Did he think Merkel would just sit there and let him rub her shoulders?

[rudy23]

Honestly, can you picture any circumstances in which that would be even close to acceptable behavior? At the G8? For goodness's sake, the man has his finger on the button.

The only way it makes sense, is if it's some calculated attempt to psyche everyone out, and assert his dominance. As horrible as that still is, god I hope this was the reason.

I remember reading in a recent Psychology Today about how the higher up you go on the power ladder, the ruder some people feel entitled to act. Because they can. That's the entire message they intend to project "Because I CAN."

"Yo, Blair. (Chomp chomp) Want some seafood?"
(opens mouth)
"See?"

The article mentioned how some partner in a firm would fart at meetings, and it was understood that only he was allowed to do so. It mentioned how LBJ could be very coarse, even speaking to reporters while he was on the john. It's all about power. It was a fascinating article.

I've had bosses who've acted the same way. Feeling entitled to put their hands wherever they pleased on their female employees. Scratching, picking, you name it.

I hope this is part of the explanation, because if * thought for one second that he was just going to cooly rub the Prime Minister's shoulders throughout a discussion in a room full of the most powerful leaders in the world, you ummm, have to be concerned.

[bettyellen]

1. you don't remember him wiping his glasses on that woman's skirt....

way back when he was running. i can;t remember if it was Leno or Letterman. but he did it without acknowledging her existance or that someone might think it's weird.
just thoughtless, wet brained entitlement is my guess.

[KansDem]

5. It was Letterman...

[katty]

6. I remember this one!! what an arrogant ass!

[bettyellen]

9. i found the clip! top ten dumbest bush moments.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KDT9ZViGvk&search=bush%20letterman

[Warpy]

8. Plus, I'm convinced he was drinking

I think Putin got him drinking and was then amazed at the rapid deterioration in his behavior, something that is typical in alcoholics who've been dry for a while and is out of proportion to the amount of alcohol they've had.

And yes, other people are objects that are there for his convenience and gratification. He's always been like that. I think he was as affectionate to Merkel as he is to anyone, though. His behavior to her as a head of state is what was particularly outrageous. He's capable of better when he is sober.

Anyone who's lived with a drunk should recognize his behavior on this trip and recognize its source.

He has not apologized, of course.

[blonndee]

10. I agree with you.

I recognized it as well. Just took me a while to REALLY believe it could be.

[Sal Minella]

12. If he does apologize, it will be, "I'm sorry you misunderstood and

took offense when I was being nice to you." Passive-aggressives consider that an apology.

[saltpoint]

2. "Yo, Blair."

There are 9-year old with better manners than that.

And besides, many 9-year olds speak fluent English.

[patrice]

3. He confused Merkel with Rice because they're both female.

Where do you think that glow in Rice's face comes from when she's watching him do his thing whenever, wherever?

[mzteris]

4. No. He's just stupid.

And ill-bred. And ill-mannered. And probably schnockered.

He's a total buffoon who probably is completely delusional at this point.

[Captain Hilts]

7. If she doesn't want him to, she must be a lesbian! nt

[cami715]

11. Crude, rude, gross and totally uncouth coupled with stupidity -

that is Bush!

He is an embarrassment for anyone who cares about this country.