Since Barack Obama moved to the White House, he has tried to confront the enormous challenges facing America with a super-serious — some say, professorial — tone. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t finding fun, playing practical jokes, and celebrating the seasons with family and special guests.
Here are 18 moments from the lighter side of the Obama presidency. Tell us which ones are your favorites:
Bo, the Obama family dog, sits by a larger-than-life holiday decoration of himself in the East Garden Room of the White House, Nov. 30, 2010. Some 80 volunteers helped create the 4 foot statue, which is made of 40,000 pipe cleaners. (Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama’s hands rest on the railing of a boat during their tour of St. Andrews Bay in Panama City Beach, Florida, after the Gulf oil spill, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
“Paul McCartney sings “Michelle” to First Lady Michelle Obama during an event honoring McCartney as winner of the annual Gershwin Prize. I knew this was a special moment but didn’t have a full realization of its significance until when I later heard the President telling others that his wife could never have imagined as an African-American girl growing up on the South side of Chicago that someday a Beatle would be singing this song to her.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton congratulates President Barack Obama on the House vote to pass health care reform, prior to a meeting in the Situation Room of the White House, March 22, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Obama greets his mini-me, a young visitor to the Oval Office, Feb. 5, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
“On a weekend trip to Acadia National Park in Maine, the President showed his daughters, Malia and Sasha, how to skip stones during a hike in the park.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
In Baltimore, as the President was about to speak to House Republican leaders at the GOP House Issues Conference, he suggested to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood – a Republican – that he provide blocking for him as he entered the room. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
“Sometimes the unexpected happens. At a cafe in Missouri, I was trying to capture patrons snapping photos of each other with the President when this guy did what wise-guys do.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Bo, the Obama’s family pet, plays in the snow during a blizzard on the south grounds of the White House, Feb. 10, 2010. (Pete Souza)
4 COMMENTS
I love his sense of humor. Never too over the top.
Since Barack Obama moved to the White House, he has tried to confront the enormous challenges facing America with a super-serious — some say, professorial — tone. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t finding fun, playing practical jokes, and celebrating the seasons with family and special guests.
I love his sense of humor. Never too over the top.
It’s good to see that kids can still be kids at the White House
The picture moving the sofa – not afraid to do the small tasks. That’s good he’s not loosing perspective with the star status.
[…] LOOK: Obama’s Fun Side: 18 Great Photos From the White House […]