OPINION:
Barack Obama’s official portrait unveiling just went forth at the National Portrait Gallery — and boy, was it a WTFreak moment.
Was that a giant fern in front of which Obama was seated?
It reminded of his interview with Zach Galifianakis of “Funny or Die” fame and the “Between Two Ferns” chat. You know, like Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 11 or so years of fireside chats — only more “Dumb and Dumber” in tone?
Sad to say, Mooch’s wasn’t much better.
The biggest criticism about Michelle Obama’s portrait, at least around social media way, was that it didn’t look like her.
That’s kind of a cardinal sin in portrait painting, it would seem.
At least the dress she is depicted wearing, African-looking as it seems, at first glance, anyway, may distract enough so viewers’ eyes don’t even take in the oh-so-obviously softer, more feminine — less mean-looking — face. But Barack?
Poor guy doesn’t stand a chance at being sheltered from the critical storm. And my, what a storm it is that’s already brewed.
“President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama’s portraits were just unveiled. Is it a joke?” wrote one on Twitter, as Fox News found.
That pretty much sums it. Of course, the Obamas have their supporters and fans as well.
But not here.
Here, the critiques are in and the conclusion is: In a walk down the hallowed, somber halls of presidential and first lady portraits at the gallery, these two paintings of the Obamas will be the ones remembered for providing the comic relief.
• Cheryl Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com or on Twitter, @ckchumley.
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