President Barack Obama greeted 98-year-old Charles Raynor in a stop for a hamburger at Smitty's Place in Elyria, Ohio, today. (Photo by Charles Dharapak / AP)
by Mark Silva
In Elyria, Ohio, today, the president's motorcade made an unscheduled campaign-styled stop at a bar and restaurant in Elyria -- Smitty's, bearing the slogan: "Where Friends Meet'' - for a hamburger lunch.
Inside, President Barack Obama met a 98-year-old Charles Raynor.
"I am just pleased to see Charlie is still eating fries at 98," Obama said as he posed for a photograph with the patron.
Greeting Shawn Hatcher, celebrating his 42nd birthday, the president proclaimed: "Nothing wrong with 42. I am 48... I am going to buy this guy's lunch."
Told the man's order was chili, Obama said: "A bowl of chili, I can afford."
Comments
"A bowl of chili, I can afford."
~commander-in-cheap~
In other news, Leonardo DiCaprio gave One Million Dollars to the Haitian Relief Fund.
Paulo
Posted by: Paulo | January 22, 2010 3:34 PM
Part of that populist makeover. What next, bib overalls and a piece of straw in his mouth?
Posted by: Terry | January 22, 2010 6:15 PM
Paulo -- Leo can afford to give $1 million to charity.
Leo DiCaprio net worth: $43 million
Barack Obama net worth: $1.3 million (not 13 -- 1 point 3)
Only a $41+ million difference. Basically the same, right?
Posted by: CommentsToday | January 22, 2010 6:26 PM
"In other news, Leonardo DiCaprio gave One Million Dollars to the Haitian Relief Fund.
Paulo
Posted by: Paulo"
Yeah, I know. . .it doesn't beat the $200 million aid that Obama announced. But, it doesn't hurt to try. . .
Posted by: HmongRodneyKing | January 22, 2010 6:29 PM
Raynor looks more youthful than 96 would imply in that photo.
Could it be Obama Magic?
Very possibly.
Prez looks pretty energetic too.
How does ScottyBrown perform at town meetings, I wonder?
Does Scotty use a TeleprompTer?
There is so much we have yet to learn about Scotty.....
Posted by: ornery | January 23, 2010 1:28 AM
HmongRodneyKing, was the Obama's money or tax payer money Obama pledged? I believe the tax payer paid for that bowl of chili as well.
Posted by: mike | January 23, 2010 3:10 AM
"HmongRodneyKing, was the Obama's money or tax payer money Obama pledged? I believe the tax payer paid for that bowl of chili as well.
Posted by: mike | January 23, 2010 3:10 AM
"
What is your point? I am a taxpayer too. You people post on this blog as thought you are the only taxpayers and therefore you own all the rights to where the money is spent! Or, did you mean that Obama just signed the "tax deductable" for Haiti? Or did you mean that you prefer watching the all night, all week, all month, all year fundraising on all the TV channels? My point is that I am a taxpayer too! And, Obama or any sitting President (whether Bush, Reagan, Clinton) has the power to give aid to a needy country- which can be quite a modest sum. But, I am happy everyone gave.
The taxpayers can afford a 1 billon dollar war in Iraq but can't afford a bowl of chili? But that's not the issue here. Just my smart alec note. Anyway, rolling my eyes again. . .do you not read the fine print on the dollar: "Federal Reserve Note." Meaning all the money that was ever printed belongs to the Federal Government! The Govt. is letting you use it to pay for your debts, public and private. For some reason, you think Federal Notes are your property. "Give to Ceaser what belongs to him!"- ever heard of that quote?
Posted by: HmongRodneyKing | January 23, 2010 12:01 PM