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Obama Bow: Right Idea, Wrong Bow

Even Nixon bowed to the Japanese emperor —but he did it better

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 16, 2009 11:52 AM CST

(Newser) – A friend of ABC’s Jake Tapper would like to clear up some misconceptions about President Obama’s bow to the Japanese emperor: First, “the right is wrong about Obama’s bow.” It’s not an “unprecedented” display of subservience from an American president—Richard Nixon bowed to the emperor in 1971 (photo here). But the left also misses the mark: The bow can’t be a “sign of cultural understanding” when it’s done all wrong.

Nixon’s bow was spot on, continues Tapper’s friend, who is a student of Japanese history. “Obama's handshake/forward lurch was so jarring and inappropriate it recalls Bush's back-rub of Merkel.” A move designed to “show the president as dignified” came off like a “first year English teacher trying to impress with Karate Kid-level knowledge of Japanese customs.” It made him look weak “in Red State terms” and Japanese terms, too.

[Images (1)]

[Quotes (1)]

President Barack Obama bows as he is greeted by Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. (AP Photo)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 24 comments

bewilderbeast

Nov 17, 2009 10:42 AM CST

Spot on, dub. And when I visit the 'States I stand while that warlike anthem of yours plays. Jus bein' polite. It's the right thing to do - and it is very important that one does the right thing. Like respecting international laws, eg.

diltsduo

Nov 17, 2009 5:51 AM CST

He is just too tall thats all.

riffran

Nov 17, 2009 5:34 AM CST

speaking of blowing...obammy in that picture aint far from the right position

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Japan • Richard Nixon • customs • President Obama • state visit • Emperor Akihito • bow • Obama bows • obama bows to japanese emperor

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Obama Bow: Right Idea, Wrong Bow