The Green, Gold and White House - 2011 edition

Today, the Packers made the next step on their World Championship tour; a stop at the White House.

AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

Gotta love somebody bringing a cheesehead to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

President Obama was in fine form, greeting his favorite team's rival:

"I'm just going to say it. This hurts a little bit. This is a hard thing for a Bears fan to do. It doesn't hurt as much as the NFC Championship game hurt, but it still hurts — you guys coming to my house to rub it in. What are you going to do — go to Ditka's house next?"

The Packers, as is customary, presented the President with a personalized jersey.

AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

The NOB is a little awkward. Obama is usually associated with #44, but that one is in use by James Stark, so I guess they figured #1 was preferable.

This only adds to my contention that #1 should be retired. It's only ever been issued to one player; Curly Lambeau himself. The Packers could retire it, keeping it out of circulation and reserved it for first-round draft picks and heads of state.

Rodgers noted that Obama's green and gold jersey was unlikely to be prominently displayed in the White House.

"I'm not sure this one's going to make a wall or even a first storage unit. Might be in one of the backup storage units."

If a jersey is the standard gift, the Packers also brought something no other team could offer: one share of stock.

AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

President Obama wasted no time exercising his responsibilities as a stockholder.

"If I'm a part owner, I think we should initiate a trade to send (Aaron) Rodgers down to the Bears."

At that point, Charles Woodson stepped up to the microphone and reminded the President he'd need to accumulate more shares before he could dictate trades.

I wonder who donated the share?

The President had one final thought for the Packers as they prepared to head to Cleveland for the first preseason game:

"Enjoy it while it lasts, because Bears fans have two dates circled on our calendars; September 25th and Sunday Night Football on Christmas Day.

And if you guys are on a roll by then, just keep in mind that there's only one person here who can ground all planes in and out of Green Bay — if he has to."