FROM FREEPER HERE IN JAPAN TO ALL...
Yes, browniexyz, that's what started to screw it up. But the mainline US papers would not report it out of protecting Obongo, and the Japanese papers would not report it out of concern to protect The Emperor who had clearly been embarrassed. The Japanese Imperial Household Agency even contacted the pool photographers in an effort to have them pull some unflattering angles of that rather humorous if not oafish, irritating encounter here in Tokyo last autumn by none Other than the "Internationally Savvy One".
But there were plenty of whispers and murmers all around town about how Obama blew it and also lack of trust in him OR his "snoring/daydreaming/napping" EOP/NSC team with him here in Japan (no kidding!!).
Sheesh. Somebody needs to read DALE CARNEGIE.