Obama, Bill Clinton Greet U.S. World Cup Team at White House

By: Robert Hendin
Topics: White House

(Credit: AP)

President Obama met with the U.S. men's World Cup soccer team to send them off to South Africa in style.

"Everybody's going to be rooting for you" he said.

Mr. Obama mentioned that while soccer is not as hugely popular in the US as it is around the world, the World Cup is one of the world's biggest stages. He said he would be following the games on ESPN to make sure they were doing well.

"Wish you all the best," Mr. Obama told the team.

(Credit: Pool Photo/CBS)

Former President Clinton was there as well and he commented on the team's matching leather dress shoes (at left).

"I want to join the team to get the shoes" said Mr. Clinton. After Mr. Obama spoke, Mr. Clinton made a point of showing him the shoes.

"Those are nice looking shoes" said the current president. "This is best dressed soccer team I've ever seen," he added.

Vice President Biden will be attending the World Cup games in place of Mr. Obama.

Biden joked it was "a tough assignment" but that he's happy to go.

U.S. Team Finalizes World Cup Roster
Brazil No. 1, Spain No. 2 Heading to World Cup

Robert Hendin is a CBS News White House producer. You can read more of his posts in Hotsheet here.

Robert Hendin
Robert Hendin is senior producer for "Face the Nation" and a CBS News senior political producer.
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by jenifer27 July 9, 2010 5:13 PM EDT: It's glad to have our president Obama visit the soccer team in Africa. It shows how our country really respects the players.; Reply to this comment


by jenifer27 July 9, 2010 5:09 PM EDT: The government is much celebrating in taking pictures than ruling the country itself. What difference does it make now after visiting them?

<a href="http://worldtravelfrance.com"rel="dofollow">World Travel France</a>; Reply to this comment


by helloworld0001 May 27, 2010 9:01 PM EDT: What is wrong with you?... the statement you just made, "mirandize them and them socialize them" is unintelligent garbage.

Do you even know what socialism is? Have you ever gone to school? Have you ever relied on a fireman or an army?... These services come to you through various forms of social financing... not private industry. America makes use of both economic models and your statement artificially polarizes the topic (which by the way has nothing to do with the recognition of a great sport that is loved around the world), and comes out of a broad misunderstanding of the world we live in today.; Reply to this comment


by Empire-George- May 27, 2010 4:41 PM EDT: Are these guys going to take up more of the President's time, if they win the cup ? They are going to the cup, they haven't won it.....so why are they visiting the White House ? maybe someone can explain; Reply to this comment


by Mondongorojo May 27, 2010 3:47 PM EDT: helloworld.
Just by the way you write you don't know anything about "FUTBAL"
It's football, futbol, soccer.
Quick. 2 questions what is football called?
Name one US player other than Landon Donovan.
Don't Google it. You have 30 seconds.
Go.; Reply to this comment


by ohiopolitico May 27, 2010 3:45 PM EDT: Looking forward to World Cup! Wish we didn't have to wait 4 years for it. Good luck, U.S.; Reply to this comment


by RealUSCitizen May 27, 2010 3:21 PM EDT: @helloworld0001
Yeah, I learned to ignore these fools. They are the Fox News Critters that troll other News sites and look to trash Obama regardless of the news. They care none about the topic, in this case, Soccer. They just want to trash Obama, which I suppose makes them feel good.

Obama Haters
This is why he will win 2012 as well. People are just tired of your constant whining! You all just whine and whine and whine! **** already and enjoy your life. Don't worry, there will be other Republican presidents in the future. Relax people. This article isn't about Obama, it's about this great sport, Soccer!; Reply to this comment


by helloworld0001 May 27, 2010 2:52 PM EDT: Going to the world cup is an honor and something the US has been working to establish for many years. We should be proud of these amazingly skilled athletes who compete in one of the world's most demanding sporting activities. I'm excited to see the US celebrating our participation in this event and competing against other nations on a fair playing field. The leaders of our nation found in this photo understand that we a members of the world community and have much in common with anyone on the world stage who wishes to prove him or herself in rigors of a real futbal game (this stands in stark contrast to other recent leaders of this nation, missing from this photo, who choose to think that the US is privileged, special and different). You have to keep in mind this is the world's most popular sport (not a casual activity or you national past-time).

I can't believe all the partisan insults to the president and the nation found in this thread. Please contribute something positive to the commentary or keep your thoughts to yourself. Have you played on a national or professional team that competed internationally? Have you ever been elected president or vice-president? Have some respect.; Reply to this comment


by Empire-George- May 27, 2010 1:39 PM EDT: Why is Bubba there ?

What's Obama's priority today, make out a "bracket" for the World Cup of his choices to win ? He should root for the country he cares most about, Mexico; Reply to this comment


by cleric60 May 27, 2010 12:53 PM EDT: Life for Obama is a game--a socialist game--continue to promote self over the interest of others-those, who elected him to serve their needs; not his own personal needs of a socialist.; Reply to this comment