Disgraceful, If True

Michael Hastings -- a writer/reporter for Rolling Stone (the one whose reporting resulted in the firing of General McChrystle), and no friend to Republicans or conservatives -- has released new book containing an appalling (if true) anecdote about the President.

He reports that on a visit to Baghdad that the President complained about taking any more pictures with the troops.

Those who have known the President even slightly realize he is an introvert, who doesn't particularly enjoy being with people. (Jodi Kantor's new book, which I'm reading, reinforces that impression.)

But it's nonetheless shocking he'd complain about signing pictures, autographs or books for the people he leads as Commander-in-Chief -- those who actually or potentially put their lives on the line to keep us safe. Can you imagine George W. Bush -- or even Bill Clinton -- behaving that way?

The anecdote seems to pull the curtain back on an over-entitled, selfish, tone-deaf (and really unpleasant) person. After all, he's been willing to gird himself to take plenty of pictures with big donors in order to fill his own fundraising coffers. Perhaps it's not as important when it's not about him?