has been indicted. Here's what happens next in court
- White House faces blowback from House Democrats over mixed messages on key issues
The President "of the people" should dress like "the People". He has a huge job ahead. I don't care if he does it in his pajamas if the issues get worked on.....We should all be proud to roll up our sleeves and help – our ancestors did. and that is why we have this great country to live in.
I am a little bothered by this. I don't think President Obama was so hampered by his jacket that he couldn't get work done. I kind of appreciate the gesture that former President Bush was making by wearing his jacket in the Oval Office. Does President Obama mean to imply "getting down to business" or "business casual" by immediately abandoning that rule? It used to be that it was inappropriate to be seen without a jacket there. What will be inappropriate now? T-shirts? Flip-flops?
It was a simple convention only. I still believe that Bush operated the White House as if he operated a college fraternity and the wearing of a suit coat, sports jacket, or whatever supported that paradigm of symbolic dress when conducting business. It is no more of a proper conduct than rolling up sleeves much as Bush himself did simply to look the part. The problem is Obama must also act the part due to the problems Bush has laid in front of him. One may as well simply take the jacket off to get to the real work ahead!
whats next,
staff meetings in shorts/sandals?
President Obama portrays substance with style. Former President Bush will be a distant memory soon enough!
Auzzievick
The clothes do not make the man and a jacket will NEVER MAKE BUSH a good president or former president.
This is just the most comfortable way to be when working, I never keep my jacket ON for easy moves!
Obama wants thing different
Just as long as they don't switch to business casual... That will be the end of life as we know it.
I think the optional "pants rule" was put in place by Clinton. Dems, please, get your facts straight.
BigBear,
you're not a very bright man, are you?
obviously my point went over your head, but it's nice to see average republicans trying to talk smarter than they actually really are.
Lol. I love the coment about pants optional and no underwear! Hillarious
Bush's "Pants Optional" Rule still stands though
Did you mean Bill Clinton
I clearly need to rethink the way I define "major." Or John does.
I'm so glad Bush took time out of his PRESIDENCY to make such a rule..
O will actually be working the phones and enacting policy when the photographs are taken, unlike W who carefully planned his photo ops. Which is really all the W administration was good at.
I guess you only use the comments you think people should read. How like cnn Afraid to tell the truth about President Bush. No but you can lie about the one.
Matt- I think that the 'Pants Optional" Rule was Clinton's.
PRESIDENT OBAMA SHOULD CONTINUE THE WHITE HOUSE DRESS CODE. WHEN WEARING SHIRT WITHOUT TIE...REMINDS US OF THE LEADER OF IRAN, NEVER WEARS A TIE . A PRESIDENT SHOULD DRESS PROPERLY OUR PRESIDENT IS REPRESENTING THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. WE MUST SET THE RIGHT EXAMPLE. IN EVERY WAY... ALWAYS!.
Fantastic! We can see that he's rolling up his sleeves and getting down to the hard work. I love it!
Has anyone that is insulting President Obama for taking his jacket off actually worked all day in a jacket? You won't find that in corporate America. You take your jacket off to work. You put your jacket on for meetings...but only some meetings.
This is wear Obama works. I'd rather have him be comfortable and get things done than be worried about a freakin' jacket.
Here we go, oversized sweatpants and bling bling and a baseball cap
President Obama intends to really work! The Oval office isn't just a photo-op for him- he intends to get things done- and for that he has to roll up his sleeves- sans jacket.
I honestly believe that there is more pressing issue for this country than to worry if he's wearing his jacket in the oval office or not..
Let's get to meaningful issues!
Obama: Get comfortable, dig in and let's get some work done.
Bush: Straighten your tie, look like a decider (slight scowl) and people won't be able to tell that you are clueless.