Obama brings relaxed style to presidency

Nobody wears suits to the office these days. However watch for this trend to change in the Obama WH if things start really going south and he (like Clinton) feels the need to look Presidential. Obama knows as well as anybody else in politics that image is everything.

Is this really news worthy? I remember Obama mentioning something about this over the summer. He was at a conference and asked if anyone else was hot. He then took off his suit coat and invited everyone else to do the same. Then said something along the lines of, 'This is how we're going to do things in Washington; use some common sense. If you're hot, take your coat off.'

Yeah, I get a real good picture of "compasionate conservatism" at work, when w is chewing some advisor's butt for him not wearing a suit on a Saturday.

Yet again, proves to me that pugs say one thing, and do the other behind closed doors....even on the petty things!

Over the years I have seen in the business world that has thrown the dress code out. During this time, I have seen the quality and quantity of work that gets done is far less when the atmosphere is less than formal. Say what you want but I expect the same thing is going to happen in the White House.

"Obama critics will probably hold this against him and mark him down as disrespecting the presidency. "

OMG you "journalists" are so in love with Obama you are even trying to make up new even more ridiculous reasons to hate people who didn't vote for him.

Here is a clue Mr. James: WE DON'T CARE WHATE HE WEARS.

wow amazing, I know you think we are all consumed with hatred that every minute we try to think up things to criticize him for, but maybe you should look in the mirror. I think you are projecting just a wee bit there.

So Barry has a more relaxed dress code. So did Bill Clinton. Nice to see Barry rolling up his sleves in the style of Juan Peron.

I think its a sign of dementia and panic that we are likely to exhaustively analyze the Presidents work attire with various experts, pundits and media professionals. I think its also a sign that he doesn't seem to mind it and would probably turn around and smile if forty or fifty of us had our noses pressed against his windows there.

Its typical that you numbskulls find fault with Bush respecting the Presidency by requiring that jackets be worn.

Its Obamas decision to do what he wants during his tenure. Maybe the casual environment allows him to focus on the really big issues like extending the deadline for television to go all digital.

I personally think this 'lax' attitude toward attire sends the right message. That is to say the time for flamboyant dressup is a waste of money and resources. There is a job to do, get it done. Save the formal crap for balls and strutting around.

Try actually reading the article, Xcellentform. Bartlett wasn't allowed in the oval office because he wasn't wearing a suit. That wasn't the reason he was being "chewed out."

Reading comprehension!

As usual, the Swamp ignores evidence to the contrary--in this instance, the New York Times, the church bulletin of the Left, quoting no less than God's spokesman, David Axelrod, as saying it's not style, it's heat--
"WASHINGTON — The capital flew into a bit of a tizzy when, on his first full day in the White House, President Obama was photographed in the Oval Office without his suit jacket. There was, however, a logical explanation: Mr. Obama, who hates the cold, had cranked up the thermostat. “He’s from Hawaii, O.K.?” said Mr. Obama’s senior adviser, David Axelrod, who occupies the small but strategically located office next door to his boss. “He likes it warm. You could grow orchids in there."

Pushing up the heat, Mr. President? I thought you said the planet's in peril, and we need to cut back on energy consumption. Guess that admonition is for us little people, not you.....

I agree with Tom. Is this really news worthy?

That being said, I could care less what he is wearing as long as the decisions, etc. that are coming out of the oval office are good and begin to move our economy to a better position.

He'll figure out what his uniform will be at some point. He may not demand suits, but he will come up with specific attire. All dictators do.

Chavez (D-Venezuela) has his red shirts. Castro (D-Cuba) has his fatigues, etc.

(For those who don't like the word "dictator", I'm not sure he understands that he works for us and Valerie Jarrett said something telling on one of the morning shows that he will "will be ready to 'rule' on day 1"!!!!
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-todd-huston/2008/11/10/obama-spokesman-says-obama-ready-rule-day-1)

It is good to see that he is setting the stage that the president walks the walk and talks the talk.....getting his hands dirty like the rest of us...is admireable

I'm waiting for the Swamp item in which Frank James finally writes about his nighttime fantasies of Obama. Ooops, sorry, every Frank James item about Obama is pretty much that: a love affair. No reporting. No honesty. No objectivity. Just Frank James' love for Obama.

Can I wear my NBA jersey too

"Yeah, I get a real good picture of "compasionate conservatism" at work, when w is chewing some advisor's butt for him not wearing a suit on a Saturday. "

He didnt chew him out for not wearing a suit, he got chewed out for a different issue, but in the hallway because he wasnt wearing a jacket.
Read more carefully before you start your Bush bashing.

Xcellentform, sad that you have a right to vote. You don't understand and continue to petty comments, even stupid people are allowed the right to vote.

Nowhere does it say he got chewed out for not wearing a suit on a Saturday, he just couldn't get chewed out in the Oval Office, he had to stand outside the door while getting chewed out for whatever President Bush was upset about. You pettiness shows are narrow minded you are.

Appears as if your guy won, move on and be happy. I didn't vote for him, but wish nothing but the best for him.

Notice they never say that the guy was chewed out by "George Bush".....hmmm....
Kinda makes you wonder.....

As long as he doesn't do what Bill Clinton did in that office, I don't care.

I love the way they put a negative slant on Bush's policy of respecting the Oval office when no mention is made of the not so respectfull actions of the Clinton Oval Office antics.

When meeting with a VIP, head of state or such a coat and tie should be worn. But the rest of the time I don't care if he dresses in shorts and a T-shirt. Just get the job done! I want him doing the peoples business not worring about his wardrobe.

I don't think we need to worry about how relaxed they are behind closed doors when they're dealing with the nation's financial problems as well as the others. I think we need to worry about the nation being in debt, people losing their jobs, houses etc...
I say it taking his coat off and getting down to business to help solve all of this will help I say TAKE IT OFF!!!

"Indeed, they'll likely accept the image of him in his shirtsleeves as evidence of an executive working hard to solve the nation's problems."

Gag me with a spoon. Personally, I don't care what the president wears in the oval office as long as he keeps his pants zipped up. But observations like this are as vapid as the "news" coverage of Obama during the campaign. Let's talk about substantive issues, not how diligent the president looks in his shirt sleeves.

Can you get any more worshipful?

Obama has the White House thermostat to "orchid" levels, according to David Axelrod.

This is the same President that said, "We can't drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times . . . and then just expect that other countries are going to say OK."

More "do as I say, not as I do" from Obama.

Bush did allow people in his office without a jacket on. Check out the photo here:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1xQeOPE9ePU/SXi_vUMCe-I/AAAAAAAADKA/gGIE1lbKl4Q/s400/slamdunk.jpg

Come on people jobs are being lost by thousands a day and the economic situation is horrific. Obama can take care of business in a sweat suit as long as he takes care of business.

John D.,

You and RNC Bruce are obsessed with Swamp reporters. Is that all you've got?

Quit whining, it's tedious.

Xcellentform
You get an F for reading comprehension. W wasn't chewing him out for not wearing a suit, he wouldn't let him in the Oval because he wasn't "Suited Up," so he reprimanded him outside the door....that was the whole point of the anecdote--the sanctity of the office itself.

You're missing an important point.

That white shirt starched to perfection--a sartorial masterstroke, with or without the tie.

There is no chance to reason with these ridiculous Republicans. Their wish is to see President Obama fail. That is why, boys and girls, he will succeed, because it is your ilk that paved the way for his election. So, please, continue to be your ridiculous selves and we are guarantied at least 8 years of humane and intelligent leadership !! America first and President Obama succeeds !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.

Darkwater wrote:

"Over the years I have seen in the business world that has thrown the dress code out. During this time, I have seen the quality and quantity of work that gets done is far less when the atmosphere is less than formal."

Have any proof of this, even a little? Or is this the unfounded "Things Were Better Back In The Old Days" sentiment? I suspect it's the latter. Suit and tie dress is uncomfortable for many, and stifles creativity. Work is difficult enough without having to wear a monkey suit while doing it. Sorry, Archie Bunker, we are NOT going back to the "good old days". I'd rather go homeless than wear a tie to work ever again.

Bush wore a suit jacket for eight years, yet plunged the country into ruin. That he should be recognized for upholding contrived Oval Office dress protocol--as some here imply--is laughable.

I have no problem with this, they all should feel more comfrotable when they screw the american tax payer and rob us blind.

I agree with War on Bikes . . . As long as he sticks with removing just his coat and not his pants, I'm happy.

This is the news today-seriously? Barack Obama's clothes and Michelle Obama in US magazine? Wasn't something big happening in IL today? What was it? Oh, who cares- show us People magazine!

I agree with Robert, when holding formal meetings with heads of state or others outside his administration, formality is key. However, President Obama and his staff can work in shorts for all I care, as long as they get the job done and get this country on track.

It makes sense that there would be so many from the right on this meaningless thread rather than explain why they want failure on another stimulus thread.

It is an office. It is not a holy place.

Considering how dressed down most offices have become, doffing a suit jacket is still pretty dressed up.

Bush gets 5 stars for dress code. Too bad that's not what he was elected (ahem) to do. Because he gets a big fat nothing for the job he was supposed to do.

[[Is this really news worthy? Posted by: Tom | January 29, 2009 9:55 AM]]

...yes.

Respect the office and the Presidents that came before. He has already embarassed the office and country. 1. His car on ebay. 2. Apologizing to another leader.

The reason it's hot in the office is because Obama has the heat turned up too high.

What about "global warming"? Doesn't he care about the carbon footprint he's making?

Oh, I guess that only applies to us peasants. WHAT A HYPOCRITE!!

Of course his critics will find something negative to say, there possibly wasn't enough starch in the collar of his shirt! Anyway, President Obama is like everyone else, a real person, an Urban President. So by all means Mr. President take your suit off, put your feet up on the desk, and by all means continue to be The PEOPLE's President. We love you!!!

Isn't this just typical NY Times story?

Bush bad !!!!!

obama good !!!!

Just need to pick so dingy little mickey mouse thing and run with it !!!!

I can't wait for the president to institute jeans day. Maybe every Friday?

The trouble with Washington is that both parties have their priorities mixed up.

And who really cares about his zipper?

The Oval Office is not the Sistine Chapel

The world is run by cowards! Sitting on the sidelines waiting for things to turn in their favor is the losers way of avoiding exposure and limiting his weakness. Real men want to be in the game; they want to push the envelope, they want to get things moving. It’s clear that fear has forced the weak into hiding and sitting in their caves like the gutless terrorists. Obama seems to be the only man in the world that has the guts to step up to adversity. He is fighting forces within and without our nation. He has willing stepped into a game that was a blowout to this point and he is fighting to win despite everyone else having given up. I respect his fortitude and his courage. If he fails, nations will collapse and we all will suffer unlimited loss. I hope he continues to inspire and push for change. God knows we need it.

I just can't wait for "Bush Derangement Syndrome" (Google it) to fade with columnists like this one (Frank James).

These articles are written in an almost child-like fashion. Practically begging the reader to embrace a "see it as I do" style.

Obama can do whatever he likes. But do we really need the Frank James type of pom-pom wavers in the media trying to get us to side with their beloved?

It's getting old and stale.

What you don't mention is that the Clinton White House allowed staffers in blue jeans and sweat shirts. Bush restored the dignity of the WH and much to his credit. Obama's shirt sleeves are not much of a diminution given they are in suit pants and ties. Anything less is below the dignity the WH deserves.

The real reason for this was O cranked the heat in the OO b/c he was cold...

How's that cabon footprint of yours know???

It's called critical thinking pugs....learn it sometime. I really am lauging over here, as you guys have not reread the article. There is no retraction on my part, and you all look like fools. Here's wikipedia for you:

Critical thinking consists of mental processes of discernment, analysis and evaluation. It includes possible processes of reflecting upon a tangible or intangible item in order to form a solid judgment that reconciles scientific evidence with common sense. In contemporary usage "critical" has a certain negative connotation which does not apply to this specific case.[1] Though the term "analytical thinking" may seem to convey the idea more accurately, critical thinking clearly involves synthesis, evaluation, and reconstruction of thinking, in addition to analysis.

Critical thinkers gather information from all senses, verbal and/or written expressions, reflection, observation, experience and reasoning. Critical thinking has its basis in intellectual criteria that go beyond subject-matter divisions and which include: clarity, credibility, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, logic, significance and fairness.

Hmmm, why not?
Uniforms? Who needs them?

I think the Marines should take off their coats in Iraq, too.

It's really hot out there!

What a joke.

These people need help get the job done Mr. President. we need a working president not a photo hog in proper "attire"

Hey Phil, thanks for the link, you don't seem to know the difference between wearing khaki pants & a buttondown shirt (without tie) & wearing a suit & tie w/a coat.

The picture just shows the guy wearing a suit & tie but without the coat.

We're talking about wearing khaki's & a dress shirt, no ties required, no suits required.

And for those who noted the sour tone on W's dresscode, they fail to note the abuse of his power while in office. Nobody died when Clinton lied ...

This is a typical Swamp article to make Bush look bad and miselead the facts.

A casual observer will think that he was yelling @ him for not wearing a suit. NOT TRUE. He was yelling at him for something else. (I'm curious as to what the reasons were for being yelled at.Is he just a disgruntled ex-Bush staffer?)

Obama can set whatever rules he wants but to make it seem that Bush is bad for his policy is wrong. There are many companies that have differenct dress code policies.

To Swamp. Please stop the Bush bashing indirect or direct it's getting old........... I hate opening up the trib column and realizing it's a swamp story. I always know there will be an anti-bush slant. Your stories should be put in a swamp column that I could avoid altogether.

Looks like W missed a big opportunity to enhance morale here. Just think - what if he'd instituted, say, Casual Torture Tuesday? Or Hawiian Shirt Signing Statement Saturdays? Then everyone would have been smiling, thinking, hey I may be violating the Constitution but at least I'm doing it in comfort!

All White House staffers have to wear White Sox hats.

If I read what you wrote correctly my advice would be turn down the heat, conserve energy and money and wear layers.

**
Posted by: Tom | January 29, 2009 9:55 AM
Is this really news worthy? I remember Obama mentioning something about this over the summer. He was at a conference and asked if anyone else was hot. He then took off his suit coat and invited everyone else to do the same. Then said something along the lines of, 'This is how we're going to do things in Washington; use some common sense. If you're hot, take your coat off.'

HartMarx isn't going to like this.

"Can I wear my NBA jersey too
Posted by: JOHN C | January 29, 2009 11:03 AM "

Yes, as long as the store security tag has been removed and you have a receipt for it proving that it's yours.

"This is a typical Swamp article to make Bush look bad and miselead the facts."

Based on his abysmal record, Bush didn't exactly need the Swamp's help. He single-handedly managed to look bad on his own.

As long as he doesn't wear that stupid Sox hat in the Oval Office.

- A Cubs Fan

Wow, lots of alluding to Clinton not keeping his pants on in the Oval Office. Given the choice between Clinton in an all-out orgy in there or Bush in there with suit and tie, I'll take the orgy anytime.

Everything is more relaxed when you're a Democrat. Relaxed dress code, relaxed moral compass, relaxed standards - God forbid we actally have respect for the office or for ourselves!

He could wear flip flops, a T shirt and a backwards baseball cap and the media would still praise this as not only proper but also further evidence of just what a great and wonderful guy he is.

No wonder the medias' credibility is at an all time low.

Obama too off his jacket because he was hot.

It was hot because he had the heat turned way up.

Wouldn't it be more green to turn the heat down? Does the white house green energy or is more coal being burned?

Are taxpayers paying more in energy costs because the heat is turned well up?

What about the speach in Germany and not being able to keep the thermostat on 72?

What happened to shared sacrifice?

Obama too off his jacket because he was hot.

It was hot because he had the heat turned way up.

Wouldn't it be more green to turn the heat down? Does the white house green energy or is more coal being burned?

Are taxpayers paying more in energy costs because the heat is turned well up?

What about the speach in Germany and not being able to keep the thermostat on 72?

What happened to shared sacrifice?

Can't we all get along?

I think you can work and think better without the suit jackets. Go Obama.

Urbaneddie,

You're welcome for the link. The "guy" is former head of the C.I.A George Tenet. You're welcome for that too.

I do know the difference between "khaki pants & a buttondown shirt (without tie) & wearing a suit & tie w/a coat."

I'll quote the article for you, since you seemed to have missed it, "Bush was really a stickler about no one, including himself, entering the Oval without a tie and suit coat on. And that was his right. Every president gets to set the tone in his White House."

My point is that that to say Bush had a hard and fast rule about wearing a coat in the Oval Office is incorrect. Another myth to give Bush some kind of dignity and stature that he didn't have.

I am definitely with Obama on this. I think it is ok not to wear a suit in the office.

However, I also agree with MJ that should things take a dive, Obama may have to start thinking of buying some cufflinks at http://www.cufflinks2wear.com/ and dressing to look the role.

As they say, impression is everything.

Obama is displaying disrespect! He is a "guest" in the oval office...it belongs to the American People! How absolutely classless! What else could we expect?