Was Bachmann too friendly with the president?

A Minnesota congresswoman's unsolicited peck on President Bush's cheek has become the talk of the blogosphere after Tuesday's State of the Union speech.

Sixth District Rep. Michele Bachmann and other lawmakers staked out prized aisle seats with the hope of getting close to the president. Bachmann certainly caught the president's eye, and that of many viewers and bloggers.

After the speech, Bachmann held on to Bush's shoulder for over 20 seconds in what the New York Times' "The Caucus" blog called "a death grip." Then, as City Pages blog, "The Blotter" notes, "Bachmann also managed a kiss and a hug from the commander in chief."

For a lesson in presidential protocol, All Things Considered host Tom Crann talked to Letitia Baldrige, who served as the social secretary to the White House and chief of staff for Jacqueline Kennedy. She is currently an executive coach on manners and protocol with Baldrige and Lewris in Washington and she says many lawmakers cross the line at State of the Union speeches.

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