A ‘sticky’ situation: Obama chews gum during R-Day parade, sparks Twitter outrage

In an ungraceful sight, US President Barack Obama was caught on camera chewing gum during India’s 66th Republic Day parade held in New Delhi today. According to pictures that have gone viral across social media platforms, Obama is seen removing his chewing gum while Prime Minister Narendra Modi  converses with him.

However, this is not the first time the US President has been spotted chewing gum on a big occasion. In 2014, Obama was slammed for chewing gum at the G20 summit in Brisbane, Australia and the Asia Specific Economic Cooperation summit in Beijing, China.

This gesture by the US President has sparked an outrage. Here are a few reactions:

Barack bhai working his jaws overtime and chewing gum! At least it isn't gutka. But seriously – gum during a formal parade?

— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) January 26, 2015

Obama appears to be enjoying parade, shown on Indian television bobbing his head with the music. Seems to be chewing gum, probably Nicorette

— Peter Baker (@peterbakernyt) January 26, 2015

That's his 21-gum salute RT @Vamsee9002: Just now saw Prez Obama chewing something @Travel4Life5 @smitabarooah

— David B. Cohen (@DavidBCohen1) January 26, 2015

Hasn't Obama got a headache yet, chewing that gum for more than an hour!?!?

— Ramneek Pantal (@RamneekPantal) January 26, 2015

Now we know what Obama does when he doesn't have to talk. Potus Chewing Gum. Uncouth manners. Will someone give him a spitton? #RepublicDay

— Sridhar Sattiraju (@onlysridhar) January 26, 2015

Obama stopped chewing. Where is that gum now? Must investigate. After all we are Swachch Bharat now! #ObamaInIndia #66IndRepublicDay

— Nidhi D. Bruce (@TypeWriterMom) January 26, 2015

Obama is working that chewing gum, straining valiantly against jet lag, this sleep-inducing weather and now the tableaux of states…

— Shashank Bengali (@SBengali) January 26, 2015