Video: Scare Force One pics to remain classified
posted at 10:55 am on May 5, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
- 3-hour trip on Air Force One: $300,000
- Military jet escort: $30,000
- Pictures generated from panicking the largest American city: Classified.
The White House has decided to keep the pictures from the Scare Force One classified, which given the circumstances, seems like an odd decision:
I can understand why the White House would choose not to use the pictures, and remind everyone of the almost-criminal stupidity of the Obama administration in doing flybys of New York City skyscrapers with a big jet plane without warning people. But keeping them classified? We have plenty of shots in the public domain of Scare Force One buzzing terrified New Yorkers, most of them taken by the people who wondered whether al-Qaeda had launched another attack on the city. The stupidity of this public-relations mission has already leaked to the public.
Speaking of which, has Obama fired the person responsible for this idiocy? Apparently not; Louis Caldera, the man who approved this mission, still runs the White House Military Office.
Blowback
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Speaking of which, has Obama fired the person responsible for this idiocy?
Nope, Ogabe is still President, he hasn’t yet fired himself. More’s the pity.
Bishop on May 5, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Speaking of which, has Obama fired the person responsible for this idiocy?
Nope, Ogabe is still President, he hasn’t yet fired himself. More’s the pity.
Bishop on May 5, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Most transparent administration, evah!
BacaDog on May 5, 2009 at 10:59 AM
So classified memos on harsh interrogation, OK to release, but photos from a photo-op, not? Glad they have their priorities straight.
changer1701 on May 5, 2009 at 11:00 AM
On Fox and Friends this morning, Doocy put it best. Something to the effect of, ‘No Mr. President, we can’t use that picture. The shot of the Statue and AF1 are great, but look in the background’
Nearly woke the neighbors.
Kelligan on May 5, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Transparency.
JetBoy on May 5, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Hmm it failed to include part of my comment. After the quote it was supposed to say *shot of Steve with mouth hanging open, eyes filled with terror, pointing at the sky*
Kelligan on May 5, 2009 at 11:01 AM
I JUST KNEW THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN
just frickin great
intelligence agents names outed…no problem
addresses outed….no problem
i just threw up in my mouth a little
JJKRN on May 5, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Release the photos and release the passenger list. That’s where the problem is. It was a joy ride.
Mason on May 5, 2009 at 11:02 AM
It’s all Bush’s fault, & yes, he’s fired.
jgapinoy on May 5, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Surely people don’t think this was an accident? There most likely never were any pictures taken to release. Personally I think this was an Obama-muslim salute to the hijackers of 911. The Bow to the Muslim king and now this. Coincidence? I think not.
Guardian on May 5, 2009 at 11:02 AM
That’s all they had to do, to deflect the worst of the criticism, just release the photos. Stupidity aside, at least they were honest.
Now, by refusing to show them, it really makes one wonder if that was ever the intention in the first place.
JamesLee on May 5, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Thinking the same thing. It’s cool to release classified documents when you think it might help you politically.
Caldera should have been fired that day.
BadgerHawk on May 5, 2009 at 11:03 AM
To release the pictures is to confirm that it really was a photo op. If it wasn’t a photo op, then there are no pictures to release, making it important to classify them to prevent their release.
SouthernRoots on May 5, 2009 at 11:03 AM
that which embarrasses The One must be hidden from eyes. If you don’t see the photos, it must not have happened….
E L Frederick (Sniper One) on May 5, 2009 at 11:03 AM
There’s more to this story. Why else are there no photos to share with the millions of citizens who own this aircraft?
LIARS. This was no photo op.
stenwin77 on May 5, 2009 at 11:03 AM
JUST LIKE HIS BIRTH CERTIFICATE IS CLASSIFIED, HIS COLLEGE RECORDS ARE CLASSIFIED, THE FACT THAT FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS IS HIS REAL DADDY IS CLASSIFIED…..
Ghoul aid on May 5, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Nope. It was a message.
Guardian on May 5, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Of course Dear Leader won’t release the photos. Bad publicity would affect his ratings. It isn’t like the WH press corps, or any press, will challenge him on it and demand the photos.
Disgusting abuse of power, but no surprise from Obama Administration.
conservative pilgrim on May 5, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Conspiracy of the Day.
jgapinoy on May 5, 2009 at 11:05 AM
The man is an utter liar. The passenger list should be released at once.
Where is the MSM? Probably on the plane that day too!
clnurnberg on May 5, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Classified? Wow. That was fast! Guess President TelePrompter got tons of FOIA requests…
TN Mom on May 5, 2009 at 11:06 AM
This is a cover-up.
clnurnberg on May 5, 2009 at 11:06 AM
There’s more to this story. Why else are there no photos to share with the millions of citizens who own this aircraft?
Because it would be problematic for the public to see *cough*arab*cough* donors smiling and laughing as they peer out the plane windows at the shrieking New Yorkers below.
Bishop on May 5, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Meanwhile Obama being asked to appoint first “Gay” US supreme Court Justice
William Amos on May 5, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Obama is just protecting himself from a war crimes tribunal. According to this administration, the standard for torture is any act that causes an individual to feel panic and fear for their life. By this standard, the Scare Force One strafing of lower Manhattan was an act of torture.
BohicaTwentyTwo on May 5, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Just the first family on a little outing. Nothing to see here — move along.
missouriyankee on May 5, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Doesn’t it start from the top-down in most businesses? The CinC should be held somewhat responsible. Just trying to be consistent from the last 8 years.
This is all rhetorical I know.
conservative pilgrim on May 5, 2009 at 11:07 AM
If people in The Precedent’s administration were held responsible for stupidity there wouldn’t be anyone in the Executive branch. This is, hands down, the dumbest government ever in the history of the US – and they are America-haters, to boot.
Despicable, stupid, lying scum. The only qualifications one needs to work for The Precedent.
progressoverpeace on May 5, 2009 at 11:07 AM
I hope the next President releases the photos and then prosecutes whoever is in charge. They totured the American citizens in New York. /sarc
deidre on May 5, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Transparency in action. Where’s the
donorpassenger list? I guess “tranparency” really means invisible.petunia on May 5, 2009 at 11:08 AM
106 days in and I’m thinking you can drop the “almost” from that quote.
JohnnyD on May 5, 2009 at 11:08 AM
They don’t want to release the photos because they might scare people.
LibTired on May 5, 2009 at 11:08 AM
I am 99% sure Caldera was not the responsible party. And Obama *knows* this.
Skywise on May 5, 2009 at 11:08 AM
They’re classified because the photos would reveal a bunch of big money Obama contributors.
Joyride indeed.
bongo on May 5, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Why wouldn’t the person who hired the idiot be responsible, too? Too close to The Precedent?
progressoverpeace on May 5, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Meanwhile, Photoshop would’ve worked just fine.
conservative pilgrim on May 5, 2009 at 11:09 AM
I don’t understand. Does FOIA not apply? Why are the photos “classified?” Doesn’t there have to be a compelling national security issue to allow documents or photos to be classified?
I want to see what my tax dollars paid for. And I want to know who was on the plane.
BardMan on May 5, 2009 at 11:09 AM
I’m interested in what they’re really trying to hide…the VIP joyride conspiracy theory has legs…who was in Scare Force One and why? Sneaky-sneaky…what the hell’s so “classified” about a picture update of the Statue of Liberty?
RepubChica on May 5, 2009 at 11:09 AM
According to the NY Post, they “aren’t technically classified,” so FOIA here we come!!!!
Tremor on May 5, 2009 at 11:10 AM
lol
Mulligan on May 5, 2009 at 11:11 AM
The media won’t demand the release of these photos because there are no soldier caskets in them.
LibTired on May 5, 2009 at 11:11 AM
O/T perhaps? Gates announced that we’ll be relying on the Saudis for help with Pakistan and they will be releasing an extra million barrels of oil per day.
kingsjester on May 5, 2009 at 11:12 AM
George Soros was on the plane.
We need to repeat this until the White House is forced to deny it.
rockmom on May 5, 2009 at 11:13 AM
I don’t want to see the pics. I want to see the in-plane video of all the Obamabuds with their cameras stuck to the windows while they laugh at and mock the frightened NY’ers running around on the ground.
Dusty on May 5, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Some news organizations have already filed FOIA requests for the passenger list.
Wethal on May 5, 2009 at 11:14 AM
I like it. Exposing political opportunism and attempted coverups can be fun and exciting. Rahm does not have a deft, subtle touch, does he?
a capella on May 5, 2009 at 11:14 AM
Obama releases the classified memos on harsh interrogation against the advice of WH council.
DHS Janet Napolitano releases the report calling out Veterans & right-wing extremism against the advice of WH lawyers.
Air Force causing New Yorkers to panic: Classified. Who advised that the photos (if any taken) were to be classified??
TN Mom on May 5, 2009 at 11:14 AM
But, realeasing the prisoner abuse in Iraq jails is ok. This guy needs to be walked out of the WH in handcuffs!
xler8bmw on May 5, 2009 at 11:14 AM
his medical records are classified too – his MENTAL health records
Ris4victory on May 5, 2009 at 11:15 AM
09-04-75 picfile af1 nyc doubleplusungood refs non-event.
rectify picfile subpic puppy and subpic 1stlady shoes pressub antefiling.
gridlock2 on May 5, 2009 at 11:16 AM
The adults are in charge. :)
ThePrez on May 5, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Really? Let me guess…Fox News and the BBC? Okay, scratch the last one. A link would be cool if you have one. ;-)
RepubChica on May 5, 2009 at 11:17 AM
ThackerAgency on May 5, 2009 at 11:17 AM
There will be no release of photos or passenger lists because of national security or some such reason. Get used to it.
Why? Because if the plane wasn’t full of foreign donors then it was empty and there never was a plan to update publicity photos, and THAT means it was a stupid stunt to gauge public reaction or something.
Bishop on May 5, 2009 at 11:18 AM
For New York, Vallone’s a moderate Democrat, so if Obama’s starting to tick off some in his own party with his gaffes, even the media spin in his favor (does anyone really expect any paper or TV network other than Murdoch’s Post, Fox News or the Wall Street Journal to file an FOIA request for the photos?) won’t keep all but the true believes to start showing their disillusionment if things stay on the wrong track by the end of the year.
jon1979 on May 5, 2009 at 11:18 AM
I saw several videos of this. I know AF1 can’t take photos of itself. And I find it highly unlikely that the fighter escort was taking the photos. So where was the aircraft taking the photos?
hogfat on May 5, 2009 at 11:19 AM
Get off the fire Caldera kick. He remains an affirmative action Wedge(that is a simple tool)
Congress needs to quit investigating college football and investigate what is going on in the white house.
Passenger lists and photos are the least we need to know.
This may have been a dry run for the next 9-11.
Amazed on May 5, 2009 at 11:20 AM
LOL!
jgapinoy on May 5, 2009 at 11:20 AM
This is a cover-up! The WH threatened NY officials with sanctions if anyone announced the flyover in advance.
WHO was on the plane??
TN Mom on May 5, 2009 at 11:20 AM
So classified memos on harsh interrogation, OK to release, but photos from a photo-op, not? Glad they have their priorities straight.
changer1701 on May 5, 2009 at 11:00 AM
*
+ 1000
marklmail on May 5, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Obama and some big donors were on the plane.
Probably Saudis and Palestinian reps.
clnurnberg on May 5, 2009 at 11:21 AM
The White House told me I didn’t see the Precedent bow to the Saudi King.
The White House told me that Joe Biden meant to say to wash your hands often and cover your mouth if you cough when I heard him say to stay off all airplanes and trains.
I didn’t really see this NYC flyover because the White House told me so.
Get with the program Comrades and make an appointment with your local eyes, ears, nose and throat specialists before it’s too late.
Knucklehead on May 5, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Someone needs to photoshop AF1 under the bus.
Shy Guy on May 5, 2009 at 11:21 AM
“… and THAT means it was a stupid stunt to gauge public reaction or something.”
[Bishop on May 5, 2009 at 11:18 AM]
It sure got Obama and his Demthugs out of that torture trials stickeywicket they’d gotten themselves into, didn’t it?
Dusty on May 5, 2009 at 11:22 AM
It’s 10:30, do you know where your plane is?? This whole thing is yet another outrage and it shows the Obama admins complete disregard for the terror attacks against our country… If NYC seceded from the Union, perhaps they would get an appology tour too.
kringeesmom on May 5, 2009 at 11:22 AM
I think most AF photos do indeed come from other fighters… Here, you’ll see what I mean. PS – they make awesome computer wallpapers!
TheBigOldDog on May 5, 2009 at 11:23 AM
no pics?? who was on the flight and did they actually take pics…
ginaswo on May 5, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Don’t worry I’m sure the award winning “journalist” Katie Couric is on this like there is no tomorrow. /
Tobias2012 on May 5, 2009 at 11:24 AM
I really don’t think Hussein al-Chicago understands the concept behind horses, barn doors and timeliness in closing the latter before the former get out.
But then, he is a Constitutional Scholar.
SeniorD on May 5, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Unclassified: Photos of dead servicemen’s caskets arriving at Dover AFB.
Classified: AF1 flyby photos.
JetBoy on May 5, 2009 at 11:24 AM
The most transparent WH evah would never keep these pictures classified. Would it? ::grin::
Sue on May 5, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Great Post!
Sue on May 5, 2009 at 11:25 AM
but of course…
alexraye on May 5, 2009 at 11:25 AM
This whole thing is yet another outrage and it shows the Obama admins complete disregard for the terror attacks against our country
kringeesmom on May 5, 2009 at 11:22 AM
all of you do remember how Michelle my belle couldn’t f_cking be bothered to drag her ass to the 9/11 memorial last year, right?
Ghoul aid on May 5, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Want to know why they were classified? Because Barry was onboard, and the pictures, were not of the the 747 with new york, or the statue of libety in the background. The pictures were of Barry, with those items outside of the windows. That’s why they are classified. They dont want the public to see just how stupid he is to work on campaign photos in such a way.
Think about it. Even the white house has referred to the 747 as AF1, which is only given that distinction if the POTUS is onbord. It had an F16 escort (for an empty plane?) and they wanted the authorities to be quiet about it and not inform the public (just incase there are any crazies out there with stinger missles).
Im telling you this stinks. Barry was onboard getting publicity shots taken with NYC in the background. That is the only explaination for this madness.
Snapiron on May 5, 2009 at 11:27 AM
It was a Presidential salute to the 911 hijackers. A gift to the muslim king that Obama was photographed groveling to..
Guardian on May 5, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Okay Air Force guys, here’s question:
Can any of you identify the markings on the fighters flying with the 747? I don’t have a clear picture, but it seems one of the F-16s has an orange rudder. Is that a current squadron paint scheme?
I’m wondering if this fiasco was done in order to produce some footage for an upcoming Hollywood movie that back-fired.
I can’t think of any logical reason why “AF1″ would need to make high angle maneuvers over a populated area. I could accept low altitude, straight and level runs, but not this jinking stuff.
BobMbx on May 5, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Just what one would expect from the biggest liar to ever occupy the White House.
If I took the company vehicle for a joyride and racked up over $300,000 doing it while scaring the pants off the people in the streets? Yup. I’d be fired. This is just another example of poor leadership, he can’t even fire a guy.
scalleywag on May 5, 2009 at 11:28 AM
So pics of AF1 which were going to be used for publicity purposes and disseminated to the public are now top secret? I don’t get it.
Bishop on May 5, 2009 at 11:28 AM
I demand a recount
Ugly on May 5, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Well, now they are in a spot. If there are no updated AF1 photos in front of the Statue of Liberty, they are going to look pretty stupid once the FOIAs hit.
Maybe they could sneak AF1 through on a Sunday morning, while nobody is looking, and take a couple quick shots for the file. If they don’t tell anybody in advance, I am sure nobody would notice…
Yeah, that’s the ticket!
gridlock2 on May 5, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Let me look up the official reply to all this skepticism regarding the current administration from my official Obama fan field manual. . . Let’s see here.
Ah! here it is!
“The adults are in charge now. We won. You’re all Nazis! Haters, Bigots, RAAAAAAAAAACISTS! There is something deformed in your brain.”
That is why you do not understand the complex, nuanced reasoning behind the epic decision.
That should clear it up.
Mich_93 on May 5, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Hahahaha!
TN Mom on May 5, 2009 at 11:30 AM
WH Reporter: Why were the potentially enchanting photos from NY Air Force 1 NYC flyover, designated classified?
Gibbs: Don’t ask me, I’m only the White House Spokesman.
Dusty on May 5, 2009 at 11:31 AM
BobMbx on May 5, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Someone in an earlier thread on this incident said the plane belonged to the Red Tails, the first air unit to be composed of black pilots.
There is a movie being produced about the Red Tails and there is speculation that this footage would be used in that movie, or that Ogabe was going for a tie-in with the unit and himself (both being the first “blacks” in their respective fields).
Bishop on May 5, 2009 at 11:31 AM
No pictures? Kathleen Parker forgot to load film in her camera before boarding the plane.
NebCon on May 5, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Someone should keep track of all these…
Unclassified: Photos of dead servicemen’s caskets arriving at Dover AFB.
Unclassified: Top Secret Interrogation Memos
Unclassified: Photos of Interrogation
Classified: Idiotic flyby photos.
Classified: Obama Birth Certificate
Classified: Obama College Records
Daggett on May 5, 2009 at 11:32 AM
That was my first thought. But, they must have taken some regardless of the true purpose of the flight no?
Sadly, our media is so corrupt we are never going to know the truth.
TheBigOldDog on May 5, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Wasn’t the King of Jordan visiting here on/about the same time?
TN Mom on May 5, 2009 at 11:32 AM
who knows what they were doing that day. photo-op it was not.
elduende on May 5, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Tapper is sitting on a comedy gold mine. Will he dig?
MadisonConservative on May 5, 2009 at 11:32 AM
“Air Force One was carrying muslims who paid millions to Obamas campaign for the chance to experience the last minutes of their martyred heros.”
Crazy enough? Its out there.
portlandon on May 5, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Trust the first response! Mine, too.
maverick muse on May 5, 2009 at 11:33 AM
video no play
corona on May 5, 2009 at 11:33 AM
CLASSIFIED PHOTO OP, Obama 2009.
maverick muse on May 5, 2009 at 11:33 AM
I hope the next President releases the photos and then prosecutes whoever is in charge. They totured the American citizens in New York. /sarc
deidre on May 5, 2009 at 11:08 AM
No sarc tag necessary.
txag92 on May 5, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Someone should keep track of all these…
Unclassified: Photos of dead servicemen’s caskets arriving at Dover AFB.
Unclassified: Top Secret Interrogation Memos
Unclassified: Photos of Interrogation
Classified: Idiotic flyby photos.
Classified: Obama Birth Certificate
Classified: Obama College Records
+ 1,000,000,000,000
JJKRN on May 5, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Heh media labeling it “Air Force Dumb”
I didnt know Joe Biden was on board ?
William Amos on May 5, 2009 at 11:35 AM
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