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CONGLATULATION FOR THE PRESIDIENT OF USA GEN OF MILITER ET POLICE NYPD SRI HANDOYO.BA(NOXE’).PROF.DR.SPECIALIS MILITER OUT LIMTIED AF.USA-AF.FRANCE EMPIRE IS THE WINNER ELLECTIONS 2009-2011 BY 100 % MEMBER PARTY IN USA AGREE.....BY VOTTING NOT ELLECTIONS IS 100 % TOO..WELLCOMES TO USA BY OUR PICKER UP OF MILTIER ET POLICE FROM WHASINGTON DC, USA, WHITE HOUSE ET NEW YORK CITY ET BOSTON MALE REAL ALLS...THNK YOU.
CONALTULATION TO BE PRESIDIENT OF USA 2009-2011 MISTER GEN OF MILITER ET POLICE NYPOD SRI HANDOYO.BA(NOXE’).PROF.DR.SPECIALIS MILITER OUT LIMITED.AF.USA-AF.FRANCE EMPIRE.DECEMBRE 1.2009.
FROM
HOUSE PREVENTATIVE OF USA, AMERICAN EMPIRE.
NOPEMBRE 10.2009.
MADAME HIALRY CLINTON
MADAME LEPICO.
NOTE :FREEDOM FOR MAS NOXE’ IN FILM SEX ANUS OR FOTO SEX IN MAGAZINE IN THE WORLD ET COMPUTER...HIS WORKS.
Posted by: HOUSE PREVENTATIVE OF USA, AMERICAN EMPIRE, Nov 10, 2009 07:21:31 AM
CONGLATULATION FOR THE PRESIDIENT OF USA GEN OF MILITER ET POLICE NYPD SRI HANDOYO.BA(NOXE’).PROF.DR.SPECIALIS MILITER OUT LIMITED AF.USA-AF.FRANCE EMPIRE......CONGLATULATION ....CONGLATULATION....CONGLATULATION......WE CHOICES GEN OF MILITER E TPOLICE NYPD SRI HANDOYO.BA(NOXE’).....MAOUUCHH.
FROM
-PARTYOF REPUBLIC IN USA.
-PARTY OF DEMOCRAT IN USA
-PARTY OF INDEPENDENT IN USA
ET ABOARD 2009-2011....California-new york city...berlin......tokyo.....jakarta/vulgar town.....libya.....darwin.....montreal....MONACO his husband/wife.....signed by WHITE HOUSE OF USA Mister Obama Noxe’Barack Husein. nopembre 10.2009....
note "pick mas noxe’ albert rainer king of Monaco please mister Obama Noxe’ barack husein...promise today after u read on computer...thnk you...how done u doing ?"King of Albert smiles....clear gad/oil the planes to go to java island at date 11 nopembre 2009.morning by airforce of USA.
Posted by: PARTY OF REPUBLIC...PARTY OF DEMOCRATS.....PARTY OF INDEPENDEN, Nov 10, 2009 07:12:53 AM
MAS DEDE SETIAWAN.PM POLANTAS OR OBAMA BARACK.....HAHAHA.......U PANTS SAME MINE LONG TIME AGOS...HAHAHHA.....LOOK LIKE ELEEMNTRIS STUDENT THE COLOUR IN MAGAZINE WASHINTONIA...HAHAH...BUT NOW LOST BY MY SISTER UP SETS....HAHHA....
PLEASE COMES TO ME FOR SEX MALE NORMAL TO MALE NORMAL SEX WITHOUT WOMEN....PLEASE YA....OK....PLEASE SENDER ME MAGAZINE FROM USA SEX ETC ARE...DAMMM FORGET ME...MM.....BUT THE SENDER BY NAME ELSE.....NOT OBAMA....THE SENDER.
OBAMA I MISS YOU.....PLEASE....CALL AMBASSY TO BY HANDPHONE..IT MY NUMBER 085716499061...BUT HANDPHONE WAS SALLING...THATS..
BYE
MAS NOXE’...ISTRI OBAMA BARACK....WIFE OF OBAMA BARACK...NOT MONEY.
misteroabama barack finir as the prsideint of usa in decembre 1.2009....thnk you darling...moauch....PLEASE MISTER ILL CLINTON GOES UP AS THE PRESIDIENT OF USA 2009-2011NOT BY ELECTIONS...FOR TO FIXER OF DATA OF USA (FINANACIAL ETC ARE ) SINCE BILL CLINTON WORKS......THNK YOU DARLING.
FROM CAESAR OF AMERICAN EMPIRE ETC ARE ET THE CHIEF ET HEAD ET LEADER OF COURT INTERNATIONAL FOREVER ETC ARE :
GEN OF MILITER ET POLICE NYPD N SRI HANDOYO.BA(NOXE’).PROF.DR.SPECIALIS MILITERY OUT LIMITED AF.USA-AF.FRANCE EMPIRE.
OCTOBER 2009.
Posted by: YOCKE23, Oct 07, 2009 12:06:42 AM
i thinks he is a little fat
Posted by: helene, Jul 16, 2009 08:09:56 PM
Disrespects the President. I think the Washingtonian stooped. Whatever happened to respect for the Office.
Posted by: Anon, Jul 15, 2009 09:02:09 AM
POTUS SCHMOTUS
Posted by: hc, Jun 19, 2009 11:44:31 AM
POTUS SCHMOTUS
Posted by: hc, Jun 19, 2009 11:44:15 AM
As soon as I saw this, I both laughed, and was shocked. Yes, Barack Obama is fit and healthy, and America, myself included, likes how ’real’ he is, and how he is shown to be. However, I don’t think that I like seeing him in his bathing suit. It has a bit of a taboo feel about it, and I really prefer the more reserved (yet down to earth) Obama. It feels like I’m looking at something I shouldn’t be!
And to the previous comment about people who don’t like it being fat; I am super athletic and in very good shape... just to let you know.
Posted by: Brittany, Jun 12, 2009 08:07:03 PM
I’m willing to bet that everyone complaining about this cover is overweight, out of shape and just jealous that they will never look as good as Obama. Just keep shoveling down your soda’s and big mac’s and shut the hell up.
Posted by: Annoyed by self-righteous people , Jun 12, 2009 02:32:21 PM
I never bought an issue until now. I think he looks great.Thanks.
Posted by: ktea, May 18, 2009 09:09:21 AM
TACKY and LOW CLASS. I’m not a Prude, I just don’t think it is news worthy or appropriate for a magazine that thinks itsself different from a low class gossip tabloid. It’s not about the man... its about the Office of the Presidency. I won’t be subscribing to this magazine anymore either.
Posted by: Wistle, May 16, 2009 06:35:14 AM
Blatant sensationalism. Stealing someone else’s photo (wasn’t it sourced from that news titan People Magazine?), grotesquely enlarging it, and comic-book hero photoshopping....then continuing to deny all of the above....for what? Self-promotion? Blogosphere buzz? Guess what, it’s NOT selling magazines in DC. Not sure you can stoop any lower. How do your advertisers feel about it? Remember, they pay your salary. Time will tell.
Posted by: DCInsider, May 16, 2009 05:59:50 AM
No prudish covers? and some readers dare to applaud? are we getting out of our Dark Puritan Age? Chill out, folks....
Posted by: Yva, May 15, 2009 11:48:32 AM
OH NO, A SUPERMARKET MAGAZINE SAYING SOMETHING TRASHY?? WHAT IS THIS WORLD COMING TO!!!!!!
Maybe, it would be more christian if we just got rid of all these offensive magazines, and only sold bibles at the supermarket checkout!
Posted by: Jemma, May 15, 2009 09:27:20 AM
As a nation, we still suffer immensely from out Puritan heritage. Chill out, people! The man looks great!
Posted by: Paul, May 15, 2009 08:07:07 AM
I remember all those Republican women getting hot for Bush in his "Mission Accomplished" flight suit, which was a staged photo-op and fictional. The only difference with this one is that it’s candid & real, and Bush wouldn’t look quite as good in Obamas board shorts.
Basically it would be inappropriate & embarrassing if he was fat and geriatric, but he isnt!
Posted by: H3, May 15, 2009 07:10:01 AM
C’mon folks, lighten up. The longer I live overseas, the funnier it is to watch Americans get all wound up with their prudish morals. Stop being so righteous. Sure, it’s a bit Hollywood, but geez, have you lost your sense of humor? You gotta admit, It’s a lot better than reading another depressing article about how the world economy is in the toilet and how executives squandered billions in bonuses.
Posted by: an ex-pat in Barcelona, May 15, 2009 05:36:42 AM
What ever happen to privacy. I know he chose a very public office, however I think these journalists need to know where to draw the line. Is this newsworthy, especially when our country is experiencing the worse economic crisis ever -- people are losing jobs, homes, lives etc. How is this relevant. He is a normal human being. I am sure our President would appreciate a little breathing space where he does not have to be concerned about a camera always being in his face. Put yourself in his shoes and see how you would feel. Is it about respecting the Commander-in-Chief of our country or is it about selling magazines and newspapers (the almighty dollar). Next, are you going to have a camera in the bathroom? Enough, there are more important things to be concerned with. Let the President do his job and take a jog if he wants to.
Posted by: AAC, May 14, 2009 08:59:50 AM
In case it isn’t obvious, the Alex O comment was meant to be a joke. It is NOT real.
Posted by: AO, May 14, 2009 07:39:57 AM
Forget Obama, I love sick picture of ME on the cover, but I can’t believe you called me goofball! I kick your *ss!
Posted by: Alex Ovechkin, May 14, 2009 07:30:24 AM
You airbrushed his photo just as you did his qualifications.
Posted by: GJfromID, May 13, 2009 02:48:34 PM
Can someone tell me if there is anything good in this issue? I puked all over my issue when it arrived.
Posted by: TLJ, May 13, 2009 02:13:35 PM
OMG! OMG! Is that water he is walking on!?!??!?!?
OMG! OMG! I think I’m going to faint!!!!
Posted by: TT, May 13, 2009 02:09:35 PM
I’m glad I don’t live in D.C.
Posted by: gtsjjohn, May 13, 2009 01:01:31 PM
I ThInk Its DaMn PaThEtIc!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DiSrSeSpEcTfUl tO tHe PrEsIdEnCy....
ItS JuSt InSaNe AnD ObViOuSlY STUPID!!!!!
(These 3 sentences are far enough to dislike that tacky cover!)
Posted by: HaRiNi, May 11, 2009 05:04:09 AM
I like it. It’s unique and compelling. The overwhelming response above is proof of that. Congrats on the idea and the execution.
Posted by: Dan, May 04, 2009 08:31:47 AM
I love it! The president is just as human as the rest of us. The "hot" comment is neither here nor there to me, but I love the half-naked picture just because it shows that he is ONE OF US.
Posted by: Meredith, May 04, 2009 08:06:05 AM
Nevermind the subject matter (the people atop your masthead are amateurs, GOT IT) though can you please stop running it on your home page like 80 times?
For the rest of it, my rule is this: if a graphic designer uses a font that I have in Microsoft Word, then they should probably choose a different profession.
Likewise, if a photoshopping job is something I could do myself, then that graphic designer should really just be fired. Because I really stink at Photoshop.
Actually, everyone in the room that approved the photo (and the quality of said photo), the coverline ("Yeah, let’s call our president HOT. Great idea!"), and the photoshopping should just pack it in.
Posted by: 3rd grade photoshopper, Apr 29, 2009 08:10:28 PM
I bet it sold record number of magazines!
Posted by: Mario, Apr 29, 2009 03:59:41 PM
Every time I see at at the grocer’s checkstand I react the same way: Seriously? Seriously, you guys thought this was appropriate, and felt it was OK to call our president "hot?" On a magazine cover? You may have been aiming for cheeky, but I think you missed your mark.
Posted by: Meg, Apr 29, 2009 11:46:31 AM
I think ALL of the media should be careful on how they are portraying thier new president. You have a new president that is making history in your country. I would think that you would all want him portrayed in the best possible light. It seems to me that the government in your country is progressivly becoming "more Hollywood". There should be a level of respect for all political figures. They have a serious job. I live in Canada and of course the same happens here. I just think in general for all contries across the globe poltical figures should be portrayed with more respect my the meda. Of course they are all human and need to seem relateable to the masses but quite honestly when I saw the photo I thought to myself "why would he pose for such a picture?" It did not take me long to find out that he did not pose but the picture was taken without his consent. But I must say that when I thought he had posed for it my opinon of him was dimmed. How many thousands of people saw this picture and felt the same way, but did not know that he did not "pose" for it? I think the use of this picture in this magazine was quite taste less.
Posted by: Kim, Canada, Apr 29, 2009 07:49:57 AM
Get over it people! First it’s only a photo…not a resume! It also is a photo of a man with health and intelligence - perhaps more Americans should take a page from this magazine and get into being healthy (see obesity rate)! For me Obama represents a future state of consciousness. Being healthy is a life style, and it’s who he is!
Posted by: Mary, Apr 29, 2009 07:28:40 AM
I think the day last year that the publisher started putting her friends on the cover was the day I realized that the quality of leadership had truly gone downhill.
But for her to approve this horribly photoshopped cover--nevermind to actually call him "hot"?
The magazine had always been considered in a class of its own--no need to compete with the other local magazines, as, well, you were WASHINGTONIAN. But this pretty much proves that those days are long over. It’s really a sad day for the magazine in my opinion. You may get a lot of buzz for this, but you’ve certainly lost a lot of respect in this town for it. And this is coming from a real, true, die-hard fan of your publication.
Posted by: Bummed, Apr 29, 2009 06:43:40 AM
One more comment, I am calling to cancel my subscription.
Posted by: MarthafromCharlottesville, Apr 29, 2009 05:55:44 AM
I have subscribed to the Washingtonian for years because I thought it provided a tasteful and civilized view of the DC area.
I don’t know who got the pictue of Obama and the used the phrase "our new neighbor is hot" but they ought to be fired. Congrats Washingtonian you have put yourself on the level of US or People. This is a married man not to mention our President.
No other leader of any country has ever been put on the cover undressed. It is a disgrace and another example of how American has no class anymore. Shame on you Washingtonian!!
Posted by: MarthafromCharlottesville, Apr 29, 2009 05:51:29 AM
Tacky, tasteless. The cover is an embarrassment to our country and to the office of President. After subscribing for many years, today we cancelled our subscription--and our gift subscriptions.
Posted by: bjh, Apr 28, 2009 08:47:37 PM
Poor Taste!! Won’t be putting any of my hard earned money toward any of your magazines anymore. I’m embarrassed for our country. He’s the president of the United States and the media should really stop portraying him as a celebrity. I guess anything goes anymore. What a shame. Hope your magazine suffers greatly for it!
Posted by: Disgusted American, Apr 28, 2009 07:39:52 PM
How utterly tasteless and disrespectful! I had stopped my subscription to the Washingtonian years ago. After all it simply became my paying $5.00 for a periodical that was 90% ads. However, I admit that occasionally a cover would catch my eye and I would look at it at the book store to learn about new "cheap meal" or "best fall getaway." NO MORE! Granted, Mr. Obama is a new kind of politician, in more ways than just his approach. However, he is also the president of the United States and with that comes a respect and dignity which clearly the Washingtonian has completely ignored. From US Weekly, I would expect this. Certainly from any of the countless rag papers, I would expect this. Even from People magazine, I might expect this....but I was shocked to see the cover, which is hanging large as can be in the window of the Border’s Book at 14th & F Streets, NW.
Tasteless, shameful, and totally disrespectful. I am through with the Washingtonian. There is no way I would ever be able to take any of your writers or editors serious again.
Posted by: Matthew Kessler, Apr 28, 2009 06:41:27 PM
It is un-ethical, disrespectful. It shows again that US pays more interest to the personal life of their president, over all the issues that the States needs to work on. Again a bad exemple to the rest of the world.
Posted by: Melanie Canada, Apr 28, 2009 05:49:54 PM
Cheers to the Washingtonian! They just realized that this is the first President worth putting on the cover of their magazine. Even though Mr. Barack Obama is the President, he still has a personal life to live. Being President still requires him to live.
Posted by: Michele, Apr 28, 2009 11:54:38 AM
POTUS SCHMOTUS
Posted by: ab, Apr 28, 2009 10:46:02 AM
Whether the President of the United States is young or old, in shape or not, black or white, attractive or less than attractive, none of these should be a deciding factor as to whether or not he should be published half-naked on the cover of what has been a very reputable magazine for the Washington, DC area. Democrat or Republican, Black or White, I am disgusted with the choice of this magazine cover and find it to be a disgrace. For a President that so many people love and support, it seems as though people cannot respect that he is to be the leader of our country, not a sex symbol.
Posted by: Allyson, Apr 28, 2009 10:16:15 AM
I myself think it rates right up there with the flyover in NYC for a photo op. Actually Obama and his keystone cop administration make me want to vomit.
Posted by: floridagal, Apr 28, 2009 09:48:38 AM
I had once considered Washingtonian Magazine to be pretty classy and upscale, but you guys have gone down several notches. The cover photo is in very poor taste. I thought I was looking at the cover of The Enquirer for a minute! The fact that our President is very attractive is not lost on me, but WAY more important than his looks is the fact that he’s got a job to do, and he represents our nation worldwide. How can we ask other nations to respect our President when we don’t?
Posted by: Cherie Jones, Apr 28, 2009 09:13:55 AM
A little respect is in order. Our president should be able to dress accordingly without being exploited by the media. Using this photo as a cover shot makes your magazine look like a cheap rag (right down to the poor quality of the photo). President Obama does not have to be shirtless for us to know he’s hot (which, by the way is not his most important quality). Washingtonian editors need to exercise some self-control and dignity.
Posted by: Cee, Apr 27, 2009 08:41:20 PM
This is extremely unprofessional to have the President of the USA on the cover of your magazine, shirtless. I may not be a fan of the man, but that is ridiculous. Are people forgetting he is the Leader of the Free World, not some famous actor??
Posted by: Kristi, Apr 27, 2009 02:56:31 PM
Moobs.
Posted by: BrendaK, Apr 27, 2009 02:29:33 PM
The Washingtonian should have a little bit more professionalism than to use this shot of the Pres. obama for their cover. The magagzine is not Sports Illustrated so why is the cover of someone in a bathing suit?
Although if it were Pres. Taft in those shorts would people be more or less offended?
Posted by: Loudtalker, Apr 27, 2009 11:57:31 AM
Journalism ethics rule #1: don’t alter photographs. Period. And if you absolutely feel you need to, at least attempt to do a decent job. Those swim trunks look like they could have been worn by Mickey Mouse.
You alter photos and you lose your readers’ trust. You’ve lost mine.
Posted by: Megan, Apr 27, 2009 10:29:49 AM
This is in my opinion HIGHLY inappropriate for the office of the President. I know the world is still swooning over the young Senator’s achievments, but the Washingtonian should know better.
Posted by: GreatCity, Apr 27, 2009 10:26:07 AM
So just airbrushing his moobs didn’t look right and you made the ridiculous decision to make the entire picture out of focus...this is your most drooling and pathetic Obama offering yet...and that says a lot...we are canceling our subscription...
Posted by: DCJeff, Apr 27, 2009 08:20:17 AM
W was in better shape then Obama ever was. How come the Washingtonian never had him shirtless on the cover/ Instead we get this effete metrosexual on the cover who ahs his chest waxed and regualrly gets a bikini wax!
Posted by: Fred, Apr 27, 2009 05:43:14 AM
Stop this racism issue! The new president is great and this cover shows that he is young and modern. I’m from France and I think this photo is not so controversial, as long as this is a one time thing and he doesn’t become the target of trash medias just like many celebrities. He is respected all over the world and this has nothing to do with being black, white, or whatever other skin color. This picture could have been taken also if the president where a handsome white man (or woman!)
Posted by: Lilou, Apr 27, 2009 03:59:13 AM
This a very inappropriate cover and demeans the office of the President of the United States.
Posted by: MBGC, Apr 26, 2009 04:00:54 PM
The cover photo is excellent! At last, a President people want to be like. When Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin had shirtless “action” shots released, they looked staged and comedic. Our President looks natural, un-posed and very fit. As for the question of dignity, I will defer to your special Inauguration Issue cover of the President and First Lady which is both dignified and beautiful. I have to go now… I’m age 51, male, and have to go run a few blocks and lift some weights.
Posted by: Mark Olson, Apr 26, 2009 12:29:44 PM
Nice attempt, Washingtonian, to sell more magazines and get more hits on your website. I especially like the bit about this issue being a bonus if you subscribe by May 1st. I’m not offended or very interested that you have such a photo of Obama on the cover, but I did have to snicker at you guys for the desperate attempt to drum up publicity for your mag.
Posted by: Juveria, Apr 26, 2009 08:24:24 AM
The cover is just a further step in the continuing trend of Washington loosening up. The days of Brooks Brothers and brass buttons dominating this city are hopefully far behind us. (Let’s still keep what makes DC, DC, and not try to ape other places.)
Posted by: A-lo, Apr 26, 2009 06:02:56 AM
There is no low to which an American wil stoop for publicity. It is disrespectful, vile, dispicable, reprehensible, abominable and unconscionable. It is a below whale feces act.
Posted by: Ms Kennie James, Apr 26, 2009 05:33:13 AM
I am offended. Mr. Obama is the sitting president of our country and deserves the the respect due to his office. I am a 60+ year old African American woman and I would hate to think that the decision to publish this cover has anything to do with the lingering racist attitudes of this country.
Posted by: Barela, Apr 26, 2009 04:15:30 AM
I am European and the picture shows only one thing, Obama is a guy like you and me in a normal situation or would you go fully dressed to the beach? I always wonder why you Americans are making a big deal out of such things....
Posted by: Alex, Apr 25, 2009 10:46:37 PM
The problem isn’t that he’s in a swimsuit. The problem is that a magazine such as this should opt to feature covers a bit more dignified.
Showing the President of the United States half-naked on your cover isn’t classy. People who don’t notice this aren’t very classy, either, so it’s no surprise.
Pics like this belong on the covers of tabloid mags - regardless WHO the leader is.
Posted by: Tondy, Apr 25, 2009 08:14:06 PM
I am glad to see that our President is in good physical shape. This picture could inspire other men his age to be more health and weight conscious. However, I don’t think that it is appropriate for the press to exploit his privacy. He is a father and husband but most of all the POTUS. He is not a sex symbol. I think that we go to far sometimes. Even if you don’t like him or his politics, we should still respect the office that he holds. Please people lets have some morals.
Posted by: Melhope, Apr 25, 2009 06:04:35 PM
did he swim in the Potomac? why, Washingtonian, why.
Posted by: Not Given, Apr 25, 2009 04:55:38 PM
I hope that you will print an apology to Washingtonian readers in the June issue. The picture of our President in his swim trunks was very inappropriate to put on the front cover of your magazine. It is disrespectful to the Office of President of the United States. I was horrified when I saw it. If this happens again, then I will cancel my subscription, which would be a shame because normally this is a very worthwhile magazine with a lot of good articles in.
Posted by: Mykel, Apr 25, 2009 01:18:11 PM
I think it’s great, but it didn’t need the photoshop at all.
Posted by: Tracy, Apr 25, 2009 01:00:33 PM
Absolutely tasteless. Don’t even bother sending me a renewal request.
Posted by: Lynne, Apr 25, 2009 12:22:31 PM
Don’t bother sending me a renewal notice.
Posted by: Bill, Apr 25, 2009 11:46:27 AM
what about JFK, Pompidou, Churchill and so many others photographed bathing or sunbathing in shorts ?
do you go to the beach in summer in coat and moonboots ?
why shouldn’t he ?
Posted by: marc bernard, Apr 25, 2009 11:05:04 AM
Is it photoshopped? If so - then the cover seems dishonest. Your focus is his "hotness," but the only reason he looks so hot is because you altered the picture. ?
Posted by: Keith W, Apr 25, 2009 10:54:53 AM
yes he’s hot, but he’s just as hot when he’s fully clothed. if the point is to talk about washington’s new "cool factor," focusing on the president’s physical attractiveness isn’t really needed to make that point. so it’s pretty obvious that the magazine was going for the tabloid vibe to drive controversy and sales. the photo is obviously a very appealing one, but i do find it a tad disrespectful to use it as a cover; his office is generally deserving of a certain level of respect.
it was also inappropriate to photoshop it, altering the photo leads people to believe that this is somehow a new photo, or different from the paparazzi image; like he posed for it, which is obviously untrue. i’d have been less bothered by washingtonian using the photo if it hadn’t been altered.
most of all i feel a bit sorry for his kids, who have to listen to people at school obsessing over hot photos of their half naked father. he can’t exactly be expected to go swimming in a suit & tie, so it’d be nice if folks would give their family a little privacy & not unnecessarily splash the photos on the magazine cover. he talked once during the campaign about having to explain to his kids about the "obama girl" video, that daddy doesn’t actually have a girlfriend; i imagine having the whole world think your dad is sexy, gets a bit creepy for them.
Posted by: mora, Apr 25, 2009 08:52:46 AM
Nice picture. He sure looks better than our queen in bikini. Or our prime minister for that matter (in bikini or whatever, nothing suits him). Any minister, come to think about it. Anyway, as long as the media don’t make a habit out of it, there’s nothing wrong with this magazine’s cover. But hey, I’m Dutch. I’m supposed to like everything God forbade, don’t I?
Posted by: Michiel van Leeuwen, Apr 25, 2009 08:35:20 AM
First of all, the reason for using this picture has worked perfectly. Not only does it stir the imagination, it also causes a large number of people to respond on this website alone. (Including me!) As far as ethic concerns... It’s perfectly fine, Mr./President Obama can walk like this, paparazzi can take pictures of that, and subsequently magazines can use it for their cover or story. I personally don’t think it’s the best quality picture, but I do think that marketing-wise this is a great opportunity for the Washingtonian to put themselves in the spotlight. Brand-awareness is important, and you guys worked your magic and succeeded.
Posted by: Kevin Parker, Apr 25, 2009 07:02:00 AM
Tasteless move by Washingtonian.
Posted by: Anon, Apr 25, 2009 06:23:57 AM
Very normal.
Posted by: Jeroen Huijsmans, Apr 25, 2009 05:10:57 AM
He is a human being, so why is it not done for him to walk like this? Don’t be so tide up about it!!! We’re all the same!
Posted by: Marly from Holland, Apr 25, 2009 04:51:59 AM
Herr Obama hat doch eine gute sportliche Figur,sieht fit aus,gut für sein Amt,wie sieht wohl sein Vorgänder aus???
Posted by: Ehrhard Lindemann, Apr 25, 2009 01:14:11 AM
The Washingtonian simply wanted to boost their sales while he is still liked. Rather tacky.
They obviously Photo Shopped the pic, should have gotton rid of the man boobs and given him some better abs, arm and shoulders. Looks like his now wearing a nutt cup, compared to the original pic.
Posted by: Rx, Apr 24, 2009 08:50:49 PM
Hot, Hot, Hot! Not only is he eloquent, elegant, a wonderful family man and a new era President, he is also buff. It just makes us aussies downunder love him even more. And i must say with my first US visit coming in July, I sure hope he decides to go swimming again during my stay in Washington :-)
Posted by: Angelique (Australia), Apr 24, 2009 05:52:24 PM
Hot, Hot, Hot. Makes us aussies love him even more. Not only is he elegant, eloquant, a wonderful father and a new era president, he is also buff. GO OBAMA! Just hope when i come to washington in July, he decides to go for a swim :-)
Posted by: Angelique (Australia), Apr 24, 2009 05:48:26 PM
Don’t you thing you should have done some photoshop work on the boobs and beefed up the shoulders on sissy pants???
Posted by: Linda, Apr 24, 2009 04:52:24 PM
If Puttin was elected the sexiest russian president why can’t Obama be the American one?
Posted by: carlos prates, Apr 24, 2009 01:16:50 PM
Uau :) what a President :)
Posted by: Cris, Apr 24, 2009 12:45:41 PM
I think our president has shifted from the figurehead, face, and utmost leadership of our country to a celebrity.
I don’t want publications like the WSJ to turn into People Magazine. Let’s keep our president classy.
Posted by: deb, Apr 24, 2009 12:31:33 PM
My opinion as a third-generation native Washingtonian and Obama partisan: tacky and undignified. Will set off the right wing attack robots. If our new neighbor is "hot", isn’t he just as handsome in a shirt and jeans?
Posted by: Grey K, Apr 24, 2009 12:11:11 PM
I seem to think that because he is a world leader, that we put this man on a pedstal. Sooooo, now JUST because he is Prez, he is supposed to swim fully dressed? And for those who asked why wasn’t any other President photographed that way, WHO wants to SEE them that way?
I had to pay almost $7 for a box of Captain Crunch last week and my husband has been out of work for the past 7 months, THAT is something I want to talk about.
Posted by: Jmrollwash, Apr 24, 2009 12:07:48 PM
For a minute I thought I was looking at the cover of the National Inquirer. We’ve got a war going on, our country is in a recession, people are losing their jobs and their savings and the Washingtonian can only come up with Obmama in swim trunks.
Posted by: Sue, Apr 24, 2009 11:19:27 AM
Does President Obama not have the right to enjoy a normal life, including vacationing with his family? Where does it say that the President Elect must have a dress code that differs from the people he serves? He is not exposing himself nor causing scandal, he is not embarassing himself or his country! President Obama is simply dressed the same way that millions of his fellow Americans are dressed each year while on the beach. Leave this man alone! For those that find this an outrage...I’d like to see photos of you on the beach, what are you wearing?
Posted by: Diane , Apr 24, 2009 11:14:41 AM
I think the hidden subtext here is whether the shading, etc. due to changing the color of the bathing suit makes it seem revealing of what’s underneath the suit. This to me is what makes it a little irresponsible, not to have thought of those repercussions. I saw the original bathing suit photos of him and they didn’t raise these thoughts since the bathing suit itself is perfectly modest.
I also expect photoshopping for pictures that are clearly meant for illustration, but this one is more documentary, so it doesn’t seem like good practice to morph the reality of it even a little.
Posted by: sw, Apr 24, 2009 11:06:41 AM
Come on, you’re seriously wondering why Obama gets to be portrayed like this, contrary to other presidents? Cause he’s got what it takes! How could anyone think this is disrespectful? Au contraire, I’d say. He’s just very well shaped, that doesn’t diminish any other capacities the man obviously has!
Posted by: Conny, The Netherlands, Apr 24, 2009 10:07:26 AM
Undignified. You’re doing him (Obama) a disservice.
Posted by: my name IS earl, Apr 24, 2009 09:55:43 AM
Wow! This photo really caused a stir and I must admit, a good diversion from what’s going on in this crazy world right now. Personally, I don’t think this is an appropriate cover page for the Washingtonian and I’m beginning to wonder who is in charge? Should we expect to see the First Lady in her bikini next month? I don’t ever recall seeing photos such as this of former President Bush and former First Lady Laura!!!!
Posted by: Nat, Apr 24, 2009 09:34:05 AM
What speaks against it? I do not see a problem! Also presidents are men! But I would not like to see everybody in such a way! Obama can be able to be seen! And that not only halfnaked! Finally once a new wind by the country blows! Mean full respect!
Posted by: Eberhard from Germany, Apr 24, 2009 09:18:25 AM
I don’t see why people are making such a fuss about it. He looks good, so the picture is flattering. Besides beeing the president of the USA, he is also just a persoon like anyone else. And yes, people do have bodies and legs and arms and such. Worry about things that matter and stop being such prudes.
Posted by: Cynthia, the Netherlands, Apr 24, 2009 09:13:24 AM
I believe that due to him being the President of the United States, a line has been crossed that otherwise shouldn’t have...
On the other hand, my wife put it best: "his wife Michelle must be smiling and letting everyone know that not only is her husband hot AND the President, he also sleeps in HER bed... :)"
Posted by: Mark, Apr 24, 2009 09:12:51 AM
Since the color of the trunks and skin have been altered, how can anyone be sure the rest of the photo hasn’t been changed? PhotoShop lives.
Posted by: Mama, Apr 24, 2009 08:36:46 AM
I do not like this picture. That is very very stupid. I think that peopel need freedom and they do not need your body. SILLY for ever
Posted by: here I am, Apr 24, 2009 08:13:14 AM
2 mr m mitchell of houston tx
ha ha ha .... seems to me that you feel VERY uneasy with the idea that your country is being run by a man with 2 ears, 2 arms, 2 eyes, 2 balls and 2 legs. when will you grow up finally ...????
Posted by: Dominik von Muehlberg, Cologne, Germany, Apr 24, 2009 07:26:43 AM
I just wonder what was the Washingtonian’s purpose for publishing the picture. I hope the article substantiates the otherwise questionable display...
Posted by: Vovo, Apr 24, 2009 07:13:50 AM
This photo is very disrespectful to the President of the USA. Even if our last president would have gone jogging or done anything else in public view showing his chest in any way, it would have NEVER appeared in print, television, or new media. This shows there is far too much familiarity on the part of "media" and too much fascination with his so-called coolness. Media needs to show some RESPECT. Why is President Obama being portrayed so differently than past presidents when it comes to their personal (body) image? What could be the difference in his case, I wonder?!
Posted by: M. Mitchell in Houston, Apr 24, 2009 06:23:59 AM
A vacuous celebrity obssessed culture gets the leader it deserves. Apparently good abs makes a great leader.
Posted by: galt, Apr 24, 2009 06:20:31 AM
This is to the people. You know who you are. Stop hating on our President. He looks good you wanted a down to earth President so you got one so don’t hate appreciate. You go President Obama
Posted by: Wendy, Apr 24, 2009 06:16:59 AM
A great picture! It somehow proves that also presidents are ’only’ humans.
I am very happy that Obama became president of the United States. I wish him all the best during his presidential term.
Greetings from Austria!
Posted by: Martin, Apr 24, 2009 06:07:56 AM
Obama rules...even in bathing trunks!
Posted by: Wouter Mellaart, Apr 24, 2009 05:59:36 AM
Just cause he is president it doesnot mean he have just to work all the time for freedom etc..I mean he is human like evry one els . He also has the right to have fun out of the work .And its look very nice ;)
Posted by: jordi, Apr 24, 2009 05:42:34 AM
What´s the Problem ????
Christof
(Germany)
Posted by: Christof Schneider, Apr 24, 2009 05:31:18 AM
You guys should show us those killed in afganistan,iraq,africa and indeed in other parts of the world with american made amunation all in the name of richness and trying to claim a world power....Lets hope as we all believe in God as the Bible told us, the jugdgement is comming.
I´m not anymore interesting in looking at things like this...
The world is changing and the new powers are maging.....China is on the marge..."You shall all take your towels were you took your shower"
I can traditional as a christian only believe in God. Go your way and leave europe, let move with our knowledge.
Obama we all love....just try to distance your self from american atrosities.
Tranty Germany!!!
Posted by: Tranty, Apr 24, 2009 05:31:16 AM
I love it! Thank you, thank you!
Posted by: eliza, Apr 24, 2009 05:25:49 AM
he’s so sexy.
Posted by: Viky, Apr 24, 2009 05:25:41 AM
Hi,
I love this picture. He is very sexy. Why we have such a man is not in our country?
He is young an he is fit = YES HE CAN!!!
Posted by: Joyce from Germany, Apr 24, 2009 05:25:23 AM
The picture is really great. Even the president of the greatest country ever is only a human. I love that picture!!!
Posted by: Aga, Apr 24, 2009 05:20:13 AM
Ok.. so i will also try to write my comment in english (i am from Luxemburg)
I think that’s great... or should he go to the beach in siute an cravat... would you?.. no.. so ;-) a fit mind starts with a fit body.....
Posted by: Romain, Apr 24, 2009 04:48:03 AM
I don’t get it! First of all there are far more important and crucial things in the world than a President who is just relaxing in shorts. After all he is just a human being and I think it is important for everybody to realize that. He plays basketball too and his outfit is probably not very different from the cover :) But after all I must say, that Obama is probably the most powerful Person in the world and yet so real. Plus he looks good! So show what you got!
-Berlin, Germany-
Posted by: onboard82, Apr 24, 2009 04:45:50 AM
I just LOVE LOVE LOVE this picture!!!
Posted by: Sarah, Apr 24, 2009 04:35:24 AM
Yes, he can! The picture is great.
Posted by: Sara & Christian from Frankfurt, Germany, Apr 24, 2009 04:24:22 AM
I love this picture =)
he is really hot & cool !
I dont understand why it should be a shame or embarassing...
He is just a human...
okay he’s the world most powerful man but why shouldn’t he walk around in bermudas??
It is silly to be angry abour that.
Obama, rock on!
I am sorry about my bad english but i am from germany...
Posted by: Janina, Apr 24, 2009 04:17:48 AM
Wonderful - He ias afterall human .. or did i miss something, oh yea, Bush was an ...
Posted by: Interested, Apr 24, 2009 04:05:28 AM
He is the president not god, so why on earth is this such a big deal?! i feel good to look at this pic cuz its not for press its real and it shows that he is just a human like u and me. if the poeple on this planet have just one problem like this i just can shake my head about it. leave that man alone in his shorts!!!
greetz from europe
Posted by: mel, Apr 24, 2009 04:01:32 AM
It’s just in line with what is happening nowadays.
Politicians are humans. They want a broad electorate. In other countries, presidents pay to be shown like that, sometimes the pictures are digitally remastered.
Sarkozy on his boat, Putin shooting tigers, Merkel with an impressive cleavage, and now Obama.
I wonder when we will see our first Asian, Hu Jintao in a Japanese bathing suit for example. HE then could even hit two targets at once: being human and getting closer to Tokyo.
What could we possibly want more?
People should get used to medial heads of states. At least as long as they do their jobs...
Posted by: Kris, Apr 24, 2009 03:56:45 AM
What´s everyone complaining about?
Obama`s a human being like everyone else and thus has a human body. Be proud of a president who stays in shape!
It´s good to have someone who rules a country who´s not a amorph mass!
germany
Posted by: benz, Apr 24, 2009 02:33:43 AM
It’s a shame! How can you make that reason NUMBER TWO??? It should be reason NUMBER ONE!!!!!!
Posted by: Jayde, Apr 24, 2009 02:15:20 AM
I think it is great to show everyone that even the most powerful man on earth is just a man of flesh and blood, with feelings and needs...
I do not understand why people scream so loud over a small thing... I say; don’t worry, be happy like the singer once sang...
Posted by: Carly Monique, Apr 24, 2009 01:46:28 AM
Obviously a slow news month at the Washingtonian.
Posted by: MC, Apr 24, 2009 01:46:25 AM
Some Americans seem to have peculiar ideas about decency; just like some people around here. That they reproduce themselves is a sin for which they probably will burn in hell, they seem to believe...
They should be proud that God gave them such a well-built president, body as well as mind, and enjoying this gift!
Posted by: Dwarsbongel, NL, Apr 24, 2009 01:12:08 AM
I would love to see one of the very dull belgian politicians in this attire. But there is no one around! American friends: you should be proud of such an intelligent, hardworking and good-looking President !!
Posted by: Edgar, Apr 24, 2009 01:01:23 AM
It’s so typical American, we see every day the crime reports with blood and death on TV, but an bare chest is immoral. This man shall be the example for each American citizens. In respect of education, career and health. Take this picture for an target and don’t reject it. Yes you can!!!
Posted by: Guenter, Düsseldorf, Germany, Apr 24, 2009 12:43:33 AM
Good tast! Everybody swims, so why not in swim short on a magazine!
You American people should be happy that they didn’t show George Bush like this!
Posted by: Jip, Netherlands, Apr 24, 2009 12:22:36 AM
After painful years of mediocrity and embarrassment this great country finally has a great President again whose sex-appeal is based not only on his IQ but his physique as well. Why not to show off a little? Well done Washingtonian!!!
Posted by: Dominik von Muehlberg, Cologne, Germany, Apr 23, 2009 11:38:05 PM
much ado about nothing.
Posted by: lavi, Apr 23, 2009 11:27:59 PM
USA : 1st porn industry in the world - 1st country with more than 500 channels around US.
You watch dumb series, dumb show on TV, with a lot of dumb people.
You choose a real guy to manage your country and you are shocked to see him in swimsuit ????
What’s going on ? Are you crazy ?
My country is not better, my president is not better. But I am a little bit aware.
Alex from France
Posted by: alexandre LECLERCQ, Apr 23, 2009 11:20:18 PM
That´s one healthy president you have!
And healthy man is what you need when shit hits the fan.
Posted by: Peters - Finland, Apr 23, 2009 10:48:18 PM
How many individuals are shown topless on magazine covers in a month? Its no more disrespectful because he’s president than it is to another person. The real issue is the lack of respect for privacy and there was likely no permission asked to take the photo, use it or alter it. Journalistic integrity is what was lost, but not because it was a risque photo of a a man who runs the country, but because of the methods used to do so.
Posted by: C, Apr 23, 2009 09:55:39 PM
Since when is a skinny guy with a waxed body and man boobs considered sexy...what are you smoking???
Posted by: indydog, Apr 23, 2009 09:47:02 PM
A skinny guy with a waxed body and man boobs is hot???????? What are you smoking???
Posted by: Holly Merrigan, Apr 23, 2009 09:08:27 PM
I think the picture is totally disgusting, very disrepectful, and does not show the Washingtonian in a positive manner. Shame! Shame!! Shame!!!
Posted by: K.Wright, Apr 23, 2009 08:43:00 PM
I respectfully submit to you... This should not have been done. He is the President after all, and, the photo has been altered. There should be more respect for him. Plus he was on a private beach. We all expect some privacy, even if we are a world leader. Is this just to sell more magazines. Shame!
Posted by: William, Apr 23, 2009 06:56:00 PM
Does having been on a beach and wearing a bathing suit for that purpose make him a worse probleme solver? I like the picture-though I don´t like that the color has been changed. There is nothing wrong with being smart, hard-working AND good looking. I´m wondering how he feels about that picture being published on a front page. I´m German, 45 and female.
Posted by: Christine, Apr 23, 2009 06:35:33 PM
he IS sexy- so where´s the problem? i think the president hasn´t got a problem with the cover- he´s liberal. and that´s what makes him sexy, not his body. it´s his attitude. greetings from germany
Posted by: marei, Apr 23, 2009 05:55:59 PM
Wow- I see that your publication is not immune to the sickening Obama love fest. Anything to sell magazines right? I happen to think that Obama is a marxist clown, however, I find this photo disrespectful of him and the Office of the President of the United States.
Posted by: M Ruckman, Apr 23, 2009 05:47:30 PM
I think that the picture is inappropriate and very disrespectful to our new president. It is definitely in poor taste.
Posted by: CVF, Apr 23, 2009 05:46:46 PM
The United States, nation of contradiction.
In one hand it’s all about praying, believing in God and following Jesus path....
But in the other hand always feels the need for war and violence.
People die of aids and hunger in Africa, people kill in the middle east (with American guns), the worlds economy is on a historic low (because of a stupid war of greed for oil).
But that’s not important,... no!
The fact that The President has a life and likes to relax at times is far more important.
Posted by: Europe rules the world, Apr 23, 2009 05:08:56 PM
Stop whining about dumb things like this and start working on bettering world economy.
What’s the big deal?!
Stop acting like prude nuns and start being human.
Posted by: B.P., Apr 23, 2009 04:53:59 PM
I am not a prudish person, but this is not appropriate for the President of the U.S.to be used in his beach attire, to sell your magazine. I dislike the cover and really am disappointed that Washingtonian would run a cover like this. I really liked the January cover, that is fitting of Washingtonian, but I really do not think that the person deciding to use this cover made a good decision. I am uncomfortable with this cover.
Posted by: Counselor09, Apr 23, 2009 04:11:39 PM
While I understand why the colour of his swim trunks was altered to fit with the theme of "love", I don’t agree with it. Changing a photo for any reason only leads readers to wonder what else has been changed...in other photos, too.
However, seeing President Obama in this manner is quite appealing - reasons for which many have already touched on. If only Stephen Harper would bare all, or at least a bit (??), while snowboarding down some snowy Canadian mountains in Whistler...oh, that’d be the day.
Posted by: CanadianMelly, Apr 23, 2009 03:39:42 PM
He was elected to be a leader! When is he gonna throw away his cigaretts and beer and his casual living to be the President. What he does in his private time is his business, but I don’t need to see him or his family exploited all over the news. Maybe if he spent more time in the oval office our country would be in better shape.
Posted by: Donna, Apr 23, 2009 03:32:32 PM
No question he is hot (and cool), but I wish the papparazzi would let him have a bit of privacy. When you print the picture you encourage the papparazzi.
Posted by: Michele in Maine, Apr 23, 2009 03:27:59 PM
there is nothing wrong with this picture he looks good.
Thers are other issue’s that are wrong in this country like health insurrance teen pregnacy. let Obama do his job and let him relax in his swimsuit there is nothing wrong with that.
Posted by: Marian, Apr 23, 2009 03:25:49 PM
Completely inappropriate. I am an avid Washingtonian reader, and that cover is not fitting of the usually tasteful publication that I love. Whoever wrote that cover has no sympathy for what his children are going to have to deal with at school.
Posted by: NorthernBelle, Apr 23, 2009 03:09:51 PM
I am quite disappointed with your lack of ethics and respect for the first African-American President of the free world. How dare you minimize his character by using this picture as a cover shot for your magazine.
It appears that you had some modicum or respect for Ronald Reagan, because at least you posted HIS PICTURE in a caricature, rather than the old, wrinkled thing.
Maybe your magazine should focus on his education, knowledge, and abilities rather than whether or not he’s "buff" enough for you cover. I guess your conservative tone in really out of the window after all.
x
Posted by: LAA, Apr 23, 2009 03:03:38 PM
Um, okay. Privacy begins at home. Freedom of the Press never stops.
Posted by: Kay, Apr 23, 2009 01:38:24 PM
Well, where does privicy begin? And where does the freedom of press stop?
Just think about it.
Posted by: Cj, Apr 23, 2009 01:06:20 PM
I like it. Illustrates a certain commonality among us. Barack and Michelle should be the only ones concerned with its appropriateness.
Posted by: Kay, Apr 23, 2009 12:59:13 PM
I would much rather see this picture of Obama rather than this bum!
http://z.about.com/d/bicycling/1/0/H/7/-/-/bush_lite_mtb.jpg
Posted by: Natasha W, Apr 23, 2009 12:56:03 PM
POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS SCHMOTUS POTUS
Posted by: hc, Apr 23, 2009 12:36:00 PM
I see a lot of POTUS SCHMOTUS but not a lot of working; let’s see those arms moving up and down, ch.
Posted by: md, Apr 23, 2009 12:34:43 PM
The Cover is in poor taste unfortunately.
- It does not do the President justice
- The retouch of the shorts is tacky enough (President Obama wears Black on Black for a reason) Red is a color reserved for hookers- which he’s not.
- Our "neighbor" is not HOT, he’s super Kewl(Cool). Get it right- please!
- Hire a good local photographer ( like me maybe?) to do an exclusive cover, instead of re-using a picture like that
- Washingtonian Magazine, need some of the change of staff that the White House now has ;)
Posted by: Mahmoud El-Darwish, Apr 23, 2009 12:34:31 PM
POTUS SCHMOTUS
Posted by: hc, Apr 23, 2009 12:31:49 PM
This is not just any man whose half-naked body you are exploiting with your prurient self interest. This man is the chief representative of our society to the rest of the world. And so, when you use and cheapen his likeness as you have, you take something from all of us.
The real tragedy here, however, is that someone at your magazine obviously has vulgar and unethical tendencies, and you have somehow managed to rationalize that away.
I’m all about freedom of the press. But you should be held accountable for your freedom in this case. Your editor should step down. I call for her resignation.
Sincerely,
Kevin Pope
Seattle, Washington
Posted by: Kevin Pope, Apr 23, 2009 12:25:46 PM
I believe it is disrespectful to have our awesome President of the United States, shirtless on your cover - however there is no denying that Mr. Obama is hot and looks great !!!!!!!
Posted by: Renee, Apr 23, 2009 12:07:01 PM
POTUS SCHMOTUS
Posted by: hc, Apr 23, 2009 11:59:24 AM
POTUS SCHMOTUS
Posted by: hc, Apr 23, 2009 11:57:06 AM
A new low in journalism! Why do we need to see our President in a bathing suit? He needs his privacy and we need to have picture him in our minds of a adult leader, not a pin-up. Please show him in his best suit and tie in the future. Glad I live in California.
Posted by: Garry, Apr 23, 2009 11:55:23 AM
Tactless. Won’t be buying this issue.
Posted by: Annoyed, Apr 23, 2009 11:35:54 AM
I think that if there is any disrespect it is to the privacy of the President. Yes,he is the most powerful man in the world, and yes, he does have a celebrity to him, but he is also a normal human being who enjoys normal things, just like the rest of us.
As many other people have commented, he’s in great shape, and that is just one more thing that makes him a fantastic role model. In a country with epidemic obesity, what is so wrong with showing that a person can have a lot of stress in their life and not eat it away?
The public often forget that people in the public eye are still people, and deserve to enjoy as much of a normal life as their positions allow them.
Posted by: Gen, Apr 23, 2009 11:33:36 AM
Claire, in response to your post, I thought we had decided to make OUR relationship work and you were going to give up this fascination with the President’s bare chest! Unbelievable! I’m fat, I get it...I’ll lose weight! We’ll talk tonight when i get home.
Posted by: Pete, Apr 23, 2009 11:20:22 AM
I love it! It’s great to show him as the intelligent, HANDSOME man he is! Couldn’t do the same with Bush....
Posted by: Claire , Apr 23, 2009 10:53:47 AM
Hey, nobody loves the Prez more than I do, except maybe Michelle, and he looks quite FINE on the cover, but I do feel like it was just a wee bit disrespectful to put the president on the cover 1/2 dressed. I mean he looks great, don’t get me wrong, he looks great (and somebody asked if he waxed, my husband looks like that-some folks are just naturally non-hairy) - but he’s not a model so I think it was wrong of them to take a vacation picture of him on the beach, or just ’hanging’ and put it on the cover of their magazine. I probably wouldn’t feel as strongly if he were not the president, like if they had done this before he won, but I think more respect should be given to the man in that office, he deserves it, he’s earned it. And who knows in a few years the president could be a woman an I am hoping they won’t put a picture of her on the cover in her 2 piece bathing suit! And that’s all I have to say about that...
Posted by: KarenN, Apr 23, 2009 10:53:43 AM
What a stupid idea to change the original picture which looked great. Only shows how stupid newpaper editors have become in this country. Two thumbs down for the Washington Post. The Predident should sue you to publish the original version.
Posted by: Peter, Apr 23, 2009 10:27:41 AM
We have the most wonderful president in the world, along with the most terrific First Family. They are such a fantastic example of what a real family is all about. As for the front page picture. Bravo!!!! The president is a fine picture of good health and proves that taking great care of yourself results in a body that shows us a prime example of healthy living. Many are jealous but many will be inspired to start living in the most healthy way possible, for each of us. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. First Family for your super example!!!! And thank you Washingtonian for your coverage.
Posted by: Rita S., Apr 23, 2009 10:27:36 AM
Don’t like it. I am a subscriber and will not cancel but this is too much photoshopping for the shock value. This is our president!
Posted by: Jill, Apr 23, 2009 10:18:52 AM
Well, it will sell magazines. But ask the wife and family before it goes to press. In this day and time it could have been worse.
Posted by: Bahati, Apr 23, 2009 10:15:06 AM
Glad so many of us think this is important. Now excuse while I go parasailing on the tsunami of our (and our kids’ and grandkids’) tax dollars that Congress, Bernanke, Paulson, Geithner, Bush and Obama are giving to rich investors.
Posted by: Windu, Apr 23, 2009 09:32:57 AM
Come on now, is there really this many people upset over this? You sound like my grandparents bickering and giving a lecture at Thanksgiving dinner.
Do us a favor, go back to reading AARP Magazine and playing scrabble.
Lighten up people!
Posted by: Steve, Apr 23, 2009 09:32:20 AM
I think it’s inappropriate, and disrespectful to President Obama.
Posted by: Kathleen, Apr 23, 2009 09:18:24 AM
This is stupid!
Posted by: Valerie, Apr 23, 2009 09:18:12 AM
POTUS SCHMOTUS
Posted by: hc, Apr 23, 2009 09:14:37 AM
I think the picture is more than okay and there should be no problem because of a "half-naked" president...! How prudish are the americans?
Posted by: mone, Apr 23, 2009 09:08:38 AM
I will not renew my subscription. That is what I think of your cover.
Posted by: Di, Apr 23, 2009 08:56:19 AM
I think the photo is great. dont know why america is pointing a finger at that picture. we got the 21th century, not the middle ages. i think its great to see that the president is still a human being, not like bush. moreover it has to be mentioned that it looks sexy !
greetings from germany .
Posted by: Summer, Apr 23, 2009 08:51:01 AM
Why not? The picture is very good and Barack Obama cut a fine figure whatever he wears. Greetings from Germany.
Posted by: Volker, Apr 23, 2009 08:40:44 AM
Why not? The picture is very good and Barack Obama cut a fine figure whatever he wears.
Greetings from Germany.
Posted by: Volker, Apr 23, 2009 08:37:17 AM
Great point, dale!! i totally agree
Posted by: ursula, Apr 23, 2009 08:24:40 AM
Why is their a problem with such a picture?
Its okay ,but private,no problem in showing it except if the president does not want this.
In every other country this would not be worth talking about.
Wake up USA it is 2009.
Ban such pictures but sell guns to everyone???????
Dale SMith (a american livng in Germany)=
Posted by: Dale Smith, Apr 23, 2009 08:16:46 AM
Jayne- The personality disorder you described doesn’t sound much like Obama to me but it fits Cheney to a T...
Posted by: Ken, Apr 23, 2009 08:16:13 AM
We have now become "The United States of Entertainment" and it is ridiculous!
Posted by: Christine Thurman, Apr 23, 2009 08:11:53 AM
Let’s keep it simple, he can go wherever he wants. Just because he’s the president it doesn’t mean he has to crawl under a rock until his term is over, but, I do agree that the magazine did wrong in publishing that super personal picture of him.
There I said it!
Regarding the waxing questions Matt, that’s why is called photoshop!!!
Posted by: Alex, Apr 23, 2009 07:56:17 AM
Washingtonian has gone the route of "Us" and other tabloids trying to pass themselves off as real news. I’m not offended by the photo itself, but I am a little embarrased for Washingtonian. If I saw this at a grocery store checkout, I would assume it was a trash rag.
Posted by: Stu, Apr 23, 2009 07:52:34 AM
I LOVE THE COVER, OUR PRESIDENT AND OUR FIRST LADY
IT’S A NEW WORLD NOW PEOPLE GET WITH IT OR LEAVE IT. I THINK PRESIDENT OBAMA IS DOING A GOOD JOB CONSIDERING THE HAND HE WAS DEALT AND AS LONG AS WE DON’T FORGET TO DO OUR PART WE’LL BE FINE.
Posted by: Lashelle, Apr 23, 2009 07:49:13 AM
It is a nice picture!! It simply shows him in a relaxed state. Lets face it, both men and women are fascinated with him and want to see and know as much about him as they can. As long as President Obama is not offended or feels disrepected there is nothing wrong with posting this picture of him.
Posted by: Tina, Apr 23, 2009 07:45:43 AM
This picture is a rip-off from his vacation shot when he was in Hawaii with his family.
President Obama would never pose with his chest bare, never, and we all know that.
Posted by: Jeanette, Apr 23, 2009 07:43:49 AM
I agree with Milanda. He is human.
Posted by: Monica, Apr 23, 2009 07:30:09 AM
handsome
Posted by: milanda, Apr 23, 2009 07:18:47 AM
cool picture.
We should all have a look on how he is running his job and not how he is looking like in shorts. I feel with a pic like this, you show us all, that a president is by the end of the day also only a human being.
Posted by: Stefan, Apr 23, 2009 07:18:45 AM
obama ist super !!!
das bild ist cool
super body für einen politiker
Posted by: hans, Apr 23, 2009 07:09:38 AM
Please - never speak for all of womankind.....thats just wrong. He’s average and I dont care to see my President in his swim trunks, any more than I would care to see my Senators or my Doctor. These types of photos are for family (which I am not and there fore dont care to seee it) and the Enquirer - I’m not a prude, but find it very un-professional. I want a professional image for my President.
Posted by: Amy, Apr 23, 2009 07:03:58 AM
Someone said it earlier - nothing wrong or right with it, but it does play into the culture America has adopted about "celebrity rules". It should rather be about what kind of President he is, not about what he looks like. Ditto for Mrs. O - I cant buy into all that hype about how hot she is...sorry, they are both average Americans who are in a spotlight by virtue of their jobs. Sorry, I just dont see anything hot about it. And whoever said people didnt vote for him because of his looks - WRONG.....young people who wouldnt have otherwise voted DID just that....as did many black people (by their own admission.) Packaging is only one small piece - beware of buying into something simply because of the way its presented.
Posted by: Joanne, Apr 23, 2009 07:00:42 AM
It’s nice to see a visual representation that all Americans are not fat, lazy and stupid.
That said, the photoshop on the shorts is really bad. It looks like a towel.
Posted by: Slye, Apr 23, 2009 06:52:46 AM
Hey bavarianlioness, I cannot believe that the guys, who dislike that cover are racists. They just think it’s inappropriate to photograph and to show a leading politician in his spare time. Of course a president is allowed to swim and to wear clothes for that purpose. But nobody should like a magazine to have such a cover simply in order to get some attention. Well, at least that worked out. Congratulations...
Posted by: Lowersaxony, Apr 23, 2009 06:52:10 AM
Hey bavarianlioness, I cannot believe that the guys, who dislike that cover are racists. They just think it’s inappropriate to photograph and to show a leading politician in his spare time. Of course a president is allowed to swim and to wear clothes for that purpose. But nobody should like a magazine to have such a cover simply in order to get some attention. Well, at least that worked out. Congratulations...
Posted by: lowersaxony, Apr 23, 2009 06:50:23 AM
the hype about this picture is just symptomatic of american society: prudish to the bone!
germans like me can only shake their heads about these reactions. and then, beneath the clean cut surface, all u find is sex, drugs and rock and roll (see bill clinton and monica lewinsky).
in a society where everything is forbidden, you breed individuals who have to compensate their suppressed drives in sick ways when they are grown.
GOD BLESS OBAMA
Posted by: Ursula, Apr 23, 2009 06:47:44 AM
I don’t think it has anything to do with our president being hot or cool, but that he is OUR PRESIDENT. Though he is just a man, there is a certain level of dignity and respect that goes with the office and position of presidency. Whatever he does with his family at the beach on his own time is his own personal and private business. But as our president, I find it someone disrepectful to basically picture him in his underwear.
Posted by: Ratonia, Apr 23, 2009 06:41:58 AM
A real HUMAN Leader!
so let me understand this right, some americans here have a problem with their president being a human person that also goes swimming every once in a while and is seen in swim wear......ok???
What comes next, he wont be allowed to hug and kiss his wife and children in public?
As everyone can see, the man´s physical and mental state is 1A, so be happy for having a president in such great condition and stop complaining! And if one has a problem with seing some of his skin, then one should go see a therapist! Every learned behavier can also be unlearned, also racism, so there is hope for you too!
Compliment Mr. President, Keep that great Shape!
The german people like you just as human as you are.
Posted by: bavarianlioness, Apr 23, 2009 06:33:02 AM
POTUS SCHMOTUS
Posted by: hc, Apr 23, 2009 06:27:53 AM
I like the picture.
There’s nothing wrong with it!
Posted by: K-Mart, Apr 23, 2009 06:14:04 AM
Get a grip people, it’s just a picture. He looks like he just left the gym or on vacation or something. It’s nothing provocative at all. He’s not the idol god everyone keeps trying to make him out to be, he is a middle aged man, emphasis on man, who happens to be the President. He’s showing people how to chill and relax sometimes. You don’t have to always act like you have a broom stuck up your A**.
Posted by: Pharrison, Apr 23, 2009 06:13:00 AM
Man there are a lot of Puritans still left here...
Be proud our President is smart AND gorgeous! Jesus, some people can find the negative in anything-get a life!
Posted by: Laurie, Apr 23, 2009 06:08:46 AM
I think it is tasteless and part of this outrageous celebrity culture tjhat transfomrs people in products for consumption and idolization of appearances, superficiality and fashion styles. Not at all appropriate for a president and senseless. People didn’t vote for him becasue of this physical appearance; they voted for him because he is a thinker whose capital is his brain and knowledge about issues and capacity to lead , tackle and resolve the pressing problems of the country, and inspire. We have an intelligent, smart, competent and healthy president. I am disappointed in the magazine for having fallen into this culture that is not helping the country.
Posted by: Julia, Apr 23, 2009 06:03:42 AM
First of all: He looks good and he is a reason to live in Washington.
Second of all: Some people just interpret too much. We tend to do that a lot and I think sometimes we should just take things as they are.
Third of all: Next time, let him have his black trunks and use a white or similar background.
Posted by: Andrea, Germany, Apr 23, 2009 06:00:25 AM
i think it’s a great picture. i just wonder why they changed the color of his shorts from black to red.
Posted by: mr.germany, Apr 23, 2009 05:57:31 AM
President of the USA; bright and a hunk...there’s nothing wrong with it!I should be proud of him!
Posted by: Sibylla from Holland, Apr 23, 2009 05:54:00 AM
I find it tasteless, inappropriate and utterly unnecesary! What does this have to do with how well Obama is running the country and tackling world issues? I’m really disappointed in The Washingtonian’s objectification of this wonderful, world leader. Really bad taste.
Posted by: Lynda in MA, Apr 23, 2009 05:48:30 AM
I think that it’s totally ok to show him like this! Honestly, makes me feel he is also just a regular person. One of us. No need to always be the man in black. Greetz from Vienna, Austria
Posted by: Andy, Apr 23, 2009 05:42:05 AM
Love it! I can put up a picture of a hunk at work and just say I am being patriotic.
Posted by: India, Apr 23, 2009 05:40:27 AM
NICE PIC! I WISH CUBANS CAN HAVE A PRESIDENT LIKE THAT IN A NEAR FUTURE!
OBAMA REPRESENTS THE YOUTH & STRENGTH HE HAS BROUGHT TO AMERICA.
Posted by: Ale from Cuba, Apr 23, 2009 05:06:01 AM
Hahahaha, I can imagine all the prudish Americans shaking their heads now! Wait until he models for Calvin Kline^^! This guy knows how to win people and I hope his politics will be just as good. And.. I believe you all want to see Obama (un)dressed like this instead of our Angie Merkel, right? ;-)
Posted by: Heiko, Hamburg/Germany, Apr 23, 2009 04:47:52 AM
You can be so PROUD of your President!
...what a man! ;-)
Posted by: Lili, Germany, Apr 23, 2009 04:42:15 AM
The choice to place a manipulated image of Obama on the cover is unprofessional, inappropriate and screams of the publication’s desperate attempt to entice readers to buy it. And the fact of having the man appear out of darkness has some underlying message, I’m sure.
Posted by: CVR, Apr 23, 2009 04:07:14 AM
á la alabama!!! ooops... á la obama!!!
Posted by: ;o), Apr 23, 2009 04:05:51 AM
There is only one word: Great!!!!
Posted by: Monica, Apr 23, 2009 03:52:42 AM
Wonderful !
A cover like this would never ever have been possible with Ford, Nixon, Reagan, Clinton, Bush sen. and jun. ! But, who really wanted to see them like this ??
Posted by: Sabine, Bregenz, Austria, Apr 23, 2009 03:49:53 AM
This foto is good. Not only because he is in good fit, but also because he can give a great example to all the people fighting with their health! :-D
Long live Obama - good foto for the photograph! :-D
Outi
Posted by: Outi from Finland (Europe), Apr 23, 2009 03:01:58 AM
You have a very beautiful president and no one should be ashamed of that ! Hope that he will restaure the united states ’s image in the rest of the world. A french girl !
Posted by: Florange deschamps, Apr 23, 2009 02:59:41 AM
Well, the US.President looks good in every situation. So the US can be proud. This photo makes no difference. It fitts perfectly into the whole image of Barack Obama.
Wolfram Cologne Germany
Posted by: Wolfram, Apr 23, 2009 02:52:17 AM
What a great picture of an attractive man! Even he is the president - during his spare time he should feel free to wear what he wants to. Don’t forget - he is just a normal man too - will you forbid him to go to the beach? - what do you think he should wear at the beach! I like that picture and wish him and his wonderful family all the best!!
Posted by: Heike May from Germany, Apr 23, 2009 02:41:06 AM
What a great picture of an attractive man. Yes, he is the president of the U.S.A. but a normal man too. So I think he should feel free to wear what he wants to during his spare time.
Posted by: Heike May from Germany, Apr 23, 2009 02:35:54 AM
What a great picture of an attractive man. Yes, he is the president of the U.S.A. but a normal man too. So I think he should feel free to wear what he wants to during his spare time.
Posted by: Heike May from Germany, Apr 23, 2009 02:35:29 AM
The president of the USA is the most important personality on the world and certainly the most famous as well. We "normal people" are just curious to see how is he doing in his private life so I think that is a brilliant idea to have this cover picture
Posted by: Sam, Apr 23, 2009 02:25:16 AM
Great picture of a great man. I would be proud if this was our president. By the way, he is human. What more could you possibly want?
Posted by: Anne-Katrien / The Netherlands, Apr 23, 2009 02:10:02 AM
Congratulations to your courage and the cover-picture of (sexy)US-President on Your latest issue!
Greetings from Acqua/Germany
Posted by: Acqua, Apr 23, 2009 01:50:42 AM
"I am amazed at all of the idiots posting on here who are under the mistaken impression that he posed for the picture and that he approved it’s use on this magazine."
No offence, but you are quite naive if you believe that. It is a classic ploy Putin has used many times.
Now, I have nothing against a populist leader. USA needs someone who can rally the people after the wreck republicans made of once a great nation.
Even if Barack didn’t approve of the picture, he is not stupid enough to realise it will only be good PR for him.
What is even funnier is the contradiction of obviously republican ultraconservatists in this thread being most offended of THEIR president that THEY hate for being liberal. Kinda freaky, innit?
Get a life.
Joona
Hell-sin-city, Finland.
Posted by: Joona, Apr 23, 2009 01:30:14 AM
I wish my husband had a body like that. He looks very (mentally and physically) strong and that is what you all need in the USA. He is an example for all American people. Get a life. Your president does!
Posted by: Nicole (Netherlands), Apr 23, 2009 01:24:41 AM
When JFK was photographed this way in the sixties, it was OK.
What has changed in the country that has the biggest porn industry in the world ?
Posted by: William, Apr 23, 2009 01:12:19 AM
I remember similar photographs of JFK while on vacation when he was president.
So why was that OK back then and would this be wrong now ?
Even in shorts your president is respected by people all over the world so why can’t the (republican half of) people of the USA ?
After a political shift in the federal government,it is now time for a moral paradigm shift for all Americans. Be more liberal !!
Posted by: William, Apr 23, 2009 01:08:38 AM
Not bad at all, a fresh soul in a fresh body. Bright brains, like his are, will love to stay in a healthy body.
Posted by: jam Finland, Apr 23, 2009 01:05:37 AM
So what ? Obama in swimsuit. Big deal !
Posted by: Ben, Apr 23, 2009 01:04:47 AM
WOW!!! Why all this mess about a photograph, the president looks very dishy. You people in the USA are so lucky, our Dutch prime minister (Jan Peter Balkenende) of the crown prince in the same ’outfit’ will make us all vomit.
Posted by: Exzuster, Apr 23, 2009 12:55:49 AM
If he’s gonna be OUR NATION’S life guard ...
He may as well dress the part. Great picture.
American needs a president that KNOWS how to swim.
I love it!
Posted by: Sandra N.C., Apr 23, 2009 12:53:46 AM
The world is in the greatest crisis since WWII, there are wars and all kinds of conflicts going on, people die of starvation, the US, by the way, is involved in all this. Countless Americans lost their jobs, their homes, their future. And you are seriously telling me Americans have nothing better to do all day than to get worked up about this photo??? Don’t you have bigger problems to solve? The president, excuse him, is a human being like everyone else, and human beings sometimes like to go swimming. He’s not stripping at a club, he’s at the beach!!! If the US want to overcome the crisis they are currently in, they might want to get over worthless discussions like this and focus on the real issues.
Posted by: drumpadlife, Apr 23, 2009 12:46:45 AM
I am a french woman in her early sixties and I wonder why such a nice photo can make this tremendous blablabla !He is a very handsome man, elegant and "normal". Why cdn’t he walk without a shirt if on the beach ? I notice that our president did the same with his wife. But I am pretty sure it is just a question of marketing to appeal buyers !What is the purpose on such a picture ? What does it brought to people information ? Nothing !
Posted by: Françoise, Apr 23, 2009 12:28:43 AM
I am from the Netherlands. Obama is a great President!
The best for Amerika and the world. He will make the world a better place. Just give him time.
What is wrong with an athletic president??
He is not nude !!
Be proud to have such a Great Leader !!
Greetings from the Netherlands.
Posted by: Sylvia, Apr 23, 2009 12:26:06 AM
Ow come one, another stereotype...
Posted by: Marloes, Apr 23, 2009 12:13:08 AM
Maybe in the Netherlands you smoke so much weed you don’t see how evil this photo is. Allah will punish all infidels.
:)
Posted by: Dutch, Apr 23, 2009 12:09:22 AM
Ow this makes me laugh! The whole country is struggeling with a picture of somebody in swimwear, while meanwhile people are figthing Iraq, Afghanistan to save your country?
You are so prudish! Why not let everyone wear a wintercoat, to keep the naked skins away.
Don’t make me laugh, America, get SERIOUS!!!!!!
Posted by: Marloes, Apr 23, 2009 12:07:15 AM
I am from Europe, The Netherlands. Here we have another perspective. Obama is not nude, he is wearing a swimsuit. The Americans are so puritain, but in the meantime ... Grow up!
Posted by: Marijke, Apr 22, 2009 11:51:11 PM
I Like it....great cover foto!
Posted by: Louis, Apr 22, 2009 11:46:30 PM
Hi All,
I’m from Austria, Europe and I like the cover. If we would have a so good looking president I would be proud about this.
Be hornest, Americans are fat - an athletic president is the best thing which can happen to you.
Enjoy your new president, we like him!
Posted by: Michael, Apr 22, 2009 11:43:07 PM
I really think it is a normal picture! Can’t a president not walk in swimming cloth? He is still human! I read the news in a dutch newspaper! Obama is great! Greetings from Holland
Posted by: Karst, Apr 22, 2009 11:40:22 PM
I don’t know what all the fuss is about. He’s good looking and a normal man. Is ist just, because he is the president, that he is not allowed to bathe anymore? What should he have worn when swimming on holiday? A suit? It’s not like he is naked. How many men wear swimming trousers and nobody says anything about it?
Be proud of your president! I am from the Netherlands and I am proud that America elected such a fine man to bring the country back to a better state.
Posted by: Miriam, Apr 22, 2009 11:37:49 PM
I do not see any reason to use the president on a cover.
Nothing against his chest though. But allready the fact this is questionable shows how conservative the usa still is, even the magazine who displays this and think therefor is progressive.
Get a live, we are not bussy with this nonsence in the Netherlands, but now we have to.
Posted by: Caroline, Apr 22, 2009 11:32:47 PM
I do not see any reason to use the president on a cover.
Nothing against his chest though. But allready the fact this is questionable shows how conservative the usa still is, even the magazine who displays this and think therefor is progressive.
Get a live, we are not bussy with this nonsence in the Netherlands, but now we have to.
Posted by: Caroline, Apr 22, 2009 11:32:46 PM
I think it’s awesome. I’m going to get it first thing tomorrow if it’s at the news stand where I go. If not, I’ll do what it takes to find it. It’s really no big deal that it’s on the cover. We’re incredibly fortunate that we finally have a President who’s brilliant...it’s an added bonus that he’s such a hunk!
Posted by: Lindsey, Apr 22, 2009 11:32:10 PM
we also got handsome shirtless politicians in austria ...
http://rotersalon.wordpress.com/2008/10/14/der-untergang-oder-petzner-an-der-macht/
Posted by: franklin delano romanowski , Apr 22, 2009 11:31:02 PM
It made the Finnish news too. That’s a good cover for selling more copies and if it’s a legal way to do it, then why not ;-)
Posted by: Finland, Apr 22, 2009 11:30:58 PM
This is a year old photo, that has been photoshopped. do not know much about this particular magazine, but I do know that this is a sesationalist cover. To even ask the question"What do you thin of our cover?" pretty much says it all. It is an inapprpriate photo, not because it is bad, indecent or anthing like that. It is inappropriate because the use of it 100 days into the presidency is being done to hurt the President. A "Hot" president? That is MTV type BS. He is our President for heavens sake show him the respect worthy of that office. This magazine isn’t concerned about selling copies more than it is part of an ongoing assault on the President. Anything that can be done to embarass or sidetrack him, but it won’t work. He is focused on doing his job and it is a monumental one folks, so let’s continue to support him and not get caught up in thse silly sideshows. He won’t and neither should we.
Posted by: Tjs Mom, Apr 22, 2009 11:27:52 PM
Thank God John McCain didn’t make it to the White House...
But seriously, for a country were in some states it’s legal to keep a gun, you are sort of prudish, don’t you think?
Over here we call this hypocrisy
(Yes, I am from Holland as well ;-) )
Posted by: Louis, Apr 22, 2009 11:26:38 PM
I think it’s a great cover! And indeed a way to sell more copies. It even made the dutch news :)
Posted by: Reinder, Apr 22, 2009 11:25:56 PM
Also from the Netherlands... I think this cover is great! Be proud!
Posted by: Nadine, Apr 22, 2009 11:17:16 PM
He’s good looking. Nothing to shame off.
Posted by: esther, Apr 22, 2009 11:08:01 PM
I am Dutch as well and I love this cover. I applaud you. Change has come to America with Obama, and the Washingtonian is following his lead!!
Posted by: Free, Apr 22, 2009 10:59:31 PM
To me, I am dutch, this picture portraits him even more as a normal person. This is a man I can trust because he is not afraid to show himself as he is.
I do not understand the big fuzz about this. Take a look at all the pictures we take from royalty and celebs. Most of those are far worse than this one.
Posted by: Eric, Apr 22, 2009 10:21:42 PM
girlnextdoor: Not sure if your post is serious or someone just pretending to be a right-wing loony. Assuming you were serious and are a right-wing loony:
(1) You said "Obama is a ..thug...": Evidence please?
(2) Nixon was moral - right? Bush Jr. deserved respect, yeah?
Posted by: AussieKev, Apr 22, 2009 10:17:32 PM
While I love the picture, I do think it is entirely inappropriate for the magazine cover. The president himself has said he dislikes this picture.
By using this photo you have shown a total lack of respect for President Obama and for the presidency itself. Whoever made this decision ought to be ashamed. I am amazed at all of the idiots posting on here who are under the mistaken impression that he posed for the picture and that he approved it’s use on this magazine. I would imagine he is quite angry about it and he should be.
Posted by: Bonnie, Apr 22, 2009 10:14:15 PM
It is fine with me, no big deal, I can handle, no issue. Just a cover of our beloved President. Good.
Posted by: jpAcosta, Apr 22, 2009 09:41:57 PM
I admire Barack Obama’s brainpower and am so grateful he’s my President. I’m also proud that nature chose to endow him with physical beauty as well. Great cover. Thanks!
Posted by: annieR, Apr 22, 2009 09:39:28 PM
Obama is a narcissist, thug, Chicago politician who can mesmerize millions. His need for daily approval is scary. The office of the president used to be respectful until Clinton used the Oval Office for BJ’s. The lack of taste, decorum, respect, morals, convictions, and common sense coming from the left these days is something that blows my mind on a daily basis.
Posted by: girlnextdoor, Apr 22, 2009 09:26:48 PM
Pff bunch of hypocrytes most of you are. Naked?? Show me where? The best man is wearing a short or not?
I really can get annoyed by such stupid reactions like first of all you can see something indecent?? Nope he is wearing a short..
And secondly if he had a problem with it he can speak out for himself. You people don’t have to decide if this is inappropiate or distasteful i think he is just proud to have a well shaped body and doesn’t mind to show it in a decent and very tasteful way like this.
Americans are so damn ignorant when you see some skin it is hard to believe that you people reproduced yourself.
Posted by: Dutchmen, Apr 22, 2009 09:23:53 PM
I think the president looks good, he looks fit and healthy, I dont think the photo is tasteless or inapprioate cause the president is enjoying a day of fun in the sun on the beach and thats what you wear to the beach, what, he supposed to go to the beach in big ass shirt and pants or shorts cause hes the president, please, give me a break, people just want something complain about, now if it was speedos or a thong, that would of been tasetless and something to complain about, but this is just fine, if you ask me
Posted by: faye, Apr 22, 2009 09:17:54 PM
I think you have gone too far - are you that desperate to sell magazines - get real - you are stooping too low to make a buck. I used to like reading you magazine - but if this is what you are heading toward - I am done. Don;t get me wrong he is a nice looking man - please show him some respect.
Posted by: Michele, Apr 22, 2009 08:54:20 PM
People are making very polarized comments but the big majority of Americans and everybody worldwide loves him. I lived in Washington when the unpleasant guy was in power and nobody would have dreamed that being close to him was a plus.
The right went too much to the extreme, they are thirsty for blood. Until they do not come back to being human there will be much trouble and the US will be viewed as having to carry the big burden of the extreme right (neocons, rove, colter, limbaugh and other sorry souls).
The world is a much healthier place now because everybody loves Obama and those who do not have something wrong in the area of their soul.
And loving him does not have to mean he is to be taken lightly for possible future mistakes.
Sincere honest and maybe simplistic (why? please help us understand) people cannot avoid loving him. The opposite is true for the other kind of people.
Think about it.
Peace!
Posted by: Adrian C., Apr 22, 2009 08:50:39 PM
DontWorryBeHappy: Think you should be asking your question to Jayne, not me.
Posted by: AussieKev, Apr 22, 2009 08:47:00 PM
"First Impression is a Lasting Impression"
I’m a Marketing Person and I love the idea. It is a great eye catcher and it shows a personal side of the President that very few people get to see. It would make me pick up the magazine and read the article.
I applaud the person that came up with the idea, after all, it did make AOL headlines.
Posted by: Deborah, Apr 22, 2009 08:41:06 PM
Disgusting, undignified, and low class - I’m glad I cancelled my subscription last month so this would not arrive at my home! The guy is a sick narcissist!
Posted by: BDM, Apr 22, 2009 08:27:03 PM
POTUS SCHMOTUS
Posted by: hc, Apr 22, 2009 08:20:18 PM
"Hot" or not, this President Obama cover is tastless and tacky. Sort of like "National Enquirer meets Washintonian". Deeply disappointing.
Posted by: Maren, Apr 22, 2009 08:19:13 PM
This is very bad attempt at photo shop. I would guess whoever created this is either now likely going too loose there house after they are fired or do very well working in the "OBAMANATION".
Posted by: Nick, Apr 22, 2009 07:50:36 PM
SHAME ON YOU !!!
Posted by: Samuel, Apr 22, 2009 07:39:23 PM
I’m mildly appalled at the use of a Photoshopped, year-old photo. I also think that the Washingtonian should have better thought out the repercussions this has on President Obama, instead of trying to boost their sales (although, at least they know how to).
However, considering this was taken a year ago on a beach where he was vacationing with his family, I see no reason to cause an outcry at Obama himself. He was unaware of the photo being taken, or was made aware after the fact when it was too late. He cannot control what is printed about him. The Sedition Act is long dead and gone.
And even further: I cannot seem to grasp why a picture of a man in a swimsuit is suddenly an appalling rarity, leader of our country or not. I’d be surprised if there was a world leader or dignitary who has NOT been photographed out and about with family. They’re still human. They still live daily lives. And a casual swim is so very far from a level of indecency.
All in all? Have a little more integrity, Washingtonian. Don’t sweat it, Mr. President.
Posted by: Katie, Apr 22, 2009 07:29:05 PM
AussieKev, chill man! What’s with the personal attack?
Posted by: DontWorryBeHappy, Apr 22, 2009 07:28:16 PM
The important thing is that he is on the cover and that people are considering that a new type of Presidential presence is in the white house. What is of concern to me is whether his casual appearance is going to be misconstrued as a casual approach to the serious business of running the government. He is definitely not being casual about the job. Let the man have a break, now and then and relax. I mean it is not like he is falling off of a bike or stopping on a jog to eat at McDonalds.
Posted by: George Nig, Apr 22, 2009 07:19:23 PM
He has man boobs! YUCK!
Posted by: Jen, Apr 22, 2009 06:59:48 PM
It’s wonderful! He looks great!
Posted by: Liza, Apr 22, 2009 06:49:15 PM
I don’t trust media sources that so readily alter any detail of any picture
Posted by: Craig, Apr 22, 2009 06:46:20 PM
Jayne, you appear to suffer from an extreme case of "Impersonating a Psychiatrist" disorder. Please seek treatment for your delusions urgently.
Posted by: AussieKev, Apr 22, 2009 06:13:15 PM
I think journalists shouldn’t Photoshop pictures. If the picture’s not right, find another. The fact his shorts were changed from black to read and the background altered may seem minor, but journalistic integrity is not.
That said, I love the restaurant review.
Posted by: Ryan, Apr 22, 2009 06:00:43 PM
My first reaction: Why stop with being shirtless???? Why not be the first president to bare it all????
My second reaction: There is something very wrong here... this intense need for attention and adulation. People have been suggesting for sometime Obama may be "over-exposed"... this cover says it all. The criticism that Obama is still campaigning (and needing to prove his worthiness) and excessive press coverage may actually point to a much deeper personal problem.
Obama appears very desperate for attention and this could be a signal he may be quite ill. For anyone who might not know: Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a personality disorder defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as "a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration." The narcissist is described as being excessively preoccupied with issues of personal adequacy, power, and prestige.
In addition, behaviors related to this mechanism may include an exaggeratedly positive opinion of one’s worth and abilities, unrealistically high expectations in goals and achievements for oneself and others, persistent attempts to correct others (regardless of whether or not they are actually correct), vanity, extravagant dressing (intent on drawing attention), excessive need for competition, pride, over-sentimentality and affected exaltation, snobbishness, a tendency to discredit others’ opinions and over-forcefulness aimed at dominating those considered as weaker or less important.
My hope is that the Washingtonian and other press and media will thoughtfully consider the possible ramifications that excessive -- especially inappropriate -- coverage of this person might be.
If he truly suffers from this disorder, he needs help and the privacy to deal with it appropriately.
Posted by: Jayne, Apr 22, 2009 05:59:57 PM
Well, from where should I start. Why do you guys have to strip every one? Hollywood is doing that job. At least, leave your President. The person who occupies the White House should not indulge in such like cheap things. How I miss Mr. Bush and Mr. Reagan. I feel sorry that Mr Orgasm has opted for this cheap publicity. To top it, he is not even having a great body. He is simply flat. Is he being advised by the likes of Oprah? Sorry, you and your magazine disappoints.
Posted by: Dr. V, Apr 22, 2009 05:52:03 PM
I believe everyone should chill out...because this may be President Obama face but not his body.
Get real...I am so glad we have a President that does not get involved with this foolishness. See why we must continue to pray for our President.
Posted by: Darlene, Apr 22, 2009 05:51:08 PM
Looks much better than James "poetin" Bond!
Grow up and leave the president and his family alone!
Posted by: Sparki, Apr 22, 2009 05:50:51 PM
You’re just critizing him because you’re FAT! And you know it.
Posted by: jmachoff, Apr 22, 2009 05:50:06 PM
Jeez, get over it guys. Just a photo of a proud guy in shorts. How is it tacky? How does it demean the Presidency? Get your priorities right - how about you celebrate the fact that you now have a smart, committed, caring guy in charge of your country, who is restoring the image of the USA overseas to way it once was.
Posted by: AussieKev, Apr 22, 2009 05:41:41 PM
I think it’s comical that so many of the comments are not well founded, i.e. stating things that don’t seem to be true if you read other bits of information out there about this picture. People need to start getting a life, the reason he can be filmed like this goes back to the obsessive nature "some" of us have for all things celebrity. Not his fault his photo was taken, not his fault people will buy it because of this. He’s a great man, with great vision. Leave everything else out of it.
Posted by: Fiona, Apr 22, 2009 05:36:07 PM
Does any american like to see their President shirtless on a magazine cover? How come you cannot understand the sentiments of your readers? is yours an American Magazine?
Posted by: Prabhakar, Apr 22, 2009 05:22:00 PM
Leave the man alone, for the love all that is good this poor chap has undertaken a job that any normal man would run a mile from. He works non-stop solving the problems of the world (that were not of his doing)and now you all have a massive go at him for having a swim. Get real and get on with your own lives.
Posted by: Chris from Ozzie, Apr 22, 2009 05:20:42 PM
i am loving the cover. it shows that it is not a necessity to be fat and out of shape to run a country. a lot of these douches commenting are just jealous because no one would even want to photograph them wearing a mumu! if the man has it let him flaunt it!
Posted by: XFM, Apr 22, 2009 05:18:25 PM
Cheap and tacky. You are undermining your own president’s image. Not something he needs when he is already under fire for being ’too young’, ’inexperienced’ etc. If this is an expression of your support you are way off!
Posted by: Lindsay, Apr 22, 2009 05:14:49 PM
Love it! Even conservatives have bodies; they just don’t look this good, therefore, they are jealous and hating it! He’s a man who presents a positive image and some people can’t stand it. Who says a President can’t flex his pecs as well as his brain. Grow up people!
Posted by: N-DC, Apr 22, 2009 05:10:36 PM
It’s not like he wanted to be splashed across a magazine cover in a bathing suit so quit blaming the poor man! It may be inaproppriate but nothing more than that. The magazine is just cashing in on the glamour associated with him, the glamour again something that is perceived by the people and not an image he is aiming to project.
Posted by: Alana, Apr 22, 2009 05:08:53 PM
one of your tasteless editors tried to justify this cover by pointing out that president kennedy appeared shirtless while out boating, but no credible news source ever disrespected mr. kennedy with a headline describing him as "HOT!" This cover undermines and diminishes mr. obama’s office and his presence as a world leader. this was a private moment that you exploited to sell copy. there’s no debate that mr. obama is an attractive, happily married, FATHER. you should have some class and leave it there.
Posted by: madelyne, Apr 22, 2009 05:07:41 PM
The photo is disrespectful of the man who is President. The photo should not have been printed, especially on the front.
There were certainly other more respectful pictures that would show a President in a relaxed mood.
Posted by: SUZY, Apr 22, 2009 04:51:04 PM
Go America!
In EUROPE we love your man, contrarily to the last guy. He sends a wave of good vibes through the world.
We are atarting to look up to you guys again.
And he looks good. Don’t make a fuss. Finally a president that’s a human being. :-)
Daan
Posted by: Daan, Apr 22, 2009 04:48:51 PM
He looks great - able to go out and enjoy a run to stay fit! It’s an excellent example for so many! He can’t control who’s snapping his photo at all times! Yeesh! We have bigger things to worry about for heavens sake!! Give it up people! Go Obama!
Posted by: Janelle, Apr 22, 2009 04:47:34 PM
Extremely fabulous. He may be the President but he is still irresitable. Appropriate?....another question.
Posted by: meggy, Apr 22, 2009 04:39:29 PM
Fidel Castro was right when he said President Obama showed signs of superficiality after the two of them met.
Posted by: VA, Apr 22, 2009 04:38:58 PM
Man.. please.. Can the guy walk in his shorts please?! Why all this fuz about it. This is tooo stupid
Posted by: T, Apr 22, 2009 04:38:13 PM
Come on, he’s the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. He should be putting more forethought into his actions. We’re just barely 100 day’s into his administration, and already he’s dropping what have previously been some of the highest restictions of decorum for governmental leaders for ill considered photo opportunities. I’ve seen photo’s of strung out clebreties stumbling into the promises rehab center that have disgusted me less than this. What’s worse is he’s the PRESIDENT and this is obviously the White House pool so he had to give the photographers to be in there to take the photo in the first place. I can quite honestly say that even living in Detroit and all of our mayoral problems even Kwame and his affair didn’t offend and embarrass me as much as this picture.
Posted by: Gavin, Apr 22, 2009 04:37:53 PM
It’s just a picture. What a happening. When he was totally naked, I’d make a point out of it. Never went to the beach or the swimming pool? I think that this magazine is selling way more issues than normally. Good marketing!
Posted by: Fleur, Apr 22, 2009 04:34:53 PM
Some of you Yanks are such prudes. You should see our guys in their Speedo ’Budgie Smugglers’ in Australia.
Posted by: Barry, Apr 22, 2009 04:30:51 PM
This is simply cheap obscenity from a master at it.
Posted by: Janek Ignace, Apr 22, 2009 04:24:55 PM
Disrespectful. Period.
Posted by: disrespectfulq, Apr 22, 2009 04:24:46 PM
I am someone who believes that we should support our President no matter what the situation is. The way President Bush has been treated is appalling. With this being said, it is amazing to me that the American citizens can stand by and allow for President Obama to become a celebrity who poses for pictures half-dressed and gives the Queen of England an Ipod with his speeches on it. It is time for a reality check America, Obama is the President of the United States and he is NOT starring in the next big Hollywood film.
Posted by: Caroline, Apr 22, 2009 04:24:23 PM
Virginia, I agree with your sentiment but disagree you acting like a val girl with all CAPS and more typos a non native could ever make.
Or were you just trying to be funny? If so, you failed miserably.
Now, I am a male and hetero, but I’d still rather watch topless Obama than topless Tarja Halonen (a.k.a. moominmamma) any day. THAT would be gross!
Joona Vainio
Hell-sin-city, Finland
Posted by: Joona, Apr 22, 2009 04:04:04 PM
This is disgusting... Enough! Why do we want to look at this? Stop the liberal shoving of the Obamas down our throats.
Posted by: SK, Apr 22, 2009 03:53:52 PM
I THINK THAT HE IS A NORMAL HUMAN BEEING AND HE LOOKS QUITE NICE WITH HIS BATHING SUIT.. I DO NOT GET OFFENDED TO SEE OUR PRESIDENT BEEING A SWIMMER OR A GOLFER OR A BASQUET BALL PLAYER... WE ARE IN THE 21ST CENTURY .... AND HE PERFORMS SO WELL HIS JOB AS A PRESIDENT... NO ONE DOES AS MUCH AS HE DOES IN 24 HOURS... HE WORKS NON STOP ..TAKE GOOD CARE OF HIS FAMILY ... IT IS SO REFRESHING TO SEE A LOVING COUPLE FULL OF LIFE IN THE WHITE HOUSE AND I WISH THEM THE BEST SUCCESS!
Posted by: VIRGINIA CORM, Apr 22, 2009 03:47:34 PM
Mary Ann,
The leaders around the world realized we HAD an idiot for a President for the past eight years. We’ve finally gotten a President with intelligence and finesse. Don’t be mad!
Posted by: Felicia, Apr 22, 2009 03:28:00 PM
This may be a shock to people, but the only reason a president has not been posted on a magazine cover shirtless, is the fact that people do not want to see an old, saggy man without his shirt on. This is one of the few young and in-shape presidents America has had. I know most people hate change, but get over it.
Posted by: alexa, Apr 22, 2009 03:15:12 PM
Did the POTUS have to give permission for the cover? What is he saying about it?
POTUS is from west wing. why fight the word, just dont use it.
I think Obama rocks. But his moobs do look a bit saggy.
Posted by: Obamafangurl55, Apr 22, 2009 03:07:06 PM
VERY inappropriate for the President of the United States of America to be portrayed shirtless on a magazine cover - CLASSLESS!!!!!
Posted by: debdash, Apr 22, 2009 03:02:16 PM
The Cover is awesome =) I’ll describe it in one word BEAUTIFUL =)
Posted by: JBailey, Apr 22, 2009 02:42:14 PM
I think you just needed a boost in circulation. Although I like and admire OUR PRESIDENT, I do not approve of the cover of your May issue. It is my belief that you have degraded the image of the office of the presidency. I hope you will not take this path again.
Posted by: Margaret S Austin, Apr 22, 2009 02:40:09 PM
HAHA! Good joke. Don’t you see he is making intentionally fun of Vladimir Putin, well known for his shirtless macho propaganda photos?
BTW, I’m 39 and I don’t have much body hair either except on my face, had, and strategic places. And I am European, not an Afro.
Joona Vainio
Helsinki
Posted by: Joona, Apr 22, 2009 02:39:42 PM
I have to say that it is disappointing to see how many small minded and annoying people are out there. Why is it a tacky picture? How is this disrespectful? Oh my goodness, our President is HUMAN! Heaven forbid he walk around on the beach without a shirt! How is he going to possibly run this country now?
Posted by: A PROUD AMERICAN, Apr 22, 2009 02:24:48 PM
Repellent. Both you and the cover.
Posted by: Megaera, Apr 22, 2009 02:19:05 PM
How gross and it proves why he would do this he is so in love with himself , for ever voted for this guy you really got duped!
Posted by: Alene, Apr 22, 2009 02:17:00 PM
wow this is shameful did we hire a celebrity or a president i am sicken that this is a magazine cover
such a lack of respect for america
Posted by: MJK, Apr 22, 2009 02:15:13 PM
It is undignified and just continues to make the US a laughing stock. Ridiculous.
Posted by: Angel R. Cole, Apr 22, 2009 02:13:17 PM
The only negative I see is that people may begin stalking the White House to get a glimpse of Mr. Prez coming out in a bathrobe to get the morning paper! ;-)
Posted by: LJ, Apr 22, 2009 02:08:57 PM
I think that people need to get a life. President Obama was put in this position by God. People need to be careful what they say concerning him and their actions towards him. Go President Obama! Keep on walking in God’s favor!
Posted by: Angela W. Boyd, Apr 22, 2009 02:05:07 PM
Well, that aren´t new in this time world.
Posted by: Nekron, Apr 22, 2009 01:58:22 PM
I think the photo is completely inappropriate Washingtonian Magazine should be forced to redo the may issue of the magazine.
Posted by: sk25, Apr 22, 2009 01:55:24 PM
POTUS SCHMOTUS
Posted by: hc, Apr 22, 2009 01:53:36 PM
Where is Chavez, Castro and Morales? He is supposed to be the President of the United States, not a pin-up......guess you got it right?
Posted by: Dennis, Apr 22, 2009 01:38:37 PM
Makes me glad I cancelled my subscription to the Washingtonian.
Posted by: Anon, Apr 22, 2009 01:33:59 PM
Awkward and undignified.
Posted by: Tiffany Threadgould, Apr 22, 2009 01:06:43 PM
Please, if you think Obama is good looking you need glasses. He has big ears, purple lips and a mole on his face. He is not attractive AT ALL. And his wife is a beast-she is fugly! I can’t see what people even seen in those two. UGLY AND UGLIER. Nasty cover. I would rather have a respected leader as Pres than this dolt we got.
Posted by: T San, Apr 22, 2009 01:02:14 PM
I believe you should be shame of yourself. The President should not be called "hot." Did you put Bush I, II on the conver with their shirts off.
White people always want to associate Black Men with sex.
Did you forget he has children? You need to say "I am sorry" to is wife and children.
Posted by: Anita, Apr 22, 2009 12:55:02 PM
The dude is fit! All politics and appropriateness aside, if it sends a message that it is cool for everyone, even the leader of the Free World to spend time to keep fit, that is a great message for our kids (and for those of us beyond the kid years).
Posted by: PA Dude, Apr 22, 2009 12:45:39 PM
POTUS SCHMOTUS.
Posted by: hc, Apr 22, 2009 12:44:26 PM
I saw the cover on a TV show last night and I wasn’t sure if it was real or not. Washingtonian has done some pretty daring covers in the past and I think this one will join the ranks. I like it. Gotta mix things up every once in a while, right?!
Posted by: Jesseka, Apr 22, 2009 12:35:44 PM
I feel sorry for him. It’s undignified and I’ll bet he is trés embarrassed about it.
Posted by: zippy the pinhead, Apr 22, 2009 12:33:34 PM
Totally inappropriate - no matter how good or bad the body...it is respect for the position he holds.
Posted by: Suzann, Apr 22, 2009 12:21:17 PM
Barack Obama is a good-looking man, I won’t deny it. Do I agree with putting this picture on the cover? I’m not sure.
However, I have something to say to all those of you who complain that publishing this picture disrespects the president’s privacy: Where were you the last 15 years?! If you had paid any attention whatsoever, you’d know by now that there’s no such thing as respect for a President’s private life anymore. Just look at all the stuff they did to President Bill Clinton, beginning with the personal attacks on him during the 1992 campaign; not to mention the way a private affair was being dragged out into the public in 1998, with no respect for his and his family’s private life whatsoever? Where was the outrage then?
Compared to that, I think putting a shirtless picture of a president on the cover of a magazine is harmless.
Posted by: Christy, Apr 22, 2009 12:19:27 PM
Good cover choice. I’m glad it’s not Wrinkle Bush Jr. t If you got, it show it. Don’t Hate the Player. Hate the Game. Checkmate to the Haters.
Posted by: DC Tonian, Apr 22, 2009 12:05:45 PM
Bringing in a new lease of life to scruffy Washington politics
Posted by: CHYKOPSKY, Apr 22, 2009 12:05:41 PM
What is the big deal!!! It is 2009, right? It’s just fine; what do people think one should wear at the beach!
Posted by: Matt Grippi, Apr 22, 2009 12:02:44 PM
Anyone who uses the POTUS acronym is irrelevant and absurd.
Posted by: md, Apr 22, 2009 11:56:41 AM
I never heard of Washingtonian before. So I guess it worked.
Posted by: Head Chingón, Apr 22, 2009 11:28:52 AM
This picture was taken back in December when he was in Hawaii. They changed the background, the color of his trunks and "bronzed" his complextion. I liked the original picture better...more natural.
Posted by: Debdu322, Apr 22, 2009 11:02:28 AM
A new low in media Obama-slobbering.
Posted by: Spare Mi, Apr 22, 2009 10:59:18 AM
This kind of relaxed way to tell news about top U.S politicians really emphasizes for Europeans that new era in the North American political environment has begun. After GWB this kind of political facelift is more than welcomed in the media.
Posted by: Scandinavian viewpoint, Apr 22, 2009 10:57:16 AM
The picture is boring (we’ve seen it before) and tasteless (its like the only way we can show our appreciation for the first black president is to declare him "hot" and "cool" and "smooth" and treat him as a sex object). The Washingtonian Magazine is also boring and tasteless, so it fits. I mean, come on...this is the magazine that profiles the city’s "power couples" every few months, LOL. I only read the magazine for the real estate listings. I used to read it for the personals (talk about hilarious), but those days are over. Only dorks seek to attain "legislative power."
Posted by: Ashley, Apr 22, 2009 10:57:14 AM
You guys should be damn proud of having a president who takes such care of his health and fitness! He is a magnificent role model for citizens all across the world, not least for bloated, oldfashioned politicians of Europe...
Posted by: Mr.Sweden from Sweden, Apr 22, 2009 10:53:07 AM
Sorry, all you Puritans out there, but there’s nothing wrong with this photo. The guy’s got a great physique, it’s a good photo, he’s a Washingtonian. And OBIVOUSLY it’s getting a reaction from everyone, which is the point of the whole thing after all, so I think it’s a great GREAT cover, Janks! Bravo!!
Posted by: Islander, Apr 22, 2009 10:42:56 AM
he’s damn fine
Posted by: the next monica lewinsky, Apr 22, 2009 10:39:30 AM
Please, people. Yes, it is not presidential to post such a picture, but, yes, we appreciate that our prez is fit. He did not pose for this; the paparazzi was just having a field day with their long lenses, and Washingtonian bought into it. That is OK.
This pix does not take away from the fact that Obama is getting a lot of policy work done. This does not detract from the fact that foreign leaders are really open to sitting down and having discussions with him because he is OPEN-MINDED! This does not lessen the fact that he and Michelle are well-respected.
So please, folks, get with the program. This is 2009. Paparazzi are lurking everywhere and survive by selling photos to the highest bidder (how much to Washingtonian pay???). The public has a salacious appetite for this kind of stuff. And Washingtonian magazine just wants to make a profit.
Posted by: Moi, Apr 22, 2009 10:38:03 AM
"Hot?" Juvenile. Washingtonian editors should be ashamed of themselves. This issue is obviously not aimed at me; the use of "hot" is for teens and "reality TV"-obsessed twentysomethings, not the well-educated, well-earning, professional audience Washingtonian touts itself as reaching. The same people who read Larry Van Dyne’s and John Pekkanen’s insightful articles and all the detailed how-to features are turned off by the absurdity of "our new neighbor is hot." Ugh!
Posted by: Kristin, Apr 22, 2009 10:37:43 AM
The photo reminds us that he is but another human like the rest of us. He’s probably the first guy in office for some time that is in halfway decent enough shape and that anyone would even consider using a picture of with no shirt. It is but a human body. People need to lighten up and get back in touch with themselves. Suits shout "talking heads". I think he is setting a good example for this obese nation.
Posted by: Just another american, Apr 22, 2009 10:30:33 AM
Wonderful! We here in Scandinavia have used to see men naked, so that is not a point. The point is that he is not oldfashioned and hypocritical person. Great!
Posted by: Tea Repo, Apr 22, 2009 10:29:34 AM
Ok, to address THE INITIAL REASON FOR THE COMMENTS...I’m torn, because there is literally no privacy anymore and Barack IS hot! lol.
However, there are far too many people who are making these ridiculous comments on this page, realize folks he’s been in office for...4 months and 3 days. Cut the crap. He IS YOUR President whether you like it or not. What exactly have YOU been doing to improve the state of YOUR OWN life? The man is working despite the criticism to build the US back up and all you can do is complain about his race, his politics, his life and sit on your butt and do nothing...congrats, you’re a jackass!
USA
Posted by: Angelica, Apr 22, 2009 10:23:49 AM
A poor choice. If you wanted to show the down-to-earth qualities of our "new neighbor" why not use the picture of President Obama sitting beside that young boy at the Wizards game last month? It shows him actually interacting with Washingtonians and--unlike the swimsuit photo--was taken here in town.
Posted by: my name IS earl, Apr 22, 2009 10:17:04 AM
So what would all have done ifr Hillary won, shown her in a skirt????? If this is the best in Washington, no wonder the place is a hot mess.
Posted by: Bobcat, Apr 22, 2009 09:50:34 AM
He looks real good, he is a great guy, he is sharp as a tack, loves a good laugh, is kind, reaches out to others first, works his butt off each day cleaning up after others who should be in prison for what they have done to our country....
So What if he is on a magazine cover looking fit and strong....seriously people wake up, there are lots of more important issues to get your knickers in a twist over !
I love DC, and even more so now that the Obamas are in the house !
Posted by: lori, Apr 22, 2009 09:43:55 AM
not a fan, cant we be more creative then this?
Posted by: emily, Apr 22, 2009 09:42:08 AM
YOU GUYS HAVE NO CLASS! WHAT A STUPID THING TO DO. A STUPID PUBLICITY STUNT ON YOUR PART. I DON’T REALLY CARE ABOUT WHETHER SOMEONE IS SHIRTLESS OR NOT, BUT MAGAZINES LIKE YOURS IS TURNING OUR PRESIDENT INTO A JOKE. HE DESERVES WAY MORE RESPECT THAN THIS FROM A STUPID MAGAZINE LIKE YOURS.
Posted by: WASHINGTONIAN SUX, Apr 22, 2009 09:29:46 AM
Perfect Hero! O BAMA Why did u joined in Politics. You are idle only for Films.
Posted by: Bharat CS, Apr 22, 2009 09:28:35 AM
Well, one thing is shire! Mr Obama is highly appreciated among europeans- as was Mr Kennedy in the past. No picture will change this fact! We stand behind him and believe, he will do a lot to make this world a better place to live!
He is by far the best thing americans have produced this century!
Posted by: From Finland with Love, Apr 22, 2009 09:21:36 AM
So NOT presidential. If there is a camera involved, Obama wants to be there. If there is a summit of foreign dictators, Obama wants to be there. If there is a press conference, he might be there--but not without the TIC (teleprompter-in-chief). If there is pizza in Timbuctu, and Obama remembers liking the crust, he brings the pizza to HIM.
B-HO has just never stopped campaigning. Each trip he takes costs millions of taxpayer dollars. There is Air Force 1, plus the decoy plane, and the Air Force cargo plane to cart his limo, plus the rest of his entourage.
At the G-20, B-HO took a helicopter trip, which required 29 other helicopters as "decoys." He is loving the fame, and issuing commands.
Big egomaniac? Who do you know that names their own dog after himself? BO. As in Barack Obama?
Do yourselves a favor by not doing that cover!
Posted by: sludgediva, Apr 22, 2009 09:08:11 AM
Is that really necessary? Let the man have a private moment.
Posted by: Calene W., Apr 22, 2009 09:03:52 AM
Personally I agree with the majority of the comments. This is the President of the United States, our President and quite frankly I am sick and tired of the media picking Pres. Obama and his wife apart as if they have nothing better to do! This is disgraceful and in poor taste, the Washingtonian is no longer on my list of top magazines that provide quality information. Not only should the editor-in-chief retract this publication, but they should issue and apology! This is ridiculous the President can’t even relax and have any privacy! Is this the Washingtonian or the Paparazzi???
Posted by: KLee, Apr 22, 2009 09:02:32 AM
For the idiots that think that he posed for this picture YOU ARE SOOOOO STUPID! It’s fine that you don’t like the man but really...I really doubt that he knew that this picture would be on the cover of this magazine or gave his permission for it to be used. By the way, HE IS WORKING or have you not paid attention. As for the magazine this is in poor taste and you can count me out when it comes to ever reading this publication again.
Posted by: me, Apr 22, 2009 08:44:18 AM
Old news - sorry, Washingtonian, but you are way behind the times. If this is all you have to do, you’ve convinced me never to visit your site again.
Posted by: Meryl, Apr 22, 2009 08:32:50 AM
To Cheryl:
I’m afraid you’re the only one making this a black issue. If Obama was white, his picture would still be on the cover of the magazine. It has nothing to do with "reducing black men to nothing more than sex." It has everything to do with the fact that he’s fit and looks good without a shirt on.
Why is it that it’s mostly blacks who always make every single thing about race? The things they whine about, nobody probably ever even thought about race until someone comes in like Cheryl here and starts preaching about how it’s all just a conspiracy to oppress black people. It’s just ridiculous.
Posted by: jonmar, Apr 22, 2009 08:27:17 AM
Bad move! Did the genuis behind this decision consider the rest of the world before letting this go to print? Shameful.
Posted by: chi, Apr 22, 2009 08:25:15 AM
Our President is HOT but that is true even when he is in a suit. However, the reasons he is hot are because of his intellect, sensitivity, compassion and composure. President Obama is a thinking man and his appeal is far more than physical (although his is very good-looking AND physically fit-a tough combination to ignore). I like the picture of the President on the beach but I don’t think it is appropriate to put on a magazine cover. It does disrespect him, the office and his family, particularyly, since he didn’t like the picture himself. We ought to give more respect and credence to the highest office in the world and the man who holds it.
Posted by: ann, Apr 22, 2009 08:24:49 AM
The magazine must be on the terrorist payroll. After all, Bin Laden has promised to destroy us financially, with his partner Obama, who has already embarrassed this country enough.
Posted by: vicki, Apr 22, 2009 08:24:46 AM
Washingtonian Magazine should be ashamed of itself. This is totally disrespectful to the Office of the Presidency as well as to this man’s family, especially his two young daughters. I agree with the many others who find this picture to be in poor taste and yet again, another strike against common sense and good judgement. Shame on you.
Posted by: Eve, Apr 22, 2009 08:13:55 AM
RIDICULOUS! Perhaps you should show a photo of him smoking. Funny how that never gets published. He is the President of the United States of American, perhaps someone should tell him to act like it. And by the way, his is NOT HOT!!!
Posted by: Saddened, Apr 22, 2009 08:13:06 AM
How many head of state is hot enough to be on the cover of a magazine? Americans should be proud to have a brain and beauty for President.
This should be considered as part of US soft power just like its culture.
Posted by: Lekan, Apr 22, 2009 08:06:27 AM
Forget the cover--I’m more annoyed by this POTUS acronym which seems to springing into us. Stop it. It’s beyond stupid.
Posted by: MTA, Apr 22, 2009 08:06:05 AM
This is completely disrespectful to both the man and the office. The leader of the free world should never be presented in this manner. It’s disgusting and irresponsible!
Posted by: Rebecca, Apr 22, 2009 08:02:04 AM
I’m from England and think it’s great that you have a president that appears so modern. Most Americans (I’m afraid many on this comment list) seem to have their heads so far up their own arses that they can’t see this. Get real.
Posted by: jon, Apr 22, 2009 07:58:26 AM
Great
Posted by: Kari, Apr 22, 2009 07:50:42 AM
Is this REALLY the #2 reason to love living in Washington? Honestly? A neighbor nobody ever sees? What a wasted opportunity to use the cover to highlight some of the genuine reasons to love living in DC.
Posted by: karenbear, Apr 22, 2009 07:43:17 AM
The picture shows complete disrespect for the office of President of the United States. I am sure the leaders around the world look at him and realize that the US is stuck with a tasteless, no class, naive, idiot for a President.
Posted by: Mary Anne, Apr 22, 2009 07:33:03 AM
Totally inappropriate use of this picture. He is the President and should not be placed on the cover shirtless.
Posted by: Foxy from Biloxi, Apr 22, 2009 07:31:53 AM
Truly disrespectful to the presidency! "Our president is hot?" How old are you? NOBODY LOVES DC BECAUSE OUR PRESIDENT IS HOT! What are you thinking over there? (Besides boosting circulation) Knowing this would create controversy when your staff put this together makes me (a long time advertiser and subscriber) very disappointed. I always thought your magazine was credible and admirable, until now. And the thought of you setting up this comment page to exploit your mistake even further, -just for publicity while you sit back and giggle, makes it that much worse. What is going on over there? Is this really the doing of long-time respected editor Mr. Limpert? Seems more like the work of a child playing with matches. And after that very same photo was frowned upon by Obama THEN, you put it on the cover and go out of your way to change the color of his shorts? Amazing. Degrading. Disrespectful. Tacky. Selfish.
Posted by: A Washingtonian, Apr 22, 2009 07:27:25 AM
If I looked like that I would take my shirt of too.
Posted by: Chicagoan, Apr 22, 2009 07:26:53 AM
As a Marketing professional, I get it. I know that there is a tendency to push the envelope for the sake of publicity and to ultimately gain sales.
However...the cover shows a total lack of disrepect for the man, his family, and his position as President of the United States. Satire is one thing. Mad magazine is famous for it. Washingtonian Magazine is not satire and should have stayed in their "lane" and not crossed over.
As a Black woman, I am offended because once again Black men are reduced to the level of sex. Forget the man’s brain, accomplishments and challenges to get this country out of the toilet. Nooo your pub would rather portray an image of a half-dressed Black man. Is that the only way that you see him. Better yet, is that the only way that you want to see him. I expected more from your publication.
Publications are suffering financially. Desperate times often call for desperate actions. This reeks of desperation and demonstrates complete disrespect.
Trust me...this will come back to haunt your publication and cost you readership. Now is not the time to risk losing readership. Just ask your colleagues who worked for newspapers and magazines who have been forced to go out of business.
Posted by: Cheryl, Apr 22, 2009 07:23:36 AM
Putting this picture of the President on the front of a magazine is not worthy of his Office. The editors’ lack of taste is quite disappointing. I’m not an "old stuffy" person, I am 23 years old, and a lot of people my age are so used to vulgarity that they only think of what you “can” do, not what you “ought” to do. Obviously the President is a real person, but he is not “average.” He holds the highest public office in the nation and as such it seems crass to use his image to sell magazines. If we’re encouraging young people to be healthy, and the President is a role model, is calling him “hot” going to send us the right idea about the meaning of health and body image? I’d like to see major publications focus on people’s intellect and culture rather than their looks.
Posted by: DK, Apr 22, 2009 07:12:28 AM
I love it!! Why not??!!!
Posted by: Krissy, Apr 22, 2009 07:12:16 AM
What’s the big deal? Kennedy was shown shirtless. It shows confidence in himself and some how makes him more like us. Go Obama!
Posted by: Lisa, Apr 22, 2009 07:11:26 AM
This is tasteless and disrespectful. I was a fan of the Washingtonian, but after this I will not purchase the magazine.
Posted by: JoAnn, Apr 22, 2009 07:05:29 AM
ARE YOU JEALOUS?????????? Finally someone hot to look at. You go Obama!!
Posted by: SALLIE B., Apr 22, 2009 06:59:24 AM
The topic has attracted 179 comments so far, an unusual number. That speaks for itself.
Posted by: Candadai Tirumalai, Apr 22, 2009 06:55:46 AM
I love it! I love you Mr.President :). People grow up and get a life. If you had a chance you would be all over that cover.
Posted by: Pamela Sue, Apr 22, 2009 06:49:35 AM
Washintonian magazine is an irrelevant and unimportant publication - so this cover is as equally irrelevant and unimporant. If the Economist or New Yorker put this photo on their cover, then it would be something to talk about. Nonetheless, its pretty pathetic and really shows how shallow some people can be (i.e. the people publishing this and the people who actually read it as a result of seeing the cover.)
Posted by: TMoney, Apr 22, 2009 06:48:59 AM
This picture deserves to be in one place only--the family vacation photo book! A private family moment the Obamas should want to reserve for themeselves instead of promoting their celebrity brand culture.
Posted by: Tina in Rockville, Apr 22, 2009 06:45:27 AM
Any comment from the White House about how the President feels about having his titties on the cover of the Washingtonian?
Posted by: Gil Gerard, Apr 22, 2009 06:40:44 AM
I’m not personally offended by the cover pic, and I’m not particularly attracted to it either. I do, however, think that the POTUS should be shown a bit more respect than this. This cover says more about the magazine than it does the president.
Posted by: kb, Apr 22, 2009 06:38:08 AM
Being the "sexiest president" is like being the astronaut with the best singing voice: Irrelevant. It’s cute the staff at "Teen Beat" got their dreamy new crush onto the cover, though.
Oh wait, we’re talking about a magazine for grownups???? My mistake.
Posted by: slurpeeman, Apr 22, 2009 06:37:02 AM
I love it. No more old stuffy white house president. All the outraged folks on here should checkout your closets or take a look in the mirror.
Posted by: Marce, Apr 22, 2009 06:34:11 AM
It’s awkward and uncomfortable. I can’t imagine the "hot new neighbor" in the White House is excited about this photo being on the cover.
Posted by: celia j jonas, Apr 22, 2009 06:31:20 AM
I think it’s pathetic! I find this to be so disrespectful. He is the President, show some respect! The way the media has handled Obama has truly made me embarrassed to be an American. It’s an outrage. He IS NOT a celebrity! He’s a politician... Bad taste, then again, that’s what American’s are know for across the world! Thanks Washingtonian for solidifying their opinion of us... Well done in the proverbial AMERICAN style... Is this the CHANGE that he was talking about? I have never regretted voting for any president in the past, I can say I whole heartedly regret voting for Obama as I feel I contributed to this type of ignorance.
Posted by: Jerry, Apr 22, 2009 06:30:39 AM
Has the Washingtonian ever run a paparazzi photo on the cover before? Just curious.
Posted by: bugsy, Apr 22, 2009 06:28:35 AM
Way out of line. Morals? Show respect for the office of President of USA.
Posted by: appalled, Apr 22, 2009 06:23:09 AM
I LIKE THE COVER!
so, he looks good w/o a shirt AND he is our president- hooah!
he is a real person- who goes to the beach and wears swim trunks.
i think he is young and if he can get away with this, then WHY NOT?
good grief.
Posted by: deb, Apr 22, 2009 06:22:19 AM
So gay.
Posted by: George210, Apr 22, 2009 06:20:33 AM
Gross. Undignified.
Posted by: b_hickman, Apr 22, 2009 06:15:52 AM
Can you not fight american obesity someother way? We don’t need to be shown Obamas body to remind us that not all americans are overweight.
I hope there is a law to prevent German newspapers from publishing an image of their Prime Minister in the same fashion as Obama!!
Posted by: 1los, Apr 22, 2009 06:15:24 AM
Ummmm....I agree with all opposed to this being on the cover of a decent magazine. The President deserves to be respected. He’s not some movie star on the cover of a pathetic tabloid, he’s the Commander in Chief. I certainly don’t endorse this and I wonder if he did.
Posted by: Pumpernickle, Apr 22, 2009 06:09:15 AM
Who is that chick?
Posted by: funny, Apr 22, 2009 06:07:12 AM
relax people! it could have been mcpain!!!!
presidents cannot sun bathe? this absurd presidential protocol is a thing of the past!
we have a COOL, SHARP, GOOD LOOKING, SEXY COUPLE IN THE WHITE HOUSE...and they are YOUNG!!!
and if they want to bare shoulders and chest! i am all for it!!
Posted by: lola, Apr 22, 2009 05:58:01 AM
Repulsive. Your poor quality magazine continues to fuel the pop sensation that is the Obama Administration. Ridculous.
Posted by: Atlanta, Apr 22, 2009 05:35:14 AM
The cover of the May issue of Washingtonian magazine is COMPLETELY inappropriate. Mr. Obama is the president of the United States of America NOT a model, actor, or singer who ordinarily have pictures like this taken of them (known or unknown). The picture speaks poorly of the U.S. and disgraces the President. I am appalled that Washingtonian would even consider putting this picture in the magazine more less on the cover of the magazine.
Posted by: a.r.r., Apr 22, 2009 05:27:11 AM
This is our national leader. Give him the respect he deserves. This is outrageous. This should never be on the cover of a "decent" magazine. This really disgusts me and I am appalled that the editors would let this be on the cover.
Posted by: Bobby, Apr 22, 2009 05:16:07 AM
This is very UNpresidential! Our country is falling apart on his watch! He needs to get to work!
Posted by: Pat, Apr 22, 2009 04:59:51 AM
The President is a 47 year old man who keeps himself in good physical shape.. Great! He is also one smart guy who can articulate and communicate. Now all he needs is for Tiger Woods to give him private golf lessons and his Bulls to beat those Celtics and it will be a great month.!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Danpa, Apr 22, 2009 04:44:58 AM
It is (still) the economy, stupid. Let us not be distracted by this trivial stuff.
Posted by: Azteca, Apr 22, 2009 04:34:36 AM
Next month -let’s see Michelle in a thong bikini...if this cover didn’t make you sick - that would!
Posted by: sy , Apr 22, 2009 03:54:41 AM
Trashy...not an Obama fan - but the office of the President deserves respect
Posted by: sry, Apr 22, 2009 03:51:36 AM
To Debbie Roberts: The President of the United States cannot go to the beach? Is the President supposed to wear a his suit and tie to the freaking beach? Apparently, common sense does not come into play for you so I will explain: he didn’t pose for this picture so it could be put on the cover of Washingtonian.
I think it’s a great picture, Photoshop or not, but definitely one this magazine should not have put on the cover. The magazine should have used better judgment.
Posted by: Carlie, Apr 22, 2009 02:57:47 AM
The Washingtonian seems to be completely degenerated and is in this sense representative for the state of the Union as a whole.
Posted by: John Smith, Apr 22, 2009 01:56:58 AM
D.C. may now be Obama-nation, but this is an abomination!
Posted by: lawman, Apr 22, 2009 12:02:27 AM
I swear, I saw Newt Gingrich on Saturday April 18, 2009 and he went into Burrito Brothers on Capitol Hill. Case closed!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Uswdc, Apr 22, 2009 12:01:23 AM
come on now people he is not a movie star he is the president of our country. lets give him some privacy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i don’t think he wants to remebered as the pres. with his shirt off on the cover of a magazine but as a man who made some CHANGES and inspired people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: jennyfer, Apr 21, 2009 11:44:10 PM
Ah, once again.. Oh how the Obots love the tabloid Obama.
Posted by: morninmist, Apr 21, 2009 10:53:04 PM
Why can’t you media chow hounds leave this guy alone, stop intruding on his life and let him have some down time???? Will you beasts stop at nothing?? You traveling dogs in packs are so ignorant. Go bother someone else.
Posted by: Linda B., Apr 21, 2009 10:50:50 PM
Behold the Sock & Crock Cowboy...
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e196/samplegirl/bushcrocs.jpg
Posted by: Samp, Apr 21, 2009 10:41:28 PM
I think it’s horrible. The office of the presidency should be treated with more dignity than this. Like him or not, he is the president and should be treated like a professional and the leader of the free world, not some move star in California. I think that it is innapropriate.
Posted by: DBH, Apr 21, 2009 10:18:01 PM
To start- the head and neck are out of proportion when compared to the actual photograph. Also, notice the subliminal message on his right thigh (next to the "wadded up T shirt). It may help to look at it upside down. What does that bunch of fabric look like to you? Is that the way normal fabric bunches up whilst walking? Compare the shadowy folds of these red trunks with those of his black ones in the original photo. Manipulated with Photoshop. Don’t be deceived by advertising, people!
Posted by: M, Apr 21, 2009 10:15:10 PM
Oh come on Republicans get over your jealousy. We cant help it if Bush did fake cowboy photo-ops!!! Much less his famous socks & crocks pictures.
Posted by: samplegirl, Apr 21, 2009 10:07:30 PM
It is scary that we have someone leading our country that does not have better judgement than this. I can only hope and pray that he will use better judgement in the important things.
Posted by: Debbie Roberts, Apr 21, 2009 10:01:42 PM
TOO DAMN SKINNY!!!!
Posted by: BJ, Apr 21, 2009 09:54:22 PM
He is hottttt! but this is the great US of America so everybody is entitled to their own opinion. I for only like the picture. I do not see anything wrong with it. You go Michelle!!! you are married to a hottie.
Posted by: Roxanne, Apr 21, 2009 09:26:45 PM
Congratulations Washingtonian magazine; Everyone else is jealous because you got the one picture they couldnt get... This just shows that he is as human as the rest of us. Maybe in better shape than many men want to admit, (Even my fat ass belly) and they cant read their own wives minds, who’re probably muttering under their breath; He needs to get off his Fat ass and "Get a Body", like President Obamas, You Fat Pigs. Obama is the man damnit, face it, and It’s all good. Wealth does not a slob make; They want to eat everything in sight and "Criticize" the rest of the world as a way of life. Fade Out and blow away in the wind.
Posted by: Wyatt King, Apr 21, 2009 09:16:00 PM
This is an insult to the Office of the President!!! Very irresponsible on the part of Washingtonian.
Posted by: a bystander, Apr 21, 2009 09:11:03 PM
Our president is HOT!!! It’s about ime we got some young blood inthe whitehouse.
Posted by: Deborah Carter, Apr 21, 2009 09:07:13 PM
WOW!HOT!!!!!!!
Posted by: Diva, Apr 21, 2009 09:00:41 PM
awwww ohhhhh YES!
Posted by: Miami_Diva, Apr 21, 2009 08:59:04 PM
This is about as tacky as anything I’ve seen in Washington, and that’s pretty hard to do. But, I suppose that’s to be expected in this town. This is the type of picture to be displayed on a tabloid at the front of the grocery store, not on what I thought was a 1/2 reputable magazine cover. Then, even that wasn’t good enough, you had to doctor the picture. You disgust me and I’ll never bother to read your mag again. In fact, I only got on this website to send this message.
Posted by: southerngirl, Apr 21, 2009 08:55:22 PM
He looks great!!!!.
Posted by: Ann, Apr 21, 2009 08:38:47 PM
I was shocked when I saw this old internet photo horribly photoshopped on your cover. What a tremendous disrespect to the man, his family and his office. Thank goodness my subscription ran out.
Posted by: kw, Apr 21, 2009 08:32:36 PM
Yo, if dude aint complaining about the pic, why is everyone else. My Daddy is a preacher and he has had a lot of women in the church. He wouldn’t mind showing his body at all. Actually, I expect to see it in the next monthly newsletter. We open to all of that. It just a body.
Give it a break and a rest.
Posted by: South Ga. preacher son, Apr 21, 2009 08:30:24 PM
I voted for Obama and I think this cover is totally inappropriate.
The editor should be reprimanded by his superiors for having such poor judgment in this selection.
Posted by: richard, Apr 21, 2009 08:24:37 PM
Washingtonian, Awesome! How refreshing for once to see a US president so able to lead this great nation in more than one way. There is an ellegance about him. It is so easy to critise instead of looking at the possitive. Good for you, that you were there at the perfect time to take this picture.We should be so proud, after all, the mojority did vote for him!
Posted by: Amparo, Wisconsin, 4-21-09, Apr 21, 2009 08:19:18 PM
Most people who are against this cover are just hypocrites who believe that the human "body" is dirty. Those people are the ones that have a ’dirty’ mind because are making such a big deal out of this. He is human and has a body like everyone else. Get a life and worry about more important things like ’your own business’!
Posted by: John Francois, Apr 21, 2009 08:12:52 PM
Oh get over it! He is on vacation, having fun with his family and not entertaining a White house guest.
Even in my sixty’s I still know a young, healthy, fit, handsome man when I see one.
And in my opinion, he is a respectful President of the United States that we can be proud of in may ways. He personally places his family in a high position and one can see that when ever he is captured with them. He is a wonderful man that has got America moving and I look forward to see what he can do, He is president in one of the hardest times of our country and he is doing the best he can. I can tell you right now he will have a lot of gray hairs when his term ends. Which I hope to be eight years. I’m glad he is young, healthy and fit. An older man may not be able to handle the stress as well. Oh hell, the ones that are sounding off are probably 90% men that are jealous they don’t look as good in swim trunks, and have his intelligence. Believe, he works hard on fitness and he worked even harder on his intellect.
Michelle, you have some kind of man there! Be proud of him! By the way, you are beautiful! I don’t care if you did touch the Queen, she probably needs to be touched more often.
Posted by: Diane, Apr 21, 2009 08:07:35 PM
I know it is inappropriate but he is very hot, especially the abs and the legs. Most 47 yr old men just aren’t in that kind of shape and most politicians are just flat out hideous.
It’s almost surreal that anyone is that attractive, intelligent, powerful and charismatic.
Posted by: Mara, Apr 21, 2009 07:59:03 PM
Get over it - it’s 2009 and we have a "HOT" president!
Posted by: Sue from Missouri, Apr 21, 2009 07:47:29 PM
Hey Im all about that! Maybe Obama can inspire people to take a step to get off their lazy butts and work out. Kennedy use to be taking pictures with his shirt off all the time and no one was complaining and how long ago was it??? Just get over it people and let’s worry about I don’t know the ECONOMY! Let the man walk around with shirtless on a warm day after a long day at work. Plus he lived in Hawaii shirtless is a way of life!
Posted by: Carla, Apr 21, 2009 07:47:26 PM
Outragious. No repsect for the office of the President of the United States; are you that desperate that you need ot create controversy in order to sell your magazine? I thought Washingtonian would have higher standards; I will start reading Capitol File...
Posted by: hotbox, Apr 21, 2009 07:46:48 PM
honestly i don’t have a problem with someone showing there body but in a position as high as he holds he should start to think about his professional appearance before his beach appearance.
Posted by: carlin, Apr 21, 2009 07:46:22 PM
I feel it is absolutely absurd how the president of the USA have been turned into a marketing scheme. Never, in the history of this country has there been more merchanising for a president. Coins, magizines, tshirts, caps, and the list goes on! Please, stop the insanity...he’s the president not a rap star or something.
Posted by: bowtilady, Apr 21, 2009 07:39:28 PM
Our bodies mean nothing. What matters is our character, principles, humor, and our acceptance of others. It is a good idea to seek physical fitness because such fitness enables one to do their best at what they do. Erotica is in our minds and our imagination. Our bodies mean nothing. Thank you, Washingtonian, for allowing us to see our president exercising his right to dress down for a day of fun.
Posted by: lifeisgood5, Apr 21, 2009 07:26:42 PM
I have mixed opinions about this picture. I truly admire Barack and his family. I agree that he is a good looking man, however I think that it is a disgrace to our country to market Barack in such a fashion as this. Our world is in crisis and this is the most prominent man in the world. I feel that a conservative, hometown magazine should portray Barack with the dignity, strength, and intellect that he and our country deserve.
Posted by: Carmen, Apr 21, 2009 07:25:27 PM
Norma, thank you for clearing that up pec’s not boobs, yes he is President but he promise change would come to Washington, he didn’t promise that we would all like the change. As for the magazine it is in business to sell magazines. I had more of a problem with the New Yorker magazine cover than this one.
Posted by: Donald, Apr 21, 2009 07:21:18 PM
Hey, at least it isn’t Angela Merkel on the cover.
Posted by: Ricardo, Apr 21, 2009 07:14:35 PM
OMG, you all need to go back to the UK where you can be part of the puritanical protocol of not touching the queen. He is a young, good looking man in more than appropriate swim trunks on a family vacation who happens to be the POTUS. He didn’t pose for the pic, GET OVER IT! (He is HOT! Oh, and man boobs? Those are well defined pec’s honey!
Posted by: Norma in Nashville, Apr 21, 2009 07:13:35 PM
Hey, at least it isn’t Angela Merkle.
Posted by: Ricardo, Apr 21, 2009 07:11:28 PM
Again, it’s all about money. Not about taste and
respect for the President and his family. This picture is totally inappropriate!!!! Who cares what Obama looks like under his shirt? What matters is
how he puts a new face on the U.S. which has long been damaged. Then you come up with this...actually sabotaging his agenda. Shame on you! This picture derails the process and shows that Americans don’t respect their president. You guys couldn’t wait to undress him right? For profit right? PURE CRAP! This could only happen in the U.S. And I think it’s subterfuge.
Thank you for letting this Canadian have her say.
Posted by: Mary Bidinost, Apr 21, 2009 07:07:19 PM
I think it’s fantastic!
Posted by: Pammie, Apr 21, 2009 06:59:57 PM
This photo is completely inappropriate. You obviously need reminded he is President of the United States. He deserves to be represented with far more respect than this. He is not just the new guy in the neighborhood!
Posted by: Lesli J, Apr 21, 2009 06:44:12 PM
P.S.
After venting in a post earlier today, I still felt that something else needed to be said about your cover. Here is what finally crystallized about it. The cover disrespects the First Family. The POTUS has a wife and two daughters. He is a married man and a father. Everything about them suggests they value their marriage and family.
Your cover unnecessarily depicts the POTUS as an object of sexual fantasy in order to gain attention for the magazine. Hence, it is a cheap marketing ploy.
Also, consider what are you also are suggesting about the best reasons to visit Washington, DC. How irresponsible you folks are. What about the kids in the city. Your message to them is as low and demeaning as the blatantly vulgar lyrics of many hip-hopper records.
You have made your magazine part of a major social problem confronting us all but especially confronting kids of the Have Nots. If you don’t understand this, if you don’t have the common decency to apologize to the nation, then the magazine needs new management and staff.
Posted by: oyoung54, Apr 21, 2009 06:42:47 PM
This is our president for peaks sake. Yes, he is a man, agreed. Father/husband etc., agreed. But he is also our leader and to pimp him and his image is just plan digraceful and inappropriate.
Posted by: YoungDC, Apr 21, 2009 06:37:41 PM
Gaaaaahhhhhhhh...
He has man-boobs. I think this photo is in bad taste. Really bad taste. Incredibly bad taste.
Posted by: marty, Apr 21, 2009 06:30:59 PM
A President should not be portrayed this way. A stolen photo should not make cover.
Posted by: Gracie, Apr 21, 2009 06:28:36 PM
’tis much ado about nothing. you probably could have saved yourselves the furor (but then again did you really want to) if you’d left the president’s shorts the original black and made the cover background maroon.
Posted by: brigidq, Apr 21, 2009 06:27:16 PM
I’ve never seem anyone with firm abs but floppy man boobs at the same time. Weird.
Posted by: zappul, Apr 21, 2009 06:20:51 PM
I just feel uncomfortable looking at it. It’s awkward and uncomfortable.
Posted by: bugsy, Apr 21, 2009 06:19:27 PM
Your photo cover is tasteless and disrespectful. It is, indeed, a tabloid photo, and you know it. Yes, President Obama and his family are fine models of a healthy lifestyle; however, that is quite beside the point that you have tarnished the dignity of the office, particularly at a time when we have such serious issues to discuss. I realize that serious issues are not your purpose or forte; but as a publication in the nation’s capital, you should not drag the symbolism of the office, nor the dignity of the man who holds it, through the journalistic muck. - You are clearly getting what you wanted, a roaring fun international controversy, and even your solicitation of online comments reeks of your intention to have a good time of it.
Posted by: C. Seaton, Apr 21, 2009 06:16:04 PM
down to earth,just like anyone in a swim suit.nothing offensive about this picture at all.
Posted by: mab, Apr 21, 2009 06:04:28 PM
WOW! LOL - I wonder what Obama thinks of the cover.
Posted by: LaLa, Apr 21, 2009 06:03:06 PM
Come on you idiots,there is not a thing wrong with this picture. It’s probably all white people that are racists. He is human,also a husband & a Father.There is nothing for anyone to blow it all out of proportion about. Who says he can’t wear swim trunks? At least his are much more appropriate than you see on most men. He is a very clean cut,healthy man. Be proud of him. I am & I am white.
Posted by: JoAnn, Apr 21, 2009 05:59:56 PM
This cover is uncalled for. Washingtonian is a DISGRACE.
Posted by: Saint Jayes, Apr 21, 2009 05:59:52 PM
Distasteful on the magazines part. He certainly was not posing for this photo.
Posted by: GSBrown, Apr 21, 2009 05:55:59 PM
WOW. President Obama is brilliant and fine as wine. He has shown the world his love and respect for his wife and children. I wish more men were like President Obama. Maybe more of our families would still be together. I can see both positives and negatives about publishing the photo but, if it will motivate more men to take care of themselves, their women and children, I would say it was well worth it. I’m not a reader of the magazine but, I can’t wait until April 23rd arrives, I’m purchasing this copy for sure. What a man. Thank you President Obama and First Lady Michelle.
Posted by: Joyce M., Apr 21, 2009 05:50:29 PM
WE have encouraged health and wellness in our city.
President exemplifies those characteristics in the slim, healthy photo.
A great example to the young, the old, the rich to pursue healthy living and to the grumpies who are the biggest complainers . . . not at President Obama, but actually at themselves.
Posted by: J. Adam Jefferson, Apr 21, 2009 05:33:00 PM
He is not hot. He is too skinny. And his authoritarian speeches sound like my DAD is lectuing me about my behavior. I am SO over Obama! Why do you guys always try to make us like a pres. by trying to convince us that they are hot, and make us dislike one wby trying to convice us that they are ugly? You are dumb. But then so are the people cuz they pay attention to your mindless crap.
Posted by: Marg, Apr 21, 2009 05:24:43 PM
Distasteful, disrespectful and inappropriate photo. Where is the respect for the man or the office?
Posted by: Dee, Apr 21, 2009 05:20:43 PM
i love this cover! i’m a sixtyish woman and don’t find one single thing wrong with a picture of a handsome man who just happens to be president on your cover. what a treat after looking at stupid and vapid-(and nearly universally fat) republicans for the last eight years. if you put a similar pix of newt gingrich on your cover you’d be out of business tomorrow.
Posted by: linda, Apr 21, 2009 05:17:20 PM
I am sure glad that it was not Bush, Chaney or McCain on the cover with trunks. However, if Obama does not approve of the picture, then all publishers should consider his opinion. We need to realize that Obama is human and he wants to enjoy his life with his family on vacation. But, I guess there are some that expect Obama to appear on the beach or the pool with a suit.
Posted by: Tina, Apr 21, 2009 05:03:11 PM
Yikes! I am a Washingtonian of 40+ years and now I think I have seen it all. I find this cover distasteful and disrespectful of the high office and real Washingtonians. What happened?
Posted by: Sammy, Apr 21, 2009 04:57:04 PM
Here we go again, In your zest to put some humanity in an office that has been out it for such a long time, you have belittled the office and the man. Whatsmore, I am left asking, when will white folks stop feeling as if they can take liberties with Black men in particular. Despite some of the right wing attitudes out there today, the nation is no longer a plantation. A little respect, please!
Posted by: Jim Harvey, Apr 21, 2009 04:55:54 PM
Tacky and disrespectful to the president. Way to stoop to the Enquirer’s level.
Posted by: D, Apr 21, 2009 04:53:46 PM
I seem to remember the President was extremely upset about this picture being taken soooo you put him on the cover, no respect this a young family man with wife and young children who go to school and may have to deal with this.But nothing matters except trying to exploit the dignity of the President. If show no respect then don’t expect the public to be supportive of this. In the past month we have episode of mass murders news concerning whole families being slaughered
and most the most important you can do is concentrate on the president in his swim suit? Have you no shame? I think back to the days when
the washington post mag show no respect and effort was made to take them and throw them in front of the Post, I hope this will happen, wise up this no joke. The Obamas are to classy to deal with this but the surrogates are figuring out a plan
Posted by: E, Apr 21, 2009 04:50:12 PM
shame on you for pandering. should have taken the high road. pix of him in swim trunks? can’t control that. on a mag cover? cheesy. he’s trying to raise our image. What RU trying to do? Rhetorical question. I believe we all know what you were thinking.
Posted by: jane, Apr 21, 2009 04:42:26 PM
This cover is completetly disrespectful to the (office of the) President and his family. As an American, I am embarrassed that you would display him in this (tacky) manner. You are obviously desperate for readership. To describe the President as "hot" shows an extreme lack of courtesy and class, regardless of how he looks. Shame on you!
Posted by: cindy, Apr 21, 2009 04:30:37 PM
racism at its highest,black cannot be just smart and successful; they must be "Sexy or rather sensual. Give the black man a break.Have your magazine ever published a picture of former president in thei swim trunk?... I forgot they were all white.
Posted by: Gladys, Apr 21, 2009 04:21:11 PM
OBAMA WASN’T HAPPY WITH THIS. EVEN SO...WHAT A HUNK MICHELLE HAS!!! AND WHAT A TERRIFIC PREZ HE’S BECOME!!!!!!!!!! FLOTUS IS ALSO DOING OUR COUNTRY PROUD!!!
Posted by: BARB GAFFNEY, Apr 21, 2009 04:18:24 PM
My God!!! Or should I say Obamagod. He is not!!! Quit trying to make him "all that. Are you competing with The Enquirer? Doing a good job at that. Report on his experience, oops, can’t do that, he has none. Very tasteless.
Posted by: Kathy, Apr 21, 2009 04:07:29 PM
...what next??? Michelle in a bikini???...this magazine cover is waaaay too personal and inappropiate.
Posted by: Cynthia, Apr 21, 2009 04:03:53 PM
Justine...please don’t speak for me....I don’t like the guy....sorry
Posted by: Penny, Apr 21, 2009 03:59:42 PM
I don’t see any appeal here what-so-ever....it’s actually kind of gross....sorry
Posted by: pcc, Apr 21, 2009 03:57:39 PM
Please don’t speak for me....I’m part of the "woman kind" and I think he’s gross....sorry...don’t see the appeal there at all.
Posted by: Pcc, Apr 21, 2009 03:56:08 PM
I thought the cover was much more than disrespectful; in my opinion I think you played right into the hands of the Rush L world~those who want to go far beyond trivialization and into hate mongering. I say that because you have emphasized his sexuality by making his skin glisten as though it were oiled; you made his trunks red hot and darkened his skin considerably. Rush L and many of his followers, in my opinion are deeply prejudiced against this black man being president even though most won’t admit it is the source of their anger.
I know this because I grew up in the south, have several family members who follow Rush religiously and cannot abide the thought that a black man is in the white house.
I have always enjoyed looking at a friends copy of the Washingtonian and will continue to do so. But this departure into sleezy photojournalism is offensive and I think you owe your readers but more importantly the President, the First Lady and their children a sincere apology.
Thanks for asking.
Posted by: Lily31, Apr 21, 2009 03:51:14 PM
I would think this photo would never even warrant consideration for your cover——for no other reason than the quality of the photograph. Usually your covers feature sharp, high-quality professionally-shot photos that are expertly lit. This is a poorly-focused, over-enlarged snapshot taken for a great distance with a telephoto lens. As a magazine art director myself, this photo would never have gotten even a moment’s consideration from me.
(Awful clipping path around his head, btw.)
Posted by: b_hickman, Apr 21, 2009 03:39:13 PM
Inappropriate - sad, sad that you chose to put that photo on your cover. Another case of the Paparazzi up to no good. Puts your mag very low on my list. You are making yourself into what turns me off in our good old US of A.
Posted by: Paula, Apr 21, 2009 03:24:02 PM
I do believe we should all agree that he is not NAKED, he is wearing swin trunks at the beach. gosh people. HTH
Posted by: Donald, Apr 21, 2009 03:18:15 PM
it is ok to protray the president in his swim trunks he is human this shows that the status-quo in america and the old guards are dying out.it is time for a new day in america i have no problem with the picture as long as he has his morals intact and is a happily married and family man and uphold the values of this country up.we need to stop being so prudish and grow up also i agree he is the most attractive president besides kennedy and bill clinton we have seen in a generation and he is smart and focused so this dont ruffle his feathers leave the magazine alone and let them sell their subscriptions which will no doubt sellout i am definitely buying one or two.
Posted by: gwen, Apr 21, 2009 03:16:39 PM
Living where I do I do not see this periodical on a regular basis.....and it’s tacky, disrespectful of
the Office of the Presidency of the United States.
Pretty pathetic of the Washingtonian. You should know better. It certainly doesn’t help raise the image of Americans which I am very proud to be one.
With all the positive things that could be shown, that you chose Mr. Obama in a relaxed moment, one in which he is certainly intitled, is sad, very sad.
Posted by: Ruth, Apr 21, 2009 03:11:49 PM
Think of one person you love and respect most, now would you like to see his or her naked photo posted on the door of your favorite restaurant?
Agreed, President’s life is very exposed, and there will be opportunities to make money in future, but, you people need to show respect and restrain your greed to make money. Set a good example to your children.
Posted by: v, Apr 21, 2009 03:06:12 PM
Well, I think the President looks great and is in great shape. So I think its positive....there did not seem all this buzz when it was the Russian President was photographed in such a way! Our president is great all around. He’s smart, classy, spiritual, humble and again obiviously takes care of himself and his health! So go President Obama....and lets all pray for his success in leading this awesome country we live...instead of always loooking for something to gripe about!
Posted by: EH, Apr 21, 2009 03:00:21 PM
So the #2 reason to live in Washington is the nudists?
Posted by: bugsy, Apr 21, 2009 02:59:38 PM
I think the cover is as new and refreshing as the first black president. President Obama is atletic and the picture was taken when he was in Hawaii and at that time it was reported that a telephoto lense was used on a camera over 300 yards away or some craziness like that, don’t blame the President if America loves him or if a magazine prints a picture of him. All of you haters have to remember there will be other elections, the GOP get’s it act together they may win a few. I LOVE IT, HTH
Donald
Posted by: Donald, Apr 21, 2009 02:59:31 PM
Warren G. Harding was considered to be quite handsome in his day and look what he did: drive the country into the shitter. Handsome does not make you a good president.
Posted by: Mrs. Harding, Apr 21, 2009 02:56:10 PM
Obviously, I like the photo but don’t think it’s appropriate to have single women fawning over half naked photos of our married President. Perhaps I’m old fashioned but I believe that Presidents should be photographed fully clothed. Would you show photos of Queen Elizabeth in a bikini? Also, how is it you never showed similar photos of any other President? I’m sure it’s not because Obama is the "hottest." As a Senator, yes. As a President, we need to show more respect.
Posted by: JP, Apr 21, 2009 02:55:32 PM
Tasteless! President Obama should be given the respect he deserves, instead of turning him into a bathing suit hot model.
Posted by: sharon okolicsanyi, Apr 21, 2009 02:49:37 PM
The words "sexy" and "president" have no business appearing together. People get all worked up because he is attractive, but it’s really a worthless trait in a chief executive. We need a person with wisdom and leadership——neither of which has much to do with "sexy."
Think about it: Mount Rushmore wasn’t carved to honor our dreamiest presidents.
Posted by: b_hickman, Apr 21, 2009 02:44:09 PM
As an avid reader of Washingtonian I have always viewed the magazine as my "go-to source". Whether I’m looking for a new restaurant or looking to get out of the city, I have always found something in the Washingtonian that is useful and reliable.
In my opinion, and it is just that, an opinion, this cover is inappropriate, unnecessary and disrespectful to the Presidency as an institution, and to the President himself. In a time where this country needs to be concerned with its global image, slapping an US-magazine quality photo of the President in swimming trunks and less-than-perky pecks is not going to do us any justice across the pond.
As an American and as a Washingtonian, I am embarrased by this cover.
Posted by: hoyavamp, Apr 21, 2009 02:36:09 PM
Let’s review basic magazine marketing 101. Black cover with screaming white letters to stand out on the newstand - check. A little red to draw more attention - check. A half naked person - check. Oh, and make him the President of the United States - double check.
Yes indeed, you did it! You successfully morphed into the tackiest "People like US who like to Inquire" we’ve ever seen. DC deserves better.
Posted by: GJG, Apr 21, 2009 02:16:23 PM
i think it is tacky...did any california mags post pics of arnold shirtless...ugh. come on now - washingtonian - u can do better.
Posted by: ros, Apr 21, 2009 02:11:20 PM
Whoever thinks she speaks for all women, doesn’t speak for me. This is another way of showing us how tacky he is.
Posted by: Laura, Apr 21, 2009 02:05:45 PM
In my opinion your Obama cover is frivolous vapid fluff. That being said I’m not offended I could care less. Obama is the mass marketed Prez after all. Keep him up on that pedestal as long as you can. The higher it is the harder the fall will be.
Though a brilliant marketing move. Go capitalism!
Heh
@Justine King
"i think i speak for all of womankind when we say we definitely LIKE the cover!!"
Hardly! Please do not speak for all woman kind. Thanks.
@American
" "Justine! speak for yourself! Obama already has a god complex. Women like you drooling over him adds to his mental problem"
Spot on!
- velvethammer
Ironic Surrealism v3.0
Posted by: velvethammer, Apr 21, 2009 02:04:05 PM
I don’t really care about you re-using a months old photo, topless or not, but what kind of self-respecting news magazine changes the color of his trunks? It calls the reality of everything else into question.
Posted by: saddened, Apr 21, 2009 02:02:13 PM
QTran and Julescator:
I totally agree with your views...no one seems to think for a second that he did not pose for this, and that no other president - especially those in recent decades - don’t measure up to Obama’s internal and external poise & appeal.
Why is this bothering so many people? ooohh no, the president in his bathing suit at the beach?! While his predecesor totally "screwed" the country AND the world!!! Sorry couldn’t help it!
Posted by: A Z, Apr 21, 2009 01:43:45 PM
I am outraged by your cover and think it is a highly disrespectful attempt to sexualize the President for commercial purposes and slap in the face to the Office of the President of the USA.
It would be less gutterish--and I’m referencing the cover, NOT the POTUS--if the picture reflected something the POTUS would be doing in Washington. The fact that you had to use a paparazzi picture should have informed a decision not to insult many Americans by displaying the POTUS in swimming trunks on the cover of your magazine.
Only someone who lacks a sense of decorum would do what you folks have done. As a patriotic American who understands that there is a time and place for everything, if we are to maintain a sense of social order, I implore those like you to remember the adage about how to strengthen and maintain democracy. It goes like this, "My rights end where your rights begin and vice-versus."
Please, get out of the gutter and respect the President’s right to privacy.
Posted by: oyoung54, Apr 21, 2009 01:37:15 PM
Who cares. Just a politician with no clothes, just like the Emperor of story. It is all about hype. How dull and boring.
Posted by: Ken, Apr 21, 2009 01:27:34 PM
Come on, it’s the POTUS - would you do a woman in her bathing suit if she happened to be "our hot new neighbor"? Thanks for asking before you printed it - you’ve taken Washington down a few pegs when it comes to having class. Thanks!
Posted by: A DEM, Apr 21, 2009 01:27:20 PM
It is awful and not how I want to picture my President. I wonder the reasoning behind it ... attention for the magazine? art?
Posted by: mjt, Apr 21, 2009 01:25:40 PM
Talk about "overexposure"! A little privacy and dignity please. I want a Presidential leader not a best friend or a sex symbol.
Posted by: DeborahNC, Apr 21, 2009 01:25:29 PM
Tacky, tabloid-esque, inappropriate, and smutty. That’s what I think of this cover. Washingtonian, I am disappointed that you are displaying your biased colors so vividly. I bet you if this was a Republican president, you wouldn’t be so keen on putting him on the cover twice within a few months.
Posted by: Bernadette, Apr 21, 2009 01:17:49 PM
I commend your magazine’s guts for taking such a huge marketing risk! Bottom line is that Obama IS Hot - inside and out! He is an embodiment of New ideas; New policies; New approach to domestic/global issues; and a New (desperately needed) IMAGE of Washington!!! God, it’s about time! He is a breath of fresh air who is here to break all the archaic rules and I bet that’s what’s bugging all these critics of your magazine for this GREAT photo; not so much his bare chest at the beach! What else do you ALL look like at the beach? All covered up in piety?! Does anyone remember those revealing shortest of shorts that Bill Clinton used to wear while jogging? No outrage about those?!!! Washingtonian; you have my new found respect for your own courage in breaking OLD rules…I hope you sell zillions of copies of this issue! Sign me up!
Posted by: A Z, Apr 21, 2009 01:15:25 PM
Very tacky and disrespectful.
Posted by: Hate it!!, Apr 21, 2009 01:08:45 PM
What on earth is a "siffer sister"?
Posted by: b_hickman, Apr 21, 2009 01:02:05 PM
To truely put this image (and therefore President Obama) into perspective, you guys should do a spread - comparing Obama to the last 4 (Bush / Clinton / Bush Sr / Reagan) to see what shape they were all in physically while holding our nation’s highest office.
Then, in the spirit of true journalistic rigor, you should do the same for the primary election contenders. May find some interesting correlations w/re to who won vs. lost.
Posted by: QTran, Apr 21, 2009 12:53:35 PM
I do not think it is wise to post this picture now. Yes, he has created media buzz but let us not forget to respect the office he holds and the fact that he is a family man. Hold back such pics at least until he leaves the White House!! Oh, but he is hot!!!
Posted by: Ann Marie C, Apr 21, 2009 12:51:55 PM
AWESOME. To my siffer sisters, remember President Obama did not pose for this picture. It was taken during the campaign when he was in Hawaii on vacation. Don’t worry - he doesn’t spend his day posing for picture of his BOD.
Having said that " HE IS HOT - President or NOT"!
Posted by: Julescator, Apr 21, 2009 12:51:36 PM
Its great that we have a president that is health conscious, smart, handsome and not sitting around the White House doing nothing but breaking the law, and taking the country off a cliff. Remember, GB said that he was not coming to Washington to mingle with the common folks.
Posted by: Rose, Apr 21, 2009 12:50:50 PM
Thanks for asking....after the decision was made to print the issue. Anyway, I think it’s an embarrassment to our country and a disgrace to the office of the president (capitalization omitted intentionally). But... this is exactly why he was elected, he’s hot, charming, has a great family and wonderful personality. Our country has become so shallow and unfortunately, we’re all going to pay for it (figuratively and literally). Before he was elected he was nobody. Now our country is in his hands. I’m frightened. But hey! He looks good!
Posted by: CJ, Apr 21, 2009 12:46:19 PM
I love love it! Perfect! Brains & bod
Posted by: Brenda, Apr 21, 2009 12:35:55 PM
This cover is an insult to the Office of the Presidency. Save this kind of disgusting stuff for the Paris Hilton crowd! Justine King did not speak for this woman. (And I don’t refer to myself with as i!) When we look at our President as a sex symbol what have we become?
Posted by: Shirley, Apr 21, 2009 12:32:51 PM
It looks like an US Weekly cover with the grainy paparazzi photo... but lots of people like US Weekly, I’m just not one of them
Posted by: Mary Anne, Apr 21, 2009 12:32:06 PM
What just because he is our President he’s not allowed to be seen without his shirt? Well, I want to see him - he is hot!
Posted by: Brenda, Apr 21, 2009 12:31:09 PM
I think President Obama’s brain woulf make for a more appropriate image with the caption: "Our new neighbor is SMART!"
Posted by: Carolyn, Apr 21, 2009 12:29:20 PM
I voted for Obama. But he’s got droopy man boobs, which is no sin for a guy his age. Worse, though, is the ammunition to people like Bernard Goldberg who argue that the media has senseless with romantic love. Chris Matthews may lose his composure, but the rest of us simply roll our eyes.
Posted by: Nietzschean, Apr 21, 2009 12:28:31 PM
The President is in fine shape and does not need to hide his body nor should he. However, I think the Wahingtonian did not display taste in displaying the leader of our country in this way. We all already know he’s a regular guy and a family man.He needs our support in being taken seriously now. This picture doesn’t help. Ad changing the trunk’s color?? Come on.
Posted by: Cathy, Apr 21, 2009 12:28:12 PM
He’s young. He’s fit. He looks good. What is the problem? Oh, I just remembered: Republicans! That’s the problem.
Posted by: RLM, Apr 21, 2009 12:27:23 PM
What’s the big deal. Leave the President alone and let him, live his life off duty like everybody else. Everyone is making a big deal about the shirtless President. Don’t you all have anything to do?
Posted by: Highland Park, Apr 21, 2009 12:26:46 PM
I think his brain would make for a more appropriate image, and the caption: "Our new neighbor is SMART!"
Posted by: Carolyn, Apr 21, 2009 12:25:44 PM
At least he’s not wearing a Speedo, thank god!!!!
Posted by: VOMH, Apr 21, 2009 12:25:04 PM
He’s young, He’s fit.
He looks good. What is the problem? Oh, I just remembered: Republicans! That’s the problem.
Posted by: RLM, Apr 21, 2009 12:22:27 PM
Inappropriate for the leader of our country to be half naked on a cover of a magazine. When does he conduct business? And no, Justine you do not speak for all women.
Posted by: rainbow, Apr 21, 2009 12:21:13 PM
He’s handsome, but he’s no Chester A. Arthur.
Posted by: b_hickman, Apr 21, 2009 12:20:18 PM
He’s the sexiest President that I’ve ever seen! If you don’t like the picture...don’t look at it!
Posted by: Chelly, Apr 21, 2009 12:18:34 PM
I’m an Obama supporter, but this is way tacky. I’m glad I don’t work for your publication anymore- it looks like you’re turning into a glorified version of US Magazine.
Posted by: MCG, Apr 21, 2009 12:17:24 PM
I’ve never seen a magazine so obviously desperate to sell their smut.
At least Playboy is transparent about it. This cover just screams, "I’m desperate for attention."
Posted by: RCE, Apr 21, 2009 12:16:57 PM
Hey American- how exactly does Obama act like a schoolboy? He’s a mature, intellectual, studied, thoughtful President, unlike Bush whose favorite book was "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."
Posted by: Ken, Apr 21, 2009 12:16:53 PM
Homoerotica
Posted by: ohama, Apr 21, 2009 12:16:12 PM
Why do people think President Obama likes being a sex symbol? He’s said repeatedly that he doesn’t- throughout the campaign and before. When the Obama Girl song went viral, he asked people to consider and respect the fact that he had children; and when he was pictured in his shorts on the beach he asked people to focus on his policies, not his pecs. I don’t know where all the wingnuts on the right got the idea that he’s a narcissist from, or that the media attention upon his family is any more than a necessary evil. Bitter much?
Posted by: Regina, Apr 21, 2009 12:13:09 PM
To sum it up...TACKY, INAPPROPRIATE, and UNNECESSARY.
Bet you wished you asked us what we thought before you printed it, hmm?
Posted by: come on, Apr 21, 2009 12:12:53 PM
The Republicans will hate it, the Democrats will love it. Let’s not take everything so seriously.......he looks great!
Posted by: KC, Apr 21, 2009 12:12:23 PM
Obama on the cover twice within a few months of each other....hmmmmm. Nice to know the mag is not bias.
seriously, just concentrate on being a restaurant guide
Posted by: Bob the Accountant, Apr 21, 2009 12:11:19 PM
Probably a better-than-average physique for a politician, yes. But "to die for"??? Com’on ladies. You’re letting your Obama-mania cloud your vision. Sit on a towel or something.
Posted by: slurpeeman, Apr 21, 2009 12:10:32 PM
To the question, why is Pres. Obama so hairless? Many men and women of African and some Asian descent have very little body hair. I also understand that he rarely has to shave his face. Just a little fuzz over the lip. (I’ve never had to do any of the shaving that women do--anywhere.)
Posted by: Veronica Dabney, Apr 21, 2009 12:08:05 PM
It’s great to see our President as a real human being outside of any facades, but not on the cover of a magazine. Totally tacky...
Posted by: Jacqui, Apr 21, 2009 12:06:45 PM
Washingtonian or is it The Enquirer?? No, I think that I respect The Enquirer more! Obama acts like a school boy as it is; I bet he’s keeping a scrap book of all the adoration, diabetes inducing, stomach turning behavior of the "thrill up my leg" so called media!
Disgusting...
Posted by: American, Apr 21, 2009 12:06:33 PM
I think the cover is a fun curve ball for the magazine. It’s nice to see Washingtonian is willing to shake things up and be a little edgy every once in a while.
Besides, BO is rather wonderful to look at, and it’s better than last month’s cookie-cutter cover.
Posted by: MAE, Apr 21, 2009 12:02:57 PM
Justine! speak for yourself! Obama already has a god complex. Women like you drooling over him adds to his mental problem
Posted by: American, Apr 21, 2009 11:59:22 AM
Get real! Not everyone has hair on their chest first of all. Second, Hello! He’s at the beach! How do you guys go swimming, in a 3-piece suit?
Posted by: Eric, Apr 21, 2009 11:58:00 AM
What’s the deal Washingtonian?? sloberring again??
Posted by: American, Apr 21, 2009 11:56:59 AM
Obscene! Is this what our president is all about? Does he have roadies and groupies? He acts more like a rock star than the leader of the free world. And you liberal, disgusting paparazzi feed this image.
Posted by: Andrew Gianelli, Apr 21, 2009 11:56:15 AM
Enough Already with the Obama adoration! remember that 57 million Americans voted against him. I cringe when I hear him talk never mind seeing him half naked.
Posted by: American, Apr 21, 2009 11:53:38 AM
Is Washingtonian becoming a tabloid? Barack Obama is not a poster-boy, he’s the president, give him the respect he deserves. I really loved the Washingtonian magazine- but if it is going in this direction . . . I’m not interested.
Posted by: J, Apr 21, 2009 11:47:58 AM
This isn’t People Magazine, is it??
Gross.
Posted by: JEC, Apr 21, 2009 11:47:24 AM
Come on guys. This is quite tacky! He is the most powerful man in the world, and is out there setting things right for Americans around the world, and you show him without his shirt.
Tacky low-brow journalism.
Posted by: Punju, Apr 21, 2009 11:45:15 AM
I think he is a "HOT" good looking man, and this is the best looking President America has ever had. He has a body to die for. Boy I wish I was Michelle! This is the best looking President ever!
Posted by: sherry, Apr 21, 2009 11:44:25 AM
Seriously? We should love living here because an editor of Washingtonian thinks our new President is hot? If he were a Republican President I doubt we’d see him on the list of reasons we should love living here. Way to be non biased. Tacky and tasteless.
Posted by: Victoria, Apr 21, 2009 11:42:02 AM
i think i speak for all of womankind when we say we definitely LIKE the cover!!
Posted by: Justine King, Apr 21, 2009 11:40:42 AM
Have to admit ... it made me wince. Though the caption is a compliment, it does seem inappropriate and disrespectful of his high office...despite the effort to humanize him as just another neighbor.
Posted by: Anne, Apr 21, 2009 11:39:06 AM
Totally inappropriate and distasteful. I expect so much more from Washingtonian. Truly disappointing.
Posted by: Kendra, Apr 21, 2009 11:36:39 AM
Tacky. He is a world leader and you are showing him in his swim trunks? TACKY.
Posted by: Summer, Apr 21, 2009 11:33:27 AM
I want to know why his body is hairless. Seriously. Waxing, shaving, what’s the deal, Obama? Did you swim professionally in a former life?
Posted by: Matt, Apr 21, 2009 11:32:52 AM
Who is that? Alfre Woodard?
Posted by: slurpeeman, Apr 21, 2009 11:32:40 AM
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