A Presidential Fist-Bump
by Mike Krumboltz
June 5, 2008 12:48:59 PM

It's been a marathon. No, scratch that. It's been an ultra marathon, this race for the Democratic nomination. So it's no wonder that when Barack Obama finally claimed the right to represent his party, he couldn't help but cut loose and celebrate with his wife, Michelle.

But instead of the expected hug and kiss on the cheek, the couple shared the "fist-bump heard 'round the world." The exuberant gesture sparked big interest in the Buzz. Searches on "obama fist bump" soared across the country as major news outlets replayed and analyzed the moment. Several articles, including this one from the New York Daily News, explained that many folks found the bump a charming reminder that, as Senator Obama puts it, despite all the hoopla and stress, he and his wife still "do silly things."

Of course, no one would dare presume that a simple fist-bump will elevate Senator Obama to the White House. But an article from New York Magazine speculates that the knocking of knuckles may go a long way toward proving that the aspiring commander-in-chief is actually kind of hip. When was the last time you could say that about a presidential candidate and keep a straight face?