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obama bows to japanese emperor Obama Bows to Japanese Emperor (VIDEO)Was it "the bow heard 'round the world?"

A senior administration official said President Barack Obama was merely observing protocol when he bowed before Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko upon his arrival at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Saturday.

“I think that those who try to politicize those things are just way, way, way off base,” the official said. “He observes protocol. But I don’t think anybody who was in Japan – who saw his speech and the reaction to it, certainly those who witnesses his bilateral meetings there – would say anything other than that he enhanced both the position and the status of the U.S., relative to Japan. It was a good, positive visit at an important time, because there’s a lot going on in Japan.”

A low bow like this one is a sign of deference to a superior. Perhaps Obama is just thanking the Emperor for purchasing so much U.S. debt. :-)

What do you think? Video below.


Was the President Obama Bow Appropriate?
Yes, he was just being respectful.
No, other leaders have not done so. The U.S. looks weak.

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