WASHINGTON – JUNE 07: U.S. President Barack Obama (R) and first lady Michelle Obama (L) wait for the arrival of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her husband Joachim Sauer on the North Portico before a state dinner at the White House June 7, 2011 in Washington, DC. This is the first official visit by a European leader to the White House since Obama became president. Merkel will be presented with the 2010 Medal of Freedom at a state dinner tonight. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)