Obama: 'We saved the best for last' at final state dinner

Associated Press ^ | Oct 19, 2016 5:26 AM EDT | Darlene Superville

[Olog-hai]

“Bittersweet” was the word of the night, the one often used to describe President Barack Obama’s final State Dinner.

“We saved the best for last,” he said Tuesday as he welcomed Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife, Agnese Landini, to the White House.

He wasn’t joking.

The final gala meant everything was big or bigger, from the personality of the guest chef (Mario Batali) who collaborated on the menu to the size of the white tent (huge) on the South Lawn where the soirée was held, to the guest list (nearly 400 people). […]

Obama has held 13 state dinners during nearly eight years in office, two more than President George W. Bush, but fewer than other recent predecessors, according to the White House Historical Association. President Bill Clinton far exceeded both of his successors with 28 dinners during two terms in office. …

[Albion Wilde]

I literally busted out laughing when I saw that photo in the Daily Mail.

[rhoda_penmark]

“I literally busted out laughing when I saw that photo in the Daily Mail.”

It just left me wondering if there is a panty shortage in our nation’s capitol city. Or something.

[Albion Wilde]

Pneumatic booty.

[Albion Wilde]

What is the point of inviting actual Italians to America and then serving Italianized food? No imagination. Why not serve them a Maine lobster appetizer with Gulf shrimp, a nice Texas steak or barbecue pork with corn pudding, bean salad, cucumbers in vinegar with dill, mashed Idaho potatoes with Wisconsin cheddar in potoato skin shells, and for dessert American pies—like winesap apple, Georgia peach, pecan pie, Mississippi Mud pie—with New York dairy cream. Mmm, I’m just getting started.

[Albion Wilde]

Ping to post 16... I eagerly await your comment.

[Albion Wilde]

I just had to schedule an eye exam.

Apologies...

[Churchillspirit]

Why is Moochelle wearing her bra on her butt ?

[Carriage Hill]

That’s exactly what I was thinking this morning, when I first read the article.

[Churchillspirit]

POTUS - even this fraud - entertains at state dinners on behalf of the American people.

I have no problem with foreign leaders dining in style.

[miss marmelstein]

That’s the worst thing I’ve ever seen.

[miss marmelstein]

That meal sounds wonderful to me. But if these guys are anything like my husband’s Sicilian relatives, they won’t eat anything that isn’t Italian. The chefs may know something we don’t know. The menu did lean on some American items though.

[Albion Wilde]

I adore Italian food, all regions -- the risotto north and the pasta south -- but I don't get why a couple of polished diplomats couldn't suffer through a very well-prepared meal of American-produced vegetale, frutte di mare, carne e dolci.

[Albion Wilde]

That’s the worst thing I’ve ever seen.

Isn't it, though? I thought it was a joke at first. A nice pair of mid-thigh spanx could have saved the day.

[miss marmelstein]

It just was not a gown that flattered her features - front or rear. I'm so sick of these form-fitting gowns that show shoulders and rear ends and tummies during the menstrual cycle. Give me a little fabric, people!

[miss marmelstein]

Perhaps they could. I was just offering my idea based on my experience with Italians who cannot go one town over before bashing the food. Just a shot in the dark, in my opinion.

[x]

President Bill Clinton far exceeded both of his successors with 28 dinners during two terms in office. …

I guess he had to give the donors something for all their money.

The Lincoln Bedroom only sleeps so many people at any time.

[Albion Wilde]

I was just offering my idea based on my experience with Italians who cannot go one town over before bashing the food.

I know what you mean. I lived with Neapolitans and Sicilians for 18 years. They have a word for it in Italy: campanilismo — the habit of avoiding anything beyond the sound of the bell tower in their own village! Sweet!

I did have the experience of meeting some children in southern Italy and having them tell me they like the pizza better in New York, which horrified me since we were in the region of wood-fired brick pizza ovens and heavenly pizza, at least to my taste. But then they were children, and perhaps not fully indoctrinated!!

[Olog-hai]

Style and extravagance are two different things.

[Albion Wilde]

I'm so sick of these form-fitting gowns that show shoulders and rear ends and tummies... Give me a little fabric, people!

I totally agree. She could have had Versace add a little peplum or flounce on the rear. Failing that, food and product photographers have this aerosol called "dulling spray" to cut excessive shine on objects they are shooting... she could have used that on her butt... LOL