President Obama blows off Dalai Lama

During this afternoon's press briefing, Press Secretary Robert Gibbs tried to deflect criticism surrounding President Obama's postponed meeting with the Dalai Lama -- which was seen by some as an attempt to curry favor with China. The Washington Post reported that Obama's meeting with the Dalai Lama was specifically postponed until after Obama's meeting next
curry favor (with somebody)

to try to make someone like you or support you by doing or saying things to please them The candidate has promised lower taxes in an attempt to curry favor with the voters.