[Maceman]

I’ve seen the picture. Both men are either bowing to each other at the same time, eye to eye and hands properly at sides or they are leaning toward each other in order to hear the other speak. Either way, neither looks subservient to the other.

With all due respect, I think you need your eyes checked. Please take another look:

Obama is bowing at a MUCH steeper angle.

[skr]

I was referring to the Nixon/Emperor photo I saw at http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1109/The_Nixon_bow.html. Obama not only bowed from the waist, he bowed his head. He is overwhlemed by the world stage.