1.) The Arrival
I was struck by the fact that Senator McCain arrived at the North Portico and was formally greeted by President Bush. This type of reception is typically reserved for world leaders. In addition, I found considerable symbolism in the image of Bush and McCain walking into the White House together. Typically, during the presidential inauguration, the new president comes to this entrance and is greeted by the outgoing president. Senator McCain could have easily came in the entrance that most Senators and staff would use in the basement of the West Wing (West Executive Drive, between the EEOB and west side of the West Wing). However, this is not easily visible to the press nor does it look presidential.
"President Bush greets Republican presidential nominee-in-waiting, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and his wife Cindy, Wednesday, March 5, 2008, as they arrived to have lunch with the president at the White House in Washington." (source)2.) The "Endorsement"
I was really struck by the fact that Senator McCain and president Bush appeared in the Rose Garden (instead of the Oval Office) and the setup in the Rose Garden seemed un-presidential. There was no podium with the presidential seal or row of flags behind them.
"President George W. Bush and Arizona Senator John McCain stand in front of the media in the Rose Garden Wednesday, March 5, 2008. The President welcomed Senator McCain and his wife, Cindy, and offered his endorsement by saying, "... He's going to be the President who will bring determination to defeat an enemy, and a heart big enough to love those who hurt." White House photo by Eric Draper" (source).
"President Bush gestures while speaking in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, March 5, 2008, where he endorsed Republican nominee-in-waiting, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.(AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)" (source).
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