Video: Obama meets White House press corps, gets annoyed
posted at 9:15 pm on January 22, 2009 by Allahpundit
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“Annoyed” is a relative term when it comes to Cool Hand Luke but the irritation was palpable enough to squeeze a story out of Politico. What, pray tell, did they do to irk the un-irkable? Why, the one thing that could be counted on to get a rise out of him throughout his interminable campaign: They asked him a question.
Skip ahead to 3:20 and note the repeated “friendly” shoulder-patting. I had to laugh when he looked the guy dead in the eye and said, “That’s all I was trying to do, all right?”
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Somehow I doubt the drive-by media were so sycophantic and ready to get on their knees when Bush would walk into the room.
At least there was no moaning from the females (or males) that we could hear.
Shameless suckasses.
91Veteran on January 22, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Uh…uh…as I’ve always said…and let me make it perfectly, uh, clear…we’d probably learn about as much either way. Namely, that Obama ain’t no good without the ‘prompter.
ddrintn on January 22, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Obama should request Chris Matthews and Olbermann to join the Press Corps.
terryannonline on January 22, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Obama and that gaggle that hangs around him are a bunch of damn fools who have no idea what to do about the financial problems, or anything else for that matter. This entire country is screwed. Thank you enlightened voters you really stuck it to us this time.
rplat on January 22, 2009 at 10:26 PM
Is there a time counter on these CNN videos that i just can’t see? Allah always says to skip to a certain point, but i don’t see a timer anywhere.
clearbluesky on January 22, 2009 at 10:26 PM
The Blackberries will be distributed to the freed Gitmo detainees so that BarryBoy can keep in touch.
onlineanalyst on January 22, 2009 at 10:27 PM
It’s really, really light, so adjust the angle of your screen. It’s just to the left of the red volume/speaker thing.
IrishEi on January 22, 2009 at 10:29 PM
I give it 6 months; they’ll quit accepting the stonewalling and he’ll have very few press conferences after that. He cannot deal with an uncontrolled situation (which speaks volumes about his ability to manage real crises.)
michaelo on January 22, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Can you imagine the scene if McCain had won… “Hey! Mr. McCain, do you still beat your wife?”
behiker on January 22, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Boy, one thing I’ll say about those of the White House Press Corps, they’re some more crusty, jaded journalists. Yep, these guys have seen it all. Nothing gonna phase this crew. They’ll just sit in their cubicles grinding out insightful releases while chewing on their cigar stumps, and hold this administrations feet to the fire. Yes sir, pure journalistic integrity right there.
mugged on January 22, 2009 at 10:30 PM
So, when will he stop campaigning and start governing?
lodestonejames on January 22, 2009 at 10:31 PM
[michaelo on January 22, 2009 at 10:30 PM]
Never fear, Biden’s got his back.
Dusty on January 22, 2009 at 10:31 PM
You people are funny!
benny shaker on Jan 22,2009 at 10:18PM.
benny shakar:
Meanwhile,back at Team Terrorist Osama bin’s cave,
lets listen in,
“I cannot believe those stupid liberal suckup journalists,
you know Ackback,it would be just simpler just to feed
them to the lions,and praise you know who,without Bush,it’ll
be so easy this time around Ackback,all those infidel suck
ups will keep Hope so very busy,I cannot believe my eyes,
…………..(Snark!).
canopfor on January 22, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Thanks, i see it now.
clearbluesky on January 22, 2009 at 10:32 PM
The reporter who yelled:
“Hey, Barry, you sneak a smoke in the Rose Garden yet?”
will be reassigned.
profitsbeard on January 22, 2009 at 10:34 PM
“I’m just trying to grace you with my presence. No pushing, you don’t have to touch my hem of my garment to be healed.”
cryptojunkie on January 22, 2009 at 10:36 PM
onlineanalyst on January 22, 2009 at 10:23 PM –
Apologies to all for this digression….
Re: LaCarre…and especially as represented by George Smiley…somewhat depressing stuff if read without an anchor in the day-to-day of the Cold War. Months of tedium and boredom punctuated by a few moments now and then of sheer terror and oft times panic. Not only for the Brits, but also for those of us who worked the Soviet target or east European target. In general, except for the overwhelming cynicism, LaCarre understood the mood…and the tedium…and the often changing political direction…and the intrigue of the “other side” always seemingly one step ahead. “Small Town in Germany” is a must read. “Spy Who Came in From the Cold” a classic. “Smiley’s People” depressing. “Tailor of Panama” unique in a gotcha sense, but this was at LaCarre’s late career…his cynicism was rampant by that time. Looking back, I consider myself a small cog in a great game…a hard fought game, fun at times, but the same Great Game about which Kipling wrote in “Kim.” (Read “Kim.” Then what is going on today in that part of the world makes much better sense.)
OK. Now back to our regularly scheduled blog. With apologies.
coldwarrior on January 22, 2009 at 10:36 PM
The reporter who yelled:
profitsbeard on Jan 22,2009 at 10:34PM.
profitsbeard: And,re-educated at camp as well,a hem!:)
canopfor on January 22, 2009 at 10:37 PM
On a side note…is there any lower form of life than an @ss kissing political paparazzi? I mean really.
Vigilante on January 22, 2009 at 10:37 PM
But I want the reporters to ask the tough questions……
like what type of hypoallergenic dog did the The First Family end up getting?
terryannonline on January 22, 2009 at 10:38 PM
Of course, he was annoyed. He read 2 executive orders today at a press conference and didn’t even know what they contained. He had to turn to an assistant and ask him what they meant. So do you think any old off-the-cuff question can be tolerated?
Fred 2 on January 22, 2009 at 10:39 PM
onlineanalyst on January 22, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Wouldn’t surprise me!
The whole Blackberry thing is weird. He really doesn’t get it. The other day Karl Rove described life in the White House as akin to “drinking from a fire hose all day long.” The One is going to get annoyed at more than just the press corps.
Chief of Staff: “Mr. President, there’s been an explosion in the Holland Tunnel in NYC, Border Patrol just apprehended two suspected terrorists at Hoover Dam, a Cat 5 hurricane has just destroyed Key West, and the stock market just dipped to 1500. We need to go to the Situation Room stat.”
The One: “Can’t I just eat my waffle in peace?!”
IrishEi on January 22, 2009 at 10:39 PM
They’ll never get a dog, some excuse will be made
clnurnberg on January 22, 2009 at 10:40 PM
Uh…I don’t see a story here. Why can’t a president walk through the Press Room, shake some hands, and meet the WH press corps without answering questions?
I put this story (and blog post) in the same bucket with the GWB “…now watch me hit this drive” press conference and it’s incredible aftermath.
Bleh. AP, give us red meat, not parsley sprigs.
BobMbx on January 22, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Jesus meets with his disciples. All but one kiss his feet.
….fairy tale to be continued.
fogw on January 22, 2009 at 10:42 PM
It’s worse than winking.
chunderroad on January 22, 2009 at 10:43 PM
“Have that man’s shoes removed immediately! I don’t want to see that reporter within 10′ of any shoes! ” —- Prez Obama.
Caper29 on January 22, 2009 at 10:45 PM
True. This not really meat at all. The reporter wanted to turn into a press conference at it wasn’t one. I guess it’s a slow news day?
terryannonline on January 22, 2009 at 10:45 PM
I can’t bring myself to voluntarily watch or listen to B.O. At least not yet. This is an even crazier mass hysteria than the death of Princess Diana.
deewhybee on January 22, 2009 at 10:45 PM
He has time for this?
The Ugly American on January 22, 2009 at 10:46 PM
Why do I suspect his sole purpose for this visit was to give his line “We’ll hopefully have a more open relationship” or whatever BS he was going on about? Head fake, though he seems more relaxed now, and therefore more human.
chunderroad on January 22, 2009 at 10:46 PM
This topic should have been about the kiss up liberal journalists acting like fan boys/girls. Now THAT is the real story here. It’s an old story, and not surprising, but nevertheless the real story.
worlok on January 22, 2009 at 10:46 PM
In certain cultures dogs are considered to have too many kooties…/sarc
jerrytbg on January 22, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Di is being channeled.
Mojave Mark on January 22, 2009 at 10:50 PM
Maybe we should call him “Irkel”?
PattyJ on January 22, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Obama really doesn’t seem that genuine or nice… hmmm, we’ll see, huh?
gmoonster on January 22, 2009 at 10:51 PM
I predict the press will turn on the One if this keeps up. They can’t help themselves, a politican who flashes with anger to a question for a journalist is the same as waiving a red flag in front of a bull.
Mr. Joe on January 22, 2009 at 10:51 PM
when Ross Perot spoke of the Great Sucking Sound he almost got it right
entagor on January 22, 2009 at 10:52 PM
Man, he does not know how this works.
Visiting the press and thinking that they wouldn’t ask him questions? It’s their job. They need to eat too ya know.
Also the reporters telling him about the inside basketball court. I mean it’s been there since Teddy Roosevelt for crying out loud.
- The Cat
MirCat on January 22, 2009 at 10:55 PM
P.S.
Obama: . . where you can feel free to answer questions
Shoulder Reporter: Ask them.
MirCat on January 22, 2009 at 10:56 PM
You are probably right. Big Media journalists are all about hope and change right now. However, journos tend to be some of the most cynical people on Earth. They will eventually go negative. Will they be as negative as they were with Republicans? Perhaps not. But they will get negative.
terryannonline on January 22, 2009 at 10:58 PM
I’ll believe it when I see it.
Attila (Pillage Idiot) on January 22, 2009 at 10:59 PM
I have to wonder if these journalists realize how silly they look in this video?
INC on January 22, 2009 at 11:03 PM
INC: People in love often look silly
clnurnberg on January 22, 2009 at 11:08 PM
The when is easy: As soon as Obama begins “governing”, he’ll begin backtracking on campaign promises (oh wait, that’s already happening) those lofty speeches; those same speeches that gave Chrissy Matthews his odd sensation. Soon enough, those glowing articles from yester-year will become an embarrassment to the journalists who wrote them.
Then we’ll see the rabid dogs attack.
BobMbx on January 22, 2009 at 11:12 PM
I know it is hard to believe right now. But they can’t continue to kiss up to President Obama while he actually has to make some hard decisions and continually defend his policies. Eventually they are going to have question him.
terryannonline on January 22, 2009 at 11:12 PM
Never, never, never. They have too much invested in the guy. The only way the MSM will turn on him is if he becomes so despised by the public at large that it starts to affect their income.
ddrintn on January 22, 2009 at 11:12 PM
:-)
INC on January 22, 2009 at 11:14 PM
These dogs will just lick his a and play dead, sorry BobMbx
clnurnberg on January 22, 2009 at 11:14 PM
ss
clnurnberg on January 22, 2009 at 11:14 PM
HELLO! The media loves to build people up just to tear them down that’s what they do.
terryannonline on January 22, 2009 at 11:14 PM
If you look closely into the cubicle over his shoulder, you’ll see what appears to be Dan Rather making out with Mary Maples. Ick.
BobMbx on January 22, 2009 at 11:15 PM
O.M.G. That is not good to poke China in the eye, again.
Obama’s an idiot and we are screwed.
Rae on January 22, 2009 at 11:16 PM
Not this time. Trust me.
ddrintn on January 22, 2009 at 11:22 PM
Do you not remember the Clinton years? There was scandal after scandal the first couple years, and the only time the media ever reported on any of them was if they were dragged kicking and screaming to them, then it was the absolute minimum then quickly dropped.
The only time I recall much of a frenzy with media reporting then was when the Lewinsky stuff hit Drudge. Other media had that story prior to Drudge, and they spiked it until Drudge got it.
I see nothing changing with Urkel.
91Veteran on January 22, 2009 at 11:24 PM
identical to the teeny boppers fawning at a Jonas Brothers concert
gatorboy on January 22, 2009 at 11:25 PM
He thinks that was “grilling?” Awesome. This is going to be the best presidency ever. Like Jesse Ventura without the Uzi snark.
Tanya on January 22, 2009 at 11:26 PM
As I remember it, the MSM during the Clinton escapades (beginning with the ‘92 campaign) would do as follows: report on this or that scandal, and then assure the public that the public doesn’t really care about it while so much important work was to be done, followed by general public apathy.
In Obama’s case, I doubt any scandal (if there happen to be any other than the dirt that’s already out there) will see the light of day beyond websites like this one.
ddrintn on January 22, 2009 at 11:29 PM
He should be careful.
Although they love him there is one group of people the media love even more…themselves.
Watching him and the MSM trip over their own egos…what delicious irony.
tlclark on January 22, 2009 at 11:33 PM
You’re partially right. The ones they did report on and assure everyone there was nothing to see here were generally those that were nationally exposed in some other manner. Without that initial national exposure, it would not have been covered other than maybe locally.
About ‘94 was when the drive-bys had their storyline down pat that nobody cared about whatever the Grifters were doing at that moment.
91Veteran on January 22, 2009 at 11:37 PM
Transparent attempt at challenging the press. He wades through their desk areas and asks how they get assigned space?
Kind of intimidating. I believe a president should be informal on occasion but invading their private space implies he knows where they are and they dare not speak ill of him.
Very damn scary in my humble opinion.
FireBlogger on January 22, 2009 at 11:39 PM
This will get old quick.
RedSoxNation on January 22, 2009 at 11:41 PM
Minor league all the way–both him and the feckless presstitutes.
wepeople on January 22, 2009 at 11:44 PM
Major Garrett of Fox was majorly drooling on Imposter Hussein Usurper. Just disgusting. We are soooo f*$$’d if this is our free press. Even Stalin never had it this good.
Western_Civ on January 22, 2009 at 11:50 PM
I hear that poodles are all the rage.
Shy Guy on January 22, 2009 at 11:54 PM
Interesting that he had no problem answering all sorts of questions like “Have you worked out today?” “Have you played basketball at the White House yet?” “How are your daughters doing?” It was the pesky question about the lobbyist he couldn’t handle, prompting him to say he didn’t come down to answer questions.
Pathetic.
D2Boston on January 22, 2009 at 11:56 PM
This is cautiously encouraging. The press will get on his case and maybe, just maybe, he’ll lose his cool slightly. That would be a good thing.
JimC on January 22, 2009 at 11:58 PM
Barry should drop a handkerchief and see how many dive to retrieve it.
Media prosLoathesome suck-ups.profitsbeard on January 23, 2009 at 12:04 AM
Answer: January 19, 2017.
MrScribbler on January 23, 2009 at 12:07 AM
Please don’t feed the trolls.
Asher on January 23, 2009 at 12:09 AM
Best commentary on the media of today – from QoD
Entelechy on January 23, 2009 at 12:12 AM
He’s so full of himself, like a teenager Jesus – how many times did he say “I just dropped down to say “hi”"?…or something to that effect, and being scared to tackle something more substantive with the
wolvessheep.Entelechy on January 23, 2009 at 12:15 AM
The difference between Barry and Little Boots is Little Boots defeated Neptune. Barry just has to defeat little yellow journalists.
Limerick on January 23, 2009 at 12:48 AM
He’s used to the Press being deferential, now they’re reverting more to default mode. They’re wanting to ask him questions, and thus demonstrate their importance, and hopefully save their jobs in the rapidly downsizing media market.
Snake307 on January 23, 2009 at 12:56 AM
Those hardball questions like, have you played basketball yet.
Johan Klaus on January 23, 2009 at 12:58 AM
Uh Oh. Looks like the KGB has removed the video already.
long_cat on January 23, 2009 at 1:00 AM
I can’t believe we elected this guy.
They will turn on him eventually, and it will be glorious.
WisCon on January 23, 2009 at 1:09 AM
What’s this? A liberal making a joke about Jeff Gannon because he’s gay?
I don’t think I’ll ever get the hang of this selective tolerance thingy you guys are so famous for.
capitalist piglet on January 23, 2009 at 1:10 AM
Obama uses the word ‘respectful’ like a muslim uses the word ‘respectful’. Neither understand the meaning of the word.
And notice how one question, in Obama’s mind, equals ‘grilled’. Odds are that Obama will not hold pressers as he is so weak off-the-cuff, not to mention arrogant.
“We’ll be holding a press conference at which you’ll be free to answer questions!” LOL! More Barry off-the-cuff magic.
RickZ on January 23, 2009 at 1:16 AM
This was absolutely unbelievable.
For a press corps and media that constantly called Bush stupid,how can they give this a pass.
This failed community organizer literally fumbled around having to constantly turn to his lawyer buddy to speak for him on an executive order.
Is he in charge or what!!!
The press were in typical cultist mode and have given their Messiah a total pass on something they would have absolutely
blasted Bush over.
Obama is nothing but a Soros financed puppet.
Baxter Greene on January 23, 2009 at 1:20 AM
Apparently no sign your dumba$$ is ever going to reach puberty.
Baxter Greene on January 23, 2009 at 1:22 AM
Excellent point. Obama’s intimidation is always done with a smile (fascism with a smiley face).
RickZ on January 23, 2009 at 1:27 AM
The press corps aren’t ever going to ask any tough questions and expect to get a real answer. They won’t do it, and if someone does like this reporter in the clip, they will be blown off.
cjs1943 on January 23, 2009 at 1:30 AM
There are a lot of fine words here. Gives me hope that thinking men and women aren’t gone with the wind.
Limerick on January 23, 2009 at 1:30 AM
When you cross the line and a “Don” is about to have you whacked, they look you in the eyes, smile, put their hand on you, and kiss you on the cheek.
I’m just waiting for someone to ask him an actual question of substance, and the ensuing kiss, so I can keep an eye on the reporters hometown obit’s.
FlatFoot on January 23, 2009 at 1:36 AM
This is going to get interesting…
The Press, and a lot of comedians, have spent the last few years doing nothing but banging the Bush admin…
But the Bush Admin are now gone… so, just what will they use to fill the void…
They can’t continue with good news fluff stories… because it does not sell (if it bleeds it leads)…
This can’t, and won’t, last long… then look out when reporters actualy wake up and smell the Obama…. cause its like suddenly knowing you stepped in something…
Romeo13 on January 23, 2009 at 1:37 AM
The reporter is shocked at the response, but only because he was expecting a fluffy non-answer he could then spin as brilliant in service to his master. Instead, he got the mobster gladhand. From now on, these cogs are going to discover that questioning the Oracle is a sin. Only sycophants need apply, and all prayers must be submitted in writing before each Mass.
TMK on January 23, 2009 at 1:54 AM
Again, I’m gonna differ slightly with everyone. =)
It’s not bad to ask questions etc…but the known, accepted, and respected protocol for this sort of thing is that you don’t ask questions in this situation as a reporter. It’s kind of like being “off the record”. Every White House reporter knows this.
Grill him all you like in press conferences – please. =) I hope they ask very tough questions (I doubt most will). But when the guy is coming down just to say hi and shake hands and meet people, it’s unofficial. He’s not there to state policy or anything which requires a position. He’s just there to say hi. =)
That reporter was actually wrong in what he did and Obama was right not to answer and to get annoyed. The reporter sorta broke a long tradition of accepted protocol and he really shouldn’t have done that. It’s not a big deal or anything, it’s just something which should be understood. =)
Summer on January 23, 2009 at 1:58 AM
Summer on January 23, 2009 at 1:58 AM –
The President works for us, not the other way around. Meeting the public, to include walking in to the press area at the White House, in no way precludes anyone from asking any question at any time. This is not P’yongyang, it is Washington, D.C., and until the time when de jure or de facto the freedom of the press is abrogated by the Obama Administration, anywhere he goes, he can, will, and should be asked any question at any time by any citizen or any other person within ear shot. How he chooses to respond is entirely upon him. He can be gracious. He can be coy. He can be abrupt. He can choose to answer in full or ignore the question. The minute we Americans are proscribed from asking our employee a question, or make a comment directed at them, we will have crossed a Rubicon. The only exception over the past decades has been “official photo ops,” when, prior to turning the cameras on, out of deference to the foreign guest or other notable present, the press is told “no questions, please” and the only sound is the clatter of still cameras.
If Obama can answer questions, as he did during his royal visit, about the basketball court, or working out at the White House gym, he can answer a question about a policy matter or the price of eggs in China. That he choose to be abrupt, selective, and clearly annoyed, is all on Obama…not the press.
coldwarrior on January 23, 2009 at 2:58 AM
I agree, up to a point. But again, it’s sort of breaking protocol to ask him about some official thing in that setting. It’s like going to a party, seeing a doctor, and starting to ask for free advice. There are times when the President, or a doctor, lawyer, or any other professional, just wants to be themselves for a moment. I realize that the President is on duty 24/7 in a sense, but there are times when it is inappropriate to hound him about something.
The fact is, Bush had a lot of unofficial meeting press people during his presidency. And while he wouldn’t have shown visible annoyance (and I don’t think Obama was *THAT* bad in his response btw…), he probably would have brushed off that sorta thing as well. Bush was, however, much more gracious as far as I’m concerned. But if somebody had hounded him in the same situation, everyone here would be screaming about the liberal media invading his peaceful regular citizen moment – and rightly so. I think the same rules should apply to Obama.
Again, I think the press should ask him very pointed questions in all appropriate situations. But when the guy is just touring the place and seeing what it looks like, meeting the people who work there, and trying to get a feel for the place on his second day in office to learn the ropes, so to speak, it’s not something somebody should have jumped on.
I just found it a bit inappropriate and gauche.
Summer on January 23, 2009 at 3:35 AM
Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you…”
Obama: “Ask not.”
29Victor on January 23, 2009 at 3:36 AM
Above his pay grade?
In every possible way unfortunately.
Yakko77 on January 23, 2009 at 3:51 AM
I understand what you are saying, but when it comes to the President of the United States, there is no “off the record.” That’s the nature of the job which someone volunteered to endure by running for that office. And given Obama’s proclivity for avoiding any questions at all, he is more than fair game for any questions at any time, even if he just “pops” in to the White House press corps to say, “Hi!” The fact that one serious question about a lobbyist is equated in Obama’s mind to getting “grilled” shows the imperial attitude of Obama which is a reporter’s duty to explore and expose. At any time. If Obama doesn’t like it, and we know he doesn’t, then he’ll stop giving impromptu pressers. Which will make him look all the worse. It is not the reporters’ duty to be a part of the White House’s own internal publicity department.
RickZ on January 23, 2009 at 4:06 AM
From “Onlynanalyst”, or something there abouts:
…At’s a fantastic quote, and very much to the point of why it was such a DRAMATIC failure of bias on the part of the press, leading BO into the White House as they did, and in such an unrealistic fashion.
He’ll handle it, for a while, but it will be the very thing his campaign (and even more-so: BIG MEDIA) frickin’ stifled Maverick with when it was campaign season: TEMPER… that will be his undoing.
Doesn’t take a rocket surgeon to see it, either.
In a day.
Can I get an “OY!“
ChipDWood on January 23, 2009 at 5:25 AM
Remember how Reagan would feign being hard of hearing when reporters tossed questions at him as he walked to the limo or helicopter?
Bradky on January 23, 2009 at 5:34 AM
Yes, I do. And the fact that you do, too, tells us the media mentioned it, aired the footage. With Obama, not so much.
RickZ on January 23, 2009 at 5:51 AM
No, the point is that all presidents answer at their leisure and deflect the questions as Obama did. Answer one and it becomes a press briefing. but to the Anti-Obamaites it shows dark intentions and evil motives…..
I don’t depend on the network media for my news nor do I obsess over every little media bias – perceived or real.
Bradky on January 23, 2009 at 6:06 AM
No, I think you miss the point. With Reagan, he was walking to (or from) a helicopter. His ‘hard of hearing’ approach to shouted questions was aired as ‘news’. With The Annointed One, he walked into the White House Press Corps’ area, into the lion’s den, so to speak. He felt one, count ‘em one, serious question qualified as being “grilled.” What does Obama think reporters do? Besides giving him the obvious puckered sphincter rim job.
RickZ on January 23, 2009 at 6:13 AM
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