David Cameron visiting Barack Obama in the oval office is showing. This is a big moment for the new British prime minister. After his debut at the G-20 recently, here he is talking man to man with the leader of the free world.
But it has been noticeable how determined Cameron has been not to get too excited by his U.S. trip. He wants it to go well, and he has made very positive noises about the U.S. But he thinks British previous leaders have shown themselves as needy and a bit desperate to impress. He wants to play it slightly cool but not in an unfriendly way. This is broadly to his credit.
A man eager to impress probably would have paid more attention to the condition of his footwear. At the weekend as he and his team discussed plans for his trip, you might have expected him to think quietly to himself: “Should look out my best, new shirt, pack my best shoes for the White House and if not get a helper to swing by Jermyn Street first thing Monday morning and buy a shiny, fresh pair.”
But no, he packed a perfectly servicable if very well-worn in pair of English Oxfords. Examine them in the picture and you see they are pretty badly creased, although someone (probably British embassy staff) has had a go at shining them. Still, you can tell they are not remotely new.
Obama’s shoes are quite a contrast. They look cheaper but they are newer and have been shined to within an inch of their life. Cameron and Obama both opted for blue ties in similar shades, white shirts and dark blue suits.
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