I find it hard to believe that editors at the New Yorker were so pure of intention: just make a joke about the absurd statements circulating about the Obamas. Certainly, someone at the New Yorker must have realized that the cover could cause controversy. And, as we all know, controversy sells.

With media images transported around the world in minutes, it would be interesting to know how what percentage of the population (worldwide) the New Yorker editors thought would get the joke. Or maybe they only cared that their "best readers" and subscribers were in on the fun.