White House gets Lei’d
Thursday evening, on the great lawn of the White House in Washington, DC was a myriad of potted palm trees, Tiki torches, Tiki huts, and other luau props including a shell shaped stage. But let us not forget the little details including the two inflatable sharks floating in the fountain pond.
This event was meticulously planned for months by famed Hawaiian chef, Alan Wong. Authentic Polynesian dancers were even requested to perform at this event that was being held for congressional members and their families.
A dunk tank was put up where guests tried to dunk White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel, and Chief Congressional liaison Phil Schiliro with yellow softballs.
The President and his family, all wearing leis, addressed the 2500 guests with an “Aloha” and stated that because of budget cutbacks he could not bring all the guests to Hawaii so he decided to bring Hawaii to them. A light-hearted event, unprecedented informality never brought to the White House before.
Luau A Success
Have we seen a change in how the government addresses its members? History in the making? Perhaps, this is the transition of formality of government functions to informal events that truly represent the American public?
