Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

milestogo

(23,483 posts)
Wed Jul 15, 2026, 05:42 PM Wednesday

Barack Obama Pretends To Be Canadian While Traveling Abroad



SATIRE

Published: July 15, 2026

PARIS—In an effort to blend in with other tourists and avoid negative repercussions for being American, former U.S. President Barack Obama was reportedly pretending this week to be Canadian while traveling abroad in France.

“Sorry, when I said I’m from Chicago, I meant the one in Ontario,” said the ex-commander-in-chief, adding that he had never been to the United States but had heard some “pretty crazy things” about the “stuff going on down there.” “Yeah, it sure seems like those Yanks have gone way off the deep end. I can’t believe they elected that guy either. Thankfully, in Canada we have a much more sane presi— I mean, prime minister. [Mark] Carney all the way! Personally, though, I try not to think too much about politics. I’m much more into hockey, Trailer Park Boys, and…uh…maple syrup. Also really love moose and those funny-looking policemen with the bright red uniforms and the wide brim hats. And Tim Hortons! Who doesn’t love a fresh cup of coffee from Tim Hortons?”

At press time, sources confirmed Obama had given himself away by calling a Timbit a “donut hole.”

https://theonion.com/barack-obama-pretends-to-be-canadian-while-traveling-abroad/
9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Barack Obama Pretends To Be Canadian While Traveling Abroad (Original Post) milestogo Wednesday OP
Nice disguise. Sorry for the cropped photo. usonian Wednesday #1
Years ago, likely when Reagan was in office, I had a Canadian flag push pin on my backpack. People just Raftergirl Wednesday #2
Eh. twodogsbarking Wednesday #3
Hoser. paleotn Wednesday #5
If only it were satire. paleotn Wednesday #4
I did. moondust Wednesday #6
Worked great for me in Dublin. multigraincracker Wednesday #7
So, one of the most Manatee Wednesday #8
"eh, oh ya" Totally Tunsie 15 hrs ago #9

Raftergirl

(2,072 posts)
2. Years ago, likely when Reagan was in office, I had a Canadian flag push pin on my backpack. People just
Wed Jul 15, 2026, 07:26 PM
Wednesday

assumed I was Canadian.

paleotn

(23,295 posts)
4. If only it were satire.
Wed Jul 15, 2026, 07:41 PM
Wednesday

Obama can't pull it off but a lot of Americans can. Don't blather on and on like an American. Just smile and pretend you're Canadian stoic.

moondust

(21,400 posts)
6. I did.
Wed Jul 15, 2026, 08:20 PM
Wednesday

Decades ago traveling in Europe on a train with a friend we had faced some unfriendliness/hostility toward Americans. Maybe the Vietnam war? We shared a train car with some guys who weren't too friendly and who asked where we were from. "Canada," I said just to be safe. No further contact.

Manatee

(118 posts)
8. So, one of the most
Wed Jul 15, 2026, 08:29 PM
Wednesday

recognizable people on the planet is pretending he's not American?

Riiiiiiight!

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Barack Obama Pretends To ...