Obama Dumps Podium for “Executive-Style Chair” at Press Conferences

In a press release on Monday, Denis McDonough, Obama’s “Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communication”, quietly stated that in order to promote a more relaxed atmosphere, future interviews with the press will take place with the President seated in a chair. He said that Obama wants to foster a new sense of community with the media, and that a seated posture with reporters would “demonstrate his openness” with them. The Deputy Secretary went on to say that the use of the podium as a means of conveying policy to the masses was too “Romanesque, and phallic”. The release states that this is to become an administration-wide policy that will be adopted in phases as the different venues adapt to the new strategy. Press conferences with all Administration officials are to be utilizing this more informal format by the year’s end.

This comes on the heels of reports that question if the President is too relaxed while the country is in deep crisis, reminding their readers of his odd appearances on 60 Minutes and Jay Leno. Other sources have stated that Obama has set a relaxed tone, going as far as to say that he doesn’t always wear a suit coat in the oval office, but this new speaking policy is quite a departure from anything any previous Presidents have done, demonstrating his will for change in a real, meaningful way.

Opponents of the President have cried foul, saying that POTUS has traded his podium for a throne. The White House quickly issued a statement, claiming that the newly adopted chair is “not meant to enthrone President Obama, but to present him as an equal among those he represents.” The President’s detractors will surely have a field day with this one.

One might say a better setting would be Obama sitting behind a large desk, cigar in hand and venetian blinds in the background, but perhaps that motif would be better suited for his dealings with AIG and the auto industry. Then, when he gives them an offer they can’t refuse they’ll have some context to appreciate the offer, but that’s probably a little too “Romanesque” as well…