Obama's Summit Posture

By Thomas Lifson

Why is Obama calling everyone by their first name while they all address him as Mr. President? Does anyone remember the hissy fit Barbara Boxer had when a distinguished military leader addressed her as "ma'am"?

Obama is behaving arrogantly in this and other ways. Nothing unusual for him. But I don't think he is helping to reverse the growing public perception of his arrogance.

I have had the sound off on C-SPAN's live coverage as I work on my computer, but have been checking out the body language all along, especially Obama's while others are talking. He did not expect this, and does not like it. He looks cool and collected, of course - that's his specialty. But when I really study close ups of his face, he looks worried to me. The eyes are the key. He shows annoyance too, but more in his posture. I definitely detect a hint of fear beneath the polished coolness of his veneer.

He is not elevated above them on a podium, as he was on the retreat meeting, and that greatly reduces his control. He is one seat at a big table. I presume that the GOP insisted on this.

His claque will praise a masterful performance, no doubt. But I think the body language so far says otherwise.