What signals are the US sending? The confusing choreography around Biden's arrival in Northern Ireland
The choreography around presidential trips are planned to the last second - so why isn't there a handshake moment for all to see ?
Wednesday 12 April 2023 14:32, UK
This is confusing me. The choreography around presidential trips are planned to the last second. Everyone knows it matters.
Live footage is beamed around the world. It sends a signal, it's used by political leaders as a power tool.
Last night Rishi Sunak dashed to Northern Ireland to greet President Biden off Air Force One.
A meet and greet on the tarmac.
This is what he wanted you to see.
But the live pictures were … dreadful.
From one camera vantage point - captured on behalf of the UK broadcasters by what's known as the "pool", Rishi Sunak was obscured by the Beast, the US presidential car imported for the special occasion.
See here:
There was a second camera angle.
It did capture the handshake, but in many ways it's worse.
It shows Biden's attention elsewhere, turning his back on Sunak, talking to others and briefly dispensing with the UK PM.
See here:
Is this an accident? Did the Beast need to be there? Why isn't there a handshake moment on camera for all to see?
Small details of presidential visits are picked over, and rightly so given the amount of work done in preparation. What signals are the US sending?