Posted by
Catmman on Friday, January 23, 2009 9:21:34 AM
President Obama lets it be known
he will not tolerate questions when he is just "visiting" the White House Press Corps. Foreshadowing of an imperial attitude?
Isn't it the expressed job on the media/press to ask pertinent questions, especially of the President (or his policies), when an opportunity presents itself? Shouldn't the president make a good faith attempt to answer questions from the press, even though the timing or setting isn't conducive to doing so? Shouldn't the president expect to get questions from the press, in the White House briefing room, prior to a press conference? Shouldn't the president expect questions from the press wherever, whenever?
This is illustrative of Obama's arrogance. How dare a reporter ask the president a question about his policies when the president isn't ready for them. Obama does a good job at deflecting the reporter and any additonal questions by stating he's "just visiting" but the president has an obligation to answer questions as they are presented doesn't he? The president should expect any question at any time, which is why the whole Joe the plumber episode erupted the way it did. Obama was asked a question he didn't have a prepared answer for and his true feelings came out. Obama was asked a question by a citizen, an honest and good question by the way, and he blew it for all intents and purposes. Of course this is a tactic of reporters attempting to get some kind of off the cuff remark, but in this case it's not an ambush - Obama was visiting the White House Press Corp.
Obama has learned his lesson it would seem - do not answer questions from anyone, especially reporters, without a prior vetting and without his handlers present to make sure an innappropriate question isn't even asked.
"Ahh, see," he said, "I came down here to visit. See this is what happens. I can't end up visiting with you guys and shaking hands if I'm going to get grilled every time I come down here." Get grilled?
What? He was asked a simple, rather straightforward question! Anyone would be hard pressed to call what was asked a "grilling".
What Obama is saying is, in other words, if you are privilieged enough for me to grace you with my presence you will show the proper fealty and keep your mouths shut.
"I am very proud of him today. He got a fist bump from me." No word from
Howard Kurtz if this particular quote was from a lowly "clerical worker" or a psychophantic Obama supporter/reporter.
Most Imperial Presidency, EVAH!