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
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next he'll have buckets of KFC thrown bout the place.
Good, less show and more work.
Obama is practicing what he preach.......that's the way it works....... now you all follow the leader roll up your sleeves and get to work.
It's because he is a real person, and wants to focus on the matters at hand, not his wardrobe. Didn't know there was a dress code in the Oval Office!
Why didn't Bush take the rug, curtains, couches, and chairs? Those could have all gone to his future Presidential Library. It seems odd that Obama would keep all the Bush items, and not come up with his own decor. I'm surprised Bush apparently didn't want the stuff? Clinton took his stuff, as did Reagan, and so on.
Typical of the two men.
Barack Obama took off his coat to get work done.
Bush put on his coat for photo ops, just like he did with Walter Reed Hospital.
So what, this is 2009 not 1776. With all these crises in his hands now he deserves a little comfort well he works.
I don't care what he wears, I'm glad we've got him!
You people are complaining about a lack of tradition in the Oval Office? Ok, where was Bush's powdered wig and frock? Honestly folks, grow up.
The only time W had his shirt sleeves rolled up is when he was touring the aftermath of Katrina. He was told by staffers to roll up his sleeves for the photo ops to make him look like he was "working" to take care of the problem. As if that would have made me feel like he was taking care of the problems down there. To even have had a jacket required rule to work during the day was ridiculous to begin with. There is nothing wrong with the way Obama looks in this picture..he appropriately dressed.
I don't know whether or not the posters who have written things that reinforce black stereotypes are joking, but it makes me cringe. It is completely inappropriate, whether you are a fan of our new president or not.
GROW UP!
There are plenty of photos of W. with his feet on the desk. I find that more offensive and less professional than Obama with his jacket off.
What's missing? Aptitude. Experience. Wisdom. A Commander in Chief the troops can trust. Shall I go on?
Pres. Obama was not in the military. So, I can understand why he changed the jacket policy.
The U.S. military's high standards, work ethic and discipline starts every morning when a soldier puts on a uniform. It signals the brain that it's time to work. A strict dress code in an office is a similar means of setting the tone that expects work from the employees. A strict uniform standard is also a means of visually identifying those who can be trusted. Anyone who can't do something as simple as putting on a jacket shouldn't be trusted with anything more important.
So, in eliminating the jacket policy, Pres. Obama may be off to a bad start that will see a decrease in office efficiency.
Let's see, which would I rather have? A dopey leader who wears a jacket or an incredibly smart leader with no pretense. Wow, that's a hard question.
Are you people serious. OUT OF ALL THE PROBLEMS IN THESE UNITED STATES THAT WE HAVE GOING ON, YOU ARE REALLY SITTING HERE DISCUSSING A SUIT JACKET IN THE OFFICE. What's wrong with America? People like this discussing silliness like this.
It's hard to play basketball with a jacket on.
It is so asinine how people are attempting to make a political statement out of this. It is bad if you don't like Obama, good if you do. Good if you don't like Bush, bad if you did. Move on people, the election is over. I am happy to have Obama in, but I don't want to be hearing about "boxers or briefs?" in a week or so.
We are doomed. It is a proven fact that people who do not wear suit jackets are useless, unintelligent, and incompetent morons. I can't believe he is not wearing a suit jacket. Truly, the terrorists have won.
Bush achieved a lot with his JACKET ON = tricked us into war – trampled our revered Constitution – trashed us citizens – pulled the plug on the economy – – you feel what I am talking about, and if you still defend him you certainly deserve to reap the fruits of his labor.
In contrast, Obama not only looks gorgeous in his shirt, he actually works with the well being of our great country in mind, how refreshing – no oil men, no Halliburton, no Saudis hanging around to be served, just us, the American Citizens, We, the People! Thank you, Lord!
My preference is to leave the coat and tie behind. But the, I am not the Commander and Chief. I suspect we will be learning alot about Mr. Obama in the next few months and years. I hope there are not too many suprises.
Come on CNN you'll post race baiting comments like Dick c. without a second thought but the one's with civility are disregarded I Know your better then that. Right?
Let the hatefest begin! Never mind how amazingly trivial the coat/no coat decision is, the republicans on CNN's boards need something to complain about!
Dick,
President Obama has been sworn in. Please move on with your life. Jealousy just doesn't suit you well.
That is great lets pay for more abortions. Why does it take Federal money? Such a joke. Good job Obama, we are broke but you are willing to pay for foreign abortions. What a great idea.