Obama: The Gates clusterfark is a “teachable moment” or something
posted at 3:25 pm on July 24, 2009 by Allahpundit
So it is — and like CJ says, there’s one very special guy in particular who should be learning from it. Six minutes here of what I can only describe as a tour de force of ObamaSpeak: Long-winded, excruciatingly politic and platitudinous, amounting to nothing more, really, than “there are two sides to every story” and “race relations are sensitive and complex.” No apology, either. In fact, this reminds me of the two-step he pulled when the Wright story broke big last year. His first statement was a pander to his base to score cheap political points (“I can’t disown Wright,” the Cambridge cops behaved “stupidly”); then it blew up in his face and he shifted into damage-control mode as Barack the Centrist (“This is not the Jeremiah Wright I thought I knew,” Crowley’s a great cop). Here’s an idea: The next time you’re pressed on a matter of racial controversy, how about eschewing the knee-jerk defense of demagoguery right off the bat, champ?
Credit where it’s due, though: He couldn’t have come up with a better distraction from the developing ObamaCare debacle if he tried.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 4 Next »
It doesn’t matter.
But I will say this. I personally feel that Gates is a pussy. Just because one is black does not exempt him or her from the sometimes harsh scrutiny of law enforcement. If Gates was really interested in race relations he would set a better example of how to protect one’s self in such situations.
Most people, black or white, would expect and be prepared to show ID, rental agreements, used TP — anything to prove that they lived in the home which they had to break into. Cops have no way of knowing if you’re an estranged lover or sibling or even an impostor. Gates insults the non-elite by presenting himself as one of those “Do you know who I am” types?
If there is a truly rogue officer, as I have encountered and been arrested by, then no amount of protest will save you. But even in such situations personal protocols remain the same. Be clear about your rights to ID the officer and have a field sergeant present. Be clear about giving the information which is rightfully requested. Aside from that…have a little faith.
The Race Card on July 24, 2009 at 3:45 PM
Is this some sort of innuendo? LOL
Blake on July 24, 2009 at 3:45 PM
What makes you think the average American needs to be taught anything,President Obama? What an elitist and condescending snob you are– “I have a degree from Harvard and know more than you, you state college graduate?” What are you, the Teacher in Chief now?
Beaglemom on July 24, 2009 at 3:46 PM
Did Obama just tell us NOT to extrapolate from the facts? Should we extrapolate from the fictions?
Imagine if Bush said that….
Speedwagon82 on July 24, 2009 at 3:46 PM
I don’t think this is a good distraction for him at all to health care. Anytime the conversation is on race, especially a conversation he entered into poorly, it’s never good for him.
zembla on July 24, 2009 at 3:46 PM
It was exactly pumping up the volume that led to the arrest.
Every officer knows when the volume goes up the emotions go
up and the escalation of emotions puts the officer in jeopardy.
fourdeucer on July 24, 2009 at 3:46 PM
He can’t. He surrounds himself with demagogues as he’s one himself.
SouthernGent on July 24, 2009 at 3:46 PM
What a dolt. The issue is now big because he opened his mouth when he should have kept it closed.
Amateur.
geckomon on July 24, 2009 at 3:47 PM
This putz gets more and more “shovel ready” every day.
2012 can’t come soon enough.
TXUS on July 24, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Yes, but it won’t be easy. Just stopping the affirmative action insanity would lead to instant healing by attrition that would not too long to have a major effect on the institutions.
Don’t get me wrong, Harvard has every right to be as racist in their policies as they want, if they want to cling to affirmative action, but they just can’t get any federal money or help in that case.
progressoverpeace on July 24, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Plugs is harmless. Pelosi will soon turn to stone… too many fillers can make a girl freeze up.
Key West Reader on July 24, 2009 at 3:47 PM
I need to know what Curtis Blow is saying about this!
SouthernGent on July 24, 2009 at 3:47 PM
If you are …
a) white – yes, it’s racist
b) other – no, it’s accepted
VibrioCocci on July 24, 2009 at 3:48 PM
According to the Somerville Times in 2007, as a Harvard Law School student, Obama got 17 parking tickets during 1989-1991 from the Cambridge Police Department that he left unpaid until just weeks before he announced his bid for the presidency.
Obama is the idiot. His attitude for authority is expressed here. pompous and arrogant.
seven on July 24, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Small men make small apologies.
topdog on July 24, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Take a bow, sir.
Patrick S on July 24, 2009 at 3:48 PM
This is the president operating from a position of weakness. It’s more pathetic than anything I could have imagined. He must go before somebody gets hurt.
sherry on July 24, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Impression? Impression? Really.
You called their actions stupid without knowing the facts.
Thanks for setting race relations back 50 years by flapping your gums about something you knew nothing about.
What kind of degree did Barry get at Harvard? And don’t try and tell me it was a law degree. I’m not that stupid.
fogw on July 24, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Johnny Cochrane lives!
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on July 24, 2009 at 3:48 PM
In other words, …”it wasn’t on the teleprompter so I screwed it up.”
vcferlita on July 24, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Um, calibrate words? Why does he always have to talk like that?
Intentionally vague and confusing.
rising21 on July 24, 2009 at 3:49 PM
Now that Obama has stood up to Big Police, can Big Fire and Big Ambulance be far behind?
LibTired on July 24, 2009 at 3:49 PM
I hold all of my misguide Democrat, Obama voting friends at the dog park personally responsible for this Commie POS currently occupying the White House.
epluribusunum on July 24, 2009 at 3:49 PM
Please refrain from using offensive slurs.
The Race Card on July 24, 2009 at 3:49 PM
Why can’t Ogabe just apologize? Seriously, just admit you were wrong to make such a claim about the “stupidity” of a cop in a situation you knew nothing about?
Sad, sad choice for a President. How did this happen?
Bishop on July 24, 2009 at 3:49 PM
“He is who we thought he was.”
faraway on July 24, 2009 at 3:50 PM
Is this on top of the 50 years he already set them back?
LibTired on July 24, 2009 at 3:50 PM
DBOTUS
He’s a douche bag. If he wasn’t President of the united states, people would be calling him a douche bag.
He arrogant and out of touch.
cptthumper on July 24, 2009 at 3:50 PM
yes, I think there’s a lesson to be learned here.
That the elitists among us should think twice before crying racism…
Keith_Indy on July 24, 2009 at 3:51 PM
So is Obama a racist for declaring (without having all the facts) that the white police officer was acting in a racist manner?
albill on July 24, 2009 at 3:51 PM
Please tell me he needed the TOTUS to make that speech.
cptthumper on July 24, 2009 at 3:52 PM
Don’t hate
let me recalibrate
Healthcare can’t wait
or it will be too late
to hand all control over to the state
CMonster on July 24, 2009 at 3:52 PM
I think it was Hugh Hewitt — or Kierkegaard — who said yesterday that Obama is making Bush look better and better. To paraphrase, Bush was an honest man with integrity to his core who communicated poorly. Obama is a smooth talker who usually lies artfully, but the mask is slipping.
My son compares Bush to the imperfect but reliable Windows XP and Obama to the epic fail of Vista, noting how everyone is looking forward to Windows 7.
Terrie on July 24, 2009 at 3:52 PM
They were not slurs, but accurate and precise descriptions.
progressoverpeace on July 24, 2009 at 3:52 PM
Keep digging your hole you scumbag!
oceansidecon on July 24, 2009 at 3:52 PM
+1000 Although, I think he’s done a few things that are unconstitutional already. But he cannot be impeached. He’s black.
Key West Reader on July 24, 2009 at 3:53 PM
Obama thought bubble: Whew! That Readers’ Digest subscription is really paying off!
BobMbx on July 24, 2009 at 3:53 PM
Does anyone else get nauseated when they see Obama or is it just me? I’d say he should shut up, get off the freaking tv, and run the country but I think it’s sort of a good thing he’s on tv so much. He’s showing his ineptitude and we know exactly where he is. I just can’t stand watcing him and never could. Anytime a candidate makes me nauseated, I don’t vote for the guy (or gal, as the case may be)
That off topic:
On topic: Barry if you don’t want your words or actions misconstrued, do yourself a favor–get the facts about a situation, think about what you want to say, then consider whether or not you really want to make that statement. And be sure to include TOTUS. It will save you LOTS of backpeddling in the future.
Driefromseattle on July 24, 2009 at 3:53 PM
Let’s hope that Sargent Crowley either says no to the invite for a beer at the WH, or… he brings Hannity along to tweak the Rabble-Rouser in Chief.
RalphyBoy on July 24, 2009 at 3:53 PM
That’s Il Douche, to you. Show some respect.
progressoverpeace on July 24, 2009 at 3:53 PM
Libs, especially such narcissistic ones are incapable of it.
Bishop sorry I can’t answer your other questions for fear of lawsuit. Maybe your bud rokemronnie will show up on this thread.
Brat on July 24, 2009 at 3:53 PM
Great catch.
Missy on July 24, 2009 at 3:54 PM
It’s hard to change the habits of a lifetime.
AZCoyote on July 24, 2009 at 3:54 PM
You misread his rather revealing slip. I suspect he had indeed quickly calibrated the impact of using the word “stupidly.” I think he was so cognizant of his words that he purposely used the word “stupidly” to lend his support to a personal friend. His initial measurements were off, so now he is recalibrating.
His words are hardly vague and only confusing to the uninitiated. Every word he utters in the midst of the health care debate is calibrated.
The Race Card on July 24, 2009 at 3:54 PM
Forget Bush. The Precedent is making Benedict Arnold look like a Patriot.
progressoverpeace on July 24, 2009 at 3:55 PM
And Yale. At least a 50 year history of producing Presidents and cabinet members that do not respect the constitution.
WashJeff on July 24, 2009 at 3:55 PM
OT: Newt Gingrich’s latest Tweet:
Another one to strike off the list of potential 2012 GOP Nominees. In addition to Sanford, Romney & Huckabee imo.
Norwegian on July 24, 2009 at 3:56 PM
Obama is conflicted, his anti-racist black half is competing with his racist white half.
fourdeucer on July 24, 2009 at 3:56 PM
I’d like to know what the specific metrology is for calibrating words. This guy is a pedantic fool.
Fighton03 on July 24, 2009 at 3:57 PM
The teachable moment was when AG Holder illegally dropped charges against the Black Panthers. Holder should have been fired and investigated, but that truly teachable moment was the wrong color for The Precedent. Scumbag.
progressoverpeace on July 24, 2009 at 3:57 PM
I know Axelrod and Rahmbo pulled him from his waffles and threw his skinny ass out on stage to try and diffuse the media on this, but don’t think it’ll work. I said it the night of the national presser and will reiterate: he’s met his ‘macaca moment’. There’s no going back.
OT, but the Dems are eating themselves alive in da House over health care legislation–Blue Dogs are not letting themselves get pushed around by party leaders anymore…
RepubChica on July 24, 2009 at 3:58 PM
Newt is too oldt. He was rolled by Clinton and his ego is too easy to manipulate.
Terrie on July 24, 2009 at 3:58 PM
That’s where the Occidental/Harvard colleges kicked in. And as a result, he has become the skillful, polished wordsmith that he is, and stuff.
betsyz on July 24, 2009 at 3:58 PM
After this one we can officially call him the D’OHTUS.
Fighton03 on July 24, 2009 at 3:58 PM
I guess he did this without his potus. Guess it shows what a jerk he really is.
Bambi on July 24, 2009 at 3:58 PM
Really Mr. President? Because I don’t recall you making it a point to support the white firefighters when Judge Sotomayor “over-reacted” against them.
Or maybe you’ll just speak out on these local, racial issues when your friends are involved?
eucher on July 24, 2009 at 3:58 PM
I caught that too and I could not believe my ears. He’s kwazy.
sinsing on July 24, 2009 at 3:59 PM
This is Obama’s “social justice.”
Daggett on July 24, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Yep, he’s Reverend Wright, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Louis Farrakhan, and Malik Shabaz all rolled into one!
Special K on July 24, 2009 at 4:00 PM
One would hope it would be a learnable moment, but alas…
MarkT on July 24, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Ok, so I’ll never make the mistake of asking him what time it is. He’d give an essay of how time began, run through sun dials, Swiss and quartz LED watches, up until the exact moment and then leave you still wondering what the time is.
ericdijon on July 24, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Why, exactly, should he be impeached for this? What other offenses did he commit that might be? Is it possible to simply disagree with the man?
I do appreciate your ability to foam from and breathe out of your mouth simultaneously.
The Race Card on July 24, 2009 at 4:00 PM
We see your Truuuuue Colorrrrs…shinin’ through!
EyeSurgeon on July 24, 2009 at 4:00 PM
I wonder what gift the policeman will receive from Obama? Maybe a gift certificate for 3 weeks of sensitivity training.
faraway on July 24, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Yep. Harold Koh was the latest poster boy for Yale’s insanity – a Dean of the Law School who thinks the US Constitution must be subservient to “international law” (which doesn’t even exist). Of course, Koh was also a product of the slimebucket known as Harvard Law.
progressoverpeace on July 24, 2009 at 4:01 PM
.
Dude…congratulations on all the revenue from that new T-shirt product.
dont taze me bro on July 24, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Definitely not. You can only extrapolate using bogus computer models…see cap and trade.
Fighton03 on July 24, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Blame it on the Teleprompter!
BigMike252 on July 24, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Too late, you used the word “libs” and that is potentially demeaning and maligning and something else that I’ll think of later.
If a deputy shows up at your door to give you a summons, don’t say “HEY! I’m a Harvard Professor, you white cracka!”
Bishop on July 24, 2009 at 4:01 PM
I want him to fail.
Del Dolemonte on July 24, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Because this man’s head is so far up his butt that he seriously thinks he can do no wrong. He honestly believes that he is infallible. That’s why he gives these non-apology apologies. “I could have calibrated my words differently.” Please….that’s how I apologize when I call my girlfriend’s stupid friends stupid.
Shock the Monkey on July 24, 2009 at 4:01 PM
If one were really into conspiracy theories and that “things don’t just happen”; one could speculate if Obama’s ‘friend’ didn’t pull this off in order to distract from the current tactics being used to put ObamaCare on life support.
No accusations, you know. “Just speculating” as the libs have been want to do over the last 8 years.
GarandFan on July 24, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Yeah, you could have calibrated them differently……
if Rahm and Axlerod had written them for you, intensively rehearsed them with you, and made sure that you were on teleprompter.
It takes a lot of work to overcome the internal attitudes that 20 years of “Reverend Wright” programmed you with, doesn’t it Barry?
When you are flapping your gums on LIVE TV with 28 million people watching, the media can’t completely cover for you, re-edit and spin it for you. Your Chickens are bound to Come Home to Roost when you let your inner self show.
LegendHasIt on July 24, 2009 at 4:02 PM
Did you write your list on stone tablets? Newt has not been viable since his bowl-haircut was last in style.
The Race Card on July 24, 2009 at 4:02 PM
Only if TOTUS is there to give him the info…otherwise you’ll get that slack jawed “ummmm,uhhh,well…you know it’s a little like waffles….can I eat my waffle now Rahm?”
Fighton03 on July 24, 2009 at 4:03 PM
and i appreciate your abilty to shove your brain up your ass while simultaneously climbing up barack’s. enjoy the kool aid hippie!
Ghoul aid on July 24, 2009 at 4:04 PM
As regulars here may know, I’m a cop and typically dive headlong into police related threads.
Howevery, I ain’t touching any of this shyte. It’s clear that this azzhole is soooo wrong and soooo out of touch with reality that my input as an officer isn’t needed.
Just had to get that off my chest. F THIS GUY. :P
RedNewEnglander on July 24, 2009 at 4:04 PM
Teachable moment = I will teach reporters not to ask questions that I could mess up this STUPIDLY by ensuring more planted and preapproved questions
CMonster on July 24, 2009 at 4:04 PM
The post-racial, post-partisan president sure stutters a lot, doesn’t he?
rogersnowden on July 24, 2009 at 4:04 PM
Crikey! Must. Calibrate. Words. Differently.
Brat on July 24, 2009 at 4:05 PM
dont taze me bro on July 24, 2009 at 4:05 PM
I could argue that he violated the constitution in a few cases, and that he’s aiding our enemies, but here’s are more easily proved impeachment points:
He is guilty of abuse of power in several circumstances.
He broke bankruptcy law.
He broke the law when firing Walpen (IG).
But he won’t be impeached because he’s an historic black president and Congress has a Dem majority. He won’t even be held responsible, actually. And the media doesn’t care what laws he breaks.
Daggett on July 24, 2009 at 4:05 PM
What circuit courts rulings did President Bush comment upon during his presidency? Did you ever complain about him not standing up for or against court rulings?
I do agree that Obama did feel compelled to help out his friend….stupidly.
The Race Card on July 24, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Excess is its own undoing, and Hussein Obama–a Marxist, never forget–is over the top. Is anyone else enjoying this conflab like I am?
More to come, friends and colleagues. The rest of the Dems are going to have to rally around their guy, add a few spins, and hope this goes away. Though idealogues, Dems in Congress aren’t stupid; they simply think we are the idiots. In time, they’re going to bail on their man in the White House, knowing he alone will preclude another liberal (read: Marxist) black president for another 25 years or so.
More, from this morning, Hussein blamed the media–his best friends/fellow travelers–for this stink. Remember, please, the MSM is filled with egomaniacs, the self-righteous who are trained to believe they make news and set policy, not only report it.
Hussein is of the same ilk though a politician. When two massive egos collide, what happens?
A mess we can exploit.
I’m enjoying this, really. Aren’t you?
Liam on July 24, 2009 at 4:07 PM
NEW SLOGAN
It’s about the economy, Stupidly
CMonster on July 24, 2009 at 4:07 PM
So this guy is educated at both Princton and Harvard and he uses the term “calibrate” as applied to choosing his words? He is one heck of a wordsmith wouldn’t you say? I am trying to figure out how anyone can calibrate a word. LMAO
tom0508 on July 24, 2009 at 4:07 PM
I recently had my words rotated, but I’m not due for a calibration for another 8,000 miles.
NickelAndDime on July 24, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Jackass.
gridlock2 on July 24, 2009 at 4:07 PM
It’s all about the O, Skippy.
NickelAndDime on July 24, 2009 at 4:08 PM
The words “champ” and “eschew” in not only the same paragraph, but the same sentence? Nirvana inducing.
The word ‘eschew’ twice in one day (VDH used it today too)
PRICELESS!
DrW on July 24, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Awww, I love you too. Race Card.
Don’t Hate Me Bro!
/a$$munch
Key West Reader on July 24, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Many people will be calibrating their votes differently soon.
faraway on July 24, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Don’t let him off the hook and don’t let his non-apologies sweep this issue under the carpet. Every time he flaps and flusters, there’s another voter who thinks: Well, that’s not very Presidenty, is it? It’s a fitting reward for someone who’s only ever played at being President.
Fortunata on July 24, 2009 at 4:11 PM
You don’t have to use bold. I can read unformatted text just fine.
I notice that you did not answer my question. What is the impeachable offense? Why not criticize him in a sane and sober fashion so you don’t come off like an extremist?
I don’t have to support Obama to denounce your ridiculous statements.
The Race Card on July 24, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Because he is intentionally driving this nation to chaos and a lot of people are going to get hurt. He is a clear and present danger to this country.
Illegal campaign financing – very illegal. Illegalities in working with ACORN during the election and lying about it. Holding back budget numbers in order to defraud America by pushing his idiotic health care disaster through. Giving aid and comfort to enemies of America, including helping those who are attacking us by leaning on traditional American allies. Acting un-Constitutionally in his strongarming of private companies with TARP. Threatening private business to get his un-Constitutional way (“I’m the only thing standing between you and the pitchforks”). Sending SEIU/ACORN goons to threaten the private homes of AIG officers. Not dealing with cabinet members who are acting illegally in their positions, like Holder, and therefore aiding and abetting their crimes. And on and on and on.
There are a million reasons to impeach this guy and a whole bunch of serious bases for treason charges.
progressoverpeace on July 24, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Maybe he’ll get Gordon Brown’s Region 2 DVD’s.
NickelAndDime on July 24, 2009 at 4:11 PM
How about we recalibrate the election.
fourdeucer on July 24, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Thats the idea.
ouldbollix on July 24, 2009 at 4:12 PM
I wonder what lessons Obama is taking from this. Here are some he’s probably missing:
POTUS should not, in general, comment on specific criminal cases. His every utterance is likely to influence the legal system.
POTUS should not comment on cases before he’s armed with the facts.
POTUS, like most politicians, are best served by declining to comment on legal matters involving friends.
POTUS has a duty to defend and represent the nation’s military, law enforcement, and emergency services personnel.
POTUS has a responsibility to breakdown stereotypes that hurt the nation, not build upon them.
Empathy is not the best tool to use in legal matters.
hawksruleva on July 24, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 4 Next »