Cheney: Obama shows weakness with bow

Dick Cheney blasted President Obama today for showing weakness when he bowed to Japan's Emperor Akihito.
There is no reason for an American president to bow to anyone, the former vice president told Politico.com.
PHOTOS: OBAMA IN ASIA
"Our friends and our allies don't expect it, and our enemies see it as a sign of weakness," he added.
The State Department said that its protocol office worked closely with the White House to provide Obama with advice on how to deal with Akihito.
"Protocol, in general, is about respecting the customs and traditions of a host country," the department said in a statement said. "The president was simply showing respect."

AFP/Getty Images

President Barack Obama bows as he shakes hands with Japanese Emperor Akihito and as Empress Michiko looks on.

Obama gave a deep bow, mixed with a handshake, when he was greeted by Akihito and Empress Miochiko at their imperial palace in Tokyo last Saturday.
Conservative bloggers contrasted that with photos showing how when Cheney was vice president he gave Akihito a straight-backed handshake.
It was the second protocol flap for the much-traveled Obama. He was criticized earlier this year for appearing to genuflect to Saudi King Abdullah at a summit meeting.