The Most Powerful Picture of Obama's Trip

Royal cops are not supposed to shake hands, but this royal cop couldn't resist the historic moment. The cop probably never imagined in his wildest dream that he would usher a black American president into the British corridors of power.

all over his face!

What a great moment to be captured this way!

The Bar is higher ......

My father was in the Air Force during the Eisenhower administration, and served as an honor guard (or something like that) when Queen Elizabeth visited the US in 1957. She simply walked past him at one point, but he retold the story to us again and again... He always said she was stunningly beautiful in person, and that she radiated an inspiring presence... He was always quick to say how proud he was to be present at that moment in history.

Unfortunately, I never got along with my father...

But, whenever I see Obama hug a kid or shake someone's hand on camera... I think of my father and how meaningful such a gesture like that can be... A brush with greatness can carry someone throughout a lifetime.

I wish I had clued in earlier re: Barack Obama, and snagged a handshake long ago. I'm afraid I'll never get to shake his hand now. :-(

The look on the cop's face says, "You did it, man!" The position of Obama's body, being forward and his arm extended more to the cop, says to me that it was Obama who extended his hand to the cop first.

The fact that we cannot see Obama's face and that we can see the cop's face, which is beaming, makes this photo all the more intriguing.

It sort of reminds me of this wonderful piece that appeared in the New York Times a day or so after the election. It was written by an African American male and the title went something like "The Skinny Black Guy Wins." The author then goes on to reflect on how he, like Obama, is skinny and what it means to see someone like himself in the White House. I loved that piece; wish I'd saved it.

I'm getting a little smarter now--I saved this photo!


Cher

That's a moment that will last a long time.

Even as they walk, Obama is friendly, waving, acknowledging people, etc. Brown doesn't do anything of the kind.

Another thing to remember: after the last Obama-McCain debate, McCain was OUTTA' THERE. The cameras showed the Obamas hanging around until late, talking, shaking hands, etc.

It says a great deal about who is really close to the people.


Cher

Both Obama and Biden have amazing people skills. We are so fortunate.

B-) :P

I'm so proud of our President! It's still such a stunning feeling! I was always ashamed of the Smirking Chimp, so that's eight years without pride. But I wasn't too happy with Bill Clinton for the last couple of years of his administration. The repukes were abominable to him, but I was angry that Clinton's thoughtlessness put him in such unnecessary trouble.

My pride in President Obama is pure. :patriot: Look who we elected! Good on us! :patriot:

he seemed to save the worse behavior for overseas, as if no one would notice.

The contrast is startling and very satisfying!

initiated the handshake, in a piece in which he desribed the Obamas as being "classlessly classy"--meaning that they are classy without regard to a person's class. I think they are both just naturally respectful of other people. They don't think that a person's job puts that person above or below another.

until the photo barely contains it. :)

I love this thread, because I absolutely love this aspect of Barack Obama's character....

I saw a photo of this moment from another angle the other day... in which Obama is making eye contact with the lucky policeman.

As I was googling for that image... I found the following video.... Obama clearly makes eye contact early and initiates the greeting. Unfortunately, the poor Copper then offers his hand to Gordon Brown who promptly dismisses the gesture!

I can only imagine what went through this man's head...

     "AWESOME! I f**king shook Barack Obama's hand!"

     "Oh hey, Mister Brown... Errr... Ummmm... WTF?!"

     "Oh crap... I hope I don't get fired."

Watch and see what I mean...

It is a full hand contact, which says a lot about a person

men is significant, as well.
Its shows a very real respect and love for humanity that I haven't seen in many public figures.

You have a President with real class.

It took us a while, but I think we finally got it right.

Will Brown get much negative feedback for not shaking the policeman's hand in Britain?

Common humanity ... in extreme circumstances ... with grace. I love this guy.

The expression on the cop's face is priceless. :kick:

Great photo.

Another favorite, was when Pres. Obama was on Jay Leno. Kevin Eubanks wore a suit which may have been his first time doing that. When Pres. Obama came onstage he went over to shake Kevin's hand.

I was trying to find a pic of that handshake but can't find it yet.

Just saying.

fake that, he's the real thing.

Obama is just a friendly guy. I love that.

things. He's always shaking hands at least, with the guard who stands at the entrance to the helicopter when he goes to that, too.

Definitely a people person.

feel so good for the rest of the day.

You realize of course what the same cop would have been doing had he been assigned - like plenty of his mates - to corral and gas and club mostly peaceful protesters?

That handshake tells a whole different story to me than it seems to be telling most people. They shake hands, because they are protecting each other's interests. They're on the same side. Which is not my side for sure.

Just wondering what side you're on.

Not to be sanrky or nuthin'.