‘A favourability rating that is equal to …Gretzky…and well ahead of Justin Bieber,’ Kerry says of Trudeau
WASHINGTON — A warm moment in Canada-U.S. relations unfolded on the White House lawn Thursday, one marked by small talk, big fanfare and a plan to see President Barack Obama address Canada’s Parliament before he leaves office.
The day began with a elaborate bit of bilateral cinematography: a military brass band, a cannon salute and hundreds of flag-waving onlookers greeting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in town for the first state dinner involving a Canadian in 19 years.
The leaders greeted the crowd along the rope line while their wives chatted nearby. A relaxed, wisecracking Obama made some jokes about American hockey dominance, while noting how long it had been since a similar Canada-U.S. event.
“We are very proud to welcome the first official visit by a Canadian prime minister in nearly 20 years. About time, eh?” Obama said.
“We have a common outlook on the world, and I have to say I have never seen so many Americans excited about the visit of a Canadian prime minister.”
Indeed, the two leaders went out of their way to project amity: Trudeau described the president as “My friend” and “Barack.” Obama said people were inspired by his message of hope and change.
‘A favourability rating that is equal to …Gretzky…and well ahead of Justin Bieber,’ Kerry says of Trudeau
WASHINGTON — A warm moment in Canada-U.S. relations unfolded on the White House lawn Thursday, one marked by small talk, big fanfare and a plan to see President Barack Obama address Canada’s Parliament before he leaves office.
The day began with a elaborate bit of bilateral cinematography: a military brass band, a cannon salute and hundreds of flag-waving onlookers greeting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in town for the first state dinner involving a Canadian in 19 years.
The leaders greeted the crowd along the rope line while their wives chatted nearby. A relaxed, wisecracking Obama made some jokes about American hockey dominance, while noting how long it had been since a similar Canada-U.S. event.
“We are very proud to welcome the first official visit by a Canadian prime minister in nearly 20 years. About time, eh?” Obama said.
“We have a common outlook on the world, and I have to say I have never seen so many Americans excited about the visit of a Canadian prime minister.”
Indeed, the two leaders went out of their way to project amity: Trudeau described the president as “My friend” and “Barack.” Obama said people were inspired by his message of hope and change.
‘A favourability rating that is equal to …Gretzky…and well ahead of Justin Bieber,’ Kerry says of Trudeau
