Yes- their talk of "open Government" became "shut up and drink the cool-aid" very quickly.
By the time they were eating their puddings the talk had become desultory.
But the talks became haggling sessions over nothing of consequence.
But it is clear that the talks have become serious.
With only two performances left in Pittsburgh, however, the talk had become increasingly reflective.
While talks have become more constructive in recent months, the diplomats said, the presidents still disagree on critical issues.
He also knows the limits of nostalgia, when talk of the good old days becomes a bore.
How interesting or productive that talk becomes is subject to speculation at the moment.
And the more routine the talks become, the less polemics will intrude.