In fairness, the clips look like comparing apples to oranges. Obama’s visit has all the appearances of a much more formal ceremony. The Marines are standing at attention, as one would expect when the Commander in Chief enters the room. The playing of “Hail to the Chief,” the presence of high-ranking general officers, and even the flags and blue curtains, all indicate a much more formal, ceremonial situation than with President Bush (who was, it seems, dressed casually in a much more casual situation).

My only question is why the informality existed with Bush. It can’t simply be explained by the Marines’ greater affection for Bush (which I don’t doubt is real). Marines put discipline far above their personal preferences, even for a popular commander. I don’t doubt the affection for Bush was real. But even if they felt as much or more affection for Obama, if the circumstances called for Marines to stand silently at attention, well then that’s what they would do.