Barack Obama's Shortcomings Hidden by Beautiful, Mesmerizing Stardust

Marc Ambinder thinks Obama's — and, by extension, the U.S.'s — failures at G-20 might have been somewhat obscured by all the zazz and hooha…

There may indeed have been "friction" between the Americans and some European leaders on issues like accounting standards, but this blog evaluates the political consequences of President Obama's activities for his domestic audience. You'd be forgiven for not seeing too much coverage of the economic debate, and for thinking that Obama Style Eclipised Merkel Substance, and not the other way round.

The message is probably different in Europe — the U.S. didn't get what it wanted, but I think the national security message shapers here are OK with that. While it's true that the U.S. hoped for some flexibility on spending, it was important not to appear to be seen as bullying Europe into submission.

Well, I can see what he's getting at, but I think that when you're concerning yourself with economic issues at an extreme macro level like this, you have to remember that what I really liked about Michelle Obama's outfits were how understated they were, ya know? I think she totally gave Carla Bruni a run for her money in the Jackie O department.

You go, girl!

Tags: Barack Obama, Carla Bruni, France, G-20, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Michelle Obama