Some interesting color in this one on President Obama’s time childhood in Indonesia, plus a couple jokes between leaders. Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met just outside the PM’s residence.
When they entered the home, they went in front of flags for a photo-op. Obama invited Sara Netanyahu to join them.
“Lets get to it,” he said, as the two men flanked the PM’s wife. “A rose between the thorns,” Obama joked, getting a hearty laugh.
Reporters asked Obama for his latest assessment of what happened in Syria. “You know, there’s a press conference after this,” Obama dodged. “You’ll have your turn,” Netanyahu chimed in with a smile.
Obama then sat down to sign his second guest book of the afternoon. This table had red roses, and a printed card in advance looked like a reminder of what POTUS would need to write.
There was some banter to kill time while Obama signed the book. The two seemed relaxed and in a joking mood
While Obama, a lefty, signed, he talked with Sara some more. “Michelle, she’s a right hander. I’m trying to work on it.”
Then Obama told a story: “When I was in Indonesia, it was considered bad manners (writing with left hand). “Even though I would get hit with rulers, I just stuck with it,” he explained.
Netanyahu told Obama warmly, “you chose the best weather.”
“Fantastic,” said Obama.
“You obviously knew exacty when to come,” Netanyahu said. By this he meant the elections and forming a new cabinet. Bibi then complained a bit about how hard it is to do, saying to Obama, “you have only one party.”
Obama, who has his own troubles, didn’t buy it. “The grass is always greener, my friend.”
“We have more moving parts,” Netanyahu explained.
“Hopefully my handwriting is legible,” Obama concluded.
Then they walked into the room outside where the dinner will be held. Sara appeared to say she wanted to introduce Obama to her son.
Obama spent some time with him far away from the press, but snatches could be heard. The younger Netanyahu said he was studying international relations. “Well there you go,” said Obama.
