President Obama in NY, chats about MMA
President Obama got a warm — very warm — reception when he stopped for lunch Thursday at Duff’s Famous Chicken…
President Obama got a warm — very warm — reception when he stopped for lunch Thursday at Duff’s Famous Chicken Wings in Cheektowaga.
Much of that came courtesy of Chaffee resident Luann Haley, who unabashedly complimented the commander in chief. “You’re a hottie with a smokin’ little body,” she told him.
Obama hugged her and reminded her that his wife, Michelle, would be catching the TV footage later. Haley responded: “Michelle, eat your heart out, honey!”
The flirtatious comment was picked up by news organizations around the world within hours, much to Haley’s bewilderment and chagrin. “It was me being funny,” she said. “I meant no harm by it.”
And Obama seemed to take no offense. Afterward, he greeted all the other patrons with hugs and handshakes.
In the process, they learned a few things about the president: He knows how to work a crowd, he’s comfortable with his sex appeal, and he knows a thing or two about the sport of ultimate fighting.
Duff’s was a packed house by the time Obama arrived. Many customers may have connected the dots when they spotted heavy security on the streets near the Dick Road restaurant shortly before noon.
Obama put in an order for 10 medium wings — five extra crispy — with a small order of fries and onion rings. His bill came to $14.90.
A.J. Verel and his friend Jessica Walters were the last people to place a lunch order at the bar before the president walked in. Verel, a champion kick-boxer, said he talked at length with the president about martial arts, kick-boxing and the sport of ultimate fighting, which is illegal in New York State.
Obaama impressed Verel by chatting with him about a couple of ultimate fighters who had competed last weekend.
“It’s shock and awe,” said Verel, 40, of Buffalo, who asked to be considered for the president’s fitness advisory council. “My phone was in the car — that’s how unprepared I was.”