Polinaut: January 26, 2007 Archive

One last word on Bachmann

Posted at 8:09 AM on January 26, 2007 by Mike Mulcahy

There has been much said about Rep. Michele Bachmann's behavior at the State of the Union the other night. Earlier this week MPR's All Things Considered crew was looking to talk to somebody about protocol. They spoke to Letitia Baldrige, who served as the social secretary to the White House and chief of staff for Jacqueline Kennedy.

They also put out a message to Pamela Eyring at The Protocol School of Washington. She didn't get back to MPR in time to do a taped interview, but responded to some questions via email after she watched a tape of the post-SOTU events.

-Having watched the video, was there anything inappropriate there?

The Protocol School of Washington teaches that you should refrain from hugging or kissing the President of the United States or any other Head of State. A proper handshake is universally accepted and prevents perception issues such as this one.

-What is the proper protocol when addressing, interacting with the President of the United States?

The President should be addressed as “Mr. President” in conversation. You should be dressed appropriately for the interaction and behave respectfully (whether you voted for him or not). I remember managing two of President Bush’s visits when I was the Chief of Protocol at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio. The first time President Bush visited, the Secret Service wouldn’t allow us past a certain barrier, so we waved to him and he waved back. The next time he visited on the 4th of July, I had the opportunity to shake his hand after the event. It was a wonderful feeling to be thanked and greeted by the President. Although I was very excited to meet him, I refrained from giving him a hug. (I think the Secret Service appreciated it.) Proper protocol dictates that you address the in-office President as Mr. President, but not a former President. As a courtesy, many people address a former President as Mr. President, and that is acceptable.

-When is it appropriate to interact with the President as with a close friend?

It can be a great experience when the President of the United States is your close friend. However, you must respect his position and authority by interacting with him in a professional manner in public.

-When is it appropriate to kiss the President of the United States?

When you are his wife…! It appeared to me in the video clip that the President initiated the kissing of both women. To some, receiving a hug or an air kiss by the President is a wonderful gesture, but to others, it could be perceived as unwanted.

-Was this one of those times?

I would suggest refraining from kissing during this time because it could be filmed and misinterpreted.

-Was that an appropriate kiss?

If you are going to kiss the President, an air kiss on the cheek is much better than on the lips!

-Was there anything inappropriate in the way she was touching the President?

Whatever her motive for keeping her hand on the President, I go back to my first rule – refrain from touching or hugging the President.

-In duration?

Too long.

-What kind of training, instruction do people receive before interacting with the President?

Unfortunately, hardly any instruction is given to the public (a good example is the young women from the soccer team wearing flip-flops…). The Protocol School of Washington and our graduates coach many national and international officials, celebrities, and corporate executives on proper greetings, attending White House ceremonies and dinners, and Presidential visits. The U.S. Department of State’s protocol office and the Protocol and Diplomacy International (PDI) Association are also excellent resources.

The Daily Digest: 1-26-07

Posted at 8:31 AM on January 26, 2007 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Holy Smokes! Nothing is new on the smoking ban front except that the supporters hold a news conference. Everyone and their sister cover the event. KARE-11, MPR, the Star Tribune, WCCO, Forum Communications, AP and the St. Cloud Times have stories.

The Senate passes the tax conformity bill. It's now on its way to Governor Pawlenty.

AP has a renewable energy roll-out. Here's the story and sidebar.

WCCO reality checks Governor Pawlenty's mileage tax plan.

School leaders criticize Pawlenty's budget. The Star Tribune and the Pi Press have stories.

Pawlenty wants to beef up the Commerce Department's real estate oversight division.

The St. Cloud Times has a story on the folks who work for state lawmakers.

The Star Tribune's Neal St. Anthony says the Thomson West expansion would pay off in jobs.

Attorney General Lori Swanson is mentioned in this Star Tribune story on fixed rate gas plans and how the plans aren't saving money.

The Stillwater Gazette has a story on Minnesota Auditor Rebecca Otto (missed this one for a few days).

Congress

GOP Senator Norm Coleman finds little support on his Iraq ideas.

He's also mentioned in an AP story that Democrats are wary of Iraq war reconstruction costs.

McLatchy quotes Coleman as being open to benchmarks.

The New York Times says those against the war are sending a few soldiers to Minnesota to protest Coleman's vote. I wonder if he's against that surge as well.

The politico writes on DFL Congressman Tim Walz.

DFL Congressman Keith Ellison tells the Star Tribune that he won't pursue the impeachment of President Bush. For now.

Several Muslim groups ask ABC News not to use Glenn Beck as a commentator because of his questioning of DFL Congressman Keith Ellison.

DFL Congressman Collin Peterson is urging his colleagues to vote against a horse slaughter ban.

DFL Congresswoman Betty McCollum signs onto a bill that would provide grants to colleges so they can better recruit Asian American students.

The Washington Post reports that DFL Congressman Jim Oberstar held a roundtable to create a bipartisan atmosphere on his committee. But there aren't enough comfortable chairs in the room and that becomes a problem. You really can't make this stuff up.

2008
CQ says Coleman has a target on his back.

The Washington Post's The Fix wonders if anyone can knock off McCain and Clinton.

Have a nice weekend.