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Damage Control: "Selfie At A Funeral" Photographer Explains What Really Happened

Tyler Durden's picture




 

Following yesterday's "selfie-gate" furore at Nelson Mandela's memorial service, it is perhaps unsurprising that the AFP photographer responsible for the series of incriminating photos come out with a wordy (and picturey) response to explain what we all saw. Roberto Schmidt notes, "it was interesting to see politicians in a human light because usually when we see them it is in such a controlled environment. Maybe this would not be such an issue if we, as the press, would have more access to dignitaries and be able to show they are human as the rest of us." Indeed, especially for a president whose only focus is to be seen as "one of the people" and not actually doing, you know, work to help the people.

 

Via Roberto Schmidt of AFP blog,

So here’s the photo, my photo, which quickly lit up the world’s social networks and news websites. The “selfie” of three world leaders who, during South Africa’s farewell to Nelson Mandela, were messing about like kids instead of behaving with the mournful gravitas one might expect.

In general on this blog, photojournalists tell the story behind a picture they’ve taken. I’ve done this for images from Pakistan, and India, where I am based. And here I am again, but this time the picture comes from a stadium in Soweto, and shows people taking a photo of themselves. I guess it’s a sign of our times that somehow this image seemed to get more attention than the event itself. Go figure.

selfie-combo_m.jpg

Anyway, I arrived in South Africa with several other AFP journalists to cover the farewell and funeral ceremonies for Nelson Mandela. We were in the Soccer City stadium in Soweto, under a driving rain. I’d been there since the crack of dawn and when I took this picture, the memorial ceremony had already been going on for more than two hours.

From the podium, Obama had just qualified Mandela as a “giant of history who moved a nation towards justice." After his stirring eulogy, America’s first black president sat about 150 metres across from where I was set up. He was surrounded by other foreign dignitaries and I decided to follow his movements with the help of my 600 mm x 2 telephoto lens.

So Obama took his place amid these leaders who’d gathered from all corners of the globe. Among them was British Prime Minister David Cameron, as well as a woman who I wasn’t able to immediately identify. I later learned it was the Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning Schmidt. I’m a German-Colombian based in India, so I don’t feel too bad I didn’t recognize her! At the time, I thought it must have been one of Obama’s many staffers.

Anyway, suddenly this woman pulled out her mobile phone and took a photo of herself smiling with Cameron and the US president. I captured the scene reflexively. All around me in the stadium, South Africans were dancing, singing and laughing to honour their departed leader. It was more like a carnival atmosphere, not at all morbid. The ceremony had already gone on for two hours and would last another two. The atmosphere was totally relaxed – I didn’t see anything shocking in my viewfinder, president of the US or not. We are in Africa.

(AFP Photo / Roberto Schmidt)

(AFP Photo / Roberto Schmidt)

I later read on social media that Michelle Obama seemed to be rather peeved on seeing the Danish prime minister take the picture. But photos can lie. In reality, just a few seconds earlier the first lady was herself joking with those around her, Cameron and Schmidt included. Her stern look was captured by chance.

I took these photos totally spontaneously, without thinking about what impact they might have. At the time, I thought the world leaders were simply acting like human beings, like me and you. I doubt anyone could have remained totally stony faced for the duration of the ceremony, while tens of thousands of people were celebrating in the stadium. For me, the behaviour of these leaders in snapping a selfie seems perfectly natural. I see nothing to complain about, and probably would have done the same in their place. The AFP team worked hard to display the reaction that South African people had for the passing of someone they consider as a father. We moved about 500 pictures, trying to portray their true feelings, and this seemingly trivial image seems to have eclipsed much of this collective work.

(AFP Photo / Roberto Schmidt)

It was interesting to see politicians in a human light because usually when we see them it is in such a controlled environment. Maybe this would not be such an issue if we, as the press, would have more access to dignitaries and be able to show they are human as the rest of us.

I confess too that it makes me a little sad we are so obsessed with day-to-day trivialities, instead of things of true importance.

During Mandela's memorial service in Johannesburg. (AFP Photo / Roberto Schmidt)

During Mandela's memorial service in Johannesburg. (AFP Photo / Roberto Schmidt)

* * *

Post-spun or not, here is the just released take of the Taiwan animators on the Obama gaffe:

 

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Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:02 | 4236703 Gamma735
Gamma735's picture

Too late, Obama still had to sleep on the couch last night.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:05 | 4236715 RSloane
RSloane's picture

Yeah Michelle looked very angry. What's not to like about a blue-eyed, slender blonde who is the Prime Minister of another country?

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:11 | 4236749 HoofHearted
HoofHearted's picture

"I confess too that it makes me a little sad we are so obsessed with day-to-day trivialities, instead of things of true importance."

 

You mean like if I take a picture of myself all goofing off and having a good time at a somber occasion rather than remembering someone who helped pave the way for me to get where I am? Yeah, I kind of agree with that...

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:15 | 4236774 Pladizow
Pladizow's picture

You can't polish a turd but you can attempt to roll it in glitter!

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:17 | 4236785 knukles
knukles's picture

So the photog from the AFP (African Funky Press) said that Obama doesn't work.
Huh...

LOL

Just wants to be one of the people.
Like headlining ESPN after Armageddon.
Brothers and Circuses.

What's really cool is the way all my progressive mates are soooo sick and tired of politics, anymore.
LOL
That's right it's Gerry Ford's fault.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:36 | 4236907 tsx500
tsx500's picture

If you like your selfie , you can keep your selfie. Period.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:38 | 4236923 nuclearsquid
nuclearsquid's picture

Explain all you want, photo-boy, you are still marked for death.

 

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:03 | 4237017 Mercury
Mercury's picture

Nah, Obama said: "I only blame my selfie".

 

We should all thank our lucky stars that "smartphones" weren't around when Clinton was in office.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:24 | 4237121 remain calm
remain calm's picture

If I was Obama I would sleep on the coach every night and Jack my self off to sleep instead of fucking that beast.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:29 | 4237134 insanelysane
insanelysane's picture

So the next time I am a pall bearer, it will be fashionable to take a selfie with me and the boys and the casket?

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:16 | 4237302 Pure Evil
Pure Evil's picture

Just make sure its an open casket with everyone standing around the open section smiling and doing a thumbs up, including the corpse.

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 02:53 | 4238898 SafelyGraze
SafelyGraze's picture

http://imgur.com/gFye3ZG

danish prime minister says golf is "noble and honorable sport", "no disrespect intended", "photograph misrepresents the sense of gravity felt by everyone at that moment", "image was probably photoshopped"

 

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 05:09 | 4238973 The Navigator
The Navigator's picture

Selfie - it's all about me, and fuck the rest of you = Obama.

Not even a "hey, Moochele, get in the pict"

Complete psycho.

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 05:45 | 4238992 johngaltfla
johngaltfla's picture

You can call bullshit gold, but you can't change the smell.

These reporters will go to any lengths to protect their Emperor so why should we believe some AFP photographer who's primary job is to get as close to Obama as possible to snap photos, up to and including counting his pubes while servicing him.

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 07:09 | 4239035 GetZeeGold
GetZeeGold's picture

 

 

 

Sooo.....we're calling the disinformation agents reporters these days?

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:20 | 4237328 TeamDepends
TeamDepends's picture

WOW, explain this one away Barry!  Bill Ayers admits he wrote "Dreams From My Father"!!!!!!!!http://www.homelandsecurityus.com/archives/10162

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 18:32 | 4237835 zapdude
zapdude's picture

Great article, thanks!

100% of Obama is fake.  More and more people are waking up to this fact.  This Ayers 'confession' could gain momentum, and it should, but consider that even his patently FAKE birth certificate was given no scrutiny by anyone.

Obama could be videotaped murdering children with his bare hands in the Rose Garden and nobody would bat an eye.

Oh, and FU NSA.  That one was for free.

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 01:51 | 4238853 Rock On Roger
Rock On Roger's picture

I wonder, how many pakistani children were droned Tuesday?

 

Stack On

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 07:12 | 4239036 GetZeeGold
GetZeeGold's picture

 

 

 

Bill Ayers admits he wrote "Dreams From My Father"!!!!!!!!

 

I called Bill Ayers and asked him for the full name of Frank in the book.....he declined to comment.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 19:24 | 4237994 nmewn
nmewn's picture

The NYT's will be all over this.

(In 2016)

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 00:34 | 4238760 DaveyJones
DaveyJones's picture

some of my most indelible child experiences were as an altar boy at funerals. My favorite is when my friend and fellow altar boy got so affected by the incense that he passed out and on the way down, hit his head on the casket. The grieving family freaked out but the priest didn't blink an eye.  One of my first clues that priests were a little different 

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:49 | 4237198 Ms. Erable
Ms. Erable's picture

He has Reggie for that; Jarret takes care of the wookie.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:03 | 4237268 Obadiah
Obadiah's picture

damm that was some funny shit right there. abet nasty ; )

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:28 | 4237129 StychoKiller
StychoKiller's picture

Pretty sure that Carlos Danger agrees with that!

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:45 | 4237189 A Nanny Moose
A Nanny Moose's picture

At least Clinton got a happy ending out of it.

This new crop of politicians cannot even practice infidelity correctly.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:32 | 4236814 Leonardo Fibonacci2
Leonardo Fibonacci2's picture

Obama pulling his harlem shuffle.  Or better yet, the Chicago thug hood N boy!

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:26 | 4236835 Henry Chinaski
Henry Chinaski's picture

Pretty evident all along that this is the laziest president ever.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:27 | 4236853 12ToothAssassin
12ToothAssassin's picture

das raciss

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:39 | 4236926 Gringo Viejo
Gringo Viejo's picture

but true.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:50 | 4236975 DaddyO
DaddyO's picture

TPTB can spin all they want, it's just BS, plain and simple.

There is no possibility of trying to spin Moochele's expression into something it wasn't!

She was pissed, pissed and more pissed...

How would you behave if your wife/husband was chatting up a hottie/hunk in your presence?

I would be livid, just like Moochele. Human emotion, ignore it at your own peril.

DaddyO

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:16 | 4237067 TruthInSunshine
TruthInSunshine's picture

Either FLOTUS was seriously pissed, or she had a very bad bout of - and this is not my diagnosis nor opinion, but that of one Dave Chappelle (whom I think of as a true comedic genius) - Itus

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:43 | 4237186 Cruel Aid
Cruel Aid's picture

They don't do it and he keeps waving that flag. Its embarrasing to her even though he is doing a bang up job on the usa.

Typical O stuff.

lol... no more like :(

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:47 | 4237199 A Nanny Moose
A Nanny Moose's picture

If her eyes were lazers, The 0we'Bamabot would have been a smoking crater.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:27 | 4237347 Pure Evil
Pure Evil's picture

What may not be known in honkey town is the visceral hatred American black women have when they see black men having any type of a relationship with a white woman.

The one set of photos we have yet to see is the action where Mrs. Worf physically separated the The Choommiester and the white slut.

We got to see the final result, just not the actual process of separating them.

Now, that would be classic.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 17:58 | 4237712 Quantum Nucleonics
Quantum Nucleonics's picture

Even if you buy into the spin that FLOTUS wasn't pissed, you're still left with the fact that President is laughing it up at a funeral.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:35 | 4236892 natty light
natty light's picture

It Harding's fault.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:48 | 4237203 A Nanny Moose
A Nanny Moose's picture

Tanya?

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:05 | 4237275 LFMayor
LFMayor's picture

poor white trash with unlimited cash  AND a worn out VHS of "Ice Castles" does not success make.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 23:32 | 4238641 Wahooo
Wahooo's picture

That's classist.

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 02:27 | 4238877 G-R-U-N-T
G-R-U-N-T's picture

Excuse me, but that wouldn't be a "Stiffy" I see there in Obama's crotch, now would it?

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:18 | 4236796 Colonel Klink
Colonel Klink's picture

Actually you can.  Mythbusters and our politicians prove it.  Still doesn't change the content within.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:58 | 4237006 Oldwood
Oldwood's picture

Again they want us to disbelieve what we see with our own eyes and believe only the shit they feed us.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:50 | 4237193 tenpanhandle
tenpanhandle's picture

Three or more separate and different pictures taken at different times, all with the second lady (first lady = Reggie Love).  All the pictures show a pissed Moochelle, one even where she switched seats to get between the Prez and his danish.  What a crock of shit.  What-cha gonna believe - yer lyin eyes?

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 17:42 | 4237651 Calmyourself
Calmyourself's picture

Tyler, forgot the name of the guy doing the tech around here but it looks like every poster who disrespects Dear Leader gets an automatic RED mark..  I am thinking a glitch of some sort i nthe software, cognitive most likely..

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:50 | 4237451 Pesky Labrador
Pesky Labrador's picture

@Pladizow, Mythbusters were able to polish a turd. Just saying...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiJ9fy1qSFI

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 00:38 | 4238765 Serfs_Up
Serfs_Up's picture

Fuck Nelson Mandela..twisted rulers of these states having a big gang bang, complete withe  sacred eulogy to a commie bastard..these maggots are insane

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:15 | 4236786 Steve in Greensboro
Steve in Greensboro's picture

Shorter: Obama is a douchebag.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:05 | 4237028 Miles Ahead
Miles Ahead's picture

NELSON MANDELA hardly helped pave the way for Obama to become POTUS.  Stop dreaming.

He was imprisoned in S.Africa; got released 25 years later.  The installed him as President. 

And this in turn somehow improved civil rights, racial harmony, progress of mixed white American/African citizens, and political landscape of the U.S.?  You wish.

Obama's appointment was a marketing ploy to buy TPTB 8 more years.  Like a pretty girl, he made everyone take their eye off the ball after the Bush years.  Meanwhile the robbery continued.  It had nothing to do with current racial progress in the USA. If anything things have gotten worse. 

Further, Saint Nelson Mandela - unbeknown to most - invaded a soverign neighboring country in order to steal it's water and install a friendly government.  South African troops invaded, citizens of Lesotho were killed. While Apartheid fell, it fell before Mandela was released not because.  And then the naive, neophyte, newly selected President got suckered in by classic neo-liberalism, rubber stamping the continuation of economic exclusivity of the usual suspects.

Read John Pilger's accounts.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:59 | 4237255 JR
JR's picture

Mandela’s funeral gave politicians the world over the chance to jump on board the new racism. Yesterday’s appearance on the Hannity show by fallen conservative idol, Marco Rubio, provided a disgusting example of politicians positioning themselves to get votes.

Rubio, bringing on his “let’s fix immigration” spiel, actually wove in a declaration of how men like Mandela have spread democracy and human rights around the world. Apparently, according to Rubio, it was all right for Mandela, a communist, to rise up in a genocidal campaign against Whites, but it was not all right for Obama to shake hands with the Communist Raul Castro because Raul and Fidel had persecuted Cubans.

When world opinion and votes are at stake, color is the key, you see.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:34 | 4237372 Pure Evil
Pure Evil's picture

At this point it matter very little what has transpired. The reason it doesn't matter is because humans are incapable of learning from history.

What matters is going forward.

My question is now that Saint Mandela is dead how long will they be able to contain the desire by blacks to ethnically cleanse South Africa of whites?

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 17:34 | 4237621 Harbanger
Harbanger's picture

Do an internet search on the camps where they keep poor whites in south africa.  It's very disturbing how the politically correct MSM ignores what is happening.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:35 | 4237161 ebear
ebear's picture

"....... remembering someone who helped pave the way for me to get where I am?"

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:51 | 4237209 A Nanny Moose
A Nanny Moose's picture

You didn't oppress that. You had help along the way.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:10 | 4236751 TruthInSunshine
TruthInSunshine's picture

FLOTUS to POTUS last night when POTUS tried to make a move:

"I know you Di'int!!! Where Reggie Love?! Your ass need some Reggie. mmmm hmmm."

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:24 | 4237110 Miles Ahead
Miles Ahead's picture

"No you di'in".  "Yo ass..."

There. Fixed grey boy.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:27 | 4237118 TruthInSunshine
TruthInSunshine's picture

Thanks!

(I forgot to highlight the inevitable finger wagging as she proclaimed it so, too - the side to side finger wag action).

I KNOW YOU DI'IN!!! {index finger wagging side to side in synch with neck}

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:37 | 4237379 Pure Evil
Pure Evil's picture

And you also forgot the Z snap at the end.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:32 | 4236884 GOSPLAN HERO
GOSPLAN HERO's picture

Mochelle is gonna slap dat blond beotch up-side her head!

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:38 | 4236921 PGR88
PGR88's picture

Yes, and when its another leader, discretion is assured. 

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:28 | 4237137 SkottFree
SkottFree's picture

"I confess too that it makes me a little sad we are so obsessed with day-to-day trivialities, instead of things of true importance."

I call selfies trivial and the economy of true importance, evidently Obama bitched that some one caught him being his usuall ignorant selfie!

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 23:26 | 4237531 Things that go bump
Things that go bump's picture

I hardly consider this sort of sophmoric behavior trivial in a grown man well into his maturity, and I am deeply mortified and frankly frightened by this public lapse. How can a man who can't even govern himself lead a nation? It is the sort of thing that would get a child of mine past the age of reason a thrap to the ear or a pinch to remind him of his manners, and I'll bet Michelle was tempted. Surely you would expect any adult, let alone a person in his position to be capable of comporting themselves with simple respect, at least, during a function such as this. Changing seats is a thing one does to separate obstreperous children of an age incapable of regulating their own behavior, and I also find it alarming that she felt the need to do this, as if a simple word in his ear would not be sufficient, unless it was her intention to punish him with embarrassment in front of other heads of state and the whole world, a distinct possibility. She publicly brought him to heel, and consider the ramifications of that. That he complied indicates to me that he judged her willing to make an even bigger public scene. 

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:38 | 4237171 SweetDoug
SweetDoug's picture

'

'

'

'The first time I saw a picture of her, the words "Look at those pissy eyes!" just came to me.

 

And gee… "Look at those pissy eyes."

 

It really says a lot about a woman, who looks like that.

 

•J•
V-V

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 17:54 | 4237696 starfcker
starfcker's picture

Really? motherfucker can't comprehend we spent millions of dollars to send him there as our representative. that being the case, dignity is not optional. you're working, asshole.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:07 | 4236727 edifice
edifice's picture

The Secret Service comms that occurred last night:

SS 1: "Sir, the POTUS is secure on the COTPOTUS (Couch of The POTUS).

SS 2: "Rodger."

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:05 | 4237036 lakecity55
lakecity55's picture

"Sir, POTUS is secure on the REGPOLE."

"Roger."

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:09 | 4236736 azzhatter
azzhatter's picture

fuck all the elitist statist cocksuckers. obama and all the rest. fuck 'em with a pole axe

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:38 | 4236919 walküre
walküre's picture

Word!

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:37 | 4237385 Pure Evil
Pure Evil's picture

'Z' snap!

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:11 | 4236746 freewolf7
freewolf7's picture

If you like your delusion, you can keep your delusion.

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 05:21 | 4238982 The Navigator
The Navigator's picture

You banged it Freewolf7

Problem is, what percent is delusional? (i.e. the FreeShit Army)

If over 50%, the rest of us is fucked.

And I think we're already there.

Find yourself a state about to secede, prep and dig in.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:42 | 4236936 stocktivity
stocktivity's picture

Sounds like the photog is a bit worried that he's in deep shit. He takes the photos, puts them out to the public, then tries to cover his tracks. WTF???

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:55 | 4237000 Dixie Rect
Dixie Rect's picture

Seems like photog Roberto needs to clean a little O-fecal matter off of his nose, like most of the other press in this world.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:21 | 4237092 ElvisDog
ElvisDog's picture

Spot on. You can kiss your press pass goodbye, photo-boy. I'm guessing he will next be assigned to cover the civil war in that West African country.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:57 | 4237247 tenpanhandle
tenpanhandle's picture

Aw come on.  It can't be that bad.  I'll bet they invite him to dinner in the white house.  "Gee, what a huge bowl of rice you are serving me, Mister Prezident".

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:34 | 4237367 Captchured
Captchured's picture

He didn't build take those pictures. Somebody else gave him help along the way.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:50 | 4236979 Svendblaaskaeg
Svendblaaskaeg's picture

Paging Obama: If You like Our Prime Minister you can keep the silly biatch - PLEASE!

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:09 | 4237053 Svendblaaskaeg
Svendblaaskaeg's picture

Ahem...

Thorning-Schmidt: My husband isn't gay

http://cphpost.dk/news/thorning-schmidt-my-husband-isnt-gay.2514.html

Sex, leaks and taxes: The changing face of Danish politics

http://cphpost.dk/news/sex-leaks-and-taxes-the-changing-face-of-danish-p...

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:15 | 4237076 Svendblaaskaeg
Svendblaaskaeg's picture

Stephen Kinnock faces fresh tax allegations

"Police in Denmark are considering a complaint about the financial affairs of Stephen Kinnock, the 40-year-old son of the former Labour leader. Mr Kinnock, who is married to the Danish Opposition leader, has been accused of avoiding tax by understating the amount of time he spent in the country."

http://planetpmc.blogspot.dk/2010/08/stephen-kinnock-faces-fresh-tax.html

..the offer stands, if You like Our PM, You...

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:40 | 4237397 Pure Evil
Pure Evil's picture

Well, we've got some pretty good whore houses we could put her to work in.

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 04:49 | 4238954 Svendblaaskaeg
Svendblaaskaeg's picture

"Well, we've got some pretty good whore houses we could put her to work in."

..in a nice-tan area? - Airplane Quote bitchez!

Coffee,  Cream? 
No, thank you, I take it black, like my men

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 22:47 | 4238551 Dewey Cheatum Howe
Dewey Cheatum Howe's picture

Maybe she was brokering a deal for a rendevous between the Oreo and her husband.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:19 | 4237317 JuliaS
JuliaS's picture

Obama puts "fun" into "funeral".

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 17:27 | 4237604 Withdrawn Sanction
Withdrawn Sanction's picture

Yeah, OK.  So the South Africans mourn differently, and maybe we should not expect our dignitaries to be, well, dignified on such an occassion. After all, they can be human too.  But the real key to this incident is that it was a SELFIE.  It captured in a single frame the self absorption of this president in particular and of politicians in general.  This episode wasn't about Mandela, it was as it always is, about BHO.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:04 | 4236706 RSloane
RSloane's picture

There were a bunch of photos of Obama and the Prime Minister of Denmark that were as funny as hell. That had to be the longest, most boring service in the history of mankind.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:04 | 4236709 pragmatic hobo
pragmatic hobo's picture

how do you explain the photo a little later where michelle and obama switched seats?

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:33 | 4236877 Gringo Viejo
Gringo Viejo's picture

@pragmatic: As it was raining, Michelle might have had a
"case of the itchy azz".

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 17:39 | 4237633 remain calm
remain calm's picture

Michelle could tell that the Potus got wood, so she was going to have no part of that and moved in between them. he instantly went flaccid sitting next to his biatch.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 19:45 | 4238040 Loanman26
Loanman26's picture

im thinking it was Michelle's time of the month.

 

OTR

 

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:05 | 4236710 EscapeKey
EscapeKey's picture

Storm in a teacup.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:08 | 4236734 RSloane
RSloane's picture

Yup, they were obviously bored shitless. Hell, how many people can boast of grabbing the Prime Minister of the UK's face like a football and dragging it into a selfie which included the President of the US?

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:18 | 4237080 RobM1981
RobM1981's picture

Hey, here's an idea: before the President of the United States spends tens of millions of dollars flying Air Force One and his entourage to the other side of the world, can he pretend to have enough weighty things to work on such that he doesn't end up acting like a 14 year old hitting on the Hawt Chick.  Is that too much to ask?  Between the Economy, China, the disaster that is Obamacare, and about 90 other things, does he really have time for this?

 

So, yeah, people are a bit pissed.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:39 | 4237170 EscapeKey
EscapeKey's picture

People die, even great men. And presidents, prime ministers, etc go to their memorial services. If they didn't, we'd probably see equivalent outrage from the other side of the isle.

In this particula event, the memorial service was 5 hours long. Five hours, of listening to lots of boring, long-winded, repetitive speeches, delivered in a particularly pontificating manner, by people who attempt to collect cheap points, acting as if they were Mandela's best friend. And you tell me that people who have to spend the entire 5 hours won't find ways of entertaining themselves?

What do you expect him to do? Solve world hunger while Jacob Zuma is speaking? There's a million reasons why ultimately Obama is a tool of the establishment, and deserve every bit of criticism aimed at him. But him having a joke or two at a memorial seriously means absolutely nothing in the great scheme of things.

 

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:06 | 4237279 BeansMcGreens
BeansMcGreens's picture

"And you tell me that people who have to spend the entire 5 hours won't find ways of entertaining themselves?"

How in the world did they go to the restroom or eat. Can't you just see George W., Bill, and Jimmy sitting there and saying "Hey Barack, What did you do last summer?

Barack: I told you! I spent it with my uncle in Kenya hunting Hyenas!

Bill: Did you shoot any?

Barack: Yes, like 50 of 'em! They kept trying to attack my cousins, what the heck would you do in a situation like that?

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 17:19 | 4237567 EscapeKey
EscapeKey's picture

+1 for the Napoleon Dynamite quote.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:38 | 4237386 Mike in GA
Mike in GA's picture

YES!  Solving world hunger while anyone was speaking would be a good start!

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 18:23 | 4237791 Oldwood
Oldwood's picture

He's the fucking president! His JOB is to represent America and look and act respectful of his position. Not a twelve year old boy being asked to sit still or out for a day with the boys. He is above his office. He is late for every event. He is photographed with his feet on the presidential desk. He is bigger than the office or any other convention other than his OWN self importance. He is a nihilistic prick who doesn't give a shit about anything or one except himself.

Is that too harsh of a analysis?

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 21:01 | 4238283 starfcker
starfcker's picture

no. you are exactly right

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 23:34 | 4238652 Wahooo
Wahooo's picture

Mandela was a joke. Why not joke?

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 01:03 | 4238809 disabledvet
disabledvet's picture

Couldn't disagree more. This is the President's "Space Shuttle Challenger moment"...and instead he appeared to be talking policy while at least to me a very appropriately upset First Lady was trying to remind the President "this isn't the time to be plotting World War Z." Where was Jimmy Carter? Where was Bill Clinton? Miles away from what I could see. The only thing missing was a "call down" to George W for "the exclamation point." Handshake with Raul? Wow. Yeah...this thing went off exactly as scripted. Next up "a game of Kiev Chicken." This President is one of the most surprising and fascinating in US history. I expect a wild weekend of news ahead...no one has even mentioned the massive shake up of staff positions going on. "Chicago out...New York City in." I think we're on the verge of policy battles inside the White House not seen since Lincoln. The only thing missing is an "I'm in charge" moment.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:05 | 4236712 resurger
resurger's picture

Nikka!

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:03 | 4236714 NOTW777
NOTW777's picture

jackass - he ruins the economy and our healthcare system and then flies off to another 10 million vacation in africa

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:30 | 4237148 samsara
samsara's picture

HE ruins.....

You think it's a single gun man?  You believe he is thinking this plan up?  The last 30 years HIS idea/fault?

I didn't/wouldn't vote for him, (Wrote in Ron Paul).   But the Red team / Blue Team shit has Got to stop.

THEY'RE THE SAME TEAM.   With a Large Supporting Cast.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:42 | 4237412 Mike in GA
Mike in GA's picture

Yes, HE ruins! He hasn't done/doesn't know how to do ONE DAMN THING to help the economy since he's been POTUS.  All he knows is take from the gots and give to the ain't gots.  Simple.  The SOB is a communist lazy golf playin asshole.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:45 | 4237429 Pure Evil
Pure Evil's picture

But think of all the travel miles he's racking up on his Capital One credit card.

Once his time in office is over he can exchange them and pay off the national debt.

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 06:56 | 4239028 PhilofOz
PhilofOz's picture

As we continue to see, even here at ZH some can never overcome the Red Team, Blue Team bullshit! The same team where it really counts, robbing the peasants of all they can while a small group of bankster families rake in 90% of everything, throwing those other maggots desperately trying to get to the top of their individual shit piles plenty enough to keep them more than satisfied and on side. 

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:05 | 4236718 Gringo Viejo
Gringo Viejo's picture

IMHO...that Obama is narcistic, is not even open to debate.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:11 | 4236739 BLOTTO
BLOTTO's picture

Most homosexuals are narcissist...That is why you see a lot of them in great shape; infatuated with their body...they have low self esteem.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:21 | 4236805 knukles
knukles's picture

Question.
Seriously.
Why does everybody keep saying he's homosexual?
What is the evidence?

 

(no, don't question my motives, because you all know I'm trying to stir up the pot, no?)

 

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:27 | 4236842 Colonel Klink
Colonel Klink's picture

Being a card carrying member of a Shitcago bathhouse, along with RAM Emanuel?

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:39 | 4236922 tsx500
tsx500's picture

google " Larry Sinclair "

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:51 | 4237467 Pure Evil
Pure Evil's picture

Oh come on knucks, we all know why you want to know.

Just send your boy some selfies of your man hood and title it "The Rock Krusher".

Then when he replies with a personal invitation to meet him at the Undisclosed "Reggie Love" Location just make sure he sends a limo.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 23:37 | 4238655 Wahooo
Wahooo's picture

I've never googled a man, and I'm not going to start now.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:34 | 4236878 NoDebt
NoDebt's picture

Ok, Knuk, let me walk you through this real slow and simple.

Question #1:  Name one time Obama told the truth about anything.

You can't because he hasn't yet.

Question #2:  If they asked him if he was homosexual, what do you think he would say?

Of course not.  Just look at my beautiful family!

So, if he was telling the truth about that, it would be the first time ever.  Plus the bathhouse thing.  That's just damned odd no matter how you slice it.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:38 | 4236911 LFMayor
LFMayor's picture

Occams muthafuckin razor!

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:01 | 4237264 tenpanhandle
tenpanhandle's picture

How can you have questions? Isn't Moochelle a male of the species?

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 18:25 | 4237801 Oldwood
Oldwood's picture

Because he only finds himself attractive?

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:05 | 4236719 rtalcott
rtalcott's picture

Seems like a weak story to me...definitely damage control.  Regardless of the atmosphere o-man's behavior was like that of george bush...a 16 year old on his first road trip.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:11 | 4236757 NOTW777
NOTW777's picture

of course - blame it on Bush

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:21 | 4236816 knukles
knukles's picture

The New Normal has become either Ronnie Reagan's or Gerry Ford's fault.

And just for some additional fodder for my progressive asshole buds, keep in mind Abe Lincoln was a Republican, not a Democrat.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:41 | 4236935 blackholes
blackholes's picture

Ya, but that was when being a Republican actually meant something other than gay bashing and minority hating.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:07 | 4237038 Uncle Remus
Uncle Remus's picture

You say that like it's a bad thing...

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:56 | 4237477 Pure Evil
Pure Evil's picture

Of course its been postulated that Lincoln was a homosexual.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 19:19 | 4237825 Oldwood
Oldwood's picture

The first line of defense for any asshole is "everyone else is doing it". Obama has the fuckup "life award" and most can't really deny it so they must equivocate it to everyone else. None of us are fucking perfect, but really.....this asshole? Ok...he is a clean, well spoken black man. I'll give you that

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 22:52 | 4238560 Dewey Cheatum Howe
Dewey Cheatum Howe's picture

And George Wallace is now a Republican depending which news outlets you watch.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 17:42 | 4237645 rtalcott
rtalcott's picture

can you read? looks like you can't...I said LIKE georgie bush NOT because of georgie bush...you are one dumb mf'er...this cuntry is fucked for a good reason..too may stupid mf'ers

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 19:20 | 4237879 Oldwood
Oldwood's picture

 I'm sick of every Obama apologist out there mentioning Bush or Reagan everytime anyone points out what a fucking mess Obama is, and then claiming its not about left or right, red or blue. If its not, why mention Bush? It fucking fucked up! Isn't that enough? It has to stop. Its always been bad and getting worse, but this will not go to infinity. It will stop and acting like it the same as its ever been is delusional towards a disasterous end.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:26 | 4236839 Blano
Blano's picture

Like him or not Bush wouldn't have been shucking and jiving with a woman he's not married to otherwise the press would have hounded him for weeks.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:08 | 4237047 Uncle Remus
Uncle Remus's picture

That Bush can "shuck and jive" is in and of itself of interest.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 17:48 | 4237661 rtalcott
rtalcott's picture

they both behaved poorly (often) and juvenile...hit..don't hit...I don't see the difference...oh yeah georgie was a good born again christian!  georgie bush...there was a piece of work..certainly no better or worse than the o-man....they look a bit different but smell the same

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:41 | 4236927 jcaz
jcaz's picture

True, but the difference is that Bush had this attitude when he was 18,   not 52....

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:23 | 4237103 RobM1981
RobM1981's picture

The word you are looking for is Gravitas.  Bush had it.  Clinton had it.  Reagan had it.  Carter had it - if he had nothing else, he at least had that.  Even Nixon had it.

 

Only Obama is too much of a loser to know how to act at a funeral.  If everyone else was dancing, the President of the United States would still be expected to project the proper attitude.  He is our representative.  Bush had Gravitas; Obama has none.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:28 | 4237355 Emergency Ward
Emergency Ward's picture

Wait a minute.  George WarBush and wife Laura were present at the event and had the sense to stay away from President Warbama.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:58 | 4237484 Pure Evil
Pure Evil's picture

Or, the Bushies were ostracized because The Messiah didn't want to be seen with them.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:05 | 4236723 earnyermoney
earnyermoney's picture

Where's the photo of Michelle laughing and joking with those around her? I'm calling BS on that statement.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:10 | 4236753 Stinko da Munk
Stinko da Munk's picture

Who you gonna believe? The media or your lyin' eyes?

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:07 | 4236726 kralizec
kralizec's picture

What a douche nozzle...when does he pull his lips from statist ass?  Never would be my guess!

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:07 | 4236729 williambanzai7
williambanzai7's picture

PIMPIN' THE FUNERAL

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:12 | 4236752 RSloane
RSloane's picture

LMAO!! Spot on, Will!

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 15:56 | 4237244 ebear
ebear's picture

I dunno man, that looks shopped to me.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 16:03 | 4237270 williambanzai7
williambanzai7's picture

You're right, I should have made her head bigger.

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 01:11 | 4238818 disabledvet
disabledvet's picture

She does have beautiful hair. It's likes a spontaneous reaction...almost had it myself the other day. You just wanna reach out and...

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 02:19 | 4238874 Esculent 69
Esculent 69's picture

should've put barry's hand on her knee or thigh while giving moochelle laser beam or ice shooting from her eyes. still love your work. top notch.

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:19 | 4236765 conspicio
conspicio's picture

NAILED HER...ooops, I mean NAILED IT. While many will go on here about Reggie and his magic unicorn act..."the blonde" still represents a holy grail of many dreamy conquests in the black culture. Perhaps mommy influenced, but hey, if a photograph needs this much of a fucking explanation for the sheep, then be aware indeed.  Bravo and touché. You give BigFurHat a run for the money regularly, or maybe you are all one in the same. No matter, keep up the good work.

 

 

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:14 | 4236777 kralizec
kralizec's picture

Bam!  ;)

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:29 | 4236865 pupdog1
pupdog1's picture

And remember babe, if that line is busy, try 1-900-HUSSEIN. That's my special number for smokin' hot princess bee-atches!

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:34 | 4236885 moonshadow
moonshadow's picture

LMAO!

Wed, 12/11/2013 - 14:35 | 4236904 Jethro
Jethro's picture

I like how the First Wookie has a ginormous head like the Red Queen.

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