August 25, 2009

Dressing for golf — as President/with the President.

Here's the picture:



I like that Obama is dressing on the level that is required for players on the PGA Tour. ("Male participants must wear slacks and participants shall not wear shorts anywhere on club property. Jeans are not to be considered slacks.") I'd recommend a less blouse-y shirt, but, basically, fine.

Now, check out his friend, Eric Whitaker . He's in shorts — the kind of baggy, old-man shorts that look like a skirt. Aside from the usual problems of a man in shorts, he's dressed more casually than the President. When you're with the President, you don't dress more casually than he does. Remember?

57 comments:

Original Mike said...

I lost some weight recently, so I went out to buy new shorts. The only ones I could find were baggy and too long. But I think your "old-man" appellation is out of date. Apparently, it's the young kids who wear these things.

And my comment after shopping was in line with yours, "if I had wanted to wear a skirt, I'd have been a girl".

Unknown said...

Whitaker is one of the Chicagoans who put Obama where he is today. He figures he can wear anything he wants.

former law student said...

I'd recommend a less blouse-y shirt, but, basically, fine.

He's meeting the de facto Tiger Woods appearance standard -- check the blousiness of Tiger's shirt:

http://fersht.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/03/28/tiger_woods.jpg

he's dressed more casually than the President. When you're with the President, you don't dress more casually than he does.

I'm pretty sure that rule has an exemption for active sports participants, which I am dubbing the Michelle Obama Grand Canyon hiking shorts rule.

Hoosier Daddy said...

Aside from the usual problems of a man in shorts, he's dressed more casually than the President.

Wasn't it not to long ago you posted a picture of a guy wearing what basically amounted to capris and you thought that was ok?

But shorts are bad.

Rich B said...

I am reading "Culture of Corruption" and I just came accross the name of Eric Whitaker (pp 54-55). Obama recommended him to Tony Rezko to be the director of the Illinois Dept of Public Health. Rezko in turn recommended him to Gov Blagojevich, who hired him for the job. According to CofC, Rezko is in prison, while Whitaker remains a close confidante of Obama.

Did the caption on the photo include that information?

Rich B said...

The caption is even funnier. It includes the following whopper (coming as it does on the CIA persecutions just announced) "Obama disappointed his liberal base by declining to delve into Bush-era policies."

Bissage said...

I find myself left to ponder whether the President is wearing brown socks with those saddle shoes.

former law student said...

Whitaker remains a close confidante of Obama.

Obama and Whitaker met at Harvard, according to Lynn Sweet. Can you not recommend your acquaintances for jobs?

It all started when JFK made his brother Attorney-General.

flycra: when you're looking fly in your lycra (e.g. bike shorts)

I'm Full of Soup said...

Rich B:

Click the link Althouse provided for Whitaker and read some of the comments to the story.

Some commenters claim Whitaker was corrupt and maybe not real motivated to get to work. He also worked at the same hospital as Michele Obama in I assume a high paid job with short work hours and lots of vacation time.

Heh- It is a great country.

MayBee said...

Eric Whitaker took over Michelle Obama's job at the hospital.
And now he's taken over her job as presidential party shorts-wearer.

traditionalguy said...

The popularity of our President will recover now that he refuses to speak to us daily on liberal agenda agit-prop, and he resumes showing us that pretty body language and that SMILE that we all love so much. What a great country.

MayBee said...

I will say Whitaker's job of pushing people out of his emergency room hasn't done as much for his arms as it did for Michelle's.

MayBee said...

Also, I'm afraid Dr Eric Whitaker has not gotten "the talk" from Obama about the tater tots.

I'm Full of Soup said...

This is just what we need more of -doctors, like Whitaker, who no longer treat patients. They have moved on and are now "public health experts".

knox said...

Obama looks fine, though still fundamentally dorky.

Whitaker looks repulsive.

The Beer Summit photos still make me squirm.

This guy gets a thumbs-up.

MayBee said...

A smoker and an overweight doctor take to the links in Martha's Vineyard to discuss the dire state of America's health and economy.

tim maguire said...

When you're with the President, you don't dress more casually than he does.

I'd shorten that up to "when you're with the President, you don't dress casual." That covers it well enough. I'm not interested in deifying the man, but he is also his office, and that deserves respect at all times.

Bruce Hayden said...

I see Eric Whitaker being in the category of a good enough friend that he can flaunt it. He can get away getting photographed dressed down below the President. He is saying, we go back a long ways, and I don't have to suck up to him, since I am already on the inside.

David said...

Eric's a slob. He gets 15 minutes of fame and shows up as a slob.

bearbee said...

O's handlers had him dress appropriately. He looks good.

Also, I'm afraid Dr Eric Whitaker has not gotten "the talk" from Obama about the tater tots.

Hahahahaha

As an MD and role model he needs to get on a treadmill.

Anonymous said...

Cartball, blecch. The sole physical activity of 90% of men over age 35. Whatever happened to real sports?

Peter

Bill Kilgore said...

This post will be an admission that I am now an ODS carrier; I'm no longer willing to fight it.

I play a little bit of golf so unlike Obama when he talks about health care, I've got a touch of experience with the subject. So here goes; first problem is the shirt. What kind of a moron wears a black shirt to play golf in August. Even if you're someplace cool, the black shirt is going to get cooked- terrible idea. It also makes possible the joy of sweat rings- perfect for any Head of State. Of course, to make up for it, Obama opts for the "I don't need no stinking buttons" approach, and this is cool- if he's riding around in an IROC golf cart.

Of course, we know he's not sporting the IROC, or at least a decent chest medallion, because no one who ever even saw an IROC in person would wear his pants pulled up to his nipples the way "the Commander" goes for it here. He'd be rockin a nice style- if he were 107-years-old.

Now while we're talking pants, and not being ready for the job, golf pants have to have a looser fit on top in order for the golfer to carry tees, a divit tool, a ball marker, and usually, a spare ball (or two) in his pockets. The need for this "looseness" not only provides an incentive not to pull your pants up until your belt is rubbing on your chin- a problem it appears this One needs to worry about. It also encourages the golfer not to make it look like the only reason he's not happy is because he found out they wouldn't let him wear spandex on the course. No wonder the guy hasn't any stones, the poor little dears never get a chance to hang.

Now I could go on and talk about how much I'd love to watch a guy who throws a baseball the way the President throws a basball, play golf. Do you think we'll see some clips of his "stroke"- but I'll leave that out for now. I just want to note (with all apologies to the host for my crudeness) that our President is a pussy. On this, reasonable minds can simply no longer disagree.

garage mahal said...

Well at least you admit it.

Bill Kilgore said...

Admit it- I think I'm going to enjoy it. My version of derangement features lots of Sangria, followed by enjoyment of good comedy. And if nothing else, this President is brilliant for comedic purposes.

traditionalguy said...

Ironrail...Golf is a game, not a sport. It is for social interraction and comraderie, with the shared challenge of hitting/rolling a little ball straight hoping eternally to conquer, or to lose to, a course full of traps and water hazards.

Anonymous said...

Ironrail...Golf is a game, not a sport. It is for social interraction and comraderie, with the shared challenge of hitting/rolling a little ball straight hoping eternally to conquer, or to lose to, a course full of traps and water hazards.

Perhaps so. The problem is, golf (or cartball, as I call it) has become just about the only source of physical activity for men over 35, and its exercise value is rather limited.

Peter

Anonymous said...

Some commenters claim Whitaker was corrupt and maybe not real motivated to get to work.

He was involved in Chicago/Illinois politics, so the "corruption" goes without saying.

Dust Bunny Queen said...

Now while we're talking pants, and not being ready for the job, golf pants have to have a looser fit on top in order for the golfer to carry tees, a divit tool, a ball marker, and usually, a spare ball (or two) in his pockets

Well, he was probably afraid of being accused of wearing "mom pants" again.

former law student said...

no one who ever even saw an IROC in person would wear his pants pulled up to his nipples the way "the Commander" goes for it here.

wtf is this guy talking about?

It can't be Obama: the waist of Obama's pants fits his own waist -- unlike the waistless Whitaker's.

traditionalguy said...

Ironrail...On the local club course, they have allowed weekday afternoons to be for "Speed Golf". The 4 players all have their own cart, and they race to get to the green first. A 4 hour round also takes 2 hours for them. They can use their other 2 hours at the Gold's Gymn. What is this 35 stuff? Men remain athetic until 60+ around here.

MadisonMan said...

Dressing too casually when you meet the President was a chief complaint of mine about a certain, um, picture.

Shanna said...

It can't be Obama: the waist of Obama's pants fits his own waist

Is Obama short waisted? Maybe that’s why he’s always wearing mom jeans. Just because your waist is high doesn’t mean you have to wear your pants there. Yes, it may seem to make sense but it just makes you look like a big dork.

Golf gives you a decent bit of excercise as long as you don't ride a cart, doesn't it?

Chip Ahoy said...

This shirking social convention reminds me on an Egyptian king -- Tut tut.

David said...

Even riding in a cart, if you obey the cart rules, a round of golf involves walking about 2 miles. Not bad but does anyone think that O has to obey the cart rules?

Actually O looks fine here except for the no button look on the shirt. That's pure vanity, by the way, an "I am Studly" statement, but hey, he's on vacation and not looking to make any news (that he can't control.)

Tank said...

I've seen MUCH worse than either guy. Although, BO does not have a good feel for this. Could be cause he hasn't played much golf yet.

El Presidente said...

So the sports exception doesn't apply when you are playing with a potentate? Or is golf not really a sport. And yes, yes, I know.

former law student said...

Just because your waist is high doesn’t mean you have to wear your pants there.

I knew hiphuggers were back in style, but I thought that was only for women.

As a reminder, the waist is the smallest circumference of the torso (assuming no beer belly).

KCFleming said...

I wish I had a job where I could go play golf once in awhile.

Most days, I am trying to make sure I eat a lunch, and use the bathroom on occasion, but I can't do that every day.

Do I have to be corrupt to play golf?

Jeff with one 'f' said...

They should both be wearing plus-fours.

rhhardin said...

Inappropriate dress for individual sports is an honored gamesmanship tradition.

Alex said...

As a reminder, the waist is the smallest circumference of the torso (assuming no beer belly).

Well who can be sure when it comes to Bloat Limbaugh?

Joaquin said...

Bill Kilgore? Of NAHS fame?

Prosqtor said...

If our gracious hostess was REALLY a Hoosier, and not living in the cool dry north air of cheeseland, she would be less negative about shorts. (OK, grammar buffs, should I have used "were" there?)

The Real Barack said...

Pogo:

Under Obamacare, you doctors will be more efficient...so eat lunch while you go to the bathroom!

Shanna said...

As a reminder, the waist is the smallest circumference of the torso (assuming no beer belly).

If you are willing to have mom jeans (and clearly Obama is) then go for it. If not, and you are short waisted, you might want to get something that sits a tad lower. It doesn't have to be hip-huggers.

Ralph L said...

Robert, yes.

hasn't done as much for his arms
But he is showing some manboobs over that gut.

Prosqtor said...

Thanks, Ralph.

Anonymous said...

I thought you posted this at some point, but I'm not finding it. Is it ever okay with you for a man to wear shorts? If so, what sort of "style" is necessary to be up to your standards.

mccullough said...

Dan Quayle was and is an excellent golfer.

Yet, again, Obama is doing V-P stuff. Maybe he can invite Quayle for a round.

Chris Arabia said...

As a Nevadan, I find this "no shorts" rule quite preposterous. Heck, I'd even let the Sipowitz look (short sleeves with tie) go here during the summer.

OT: I know somebody here who has seen her residence's value drop 75%since 2005. That sucks.

BJM said...

Obama wears his pants high coz Michelle has his balls.

Anonymous said...

Ann, You may have missed the most interesting PGA Playing Ability Test Policy, under The Competition:

"Participants must have been born female in order to play from the women's tees."

No pulling of the transgendered wool over those watchful PGA eyes.

Cedarford said...

MayBee said...
Eric Whitaker took over Michelle Obama's job at the hospital.
And now he's taken over her job as presidential party shorts-wearer.


So the wealthy and powerful Crown, Pritzker, and Klutznik Families that have such clout on the UofChicago Board picked him to replace two of their past prize protege's on UofCHicago staff. NO wonder he is playing golf with Obama. Another carefully cultivated tool of the powerful Chicago Families, and a message-bearer to Obama - through face-to-face with Whitaker.

Pat said...

No one on the PGA Tour would wear their shirt unbuttoned like that. That is why he looks dorky and slobbish even though he's wearing pants.

Anonymous said...

The comment that one should never dress more casually than the president reminds me of the time Lance Armstrong went bicycle riding with George Bush in Crawford, Texas. The Secret Service instructed Armstrong never to pass the president. A lot of people thought that the Secret Service was trying to maintain Bush's delusion that he was as strong a rider as anyone, including Lance Armstrong.

Actually I think they were afraid that if Armstrong passed the president, Bush, with his big male ego, would try so hard to keep up he'd end up flying over the handlebars. It was for Bush's physical protection, not to maintain his kingly prerogatives and/or athletic delusions.

RLB_IV said...

@Mr. Cederford, If you are serious then you know how Chicago politics functions. Gaining political and financial power is aided by who you know and who you can associate with in a social setting. The financial world functions in the same way. If I have learned anything it is that having money that you created or inherited is no indication of your overall intelligence.

Revenant said...

If I have learned anything it is that having money that you created or inherited is no indication of your overall intelligence.

Actually, in America wealth is very strongly correlated with intelligence. Intelligent people tend to earn a lot more. And since intelligence is mostly inherited, people with a lot of money to pass on also tend to pass on genes for intelligence, too.

Which isn't to say that a rich person is necessarily a genius. But he's a lot more likely to be a genius than a poor person is.