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Updated 2:43 p.m. - SAN DIEGO, CA -- Mitt Romney assailed President Obama's comments to outgoing Russian President Dmitry Medvedev about increased "flexibility" after the election this fall.
Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP
President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev chat following the conclusion of their bilateral meeting March 26 at the Nuclear Security Summit Seoul, South Korea.
At a medical device company in San Diego, Romney called the president's comments -- captured Monday on an open microphone -- "an alarming and troubling development" as part of a longer wind-up about the importance of missile defense and standing by our allies.
“This weekend, the president happened to be somewhere where the microphone was left open. You may have heard that. It can be revealing, in this case, it was. He was speaking with Mr. Medvedev, of Russia. And he said, ‘This is my last election, I can be more flexible after the election is over,'" Romney started.
"Now when the president of the United States is speaking with the leader of Russia saying he can be more flexible after the election, that is an alarming and troubling development," Romney said. "There's no time for our president to be pulling his punches with the American people and not telling us what he's intending to do with regards to our missile defense system; with regards to our military might and with regards to our commitment to Israel; and with regards to our absolute conviction that Iran must have a nuclear weapon."
Obama's comments were captured at the very beginning of the photo opportunity after the the bilateral meeting between the president and Medvedev, when the two leaders were leaned over and speaking to each other.
RELATED: Obama's hot mic moment
"This is my last election," Obama was heard saying, "After my election I have more flexibility."
Medvedev responded that he would "transmit this information to Vladimir," meaning Vladimir Putin, the president-elect of Russia.
A Russian journalist's recording indicates the two leaders were talking about missile defense, a touchy area in U.S.-Russian relations.
Before Romney's remarks had concluded, President Obama's campaign pushed back at the former Massachusetts governor's criticism.
“Once again Governor Romney is undermining his credibility by distorting the President’s words," Obama campaign spokesman Ben LaBolt said in a statement. "Governor Romney has been all over the map on the key foreign policy challenges facing our nation today, offering a lot of chest thumping and empty rhetoric with no concrete plans to enhance our security or strengthen our alliances."
Romney delivered his attack of the president during a speech that began with a critique of the President's health care law. Standing before a sign reading "Repeal and Replace Obamacare," Romney said there were "a lot of reasons not to like Obamacare," and outlined a number of his issues with the law, but stopped short of his usual direct call for the bill's repeal.
In his more than twenty minutes of remarks, Romney also never mentioned the Supreme Court case beginning today that could decide the law's fate well before the November election.
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Like Romney doesn't know about "flexibility." He's running in the Republican primary as a conservative and plans to "tack to the middle," and run as a moderate, in the general.
Isn't that the truth Amy?
Personally I know there would be backlash from the republicans, but I hope that the president will sign an agreement with Russia so that each of us can live with less stress over what the other may have in mind in the future.
"This is my last election," Obama was heard saying, "After my election I have more flexibility."
Medvedev responded that he would "transmit this information to Vladimir," meaning Vladimir Putin, the president-elect of Russia.
A Russian journalist's recording indicates the two leaders were talking about missile defense, a touchy area in U.S.-Russian relations.
_______________________________________
So, basically Barry was trying to cut a deal with Putin where, if he gave Barry a temporary pass so he could get re-elected, Barry would give him a good deal on surrendering US national security to the Russians.
Who says Dumbocrats are pathetically weak on national security and national defense?????
Yes our President is well advised to not discuss such issues with the out going Russian President while he, himself is in the middle of an election year where he may not be the President next year.
A very wise move by an intelligent man !!
Who says Dumbocrats are pathetically weak on national security and national defense?????
What's sad is this obama qoute won't have the legs in the media that the etcher sketch comment had or still does for that matter.
For all we know the President was playing the Russians---letting them think they will get a better deal after the election when he in fact will drive a harder bargain. Besides---should it really be news to Putin that the President is up for re-election as is the Congress and the leadership there could change as wel?
Yes our President is well advised to not discuss such issues with the out going Russian President while he, himself is in the middle of an election year where he may not be the President next year.
A very wise move by an intelligent man !!
Dennis, if the Olympics adds a "spinning" event I nominate you to represent the USA. The above is a gold medal winner.
Maybe, I should hold my comments. It looks like Steeler is competing for a medal as well.
Bronze at best though.
Big hint cousins ... the Russians are not you enemies.
....and when Romney was asked what he believed should be done about missile defense he stammered and stuttered and said;
"hmmm, I just don't have enough information to have a position on that one."
Oh looky here: The 2 poltroons of First Read (that be joe and rob) with NO military or foreign policy experience parroting their chicken-hawk candidate. Are you two ready for 5 buck a gallon gas? Or don'tcha wanna support the President's get tough on Iran policy? let the whinning from the right commence in 3 2 1.
Here are some "alarming and troubling developments": Romney, Santorum and Gingrich.
Torpedo --- you sure prattle on about military service or lack thereof by posters. Seeing you put so much emphasis on it how in the world do you justify voting for Obama over McCain?
Rob,
You are the one who made the smarta** remarks about Steeler competing for a (bronze) medal, which is why Torpedo came back at you. And he's right--you haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about. Nothing new there.
What the president said is a total non-issue that's being made into an issue by people who will criticize him for blowing his nose in public when he's got a cold.
Well Rob with 2 active duty LtCMDR's currently on active duty, (one just returned from the AFG and the other a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner); I can assure that neither voted for Mr. McCain. You see Rob I have lotsa "SKIN" in this game since 9-11. Sadly, most of you conservative posters think this IS some kind of VIDEO GAME. What about you, or Mr. Romney, or Mr. Santorum, or Mr. Gingrich???
This is a NON issue...When you can speak like an adult, then you will be addressed as one..Until then, go back to your X-BOX and play out your conservative fantasies. That sir is your reality.
You are all missing the entire point of this controversy.
Back in 2010, right after the midterms, Obama insisted on ramming through a new arms treaty with the Russians. At the time, those of us who opposed quick ratification pointed to the opening preamble of the treaty, which indicated that we, the U.S., would dismantle our missile shield in Europe. This would have the effect of leaving our allies vulnerable to Iranian-not Russian- missiles.
Obama claimed that the preamble was non-binding; the Russians declared that the preamble was an intrinsic part of the treaty. I'm no lawyer, but common sense tells me that the Russians are right in their stance.
In any event, having learned nothing about Obama and the deliberate way he misleads via what he implies in his statements, the Senate ratified the treaty.
Obama's open mike statement was simply that, once the election is over, he intends to take down our missile shield. We are supposed to infer that he will do this because he plans to win- history demands that we understand he will do this win or lose.
That means he has to be stopped- but, how?
The Senate has ALREADY ratified the treaty, so that august body is powerless to stop him.
The House, on the other hand, could refuse to fund such a dismantle. That is probably the only route
Romney, by the way, is absolutely right to hammer this. Once again, Obama twists his words to make his listener believe something other than what he says.
He is the most skillful liar I have ever known.
Yeah we already know all about how alarming and troubling telling the plain truth to someone can be to Mr. Romney.
Good, god! Don't make me fall down laughing here, no jo.
There goes No Joe with more conspiracy theories.
I’m shocked you aren’t here spouting “grassy knoll” and “WTC-7” daily.
I guess your new to our world (or reality). Google "Bush" and "WMD's".
Dennis -
Forget the grassy knoll - I think she probably believes the one Rangewolf points us to at post #6 below - Barack Obama is a secret agent for the KGB! You've got to read this one; it just might be the most hilarious conspiracy theory EVER!
http://www.henrymakow.com/kgb_operation_barack_obama.html
I think President Obama is well within his rights to make any such statement beause I certainly do intend to reelect President Obama, he gets my vote 100%
I, on the other hand, have absolutely no intention whatsoever of voting for Romney, so Romney is doing nothing more than expressing "false outrage" as Republicans often like to do.
So, it makes a whole lot more sense to me that President Obama would be making post-election plans, and NOT Romney.
Obama / Biden 2012
The neo-cons are out in force today. I noticed they aren't really any different than the cons that preceeded them. It was a wise choice to defer arms talks until after the election when we have fewer TPers in congress and cooler heads will again prevail. BTW Good call American Girl...right on the money.
I guess the cult leaders actively discourage reading newspapers
http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/07/29/us-nuclear-usa-start-idUSTRE66S5KM20100729
There was an article in the New York Times about a month ago, outlining the Russians' anger over what they say are "clear violations" of the treaty- because of the missile shield. They are now threatening to disregard said treaty- as the objectors in this country said they would.
Conspiracy theory? Typically, conspiracies require more than one person's involvement. Obama conspires with no one but himself- he seems completely unaware of the ramifications of anything he does.
That's egotism, not typically fodder for a conspiracy.
Now, people who delude themselves into thinking they are intelligent and well informed who do not bother reading or learning anything at all that might call into question their blind devotion to one man- that might be fodder for a conspiracy.
But a conspiracy run by mind numbed drones is pretty much doomed to fail.
Okay, I am a big Obama supporter - but can anybody deny that any sitting President has no real flexibility ON ANY POLICY in the months preceding an election? It is solid advice from ANY President to a foreign leader to "not box him/her in" when a more rational discussion could take place after the election.
This holds good even if, God forbid, the GOP candidate is our next President. There is really no way to consider this as anything but good Presidential advice to Medvedev or any other leader. I am sure Israel would agree.
For all you poor, uninformed drones
Now, if you go back to the story posted above, you see that even Team Obama, writing on this site, understands that the missile shield is at the heart of this controversy.
How on earth do you manage to stay so uninformed? Then actually have the gall to mock those who try to inform you by accusing them of either lying, being conspiracy theorists, or just plain nuts?
Seems to me there is more proof every day that the Obama supporters are, in fact, all the things they accuse others of being- uninformed, crackpot conspiracy theorists, or just plain nuts.
You'd have to be to support this president.
"This weekend, the president happened to be somewhere," said Romney.
In 2010 President Obama hosted the first Nuclear Security Summit.
There were 50 heads of states attending. Historical.
2012 The Nuclear Security Summit follows up on one held two years ago in Washington
and is meant to find ways to keep nuclear weapons and materials from getting in the hands
of terrorists. We as a country should be glad our President hosted the first Summit.
The first summit has produced alot of good.
Willard, "the president, did not just happened to be somewhere."
Uh, sandy? Was it at that summit that Sarcozy called Obama "dangerously naive and egotistical"?
Joe it was the Summit that produced results.
Try google for which countries have given up nuclear materials.
Or you can call the President a failure, which you will do even if the facts bit your lips.
no joe, no bo, nj
I'm missing the conspiracy here. If you know it, I know it, the Russians know it, what is the mystery?
You've shown nothing more than facts. Thanks, I guess.
Uh. Boss? I never called it a conspiracy.
That was the mind numbed cultists- who accused me of dreaming up conspiracies.
You're right- I provided facts. In the world of the Obama cult, that is a burning-at-the-stake offense.
"Well Rob with 2 active duty LtCMDR's currently on active duty, (one just returned from the AFG and the other a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner); I can assure that neither voted for Mr. McCain. You see Rob I have lotsa "SKIN" in this game since 9-11. Sadly, most of you conservative posters think this IS some kind of VIDEO GAME. What about you, or Mr. Romney, or Mr. Santorum, or Mr. Gingrich???"
Ah, so that makes you know more on what's going on? Hmm, just wondering what did your son do in AFG? You know most of the military is conservative. I don't recalling anybody saying this is a video game though. Just because your kids are serving doesn't make you a military expert neither.
Paul Florida,
And what "skin" do you have in the game, either now or in the past? None? That's what I thought. You're all mouth.
I remember the Democrats screaming to know what Cheney discussed behind closed doors with the Energy Task Force. But they were silent when ObamaCare was written behind closed doors in secret locations by Democrats. They now give Obama a pass for an obvious open mic blunder which leads to a more compelling question, what else is the president saying when the mic is actually off?
Geeeeze...what a bunch of bullchit you cons lap up and spew at any given opportunity!!! NoJo/no-brain is absolutely self absorbed and darned sure that anything and everything it spouts is the God given truth. Along with her brothers in arms Rick, Florida Paul and that ilk. It's your right to spew but it's my right to call you out on it too. So run along and cast your vote for the chamelion or is it that "Etch a Sketch" fellow. This senior citizen will cast my vote for President Obama.
Nothing new here.
Mr. Obama has DELAYED or SHELVED several other MAJOR ISSUES until AFTER THE PRESIDENTAL ELECTION:
Yep, guess the On-the-Job-Training hasn't kicked in yet.
No vote for Mr. Obama from this Senior Citizen Democrat.
ido - again you spout stupidity. The construction of the Keystone Pipeline was decried by Republican Governors in the states it was to go through as being dangerous to their states. They wanted nothing to do with it in its current form. President Obama has asked for a better proposal taking into consideration the environment. The rest of your nonsense goes pretty much the same way. You love to spout half-truths and just profound stupidity. But, it fits you!
Ido - you're no more a Democrat than you are a brain surgeon!
What our president was saying, is , wait until I am re-elected, and then we can work on dismantling the American missile defense system; this statement is very close to being treason !
Overheard at my house last week "yes dear as soon as I am finished doing what I am doing (the list here is endless) I will pay complete attention to your plans for our holiday".....from what we know about what the Pres. actually said and the reply that was given.....they could have been talking about plans to visit Vladisvostok in the summer.....now couldn't they....but that wouldn't make such a good story on a slow news day would it. You read in to it what you may, believe what you want to believe, be scared or not.....but what was actually said or overheard, without a context is meaningless chatter.....the world is full of it.
Man, talk about a tempest in a teapot...
Romney's comments were so BOGUS even John Boehner told him to shut up about it.
"and with regards to our absolute conviction that Iran must have a nuclear weapon."
Say what? Since when do we have an absolute conviction that Iran must have a nuclear weapon?
Iran is probably hiding their nuclear weapon in the same area that Iraq was hiding theirs.
The republicans would like nothing better than to win this election if for no other reason than to go to war with Iran.
JoAnne, as you, I and the more intelligent among us know, there is no "our" on this absolute conviction; just some more fearful, paranoid cons. Let them worry, worry, worry about Iran's nuclear weapon. At least, they're good at worrying - and excel at being misinformed.
and with regards to our absolute conviction that Iran must have a nuclear weapon.
You couldn't see this coming? Haven't you been listening to the speeches by all Republican candidates?
They are telling you what they will do, people. If Republicans regain the WH and both houses of Congress in November as they hope so desperately to do, their first act will be to declare war on Iran. Their second act will be to raise the debt limit, this time with none of that BS about spending because IOKIYAR. And they have exactly as much chance of finding nukes in Iran as they did WMDs in Iraq.
nomoresameo -
The more I re-read this, the more I think you can take it two ways - either as you did, that we're convinced they already do have one - or that we have an absolute conviction that they ought to have one.
Either way, maybe Romney should have checked to see if HIS mike was open before he spoke?
Guaranteeing victory already, eh Obama? You know the saying, Dont count your chickens....anyway, not many comments on the thread as of yet but already protecting the presidents' "whoopsie!"
This is just one more reason that we elect this guy out of office!
How about the Black Panthers putting a bounty on George Zimmerman? How about those witnesses that are starting to come forward vindicating him in his self defense shooting of Trayvon Martin?
Why did the president feel it was necessary to stick his head in on this when there are so many shooting deaths every month? Obama wouldnt have said squat if Trayvon was white.
But I digress.
Case in point, ABO 2012.
Raff, the reason why Obama got into the Trayvon Martin shooting was because it became a national phenomenon. People all over the nation were out in the streets protesting. Few other shootings ever hit the national spotlight. And what about Gabby Giffords' shooting??? She was white, and the President intervened it that??? Let me guess that your response is because she was a Democrat. Either way, he would have gone in. Even if it was John McCain, Obama would have to say something.
My point was that Trayvon Martin was just an average citizen. Gabby Giffords was a US Senator, so obviously it was going to get national attention. It was a tragedy and the fact that she is walking and talking this day is a miracle and a blessing. I live in Tucson and I remember when that happened.
So I say again, why did the president feel it was necessary to stick his nose in that when there are so many other similar tragedies EVERY DAY? Not to mention all of the statements coming out that George Zimmerman was justified in defending himself.
I also noticed that you didnt address the Black Panthers putting a $1M bounty on George Zimmermans' head.
I also dont appreciate you assuming that I immediately thought Gabby got shot because she was a Democrat. Being the party of "tolerance", I would think you could give someone you know absolutely nothing about the benefit of the doubt before you jump to conclusions.
You would have bitched if the POTUS hadn't interjected his opinion Raff.
I thought it was a $10,000.00 bounty. How the hell do you suppose that a handful of black folks could come up with a million bucks?
Why is Zimmerman not coming forward to proclaim that he is innocent? Cowards usually do hide. If there is rioting we should place the blame squarely where it belongs. On the cowardly gun toting bully of the neighborhood.
Democrats are normally too tolerant but there are limits to our good nature.
eggberta -
How do you figure I would have bitched? I really wouldnt have as things similar to this happen every day to people of all races and colors and creeds. Why single the Trayvon incident out? It makes no sense. Now every family in America is going to demand that the president stick up for their child if they ever become an unfortunate victim of a shooting.
As far as the bounty is concerned, google it and I am sure that youtube or other various websites will tell you the same thing I already have. $1M for George Zimmerman, dead or alive. The Black Panthers say they are getting all sorts of support from celebrities and sports figures, so that $1M wouldnt be hard to come up with. I bet if you had a hate group like the Black Panthers after you, I am damn sure you would hide too. God forbid you are ever in a situation like George Zimmermans'. You would be hiding too.
Gun toting bully, huh? If you had a gun and you were following someone you thought was suspicious, they then turn around and start whipping the crap out of you. Would you beg for mercy or would you defend your life? I bet you would defend your life. ESPECIALLY if he went for your gun.
I feel sorry for his family and what they have to go through. But Trayvon wasnt the cute, innocent child they portrayed him to be. He didnt deserve to die, but if he had just kept walking home, we wouldnt be arguing this. But he had to turn around and be a "big man".
He got involved re Trayvon because he was asked the question by a reporter when he was having a news conference in the Rose Garden of the White House. Let's use the far-right con's answer to everything and just say the "liberal" media was out to get the President by asking that question. :)
Oh, yeah, and if he had a son, he would look like Trayvon; but I think he was speaking metaphorically.
And I do AGREE that the Black Panther bounty is very bad, and also should be looked into very carefully and charges brought. We can't have vigilantes out there.
Raff-
Your argument makes no sense. Martin's shooting has become a NATIONAL PHENOMENON. Repeat: Martin's shooting has become a NATIONAL PHENOMENON. Few other shootings ever reach the Oval Office; this happened to be one of them. In addition, the police FAILED to indict Zimmerman. He wasn't even arrested or interrogated. He even told the police that he did it, and they did NOTHING. That is a bloody scandal!!! The police are supposed to protect people and investigate murders; they didn't even blink when Zimmerman confessed!!!!!! No arrest, no conviction, NOTHING. You don't kill a man and get to go home after confessing to the police. That is an outrage, and since it took national attention the President got in. That's what you do. A lot of the people who died in the 9/11 weren't famous, and Bush still intervened. That is what your argument is pertaining, and thus it is irrational and nonsensical.
And where did you get the info that Trayvon attacked Zimmerman??? What site gave you that info??? That is Zimmerman's testimony, and I don't recall him having any supporting witnesses. Most asserted that Trayvon ran and got shot; hell, you could hear it on one of the 911 tape recordings.
As for the Black Panthers bounty, that is wrong. Being a vigilante is bad enough; we don't need another band of vigilantes putting a bounty on the criminal's head.
Raff - if you had a clue about what was going on you'd know the answer to your question. President Obama was asked - at a news conference on another subject - about the Trayvon shooting. However, the GOP candidates - Romney and Santorum - were not asked about the shooting, they volunteered their opinions that the shooting needed a serious investigation. See, again you look like you don't have a clue - wait you don't!
I am TOTALLY against the Black Panther bounty. It's wrong on every level. But, I am TOTALLY in favor of an intense investigation into Zimmerman's shooting of Trayvon.
And, I won't find myself in the same situation of Zimmerman. I wouldn't go chasing a kid walking through a neighborhood when I'd been told not to, then shoot him. But then, neither would most sane people.
Freshieeeeeeeeee -
As I expected, you got nothing. A national phenomenon brought on by the liberal media at the White House. My beef comes from the fact that the liberal media is trying to create a racial divide by drawing attention to such a relatively common incident in the US. They had even gone so far as to label Zimmerman a "white latino". If it were an unbiased media, the president would be asked every day about the shootings that occur in almost every city in the US.
Zimmerman acted in SELF DEFENSE. I say again: Zimmerman ACTED IN SELF DEFENSE. Witnesses have come forward to coraborate Zimmermans' story and when you listen to the 911 recording, the screams you hear in the background were Zimmermans' screams, not Trayvons'. When he was interviewed by the police, he had a bloody face, broken nose and a gash on the back of his head, not to mention the grass stains on the back of his sweatshirt. Why do you choose to be so obtuse?
How dare you use the 9/11 incident to try to make your case. You really are, without a doubt, the biggest idiot on these boards. Over 3,000 people died on that fateful day and they were targeted by an unrelenting and cunning enemy. THAT'S why they got media attention...oh yeah, other than the fact that 9/11 was the worst tragedy ever to come upon our country. So yeah, no SH!T Bush intervened.
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If the link shows up, thats where you can find that Zimmermans' story was corraborated by witnesses. If not, go to the Orlando Journal Sentinel website and look for the story. Im sure you can accomplish at least that much.
The reason Zimmerman wasnt arrested is because of the "Stand Your Ground" law. It completely defeats the purpose of self-defense. Take a quick gander at it. You may learn something, yet.
I know its wikipedia, but it's the first thing to come up.
What common incident?
Not collecting all the evidence? Letting someone walk free after killing someone? The resignation of the police chief?
Why wasn't Zimmerman drug tested? Why was only Trayvon?
I see nothing common about this.
The rest of your post is just wild speculation on your part, and only one side of the story. We will never know the other side.
After Zimmerman took pursuit, this kid became the proper user of the "stand your ground" law, not Zimmerman. Just because Zimmerman was hurt, which has yet to be confirmed, doesn't mean he didn't instigate retaliation upon him. The police report stated that Zimmerman wore his gun on his belt, so it was visible. Also, if Zimmerman was the one sobbing, why did it stop as soon as the firearm was discharged? He wouldn't just stop crying.
Once again, just one side of the story is all we will ever hear.
Raff-
About the president and the shooting tragedies every day; there are too few hours in the day to calculate all the tragedies that occur every day. Few reach national attention. And the ones that do usually have a scandal of some sort. This does. Essentially, an unarmed kid got shot by an armed man. I don't know whether Trayvon attacked Zimmerman (it is a possibility), and if he did what his motive was (could have been self-defense, could not), but the reason the president got involved is because the killer of Trayvon was neither indicted for even manslaughter (if Trayvon attacked him) or even arrested. They took Zimmerman's words at face value, something that nobody should EVER do. If I shoot someone, I am going to get arrested, even if it was in self-defense. Or at least there should have been an investigation. But no; it took Zimmerman (the suspect) at his word.
And even with Stand Your Ground, you would probably have to be arrested by the police so that they can determine whether it was in self-defense.
As for me referencing the 9/11 attacks, I am sorry if I have offended you or anyone else on this vine. What I meant to do was tell you that the people who died were anonymous; America did not know their names until after the attacks. The same with Trayvon Martin. He was an average guy, just like George Zimmerman.
And I don't think that the "liberal media" would try to start a race divide, one because they would lose a huge asset (the white vote) if doing so, and secondly because they would be caught in the act and get their asses kicked. Not only that, but I have reason to believe that the conservative media AND the conservative movement have sought to paint the picture that Obama is advocating class warfare when he is simply asking the wealthy to pay a little more in order to help reduce our deficits. But I digress.
And as for the screaming; we don't know who did it. We know Zimmerman's side, but we don't know Trayvon's, the ONLY other person who could tell us who it was and give us a second perspective. For all we know, Zimmerman could have shot Trayvon in cold blood and have bruised himself to make it seem like a scuffle.
And right now, I have just read an article on the facts. I don't know if its credible or not, but it goes against some accusations made against Zimmerman. I personally think that Zimmerman should have been arrested or at least questioned, as you cannot necessarily take his word at face value, but it's too late now to judge. My last comment is simply to let the jury decide. Let justice take its course, and may Blind Justice strike accurately.
OBAMA BIDEN 2012
Raff - more BS from the right...
Did you even bother to read any of the press releases on this?
Answering a question from a reporter following announcement at the White House on another matter,
He didn't just jump into a comment about the shooting, he was responding to a question by a reporter. If he had nothing to say about it, I can already hear your response "He isn't even paying any attention to the issues of the day!"
There needs to be a thorough investigation that reassures the public that justice is carried out with impartiality and integrity," Obama said.
And I think they are right to expect that all of us as Americans are going to take this with the seriousness it deserves, and we're going to get to the bottom of exactly what happened.
And I think every parent in America should be able to understand why it is absolutely imperative that we investigate every aspect of this.
Far from any inflammatory remarks, Obama tried to urge a careful investigation of the incident and calm the situation rather than inflame anything. Contrast that with what we hear from others:
...they won't be satisfied until the admitted shooter George Zimmerman, 28, is arrested.
...civil rights leader Al Sharpton called for Zimmerman to be prosecuted.
Nzinga recently announced on CNN that his group was offering a $10,000 reward for the capture of George Zimmerman...
“If a black vigilante had shot a 17-year-old white child, near his father’s house, he would be in jail today,” Jackson said.
This sounds like a lynch mob! In contrast, Obama was trying to defuse the situation, offer solace to the parents and urge a careful investigation of the facts. What would have had him do? Declare martial law and incite a riot?
He wouldn't have needed to say anything if Trayvon was white and Zimmerman black.....Zimmerman would have been arrested and jailed without bail immediately and charged with 1st degree murder.....but that ain't the case is it??????? And you would have totally agreed with that action I am sure!!!!!
Oh, brother...
We hear one sentence...one fragment of a conversation and we think we know the whole story.
Does Romney or anyone else on this blog know the whole story...everything that has been said between Obama and Medvedev or Obama and Putin?
I didn't think so.
"The sky is falling! The sky is falling!"
(Chicken Little was a Republican.)
Learn about the REAL Obama and his past. Type " Obama lived in Russia", then read what Henry Makow has to say about Obama.
Oh yeah?? Well Cheney lived in Wyoming...........LOL. Did that make him bad??? Oooops...I guess it did!!
Who is Henry Makow and why should I give a ratz azz??
Rangewolf - OMG! You nitwits are EVERYWHERE! And, Romney lived on the moon - we can only hope he will. What new conspiracy theorists will you bring up tomorrow? And, Obama knows the secret Australian handshake???? Or, maybe he says a word in French? OMG - he actually is a closet Mormon? No that can't be true - Romney would out him. Do you know how ridiculous your post looks and sounds???? Pleeeeeease!
I have no doubt that win or loose the president will have more flexibility after the election. That is so true on its face who could argue with it. This is like most conservative attacks. Obama is an illegal alien, communist subversive who wants to do away with our freedom. Apparently, they don't have anything else except to say that gpvernmemt is out of control. I noticed it was under control when we started two endless wars without paying for them. Can't they at least field a serious candidate? I would consider voting for one if he would talk about specific issues and problems. They don't and I won't.
Quoting the etch a sketch candidate......
He was commenting on his budget proposal! HA! what effing moron.
At least he would get a budget passed, unlike our congress these days. Most congressional Dems havent done squat in regards to balancing our budget in the 3+ years that Obama has been in office. And the one time Obama proposes a budget, it's laughable to the point where it gets shallacked 97-0. You dont have a leg to stand on regarding the national budget.
Hey Boner!! Where's the jobs you PROMISED? Also..if OMG... if Etch a Sketch gets elected....I hope the Dems. in Congress perform with hate and the same disdain that the Pugs dished out to President Obama. Sure you will squeal that it isn't fair to the citizens of the US but that didn't stop the Thugs. Karma is a funny thing.............
there goes commie in chief undermining american interests and the american way. you libs should take a moment and read one of the hundreds of examples of commie in chief. http://commieblaster.com/obama/index.html
Haa ha. You lib dopes really believe youre going to force business owners to pay for your health care and goodies! Very funny! See how well that worked in greece and europe. There are quite a few failing progressive countries. We will miss you, bye- bye!
It's working delightfully in Switzerland and several other democratic nations. When you laugh your butt off, how will you pay to have it sewn back on? No medical care for you too, dummy. Freeloaders like you deserve to lose their care and their health, because you asked for it. Who is paying for it now? - Not you.
Switzerland doesnt have tens of millions of illegals, a culture of crime with 5 percent prison population, a pride in taking advantage of others, or massive welfare. Go ahead. Take care! You are free to go.
I have health insurance. i dont need to pay for yours. I certainly dont need to keep a job and go into debt because someone is enslaving me.
russ - don't know how to break this to you (you might want to sit down) most of us "liberals" work every day and pay for our own healthcare. But, clearly your little buddies don't.
It's either that Romney is ignorant or just a liar as usual. Is he running for a job at Fox News? This is clearly not the time for presenting treaties, as Romney has made so clear. Not only is leadership changing in Russia, but anything Obama does to govern between now and November will be distorted and fought tooth and nail by Republicans in Congress. Congress has the final word and we all can be sure the word is NO! Obama would be called a Soviet Communist by the right, even though the Soviet system has been gone for over a decade and Communism has failed miserably everywhere it was tried.
Republicans have rewritten Lincoln to say,"..the government of the people, by fewer people, is not for the people any more." We are supposed to pay taxes for Wall Street, corporations are the people, and taxes are no longer going to be spent on the people, but the war department. The people must pay, but expect nothing in return, or the wealthy will suffer and stop providing for the rest of us. It's the return of the plantation mentality and "tax the peasants, they're lucky to live in our land."
Romney is prepared to move the penthouse into the White House, where Wall Street can regulate the government and assume final authority. In business terms it is a "hostile takeover". Romney's business experience is not in saving companies like General Motors and Chrysler, but in raiding and draining their assets and filing for bankruptcy, and sending the equipment and jobs to Asia.
As if a Republican, and especially Mitt Romney (Mister Flip-Flop, himself) would know anything about foreign policy or diplomacy.
Republicans' answer to every international question is "Bomb the sh!t out of them!"
Didn't we get enough of that sort of stupidity under Bush/Cheney? We're still trying to end their insanity.
Hello Republicans! Do you have amnesia or something?
How much experience did Obama have in international relations before he took office? ZERO.
What was Obamas' answer to the Libya ordeal? As you so eloquently put it: "Bomb the sh!t out of them!"
It's time to get health care costs off the backs of employers so they can be more profitable. Then the Tea Party freeloaders can die out from natural causes. Hardly any right wingers pay for their own health care insurance. They sponge off the system and expect others to pay. We have found the biggest drag on the economy, freeloading wingers.
funny affinity. the lib party panders to baby genocide, welfare recipients, illegal aliens, minorities and union stooges that claim they work. Tis easy to find out which side is mooching off the system, and who is trying to defend it.
Why dont you look up tea party, and inform us who they are? parroting catchphrases only make you sound mindless.
Russ: The cons. don't want women to kill their future "cannon fodder" now do they? Biggest moochers are the filthy rich and the oil companies. "Pot meet Kettle"!!!
russ - the baby genocide comment is repulsive and shows the lack of intelligence of anyone who would spout it. Your lack of intelligence as to who makes up each party is totally telling and just makes everything you post beyond ridiculous. Perhaps you should look for a good therapist who can help you understand logic and help you get past the severe problems you clearly have.
Your parroting only reinforces that perhaps you are mindless!
Romney doesn't know that presidents talk to foreigners and are tuned in to the political climate. He can see his front yard from his house.
affinity, looked up switzerland. apparently has one of the lowest tax rates in the world. highest prosperity as well. guess what? not socialist or high taxes like baracalypse wants. you brought it up. see, you should stop being so ignorant, and stop parroting stupidity
Switzerland has an overwhelmingly private sector economy and low tax rates by the Western World standards; overall taxation is one of the smallest of developed countries. Switzerland is an easy place to do business; Switzerland currently ranks 27th of 178 countries in the Ease of Doing Business Index. The slow growth Switzerland experienced in the 1990s and the early 2000s has brought greater support for economic reforms and harmonisation with the European Union.[87][88] According to Credit Suisse, only about 37% of residents own their own homes, one of the lowest rates of home ownership in Europe. Housing and food price levels were 171% and 145% of the EU-25 index in 2007, compared to 113% and 104% in Germany.[85]
@ russ try looking up 2010 Nuclear Security Summit
Hosted by President Obama. Goal to keep nuclear weapons and materials from getting in the hands of terrorists. Historical event 50 heads of states attending.
Alot, of nuclear materials have been secured from 6 countries since, the first summit.
Because Obama held the first summit, they are having this one.
Keeping nuclear material from terrorists. What name will you call him for this goal?
Thank you Mr. President.
sandy, i will still call him a devisive, selfish, egotist that only wants to destroy america. we are the most industrious people on this planet, with the highest gdp per person. baracalypse only wants to diminish our place in the world to a mediocre nation. hes doing a great job of that. So, i will call him ex prez.right now i call him commie in chief.
russ, do you call yourself an American?
russ,
You said: [with the highest gdp per person]
The USA comes in at number eleven (11) in per capita GDP in the world standing.
http://www.indexmundi.com/g/r.aspx?v=67
I guess 11 is better than number 1 eh? If you're cool with that, why try harder? It's like getting a C in a class, at least we passed right?
dennis, thank you, i am corrected to see the first ten countries ahead of us only sell oil, or hide the oil co money. see, gop policy would mean more oil money for us, less for them, and lower corporate profit would take money from lichtenstein and bring it home again. gop policies work, thanks for pointing out where our us dollars are going.
please make a note of it.
russ-2423574
Are you sure you want to use Switzerland as an example? They do have a mandated healthcare system. You know... Romney/Obamacare?
Awwww Bosslimo,,,,don't present the facts to Russ and his co-haters....their warped little egos can't handle them.
eggberta - russ can't stand facts - they only cloud his distorted vision and make him think - which hurts that small, tiny, microscopic, pea-sized brain. Give him too many facts and his little head will explode!!!!
The president could have said that until the elections are over he doesn't have enough flexibility to address the issue in the way that he would like. I'm glad he phrased it in a way that shows he has confidence about being re elected because our president should exude confidence but if Romney wants to spin that into something bad and try to convince us he will be better at foreign policy that's fine but I think it's a pretty weak argument.
I would like to find his comments disarming because that is what we should be doing if we expect other countries to follow the NPT too... otherwise they really have little choice in view of our invasion of countries against international law and based on might makes right and following a proclaimed axis of evils hit list that contraing the invaded county and also contains them... and just how likely are they to fire missiles at Eastern Europe when is is us that is threatening them.
Poor Romney ... All Hat and No Cattle ... or should I say .. All Mormon, no Christian... But I have never seen an election cycle where people, pretending they want to be president, have ZERO capacity to act presidential ... Romney, with all his Hollow chest thumping, looks like Herman Munster in a pair of Gloria Vanderbilt designer jeans.... hopefully, after his loses this election, he will fianlly go away ... FOREVER ... :)
Alarming ??? Really ..! ?? or is this just the CONTINUUM that every GOP candidate and elected member of the house, turn every burp and gesture into an Unforgivable Crisis... what a bunch if silly A$$holes . . this is no time for on the job training ... we need a leader who has the history of leadership in the presidency ... and that of course will be Obama.. who will go down as the greatest president of the past few decades ... incuding reagan... who was a great president, but didn't have a congress at the time that was willing to trasht he american economy forthe sake fo one man sitting in the White House ... like this president has had to contend with regarding the tea baggers who Lied teir way into the halls of congress ....
Of course President Obama would have more flexbility after the election. He would be able to have a Congress to rely on and not one where their sole object is to destroy him. This man has shown himself to be a leader time and time again.
The United States cannot afford to have someone like Romney who really does not know which side he is on or what lie he has said from one day to the next. The GOP contenders are NOT fit to be the leaders of the USA,
Romney and the GOP are fishing for some kind of dirt to smear on President Obama. Personally I saw nothing wrong or improper with his 'aside' comments to President Medvedev. He is relaying to Vladimir Putin(the incoming president) that he is willing to once and for all put the old Cold War crap behind us and have Russia and America finally take a shot at being allies for a change. It is about time if you ask me. I am getting a little tire of it.
The present GOP has turned into a "hardline stance" organization that wants to dictate to the rest of the world how things are going to be. That is obvious with their bullying and obstructionist behavior in Congress. They now want to take that same attitude on the road and try and cram it down the throats of the rest of the world. Frankly that is probably the fastest route to World War III in my opinion. China and Russia simply will not sit still for that and to be honest I don't think most of Europe (East and West) will either.
The Middle Eastern conflicts are rapidly turning into a 'self fulfilling prophesy' that we are doing our best to add fuel to. It doesn't help that we also have an awkward situation still extant in Korea. So I think that the wisest thing to do now is to put our six gun back in its holster and try a little common courtesy and respect for a change. What we have been doing up until now obviously isn't working too well so I say give it a shot Mr. President. You have my vote.
At first Romboy said "Russia is our #1 Enemy." then later retracted that statement!
Well, what else is new, only doesn't he get dizzy from all this turning around? Oh, that's his normal state? I get it!
Someone posted back around the time Obama was elected(yes I have been posting my "conservative" view points on liberal msn for a few years now), that you liberals were so vested in Obama that if it was discovered tomorrow Obama was a pedophile, you idiots would try to SPIN a alibi for him. Are you kidding me, this jerk got straight @ss busted selling the security of this Nation down the river, and you liberal morons SPIN this and blame Romney(GWB all over again, come on peole at least try to be original with your lies)? Get some respect for yourselves people, your love fest over this man is really becoming nauseating. What Romney MADE Obama tell the Russians, "he would be more FLEXIBLE after the elections"? Or let me guess Obama was taken out of context and what the "hot" microphone didn't pick-up, was Obama simply wanted to let the Russians know he was going to be taking a "yoga class" after the elections, right? Obama just laid a big turd(gaff) and you people still smell roses, God you people really are pathetic.......
No you people are pathetic. Wake up it;'s time to make the donuts. Or the job you are doing will pay like you are making donuts. The corporations will own this country if the Wrong gets in . Don't breath the air don't drink the water.
Ignorance is bliss Mruseurhead (for a change) and you and your cons. are reeeeally blissful right??
"A Day in the Life of Joe Middle-Class Republican"
Excellent post ... and so true...
Oh your new baby is so cute.Mine only has 6 arms
I just can't believe you people listen to this BS. Get a brain, think for yourselves. Look things up .History is a good place to start
Yeah.... I guess I am pathetic but personally I have never felt very safe with a bunch of nuclear tipped missles pointed at me and I really don't think the Russian or Chinese people do either. But be that as it may you and others like you are entitled to your opinions. We have been posturing at each other for the last 67 years and I think that it is about time to stop it and try something different. So I feel an equal entitlement to my opinion in this regard.
He wasn't "taken out of context" but simply said what needed to be said. Lets put this behind us and work together for a change. I cannot disagree with that sentiment. I am worn out with hate and discontent and am ready for some peace and tranquility for a change.
We have more nukes than the rest of the world combined. We never want to use them, they deffinetly never want to use them. The wrong tries their scare tactics all the time. Then we go and kill inocent people . Obamas going to take away your guns. what happens Gun sales go up sharpley. He never said that. thats the BS that got us into these wars. Haliburton sure made out . The weapons manufactureres sure made out.