The POS is visiting India and making friends for the United States everywhere. /sarc
The Times of India reports that “In an ungainly sight, cameras caught US President Barack Obama chewing gum during the Republic Day parade on Monday,” Jan. 26, 2015. (Note: India is 10½ hours ahead of Washington, D.C.)
Republic Day honors the date on which the Constitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950, thereby completing the country’s transition from a British colony to becoming an independent republic.
This picture of Obama at the parade, removing his chewing gum while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was talking to him, has gone viral.
Indians reacted with outrage on Twitter, including this remark by Shobhaa De:
“Barack bhai working his jaws overtime and chewing gum! At least it isn’t gutka. But seriously – gum during a formal parade?”
Gutka is an Indian chewing tobacco, mixed with crushed betel nut, catechin, slaked lime, and paraffin. As for “Barack bhai,” is bhai a reference to Obama being of the Bahai faith, regarded by some as a sect of Islam?
This is not the first time that Obama has been spotted chewing (presumably nicotine) gum during an important function.
Obama was slammed on social media for chewing gum at the APEC summit held in Beijing. He was also caught chewing gum at a ceremony at the 70th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France (see GIF below).
I’m so ashamed and embarrassed for my country. :(
H/t Weekly Standard
~Éowyn
