The obligatory post about Obama's beer

Posted at 10:14 AM on July 30, 2009 by Ken Paulman (18 Comments)

First of all, we can stop pretending that we're not interested in what kind of beer President Obama will be drinking at the White House today. Americans love politics nearly as much as they love beer. And, of course, we all know that the best way to resolve any sort of dispute is to begin serving alcohol to everyone.

It should probably come as no surprise that the president is going with the safest choice imaginable: Bud by-golly-stand-up-and-salute Light.

One might argue that because Bud Light is made by a Belgian company, it doesn't count as an "American" beer (as opposed to the Belgian-style beer preferred by Sgt. James Crowley, which is made by an American company). But that's really more of a technicality.

It's possible, perhaps even highly likely, that there's no backstory here, and that the president just prefers Bud Light. But I find it hard to believe that this type of thing doesn't go through a phalanx of public relations people. It's probably one of the more irritating aspects of being president. And it's fun to speculate about.

Wouldn't it have been interesting if Obama made a choice that was, well, a little more bold?

Goose Island 312: A Chicago microbrew would have seemed a tempting choice, but nothing brands you as an elitist more quickly than spending slightly more money for something that tastes good.

Pabst Blue Ribbon: Urban hipsters would assume Obama was "rocking" it ironically, and the price would rise to $6 a can in certain Minneapolis music venues.

Old Style: Might help the president bridge the divide with Cubs fans.

Session: Made by Oregon's Full Sail, this lager comes in a little stubby bottle, just like the Red Stripe preferred by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. But Full Sail brewery is worker-owned, so Obama may as well just pound a vodka and start singing the Internationale.

Natural Ice: Might be a good choice if analysts determine that people who drink in bus shelters will be an important voting bloc in 2012.

Is there another beer out there that says "I'm the President" better than Bud Light?

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Comments (18)

When I heard them talking on the radio about this gathering as a summit, I, thought, of course: they should be drinking Summit. Although I like it best, the Extra Special Bitter is probably the wrong choice-maybe their new Horizon red ale?

Posted by dang | July 30, 2009 10:44 AM

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First thing I wondered when I heard Obama was having a Bud Light was wondering how much of a campaign donor Anheuiser-Busch/InterBev is.

Full Sail is an inspired choice. First one that came to mind for me though was a Sam Adams: Quality, variety, known for getting American beer tastes to think past Bud and Miller 20 years ago.

All this beer debate though brings up all those Miller Lite "Taste Great, Less Filling" ads from (not-so) way back.

Posted by V | July 30, 2009 10:59 AM

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So disappointing. Bud isn't an American beer. While I list a whole host of micros, I agree that it probably needed to be macro so everyone can identify. In that case: Sam Adams. I wouldn't drink a bud even if it was with the president.

Posted by Sareen | July 30, 2009 11:03 AM

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Ale To the Chief!

very high IBU IPA. I've only seen it sold in large bottles... good though.

Posted by Jon | July 30, 2009 11:08 AM

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Last night at Oshkosh, I hosted an annual party. I bought a couple of cases of cheap beer and a hundred or so people showed up, some bringing their own, some drinking others.'

This morning I have a cooler full of Busch and Miller Lite beer. I've scrawled out a sign that says "Free Beer" and rolled the cooler out to a prominent location.

And there it sits.

It's pretty bad when even in Wisconsin, you can't give this swill away.

It's a commentary that disputes are being settled over a can of this junk.

Posted by Bob Collins | July 30, 2009 11:20 AM

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If reaching out to foes is the goal, Shiner Bock would be a good choice. Enjoying a Texas beer may not be enough to win many over, though. 100 year anniversary of the brewery this year.

Posted by kennedy | July 30, 2009 11:28 AM

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Always good to know that the beer is flowing freely at the air show...

Posted by Ken Paulman | July 30, 2009 12:07 PM

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How about bottle of Presidente?

Posted by Than Tibbetts | July 30, 2009 12:11 PM

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Of course it had to be something that would not identify Obama as an elitist. You saw the kerfuffel when he asked for spicy or dijon mustard on his hamburger! Bud Light may not be 100% American, but most people think it is. I hear it's the most popular beer in America. So, Bud Light it is!

P. S. I understand that the few non-muslim Indonesians go for "San Miguel", a brand from the Philipines that is brewed in Indonesia, but don't even get the "birthers" started with that one.

Posted by John P. | July 30, 2009 1:14 PM

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They ought to have something a little more hearty, like a stout. (Certainly the president could drink Guinness without being labeled an "elitist.") How can you have a serious conversation over a Bud Light? Might as well drink tap water.

BTW, doesn't John McCain's wife own the company that distributes Budweiser products?

Posted by Nick | July 30, 2009 1:30 PM

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Stay away from Killian's Red -- Obama already has enough trouble with the right-wingers accusing him of being a Commie...

What about something from New Ulm?

Posted by bob | July 30, 2009 3:42 PM

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Well, he could do Colt 45, but the gun lobby would have a field day with that one!

Posted by Kevin Schlosser | July 30, 2009 3:54 PM

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ok I was holding back from posting but since you brought up Colt 45, heck make it a Bohemian for all those Good Ole Boys "From the Land of Pleasant Living,"

Posted by Mason | July 30, 2009 4:37 PM

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ok I was holding back from posting but since you brought up Colt 45, heck make it a Bohemian for all those Good Ole Boys "From the Land of Pleasant Living,"

Posted by Mason | July 30, 2009 4:37 PM

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Am I the only one that worries about what effect this will have on the young children that aspire to be like President Obama? It would have been find to just mention it but it is on MPR every news break and on TV as well. Hard to tell your 10 year-old that drinking is bad when the President of the United States is using it to broker a peace deal. :)

Posted by Kate Rasley | July 30, 2009 5:53 PM

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Oh, don't even get them started, Kate!

Posted by Brian | July 30, 2009 8:40 PM

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Bud LIGHT?! Doesn't that suggest a certain weakness, a lack of conviction? I agree with Nick, something heartier would make a better statement.

Posted by Gillian Martin | July 31, 2009 2:12 AM

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Kate, just use this line with your kids ;) "You're right. Alcohol is very, very bad... for children. But once you turn 21 it becomes very, very good."

I have to agree with "dang". A summit with a Summit just makes sense.

Posted by Mike W | July 31, 2009 10:48 AM

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