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A Primer on the Fist Bump

Time looks at the history and meaning of Barack and Michelle's victory gesture

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 6, 2008 10:58 AM CDT

(Newser) – The now-famous fist bump shared by Barack and Michelle Obama on the night he claimed the Democratic nomination led Time on a search for the origins and cosmic relevance of the gesture. It proved tricky: For instance, some say the bump—a rough evolution goes handshake, "gimme five" palm slap, high five, fist bump—started in the NBA in the 1970s, while others insist it's from the Wonder Twins of the old Superfriends cartoon.

Time notes that handshake-hating germophobes may play a role in its popularity. Check out Howie Mandel, for instance, on Deal or No Deal. "Gestures, particularly ones that are recent, haven't been studied that much," said one expert on such things. "It was an elegant little non-verbal moment and it gave us a view into their relationship.” Adds Obama: “It captures what I love about my wife.”

Morgan Pressel gets a celebratory fist bump from her caddy after sinking a hole-in-one. (AP Photo/Daniel Miller)

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., gets a thumbs up from his wife Michelle in St. Paul, Minn., Tuesday, June 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Barack Obama fist-bumps his wife Michelle. ((c) chad davis)

Baltimore Orioles' Jay Payton, right, is given a fist bump by Jon Knott after hitting a home run to left field. (AP Photo/Jim Bryant)

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A Primer on the Fist Bump

Time looks at the history and meaning of Barack and Michelle's victory gesture

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Receiver wants the $1.8M Allen Stanford gave to politicians

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Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

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White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

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Time looks at the history and meaning of Barack and Michelle's victory gesture

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • Michelle Obama • gesture

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Obama, Others Won't Return Ponzi Cash

Receiver wants the $1.8M Allen Stanford gave to politicians

Chinese VP Arrives in Washington

Xi Jinping, China's next president, to meet with Obama

Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

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Newser By Users

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