This may be the most awkward handshake between world leaders in the history of handshakes. At the G20 in Australia this week, Prime Minister Tony Abbot initiated a handshake between himself and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
From The Courier Mail:
Following a trilateral meeting on Sunday morning at the Brisbane Convention Centre, the three heads of state were posing for a photographs when they became tangled in a clumsy three-way handshake.
Abbott was shaking hands with Prime Minister Abe and only his left hand was free when President Obama shuffled to join them for pictures.
Abbott chose to grasp the outside of Obama’s hand when the US President extended it for a handshake.
The result was a cringe-worthy moment as the Australian Prime Minister stood with his arms crossed, holding hands with two slightly embarrassed world leaders standing either side of him.
The leaders were meeting to discuss Asia-Pacific engagement and their trilateral partnership.
The awkwardness could be in part because of Pres. Obama’s challenge to Tony Abbot to act on climate change. Some people in Australia thought it very inappropriate, with panelists even saying that “grandstanding” is typical of American presidents. The video of the Australian panel criticizing Pres. Obama is embedded about halfway down the article in this link. It’s painful to hear, but honestly, can we?legitimately?disagree? Our politicians, even Pres. Obama, are guilty of this, in my opinion.
Watch the hilariously awkward handshake below. Let us know your thoughts at the Liberal America Facebook page. Sign up for our free daily newsletter to receive more great stories like this one.
Tiffany Willis is a fifth-generation Texan and the founder and editor-in-chief of Liberal America. An unapologetic member of the Christian Left, she has spent most of her career actively working with ?the least of these? and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. She’s passionate about their struggles. To stay on top of topics she discusses,?like her?Facebook page,?follow her on Twitter, or?connect with her via LinkedIn. She also has?a?grossly neglected personal blog?and a?literary quotes blog that is a labor of love. Find her somewhere and join the discussion.
