Presidential PDA: Past And Present (SLIDESHOW)

It might seem as though every day is Valentine's Day when your last name is Obama...especially when even the Associated Press is taking note, as they did in this article on Thursday:

Just in time for Valentine's Day, it's the season of the PDA in the White House _ and we're not talking about President Obama's prized BlackBerry. The first couple's constant Public Displays of Affection have many people across the country fascinated, charmed and even a little jealous of this 21st-century White House marriage.

...But to many, the Obama marriage represents a much more modern kind of White House romance: Two people who've both had important careers, who are trying to balance professional success with family stability, who are both playful with each other and mutually respectful, and who aren't afraid to display their affection and chemistry _ again and again.

But what about the First Couples that came before them? Did they get down? Here are the answers.

And check out our new Obama PDA Big News Page.

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Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson in 1961 when Johnson was Vice President

Comments

[rzan1]

Ike, Johnson, Kennedy, and Clinton were all disloyal to their wives, with women on the side. Ike was such a gentleman I always thought, but there were rampant rumors when he was president that Mamie had a drinking problem. People thought that the Nixons were cool towards each other, but I doubt he cheated on her, and I remember how openly grief striken he was at her funeral. I believe he truly loved her.

[Bluelynx]

I believe that's right. I heard a bunch of old ladies once, saying that Mamie did have a drinking problem. I was shocked. They told me that many times she was discreetly taken to Walter Reed after she drank till she passed out.

[moda31]

the johnson, eisenhower ,and obama photos are my favorites, they seem them most joyous and sincere in their love. bush looks like a clown as usual, and laura just looks exasperated; while bush sr. does indeed look like he's kissing his mom.

[HerbTee]

Hey folks, notice the Obamas seem to be the only Presidential couple who often peck each other on the lips during photos? Perhaps doing so wasn't popular during the Ike and LBJ eras. I just love seeing that interaction between the two of them.

[Lahonda]

When you consider what they're celebrating, I pick the Kennedys, for its significance (he was catholic) and the Obamas for its pure sincerity.

[TchoupitoulasCanal]

The Obama's relationship is a positive example for everyone..­.....anyon­e who is in a relationship where their partner says they just 'don't have time' for intimacy and endearing, caring partnerships should take a look at this wonderful couple.

If Obama can rule the free world, tackle the most pressing issues of our time, raise two children and STILL be affectionate towards his wife in a very genuine and enduring way, then there is truly no good excuse for anyone anymore.

[claudestrawberry]

That photo of Barack and Michelle is so endearing.

I recently did a blog post on Michelle Obama and some retrospective images of Jackie O. Check it out if you're inclined

http://reddoorread.blogspot.com/2009/02/ladies-first.html

[Nobrun]

Lyndon/LadyB win the show. Love the Obamas but not her outfit.

[liberalrebuttal]

The Kenndys and the Obamas are my favorite.

[Pie7]

Agreed.

[sbrown80]

Our first couple are the cutest. I just love them. They are so young, hot and modern.
I wish I had first lady Michelle's body. Can you imagine we have a first lady with a killer figure, and a president with a nice chest. They just inspire me to stay on that treadmill.

[Patricia84]

Bush Jr. always deliver. What a trooper!

[naschkatze]

My two favorites: the Eisenhowers and the Kennedys.

[kellygrrrl]

I'm guessing W is sportin' some severe halitosis

[BlackYowe]

Laura looks put out as George puckers up! Very funny photo!

[notthistime]

did you see that? I saw that.

[searchingforzen]

"Oh no, not him again!" LOL

[HerbTee]

LOL...yeah, it looks as if Laura is thinking "yuck!" as Georgie kisses her. :-)

[kellygrrrl]

H.W. kissing George Washington in drag kind of freaks me out.

[BluGrrl]

for real

[Pupadup4oBama]

I agree, however it's the first picture of them I've ever seen with any affection. Their son on the other hand looks like a monkey who's kissing is not so appreciated by his wife. Laura looks like she just wants to run away.

[Rosanneofpgh]

Well, hw was a war hero so he has proven his mettle in the past. But it sure takes a lot of intestinal fortitude to plant a smooch on the ugliest woman in the US of A. When I say ugly, I mean ugly inside and out. No wonder he was away from home so much. Who can blame him???

[LittleRedHenSez]

I think she is what you call handsome rather than pretty because she is a statuesque lady. I always thought she was funny and lovely. People are very hateful towards her and I don't see why. All of our first ladies have been lovely and interesting each in her own way. I don't think it reflects well on the people who make such hateful and mean comments.

[eden4barack08]

LOL.

[Pie7]

LMAO, but moral the bushes beat the Clinton's.

[kgrdem]

Gee, haven't Republicans been whining about the divorce rate and the modern day woman who 'hates' her man and doesn't understand what marriage should be? Well, we have a wonderful role model of a beautiful marriage of mutual respect and, it appears to be lust, too, and you can bet your mortgaged house that the Republicans are going to find a way to disparage their Public Displays of Affection as 'non-Presidential'. You know, like trying to fix everything that GWB f**ked up and find that not wearing a coat in the Oval Office is 'offensive'.

By the way, women LOVE this sort of thing (the Obamas). And it transcends politics. The Republicans are going to be reduced to a redneck in a swamp in Mississippi if they don't watch out.

Since I don't listen to nonsense and crap, I don't listen to right-wing radio. Have they pissed all over the Obama's marriage and kids yet?