Bush calls to prime minister: 'Yo, Harper'

The notoriously cordial relationship Stephen Harper and George Bush, which has seen the American President refer to the Prime Minister as Steve, seems alive and well. New footage from the G8 summit in Japan shows Bush introducing Harper to the President of Nigeria with a 'Yo Harper'.

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

A A | Email This Email | Print | Comments (51) Tweet

The Associated Press

Date: Mon. Jul. 7 2008 9:36 AM ET

RUSUTSU, Japan — First it was "Yo, Blair," and now it's "Yo, Harper."

U.S. President George W. Bush's penchant for street slang was again on display on the first day of the Group of Eight summit in Japan.

A televised feed of the event showed Bush casually wrapping an arm around Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua and calling for Prime Minister Stephen Harper's attention.

"Yo, Harper. The president of Nigeria."

Bush famously offered the same colloquial greeting to former British prime minister Tony Blair at the 2006 G8 summit in St. Petersburg, Russia.

It's also not the first time he's given such a chummy greeting to Harper. At last year's summit in Heiligendamm, Germany, Bush referred to the prime minister as "Steve."

Opposition members of Parliament suggested it was indicative of close ties between the Bush administration -- deeply unpopular with some Canadians -- and the Harper government.

Comments are now closed for this story

Joe/Calgary
said

I'm glad these leaders can cut through the formalities and get to know eachother.

I think Bush is the worse president (by far)in my lifetime but as others have stated

"So what?"

Allison
said

While hardly newsworhty, I take this at a different level.

To me, it shows a lack of respect and a lot of arrogance on Bush's part. Could you imagine how he would respond if someone called him "Georgie?"

Annoyedbystupidity
said

WOW....seriously. WHO CARES!

Reece
said

Yo, Bush, even Harper knows there are consequences to his electability if you keep on "keepin it real" - he is ultimately accountable for any pereived misteps. Since Mulroney is giving you advice I'd suggest you discuss it with him. That little duet he had with Reagan cost him dearly. But, considering both you and Bush are lame ducks, could you actually do a duet dance together - you know that dance Bush was doing in Africa months ago which captured the worlds attention. The both of you! You've made your people cry for so long under your term you owe us a laugh.

Jay
said

Will says:
I think it's fantastic that for the first time I can remember, we have a Prime minister that actually has a good relationship with our largest trading partners leader.

Gee Will - is the year 2000 too far back for you to remember?

Cameron
said

Such a great news story...

Roger T
said

Will
I see that Bush is still "keeping it real"....

Yeah, keeping it real by treating Harper like a kids who speak to one another with no respect.

You would think that as a President he would address leaders in a more educated and mannered way. It shows how Bush is treating Harper with no care or respect. But course the media and the Harper publicist will try and put a positive spin on this and make it like sound if they are buddies and that Bush is a great friend of Harper.

Only political fools will fall for this!

dk
said

Perfectly harmless interaction between two close neighbours.

All you lefties can go stomp on a Bush doll next time Conan O'Brien comes to town.

Brandon
said

Im with Adam...who cares.

Doug
said

Yo dubya ...... your time is almost up .... just as Nero fiddled ... Bush laughed and joked and spoke street slang while America sunk deeper and deeper into economic disaster.

Bumbling stumbling fool.

Steve in NS
said

Bush actually acknowledged Harper? Wow, that is newsworthy.

Did Harper respond with a "What up, Dog" and an appropriate gang-style hand signal?

ILUVDION
said

GW is definatly a cowboy!! But I would challenge any of you to put yourself in his shoes over the past 8 years! He has made some bad choices I'm glad it wasnt me making those calls. He seems very happy these days, I suspect he feels a tremendous weight being lifted off his shoulders, and cant wait until Novemeber when someone else can run the US.

kanny
said

what is wrong with news reporters these days? instead of reporting newsworthy stories they are either spying on some celebrity or criticising some personality unreasonably. In fact the reporter who posted this story should be fired. this is not the job he was hired and paid to do. this shows he/she was lazy about writing some real story.

Steph
said

Considering about the entire population of this country loath Bush, Harper better start distancing himself or he will not be re-elected.

DG
said

I'm a Liberal supporter and I support close relationship between Harper and Bush, or whoever replaces Bush. "Yo" guys!

MM
said

It would be great if people actually found out the true meaning of the term "politically correct" before using it (incorrectly) so darn much. Anyway, in terms of subject of this article, sure, how Bush called out to Harper could be seen as harmless and part of his usual down to earth style. On the other hand, it also just might show us who wears the pants in that relationship.

J Cooper
said

Finally a president and a p.m. with a good relationship. Why do the Liberals consider it a bad thing to have a positive relationship with our largest trading partner? Yo Dion! Wake up.

Davis
said

good grief people - lighten up! WHO CARES??!!!! I don't care what side of the fence your on, you all need to quit trying to put a partisan spin on everything.

Dion had gas last week - that must mean he's unqualified to lead the Liberals....

Jasper
said

What is wrong with that? It is nice to be able to talk to your neighbor in a casual informal manner.

Proudly Canadian
said

Yes Bush has made mistakes. But like people have been saying, "lighten up." People would complain about Bush even if he called Harper "Mr. Prime Minister." It would be nice if some of the anti-Bush and anti-Americans could be president and then we could see how much good we would all have to say about them. Probably not much, so stop complaining about everything!

Jim
said

I see Bush keeps the ignorant AMERICAN WAY!
People are given names to be addressed by them not some damn slang especially from high profile officials.
Yo Bush, Obama is knocking at your door!!!!!!!!!!!!

CF from Montreal
said

Definately newsworthy!

Joe C
said

Wow! This piece of news has changed my entire view on life!

Dennis J. Glover
said

I think it's totally funny when square old farts try and act cool. 23 skidoo, Georgie-baby!

Abdul
said

I agree with Brian from Barrie. It is " comforting that they are friendly towards each other" even if "yo Harper" does make Bush look like a hay seed from Texas. I wouldn't call his style flamboyant more likely Yokel, but I agree let's keep the Hay seed happy, but don't give him anyting he wants it might encourage him.

Shamaro
said

Whoopdie frigging doo. You have to be kidding me? This made the news?

This world has become so politically correct, that we have lost sight of the truth and we expect everyone at this level to act as a god?

Yo!! print real newsworthy stories. Like the latest Canadian Soldier who died today in Afghanistan. We should be honouring his memory instead of printing about what came out of the mouth of a certain President.

Dan
said

I can't wait until (hopefully) Barack Obama gets into the White House so we don't have to constantly be nauseated with listening to the Bush/America haters

Chris
said

Naturally, all of the leftist, anti-American hatemongers out there are going to have a field day with this article. I think it is a boon to Canadians everywhere that we have friendly relations with a global superpower. And I agree, Bush might be a rube, but I bet he would be fun to party with!

IT manager in Ottawa
said

The libs will be desperate enough to try and use this in the next election campaign. Since their "agendas" are out to lunch they will once again like true liberals revert back to the default election platform. Harper is scary, right wing and likes GW so you can't vote for him.

Greg from Kitchener
said

Why does it matter? why is this news? typical -Anti_Bush news, make fun of everything he does! I thought liberals were based on acceptance to all people, sure making fun of someone is not the liberal way!

Brian from Barie
said

What is it with all the bashing. Bush may be as stupid as a bag of marshmellows, but he is the leader of the USA, our largest trading partner and the finger on the button. Would you rather he put us on the list of Evil nations? IT does not hurt to have the president call Harper "Steve" or "Yo Harper". at least he knows him. He likely didn't even know Martin's or Chretien's name.
Bash Bush and Harper all you want, I find it comforting that they are friendly towards each other.

SS
said

Why is "yo Harper" offensive to Canadians when our former PM did a dance behind the Queen's back and flipped the bird to people on several occasions.

Sharon
said

Come on Canada.....let's lighten up. The negativity in this country is overwhelming!

Gary Keigan
said

I am never surprised how something this simple can bring criticism to Bush. Keep on hating people. That's what makes your world go around.

Yoyoma
said

I think it's great! As stated here earlier, it's better this way than cold and far away from each other! Way to go. Yes, I agree with DWB, this is political correctness/anti-Americanism at it's ugliest.

Rocket
said

Of course, here we are discussing this on "The Internets". If he wasn't such a questionable leader, he would be an awesome guy to go have a beer with!

DP
said

ha... that's actually kind of funny.

This is how Canadian-American relations should be... more relaxed and easy going!

Unfortunately this news report will probably conjure up the typical anti-American and anti-Harper government remarks.

Anyway... YO America!

The Bet
said

It is interesting that even slang language petters down (or up) to "people in power"; however, I think these people should be a little bit more professional when addressing each other. That said, I am glad that our countries are "friends" in this world.

john g
said

I see Bush Derangement Syndrome is still alive and well in Canada. How else to explain this meaningless article.

Calgary-Bob
said

Well for one, when has Bush ever been very good about protocol. Second, for the opposition members to make a fuss about close ties between Harper the Bush administration what do they suggest...that Harper piss off Bush the way that Chretien and Martin did. Like it or not Canada and the USA are very much linked to each other. We don't have to bend to every whim of the USA, but it is better to be buddies than arm length neighbors.

gary durksen
said

Agrees with DWB

ET
said

Don't like Bush. Don't like Harper. We already know just HOW close these guys are...but that's REALLY gotta hurt Harper's ego! His ears must have cracked, being summonned like that. King Harper is not quite used to it, ya'no.

Will
said

I think it's fantastic that for the first time I can remember, we have a Prime minister that actually has a good relationship with our largest trading partners leader.

david
said

This politically correct stupid world needs to lighten up badly.

DWB
said

Bush's critics should lighten up. Either that or loosen their underwear.

B. Lang
said

Comment, what comment, there's nothing really to comment on except did Steve lower himself to such a disrespectful calling or did he obediently answer.

On a side note who's picking up the bill for Harper's kid to be on that trip. Hopefully it's not on the Tax Payer's Dime.

Richard
said

Bush often uses this style of behavior when addressing heads of state and other foreign dignitaries. "Awesome speech your majesty", to the Pope. I wouldn't necessarily say "Yo Harper" is a sign of anything more than Bush's flamboyant style.

Rick
said

And this differs from his 'politics' how?

Adam
said

wow..this was indeed news worthy....

Derek
said

I'm sure Harper was happy that his American Idol thinks they're buddies.

Will
said

I see that Bush is still "keeping it real"

CTV Video Player

Canada AM

'Yo, Harper!' U.S. President Bush's penchant for street slang was again on display.

Today's Politics Stories

Quebec student strikes, tuition fees, Montreal, Quebec

Most Viewed News Stories

View More News Stories

Most Talked about Stories

It is about time - as a grandparent I have watched our kids (who were allowed to fail although I do remember some nagging on our part) learn, I have watched our children now micro-manage their children. A big part of it is the fact that there are predators out there and an extreme reluctance on the parents part to alllow freedom that might result in the children becoming victims.

Harvey

Parents must learn to stop meddling, author urges

Got something to say? Share on CTV News

Pick your location

Politics -

News Sections

News Programs

Features

Browse: