[llevrok]

Don’t these guys have diplomats and other aids that brief them on proper social protocol before doing this kind of thing?

I've been asking myself that same question since Jimmuh Cartah gave the Queen Mum a kiss on the lips

[airplaneguy]

I’m too young to remember Carter very well. I was a kid. But if you did that in business you’d probably get fired.

[Genoa]

What? He didn’t! I do remember Carter kissing Brezhnev, and the Soviet leader had a look on his face that was a combination of ROTFL and WTF!

[DesertRhino]

Its not the job of any American leader or diplomat to ape the customs and mannerisms of the other nations. I notice they are never required to act American when their diplomats come here. The Queen isn’t told “Americans don’t bow to nobility”. The Saudi King isn’t told not to hold the presidents hand or he’ll look like a homo to Americans. Japs aren’t told not to slurp their food loudly. etc etc

I dislike Kerry, but I’m with him on this one. Americans shouldn’t be anything besides what we are for them. Its their job to enjoy the cultural differences sometimes.