Everyone has experienced those moments that are either funny or embarrassing, often captured in photos that didn’t quite turn out as planned.
While most of us have the luxury to decide whether to keep or delete these awkward snapshots, the same can’t be said for the President of the United States. These moments, once caught on camera, are forever immortalized in the public eye.
1. George W. Bush Dodges Flying Footwear
Man Throws Shoes At Bush pic.twitter.com/NH9mYSWGdG
— Life Is Weird (@Life1sWeird) September 5, 2023
In a memorable event five years into the Iraq war, on December 14, 2008, an Iraqi journalist took an unusual approach to protest. During a press conference, he threw his shoes at then-President George W. Bush. Bush managed to dodge the incoming footwear with surprising agility.
In many cultures, particularly in the Muslim world, throwing a shoe at someone is a significant sign of disrespect. Despite the tense situation, Bush handled it with a sense of humor, claiming he had no idea why the journalist was so upset.
2. Donald Trump’s Prolonged Handshake with Shinzō Abe
Trump shakes Japanese PM's hand for 19 seconds pic.twitter.com/YnA7JOKvep
— Life Is Weird (@Life1sWeird) September 5, 2023
On February 10, 2017, during a meeting in Washington, DC, then-President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe shared what would become one of the most talked-about handshakes in diplomatic history.
Lasting a full 19 seconds, the handshake was noticeably long and awkward. The extended interaction was analyzed and joked about extensively online, highlighting the peculiar nature of such a prolonged greeting.