Video: Busy president takes break from economic catastrophe to make NCAA picks
posted at 12:55 pm on March 18, 2009 by Allahpundit
Something new for your “What if Bush did it?” file. Texas Rainmaker tipped me to it last night but I ignored it, figuring some White House staffer just filled out a bracket for Obama and handed it off to ESPN. Tain’t so. Watch him go round by round by round. Is this what he was busy doing the last few weeks instead of checking up on AIG? Besides strategizing about Rush Limbaugh, I mean.
A new CNN poll finds 55 percent already complaining that The One’s taken on too much and needs to focus on the economy. This won’t help his numbers. Before you watch, read Byron York’s piece yesterday about how Team Barry stumbled into so many tax snafus with their cabinet nominees. York’s thesis: Obama simply overestimates how much the public will let him get away with. Audacity indeed.
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I saw this preview on ESPN last night and thought the exact same thing. Doesn’t he have anything better to do?
lorien1973 on March 18, 2009 at 12:57 PM
It’s like he’s finding EVERY possible thing to distract himself from the economy. Does he have ADD or something???
Defector01 on March 18, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Has time for this, but no time for any foreign ally leader.
I miss Dubya.
Topsecretk9 on March 18, 2009 at 12:59 PM
Maybe he’s interviewing that ESPN guy for the new head of the treasury?
On the plus side; notice the disturbing lack of a teleprompter.
It’s a frightening new world.
lorien1973 on March 18, 2009 at 12:59 PM
It’s all a party! Wednesday night soirees. Jet on out to LA to be on The Tonight Show! He is even going to make an appearance on American Idol.
carbon_footprint on March 18, 2009 at 1:00 PM
I’m getting the sense that he didn’t read the job description before he got in the race. In fact, he probably still hasn’t read it. Maybe someone should put it on his teleprompter.
landshark on March 18, 2009 at 1:00 PM
I had a strong feeling this was it — Cocky.
Topsecretk9 on March 18, 2009 at 1:00 PM
Hail the Messiah.
V15J on March 18, 2009 at 1:00 PM
Is he doing any real work this week?
CP on March 18, 2009 at 1:00 PM
Mr. Teleprompter is a joke. Can’t find enough time to treat visiting dignitaries properly or address the economy; instead spends his time at basketball games, parties and other non-sense.
Norwegian on March 18, 2009 at 1:01 PM
Our daily Audacity of Incompetence
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on March 18, 2009 at 1:01 PM
Vero Possumus!
Seriously, it’s bad enough that he’s wasting time with this distraction, I can’t believe they actually put a Presidential Seal on that board. Defining the Presidency Down.
Buy Danish on March 18, 2009 at 1:01 PM
Isn’t this against the law for Federal employees to engage in gambling on the job?
This Boob is a Federal Employee, Yes?
Kini on March 18, 2009 at 1:01 PM
one more way obama is demonstrating his great leadership
gatorboy on March 18, 2009 at 1:02 PM
This man has never been in charge of anything in his life. He has no idea how to do anything but spend money and bow to the crowds.
petunia on March 18, 2009 at 1:02 PM
He reminds me a bit of Louis XVI here. What laser focus on the important things.
Vashta.Nerada on March 18, 2009 at 1:02 PM
nothing like leadership from the top to demonstrate how to circumvent federal gambling laws by running his own office pool
gatorboy on March 18, 2009 at 1:03 PM
President’s “To Do” List
Disarm pilots…check
Make vets pay for their health recovering from battlefield injuries…check
Fill out NCAA Tourney Pick’em…check
Fake outrage of AIG bonuses…check
What’s next? Is he going to a ribbon cutting for a Papa John’s grand opening?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on March 18, 2009 at 1:03 PM
The Audacity of Ineptness and Incompetence!
Es-cuse me while I calls my bookie, I gots-ta place a bet on if the US economy will slide from a recession to a depression…priorities man, priorities!!
Liberty or Death on March 18, 2009 at 1:04 PM
Shouldn’t that white-board read ‘Presidential Racket?’
Earlg on March 18, 2009 at 1:04 PM
MOCK NOT PRESIDENT XERXES, SPARTAN DOG!!! /s
Kent18 on March 18, 2009 at 1:04 PM
Someone needs to put this crap on the big screen at the next Tea Party…
Cuffy Meigs on March 18, 2009 at 1:05 PM
Aide: Mr. President! Rome’s burning!
Zero: I’m eating my waffle
Aide: But Mr. President, your polls numbers are falling!
Zero: Quick! Book me on Leno!
Rogue on March 18, 2009 at 1:05 PM
LOL. Even though everyone has an office pool on stuff like this, perhaps the most moral leader eva! should avoid this?
Again, anything that takes his “laser focus” from talking about the economy. The Dow needs time to recover.
mjk on March 18, 2009 at 1:06 PM
it’s ok, it’s ok. you guys didn’t get the memo…they don’t answer to US. pfffttt…silly citizens..who do you think you are?
Now, get back to work. The government is depending on you to fund more bailouts and “stimulus” pork.
OwlorNothing on March 18, 2009 at 1:06 PM
This is just contemptible. He may be President, but his actions continually indicate what a small, irresponsible man he is. He’s all about celebrity and fame.
It’s not about whether he follows basketball, it’s about taking time to do something like this in the midst of some serious problems the country is facing.
I totally agree with Byron York’s theory, because it’s what I’ve been thinking. Obama is so narcissistic that of course he would think he could get away with anything. I’ve said before that he’s clueless regarding middle America and flyover country; he thinks that all of America is as lacking in discernment as those who voted for him.
INC on March 18, 2009 at 1:06 PM
Nuh uh. Really?
lorien1973 on March 18, 2009 at 1:06 PM
If McCain or Bush were to participate in this leisure activity, they would be completely blasted by the media.
I’ve started to not just not want this guy in office, I’ve started to hate him.
Sir Corky on March 18, 2009 at 1:06 PM
I wonder how many of the Obotomized are laying their bets based on the teams Uhh One picked?
AubieJon on March 18, 2009 at 1:06 PM
When the going gets tough, Obama goes bracketing.
Give the guy a break. He needed a break from his Tonight-Show prep. /sarc/
By the way, we may have our equivalent of the picture of Bush on the plane flying over Katrina.
BuckeyeSam on March 18, 2009 at 1:07 PM
This is the only thing he can talk about without a teleprompter!
Christian Conservative on March 18, 2009 at 1:07 PM
Just a matter of time.
carbon_footprint on March 18, 2009 at 1:08 PM
Yet another distraction to hide the fact that Da Bama has sucessfully proven, beyond any doubt, that the Democrat Party stands as the symbol of greed and corruption. Try as many may, they cannot blame the AIG, Freddie/Fannie, or the porkulus bills on anyone except for themselves. All they can do is scream, Bush! Rush Limbaugh!
Hey! You democrat socialist America haters. Do you know what the $101,332 dollars which Obama Received from AIG is really worth today? It is worth TRILLIONS to the GOP as they just cannot buy advertising like this for any price.
Ignore the distractions. Remember the facts. Tea Parties through 2010, here we come!!!
DannoJyd on March 18, 2009 at 1:08 PM
Look on the bright side – we finally found a campaign promise that he kept.
World B. Free on March 18, 2009 at 1:08 PM
Would Peggy the Moocher approve?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on March 18, 2009 at 1:08 PM
I’m not going to get in a giant huff over this, I mean Ogabe is still human and this little thing probably didn’t take all that long to really do. Honestly I kind of feel sorry for the guy, he looks and sounds weary. Then again he wanted the job so suck it up.
Bishop on March 18, 2009 at 1:08 PM
Did he do this before or after the St. Patrick’s Day parties at the WH yesterday?
Plenty of time to party and pick B-Ball teams, yet the guy is just so “overwhelmed”…
catmman on March 18, 2009 at 1:09 PM
If he thinks he’s “weary” now…just wait. . . a storm is brewing.
OwlorNothing on March 18, 2009 at 1:09 PM
When is he going to do a NCAA women’s bracket? Another sexist pig in the White House!
/s
strictnein on March 18, 2009 at 1:10 PM
Yeah and this is the top f***ing story on ESPN.com as of about 30 minutes ago, when I tried to go there to get away from politics for a few.
The jackass can’t bother himself to take the time to read the bills he signs into law, containing Billion$ of taxpayer dollars, but he can find time to keep up with the NCAAs. Brilliant.
Michael in MI on March 18, 2009 at 1:10 PM
Regarding 2:00 a.m. overtime “I’ve got work to do” but 2:00 a.m. tourney during the NATO summit “we’ll catch as much as possible”… priorities
smith1776 on March 18, 2009 at 1:10 PM
Maybe they can get some footage of Barry texting in his American Idol votes too.
Chuck Schick on March 18, 2009 at 1:10 PM
I think teams that Obama picks to lose should automatically forfeit. You wouldn’t want him to fail would you?
zmdavid on March 18, 2009 at 1:10 PM
He’s stopping to make NCAA picks.
He’s appearing on Jay Leno Thursday night.
PrompterBama has done more to degrade the office of the President of the United States in 50 days than I could ever possibly imagined.
NoFanofLibs on March 18, 2009 at 1:10 PM
What a complete and utter dork. The American people are the fools for putting up with this audacious dork.
kirkill on March 18, 2009 at 1:10 PM
This required Uhh One to take a lot of valuable time from making his Fantasy Golf picks this week. Sacrifices had to be made.
AubieJon on March 18, 2009 at 1:11 PM
This is one of the silliest criticisms you’ve had of Obama. You’re really upset that he took some time to follow the NCAA tournament? Are you under the impression that presidents don’t have down time ever? Bush didn’t follow sports? This is such a harmless little thing, and criticizing exposes you as willing to attack the other side for anything. You’re so angry at Obama in general that every little thing he does you find fault with, even trivial matters such as filling out a bracket.
More importantly, your criticisms aren’t even consistent. You complain that he’s enacting *too much* policy, then complain that he isn’t spending enough time doing it.
tneloms on March 18, 2009 at 1:11 PM
It’s the manner in which he did it. If he had filled out the bracket while sitting in bed at night with his wife, or while he was eating lunch, then no big deal. You’re right, he is human, and allowed to be a basketball fan. But to televise his filling out the bracket? No, too much.
Sir Corky on March 18, 2009 at 1:11 PM
Damn! I wish he would have come the Indiana Live Casino grand opening. Would have been a hoot.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on March 18, 2009 at 1:12 PM
Hey, my local talk station also has a bracket – a political bracket.
Check it out!
http://www.55krc.com/pages/bracket.html
Oink on March 18, 2009 at 1:12 PM
You know, I thought that might be the case when he was appointing people with shady backgrounds to his cabinet, but then I thought, nah, that can’t be it. He was just “misinformed” about his choices, or someone didn’t do a job job checking credentials. Now I believe the only explanation for most of the crap he’s pulled can only be chalked up to audacity. And now the Jay Leno show? Give me a break.
scalleywag on March 18, 2009 at 1:13 PM
Just another addition to 2010 “Fuck up of the Day” Obama desk calendar.
gsherin on March 18, 2009 at 1:13 PM
What Sir Corky said:
INC on March 18, 2009 at 1:14 PM
Translation: Wahhhhhhhhh! The liberals are going to get tagged for the failure of the US economy and I’m a liberal! Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
AubieJon on March 18, 2009 at 1:14 PM
Those 64 teams better be on notice that Barry’s bracket is how the tourney is supposed to shake out. THE ONE has spoken. Disobey, and suffer his wrath.
Ferris on March 18, 2009 at 1:14 PM
There is time for green fountain water in front of the white house for st. paddy’s day, there is time for a 10K swing set for the dahling young’ins, time for planning the obama 4th vacation in 50 days for spring break….time for college hoops picks…..what a cool president we have!!! (you have got to see the fawning huffpo BS posts about how UTTERLY cool this dude is). But, alas, no time for the urgent crisis of the national crisis over the fundamental crisis, for which we are in a major funky crisis, and no time for silly willy cabinet picks for the 18 empty treasury seats. WTF? Silly Americans, work is for YOU, the peasants, not the prezzie. I HATE OBAMA.
Ris4victory on March 18, 2009 at 1:14 PM
Let’s not get too complainy. Seems like harmless fun to me. We have enough serious problems with Obama.
kc8ukw on March 18, 2009 at 1:14 PM
Not audacity at all. Why would he assume the public wouldn’t let him get away with all this stuff? They let him get away with going to a Black Supremacist church for 2 decades, for having a Black Supremacist and a domestic terrorist for his mentors as well as Communists, Marxists and socialists as his mentors in Frank Marshall Davis and others, not to mention his Democrat Socialists of America New Party involvement AND the fact that he has no experience or accomplishments in his entire career!
For two years, the mass media and the American public gave him a COMPLETE pass on ALL of that and chanted Oh-Baaaaaaah-Mah and HOPE! and CHANGE! Meanwhile, they all demonized Sarah Palin.
So why does anyone consider Obama to be filled with audacity? The American public and mass media made him that way. So it’s not Obama’s fault, it’s the fault of the corrupt propaganda media and the utter ignorant dope cult worshipping American public.
Michael in MI on March 18, 2009 at 1:14 PM
That’s not as important as the NCTn’A tournament.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on March 18, 2009 at 1:15 PM
Well, you’ve got priorities and then you’ve got PRIORITIES.
GarandFan on March 18, 2009 at 1:15 PM
Thanks for the translation. Did you do that on Babelfish?
carbon_footprint on March 18, 2009 at 1:16 PM
Narcassist.
ladyingray on March 18, 2009 at 1:16 PM
LOL!
scalleywag on March 18, 2009 at 1:16 PM
So Obama has time on his hands to go after Rush,
and Santelli,
and yet,the DoomsDay Catostrophic Bailout Bill,
sat on Obama’s desk through a weekend,before
signing it,
and now Obama’s doing basketball picks!
So,I’m wondering,
is Hopey gambling as well!
And if he is gambling,is it with tax payer dollars!
————————————————
And,President Bush wouldn’t do this,no how, no way!
But,if he did,————————-Liberals
would be on their way to impeachment!
canopfor on March 18, 2009 at 1:16 PM
Nope this is a classic example of : WIBHDT? (What if Bush had done this?) You wanted this guy, I assume. You get us playing what’s good enough for Bush is good enough for Obama. So we’re going to make fun of his inability to pick Treasury employees and his inability to speak without a Teleprompter. We’re going to pick apart his picking NCAA bracket and picking a Minister of Culture.
you started this game. We’re going to continue it. WIthout, of course, the childish comparisons to Hitler and the Nazis.
mjk on March 18, 2009 at 1:17 PM
I thought that was how he chose his cabinet appointees.
robblefarian on March 18, 2009 at 1:17 PM
After he’s done with that, I was “hope”ing that he would show up for the grand opening of the new casino here in Indiana. I was sooooooooooo looking forward to it.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on March 18, 2009 at 1:17 PM
It would be funny if he only got one of the first 32 games right. Then we could have that waa-waaaaaaaah sound happen while he shrugs really animated-like, and people either laugh at the cool president being like one of them, or cry because he seriously cannot do anything right, and that would just be the next step.
Or — alternatively, if he just crossed out the entire bracket and wrote “Da Bears” across the whole thing, then turned and smiled confidently. That would just about sum things up.
Ferris on March 18, 2009 at 1:18 PM
Rush has a new name: TOTUS
Teleprompter of the United States
ladyingray on March 18, 2009 at 1:19 PM
Hasn’t done any real work up till now. Why should he start now? Gotta admit though, it’s great having the coolest prez ever. BHO the BMOC of the USA.
Tommy_G on March 18, 2009 at 1:19 PM
Oh please. This was just another publicity stunt for him – just like going to talk with Leno.
I did my bracket on paper with no photos. I got the same F4 as he did.
TOTUS is a putz.
ladyingray on March 18, 2009 at 1:20 PM
Didn’t have enough time to get a gift for British PM Brown?
Angry Dumbo on March 18, 2009 at 1:21 PM
It may have been said here or on another thread because I’m confident that this sentiment has already been expressed somewhere. With that concession, I have to wonder, with the expression “too big to fail” thrown out so often lately, is the one person or entity that is too big to fail is, in truth, Obama?
And, of course, the answer is no one is too big or too important that, if incompetent, he, she, or it cannot be allowed to fail.
BuckeyeSam on March 18, 2009 at 1:21 PM
That has me thinking of doing a site that will translate liberal psycho-babble. That might actually be fun.
AubieJon on March 18, 2009 at 1:22 PM
We’re facing an unprecedent crisis in the economy. These are not “normal times” in any sense of the word.
Yet Obama finds time to do this crap? Combine that with the repeated claims of the WH being “overwhelmed” by the crisis, the thoughtless treatment of allies, the total disarray at Treasury, the numerous parties at the WH, his reported wish to get into the “social scene in DC”, etc, etc, etc.
Everyday when I think Obama can’t sink any lower, he does. Simply amazing.
Norwegian on March 18, 2009 at 1:22 PM
Imagine if Bush had done this? MSM, you’re beyond pathetic at this point and we will not weep when you’re all out of work.
Richard Romano on March 18, 2009 at 1:22 PM
As America burns, Barry fiddles.
On the way to a treasury meeting…”hey, Laverne & Shirley are on!”. This fool is easily distracted.
portlandon on March 18, 2009 at 1:23 PM
Sir Corky on March 18, 2009 at 1:11 PM
I agree, televising it might be over the top but it wasn’t as if the event was used as a Presidential address to the nation or something. These things are all scripted and folded into the routine for that day.
It looks worse because of the REALLY stupid things Ogabe is doing such as appearing on Leno and attending parties twice a week, so in that respect it’s akin to adding gas to a fire.
Bishop on March 18, 2009 at 1:24 PM
He may be the President but he’s acting like a First Lady. All he seems to want to do are photo ops, meet and greets, talk shows, etc.
Where’s the gravitas?!
SPCOlympics on March 18, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Do it!
carbon_footprint on March 18, 2009 at 1:24 PM
It’s going to be fun Friday morning watching Robert Gibbs during the White House briefing attack any of the teams that screw up Obama’s bracket by beating the ones he picked to win. (“These teams want the president to fail, and I don’t think that’s the kind of hate Americans are calling for.”).
jon1979 on March 18, 2009 at 1:24 PM
At least they’re working hard in Congress to fix this mess.
http://tinyurl.com/dbo9wh
Bison91 on March 18, 2009 at 1:25 PM
I’d like to get a handwriting analysis done.
Just curious.
Fish on March 18, 2009 at 1:25 PM
What an amazing steaming stinking pile of dumba$$ garbage this outrage is.
You don’t think there are a couple of stupid White House photo op things EVERY SINGLE DAY with boy scouts or groundhog wranglers or the Cheesemakers of America or whatever stupid little group you can think of?
Let’s hear you all call for the permanent cancellation of all of those before you wet your pants over Obama spending an hour making March Madness picks – the sharing of which, by the way, is a great idea.
You guys are retarded. All of you.
Dave Rywall on March 18, 2009 at 1:26 PM
Yo,Obama,ICEBERG DEAD AHEAD!
“Can’t you see were in a crisis here,we have to act now”!
“Sir,what crisis”,
“The basketball picks crisis’s you idiot”,
“But sir,what about the ICEBERG”!
“You idiot,there is NO ICEBERG basketball team.
“What is that awful grinding noise and siren”!
“The ICEBERG won sir,and the siren,is abandon
ship”!————-(Snark!)
canopfor on March 18, 2009 at 1:26 PM
All I can add is take a look at his picks and go the other way.
JammieWearingFool on March 18, 2009 at 1:26 PM
I thought of that, but the results might be a little scary.
INC on March 18, 2009 at 1:26 PM
The “interview” has been scrutinized, fine-tuned, scripted, rehearsed, and placed on a telepromptor for the 0 to look candidly into the eyes of America and read his lies…er… lines. Leno’s cars and property are being held hostage. If he deviated an iota, Schumer will tax the hell out of him!
CynicalOptimist on March 18, 2009 at 1:26 PM
I just like the seal and “Presidential Bracket” as if it’s some sort of sacred tradition going back to Rutherford B. Hayes days: “Oh, but I shall henceforce pick Pennsylvania this year as J. Wiggins III is impressing the commonwealth with his jumpshot…”
Pasalubong on March 18, 2009 at 1:27 PM
And yet here you are.
Mr. D on March 18, 2009 at 1:28 PM
Obama heard Rush Limbaugh had filled out his brackets and was about to go public. Therefore this would be a legitimate government priority.
econavenger on March 18, 2009 at 1:28 PM
What about the fact that this is built into his schedule makes it better? You’re right, this is just another dumb thing that he’s been doing over the past few weeks, but that doesn’t mean that I’m just going to accept it.
Sir Corky on March 18, 2009 at 1:28 PM
Next stop Poker After Dark.
Limerick on March 18, 2009 at 1:29 PM
From Newsday:
Wow. Just wow.
AubieJon on March 18, 2009 at 1:29 PM
I wonder how many of those picks are tax cheats.
robblefarian on March 18, 2009 at 1:30 PM
You guys are retarded. All of you.
Dave Rywall on March 18, 2009 at 1:26 PM
Here, let me help you get that plank out of your eye. Believe it when I say you are about the last person who should be accusing anyone of being retarded.
Bishop on March 18, 2009 at 1:31 PM
You guys are retarded.All of you.
Dave Rywall on Mar 18,2009 at 1:26PM.
Dave Rywall:
Will you get in line,and get your talking points in proper
order,
its not retarded,its “MENTAL”, a la Blagovich!
canopfor on March 18, 2009 at 1:31 PM
And yet here you are.
Mr. D on March 18, 2009 at 1:28 PM
——-
Even I am not so retarded to suggest that a head of state taking an hour to join in his nation’s fun like a normal human being is inappropriate.
You just hate that Bush never had this very simple but smart idea.
Dave Rywall on March 18, 2009 at 1:31 PM
I think I liked having a President better than a Celebrity in Chief.
Rollie on March 18, 2009 at 1:31 PM
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