President Obama disembarked from Marine One on Tuesday and saluted two Marines with a paper cup in his hand. For conservative talking heads the salute, which was captured in a video that the White House posted to its Instagram account, was proof positive of Obama’s disregard for the military, ignorance of protocol, and general disrespect for the uniform.
Conservative pundits such as Sean Hannity were quick to denounce the President’s salute. Hannity deemed the salute “shocking” as he discussed it with guest Karl Rove on his show on Tuesday night. He drew comparisons between Obama and former President George W. Bush and asked Rove whether Bush would “ever do that.”
Rove called Obama’s actions “disrespectful” after mockingly reenacting the salute given by, in his words, the “chai-swillin’, golf-playin’, basketball trash-talkin'” commander-in-chief.
The disapproval over the salute also found an outlet via Twitter.
Former Congressman and Fox contributor Allen West tweeted:
If there was ever any doubt as 2 the level of regard Obama holds for our military, this latte salute seals the deal http://t.co/9Hy6QeN4hM
— Allen West (@AllenWest) September 23, 2014
Fox Radio host and conservative pundit Todd Starnes seemingly couldn’t get over the incident, as he tweeted multiple references to the salute.
Mr. President, they are not baristas — they are United States Marines. #READGODLESSAMERICA
— toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) September 24, 2014
I’m surprised Obama didn’t order the Marine to get him some cream and sugar.
— toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) September 23, 2014
Careful, Mr. President. Don’t spill your coffee. #salute #disrespect
— toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) September 23, 2014
And, with perhaps the snappiest headline, The Washington Times dubbed the incident the “Semper Latte.”