 Top Chef Masters winners Rick Bayless and Marcus Samuelsson can keep their knives packed. Though the two provided assistance at state dinners in the past, White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses will be helming the kitchen themselves tonight. They’ll also be bucking the precedent set when the aforementioned chefs served chutney and curry to the Indian Prime Minister and Oaxacan Black Mole and jicama to the President of Mexico. Tonight’s menu, at the request of Chinese President Hu Jintao’s delegation, will be an all-American feast featuring last summer’s harvest of honey and produce from the White House’s kitchen garden. This evening’s guest list may be slightly trimmed down – 225 attendees, down from the aforementioned dinner’s 230-plus - but meat and potatoes remain on the menu, albeit very carefully sourced. Thyme, rosemary and sage (shielded from the elements by hoop houses in the White House garden) accent vegetables from Huron, Ohio-based The Chef’s Garden. The purveyor, per a White House press release, "reflects the best of the country’s agriculture: sustainability, affordability, and healthy, delicious foods," mirroring the agenda set by First Lady Michelle Obama. Fresh fish canapes, not listed on the menu, highlight Northern shrimp from Ipswich Bay, Massachusetts and smoked fillets from rainbow trout raised in Idaho. The Menu
The traditional venue has also been shifted to accommodate the musical stylings of twelve-time Grammy Award winner Herbie Hancock, trumpeter Chris Botti, four-time vocalists Dianne Reeves and Dee Dee Bridgewater, "hottest artist on the classical music planet" (per the New York Times), Lang Lang - all under the aegis of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. They'll be jazzing it up in the East Room after dinner is served in the Blue Room, Red Room, and State Dining Room. This will be the Obamas' third state dinner - and the third such invitation turned down by House Speaker John Boehner. Perhaps expected guests Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Olympic skating champion Michelle Kwan, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, actor Jackie Chan, the legendary Barbra Streisand or her husband, actor James Brolin can arm-wrestle over his dessert. Delve deeper into the Chinese president's visit to Washington at CNN Politics - who helped a heck of a lot with this report. |
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Isn't a time to rename apple pie to iPie?
herbie hancock AND apple pie ?!?! wow I am sooooo there!
This is about food,not about politics!
Olympic skating champion Michelle Kwan, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, actor Jackie Chan, the legendary Barbra Streisand and her husband, actor James Brolin..........................I wonder what happened to Larry the cable guy?
He is busy that night...he's having dinner with John Boehner.
Ahhhh. Quilceda Creek Cabernet “Columbia Valley” 2005. Quixotic, yet bovine.
Yuk. My knife resting against the next guy's fork? Yuk.
Apple pie, yummy!
Since we're in an economic recession this party seems extravagant.
I'm not an Obama fan, but seriously, this kind of diplomatic dinner is standard. Now, perhaps we don't need to invite non-performing entertainers there, but someone else equally useles would've been on the guest list instead. Eh. I'd rather save my criticism of our sitting president in other areas. For a food blog, I'll just say YUM!
I for one, would love to love to have the recipes. Sounds tasty!
Interesting!
"It really makes me feel like junk that my tax dollars go to feeding and entertaining celebs at these events."
Well written, I agree with this comment This is to be a discussion about important issues, what are the celeberties doing there? Forget all the campaign talk about "I was ppor at one point, so understand all of you." Sounds to me like Obama's forgotten how it "felt" and is favoring rich people as much as past administrations have. It upsets me as well that Y tax dollars are going to fund this dinner. I'm a small business owner, and I work hard for every single penny the business earns. Might I add, this sum gets taxed pretty heavily, as if the government worked as hard as I do to put me where I am today. I don't mind taxes, but at least respect MY money.
So did you make the same complaint when George and Laura were hosting?
The dinner cost you a fraction of a penny. And a hell of a lot less than life will cost you if we can't keep the Chinese happy.
No, it was not supposed to be a productive dinner in terms of "lets talk business". The guest selection and seating arrangements were done in a day to accomplish the objective of striking emotion into the Chinese. Look at all the Chinese celebrities invited. They they brought in the White Shoes Boys to show Hu that their success is dependent on Hu's business relations with the Shoe Boys. But not really the case, but I think they tried to strike on those emotions. That was all show, but could have a more powerful impact then the "closed door meetings" which probably covered the obvious issues. They also played the confidence game to make it look like the ball wasn't entirely in China's court. Adversaries invited, Locally produced food to make him think all Americans can farming, etc.
Are people seriously upset about the United States Government spending money on a state dinner? Really! Come on, this is not a third world nation, this is supposedly the only superpower in the world, and what most would like to call the "greatest nation on earth," I think we can handle covering a State Dinner. If your nuts are in such a tangle over the fiscal policy of this country, direct a little more energy towards your representatives, these are the people who have created this mess, and unfortunately they are also tasked with fixing it.
And this will cost me how much?
A fraction of a cent.
If you want a black president, which I would love too. There are wonderful people out there. Republican, Herman Cain, Allen West, Lloyd Marcus, or if you are Democrat, Harold Ford Jr, and others. Why Obama? Why? Obama has very very Socialistic and Marxist ideals, its true, I am not being hateful. I am a realist. What I see is every week in the media what new Government rule has been put in place. I dont need that much Government in my life. Government should be a bandage in your life not stiches. You should be able to stand on your own, and sometimes need a little help. Stop relying so much on the Government. We are the kindest most giving people, I know, my missionary friends had to turn people away with donations after Katrina there were so many giving them things. We can take care of each other. That is how God wants it, for us to want to take care of each other, not to be told we have to take care of each other.
How exactly is Obama a Marxist? How exactly is he a Socialist? He isn't ranting about the proletarian struggle against the bourgeoisie, and he hasn't nationalized any industries, he instituted health care reform, and bailed out banks and major corporations, allowing them the opportunity to continue to exist in our capitalist system. He may not be a laissez-faire, free market uber-capitalist, but he is not a marxist nor a socialist. This is what he is, big shocker, a DEMOCRAT! The democratic party has a long history of pushing for governments role in helping the American people and regulating corporations and industries, so they don't abuse their power over the people. We'd all love a nice small government, but when we live in a world controlled by huge corporations, we will end up in a much worse situation.
Oddly enough, the ones ranting about Proletarian struggle seem to be in this board. At the flip of the switch these "eat like the peasants do" folks will be railing against social programs and 'wealth distribution'.
The truly scary thing to me is that if you repeat the same inaccurate info to enough people, as many times as you can, it will become fact in their minds. The only time the facts are put to light is during the debates – and you can bet the birth certificate, Marxism, black panther, Martian b.s. won't be brought up.
Better to leave an effective lie in place than risk exposing it. It's more useful in the hands of those who want it to be true – regardless of it's factuality.
If you want a light central government, go to Somalia. See how life is there.
We need to be cordial to China but not pansies. I suspect Obama and Hu have other conversations in private and a lot of his voters would pale if they knew. So many naive people out there, it amazes me. Why do people just listen for facts rather than look up information? Look up Obama and his experience, his educations, his friends, his colleges classes, oh yeah the transparent President hasnt released any of his personal records to anyone. However, his books do tell a big picture. All these fans of his probably bought his book and never read it. tsk tsk tsk. You will reap what you sowed and you will be sorry
Again with the assertions and speculation. Provide FACTS – not rhetoric.
So did YOU read it?
And what are these personal fact you want to know? His birth certificate is on file in Hawaii, the bureau of Vital Statistics *and* the Republican Gorvernor, Linda Lingle, have authenticated it. What else do you want? His grade school report cards? his dental records? the films from his colonoscopy?
Oh, I know! You want his grades! How 'bout we make a deal. He releases his grades when George W. Bush and Sarah Palin do.
I suspect that if you get more personal you'll have to ask Michelle. And I wouldn't- I'd bet she has a mean left hook.
Overheard from Wikileaks. President Obama: "So Hu, how do you like the dinner?" President Hu: "OK. Vely nise". President Obama: "Err.... is it OK if we borrow more money from you guys? We just used up the last loan you gave us to fund this dinner and a new aircraft carrier". President Hu: ??!?!?
So many things, F's for China...yet you all go to the superstores for items made in China! So much about the price of food..and you still support hellfires and F16s being produced!! Come on Guys! I don't think you will expect our President to be taken to a roadside chinese restaurant while visiting China, do you? I am not sure if the Americans have forgotten that they offer their guests a better dining!! By the way, who is the biggest importer of Chinese items? Where do most of our companies want to do there busines? Which country is considered to be biggest threat to American economy? The answers are all the same. So, better keep your enemies closer.
Why don't we have enough fuss on the money that we put to save the businesses that has made ruthless mistakes in the past rather than having a cordial relationship with a country that is almost infallable for our existience? Guys, lets show them what we really are and how we treat others.
In one of my trips I heard someone saying, "if you have a friend like USA, you don't need an enemy". I think it is time for all of us to change that.
America . China owns you so kiss their butt. China is calling the shots. Unskilled , non educated Americans will be cleaning their houses soon.
Sure is nice to see that they can still afford to serve LOBSTER at the White House, while so many Americans are still unemployed, homeless and hungry!!
I wonder how many meals you could serve at a "soup kitchen", for the same amount of money they're spending on this lavish get together??
Because of this dinner, hundreds of thousands of people will not need to rely on the "soup kitchen". You want to bring your saviour to a burger joint? Not a smart move.
As if a picture of the table setting was necessary to tell us, our national leaders are so out of touch with the average American it isn't funny. Regular people are struggling and the "President" of China is using how many pieces of silverware to eat with our President? Executive chefs? 225 attendees? "Carefully sourced" ingredients? If the "President" of China wanted to eat a genuine American meal like REAL Americans are forced to eat every day, take him to McDonald's.
seriously, I cant believe this, here I am sleeping in a cardboard box, and that president guy is living in this big house, with food and stuff, I even hear he has his own plane, helicopter, car, and private security, I don't have that! WTF! The president should be living like a hobo, because there are so many of us, he should carry a bindle, and eat cold beans out of a can with a spork!
Purple Wizard take your head out of your Ass, you are making comments like some low-down dirty bolshevik. In case you havent heard, this is America, this is Capitalism, our system is predicated on competition, in competition there are winners and losers. To all those people out there without jobs or no houses, or whatever, I sympathize, and If I pass you by I might be able to spare a dime, but what i really have to say is this; Too F***ing Bad!
I'll have a burger and fries and a Bud Light, please. For desert I'll gave a Bud Light, and a Bud Light, and a Bud Light. and...
John Boehner hates black, chinese, indian, mexicans and any color people, so he refused all state dinners invitations from Obama. He did not want to fly with Obama on Air Force 1.
when you spend your days and nights reading this crap called news, you put yourselves in a position to become worried, upset and agitated. really for no reason, other than to piss and moan. i doubt the state dinner will cost you any tax dollars out of your pocket. we owe a ton of debt to the chinese, russian and japenese people. for all that are pissing and moaning, there are jobs out there. most of the people i know have two. i understand times are hard, maybe if you move to a different part of the country where the economy is stronger and jobs are plenty, you would find that ninety percent of the country is still up and running. listening to the analyst and the politicians doesn't quite paint a true picture of the state of the union. their job is to get elected and increase their stocks in the markets. fear is a good political and monetary angle. it's a tough time in a pretty horrid economy. the state dinner is used to drum up business or work political angles with other countries. the obamas are doing as fine a job as anyone else that has lived in the big house. as for the guest list, the chinese believe in harmony among it's people. the list of people doesn't include anyone with a shady or unsavory past. they want to control the unrest at home, thus the reason for the internet and political oversight by the chinese incountry. and to be honest, mr obama is what this country needed at this time in our history. we made alot of enemies the last few years, and need to have a better relationship with the rest of the world. god bless america and may her flag forever fly high and proud. take care folks, don't sweat the small stuff. the apple pie does sound pretty good.
when you spend your days and nights reading this crap called news, you put yourselves in a position to become worried, upset and agitated. really for no reason, other than to piss and moan. i doubt the state dinner will cost you any tax dollars out of your pocket. we owe a ton of debt to the chinese, russian and japenese people. for all that are pissing and moaning, there are jobs out there. most of the people i know have two. i understand times are hard, maybe if you move to a different part of the country where the economy is stronger and jobs are plenty, you would find that the ninety percent of the country is still up and running. listening to the analyst and the politicians doesn't quite paint a true picture of the state of the union. there job is to get elected and increase their stocks. fear is a good political and monetary angle. it's a tough time in a pretty horrid economy. the state dinner is used to drum up business or work political angles with other countries. the obamas are doing as fine a job as anyone else that has lived in the big house. as for the guest list, the chinese believe in harmony among it's people. the list of people doesn't include anyone with a shady or unsavory past. they want to control the unrest at home, thus the reason for the internet and political oversight by the chinese incountry. and to be honest, mr obama is what this country needed at this time in our history. we made alot of enemies the last few years, and need to have a better relationship with the rest of the world. god bless america and may her flag forever fly high and proud. take care folks, don't sweat the small stuff. the apple pie does sound pretty good.
You made some very good points and this country did need a Democrat, I agree. The media crucified Bush, unfairly and it is sad because they never even touched on the incredible things he did for AIDS and the rainforests in Hawaii. I am neither Republican or Democrat, I like who I like. I am 50 and I have seen such a vile and nasty turn in the media that any Conservative has to fight twice as hard to even get their message out. Irresponsible reporting and how do we correct it? No one gets accurate information. If anyone out there got all the information on Obama's lack of experience and leadearship there is no way they would have voted for him. And they certainly wouldnt have voted for him if they knew his very very socialist/marxist/leninist leanings. It was all downplayed stratigically by some very wealthy marxists who paid for him. Who got around funding laws to contribute mounds of money to his campaign. So please go kind on Bush and the Republicans. I have had problems for the last couple of presidents but this one honeslty scares me
Irresponsible reporting? Don't make me laugh.
The Right has been on a nonstop smear campaign since Obama ran for President.
Conveniently, when actual FACTS are presented, the person providing them becomes an "elitist liberal".
Provide proof of the things you asserted in your post.
Wow – now THIS is important – I had been sitting at home just WAITING for important information like this...
Do you think Wikileaks will release a calorie count for this?? Did the INS ensure that the various vintners employ only legal immigrants? Did the Goat Cheese come from communist sheep hearders? What if the meat is from a Mad Cow? Is the Balsamic from France?? And hey... what is this Russan River stuff?? Sounds lefty pinko commie to me...
I think more time should be spent on this subject... all too suspicious !!!
There is no solution to world hunger. If people have no fear of not having food on the table then they have no need to work and provide for their families. The menu isn't that great anyway.
i doubt the state dinner will cost you any tax dollars out of your pocket. we owe a ton of debt to the chinese people. for all that are pissing and moaning, there are jobs out there. most of the people i know have two. i understand times are hard, maybe if you move to a different part of the country where the economy is stronger and jobs are plenty. it's a tough time in a pretty horrid economy. the state dinner is used to drum up business or work political angles with other countries. the obamas are dning a fine a job as anyone else that has lived in the big house. as for the guest list, the chinese believe in harmony among it's people. the list of people doesn't include anyone with a shady or unsavory past, thus the reason for the internet and political oversight by the chinese incountry. and to be honest, mr obama is what this country needed at this time in our history. we made alot of enemies the last few years. god bless america and may her flag forever fly high and proud. take are folks, don't sweat the small stuff.
Thanks to Secy. Gary Locke for the apple pie and wine?... Great to feature Washington State for the State dinner!
My menu today consisted of spaghetti made from two-day-old ground chuck (from the sale counter, of course) and a salad from sort of tatty-looking greens and a mushy tomato. Because that is the most I can afford on Social Security. How was your dinner this evening?
Soft-shelled crab, shrimp and mixed veggies.
Have any kids? Can they help you out?
If not – you qualify for other social programs that'll enable you to eat better.
Did you save for retirement? Are you too young to retire? Again, go get food stamps.
You sound like someone who makes their own weather and then stands around in the rain bitching about it.
Some of the comments posted about this story have very little to do with its content. The Speaker of the House should be at the dinner. Rep Boehner is wrong on this one. He is the third most powerful person in the USA and he is invited because of his title.
The menu and the entertainment are carefully chosen for each dignitary. The White House chefs were there when President Bush was in office. It is probably time to drop the labels and realize that presidents host State Dinners when dignitaries are in Washington DC.
Like all Americans I am ashamed of obama and wish Pres Bush was still in office!! Sorry you had to deal this loser, Mr Hu!!:((
Take a look at his current approval rating. Interestingly enough, at the same point in his Administration, Reagan's was lower. At any rate, *you* do not speak for *all*.
Who cares what they ate at the dinner. Another waste of tax payers money.. Should have called out for Chinese food from a take out place. Dinner for 230 plus please with a fortune cookie.
And I thought it would be pot roast and vanilla Ice cream for desert.
since what's for dinner is news we had deer spaghetti, potato salad, and blackberry dumplins, but who really cares
Have you ever noticed that you never get enough hot mustard with your order?
what were the salahi's wearing at the party?
I am SO glad that I am not doing the dishes after this meal!
Great to see a Washington State wine on the menu!... AWESOME!
So much for all the efforts of the first family to fight obesity. Lobster, buttermilk fried onions on a rib eye, creamed spinach, apple pie and ice cream just to name a few of the items. I would love to see the calorie count of the food served to each person. It would have Been nice to see Michelle pull together a menu that was in keeping with her crusade. Did she think the Chinese contingent was going to be impressed?
Honestly, I would have been all over that menu like white on rice (no pun intended).
I could make up for it over the following 1 or 2... Weeks. ;)
Please no MSG!
Why is this news? Why are we turning this into a Right Wing/Left Wing discussion? Why do we care what they had for dinner?
I actually found the menu quite interesting. There was nothing really healthy on the table. The veggies were either covered with buttermilk and fried or creamed. For a white house interested in fighting obesity it could not have demonstrated poor judgement any more clearly. Michelle can,t just have a vegetable garden and talk about not eating junk food. She needs to lead by example. She obviously missed an opportunity here.
....The Problem for U.S. Is....If China Does the thing Obama wants...raise the Value of their money...Then Americans will pay a Lot more for almost Everything...since almost everything we buy is made in China.....There are 2 sides to this story...while it would slightly help trade balance...as usual...it would come from Citizens of U.S. ...taxpayers.....Everything Obama does..increases our taxes and gives him more power...Let a sleeping Dog lay...with the currency...water finds it's own level...the political tampering has caused all our money problems for the last 10 years...
John Boehner is an idiot. He was elected to represent the people, not his right wing agenda.
Wowzers, that's an awful lot of egg roll jokes. /thread
HOW MUCH IS THIS COSTING TAXPAYERS?
I'd be more concerned about the fact that the budget for NASA is roughly half of our "black" space budget. That's $30 billion dollars. I understand people being upset about the economy, but there's a lot bigger fish to fry. I think it's reasonable for us to expect silence about top secret military projects / heck, that's the only trump card we'll have left. The things our rivals don't know we have – yet. But people flip out about a dinner instead of the bigger expenditures that go unaccounted for.
And, ultimately, state dinners are going to happen under either party. This has not been an administration that's held a ton of such events. Things have been rough economically under plenty of GOP leaders – and they still held the pomp-and-circumstance diplomatic events.
Next State dinner menu should include:
Egg rolls, chop suey, chow mein, fried rice, orange chicken, hot and sour soup serve with chopsticks and fortune cookies...
You people are complaining that all you can afford for your family dinner tonight is macaroni and cheese with a side of diced hot dog.... Yet you can afford internet to complain about this?
Let me sum up this country's political discourse in one phrase: "Buh...buh...buh-buh-but look at THEM!"
I can't believe all the partisan crap I am seeing here. ALL administrations (both parties) hold lavish state dinners. ALL Majority/Minority leadership (both parties) should attend. And, ALL countries put on a bit of a show to host foreign dignitaries.
Pull your heads out of your rectums and save the angst for something worth arguing about.
Did anyone see chopsticks in the photo? I dont!
Add chicken feet dip in soy sauce, hot and sour soup with some tofu for to go.....
Boehner is probably sensitive because he might be criticized for holding his fork like a shovel.
I agree with those who have sensible and valid reasons as to why State Dinners are held. For those who are complaining about "Tax Money", yehs should have became an Engineer or a Doctor if yehs wanted to live comfortable lives!
I think they should have ordered in some chineese takeout. Egg rolls, chop suey, chow mein. Maybe from Panda Express?
Just for the record, this posting system apparently sometimes gets the name of a poster with the wrong comment....
Yeah I posted summin rely gr8 and this cr#p aperd undermi naem!
For a first family that prides itself on trying to fight obesity I am shocked by the food choices. Buttermilk fried onions on the rib eye? Creamed spinach? Pie and ice cream? Really?
Shocked by the menu? Elitists like Moochelle are always wanting to dictate what we do or in this case eat, while they save the good stuff for themselves. Her ASS didnt get that large sticking to carrots!
Written while you kick back with a Big Gulp and a sack of cheetos, eh? I'd lay cash that Michelle is in better shape than you ever were or will be.
Wow, some of the comments are either arrogantly racist or ignorantly racist....
Chinese President, Mr.Who? I did not see any frogs aoup or snake blood sauce on the table. May be it is out of sight.
Hu let the dogs out? Hu hu??
Dats rite hommie, HU LET THE DOGS OUT???
Chinese eat everything the crawls on the face of this planet including green algae scraped from the bottom of ocean floor. Hu Jintao will be disappointed tonite on not seeing deep fried cockroach crunchies buffalo frog wings and cat head on skewers.
Dont the Chins eat dogs too??? Sorry president Hu, we dont serve dogs here!
Hu let the dog's out? Couldn't resist, sorry :)
President Obama's guest, Hu is from China, but why didnt the chefs serve orange chicken, half and half chow mein and
fried rice? I hope the barbarian Hu is not disappointed!
How bout some real American food
Big Mac, fries and a coke or some KFC
President Obama's guest, Hu is from China, but why didnt the chefs serve orange chicken, half and half chow mein and
fried rice? I hope the barbarian Hu is not disappointed!!!
Does anyone actually read the other posts?
If, for the first time in history, our President hosted a foreign dignitary to a cut-rate dinner, the Right would decry it as embarrassing and insane. As I recall, the economy was horrible under Bush Sr. and he hosted more than 8 times as many state dinners. Never saw them dining at Applebee's. Not once.
Only kings I've heard of that lived among the poor and were absolutely selfless are figures of religious worship. I'm doubtful you're going to find one of them sitting at a state dinner – or looking back at you in the mirror.
Again – suck it up. They're going to have their schmoozefests. They all have and will continue to do so. It's not in excess and actually showcases domestic food sources and is a great gesture toward a valuable ally.
Hey Marco Polo – there're some cold cuts and Shasta in the fridge.
I don't know what is worse, you saying this:'actually showcases domestic food sources and is a great gesture toward a valuable ally' or the possibility you actually believe it to be true. Look up the definition of sycophant sometime – you'll find it fits you quite nicely – the only problem is that there won't actually be any personal gain it it for you because this guy will have p*ssed it all away.
Oh Jim... I'm quite aware of what a bootlick is.
A Republican who is poor. Isn't that the essence of trickle-down economics? When things are good for them, they'll be good for me?
As for the food – don't be so simple-minded. Domestically grown has been a clear message during this administration and was at this dinner.
I do just fine financially, thank you.
Were the last three Republican leaders on a crusade to stop world hunger when they hosted 40 times as many dinners?
I'm sure, since you are so educated, you are familiar with Alzheimer's?
When your free health care kicks in (which, by the way, feeds 1/3 of our remaining economy... Service, medical and Managerial), you might want to go get checked out.
Sorry, I'm not a republican so those arguments about previous President's don't sway me – last time I looked two (or four) wrongs don't make a right.
Don't think I'll have to worry about Alzheimer's, the way the Health sector operates in this country I'm not sure too many of us will get old enough to show the symptoms.
Healthcare doesn't power one third of our economy by the way – it is just under 20%.
Apart from that your reply was spot on!
Sorry – I guess I'm on the defensive for stale arguments from glass houses.
I wasn't trying to give am actual percentage with the medical portion of things – but was referring to what are often considered (aside from Defense) the three remaining economic pillars in the USA.
I actually believe Obama has tried to do the things he promised. Bill Clinton inherited a crappy economy and so did Obama. If I ever get in a fender-bender, I hope this paradigm will continue. When someone shows up to the scene of the accident I can rest assured they'll catch the blame.. Haha!
Kuddos to Speaker Boehner for turning down the invite!!
he will be eating the Mc Meal ...lolzzz for dollar 5
Yep – this is change you can believe in to be sure. What a liar he is...
If the Americans dont serve properly to the Chinese then China will stop crediting to the US....Entire US will be starved ?
Booyah! You sound like you are from the land of barbarians! President Obama's guest, Hu is from China, but why didnt the chefs serve orange chicken, half and half chow mein and fried rice? I hope the barbarian Hu is not disappointed!!!
I love Obama, I really do. Both China & the US have millions of poverty stricken citizens who rely on foodbanks & soup kitchens for their daily bread. Wouldn't it be nice if he had held the dinner at a soup kitchen? Just so they could both see what their citizens are going through. Just a thought...
There are millions of people starving but they want a five course dinner.
Uhhhh, yeah that's what dignitaries do. Do you think the Queen of England would serve you a turkey sandwich with potato chips on the side with a pickle at Buckingham Palace? I mean are you kidding me? You can't be serious with your question? I mean for that matter, there are people that spend $5,000 on a purse in some major US cities. And there are people that drive a regular Toyota car that's more money than what a Chinese citizen will see in 5 years!
Please explain to us what the Obama Administration is doing differently than the past administrations hosting the exact same event for foreign leaders?
There is absolutely NOTHING Pres. Obama could ever do that would be good enough for some. You will ALWAYS find something to criticize him about, because your life is that pathetic. A 5th grader has more meaning to their life than some of you criticizing a sanctioned event by the White House, and several previous administrations.
Reading some of your comments, it's obvious that some of you don't even know what elegance is if it doesn't come wrapped in a doggie bag with grease stains and a 20oz soda. I can assure you, the Bush tax cuts that the GOP whined about until they got it, is 1,000 of times more than what this measly dinner costs.
Wait. Until sunday,then could have some well beat packer meat...... Lol
Oh – and hot dogs, macaroni, kool-aid? Perfect American meal. I remember eating it while my Mom supported a family of 3 after my father died. We got by and busted our tails in school.
Worst public assistance ever? The banks and CEO's lining up for US funds like a soup kitchen line. What % of those individuals dp you really think are social-program-touting pinko Dems?
Yeah – thought so.
Table is gorgeous, love the colors and menu has my favorites.
Wow. So the Republicans are complaining about the rich feasting while the poor starve? Interesting. I'm curious how much Reagan spent entertaining the Russians? I grew up in a welfare family. I learned to work my way up, but things were hard for us. Do you really think your ancestors didn't have to struggle? I pay roughly half my salary in taxes now. I've eaten plenty of ramen and quite a bit of lobster too.
You should have a little "suck it up" with that Mac and cheese.
Isn't it the right that's been all about "trickle down"? Do you really think the party that sponsors programs to HELP the poor is the same one that sold out US jobs?
Why can an immigrant still make it here, but a native sits on their ass and gripes about the politicians?
Earn your way. Help your fellow citizen to do the same. Politicians aren't going to make this country great. We've gotten soft if it's come to this. I'd be curious what the fraction is if you were to compare the total budget for GHWB state dinners Vs. the three Obama has hosted. If we've got to point at something like that to explain why things are screwed up here, things really HAVE gotten bad.
Ramen noodles washed down with some white port and koolaid would have been more appropriate.
Lets see, steak & lobster or general tsao's chicken.. Ofcourse Hu chose the american menu. It sounds delicious :)
The Speaker is hungry for a new direction for our country, not the Presidents pie. The GOP are no less monsters than they are gluttons. We must estimate the cost of such an extravagant dinner and pass the cost on to the chinese. They hold most of our DEBT so they can put on our ever growing tab...
Stayed home with your spray-tanner then, huh John? Personally, I hope that Chairman Hu goes home wondering why the GOP leadership were such peevish little children who couldn't be bothered to turn out when there's guests. Important guests, I might add. And I hope that Hu has a very long memory.
Of course Republicans don't understand about the equitette of being a host. Nor do they know anything about diginity.
But if meatloaf and french fries were served, the same people would be complaining about how Obama embrassed the country. No matter what Obama does, the Republicans would be whining about it.
well we should use it if we have it i give us 10 years till nuke war wit china cause thwy want ther money
Must be another one of those can we borrow another trillion kinda dinners!!
Holly crap thats alot of money for the chinese to spend on feeding there selves. cause they basicaly are . ther is no reason for us to have this stupind state dinner they should just have it be the presidents. these stupid demacrates said they would cut spend ing but they aint they are serving the chinese food that we cant even aford. call me crazy but that aint right.
Go back to school and get your GED. Smart? Not by a long shot, cowboy!
I would hardly call Streisand 'legendary'. I wish she would stick to singing and keep her 'nose' out of politics.
Remember, Aunt Joan and Grandma Smith can't sit next to each other.
No worries–the menu may be all-American, but the silverware, linens, plates, tables and chairs are probably all made in China! :-)
Yep, and I bet every one of the American flags along the streets in Washington are made in china to.
For an all American meal, it's obvious that the King and Queen of our tribe does'nt get out and about to see how us lower members of the tribe has to live. If they had to live like we do and eat the great Ramen noddles and can corn that we do, they "MIGHT" think twice about bragging on their sorry azz meals. They make me sick and I hope they ALL get saminala poisoning. One can only hope and prey that when his term is over in 2012 that they will move to any other country, maybe back to Africa or Haiti where they came from. I wonder if just one time they thought of the way we lower tribesman have to live.. *YEA RIGHT* This was no more than a high-dollar azz kissing party that us PEON'S paid for... What's next, a dinner date with the Prez of MEXICO after they kill afew more Americans or before they take control of the border states.. These spear-chuckers need to show alittle more remorse about what they have done to our country... They both sicken me and those two chimp kids are deserving of nothing
Spear-chuckers? what a racist thing to say. Wish there was a "flag" button on this site.
Perhaps Helen should attend some institution of higher education, preferably one that could teach her ignorant 'azz' how to properly spell salmonella. Based on her spelling, grammar, and knowledge of current events and people, one could safely assume she has the country backwoods education of a first grader. Maybe if you graduated high school, your income could afford the better things in life! Have a good day working at the mill or Piggly Wiggly, Helen!
Boehner would just start to cry if he was there. Or ask where the spray tan room is
Who cares.
I so need a drool-bucket right now.
Obama holds two State dinners, George H.W. Bush held more than two dozen in his one term and President Ronald Reagan hosted 57 state dinners.
when do i get an invite
FOOD FOR THOUGHT... home land security is so great that we have full body scans at airports ect... why is it thousands and thousands of mexicans cross the border every year some with only 3rd grade education how many terrorist can cross with their college deg. and military training
Stuffed baked potatoes and creamed spinach, come on chefs is this the best you can do? Heavy, creamy foods from a country which should have a bountiful supply of fresh, fresh, fresh, light and wholesome food. Not impressed.
And...the table looks messy, awful. Just my opinion.
Hamburger Helper or ba ha ha–Wanchai Ferry!!!
lets say this dinner costs 1 million but don't forgot that Hu brings 45billion order to us.
can someone give me 1 billion order? I will host him 5 million dinner.
why Hu gives US 45 billion order to buy US over priced garbage?
Hu's 45 billion dollar order is for boeing jets and such, they'll take them back to china, tear them apart to reverse engineer them. Then set up a factory in some cave filled with 6 year old kids earning a bowl of rice a week to replicate them, so they can flood the market with cheap copies and drive our businesses out of business.
Mmm....sounds perfect for me. I am planning on gatecrashing this party !! I will be sitting beside my old pals the salahi's. Great dinner convo, cool peeps, great and free food ! SOOWEET !!!!
Menu looks good... Too bad the person pairing the wines did so poorly.
The table at first looked like a memorial outside that supermarket in Arizona!
The feds, state and medicare consumed 25% of my paycheck which leaves me to dine at McDonalds. Hope they enjoy the meal
Since the United States is headed towards less political freedom, and China seems headed towards more, this seems like an unintentionally appropriate menu to be served by the Obama administration.
CNN is so Obamanized that it is literally a sicking and suckening network to listen too. CNN eats Obama hard pellets from his rectum fer breakfast with sugar on em...pass the Obamanized rectum pellets...CNN!!!
You seem to have a poopy fixation. Mommy issues much?
i wonder how many calories and grams of fat are in this meal? Maybe, more than a happy meal from mcdonalds?
Some of these comments crack me up! And also the table does look cramped, I agree. Hope the diners aren't "elbow eaters".
I was on list buthad to work second job to pay for gas this week... glad head of uaw could make it. Something is wrong in this world.
By the way, this is a two-way street. Check out this article: http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/19/news/economy/obama_gifts/index.htm?hpt=C2
They could visit the guys at the Pawn Shop in Las Vegas and pay for the dinner with the necklace!
what? no chicken chow mein or fortune cookies?
You are all missing the point! Mrs. Obama has highlighted American farmers. She is doing a fantastic job of trying to help us all learn the importance of good food and actually used her home grown White House herbs along with veggies from an Ohio farm, trout from Idaho and shrimp from Mass. Congratulations First Lady on doing a great job and for your continued work with helping our children learn the importance of heathy food!
lol
Yes! Idaho rainbow trout, a delicacy if I've ever had one. Wish I could be there. Yum
Oh yes, dinner guests are from China. The meal should also consist of meat of orgin from canines and felines. After all China is infamous for the brutal slaughter of the aformentioned, as they also skin them while still alive. The table should be graced with dog and cat pelts.
The Obamas are not doing anything, any other president hasn't already done. They are keeping relations good between other countries. And as far as the menu goes. I've eaten the same kind of menus many of times. I don't eat it regularly as i'm sure they don't either. But I do like to go out and have these things a couple of times a month. Why not? Live life and enjoy. I'm sorry that others aren't doing as well, but we are all managing. And just FYI, i'm black and I don't eat KFC thank u very much. Don't sterotype...
Obama is the most ass kissing president that I have ever seen in my 63 years...his brown ring around his pie hole gets darker with every incoming chinaman or other dictator he sits down to break bread, hardtack, or any other vittels with...what a WHIMP...huge stank AZZ kisser he is!
Seriously? You have been living in this country for 63 years and are still idiotic enough to throw around racist comments and improper spelling and expect to be taken seriously? If you are going to accuse someone of something, back up your statement with facts. It sounds to me as though you are a bitter fool who displays their ignorance and stupidity with poor word choices, immature insults and terrible spelling. By the way, next time you want to use the word "WHIMPY", try spelling it without the "H". It may help convince others that you at least finished 6th grade.
And who, pray tell, did Richard Nixon sit down to dinner with? Or is your memory failing you already?
Thank you for the KFC comment.
These people are so ignorant. In the
80's when inflation was over 20. % interest rates over 10 %, the Reagans
had lavish parties. I think Nancy purchased million dollar china. TAXPAYER money. So give a break
with the hungry kids
Meanwhile, less than 5 miles away, American citizens are starving to death on the streets. I'm not even going to get into the condition of some of the people in China.
Meanwhile, less than a mouse click away, people are making idiotic statements about a State Dinner being held at the White House.
Yes, people starve in America.
No, people no longer starve in China.
Everybody knows what a real "All American Meal" consists of: A quart of General Tso's chicken, a quart of pork fried rice, a pint of steamed dumplings, and a quart of sweet and sour soup.
The Tan Man should attend. Not nice!
To those who complained about the cost would you honestly feel better if we treat all heads of state to the local McD's or heck just feed them water and dirt from the white house lawn?
However much this dinner cost it is equivalent to what we spent in Iraq in less than a second!!! or not even 1or 1% of what the CEO of enron made.
Talk about losing perspective! No wonder this country is going downhill with all the ignorance and negativity!
Make sure it's water from the hose.
They shoulda had a big mac, slurpee and DQ. Nothing says American like sugar and fat
No worries tomcat. All of that will be on the menu when Palin is President....along with pork rinds and cheetos for appetizers, moosemeatloaf and tater tots for the entree and ding-dongs for dessert. YUMMY!
She's against healthy eating remember...
If Palin ate a ding-dong, wouldn't that be cannibalism?
I don't know, palin gives me the impression she's more of the ho ho type.
Funny you should say that Jim – it did cross my mind that the term could apply to her. Hilarious!
Hu's on first?
Everybody knows that a real "All American Feast" is a quart of General Tso's chicken, steamed dumplings, Pork fried rice, and sweet and sour soup.
so true. why wasn't that on the menu. general tso's rules!
You people complain to much. Presidents have been hosting state dinners since this country was founded. I am sure you people treat your guests to a nice dinner and it is expected for a President to be hospitable to a foreign dignatary. Would you all rather he served pizza and beer instead?
If he did serve pizza and beer, they'd whine about him debasing the dignity of the office and insulting our guests, etc etc etc. Doesn't matter what he does, they'll complain. So he does what is appropriate. I think that it looks like a nice menu for a State Dinner, not too flashy, but elegant. Rather that than embarrassing us.
How many people are going to bed hungry in the US tonight? This is an abomination.
Do you truly believe your statement?? If so you have to be kidding me. If we were in some foreign land, I could agree with you. However, here in the US and TRULY going to bed HUNGRY, I don't believe it! We have food stamps for the poor, churches with food pantries, whole-sale food stores, etc. Please don't make stupid statments when there are truly people in parts of the world that TRULY cannot go to a food pantry and get 2 bags of food every day! It makes me sick when people make comments like you just did. Hell, those sitting on their a#$ are getting upwards of 300.00 per month worth of food stamps. Anyone under a certain limit QUALIFIES!!! Can you image what 300.00 per month of food would do for a family in Africa/North Korea/Pakistan/Afganistan could do with that kind of money?? Again, Economic times are hard no doubt but true HUNGER is not something the US of A truly deals with. The abomination is your comment.
Jorie, your ignorance is the abomination.
The menu is not that great. Why lobster? Such a cliche. Use a great wild caught fish instead. Leave out the beef course. Add in a great vegetable soup course. Or a roasted vegetable course. Apple pie? How about blackberries, raspberries, and pitted cherries served over pound cake with drizzled cream. This is not showcasing our best dining ideas for the 21st century.
Forgetting everything else, blackberries, raspberries, and cherries are not available fresh (without importing them) at the moment, so apples are a better choice.
Top quality USA grown frozen berries then. Or use dehydrated USA grown berries. Or a mix of the two.
You want to sound like you know sooo much about a formal meal, but you'd want them to serve FROZEN berries?!?! Are you out of your mind?
And no, you don't substitute a 'vegetable soup course' for a 'beef course'. Go back to Home Ec and pay attention this time. Geez.
YET ANOTHER PARTY! How about the leaders? Meet in a conference room in the afternoon. With some soft drinks and sandwiches and then back to work!
Our tax money hard at work. People are losing jobs and homes, and in DC its lobster and wine time. Thanks for the CHANGE Washington. I have 26 cent now thanks.
Andy...there is change happening. John did not attend! He is the one person who understands all this glamour is costing us dear tax payers money. The reps do get it! The ones that don't are the ultra liberal snobs that feed their face at the expense of others. thank God we finally have a House that understands we cannot keep printing money. Finally, change that we can believe in!
Oh shut the hell up, you imbecile. Every single president has hosted state dinners for foreign leaders.
John did not refuse the invitation out of any concern for the taxpayer. He did it for his own selfish reasons. And State Dinners are something you simply have.to.do. Obama has done only three in two years. How many did Bush host? And were you complaining then?
I want to buy your women...
....hmmm MS, Motorola, goldman sachs,Union leaders...sounds like wheelin n dealin time
This is an all American meal? Not at my house, but I wish.
The menu looks so so more like buffet at the Bellagio, the table setting is a total disaster and the space for each guest is like sitting in an airline seat economy class! I hope the tables are for the commies, we fat American Imperialist can't fit..LOL The only true American dish is the apple with ice cream.
I wonder how much does this whole shindig cost us taxpayer?
Round tables are always a space concern. And I always end up straddling a leg. :-P
We had beans and skinless franks. Couldn't afford the ones with skin.
Jealous much?
Sounds yummy and classy, glad to see a California wine from the Russian River just north of the Famous Sonoma and Napa valley,s we here in the Great San Joaquin Valley of California have more wine grape vineyiards than all of other wine growing countries put together, Fresno is home to the largest winery in the world, Gallo, Too bad Mr. Boner turned down such a grand event, Babs wont miss him
Goat cheese, creamed spinach AND vanilla ice cream... obviously no one was alerted to the curse of the Asians: lactose intolerance. About an hour after dinner, it could get pretty ugly.
Would not the Chinese advance team and the Chinese embassy have noted the lactose intolerance if it was a going to be a problem? Or maybe this is some kind of underhanded way of signalling to the Chinese that the USA is not going to accommodate the Chinese sensitivities anymore. If what the USA says causes discomfort to the Chinese, well that's life?
And Reid CERTAINLY won't be missed. It'll be a much happier party without either of those idiots.
Who let the dogs out.......?
Looking forward to seeing Michaele Salahi crashing the party to negotiate a favor exchange agreement with anyone that will pay attention to her.
That sounds so good, if only I had the connections to be invited to a state dinner at the White House.
Boehner turned it down? He's turned down all such invites? What a bad-mannered, boorish lout. He's acting like a two-year-old. Absolutely no class whatsoever. Same for Harry Reid. Shame on him as well. And, @Record Playas, they wouldn't use lobster from the Gulf because there is no lobster in the Gulf. That's crayfish. Only Main has real, true lobster. And @Ricky, it sounds like your favorite dish is Sour Grapes.
what that dinner is costing could feed my family for months and thats leavin out the hamburger helper lol
Frankly, I can't imagine that Boehner will be missed in the least.
"Wrong glass, sir."
Are Tareq and Michaele Salahi going to be there?
I agree, they both should have attended.
"Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who in a Tuesday television interview called Chinese President Hu Jintao a "dictator," won't attend the formal White House state dinner in Hu's honor Wednesday."
Again, Harry Reid must be a petty and disrespectful representative since he decided not to attend either.
Harry Reid should go too, however he's not 3rd in line to the Presidency, like Boehner. They should both stop being babies and just go.
BP states the shores are clean & no oil has been consumed by the ecosystem. How come they didn't use any shrimp or lobster from the gulf of Mexico?
Because it has an oily taste.
What petty and disrespectful behavior from the representative of the Republican Party to both President Obama and important international guests. A sad and un-American display by Boehner, and one that won't be lost on the Chinese, nor on Americans who understand the impact that selfish, Party-Over-Country gestures can have attempts to forge international ties. Take your toys Boehner and Republicans, and go crying home...eh?
What about Democrat Harry Reid-he will not attend either.
There's a bit of difference between a majority leader and the person who is currently third in the line of succession.
Harry Reid does not make a habit of refusing invitations to the White House. Boehner had refused three so far.
For my family tonight, It's Hotdogs, Mac-N-Cheese and Jiffy Mix Muffins
Where do you live, those are my kind of fixins.
Will the Chinese Prez return the favor and pull a George Bush Sr. at the dinner table? Raaaaalph!!!!
Wrong country it was Japan.
meh! I've had better dinners! I mean the menu sounds overly extravagant but nothing you can't get in a regular restaurant for $20 or $30 except listed differently. I've had lobsters at Red Lobster that taste better than those overpriced fake expensive restaurants. I bet the apple pie is just so so.
you know nothing about lobsters then
What I would like to see is AFTER THE DINNER. All those Chinese will need a cigarette. Probably Obama too. It is gonna look like the White House is on fire with all that smoke.
Michelle Kwan? Jackie Chan?? WTF do they have to do with any of the issues at hand? The only reason for yoyo and Barb to be there is if they are performing. I hate these dinners, such a pointless waste of my money. Just imagine, for all the money they spent for decorations, food, etc, how many American mouths that could feed. HeII, the Chinese would be thrilled with McDonald's, how American is that!
The Obama's just putting on th edog with a little bling showing.
What, no jokes about being hungry again an hour later?
must be nice that high class get to eat excellent foods while we low class people have to struggle to make ends meet in order to have food on the table. hey maybe thats where the extra $25 a week went that some people lost from their unemployment. another thing thanks to that extension people already on get screwed in the long run
Seriously? Are you actually asserting that when inviting the head of a foreign country, our President shouldn't seem stately or showcase the bounty of our country? Just listing the menu items will promote American cuisine and agriculture, never mind stateliness. This is not about a handout to our leader but about not being intimidated by the Chinese and projecting an image to the rest of the world. I regret voting for Democrats in '08 but I would expect the same from any president of ours. I would have been disappointed if they served foreign food products, though.
You should have studied harder in school, got into Harvard, taught Constitutional Law, and worked as a Senator. Maybe then you would have been qualified to be President of the US which might have then stopped your b*tching about State Dinners that most developed-world countries periodically hold.
Ahem.. and not just got into Harvard but graduated magna cum laude ;o)
So much bitterness directed at the Obamas that it's really quite pathetic...You'd think they were spending money like drunken pashas when all they're doing is following tradition and maintaining the stature of the United States.
This is so stupid. They didnt invite the poor of the country. And I thought that the government was broke. They are all a bunch of liars and thiefs. Just like the state of arizona gabrielle gifford is being transfered to texas for rehab. I guarntee if I needed rehab I wouldnt get that top notch care. Our country is falling apart and needs help
Its "thieves".
Or maybe you should finish off the moonshine in your jug before you start posting on CNN.
She most likely has better medical coverage than you do. It's the medical coverage that John Boehner and Co want to make sure that you NEVER have.
Wouldn't a bowl of rice be enough?
That will be a #23, a #45 and a #37 with Fried Rice....................
And don't forget the fortune cookes.....
The Cab with the main course ranges from 189.00-399.99 online per bottle. I hope they leave a good tip with our money. I don't even like wine.
you don't think they pay wholesale? Maybe it's even donated. After all, it's great publicity to get your winery associated with the "Best of America."
Probably going for $500 a bottle after this story..
All China has to do is wink, wink – hint, hint – that they might decide to sell off US Treasuries and we're toast ...
1....who eats like that? A real American feast should be more like Mac'N'Cheese and dogs! Or, if upscale is what you want, a nice roast beef with tatters, carrots and gravy with a nice PNW Micro brew...may I suggest a Rogue IPA?
2... John Boehner...I am a GOP...and I'd like to see you play nicer in that sand box, get over yourself and get with it...pull up a chair and eat dinner at the white house you selfish obnoxious a$$....I may be a GOP...but I am no fan of yers.
Real Americans eat like that as well, just not every day.
"Tatters"? You mean serve him rags?
Or TATERS? The precolumbian vegetable?
If you were going to have someone over you'd like to impress- a woman maybe? Or a boss, local businessman, clergyperson?- would you feed them what you eat on laundry night? No, you feed them the very best you can afford. Hu and his delegation are our *guests*. And we should treat them as such.
why do they have to have lobster? considering our economic troubles a nice piece of salmon or some duck confit would save a little cash to pay back to president hu.
Have you compared the price of lobster vs the prices of salmon or duck? Lobster is far more economical.
Perhaps you should try shopping at the local grocery store more and do take out/drive-thru less.....
Crimony yes! Salmon might be comparable, but duck confit is really spendy unless you make it yourself.
State Dinner Menu:
Wealth of the country carved up a little more for the wealthiest of the world
Peasant under glass
Cake for the poor
for our wealthy diners, no tax, gratuity not included.
No leftovers for the Salivation Army that's coming up short on food to feed all the people whose jobs were shipped overseas to slave labor markets, and whose families were thrown out of their homes by wealthy bankers.
Maybe you should run the first or second most powerful nations of the world and decide what's appropriate
This!
So I guess Harry Reid is and arrogant sob as well since he declined to attend.
aaaaa yes, isn't thah obvious
Not really- he's been to them before. He doesn't have a habit of turning down invitations from the White House. Not even when Bush was still President.
Boy... I bet the Obama's used up their whole months food stamp budget on this one....
You are an ass! Seems like you "white" folks will never get over having a Black president, especially one as effective as Obama.
I am? Golly... You must have been a terribly abused black man to take this as a racial statement. Get a life. Being black is OK.
Why is white in quotations? And why is black capitalized? That's racist.
"white" folks will not get over having a black president???? get a grip Charles do you think he could have been elected by the black vote only?
im surprised obama didn't order the family bucket from kfc
yea the savings could have gone torwards the USA deficit.
More evidence that people will go to any length to hate Obama. Presidents Clinton and Bush Snr both hosted the Chinese, this is nothing special Obama is doing. If you are going to gripe about something at least make a point.
His point was that Obama is black and black people like KFC
He was stereotyping, not hating. Relax.
Hooray racism.
That sounds like a comment from a person with a 4th grade education from West Va....Come on....you can do better that that!!!!
FYI....OUR President's mom is white as snow.....
KFCs are all over China.
Doug- Boehner is probably thinking....Should I really be attending a dinner with a bunch of celebs when his job is to serve the American people, not to be impressed by the names Obama can get to attend. Those who are not a part of the 3 branches of governement or representing the US in China should not be there. If this was going to be a productive dinner where key issues were going to be discussed, I am sure he would be there.
It really makes me feel like junk that my tax dollars go to feeding and entertaining celebs at these events. I realize it is to pay back those who supported Obama but when I pay back my friends who have helped me out it is out of my pocket, not my neighbors.
Absolutely – this is nothing more than Obama wrapping his political lips around Hu's political [well you know]. Hu was whining because he didn't get a dinner before.
All China has to do is wink, wink - hint, hint - that they might decide to sell off US Treasuries and we're toast ...
For whatever it's worth, when our leaders go to other nations, the taxpayers of those nations pay for their dinners. So enjoy! We're all getting our tax-paying money's worth. At least in theory.
I highly doubt that's what Boenher is thinking. The Chinese President is not a "celebrity". Many if not all President's have held State dinners, it's part of the job.
I think you need to read up a little on the function of a State Dinner. When you get an education then feel free to speak your mind.
You're a moron. It's the president's job to represent our great country. He is using that to create better ties with a country that obviously has us by the balls financially. Why on earth would that be taking money from the taxpayer? It's pennies at the most to each citizen. It's doing his job. Bush did it, Reagan did it. So get off your porch rocking chair and accept that the president has a duty to fill.
John would not know 'what is productive'...he is clueless. Well he would like to discuss golf and his tan...
I wonder if they donated the leftovers ?
How about it? My dinner tonight... Ramen noodles.
Bonehead is a classless ahole.number 3 in line ... please. cry me a river
Better than being a Nancy...........
ZING!
That salad sounds YUMMY! I may have a version of that for dinner tonight! I love the fact that they did a wine pairing. Also, the dessert is so simple- very Americana. I also like that they used some ingredients from the White House's garden. What an amazing party that must be to go to!
Yes, amazing. I am drooling just reading the menu as I wait for my ziti casserole made with bottled "Ragu" to come out of the oven. And Jackie Chan is there! How cool is that!
The arrogance of John Boehner to turn down this invitation.. This only shows the world what monsters the GOP are to work with.. What is he thinking ?
Couldn't agree more. What a d**k to put his own ego and desire to make a passive-aggressive political statement ahead of showing a unfied national presence and showing dignified respect and hospitality to a foreign delegation in the name of the United States.
The banker (China) typically does not like to see the borrower (US) throwing extragravant parties when the borrower (US) is having troubles paying its bills.
So John, when did that 'banker' tell you this? And are you aware that Hu can make it easier to adjust our monetary situation?
When the Premier of a foreign country comes to visit, it is appropriate to have a State Dinner. So chill.
he's a busy guy. give him a break. and that dinner will be the most awkward dinner ever.
He is a moron!
The only reason Obama invited John Boehner to the dinner is he needs someone to cry about our debts in front of Chinese so they may write off some of them
Yeah busy. Maybe if he didn't waste his time on having Congress vote on repealing the health care bill that has no chance of clearing the Senate he would have more time to attend dinners like this.
He's a stupid egotistical uneducated jerk who does not deserve to be in Congress.
He should go back to his hillbilly ranch to attend his cows.
Couldn't disagree more. Why subject himself to that environment.... Now I am no fan of either party but I understand him declining the invitation. You know Obama even grumbled at the thought of having to invite him.
I agree with you, this happens on both sides. They all act like little kids. Its like grown men and Sports teams or Car manufactures. We all like what we like and think everybody else should like the same. If we had no Political parties we would still find a way to draw a line in the sand. Their is never any compromise or working together for the greater good.
Chris,
I doubt very seriously you have any idea what Mr, Obama may or may not have grumbled about. The problem with the GOP is they have a very slippery relationship with the truth. But, on a happier note, if I didn't have to host Boehner for dinner, I would be extatic. He'd probably tear-up at the mention of which fork to use.
Boehner is 3rd in line to the Presidency now, he should go. I guess he has no aspirations to be President though, since he'd have to go to a state dinner if he was, so at least that's good!
And you have first hand knowledge of this... how?
I wouldnt want to go to a dinner Barbra Streisand was attending either.
I'm afraid the reason that he turned it down is that he's afraid he can't stop himself from crying over tax dollars like a girl, republicans are Morons.
Last time I checked, Harry Reid also declined an invitation as well, and even took it a step further by calling Jintao a "dictator." Does your definition of being monstrous now also apply to Democrats?
Funny...... the dems ganged up on the prior post, but are silent on this one. Could it be that what is good for the goose in NOT good for the gander?
Libs are morons.
Re-bubba-licans are morons too!
Harry Reid is a relatively conservative Democrat as he is from rural Nevada. Most liberal Democrats are from big cities.
His language wouldn't be correct. Hu (Hu is the last name) isn't a "dictator." The People's Republic of China is a one-party oligarchy – rule of the **few**
Jack, where did you read this? Someplace that was not Fox affiliated?
If a person does not like nor agree with another why should he participate in a lavish expensive showboating event that is only costing US the tax payers mega dollars. I wonder how much of this waste of our taxes has occured in state dinners, vacation tips by Michele, and her extravigant staff in a time in our economy has tanked and we are all hurting. Come on give me a break.
It cost likely the exact same amount as what the Bushes spent entertaining Tony Blair, the Russians, the Indians and all the vacations taken on air force one (Bush to date still holds the record for the most vacations out of any President in the history of the United States at an astounding 77 vacation trips paid for by the American people's tax dollars – President's do not get a bill for an air force one ride).
As for the expense of a state dinner, There is a thing called international relations and sharing culture is a key part of impressing an adversary you must work with. In everyday business, relationships are forged by the breaking of bread. This is the way the power elite work. And there is nothing you can do to change that especially complaining like a whiney 4 year old girl about the Obamas wasting our money. They are doing nothing different than what political culture has called for, for centuries.
PS – These figures at the top can be verified at fact check . org. I would invite you to check your facts and cite them before you go shooting your mouth off and making yourself the country fool.
It's called "diplomacy". It's their job, no less than the presidents. Way to insult the president of China, folks. What a funny idea that because they happen to not like someone's country or politics, they can stamp their feet and choose not to attend.
I'll tell you how much this lavish dinner cost...about 1/3 the cost to taxpayers of the vote in the house today that they admitted has no chance of getting through the Senate or the Veto. What a waste. Boner needs to go already!
They weren't serving fresh baby and carrot juice, and that's the only thing Boner eats. :)
Actually, he turned it down because the invite said "No crying allowed".
Lets look at the practical side of this. By not going to this dinner it probably saved his body from pluggin up with all the rich food and junk that will be served. Maybe this is a ploy to do away with the leaders of China and the USA at the same time through over induligence.
John Boehner is a total numbskull.
No, he is Speaker of the House! Most likely better than your gig.
Rodney, I'm quite sure that the job title and the insult are not mutually exclusive – in fact, I suspect quite the opposite in this case.
After reading this whole article, what you complain about is John not attending??? Get real. I bet you complain about the sun coming up each morning. So, do you have the same feeling about Harry Reid?? Maybe he had a good reason for not attending! He does have a considerable tasks on his shoulders now. Just because he doesn't suck up to the President doesn't mean you have the right to complain about him attending/not attending. What gets me is people like you that have no idea of what your talking about.
This was the third invitation that Boehner has turned down- he has not accepted one yet. And this is the man who the morning after the election, before all of the counts were in, was saying that the President would have to come to him. Apparently he thinks he is running the country now. So much for bi-partisanship. So much for serving not a party, but the People.
He's saving $$$. One less person at the table...225 people is a bit much! I don't care if its International rel! At least someone said No!
I would take great pleasure in gutting you.
Sorry4U
He couldn't stop crying.
He's saving American taxpayers lots of $ by staying home...Thanks John!
Staying home to plan his strategy to repeal healthcare, which if left intact would save taxpayers MORE money than him not showing up at a state dinner.
The Obama White House spells POTATOES with an "e" on this official menu? Where are the liberal elites now, taking spelling lessons from Dan Quayle? Funny how the tide turns... (oh, and don't expect the media to pick up on this one, unless it's FOX)
Do you have a dictionary? Look up the spelling of the plural of potato.
The plural of potato IS potatoes. Check out m-w.com.
"Potatoes" is the proper spelling of the pluralization of "potato." You f*cking moron.
The liberal elites are here nailing you to the wall for being a redneck idiot.
Honest to God I was hoping for your sake that you weren't this dumb and your post was a joke.
Unfortunately, my hopes were dashed.
The plural of potato IS potatoes.
Also, if the apple pie dessert is the one that was in a People article by the same chef, it is INCREDIBLE. I've made it twice, to rave reviews each time.
The media won't pick up on it- including Fox- because it ISN'T MISSPELLED. Potato ends with an o, and many words ending thus have an -es plural rather than an -s. Potatoes. Heroes. Zeroes.
A trip back through third-grade spelling wouldn't do you any harm.
They will save money without Boehner being there to drink more than his share of the wine and then cry about it
Boehner cries. Beck cries. What the hell is going on with conservatives these days?
Happy John and Harry stayed home....they are so embarrassing....
Poop...
I realize they need to accomodate many people, but doesn't the table seem a bit to cramped? Oh and the salad sounds so yummy!
table looks total mess
I agree! There is not enough space in between to set it correctly as it should be.
everythign is MADE IN CHINA so it is meant for lil peeps
The Iraq war cost over $10,000 per American family, but people are all up in arms about the cost of this dinner which is less than 1 cent per American family. Is it really that outrageous that the leader of the world's largest economy and the leader of the world's second largest economy are eating carrots and drinking wine??
I agree, the table looks like it is cramped. and as for the food? wow, I would love to have that good food. and I better not be paying for there parties,. whats up with all the people? more then half could have stayed home.
The Chinese are small.
So is your winky!
Winky? What are you, 10?
@ Arick- No, only 5. Same age with silvershado! ;o)
What are you, a jackass?
@Elf, thanks for the laugh. lol.
I wonder how much this dinner costs the taxpayers? I know we are hosting the Chinese President but who and why are there 220 other people attending and does it come out of the Presidents pay? I could care less which president it is, we owe Trillions to china and oh, here is a free meal to boot.
I am not a supporter of Obama, but even I say that the cost of only the third state dinner in two years is hardly extravagant.
you couldn't care less. when you say you could care less, you are saying the total opposite of what (i presume) you mean. unless, of course, you actually are telling us you do care.
Looks like the chardonnay costs $55/bottle and Cabernet >$200/bottle. That's just not right....
State dinners are a time honored tradition, and this is hardly opulent. Not to mention, China is becoming a key ally, so we need to learn to play nicely with them.
For the money we have paid for these dinners, how many hungry kids could have ate?
The elite Liberals don't care about hungry kids.
Are you serious? Really? State dinners are an obligation of the hosting nation. Would you perhaps prefer that the president send the Secret Service off to Mickey D's for a bag of Big Macs and fries? What a tremendous insult to the Chinese that would be! And the wines probably didn't "cost" anything extra – the White House maintains an extensive wine cellar and buys in bulk – it has for generations – so these were probably just pulled out of inventory.
But let's be generous – let's say this cost $1,500 per person to host. Just the meal, you can't count security, etc. because that's required anyway, even if they do send out to the Golden Arches. So, $220,000 divided up across 300 million citizens. Let's see – ok, gather up 10 of your friends and figure out how to come up with the 1 penny total for the group that you need to send in for your share.
We are the United States of America. Some of us still understand and believe that the nation has dignity and pride, and that those should be maintained.
The redneck conservatives don't care about hungry kids, either.
State dinners happened during the Great Depression as well...so your point is???
Well said OldBuffaloGuy...some idiots use any opportunity to criticize the president, and only end up displaying their utter ignorance in the process. I wasn't a fan of Bush, but certainly understood why it's important to host state dinners, even while he was racking up trillions in debt. We are the United States, and with that comes expectations of behavior that is beyond partisan politics. Sadly, some people are too narrow-minded to see beyond their partisan beliefs to understand how diplomacy works, and what is necessary to continue to maintain our standing in the world.
If all that is too much for some of you to understand, look at it more simply – with all the money we've borrowed from China, they're basically paying for this dinner anyway.
$55 a bottle for Chardonnay? That's a drop in the bucket, seriously. Go to any NYC club and you'll be paying a few hundred bucks for something you can pick up at a liquor store for $20. The total cost of that dinner is nothing in the grand scheme of things, there are much bigger wastes (wars, etc.) of our money.
I've been listening to the Chinese pres all week. Where's my F'n state dinner? It seemed like that's all he cared about. If it's that easy to buy influence, scrap the DOD and give 'em their glazed carrots! F U China!
By the way, don't we have that death ray now? Lol, I'll probably get a "Social" call from the F.B.I. now. >:)
Around 800 billion. But you were close.
Cost less then a drone and 2 hell fire missles
So, I guess you think the president should have just offered him a beer and pointed him off to a good motel?
You Sir are an idiot think about what you are saying. Not to mention this has to do with the relations between our country and others. You are a prime example of what is wrong with this country. I bet you are on welfare
What's the big deal? Even cousin Eddie wore his good shoes and grilled his best burger buns when the relatives came to visit.
Actually, I am not on welfare, and I do not think McDonalds would be appropriate. I do think, however, that in a tough economic atmosphere we are in, our country could use this money elsewhere. Not a shot at Obama, a shot at politics altogether.
The Chinese are skinnier than we are. THey don't need so much room :)
YEAH, BUT THEY EAT LIKE PIGS AND CONTRARY TO THE SAYING : CHINESE EAT EVERYTHING WITH FOUR LEGS EXCEPT THE TABLE, I BET THIS TIME HU AND HIS TEAM WILL EAT THE STATE DINNER TABLES AS WELL !
Great move by Boehner turning down the dinner, liberals are way too radical and need to get out of office asap!
And Boehner turning down the invitation accomplishes what? I'm curious as to how turning down a dinner invitation will have any effect on getting these so-called radical liberals our of office.
Boehner is a whiny crybaby. To snub a major world power like this as well as the President of the United States (not to mention the Tucson funeral which he skipped to attend a GOP fundraiser instead) shows what a small-minded man he is, not worthy of the position he holds.
It is amazing the first Orange-American speaker decides to go get paychecks from the lobbyists instead of diplomacy. After all we can argue with each other, but we should be united to the world.
Boehner shows himself to be small potatoes. Small, ugly, orange potatoes.
Boehner didn't want to have to eat anything out of that socialist White House garden.
Real Americans don't grow their own food, they shop for it in grocery stores!
yummy goodness of MADE IN CHINA dinner. even the China?
what with the place setting too? I have never seen 3 knives. With no bread and butter plate, can anyone breakdown their usage?
Typically silver is used from the outside in. Thus with three knives you have salad, fish (lobster in this case), and then the meat course.
GOOD FOR HU; The dinner table looks like a chinese grave !
Do you realize that you don't know how to spell accommodate?
President Obama's guest, Hu is from China, but why didnt the chefs serve orange chicken, half and half chow mein and
fried rice? I hope Hu is not disappointed!!!
President Obama's guest, Hu is from China, but why didnt the chefs serve orange chicken, half and half chow mein and
fried rice? I hope Hu is not disappointed!!! If he does, next time lets add hot and sour soup, its on me!
You need to actually read the article; "Tonight’s menu, at the request of Chinese President Hu Jintao’s delegation, will be an all-American feast featuring last summer’s harvest of honey and produce from the White House’s kitchen garden."
Right. And if we go there do we want them to make us fried chicken and mashed potatoes? Get real! We can eat that here! Why not eat something new? I'd bet that Hu had never had apple pie before, and welcomed the experience.
I'd bet you only eat American fast food when you're traveling overseas. Sad, really.
Years ago this would not be considered news and probably today this is not news. Thanks for the cr@p to try to fill your precious website and distracting people from real news.
but it was interesting enough to 1- grab your attention and 2- remark upon
Table a bit cramp? I don't think so: Those plates are each 6 feet in diameter!