Obama's blockbuster gift...

[Henry Hawk]

This is the way to get the world to love us again
...


He had put clearly great thought into giving the U.S. President lavish gifts to signify Britain's 'special relationship' with the U.S.

During his historic trip to Washington, Gordon Brown gave Barack Obama an ornamental pen holder made from the timbers of the Victorian anti-slave ship HMS Gannet - once called HMS President.

The unique present delighted Mr Obama because oak from the Gannet's sister ship, HMS Resolute, was carved to make a desk that already takes place in the Oval Office in the White House, after being presented by Britain to the US in 1880.

The Prime Minister went to the trouble of hunting down the perfect gift after becoming the first European leader invited to the White House by the new Commander In Chief.
So it would be perfectly understandable if Mr Brown felt a little underwhelmed at the official gift he received in return.
For despite being leader of the world's most bountiful nation, President Obama handed over nothing more thought-provoking than 25 classic American films on DVD.
It was the equivalent of receiving a pair of socks from an unfamiliar aunt at Christmas - and a less-than-glowing affirmation of the UK-US bond.

[me]

Sounds like Obama had better get himself a new adviser if he is indeed the one who suggested that gift.

[Sandy Eggo]

Well, if he didn't regift the tacky fur lined bomber jacket that Bush gave him, then he can wear it while he watches them and fondly think of America.

At least the movies are representative of something. A bomber jacket?

[pariann]

Why do they have to give gifts in the first place.  Think of it this way.....I imagine the pen holder was 'expensive'.  The DVD represents that the US has to become more frugal.