Gerri Peev: Waiting for Gordo - and Obama

Long wait this morning for US President Barack Obama in the Locarno Room at the Foreign Office. Not a grain of coffee in sight.
It should have been a stampede but the early morning must have put off a lot of hacks. Mr Prez himself looked a bit weary. Jet lag and trying to rescue the world will do that to you (or perhaps it was just breakfast with the PM).
Biggest dilemma: Do hacks stand for the US President, or risk looking like they are staging a "sit in" if their US colleagues rise for their head of state? Traditionally, British journalists do NOT stand for the American president. To do so would be deferential. I resolve not to stand. As it turns out, the two leaders launch straight into their statements so there is no time.
Best quote: (From the President Obama): "Don't short change the future because of fear in the present."
One observation: President Obama picked two women and a male journalist when taking questions - all of them wire services.
Brown picked four males, three broadcasters, one tabloid political editor.
The British hacks are overwhelmingly white, middle aged and male in comparison to the more diverse journos who have flown with the President. Wonder if he notices?