Photos: "Quintessentially American" (The Obama Presidency, Day 730)

[Clio the Leo]

"225 guests will be treated to a “Quintessentially American” evening at tonight’s state dinner in the White House, the third of the Obama administration, honoring China’s President Hu Jintao.

The theme highlights America – which the White House says this was specifically requested by the Chinese delegation–seen in the menu, décor, and entertainment of the evening reflecting what the First Lady’s office “some of the nation’s most recognizable offerings.”~ Jake Tapper


Members of the US Air Force roll out the red carpet upon the arrival of Chinese President Hu Jintao




Protesters gather across the street from the White House as U.S. President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao meet





United States Marines arrive for a state arrival ceremony












Kinda-bow




US President Barack Obama greets guests alongside Chinese President Hu Jintao (not pictured) during a State Arrival ceremony on the South Lawn


Sasha behind the rope line with her class mates.




Chinese President Hu Jintao waits in the Green Room prior to the beginning of a joint press conference with U.S. President Barack Obama







"Mr. President, your reaction upon hearing you're polling the highest you've been in 13 months on the SAME day the GOP attempts to repeal your signature piece of legislation?"









Jackie Chan


Michelle Kwan


Vera Wang


Yo-Yo Ma (R) arrives with Jill Hornor


Robert Iger (L) of Disney arrives with Willow Bay


New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and his wife Mary Pat


Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright


A Marine ushers Kenneth Roth (L), executive director of Human Rights Watch, and Annie Sparrow


Actor James Brolin (L) and his wife singer Barbra Streisand


Actor B.D. Wong makes a video of reporters


U.S. President Barack Obama (C) and first lady Michelle Obama greet China's President Hu Jinta















Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) speaks






Musician Herbie Hancock performs

[flvegan]

1. I'm not even going to comment on it.

I mean, beyond *this* comment.

[gateley]

2. Yawn. Looks like dinner at my house!

Love the photos as usual, Clio. How cool that Shasha's class was there! Only seeing Bob could have been more perfect!

[Clio the Leo]

3. seriously, they stole ALL of the decoration ideas from my last party. :-) nt

[monmouth]

17. Notice how well Michelle's gown went with the decor colors. Perfect!...n/t

[Clio the Leo]

20. And (I believe) features an "American Beauty" red rose print..

..... one of the many times I wish I worked in the WH, to help put all of that together.

[gateley]

22. She is just so cool! nt

[Richardo]

4. Great visuals - thanks for the post.

:patriot:

[GoCubsGo]

5. Thanks for the photos

I would love to have gone to that event. I hope they gave Vera Wang an extra helping at dinner. :-)

[AmericaIsGreat]

6. Jackie Chan and Chris Christie

Now that's a f'ing party.

[Schema Thing]

7. Man crush, 7th from the bottom.

[frazzled]

8. Jazz and Lobster: I'm down with it

Plus YoYo Ma and Madeleine Albright. Why don't I ever get invited to these things?

(We did get invited once to one of those Renaissance Weekends that Bill Clinton used to hold back in the 90s. Don't know how the heck we got on the list. But it cost a freaking fortune, which we didn't have at the time; I'm sorry we didn't cough it up and go for the networking.)

[Drunken Irishman]

9. It's great to have class back in the WH again.

[tishaLA]

10. Barbra wore that outfit to the Clinton Inaugural Gala

....seriously.

Barbra, please! Too many people already think Pres Obama's policies are too close to Pres Clinton's. Don't substantiate that meme with your fashion choices.

[Diamonique]

11. Wonderful photos! Thanks Clio!

Vera Wang looks awful. Love seeing Michelle Kwan.

[Metric System]

13. I can't believe Michelle Kwan is a Republican. Ugh.

[Phx_Dem]

24. Seriously. You'd think a great fashion designer would wear a great dress,

but nooooooo . . .

[JNelson6563]

26. Who, Vera Wang?

Take any slop of the rack at any store, tie a ribbon into a bow and Voila! A Vera Wang original. No thanks.

Julie

[lunatica]

12. Thanks!

[rug]

14. Boy, is Chris Christie fat.

[Clio the Leo]

18. And yet, somehow he's supposed to be able to give Obama a run for his money...

.... in '12. Let's not pretend that wouldn't a be a factor. A calm, fit, thinking man against another man who, well, isn't any of those things.

[a kennedy]

15. Wow, James Brolin and Barbara!!!

what a great looking couple....not as good as POTUS and FLOTUS but pretty d*mn good looking.

[monmouth]

16. Herbie Hancock!!! I'm soooo jealous, love his music...n/t

[BeyondGeography]

19. Christie...holy shit

[ensho]

21. thanks much for the pics

nt

[Phx_Dem]

23. Michelle is a vision! Gorgeous.

[Cass]

25. Is Vera Wang ill? She looks positively skeletal and if the camera adds 10 lbs then she is really

down to skin and bones.

Thanks for the pics!