I don't know why he even bothered with the effort. Doesn't he know after six years that at the bottom of the steps are Marines there giving him respect as the Commander-in-Chief? With cameras constantly rolling, wouldn't you think he'd be prepared to handle that small detail in a half-arse fashion?
I'm not sure he's not playing to his base that hates the United States with a passion and, as Selma said "loathes the military."
I can only imagine how this simple act will further morph if and when President Hillary comes waddling off of Marine One.
Disgusting, disrespectful and beyond pathetic. Even for a community organizer.
As was previously mentioned, he doesn't even
have to salute. With the Marines saluting at attention as a matter of protocol for the disembarking - as opposed to in response to an introduction to or an address from the President - it isn't necessary, even as just a matter of courtesy, for him to even
acknowledge the salute. If, as an act of courtesy, he desired to acknowledge their salute then a simple nod would have sufficed, especially since he was carrying something in his right hand.
Heck, even a private isn't expected - under normal circumstances - to salute a Colonel when he is walking with his hands full.
However, if the President does decide to return the salute then he should take the little time and effort it requires to ensure that he returns the salute properly; returning the salute improperly is nothing but disrespectful, regardless of whether or not he intends to be disrespectful. I'll go ahead and give him the benefit of the doubt as to whether or not he was intending to be disrespectful. Even so, he's the Commander-in-Chief; he should know better.