Video: Obama harshes California’s mellow
posted at 2:17 pm on March 26, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
As we noted, the most popular question for today’s “virtual town hall” at the White House involved legalizing marijuana as an economic stimulus. Over 2,000 such questions got submitted, by far the most popular topic, but Obama ridiculed the notion:
I don’t know what this says about the on-line audience, but, uh, but, I just want, I don’t want people to think, uh … This was a fairly popular question. We wanted to make sure it was answered. Uh, the answer is no, I don’t think that is a good strategy to grow our economy.
First, if Obama is so dismissive of on-line audiences, why did he choose to do a “virtual town hall”? Why not just limit it to the people in the room — who, based on their reactions, may have more sympathy for legalization than Obama does?
Beyond that, I wonder what Democratic legislators in California think of Obama’s dismissive attitude. They’re arguing for legalization explicitly for marijuana’s economy to help boost revenues in the Golden State. They’re likely to consider this a bummer, a real downer that will severely harsh their mellow in the weeks to come.
Just another example of The Man keeping us down, dude.
Here’s Obama in 2004, sounding much less dismissive about the notion of marijuana, although still opposing its outright legalization:
Blowback
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He’s right. It got what 2000 questions and socialism got 400? It shows the priorities of people. And it’s sad.
lorien1973 on March 26, 2009 at 2:19 PM
Tommy Chong could not be reached for comment.
Del Dolemonte on March 26, 2009 at 2:19 PM
Dude, where’s my teleprompter?
The Race Card on March 26, 2009 at 2:19 PM
Just reading the transcript, he sounds high now.
And you see, The Man would rather control us by making drugs illegal, and then bust us whenever he wanted to; rather than legalize and tax it. It’s all about power, man.
Now where are the Doritos?
rbj on March 26, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Wait until the foreign posts start to come in on his virtual town hall! Makes you wonder how many Palestinians, Czechs, Russians,Chinese, Mexicans or French etc etc post on US blogs. We may just find out very soon. LOL
jeanie on March 26, 2009 at 2:22 PM
Tommy Chong could not be reached for comment.
Del Dolemonte on March 26, 2009 at 2:19 PM
ROFL!
capejasmine on March 26, 2009 at 2:23 PM
When you add “I smoked pot and did cocaine” to your memoirs for everyone to see – expect others who do the same to seek allegence.
Unless of course it is just a hopey, dopey, changey admission for votes…
Add in carbon taxes, CO2 taxes, “sin” taxes, NAFTA truckers snub, unemployment and inflation… we may just see California return to 1980 sanity at the polls…
Odie1941 on March 26, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Not sure. Why don’t we look up the definition of the key word “virtual?”
misslizzi on March 26, 2009 at 2:24 PM
Don’t really care if pot is legalized, but lorien’s post said it best. With all the problems right now, and you get to ask the president questions, where are the priorities, or the intelligence.
MDWNJ on March 26, 2009 at 2:25 PM
[Cue bubbling bong sound effect]
OhioCoastie on March 26, 2009 at 2:26 PM
The Ajax Girl was not impressed.
AubieJon on March 26, 2009 at 2:27 PM
I’m not for marijuana legalization but…
How would legalizing marijuana, giving licenses to ye olde Tobacco companies and then taxing it NOT help the economy?
Skywise on March 26, 2009 at 2:28 PM
TOTUS had been tokin’ all morning. The teleprompter did not realize it was going to have to work at a townhall meeting today.
BUSTED!!!
DUDE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yoop on March 26, 2009 at 2:28 PM
He’s against outright decriminialization of marijuana, yet the feds have signaled they won’t prosecute this type of drug case. Doesn’t the latter essentially amount to the former?
Weebork on March 26, 2009 at 2:28 PM
He’s really kind of an arrogant prick isn’t he?
ronsfi on March 26, 2009 at 2:29 PM
Dave’s not here.
drunyan8315 on March 26, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Not that I am saying we should do this but
It would solve several problems if we legalized the growing and selling of marijuana.
1) Growing – would help elevate the drug cartel in Mexico
2) Selling – would help lessen the tax burden on taxpayers
NOTE: I am not abdicating we do this. I am sure there would be more issues that pop up out of solving the above issues.
ordi on March 26, 2009 at 2:31 PM
If Obama was in favor of marijuana legalization, how quick would Allahpundit jump ship and become a Huffington Post blogger?
joe_doufu on March 26, 2009 at 2:31 PM
Other question and vote totals:
- Have you been able to get rid of the Bush-stink in the Oval office? (1236 votes)
- Have you given up trying to find a church to attend in Washington or are your forming your own? (583 votes)
- Will you repaint your fleet of vehicles white? (301 votes)
- Bush’s Depression (1 vote) [guess who stated this?]
WashJeff on March 26, 2009 at 2:31 PM
The Ajax Girl
AubieJon on March 26, 2009 at 2:32 PM
Well darn, there goes half or more of Obama’s voting base…
That makes me smile.
canditaylor68 on March 26, 2009 at 2:32 PM
I would tell you, but I’m too stoned right now.
pedestrian on March 26, 2009 at 2:33 PM
The money spent on pot is already in the economy. Taxing it just moves it from one person’s hand’s into the governments.
WashJeff on March 26, 2009 at 2:33 PM
“As agents carried large plastic containers of marijuana plants out of Emmalyn’s California Cannabis Clinic at 1597 Howard Street, a small crowd of protesters formed a gauntlet outside the door, booing the agents and chanting, ‘our medicine is marijuana … listen to Obama!’“
calbear on March 26, 2009 at 2:33 PM
This way he doesn’t have to go on record for legalizing drugs, but keeps his voting base. Felons cannot vote in many states.
myrenovations on March 26, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Nice use of a spell-checker there, dude.
pedestrian on March 26, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Can this man frigging get his face off of my TV, internet, radio and magazines and get his azz in his office and DO HIS GAT DANGED JOB?
Geeze Oh Petes I am sick of this a-hole
Key West Reader on March 26, 2009 at 2:36 PM
Obuma! Just when I thought that Kaleeforneeah was going to grow it’s economy, reduce it’s massive debt and help stop the flow of pot from Mexico, Barry says NO!
I wonder why he changed his position…Maybe it’s because he wants his subjects to be high on him and join, (actually, it’s gonna be mandatory), the expanded Americorps Brownshirt Club.
‘Yes we can!’
Christine on March 26, 2009 at 2:37 PM
Bummer….
coldwarrior on March 26, 2009 at 2:38 PM
Heh. Talk about reversing the meaning.
Vashta.Nerada on March 26, 2009 at 2:38 PM
Generally I am against legalization, but after the last election, I am rethinking my position…if we can get these Obama heads stoned, then they won’t vote! ( Oh wait, its a wash, Acorn will vote for them like they did last time ).
Conservative Voice on March 26, 2009 at 2:39 PM
I could grow to like this dude. All he has to do is to push back on making unborn babies into landfill…
unclesmrgol on March 26, 2009 at 2:39 PM
I, uh, don’t, ah, see how, um, Legalizing Marijuana is ah, going to uh, stimulate the economy….
Blow on the other hand is ah, very good stimulant.
PappaMac on March 26, 2009 at 2:41 PM
I’m pretty sure I can see a receiver wire going up the back of his jacket, surely relaying the message to an inner ear implant.
Shy Guy on March 26, 2009 at 2:42 PM
unclesmrgol on March 26, 2009 at 2:39 PM
I hope you are kidding. Obama can bankrupt America, destroy our republic…but as long as he is right on the issue on abortion, you would be ok?
Conservative Voice on March 26, 2009 at 2:42 PM
I am outraged and disagree with our President.
getalife on March 26, 2009 at 2:43 PM
I’d comment, man, but I’m too freakin’ stoned…
whitetop on March 26, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Liar
AubieJon on March 26, 2009 at 2:44 PM
getalife on March 26, 2009 at 2:43 PM
don’t worry, just relax, breathe in that wonderful pot…everything will be ok…
Conservative Voice on March 26, 2009 at 2:45 PM
Obama has made his call to the nation: this crisis is not a reason to draw together; it’s an opportunity for everyone to try and get his own personal axe ground.
logis on March 26, 2009 at 2:45 PM
It’s a weed for gods sake. It will grow anywhere. The government will not be able to tax it growing in your spare room and they realize that.
And I did say your spare bedroom….really I dont have any growing in mine.
Really
bladegripp on March 26, 2009 at 2:45 PM
AubieJon on March 26, 2009 at 2:44 PM
It would help the economy if they tax it like liquor, help with the drug war and lower prison costs.
getalife on March 26, 2009 at 2:46 PM
When he walked down the hall for his press conference (?) didn’t he look like a dude on the cat walk?
Watch the way he swishes.
Bambi on March 26, 2009 at 2:48 PM
They merely asked him about the wrong drug. I’m sure if Congress legalized cocaine and exempted him from the tax, Obamuhhh would be just fine with it.
Master Shake on March 26, 2009 at 2:49 PM
Uncle Obammie is a freakin’ UH UH UH machine gun when he doesn’t have a pre-digested script to read off of a teleprompter.
As far as California goes, I’ve lived in California my whole life and there is a very good possibility that the government controlled legalization and taxation of marijuana will pass. But, not right now. There is still some sembelence of intelligence and common sense among the voter base within this state that, for the time being, outnumbers the lazy hop head socialist liberal welfare voters. That is changing fast though, and I predict that Uncle Obammie will make marijuana legalization a state issue, under federal guidelines, if he is reelected. Once he does that, the entire left coast from border to border will become one enormous bongathon and very little will get done ’round these parts.
SilverStar830 on March 26, 2009 at 2:49 PM
getalife on March 26, 2009 at 2:46 PM
which economy? The governments? Because like someone already pointed out…its already in the economy. Government has enough money already.
I am totally serious when I say I was against legalization. I am more convinced that we should make it legal, and not tax it…remove the tax on tobacco and alcohol as well. Government GET OUT OF PEOPLES LIVES ALREADY!! ( However those who abuse should still lose their kids, jobs, etc ie suffer the natural consequences and have NO welfare net to enable them )
Conservative Voice on March 26, 2009 at 2:49 PM
You’re lying when you say you’re outraged and disagree with Obambi. That would require a genetic makeover for you.
AubieJon on March 26, 2009 at 2:49 PM
Because a lot of current sellers won’t report their sales…they’re criminals, after all. Would we really expect drug dealers to become respected businessmen, just because their product is legal?
Maybe the medicinal marijuana stores will just start selling to the general public. For a while. Then once the taxes, regulations, and fees threaten to put them out of business, they’ll just go cash-only and forget to report most of it.
Also, I can guarantee you that more people will just start growing it in their backyard. Hell, I’ve never smoked pot in my life, but if it becomes legal I might start growing the stuff. I’d be happy to liberate some cash from these ne’er-do-well, pot-smoking dopes.
TheMightyMonarch on March 26, 2009 at 2:49 PM
Some people will grow their own because they are frugal or are serious hobbyists. Most would go to a store to buy weed engineered to give them a consistent experience. People can grow their own vegetables but most still buy them at the supermarket.
dedalus on March 26, 2009 at 2:51 PM
He’s trying to thread the needle. They won’t push enforcement at this point, but aren’t being flagrant about legalizing it. As an example, see the Clinton years of steering to the middle of the road.
Obama’s not going to increase the “drug war,” but he won’t completely call it off either.
That might cost him some votes!!!!
cs89 on March 26, 2009 at 2:51 PM
Does this make me left of Obama on an issue? I’m so scared right now. Someone hold me.
TheUnrepentantGeek on March 26, 2009 at 2:51 PM
Conservative Voice on March 26, 2009 at 2:49 PM
The reason why I am against taxing it…is because then the government is depended on people to destroy their lives to balance their budget ( oh wait they don’t balance already…ok, to help not make the deficit so large )
Conservative Voice on March 26, 2009 at 2:51 PM
Get out of their lives yet drug test them.
Ok.
Interesting position.
getalife on March 26, 2009 at 2:53 PM
That isn’t so much a ‘swish’ as it is a ‘sashay’.
here come da Prez… here come da Prez… here come da Prez
All the Joe-Cool rock stars and self-important celebrities do it pretty much.
SilverStar830 on March 26, 2009 at 2:54 PM
TheMightyMonarch on March 26, 2009 at 2:49 PM
Your point about the criminals selling pot now becoming “respected businessment” is on target. There are still moonshiners avoiding federal taxes on whiskey in parts of Appalachia, many decades after the repeal of Prohibition.
Not a lot, but it takes a loooong time to change trajectory.
cs89 on March 26, 2009 at 2:55 PM
True. But I assume that a lot of that money is ultimately being funneled outside of the US and not making its way back into American support.
Y’know… buy American and all that. :D
Skywise on March 26, 2009 at 2:55 PM
It’s prohibition again and failed again.
Legalize it like liquor and end the prohibition.
getalife on March 26, 2009 at 2:56 PM
getalife on March 26, 2009 at 2:53 PM
Drug testing position. An employer should have the right to fire and hire who they will based on the criteria that both the employer and employee agree to…which might include passing a drug test. But it might be as simple as don’t show up to work high.
On government drug testing, if parents are found abusing drugs that make it an unsafe environment for kids, the kids should be pulled. And the parents should prove that they are sober for the length of time the law says before they get their kids back. The other drug test I am for is DUI. Other than that, go ahead bong away loser.
Conservative Voice on March 26, 2009 at 2:58 PM
No, but the buyers will happily shift to buying it at Publix… (behind the counter, of course…)
I know a lot of people that make their own beer too… doesn’t seem to make a dent in alcohol sales…
Skywise on March 26, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Yes, he is.
scalleywag on March 26, 2009 at 3:01 PM
It shows the priorities of Obama fans who bothered to write him. They shouldn’t take his public declination too seriously, though, as Mr. Malleable not only has an predisposed taste for the weed (hence Hillary’s excuse to blame Obama/Americans for Mexico’s problems, as if it wouldn’t be America’s fault if SHE’D been elected POTUS). Mr. Malleable changes his mind’s position like sand shifting in the wind.
Flip-flop does not do Obama’s inconsistencies justice.
I was remembering that with Kerry it was “I was for it before I was against it.” And the elder Pres.Bush losing re-election over, “Read my lips: No New Taxes.” These were such minimal points for discontent compared to Obama, nada but trouble, assassinating our nation.
maverick muse on March 26, 2009 at 3:02 PM
I’m all in favor of legalizing some drugs (those that can be used without a guarantee of dependence) but I also think penalties for crimes while high ought to be much harsher.
You chose to limit your capacity, so you get the penalty. Seems fair.
TheUnrepentantGeek on March 26, 2009 at 3:02 PM
Out stoking a joint.
Dr. Dog on March 26, 2009 at 3:04 PM
TheUnrepentantGeek on March 26, 2009 at 3:02 PM
Exactly. You drug users are claiming the government is being a nanny state…I agree its being a nanny state, so remove all safety nets and then prosecute the snot out of the drug user who has a DUI, or whatever that puts people in danger.
Conservative Voice on March 26, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Did anyone ask any questions about legalizing industrial hemp?
It’s time we stopped growing food for fuel, and we could certainly use some more manufacturing plants in this country.
Rae on March 26, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Take note.
The Democrats are passing legislation prohibiting people from growing their own food. The devil is always in the details. Read what the FDA is doing in Congress now. REGULATION is a bitch.
maverick muse on March 26, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Rae on March 26, 2009 at 3:07 PM
From someone who use to be for the drug war, the making it illegal to make things from hemp never made sense to me. Especially since the kind of hemp that is used to make rope and such isn’t much of a drug anyway.
Conservative Voice on March 26, 2009 at 3:09 PM
Peace through
strengthdoobiespetefrt on March 26, 2009 at 3:09 PM
Mighty Monarch and Skywise both hit on facets of the “economic issue”, which is not much more than a convenient strawman of a dodge for Skippy in this instance.
One of the reasons politicos aren’t more amenable towards the legalization of pot is that most of the likely economics scenarios have a whole lot of holes in them, from a revenue collection standpoint – it’s a lot easier to bang the Carrie Nations Brand populist drum, which results in the control of a lot more assets and money than legalization ever would, or make available.
That, and they’d have to basically come about 180 degrees and admit that for over 75 years (at least), the entire official American establishment has been, at times, gleefully participating in the perpetration of a huge lie, a la ‘the demon weed’ approach, despite ample evidence the substance is less harmful than alcohol, to be sure, and quite likely less so than tobacco, as well.
Figure out how to get the politicos over those two obstacles, and you could see commercial product in a 7-11 near you in virtually no time.
Wind Rider on March 26, 2009 at 3:10 PM
maverick muse on March 26, 2009 at 3:07 PM
do you have an official link, because I heard its just a rumor…albeit a plausible one.
Conservative Voice on March 26, 2009 at 3:11 PM
All I want to know is what they are going to do with the e-mail addresses they collected.
MayBee on March 26, 2009 at 3:13 PM
I’m for prosecuting people who present themselves in public while under the influence. But I don’t want to pay the cost of confining them while they serve time. Make every criminal pay the financial cost of their prison/jail time via work produced.
maverick muse on March 26, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Exactly.
scalleywag on March 26, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Really? How dumb. Good for the GOP since it will be an example of statism that every voter can relate to.
dedalus on March 26, 2009 at 3:14 PM
hahaha. It’s a “gotcha”!
scalleywag on March 26, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Make doobies, not love, not war.
maverick muse on March 26, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Funny. When the issue was a moral imperative weed was considered a scourge the full power of the state was allied against it. But now, CA legislators see a chance to tax it so their tune changes. So it never was a morals issue but a matter if who got the money.
So tell me getalife, any provisions set aside in that fog of a mind of yours for the unemployment benefits for all the DARE and DEA agents we can fire? Hmmmm?
Dr. Dog on March 26, 2009 at 3:15 PM
It’s just like the kids who don’t want to pay back their student loans. Everyone just sees this recession as an excuse to get their favorite pet project pushed through on the weak grounds that it will “grow the economy”
Scrappy on March 26, 2009 at 3:15 PM
It’s in the choice of words. Using generalities leaves all interpretation/application to whomever holds office, no holds barred.
maverick muse on March 26, 2009 at 3:18 PM
Ahhhh… but isn’t that what leadership is all about?
There’s a whole slew of pro/con arguments that can be made about legalizing marijuana… but my main beef here is that Obama said it couldn’t be done specifically because it didn’t help the economy and when he has, in fact, supported legalization up until January 20th, 2009…
Skywise on March 26, 2009 at 3:18 PM
maverick muse on March 26, 2009 at 3:13 PM
One of the platforms I would love to see is prison reform. Remove all TVs, magazines etc. They can have books, that improve one’s education…not the stimulating of ones sexual desires. They are to grow their own food. Make their own clothes. They should have opportunity to learn a trade or get their college degree, but they should work 8 hours a day, and pay for that education.
Conservative Voice on March 26, 2009 at 3:19 PM
Wrong. The regulation is targeted at those that sell the product. So it would not touch those getting food from their own garden.
Dr. Dog on March 26, 2009 at 3:19 PM
How about real townhalls? Berry has time for Wed. nite parties and to appear on Leno.
The fraud of this is ridiculous. Can’t the majority of people see thru this?
Itchee Dryback on March 26, 2009 at 3:20 PM
Itchee Dryback on March 26, 2009 at 3:20 PM
The majority isn’t paying attention to notice
Conservative Voice on March 26, 2009 at 3:21 PM
3:19 Sheriff Joe’s right on.
maverick muse on March 26, 2009 at 3:22 PM
Should I press the ‘Buzz up!’ button at the end of Ed’s post? What would happen?
percysunshine on March 26, 2009 at 3:23 PM
Sheriff Joe should run for President…he has my vote
Conservative Voice on March 26, 2009 at 3:24 PM
i thought the money was going to terrorists.
sesquipedalian on March 26, 2009 at 3:25 PM
Show up to a Tea Party and help prove that the majority of people DO see through Obama and his kkkomrade boogie men.
No irony lost.
maverick muse on March 26, 2009 at 3:26 PM
You can make all of your own bread too, but do you? If a seedy looking dude sold bread, would you rather buy it from him or a grocery store?
TheUnrepentantGeek on March 26, 2009 at 3:30 PM
Of course not. Thinking people didn’t vote for Obama. Who is he, the Thought Police?
Now, may I please finish my waffle? I got the munchies…
Steve Z on March 26, 2009 at 3:33 PM
Sheriff Joe gave his resume on radio the other day. I had not realized his international law enforcement experience prior to settling down in Maricopa County, AZ. If he ever changes office, he’d make the best Governor of AZ!
As governor, Napolitano never would PERMIT law enforcement in AZ. She denied there was any illegal immigrant problem to address in AZ.
Now she’s in charge of Homeland Security and wants to cure the border problem (that she doesn’t recognize anyway) by removing all vegetation from the Rio Grande river bank. Talk about killing two birds with one stone: wipe out the population on the border and pollute the water system in the Gulf of Mexico. Teach those damned Republicans to STFU by laying waste to agriculture and Gulf waters. (I don’t even think that the Texas rice growers are Republican, more likely Democrat farmers; but no matter to Obama. His goal is to persecute all things Texan and Alaskan.) Again, no irony lost on this GREEN administration. f*ck*ps.
maverick muse on March 26, 2009 at 3:37 PM
pedestrian on March 26, 2009 at 2:34 PM
That is DUDETTE. :)
ordi on March 26, 2009 at 3:38 PM
Obamises (Obama’s Promises) are only valid on the day they are issued.
Barry is just trying to grow government power, not the economy.
Silly dopers!
profitsbeard on March 26, 2009 at 3:47 PM
From my viewpoint this seems strangely similar to the SNL send-up of Geithner and the “1-800-GOTIDEAS” bit from a couple of weeks back. Life imitating art.
mrveritas on March 26, 2009 at 3:47 PM
maverick muse on March 26, 2009 at 3:37 PM
I hope he runs for governor. It is interesting to note the absent of the Green Police…who made Bush the worse enemy to the environment, but Obama…not a peep. Because it isn’t about Green, its about power and control.
Conservative Voice on March 26, 2009 at 3:48 PM
At least he gave us a blunt answer.
So there is no need to hash this out any longer.
There is nothing to read in the tea leaves.
Bet he couldn’t wait to blow that joint and get back with his buds.
connertown on March 26, 2009 at 4:02 PM
“No, not a good strategy to grow our economy” ……?
d1carter on March 26, 2009 at 4:13 PM
“Dave’s not here.”
Akzed on March 26, 2009 at 4:20 PM
Better check what Michelle O. is planting in that White House garden…!
profitsbeard on March 26, 2009 at 4:25 PM
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