"Political pundits have been abuzz in recent days over John Boehner's decision to skip President Obama's state dinner for Chinese president Hu Jintao. . .
While some may see a principled leader who doesn't partake in fancy insider events just because of tradition, others may see a leader who's putting politics first, and ditching a critical opportunity to better get to know the leader of one of the world's most powerful countries.
It's not entirely clear why the Speaker is skipping the event, which marks the third time the Republican leader has skipped a state dinner during Obama's administration.
Anita McBride, chief of staff to former First Lady Laura Bush, as saying that "you really have to be sick, dead or dying to regret a state dinner invitation." Meanwhile, Letitia Baldridge, who was social secretary to President Kennedy, had even sharper words. She told the same reporter that Boehner's decision was "short-sighted and a failing of his duty."
If Boehner truly is uncomfortable with Washington glitz--and isn't trying to send a bigger message through his absence--he should deal with it for an evening. Leadership requires that people do things they don't like all the time, whether it's attending a fancy dinner or negotiating on thorny issues with opponents."
http://views.washingtonpost.com/leadership/post_leadership/2011/01/the-dish-boehner-will-miss.html?hpid=smartlivingAlso didn't show up to honor those shot in Arizona. Guess it's his way of saying "f . . you" to the Obama administration. Repugs and teabagger types are such boors