[GonzoGOP]

(I've stood at a lot of those meetings, and my impression was that those standing often knew far more about the subject matter than anyone seated)

Generally true. You are there in case your boss needs to ask a question. But you aren't running things at the meeting.

Note that one of the standees is a four star. But he has his command face on. Like a commander who has given the orders to subordinates and is now staying out of the way and watching. That is the look you would expect from a president who has just given the go order and is now stepping aside while the professionals do the job. Above all he shows confidence in his subordinates and a lack of obvious emotion. Good officers are as a rule not excitable people.

Compare that to Obama. He looks petulant. In contrast to the confident pose of the Admiral he is slouched. Rather than a commanding position, overlooking his staff, he is cowering in the corner pouting. Even if he is in command he isn't very good at instilling confidence in his troops.

[kevkrom]

Note that one of the standees is a four star. But he has his command face on. Like a commander who has given the orders to subordinates and is now staying out of the way and watching.

He also may have given up his seat to Obama. It looks to me like Obama actually has a seat "at the table" at the right hand of the man in charge, but that he had pushed his chair back for some reason.

[meowmeow]

Note that one of the standees is a four star. But he has his command face on.

That standee is also the highest ranking member of the armed services (Adm Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff).