Obama in Jordan recalls wild ride with King Abdullah

King Abdullah, then Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) at Amman, Jordan Airport. July 22, 2008. (photo by Lynn Sweet)

WASHINGTON–President Barack Obama at his press conference in Amman, Jordan on Friday with Jordan King Abdullah recalled how the king personally drove him to the airport when he visited in July, 2008. I was on that trip and saw the king drive his Mercedes 600 right on the tarmac next to our charter after a high-speed ride.

What Obama said on Friday: “The thing I mainly remember when I came here was that His Majesty was kind enough to personally drive me to the airport. I won’t tell you how fast he was going, but Secret Service I don’t think could keep up. So nevertheless, we’re very much appreciative for you welcoming me and my delegation.”

My post from that night is HERE. I took the photo above from the stairs of the plane just as King Abdullah pulled up and dropped Obama off.

FLASHBACK…

AMMAN, Jordan–Just like any cordial host, King Abdullah drove his guest, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) to the airport.

Abdullah drove a Mercedes 600 from his residence to the tarmac where Obama’s “change we can believe in” charter was parked. The two chatted briefly, shook hands and His Royal Highness watched as Obama climbed the stairs to the Israel-bound aircraft.