bingrassiaFirst of all, we can stop pretending that we’re not interested in what kind of beer President Obama will be drinking at the White House today. Americans love politics nearly as much as they love beer. And, of course, we all know that the best way to resolve any sort of dispute is to begin serving alcohol to everyone.
It should probably come as no surprise that the president is going with the safest choice imaginable: Bud by-golly-stand-up-and-salute Light.
One might argue that because Bud Light is made by a Belgian company, it doesn’t count as an “American” beer (as opposed to the Belgian-style beer preferred by Sgt. James Crowley, which is made by an American company). But that’s really more of a technicality.
It’s possible, perhaps even highly likely, that there’s no backstory here, and that the president just prefers Bud Light. But I find it hard to believe that this type of thing doesn’t go through a phalanx of public relations people. It’s probably one of the more irritating aspects of being president. And it’s fun to speculate about.
Wouldn’t it have been interesting if Obama made a choice that was, well, a little more bold?
Goose Island 312: A Chicago microbrew would have seemed a tempting choice, but nothing brands you as an elitist more quickly than spending slightly more money for something that tastes good.
Pabst Blue Ribbon: Urban hipsters would assume Obama was “rocking” it ironically, and the price would rise to $6 a can in certain Minneapolis music venues.
Old Style: Might help the president bridge the divide with Cubs fans.
Session: Made by Oregon’s Full Sail, this lager comes in a little stubby bottle, just like the Red Stripe preferred by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. But Full Sail brewery is worker-owned, so Obama may as well just pound a vodka and start singing the Internationale.
Natural Ice: Might be a good choice if analysts determine that people who drink in bus shelters will be an important voting bloc in 2012.
Is there another beer out there that says “I’m the President” better than Bud Light?
