Almost as bad as the Region One DVDs...

Chris

For Pete's sake grow up!

Libby

Obama's an embarrassment as well as an idiot. Can't wait until he is gone. Just hope there are a few pieces of the U.S. survive.

MaryinCO

We're sorry for the idiot we sent to visit.

The Real Chris

I have to agree with the writer.

A lame, mediocre gift from lame, mediocre people to Her Majesty.

Conand

I think buying an iPod for someone who already has one is a good way of stimulating the economy.

seb2

I am amazed how childish the debate that passes for right-ing commentary is becoming.

Personally, I think its quite good they have tried to get more modern about the presents they give. Why does it all have to be golden swords and old boxes.

The iPod is a significant anglo-american link as well, because the designer was british.

But, if you think these things are significant and worth comment, who am I to stop you..

TomTom

Who cares ? these are the same hicks that came with Jimmy Carter. The US President is just another media celebrity nothing more.....

David

I assume Pete is addressing his remarks to Barry Obambi.

Archie

Oh, dear. The Obama's, at least on present form, do seem to be rather...........WalMart.

Dawn

UPDATE: Pool reporter Richard Wolf of USA Today says that an Obama aide told him the President also gave the Queen a "rare songbook signed by Richard Rogers".

Cate

Michelle Obama has doled out several gifts during her tours of London—she donated a book about the White House and a silver encased notepad and bookmark to the cancer center and she gave Samatha Cameron, wife of the conservative party leader, a bracelet and books for the kids.

Pool reporter Richard Wolf of USA Today says that an Obama aide told him the President also gave the Queen a "rare songbook signed by Richard Rogers"

Fearless Frank

What would have made a more suitable gift?

David

Oddly they seemed to get it right with the Camerons.

Verity

Obama's a cheap thug more accustomed to the back alleys of Chicago dealing than palaces. And unlike Bill Clinton, he doesn't have any charm.

DW

Wonderful commentary on the Queen and the Obamas on ITN 6.30news. Tom Bradbury pointed out the change of expression on HRH's face when Barack told her in answer to her question where he'd had breakfast. As Bradbury put it - You couldn't make it up, ( as HRH winced.)

simeon

Which would you prefer: a brand new iPod w/a video of a recent trip of yours inside, or a framed photo... of the person *giving* you the present!? Easy. The iPod. Especially since the one she already has is an old model and iPod's only last so long. The fact the designer was British just makes it all the better.

Ted C

she has an old 6Gb silver iPod mini, no video capability.
Now she has an updated model (do we know which one?) - and guarantee Prince Philip will have been wanting to play with it from the moment it was handed over.
In return she gave him a photo in a silver frame.

TrevorsDen

My heart goes out to whoever has to sit next to Gordon at dinner tonight.

'a potato with a purpose' ...'a carrot but not the stick' ... 'not greens grown but green for growth'... 'a chef but not the commander in chef'... 'pass the port of public opinion' 'I will eat my utmost'

CCTV

The symbolism of an iPod is wonderful..... Bought in America...Made in China !

Jason

As Car Salesman-In-Chief, you'd think he could at least have thrown her a special Anglo-American Appreciation discount on a new General Motors vehicle.

Verity

David writes: "Oddly they seemed to get it right with the Camerons." Giving a woman they don't know and aren't close to jewellery? How infra dig! I'm sure it went straight into the garbage.

Gregor Hunter

Look, it's not about giving presents, it's about celebrating the Messiah.

Peter Buss

For crying out loud, how small minded and petty we really must seem to our American cousins when all we can do is to whinge about what gifts their President gave !! The whole debate makes us look so small and pathetic.

Susan Hill

I think HMQ would have been rather pleased. Look at the boring stuff she usually gets. I think they could have brought a coupla Hershey bars as well mind.

James

Obama is about as classy as a Pot Nooble.

Alex

Peter Buss - relax! This is a light-hearted article.

Not all political articles have to be dead serious do they?

If you read the political news over here in America, we too have a range from serious to the light hearted ... sometimes to the downright stupid.

Dirty Euro

Maybe they should have bought the queen rubies and diamonds and golden chains Oh boo hoo. She does not have enough money. Yeah that would go down well with Americans giving expensive gifts to the hated red coats leader.

Roger Thornhill

The 'pod probably only charges on 60Hz/110v!...

Bill (Scotland)

Tom Bradbury pointed out the change of expression on HRH's face when Barack told her in answer to her question where he'd had breakfast. As Bradbury put it - You couldn't make it up, ( as HRH winced.)

DW,
Unless you meant to write 'him' rather than 'her' above, I think the correct abbreviation should have been 'HM', not 'HRH'
- Philip is 'HRH', whereas The Queen is obviously 'Her Majesty'.

Right from DC

"Look, it's not about giving presents, it's about celebrating the Messiah."
---Gregor Hunter

GH: That was the funniest comment I've heard in a while! Sometimes it's nice just to laugh at it all...

Johnathan Pearce

I cannot get too worked up about such trivia. Ultimately, all this stuff is paid for by the US taxpayer. The US is short of cash. Why not give the Queen one of those fake dollars that the Fed has been printing lately?

The next time a UK prime minister goes to Washington, we should give the occupant of the Oval Office a newly bound copy of the Federalist Papers. Just to remind him/her of what that country is about.

DW

Indeed, Bill. Apologies

rmh

What did W give the Queen?

CCTV

So now Obama's wife hugs the Queen ! Crasser and crasser

vf

How astonishingly snobbish most of you are! Have you noticed that other things are going on in the world which require your urgent attention, sharp intellects, and immediate action?

William Parkhurst

The real question is why does England still have a royal family? I say, get real, England.