Posted on 11/19/2010 12:46:50 PM PST by NormsRevenge
LISBON (AFP) – The Portuguese hosts of Friday's NATO summit hoped to use the event to promote clean-energy and electric cars, but all eyes were on US President Barack Obama's diesel-guzzling "Beast" instead.
As is usual when he travels, Obama's eight-tonne armoured behemoth of a limousine was flown out to Lisbon before the US leader's arrival, and it ferried him from the airport tarmac to his first meetings of the weekend.
Doubtless he didn't intend the Beast's roar to drown out his hosts' green message, but a US presidential motorcade and its attendant escort of Secret Service SUVs do attract attention, even at the most elite gatherings.
Earlier, Prime Minister Jose Socrates and his fellow Portuguese, the president of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso, had arrived at the summit in quiet, zero-emission electric cars.
"I'd like to underline the priority both our countries assign to renewable energy and electric vehicles," Socrates said, after meeting Obama, amid amused sniping from the Portuguese press at the mixed messages.
Portugal is proud of the lead it has taken in introducing what it says is the world's first national electric vehicle charging network, with 100 power outlets in 25 towns and plans to install 1,300 by next year.
The government was particularly keen for the press covering the summit to underline this, and a news release describing the recharging network was already on each of the tables in the media centre as the global pack arrived.
Within the highly secure summit site, electric buses were put on to ferry journalists between venues.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
President Barack Obama steps out of his limo and is welcomed by his Portuguese counterpart Anibal Antonio Cavaco Silva (C) in Lisbon on Friday. The Portugese hosts of Friday's NATO summit hoped to use the event to promote the clean-living electric car, but all eyes were on UObama's diesel-guzzling "Beast" instead. (AFP/File/Pierre-Philippe Marcou)
Looks like Jerome left his mirror at home.
What a ridiculous little excuse for a man
To serve man is a cook book?
Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron (L), U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (C) and U.S. President Barack Obama attend the opening session of the NATO Summit in Lisbon November 19, 2010. REUTERS/Yves Herman (PORTUGAL - Tags: MILITARY POLITICS)
U.S. President Barack Obama takes his seat to attend the opening session of the NATO Summit in Lisbon November 19, 2010. REUTERS/Yves Herman (PORTUGAL - Tags: POLITICS MILITARY)
Without all those trappings, (yes, I include the seal for the office of the president-elect, and POTUS sign on his golf cart), how esle would we know that he is the president of the US?
What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
Dem eyes again!!
What is he doing in that first photo? Chewing his nails?
“Well I bet you wish you could cut me down with those angry eyes.”
Anyway, that is not Obama's limo - it belongs to the US citizens. He is just borrowing it. He, and every other President, needs to remember that.
Now THAT is funny! I doubt if more than 10% of the people will get it. Too funny, though.
Why doesn’t Obama criticize himself and apologize for himself for his greed and self-centeredness? It would make a welcome change from running down the USA.
Jerome! Bring me my hat!
Jonesing for a smoke.
green nato summit? all green means is that they are going to rip off more worthless dollars.
Oh, he’s sooo special.
“What is he doing in that first photo? Chewing his on nails?”
Who the F$*& put me next to SWMNBN? Wait until I get my hands on that pr#%!, I’ll take his cojones and use them for myself.
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