Obama Braves The Cold Without A Coat, Demonstrates "Flinty Chicago Toughness" (SLIDESHOW)

Obama wants to show wimpy Washingtonians how to brave the cold, Chicago-style. As parts of the capital city -- specifically Sasha and Malia's school, Sidwell Friends -- shut down over "some ice," the president lamented that "when it comes to the weather, folks in Washington don't seem to be able to handle things." He promised to bring some "flinty Chicago toughness" to the region.

See him demonstrate that toughness by walking around Washington on Tuesday, when temperatures hovered around 30 degrees, while carrying -- not wearing -- his coat.

Read more about the president's comments and see the video

• • • • • • President Barack Obama demonstrates his "flinty Chicago toughness" on Tuesday by walking back to the Oval Office in 30 degree weather without a coat.

Comments

[dearlizzie]

12:10 PM on 02/25/2009

Obama has learned well the stagecraft lessons from his predecessors. Reagan regularly appeared without a coat and the message of masculine invulnerability and strength was clear. Contrast the virile coatless Reagan and the dumpy, shuffling shopkeeper Gorbachev appears to be:

http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/78/71278-004-64A10B5D.jpg

FDR knew how vital it was to stand tall at his inauguration and project strength and resilience in a time of crisis. Being unbowed by cruel fate was an inspiring and hopeful visual message.

http://www.cbc.ca/whatodds/FDR%20inauguration%20from%20CBC%20Archives.jpg

We need all the images of confidence and indomitability we can get! I am grateful for a president who understands, among many things, that he has 'iconic responsibilities' and rises to the occasion.

[Recessionista]

10:13 AM on 02/25/2009

Huff Post, while it's interesting that he and Michelle braved the cold and were "fashionable." I was much more interested in his speech and his words!
I wrote about it on my blog. I felt the strong influence of FDR and Eleanor in his speech.
It was INSPIRING!!!

http://therecessionista.blogspot.com/2009/02/thoughts-on-obamas-address-echoes-of.html

[atoonce]

02:29 PM on 02/20/2009

I think Obama's initial comments about the weather were mostly kidding, but if he is going to send the message that we all have to sacrifice and conserve, then he should set the example by lowering the thermostat and layering up indoors. As to his short walks across the yard, I'm sure he is wearing what he feels comfortable with. I couldn't quite decipher the tone of this article, if they are serious, than it is a bit too much gushing over him.

[rdiaz921]

06:40 AM on 02/20/2009

he works out a lot, keeps his metabolism in highr gear, this keeps him warm. i know, i live in MI.

[zekeaz]

10:12 PM on 02/19/2009

No coat? It's a Chicago thing. You only wear an overcoat if you are going to be outside doing something for a while. If you are wearing a suit, chances are you are not going outside for any length of time, so why bother with an overcoat. Though I live in Arizona now, I grew up in Chicago and I can still remember my father saying, "What do you need a coat for? We're just going out to dinner." Besides, if I looked as good as Obama in a suit, I wouldn't wear an overcoat either.

[Gmoney1]

05:16 PM on 02/19/2009

Okay Michelle - time to tell Pres to put a coat on - he's cool but it's cold out there -

[SpendBabySpend]

11:48 PM on 02/05/2009

This is ridiculous..what are we supposed to say..OHHH.OHHH..isn't he sooo brave.

[Diogenis]

06:25 PM on 02/02/2009

Another boring journalist......! Find something real to write about please.

[tchoupitoulav]

06:41 AM on 01/31/2009

I live in Atlanta and it gets cold here. I hate the cold and I have my temperature set to 75.

[violimo]

05:59 AM on 01/31/2009

Does he need to get any cooler?

[mh01]

10:34 PM on 01/30/2009

WHile everyone gushes over how "tough" obama is, did anyone catch the story in the NY times about why he doesn't need a jacket? Because according to Axelrod, "He's from Hawaii, he hates the cold" So "he keeps the temperture really warm" in the white house. "you could grow orchids in there"

But wait, I thought obama said we aren't going to be able to keep our homes at 72 degrees all the time because of "climate change"

Do as I say, not as I do.

Laughable.

[fadetoblack]

11:29 AM on 01/31/2009

ah yes, another neo.con lookin' for something to pi.ss and mo.an about. He might ha.te the cold but seeing that he lived in Chicago for over 20 years, he obviously adjusted.

[clsmithj]

12:45 PM on 01/31/2009

not funny : |

[walkaway]

09:35 PM on 01/30/2009

I love Michelle. She usually picks cool clothes with great colors. This is the first coat that really fits her. She must have changed seamstresses. The shoulders and sleeves are perfect.

[russwatersruss]

07:11 PM on 01/30/2009

Wow! I can't wait to see him in the Summertime!

[Nick2]

08:40 PM on 01/30/2009

Hawaiian shirt and cut-offs?

[jaymcb]

06:18 PM on 01/30/2009

I never wear a coat and never get sick.

The man is walking form his transportation to a building, really no need for a cumbersome coat.

[littlebrowngirl]

06:45 PM on 01/30/2009

I am a chicago transplant living in DC for 5 years. I don't even OWN a winter coat anymore!. In fact I sold all of my chicago gear when I moved here. DC is not even close to being as cold as chicago.

If you are used to cold weather it is easy not the wear a coat in DC.Our blood is as think as maple syrup, I am sure.

You have the have GEAR to live in chicago. I just have a few light jackets. I don't even own a hat.

[Kiba]

06:14 AM on 01/31/2009

Yeah, DC is balmy compared to Chicago.

[LiberalDuke]

04:45 AM on 02/20/2009

I am an east coast transplant living in the California Bay Area. Trust me, after a few years you get acclimated and it is cold.

[Beca]

06:13 PM on 01/30/2009

Well that is not good! Somebody needs to make sure he has his coat on when he goes aoutside. Didn't one of our past Presidents die because he didn't wear his coat? Can't remember his name, but he was only in office for a month and the report of his death was that it was caused by the cold!
PRESDIENT OBAMA, WE KNOW YOU ARE TOUGH, NOW PUT YOUR COAT ON! IT IS NOT THE TIME TO SHOW OFF LIKE THAT!!

[Nick2]

08:43 PM on 01/30/2009

President William Henry Harrison died one month after his inauguration. He gave a looooong boring speech in the cold on Inauguration Day, took sick, developed pneumonia, and died. He was the 9th president.

[rbarthjr]

09:00 PM on 01/30/2009

It was William Henry Harrison (#9), and he stood in freezing rain (no coat or hat) for about 2 hours giving his inaugural address. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Henry_Harrison#Presidency_1841 for the story.