Fact check: Should President stand to shake hands with other people?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, standing to shake hands is considered proper presidential protocol and a sign of respect in diplomatic settings. Multiple sources demonstrate that presidential handshakes are significant gestures that can impact international relations and diplomatic outcomes.

Etiquette experts confirm that proper protocol was followed when President Biden interacted with King Charles III, with etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore noting there was no breach in etiquette as they are considered equals ^[1]. The analyses consistently show that presidential handshakes serve as meaningful diplomatic tools, with examples ranging from historic meetings to recent interactions between world leaders ^{[2] [3]}.

Body language experts have analyzed multiple presidential handshakes, including meetings between Biden and Trump, noting that such gestures display signs of respect and confidence ^[4]. The sources indicate that standing and shaking hands can be a sign of respect in professional diplomatic settings ^[5].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important context about specific circumstances where standing protocols might vary. The analyses reveal that presidential handshakes have historic and symbolic significance that extends beyond basic courtesy ^{[3] [2]}.

Missing considerations include:

• Cultural differences in greeting protocols between nations
• Security considerations that might affect presidential movement and positioning
• Physical limitations or health considerations that could impact a president's ability to stand
• Formal state protocol requirements versus informal meeting settings
• The diplomatic weight that presidential handshakes carry in international relations ^[2]

The analyses show that handshakes can change history or create diplomatic headlines ^[2], suggesting the question oversimplifies what is actually a complex diplomatic tool with significant implications.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question appears overly simplistic and may reflect a misunderstanding of presidential protocol. By framing this as a basic etiquette question, it fails to acknowledge the sophisticated diplomatic nature of presidential interactions.

Potential bias includes:

• Reducing complex diplomatic protocol to basic manners, when the analyses show these interactions have significant political and historical implications ^{[2] [3]}
• Implying there might be controversy where etiquette experts have confirmed proper protocol exists ^[1]
• Overlooking the strategic importance of presidential body language and gestures in international relations ^{[4] [6]}

The question may inadvertently minimize the professional expertise required in presidential diplomacy, where every gesture is analyzed by body language experts and can impact international relationships ^[4].