Happy birthday to you, Mr President

Barack Obama presents cupcakes to journalist Helen Thomas at the White House. Photograph: Jim Young/Reuters

Unlike John F Kennedy's birthday celebration in 1962, when he was serenaded by Hollywood starlet Marilyn Monroe, Barack Obama enjoyed his 48th birthday by presenting journalist Helen Thomas, who shares the same date of birth as the president, with a cupcake. Thomas turned 89 today.

The president emerged unannounced in the White House briefing room. Obama led the room full of reporters in singing Happy Birthday to You, gave Thomas a plate of cupcakes and watched her blow out a candle. Obama said Thomas wished for peace, no prejudice in the world and healthcare reform.

The president's birthday comes as rightwing conspiracy theorists continue to claim Obama was not born in the United States. Over the weekend Orly Taitz, the leader of the birther movement, released a photo of a "Kenyan birth certificate" that has proven to be forged.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/deadlineusa/2009/aug/04/barack-obama-birthday