by Frank James
Because President Barack Obama gave British Prime Minister Gordon Brown such a lame gift when the British head of government visited the White House a few weeks back -- a boxed DVD set of classic American movies which, it turns out, Brown couldn't even watch at 10 Downing St. because of the regional codes embedded in such DVDs -- many Americans and Britons are hoping the president will do better during his European visit. 
So when White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs was asked during a weekend conference call about the impending G20 meeting about what gift the Obama planned to give the woman who has everything, Queen Elizabeth II, ears on both sides of the Atlantic perked up.
Here's the exchange:
REPORTER: Yes, hi, probably one for Robert. Given the importance in international diplomacy of symbolism, I was just wondering if you could throw any light on the gift that the Obamas are likely to be giving the Queen. As you know, the presentation of the DVD box set raised some eyebrows in Britain. I wondered if there had been a sort of special thought going into this gift process.
MR. GIBBS: We don't want to give away all our good news on the briefing call. So we'll give you a download on that later.
We're still awaiting the "download" but here's an idea in case the White House is stuck.
The queen apparently has a new hobby.
Of course, there may be something more befitting a queen. This may be the perfect chance to get rid of those antique plates currently in the Oval Office which Obama's known not to much like.
(Pete Souza/White House/MCT)
Comments
He will probably ask her why she hasn't returned her government allowance since she is very wealthy. I hope is drops in, unannounced, at one of their government hospitals to get a first hand look at the queues for treatment and the quality of care received by nationalized medicine.
Posted by: bubba Porter | March 30, 2009 2:15 PM
Umm, your Majesty, it appears a rather large rodent has decided to perish inconveniently atop your head. Shall I summon the butler or a huntsman for its removal?
Posted by: Kenny Bunkport | March 30, 2009 2:27 PM
Bring her......a shrubbery!
Posted by: bill r. | March 30, 2009 2:42 PM
bubba:
You speak as though you have first hand knowledge. How many times were you in hospital while in England and what for?
Posted by: lochnessmonster | March 30, 2009 3:00 PM
bubba:
You speak as though you have first hand knowledge. How many times were you in hospital while in England and what for?
Posted by: lochnessmonster | March 30, 2009 3:00 PM
Bubba referred to "queues," not lines. What more Brit-cred can you ask for ?
Posted by: a blinkin | March 30, 2009 4:46 PM
bubba Porter = Terry
Posted by: Terri Schiavo | March 30, 2009 9:28 PM