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Obama Tickled a 17-Foot Robotic Giraffe Today

U.S. President Barack Obama (R) talks with Lindsay Lawlor of San Diego, California, the builder of a robotic giraffe at the White House Maker Faire projects on the South Lawn June 18, 2014 in Washington, DC. The Faire is a series of projects by students, entrepreneurs and regular citizens using new technologies and tools to launch new businesses and learning new skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
President Obama, Russell the robot giraffe and Lindsay Lawlor, the robot’s creator and owner of a two-toned ponytail. Photo: Mike Theiler-Pool/Getty Images

As a part of the first-ever White House Maker Faire (!?), President Obama met a robotic giraffe named Russell on the South Lawn today. “Hehehe, that tickles,” the 17-foot-tall, 2,200-pound robot said when the leader of the free world scratched its chin. 

The president taking the time to meet Russell and its creatively coiffed creator is a surprising turn given Joe Biden’s status as the both White House’s resident robot fan and designated tickler. 

Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

But when the veep’s away, other people get to play.

Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

Joe’s going to be so jealous.

Obama Tickled a 17-Foot Robotic Giraffe Today