Connie Lawn’s Blog – Cold Beer at the White House

“Let’s get together at the White House for a cold beer.” That was the suggestion of Sergeant James Crowley, who wanted to ease the tension over the arrest of Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates in his own home. Gates was thought to have been trying to break in; he was trying to force open a jammed front door, after returning from a long, exhausting trip to China. A well-meaning neighbor called the police, to report a suspected break in.

The charges were soon dropped against the Professor, after heated words between the black professor and the white policeman. But, the incident showed racial tensions remain high in this country.

The situation rose to international attention a few days later. In his formal, prime time news conference, President Obama was asked about the situation. In a moment of candor, he said the Cambridge Massachusetts police “acted stupidly.” He also admitted he did not know all the facts. This story dominated the U.S news, and President Obama made a surprise visit to the White Houses press room. He tried to dampen the flames, and suggested we turn this into a “teachable moment.” The President spoke on the phone with the Sergeant and the Professor, and invited them to have a most unusual White House beer chat.

The actual beer summit was anti climactic. Four men sat around a dainty white table in the Rose Garden, far away from reporters. President Obama and Vice President Biden sat in shirt sleeves; Sergeant Crowley and Professor Gates wore suits and ties. President Obama leaned back, stretched out, and tried to look cool and relaxed. A waiter brought frosty mugs of beer. Each man had their own brand. The families were not with them, but some members did fly down from Boston, and had exclusive tours of the White House.

It is unlikely this beer summit solved the racial issue in this country. But it might have won over more average, “Joe six pack” voters. On the other hand, there are many critics who believe the President should not have been pushing beer in the White House.

Connie Lawn, (not drinking) at the White House

Connie Lawn has a passionate love for NZ. She worked for Radio New Zealand for 20 years, and then for Radio Live for a few years. Connie has covered the White House and the world since 1968. Her other passion is skiing, and she calls herself "the skiing White House reporter." Her ski stories are on dcski.com and other outlets. Connie is also heard on thousands of radio stations, but firmly believes the internet is the future. She can be reached at connie@scoop.co.nz

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