Of course we love calling Obama incompetent because most of the time he appears to be so. (Yes, I know he really is.) Though, I guess I am incompetent too about royal protocol. So I am wondering, why exactly did the anthem start playing at that moment? And what would have been the correct thing for him to do? I also wonder, did he recognize the tune that was being played?
Traditionally in Commonwealth countries, when you say the words “A toast to the Queen”, that’s the cue for the band to start playing the anthem - so every knowledgeable speechmaker makes sure those are their LAST words in their speech - because otherwise you end up talking while the anthem is playing, a definite sign of no class.
But worldly Obama, all-knowing and all-seeing, apparently wasn’t aware of this simple rule. Thus, he’s standing there like a dork, the only one with his glass raised while everyone else silently stands at attention for the anthem.
An equivalent would be for some obnoxious Brit to talk through “The Star-Spangled Banner” while it was playing at an official WH event - not impressive behavior in any country.
Ladies and gentlemen please stand with me and raise your glasses as I propose a toast,” the president said, putting down his note cards and grabbing his glass. “To her majesty the Queen.”
The president paused, the guests stood, and the orchestra prepared to play.
As they would
Throughout the Commonwealth realms, the Loyal Toast is most commonly composed solely of the words “ladies and gentlemen, the Queen,” en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loyal_toast
Oztrich Boy: 70 posted on Tuesday, May 24, http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2724572/posts?q=1&;page=51