Obamateurism of the Day
posted at 8:05 am on September 18, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
This one’s so obvious, my e-mail has been overflowing since yesterday morning with submissions on the same point. Did no one at the White House think to look at a calendar to check to see whether their betrayal of Poland and the staunch support it gave the missile defense system just to suck up to Russia might have been better delivered on another day — in fact, any other day? This one’s so embarrassing that even the New York Times couldn’t keep from reporting it:
But it made for unfortunate timing, as Thursday is the 70th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of Poland at the start of World War II, a date fraught with sensitivity for Poles who viewed the Bush missile defense system as a political security blanket against Russia. Poland, along with many other countries in the former Soviet sphere, worry that Mr. Obama is less willing to stand up to Russia.
What a great day to throw Poland under the bus in order to make the Russians happy! Now Poles have another reason to mark September 17th.
Got an Obamateurism of the Day? If you see a foul-up by Barack Obama, e-mail it to me at obamaisms@edmorrissey.com with the quote and the link to the Obamateurism. I’ll post the best Obamateurisms on a daily basis, depending on how many I receive. Include a link to your blog, and I’ll give some link love as well. And unlike Slate, I promise to end the feature when Barack Obama leaves office.
Illustrations by Chris Muir of Day by Day. Be sure to read the adventures of Sam, Zed, Damon, and Jan every day!
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This betrayal of Poland and the Czech Republic really is a travesty of historic proportions. Obama is a menace.
elduende on September 18, 2009 at 8:07 AM
With these kinds of screw ups, I cannot figure out whether they are wicked stupid or they just don’t care.
myrenovations on September 18, 2009 at 8:07 AM
Saw this on Fox and Fiends a lil’ while ago
I really wonder who hires aides for the Prez
The questionnaire must be ridiculous:
1) How well do you handle responsibility and passion for details?
a) Poorly
b) Not very well
c) Where’s my coffee?
d) I’m Joe Biden’s nephew
blatantblue on September 18, 2009 at 8:08 AM
I’m sure it was done at Putins request.
ctmom on September 18, 2009 at 8:09 AM
Obama is surrounded by clueless people. Obama has no executive decision making/governing skills and he surrounds himself with people who don’t know anything.
texasconserv on September 18, 2009 at 8:10 AM
My husband was pretty incredulous. It takes a lot to surprise him.
4shoes on September 18, 2009 at 8:10 AM
Why else that day.
the_nile on September 18, 2009 at 8:11 AM
This ranks up with appointing Reagan’s would be assassin’s defense lawyer as White House counsel. And I agree, either tremendously stupid or too pompous to care.
loudmouth883 on September 18, 2009 at 8:12 AM
Next: The United States President decides to stop a shipment of __________ to Israel on Yom Ha’Shoah.
mjk on September 18, 2009 at 8:13 AM
I’ll take stupid. There have to be a few intelligent people in the WH but I imagine he uses the power phrase “I won” with them if they dare advise him that some of his moves may be colossal mistakes. Has to be a miserable place to work if you possess logic.
sherry on September 18, 2009 at 8:14 AM
I think they knew exactly what day it was – this is redolent of the kind of smirking “intelligence” we get from this administration.
disa on September 18, 2009 at 8:15 AM
Hey! September 17th, 1939, happened didn’t happen on the filthy liar’s watch. He and his staff can’t be expected to pay attention to everything they inherited from GWB!!!
What’s next, choosing March 6th to announce that the US is opening the border between Texas and Mexico?
highhopes on September 18, 2009 at 8:15 AM
Ed,
This one really is easy to explain.
Prior to January 20th, 2009 no relevant history exist.
Evidence of this is the simple fact that any promises made by this administration prior to that date don’t actually exist.
Yoop on September 18, 2009 at 8:15 AM
Heck, even NPR mentioned it in their milquetoast version of the news.
Dear Leader seems to be more concerned with sucking up to those hostile to the US (Russia, Iran, Venezuela) than basic decency to our allies (Britain, Honduras, Poland & Czech Republic).
rbj on September 18, 2009 at 8:15 AM
Barack Obama’s I.Q. is off the charts.
He’s one of those — what do they call them? — idiot savants, who can take any historical calendar date and tell you what day of the week it was, in the blink of an eye.
So don’t tell me this idiot savant isn’t a savant.
Barack Obama, the smartest man in history, knew exactly what he was doing.
jeff_from_mpls on September 18, 2009 at 8:16 AM
i wondered where simplesimon was. He must be at the WH advising Obama.
kingsjester on September 18, 2009 at 8:16 AM
Neither. You are behind the curve. They are intentional.
CC
CapedConservative on September 18, 2009 at 8:16 AM
Maybe they did it on purpose. I hate to be that cynical, but the administration has really been on the wrong side of just about every foreign policy issue as it relates to our allies.
-Supporting a dictator in Honduras
-Supporting the regime in Iran by not standing up for the protesters after the election
-Continuing to isolate Israel
-Insulting Great Britain repeatedly
BadgerHawk on September 18, 2009 at 8:17 AM
They didn’t have to check for dates. Obama is a student of history. He knows when to make announcements, and why.
Personally, I think they did know and it made the screw that much for enjoyable for them.
They like plucking the chicken.
cozmo on September 18, 2009 at 8:17 AM
it seems like he is activley working against the USA’s best interest in something different everyday.
this has to be a nightmare, i hope i wakeup soon.
trailortrash on September 18, 2009 at 8:17 AM
Put me down for “don’t care” This administration has been remarkably incurious when it comes to the past. The attitude seems to be that all that happened in the PFL era (pre-filthy liar) is unimportant.
highhopes on September 18, 2009 at 8:17 AM
While the rogue nations of this world freely and easily acquire nuclear weapons of utter mass destruction …this particularly fringe president simultaneously disarms us on ever front.
Amazing how this president is eerily on the wrong side of just about everything at just the right time
…Barack Hussein Obama is a PERFECT STORM!
Teebone3 on September 18, 2009 at 8:18 AM
Unfortunate timing…
or a deliberate F-You?
Disturb the Universe on September 18, 2009 at 8:18 AM
This was not a screw up. They deliberately chose this day. Remember these people worship Soviet Russia and they are celebrating Soviet aggression of course.
promachus on September 18, 2009 at 8:18 AM
jeff_from_mpls on September 18, 2009 at 8:20 AM
IF it hurts America, they choose yes.
bbz123 on September 18, 2009 at 8:22 AM
My vote is for intentional. Probably some behind-the-scene deal they made with Russia (or thought they made with Russia).
texabama on September 18, 2009 at 8:23 AM
Hillary Clinton could not be reached for comment.
BigD on September 18, 2009 at 8:24 AM
The most historically tone-deaf Administration “evah“
skatz51 on September 18, 2009 at 8:25 AM
this looks like a big error with a clueless staff.
but the policy is premeditated with malice aforethought.
kelley in virginia on September 18, 2009 at 8:27 AM
FIFY. They play it fast and loose and would rather beg forgiveness than methodically think through situations. That much is clear.
NickelAndDime on September 18, 2009 at 8:27 AM
Is it above her pay grade?
Jeff from WI on September 18, 2009 at 8:28 AM
Didn’t Hillary suspect her reputation and her career would be destroyed by joining the Obama administration?
In her desperation, she turned to a man she didn’t fully understand.
She smears herself every day. She looks like Lady Ga-Ga at the MTV music awards the other night. Just grisly. Does this woman have no P.R. advisers? No, not Lady Ga-Ga — Hillary?
jeff_from_mpls on September 18, 2009 at 8:29 AM
Reagan:
Tear down this wall!
Obama:
Yes, sir, Mr. Putin, I’ll tear down our defense system…May I shine your shoes, sir?
jgapinoy on September 18, 2009 at 8:29 AM
He’s also a “constitutional lawyer” who’s interpretation is (in it’s entirety): Let’s see what I can get away with.
NickelAndDime on September 18, 2009 at 8:30 AM
It looks to me as if she’s been shoved off the stage. Personally, I think she’s either locked in a dungeon somewhere or is cleaning out her office.
Either that, or she’s off getting plastic surgery.
The woman is nowhere to be found.
BigD on September 18, 2009 at 8:32 AM
Smart Power!! Pfffttttttt!
PappaMac on September 18, 2009 at 8:33 AM
At the risk of seeming paranoid, what are the statistical odds of this being an unwitting, unintended screw up?
petefrt on September 18, 2009 at 8:33 AM
I’ll go with didn’t care to check. More along the lines of building up anticipation with Obama being the chair person for Sept 24th meeting of UN Security Council where disarmament will be one item of discussion.
Check out the list of nations attending.
Burkina Faso (?), Vietnam, Libya, Turkey, Croatia, Uganda
Skandia Recluse on September 18, 2009 at 8:34 AM
“History began on a cold day in January of 2009.”
Barack W. Ogabe
sven10077 on September 18, 2009 at 8:34 AM
SOS Clinton is functioning as the Ambassador to Kenya.
ICBM on September 18, 2009 at 8:35 AM
Hils, where are you? Are you out there anywhere? Better speak up now or this will become a giant albatross around your neck.
petefrt on September 18, 2009 at 8:36 AM
One of my top 6 favorite books, Michener’s Poland. Do yourself a favor and find a copy. Whatever Obama’s motive, this move was a mistake.
doctormom on September 18, 2009 at 8:39 AM
A HILLARY SIGHTING
From Politico
BigD on September 18, 2009 at 8:39 AM
How could the White House people know? They never opened a book that had anything to do with “history”. Has it ever been taught since the 80′s?
hip shot on September 18, 2009 at 8:41 AM
Carelessness is the mother of stupidity and wickedness.
TMK on September 18, 2009 at 8:42 AM
As with all things, if the history does not focus on the filthy liar in the White House, it is irrelevant to this administration.
highhopes on September 18, 2009 at 8:42 AM
I give them this one. They claim to be brilliant to the finest detail. This detail is specific and not obscure. Yes, i am convinced many moves add these fine points to increase their shock value.
Intentionality and incredibly pathetic study of world history.
Obama is also ignorant in that he asks for nothing in exchange. Nothing.
seven on September 18, 2009 at 8:44 AM
Regarding Hillary’s whereabouts, Vince Foster was unavailable for comment.
kingsjester on September 18, 2009 at 8:45 AM
What makes you think they didn’t look? What makes you think that, with all the career diplomats and foreign service officers in the State Department, no one made mention of this fact?
The only real choices you have are between a) they knew and didn’t care, and b) they did so on purpose. Coincidence is not on the table.
Dusty on September 18, 2009 at 8:45 AM
Calling during business hours here, but nighttime there, was a bit of an jerk move too.
forest on September 18, 2009 at 8:47 AM
Yes. This is the logical conclusion one reaches after considering the facts. This is calculated and intentional.
zeebeach on September 18, 2009 at 8:47 AM
We have a gelded jackass for a “leader”.
But the good news is, he’s both corrupt AND incompetent.
So we have that going for us.
Message to the world: Cut the best deals you can with China, Russia and Iran. The USA is no longer interested in freedom, liberty, justice, alliances or responsibility.
The White House’s only concern is ramming through an idiotic health care “reform” Bill, no one in America wants.
NoDonkey on September 18, 2009 at 8:47 AM
It was done on purpose. It was done in arrogance and condescension. President Obama believes he is bigger than history and that everything he does supersedes anything that has happened before.
It’s all very strange.
The other option is that Putin duped this administration, banking that they are too stupid to realize the significance of that date (it’s also important in the U.S., too). Putin poked Poland and the Czech Republic in the eye, and he used our president as the finger. The Russians may have banked on Obama’s arrogance.
Ampleforth on September 18, 2009 at 8:51 AM
Well, we already have a very broad term “Western Betrayal” (see Wikipedia) with no date set (for Poland it is 1939) so why not add Obama Betrayal right under Soviet Invasion.
However, I believe it was not another “amateur hour” on the part of Obama.
It was a mean “stick in the eye” kind of thing on Obama part for all the criticism from that part of Europe at the beginning of his presidency (Stimulus and Global Warming). He was invited to “September 1st” commemorations of the start of WWII in Poland and he refused to come (and would not send anybody of any significance, like Biden or Clinton). Why would we think he didn’t know what September 17 meant to Poland? I’m sure Putin told him, maybe even put him up for that. (Russian press has stories about that anniversary every day now. They do care very very much.)
One thing that makes me smile is that Polish PM would not accept a call from Clinton in the middle of the night because he is a head of state and she is not. Officially explained as a breach of protocol. Good for him.
Kris from pl-news.us
service for Poles in US.
ktrelski on September 18, 2009 at 8:52 AM
This should be the mother of all teachable moments. Obama is exactly why the Founding Fathers put the Natural citizen clause in the Constitution.
doriangrey on September 18, 2009 at 8:54 AM
Are you kidding? For Obamao and many of his generation, history began the day that they were born. Any event of consequence is always self-referential.
onlineanalyst on September 18, 2009 at 8:54 AM
that’s a big Duh! he rather play footsie with russia than be a true friend to our allies…
cmsinaz on September 18, 2009 at 8:55 AM
US Secretary of State calls foreign head of government instead of calling counter part in that government; i.e. Foreign Minister? Interesting. Was Hillary charged with that task by US President? or did Hillary presume to do so on her own?
What did Obama know, and when did he know it? Did Obama make the decision, and when did he decide? Is this evidence of incompetence by US Secretary of State, or the President? Will Hillary have to fall on her sword to protect the President?
Skandia Recluse on September 18, 2009 at 8:59 AM
I have for the last decade believed that Poland is the only remaining civilized nation in the world.
This, for me, makes Obama’s decision an evil of historic proportions. The USA in its final stages of decay has the gall to pronounce the death sentence on the one ray of culture that has defied all odds. It’s as if that light haunted Obama because he saw that Poland, by the life within it, refuted every lying word out of his marxist mouth.
Shame on this terrible president.
jeff_from_mpls on September 18, 2009 at 9:00 AM
Being of Polish heritage, this infuriates me to no end. The timing was not by accident, it was intended as a stick in the eye to the Poles by Putin, enabled by our disgrace of a President.
You suck Erkel.
Jerome Horwitz on September 18, 2009 at 9:02 AM
So which is worse, this snub of Poland or denying that they knew about the UK’s Oil-for-Terrorist program?
highhopes on September 18, 2009 at 9:05 AM
if dear leader really thinks this decision will move russia onto our side in the security council, he will have a lot of egg on his face….
cmsinaz on September 18, 2009 at 9:05 AM
You forgot Poland, indeed.
Sorry to our dear Polish friends and allies. We fear more such oversights in the future.
DrSteve on September 18, 2009 at 9:06 AM
Looks like that RESET button did indeed reset our relations with Russia — to September 17, 1939. Nice move, Mr. President.
jwolf on September 18, 2009 at 9:06 AM
This was deliberate. See previous HA thread within the past 30 days wherein we wonder aloud WHY no high level Obama administration official had accepted an invitation to the festivities planned for Sept. 17.
Now we know WHY.
DrStock on September 18, 2009 at 9:08 AM
Train locomotives used to be all black.
Does this make the awesome Obama Administration Train Wreck racist?
Yoop on September 18, 2009 at 9:09 AM
Fox News, if you’re listening, it would serve us well if you produced a documentary on Poland in the 20th Century.
You could even include a section on the quality of health care that Poles received during the communist occupation.
Oh it was flexible. They even had a special plan just for dissidents.
jeff_from_mpls on September 18, 2009 at 9:09 AM
Who knew that “Being There” was a documentary from the future?
VelvetElvis on September 18, 2009 at 9:10 AM
The One “electrifies” fawning throng of student toadies yesterday;
There you have it… arrested development meets perpetual dependency. Parents must be thrilled.
/forget the nanny-state… welcome to the mommy-daddy state
Terp Mole on September 18, 2009 at 9:11 AM
Seems obvious to me, this administration is evil in its intent and practice. Beware the smiling assassin. To you lefty trolls demanding evidence, this little stunt is the proof.
InTheBellyoftheBeast on September 18, 2009 at 9:12 AM
“US Secretary of State calls foreign head of government instead of calling counter part in that government; i.e. Foreign Minister?”
[Skandia Recluse on September 18, 2009 at 8:59 AM]
Amazing isn’t it, and after all that experience gained from being in the WH for 8 years plus flocks of experienced career foreign service personnel at her disposal. It almost as if she’s, um, gifted.
Dusty on September 18, 2009 at 9:14 AM
It’s going to take 100 years to repair the damage that Barry has done in just 7 months.
I hope those of you who stayed home last Nov. to protest the fact that McCain supported amnesty are proud of what you helped to accomplish.
MarkTheGreat on September 18, 2009 at 9:16 AM
You people are disgusting. Every thing Obama does for the protection of this nation is treated with disdain and vile contempt. Nancy Pelosi was right—this language needs to be tempered. I’m going to suggest that our President create a new position in his administration headed by a CIVILITY CZAR that will put all of you in your place.
Rovin on September 18, 2009 at 9:21 AM
What a royal screw-up. The Polish and Czech papers are absolutely screaming about this today. I thought Obama was supposed to “restore our good standing” in the world. So far he’s only angered our allies and made those who didn’t like us before view us as fools.
Wellsy on September 18, 2009 at 9:26 AM
I will offer to be the first to show the CIVILITY CZAR some real civil disobedience by defending my place.
Yoop on September 18, 2009 at 9:28 AM
Mark this action on your diary because this is what’s in store for the United States if we get attacked;
Obama will capitulate to appease the enemy.
The people of the United States are going to be on their own; chaos will reign!
In short; We are screwed; They have bunkers.
Cybergeezer on September 18, 2009 at 9:29 AM
I actually see it as a good choice for the announcement, in that it shows that we think Russia is now insignificant and a mere shadow of their former selves. Had we put the announcement off because of the anniversary, it would have looked like we were doing so out of fear.
AngusMc on September 18, 2009 at 9:30 AM
WTF? You mean the same civility the Left showed for George W. Bush, aka Chimpy McHitlerburton?
And what, exactly, has Dear Leader done to protect the United States of America?
rbj on September 18, 2009 at 9:31 AM
Savage has a theory that it was in return for Putin giving a green light to Israel hitting Iran. He puts together the high level meeting in Russia by Israel last week and Maobamas cold shoulder to Eastern Europe as payment to allow…..??? not sure what he’s getting at. Using Russian air space? Doesn’t really make sense in view of Russia’s increased friendliness to Iran and Venezuela’s promise to supply Iran with fuel.
If Russian air space is used, it will be obvious.
Itchee Dryback on September 18, 2009 at 9:32 AM
DrStock (9:08) I presume you mean this thread, but the date in question is Sept 1.
Time line…
Skandia Recluse on September 18, 2009 at 9:33 AM
One wonders if the significance of the date will be lost on the Dead Tree/Vacuum Tube media.
BillyGoatGruff on September 18, 2009 at 9:34 AM
Yeahwhatever.
Itchee Dryback on September 18, 2009 at 9:34 AM
Hey! Just this morning I heard from the brilliant, and always right, (just ask him) Geraldo Rivera that this was an awesome, genius move on the part of Emperor Obama, and I’m pretty sure Geraldo is never wrong.
anniekc on September 18, 2009 at 9:34 AM
Now, we can sit back and wait for Osama Obama’s moves during the High Holy Days and December 7th….
MrScribbler on September 18, 2009 at 9:36 AM
You are less screwed if you prepare for potential chaos. It may never happen, but being prepared results in a bit more peace of mind. Surrender to what might be perceived as inevitable is not an option in this case.
Yoop on September 18, 2009 at 9:37 AM
My favorite comment from Biden was when he says he’s not afraid if Iran because they have no missiles that can reach the U.S.!
In other words; Screw these people!
Cybergeezer on September 18, 2009 at 9:37 AM
I pulled up yale/havard history and of course there are tons of AA studies Here is a sample of what is freshman history at harvard.Note the first offering may say it all.
United States History
History 1438: Comparative Race and Ethnicity in the U.S.
Professor: Denise Khor
History 1441: History of the U.S. West
Professor: Rachael St. John
History 1457: History of American Capitalism
Professor: Sven Beckert
Freshman Seminar 44z: Power and Protest in United States History
Professor: Lisa McGirr
Historical Studies A-86: Men and Women in Public and Private: the U.S. in the 20th Century
Professor: Nancy Cott
Historical Study B-43: Slavery/Capitalism/Imperialism: The US in the Nineteenth Century
Professor: Walter Johnson
U.S. In the World 19: American Food in Global Context: We’ll Have What They’re Having
Professor: Joyce Chaplin
Col.John Wm. Reed on September 18, 2009 at 9:38 AM
Well, not always. Obama IS trying to force British health care down our throats. He doesn’t want to insult them with the fact that American doctors cure more diseases than the British.
Steve Z on September 18, 2009 at 9:38 AM
WHOA!
I hope you’re wrong on this one!
Cybergeezer on September 18, 2009 at 9:41 AM
If Obama disses Hawaii on December 7, would that prove that he wasn’t born there?
Steve Z on September 18, 2009 at 9:42 AM
Thanks, Skandia. I couldn’t find it in the archives. The discussion on the thread still leads me to believe that announcing on Sept. 17 was not some mistake, but a deliberate action.
DrStock on September 18, 2009 at 9:43 AM
I think this is just another case of amateurism. I’m guessing that the whole thing got leaked because of the Administration officials traveling to Poland and Czech to break the news. The official announcement was probably planned for the usual Friday Night Document Dump.
rockmom on September 18, 2009 at 9:44 AM
Guess this explains why The One booted that bust of Sir Winston back across the Atlantic.
“This is only the beginning of the reckoning. This is only the first sip, the first foretaste of a bitter cup which will be proffered to us year by year unless by a supreme recovery of moral health and martial vigour, we arise again and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time.”
Terp Mole on September 18, 2009 at 9:46 AM
Obama told the press that he had heard that Poland is predominately a Catholic country because it borders one of our 57 States, Italy.
Jeff from WI on September 18, 2009 at 9:46 AM
This statement sums up what the protest in D.C. was all about, and should be posted in neon lights and every front page headline.
Cybergeezer on September 18, 2009 at 9:46 AM
Haven’t they discovered that this runner is a relative of the Chief Incompetent?
http://www.afro.com/tabId/551/itemId/4708/Newspapers-Report-South-African-Runner-is-Hermaphr.aspx
Easy to understand why Obama got rid of Churchills bust; Embarrassing having an inanimate object in your office that blasts out intestinal fortitude!
Cybergeezer on September 18, 2009 at 9:59 AM
Ampleforth on September 18, 2009 at 8:51 AM is absolutely right. There’s no way this could be a coincidence. Look what Obama did on 9/11. We know the man and his team are BIG into symbolism. This was no accident.
katablog.com on September 18, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Obviously no one in his administration passed their History course.
becki51758 on September 18, 2009 at 10:04 AM
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