OK, let me just say, I don't think politicians SHOULD go around dressing up

[LisaM]

Gore did it, Bush did it, they all do it.

I actually don't care for it, no matter who does it. And that includes Obama and Hillary both slapping on cowboy hats.

[babylonsister]

1. ...

General who traveled with Obama to Africa in response to new Clinton smear attempt...

On a campaign conference call with reporters, Ret. Gen. Scott Gration, who traveled to Africa with Obama, said the photo showed that “he did what any great leader should do — he accepted the gift, accepted the hospitality, accepted that token of friendship."

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/

[Cant trust em]

2. It's a sign of respect for your host

Obama goes to Somalia and lives in their culture for a while. This is good diplomacy.

[riverwalker]

3. it is customary diplomacy

[LisaM]

4. So if they go to Germay they should wear lederhosen?

If they go to Scotland, they should wear kilts?

It's not just Obama who does it. Remember Bush in that weird Nehru jacket? Remember how much mileage they got out of Gore at the temple?