The Obamas And Bidens Will Snub Russian President Putin During The Sochi Olympics Opening Ceremonies

Photo: Not going: President and Mrs. Obama won't make the trip to Sochi, in what is seen as a huge snub to Russian President Vladimir Putin

Obamas And Bidens To Snub Sochi Olympics Opening Ceremonies Amid Tensions With Russia Over Edward Snowden Tensions And Gay Rights -- Daily Mail

* The openly gay American tennis icon Billie Jean King will be in attendance, in a slam on Russia's anti-gay laws enacted this year
* The 2000 Sydney Olympics marked the last time the U.S. wasn't represented by a president, vice president, first lady or former president
* The Edward Snowden affair has added new tensions to U.S.-Russia relations
* State Department officials and a White House deputy will lead the president's delegation to Sochi in February

President Obama, Vice President Biden, and their families will skip the opening or closing ceremonies of the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, breaking with recent tradition that has seen very senior White House officials in attendance when athletes from around the world arrive for competition.

The move will be seen as a snub of Russian President Vladimir Putin, since the last four Olympics saw far more senior administration officials in attendance.

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Update: Obama mocks Putin, picks gay athletes for Sochi delegation -- AP

My Comment: President Obama is catering to his base in the U.S. .... and Russian Putin will use this "boycott" to cater to his anti-western base in Russia.