Partial To Africa

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This image is part of photographer Charles Ommanney’s Newsweek slide show of Bush in Africa.

Besides the combo of the opening shot (0 of 12) and the third one, which reduces the trip to a dirty joke, the series is an interesting one.  Regarding the shot above, the Newsweek caption states:

In a tour through the Meru District Hospital near the Kenya border Bush called his anti-malaria initiative ‘a practical way to help save lives.’

While capturing Bush in one of his characteristic, cocksure poses, we also get the point about a fragmented figure, with perhaps not all that much to take an interest in above the shoulders.  With the Africa trip a self-indulgent legacy exercise, the photo is also effective in keeping the focus on the Kenyans, rather than the wrinkled guy who has always defied greater focus.

Your thoughts?

Mr. President Goes To Africa (Newsweek slide show)

(image: Charles Ommanney for Newsweek.  February, 2007.  Kenya.  newsweek.com)