Obama’s First (Fore!) Hundred Days

At least there won’t be any cleat marks in the WH floors, thanks to their street shoes. We know the President has golf shoes because he wore them on the links at Andrews air base at the recent outing. I think it’s wise to make time for relaxation – everyone should get their outdoor exercise (and vitamin D exposure – it’s essential, in fact!).

The Bush team had a lot to hide and they were very careful about the images that were circulated in the media (let alone Flickr!!), but Obama seems to be much more open, which is good for the most part. I hope he does have at least some PR guru somewhere keeping an eye on him and his coverage, though, lest he leave himself open to some photo-montage attacks that make it look like he’s having too much fun while Rome smolders.

Why men should stick to baseball.

I like this shot of two guys just puttering around on their lunch hour. Is there an actual hole they are aiming for?
In contrast to Biden and Obama’s folksiness, the White House itself is pretentious. It seems to encourage the Imperial Presidency because of its expectations of the Person Who Lives Here. Nixon wanted to dress up the guards in pompous regalia, possibly to reassure himself of his own importance.
Why does the president live in a elaborate mansion anyhow? Governors of various states have refused to live in the Official Residence, probably because they want to think of themselves as average guys who putter around on Saturday mornings.
Bush was the worst of all for letting his surroundings dictate his self-image. As the resident of one of the most pretentious buildings in America, Bush proclaimed himself “The Decider” and governed from the gut. And there’s no way he would allow himself to be photographed noodling around with a putter on the White House lawn.

I love this photo. It’s hilarious. I love it that both Obama and Biden are in it. Wouldn’t really be funny if it was just Obama. Was that putting green there before, or did Obama put it in?

My first thought was is every movement this man makes digitally captured? How much energy does this zap from one?
Poseur extraordinaire.

i hate that he golfs. it feels too close to “nero fiddles as rome burns.”

Remember how Bush gave up golf (and switched to biking) in solidarity with wartime troops?
Actually, I remember Bush lying about giving up golf.

Couple a golf things: Obama’s putting lefty, Biden right. Both of them have their feet close together, not good for stability. Obama’s clubhead is still low after he struck the ball, something that usually follows a good stroke. Both these guys look like they have spent some time with the game, and are pretty comfortable with what they are doing.
Given Obama’s age it’s a little surprising to see him play from the left side. If he started playing while a kid left handed clubs would have been hard to come by. Makes me wonder if he took up the game later in life, as many acquire the game as a way to advance in the right circles.