I hate to dwell too much on visuals and symbolism, but the pictures coming out of Wednesday’s lunch with President-elect Obama and Presidents Bush, Clinton, Bush, and Carter were pretty cool.

To understand how cool, just picture John McCain standing there instead of Barack Obama. Wednesday afternoon bridge club? Meeting of Buick owners? Yes and yes.

But seeing Obama with the other presidents brought home just how dramatic this year’s turning of the page will be. Aside from Obama looking a teensy-bit uncomfortable, the images clearly said new, different, historic.

Another thought struck me, too. Each of the men with Obama has attached to them for eternity at least one phrase they’d rather forget.

Crisis of confidence … (AKA “malaise”)
Read my lips…
I did not have sexual relations…
Mission Accomplished

It’s a reality of being president that at some point you will step in it big time (there’s a vice presidential phrase for you). And you will be mercilessly mocked for it. When will it happen to Obama? And how?

So far the president-elect has seemed immune to major verbal gaffes. The closest he’s come is the ill-timed but largely inoffensive joke he made about Nancy Reagan. Whether you think it’s because he’s judicious and thoughtful or cold and calculating, the man doesn’t screw things up too badly in the word department.

But it’ll happen.

The other presidents can trace their immortal phrases to being too something. Carter too sincere. GHW Bush too eager. Clinton too narcissistic/horny. GW Bush too macho.

What will Obama be too much of? My bet would be too aloof – at some point getting a little too Joe Cool about something.

The good news is that gaffes are embarrassing but not fatal. As Obama’s former-president friends can testify: After you step in it, just keep walking.