Do Obama’s Bows Make America Look Weak?

Recently the President of the United States has bowed humbly before lesser kings and heads of state without the same in return. Most recently, Obama deeply bowed before the Japanese Emperor (who is the figurehead monarch much like the Queen of England. Before that, it was to the King of Saudi Arabia. There are people out there who are now criticizing Obama for his ‘weak’ behavior, including Fox News, Dick Cheney, and a variety of political analysts. A Hong Kong newspaper says Obama is bringing a kinder, gentler face of America and a willingness to accept, and even defer to, Asian powers. Much unlike the machoism exhibited by George Bush, Obama is seemingly willing to bend over backward to appease foreign leaders. Admittedly, each of these leaders was significantly shorter than Obama so I guess it would be polite to bow in order to see eye to eye.

This is an apparent contrast between George Bush pictured below. Bush was criticized in China for tugging on their Presidents suit to lead Hu Jintao in the right direction. Taking a deeper look into these mannerisms may reveal more about the style of leadership each has provided and will provide in the future.