Bono Earned Obama's Praise by Avoiding Bush's Hug
- Posted on Jul 20th 2009 12:00PM by Dan Reilly
- Comments
Bono doesn't want to hug President George W. Bush. Well, that was the U2 frontman's latest political admission. The Irish Central reports that during Jonathan Ross' BBC talk show over the weekend, Bono revealed that after giving the keynote address at the 2006 National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., then-President Bush went to give him a hug for a quick photo op. Since they disagree on many political issues, such as the war in Iraq -- though Bono notes that Bush did triple aid to countries in need -- Bono said he decided to "dodge the hug" and try to "hide behind the podium."
The tactic worked and Bono managed to get by with only an awkward-looking handshake. The incident seemingly went unnoticed by those in attendance -- everyone, that is, except for then-Senator Barack Obama. "When I sat down I was sitting beside Senator Obama," Bono told Ross. "And he just said 'nice work with the hug dodge.'"
Unfortunately, Bono's ability to dodge presidential hugs is much better than his skill at avoiding punches from the Edge, who also appeared on the show. The pair revealed that during an early gig, Bono yelled at drummer Larry Mullen for having a problem with his kit, angering the Edge to the point where, according to Bono, the guitarist "caught me with one." The Edge also admits that sometimes Bono's activism can be a "real pain in the arse" but he notes the band is behind their signer in all his pursuits. And yes, even Bono has some self-awareness: "I can be pretty annoying."
To see the video of the BBC interview, via the Irish Central, click here.




Katy Perry Divorce: With No Prenup How Much Will Russell Walk Away With?
Madonna Super Bowl Halftime Show: Romans, Cheerleaders and MIA's Middle Finger
Randy Travis Apologizes for Public Intoxication
M.I.A., Fiance Benjamin Bronfman Split, Singer Rarely Sees Son -- Report
Alori Joh Dead: Singer and Kendrick Lamar Affiliate Dies at 25
Puddle of Mudd Singer Arrested in January for Drug Possession
Thudda Boy Dead: Rapper Brondon McDaniel Dies From Gunshot Wound
Chi Cheng Improving: Deftones Bassist Raises Leg After Three Years in Coma
Miranda Lambert Makes Emotional Return to On Fire Tour


1788 Comments