*A news anchor in Turkey donned blackface during a newscast this week for his report about the recent visit of the United States' first African American president Barack Obama.

A clip of the segment made its way around the Internet on Thursday as outlets scrambled to find out the intention behind it.

According to various readers posting comments on Turkish Web sites, the concept of blackface in Turkey refers to a person making a request with humility. It's based on the Turkish proverb, “They who make requests should have a black face, and they who do not give something should have an even darker face,” meaning the turning down of a request causes more embarrassment than asking for one.

      A poster on the blog ScoopThis.Org says the anchor was actually impressed by President Obama's visit and in his report asks Obama to keep his promises. Another poster offered the following full translation of the reporter's words:

      Welcome Mr. Obama. You made us happy with your speech in Ankara with your open attitude and good will. However, we have some anxiety. Until now USA has always demanded and gotten what it wants [from Turkey] but now we have a request.

        There is a proverb in Turkey which explains my current situation [with the black face]. “They who request something should have a black face, and they who do not give something should be black.” When they translate the word “black” from Turkish to English they might use words such as “Negro” or “Blackie.” Please do not be fooled with this translation. This word is not used to insult or belittle black people. In contrary, it is used in a sense that our face should be darker. Hence, I have painted my face black so that I can make a request to Mr. Obama.

        Now to the point. We [Turkey] have had a problem for years with the terrorist organization PKK. You said that PKK is a common enemy to both our countries in your speech today. We are expecting serious and earnest cooperation from you [as opposed to Bush] in this subject. Give us actionable information [from northern Iraq] and we will do whatever is necessary if you do not want to do it. Instruct your allies in northern Iraq to cooperate with us in this subject. They are your “men” and they will obey you.        

        The second issue is about the “Armenian genocide.” In your speech today you said that your point of view in this subject has not changed. Please give us your support in this subject against the propaganda from the Armenian lobby.        

        Please continue with your support for Turkey's concession procedure to EU. Also, there is this subject of IMF. We do not want money from you, we want cooperation. You said in your speech that Turkey is an important allied to US. Give us what we want as allies and we will give you what you want.     

Turkish TV anchor in Blackface for Obama Segment

     *In other Obama news, it's been almost a week since "it" happened. "It" being whether President Obama bowed before Saudia Arabia's King Abdullah. As far as a lot of Americans or concerned, and Conservatives in particular, it's something the American president just doesn't do.

     Thursday at a White House briefing, CNN correspondent Dan Lothian asked Press Secretary Robert Gibbs the obvious question: "Did he bow or didn't he?"

     For Gibbs' response, watch the video below. It also includes CNN's Wolf Blitzer discussing the issue with Democratic strategist Donna Brazile, who seems a tad bit uncomfortable talking about it and Republican Dana Perino who surprises because she sort of defends Obama. Then she reminds that President Bush once held the King's arm and Blitzer interjects that Bush even went as far as to kiss the King. At this point, Brazile seems to have gotten her groove back because she can't believe what she's hearing and starts laughing: