Obamateurism of the Day
posted at 8:05 am on September 28, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Barack Obama offered an odd answer to a question, caught by Chris at HAP and Ace, following an equally odd analogy. When the White House called Obama’s tough statement following the exposure of the Iranian uranium-enrichment facility a “victory,” a reporter wondered why Obama didn’t reach for that victory eight months earlier — because Obama has known of the Qom facility since the transition. Suddenly, Obama says he’s not interested in victory:
Q: Thank you, Mr. President. You just mentioned sanctions that have bite. What kinds of sanctions — and I know you can’t get into details — but what kinds of sanctions at all would have bite with Iran? Do you really think any kind of sanction would have an effect on somebody like Ahmadinejad?
Secondly, some of your advisors today said that this announcement was a “victory.” Do you consider it a victory? And if so, why didn’t you announce it earlier since you’ve known since you were President-elect?
THE PRESIDENT: This isn’t a football game, so I’m not interested in victory; I’m interested in resolving the problem.
First, this points out the continuing problems with White House messaging. It was Obama’s own advisers who referred to it as a victory, apparently without consulting Obama himself — or possibly with Obama waffling on how to square this “victory” with the eight months of silence that preceded it. But even apart from that amateurish stumble, since when does an American President stand up and say he’s not interested in victory? Resolving this so that Iran doesn’t wind up with nukes would definitely be a victory for the West … one in which this President has declared himself uninterested. That certainly sends a great signal to our friends and enemies.
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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But he was for victory before he was against it.
becki51758 on September 28, 2009 at 8:11 AM
Is it true that he is more interested in Chicago getting the Olympic and is traveling to Switzerland to help secure them.
Cindy Munford on September 28, 2009 at 8:11 AM
“Victory” is not such a big deal to Dear Leader; He has more important things on His mind, such as landing the Olympics for His hometown of Chicago.
rbj on September 28, 2009 at 8:11 AM
I just think he doesn’t want to sound like we are at war.
The word Victory conjures that up.
He doesn’t want to upset ANYBODY.
Resolving problems is such a kinder term.
Thing is, he has no problem upsetting the people who elected him, you know, AMERICANS.
bridgetown on September 28, 2009 at 8:12 AM
How dare you question Obama, Ed? Can’t you see he’s using Smart Power? And besides that, questioning The Annointed One is Raaaciiist!
kingsjester on September 28, 2009 at 8:13 AM
Sorry for another post, but I also think that he actually tells his advisors to put stuff like this out there.
That way, when he refutes them, all the time…
he comes off like the big ‘reasonable’ guy in charge. The knight in shining armor, if you will.
Okay, now I feel ill.
bridgetown on September 28, 2009 at 8:13 AM
Can you imagine the mess in Chicago if they do have the Olympics there? yikes!
becki51758 on September 28, 2009 at 8:14 AM
The eight months of silence isn’t exactly true. The filthy liar was actually courting Ahmadinejad during that timeframe. How does his deep-seated desire to break bread with the world’s despots square with the idea that he knew abou this “extra” uranium enrichment plant.
highhopes on September 28, 2009 at 8:16 AM
What happened to “I won”?
doriangrey on September 28, 2009 at 8:17 AM
He’s making Carter look good.
BadgerHawk on September 28, 2009 at 8:17 AM
I understand what you are saying but if that were true, his poll numbers would be higher. People aren’t buying his “cool” sense of logic because it doesn’t exist. Plus I think this administration went into this term thinking they had the bright shiny new toy everyone wanted vs. building their business with credibility, consumer trust and good will. Clearly, when they found out the public wasn’t demanding and eating up the new fad, they have no plan B.
sherry on September 28, 2009 at 8:18 AM
Yes, it is… He is going to Copenhagen, Denmark to lobby for the 2016 Olympics. Yes, let’s take a trip while Iran is test firing missles Leadership you can count on… to abandon what’s important
tanvec on September 28, 2009 at 8:18 AM
He’s only interested in victory when it is over “his” sworn enemies.
That’s you ‘n me if you know what I mean.
ted c on September 28, 2009 at 8:19 AM
All he wants a victory over is “the vast right wing conspiracy”. Former President Clinton was just talking about that. I hadn’t even realized that The One cheated on his wife. I’m so confused…
IlikedAUH2O on September 28, 2009 at 8:19 AM
are you kidding me?
ted c on September 28, 2009 at 8:19 AM
Weekly Standard, 1/07.
This is a common theme, apparently.
Wethal on September 28, 2009 at 8:20 AM
Or maybe he just wants to be safely away from the US when the $hit hits the fan…
doriangrey on September 28, 2009 at 8:21 AM
Obama is only interested in having a victory in getting the Olympics in Chicago.
Too bad he can’t take a secret trip to Afghanastan and meet with the commanders on the ground. Instead he will take a trip to Copenhagen to meet with the International Olympic Committee.
Maybe they can explain to Obama what a “Victory” means!
texasconserv on September 28, 2009 at 8:21 AM
No, it’s for real. And Michelle is going the day before, so the taxpayers are on the hook for two plane trips. Imagine the carbon footprints.
Wethal on September 28, 2009 at 8:21 AM
are you kidding me?
ted c on September 28, 2009 at 8:19 AM
Nope. It was on Fox News this morning. Payback for “the boys” in Chicago. When the going gets tough, the tough get going…to Copenhagen.
kingsjester on September 28, 2009 at 8:22 AM
Wonder what he’d call ‘Comprehensive Immigration Reform’ or ‘Universal Health Care.’
TimBuk3 on September 28, 2009 at 8:22 AM
I wonder how many neighborhoods would be torn down under eminent domain for the Olympic boondoggle. Suburban, Republican leaning neighborhoods, one assumes?
Wethal on September 28, 2009 at 8:23 AM
Former President Clinton also said that the conspiracy was “as virulent as ever”. Which one of them caught something from those women? There’s a Victory Internal Medicine in NYC. I’m so confused..
IlikedAUH2O on September 28, 2009 at 8:26 AM
Just look to see Tony Rezko’s fingerprints in Chicago real estate.
rbj on September 28, 2009 at 8:26 AM
Actually, the venue for the Chicago Olympics is planned for the south side and the villages built will ultimately turn into public housing.
sherry on September 28, 2009 at 8:26 AM
Oh, I didn’t mean to suggest what he tries to do is working.
I just think that he is so damn narcissistic that he can’t let go of the idea that it will work.
I don’t know. The more I try to get into the man’s head, the more sick I feel.
bridgetown on September 28, 2009 at 8:26 AM
If the President doesn’t want victory, then it’s okay for us to want him to fail, right?
clorensen on September 28, 2009 at 8:27 AM
This is entirely consistent with Obama’s way of floating above it all. In his mind, by not differentiating between right/wrong, good/bad, America/everyone else, and victory/defeat he is taking the high road.
God help us.
CarolynM on September 28, 2009 at 8:29 AM
My Belle Michelle is going too. Wanna bet there’s a side trip to Tivoli Gardens? I’m sure he would do the same thing if it were say, Dallas, Charleston, or Raleigh seeking the games? Will be great if Chicago loses after The One gets involved.
Maybe he’ll have time to read that Afghan troop request when he gets back?
Dingbat63 on September 28, 2009 at 8:29 AM
No, that’s correct mr president, it’s not a f$%king game!!!!!!!!!!!!! And we are all interested in the lives of our children and the future of this country, so have some balls and go for the win you stupid A-hole!!!!!!@
4shoes on September 28, 2009 at 8:29 AM
It’s lookin’ that way. He said it…!
ted c on September 28, 2009 at 8:29 AM
YES! It’s more than ok!!
4shoes on September 28, 2009 at 8:30 AM
Me too. It helps to remember that he’s twisted and you’re not. :)
sherry on September 28, 2009 at 8:31 AM
Unemployment nearing 10%, it’s 52% in young people demographic
Primary agenda (both of them) in a shambles in Congress
He’s spoken directly to GEN McChrystal ONCE since hiring him
Iran test firing missiles and spooling up oodles of uranium, preferably weapons grade
Israel flapping in the breeze….
Pack the plane Michelle, it’s time for another VACATION!
ted c on September 28, 2009 at 8:32 AM
What’s Obama going to offer the Olympic Committee in Copenhagan? Free healtcare insurance? Stimulus money? Two partially used Greek pillars?
Rovin on September 28, 2009 at 8:33 AM
Hey all you troops in Afghanistan, Iraq and those on the way to those places and others, “Now Hear This”, your CINC is not interested in victory.
All together now, fill in the blank; “And it’s one, two, three, what are we fightin’ _____ ?”
MikeA on September 28, 2009 at 8:34 AM
Wasn’t it our leader who said he did not like victory,it brought back memories of Pearl Harbor? What a sorry excuse for a president.
ohiobabe on September 28, 2009 at 8:35 AM
He’s just dying to build something like that “bird’s nest” monstrosity that he gaga’d over in China…
Imagine it. Obama at the opening ceremony of “his” Olympics–like those in Berlin. Enormous new projects, WIDE streets, Huge new coliseums for the gladiators to do battle and wreaths to be rewarded, and all of the adulation and credit and shining lights down on the singular persona that is…..THE ONE…..
ted c on September 28, 2009 at 8:35 AM
All built by union workers, on the public dime…
ted c on September 28, 2009 at 8:36 AM
Priorities.
ted c on September 28, 2009 at 8:36 AM
I believe the song, (Country Joe McDonald), started out with “Gimme an F”
Rovin on September 28, 2009 at 8:37 AM
This is disturbing. He doesn’t want victory in Iraq or Afghanistan either.
deidre on September 28, 2009 at 8:37 AM
So let me get this straight….Obama wants to fail? So exactly what is the lefts problem with Rush agreeing with the president?
csdeven on September 28, 2009 at 8:38 AM
It would be so inappropiate for Obama to even attempt to be the big cheese if Chicago gets it. He will be long gone and I would hope he wouldn’t attempt to upstage the new president. But then again, it is Obama……..
sherry on September 28, 2009 at 8:38 AM
This Olympics is the Barack Obama Bailout Plan. I’ve had an epiphany.
He could go down in flames as the worst president in history, but he’ll cement himself unto the world by securing Chicago as the site of these Olympics.
A man who’s won what, three electoral races in his life… Scored an AA/EO victory into Hahhvahhd, then summarily fails to have anything like a law career to show for it.
Skills.
ted c on September 28, 2009 at 8:38 AM
Wethal on September 28, 2009 at 8:39 AM
Old Democratic Presidents never die, they’re ego’s just get larger…
Lesson 1: Carter
Lesson 2: Clinton
ted c on September 28, 2009 at 8:39 AM
News Flash: The Society for the Preservation of the Lunar Environment.
doriangrey on September 28, 2009 at 8:41 AM
And would the federal taxpayer have to pick up the tab for the Chicago Olympics or would it be self-financing?
Wethal on September 28, 2009 at 8:42 AM
He should at least take a famous athlete along to help make the case. I suggest that famous broad-jumper, Bill Clinton.
ICBM on September 28, 2009 at 8:42 AM
Obama Victory redefined: Cementing the Obama name into NEA funded public work art throught the medium of steel, concrete and glass in the Chicago area for eons to come. Enormous bronze sculptures of Obama, his arms lifted high, encourages the worker’s forth… beckoning them to behold his majesty and compete in the arena that Obama built…..
justice: those sculptures are infested with pigeons….
ted c on September 28, 2009 at 8:42 AM
Afghanistan is Obama’s Necessary War that he chose to promote as such, that he promised to fight as such. “I’m not interested in victory.” If anyone was still wondering, Obama’s made it perfectly clear exactly what he considers “necessary”: no interest in victory. Nixon had his “peace with honor” from Vietnam. Obama has his crafted by the same Kissinger.
Obama has no time for McChrystal’s report.
He’s on his way to Copenhagen with time for Chicago politics. Some tough guy weenie, gagging vocal opposition from CHICAGO. Eloquent black ladies from established and CLEAN Chicago neighborhoods to be bulldozed for the Olympics are calling the decision to bring the Olympics to Chicago RACIST (WGN news coverage last night).
What? After Obama’s bribe to Brazil, granting our tax money for THEM to drill and sell oil to China, Brazil moves on from their ad campaign promoting terrorism in NYC to campaigning for the Olympics in Brazil vs. Chicago.
Exactly what did Obama win when he won? The opportunity to fail on global scale. NO WAY can any POTUS hide behind a fraudulent celebrity status, most particularly when no one with power has any problem telling Obama ‘NO!’ That includes the citizens of the USA with the power of our Constitution, voice and vote.
Obama has lost whatever support he had from the general public over his authoritarian change of whatever “hope” meant. ObamaCare took down Obama’s love fest with the latest handwritten confession/pronouncement that citizens will face $20K fine (that won’t even be for the health care payment from that individual avoiding legislated obligation, won’t cover that individual’s health care for 5 years or so) and/or a YEAR IN PRISON for not paying the $2K fine for not paying the full legislated mandate price for federal health care. College kids think they’re gonna get something for nothing, bwahahahahahahahahahahahaha. As if college kids and young adults and young families will be spared the mushrooming costs for fascist care. April isn’t THAT far away for little folk to see their own taxes going up. The Feds can’t print up ALL of the STIMULUS and bail-out funding; buck up.
While our kiddies are singing praise for The Won, listen to the Kenyan children singing praise for The Won to get the full Monty meaning.
maverick muse on September 28, 2009 at 8:42 AM
Wethal on September 28, 2009 at 8:42 AM
This is Obama we’re talking about. BOHICA.
kingsjester on September 28, 2009 at 8:43 AM
ICBM on September 28, 2009 at 8:42 AM
warhead on target. +1
ted c on September 28, 2009 at 8:43 AM
ICBM on September 28, 2009 at 8:42 AM
First iced tea on the monitor incident of the day. LOL
kingsjester on September 28, 2009 at 8:45 AM
congma on September 28, 2009 at 8:45 AM
ROTFLMAO… Ut Oh… that’s going to leave a bruise… ;)
doriangrey on September 28, 2009 at 8:45 AM
That was different. That was against REAL enemies: conservatives, Republicans, racists. Winning against Pure Evil is different from winning against poor, innocent election-stealing mass murderers.
Try and keep up.
kiltedscotsman5 on September 28, 2009 at 8:45 AM
I sure miss W….
*sigh*
cmsinaz on September 28, 2009 at 8:46 AM
I mean: Good one!
congma on September 28, 2009 at 8:46 AM
Kenyan Muslim Boys sing praises to Obama for delivering the great Satan USA into the hands of Islam for destruction.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xx5uqiEvcc
maverick muse on September 28, 2009 at 8:47 AM
What a meat puppet. Good Lord.
Key West Reader on September 28, 2009 at 8:47 AM
Key; now let’s be fair to meat puppets. They enjoy victory.
ted c on September 28, 2009 at 8:48 AM
Well, actually not. Here is a sample
MikeA on September 28, 2009 at 8:49 AM
I just laughed so hard at work people are wondering if I am ok
tanvec on September 28, 2009 at 8:49 AM
Gold medals will be replaced with signed copies of “The Audacity of Hope”. Oh wait, he doesn’t believe in victory, instead, all participants will receive copies just for competing.
ICBM on September 28, 2009 at 8:52 AM
a friend of mine left for Afghanistan on Friday (before i heard this quote).
i told him that i would pray for him. he just shrugged. then i told him that America needed no more detainees. he grinned.
America: our soldiers get it.
kelley in virginia on September 28, 2009 at 8:54 AM
The thing with these videos is how do we know that the translation is authentic? Not that I doubt this sort of thing is going on but I just want to make sure my outrage is well-placed and I’m not being duped.
CarolynM on September 28, 2009 at 8:55 AM
OT: from drudge re: chicago olympics
cmsinaz on September 28, 2009 at 8:56 AM
I wouldn’t rely on it… if it were real, I’m sure we’d have heard from MEMRI.
Key West Reader on September 28, 2009 at 8:57 AM
Shovel ready, Baby, shovel ready.
Cindy Munford on September 28, 2009 at 8:57 AM
May God bless and protect your friend Kelley…
doriangrey on September 28, 2009 at 8:58 AM
With a new poll showing healthcare support at 41% and the corrupt congress trying to push it thru,
With unemployment rates continually rising, With all hell breaking out in the MidEast,
With Afganistan turning into a nightmare,
LET ME AX YOU, ” WHAT IS HE INTERESTED IN CALLIVANTING TO COPENHAGEN AND PUSHING FOR A SCORE FOR CHICAGO
This man is a ego maniac and the MSM is aiding him in destroying this country.
HE IS A DISGRACE
bluegrass on September 28, 2009 at 9:01 AM
Lemme get this straight:
Obama’s handlers try to spin
Obama’s “stomping his li’l ol’ feet, crying “now, cut that out!”
as a victory?!?
(cue laugh track, please…)
Lockstein13 on September 28, 2009 at 9:01 AM
My money’s on Rio. I’m also betting that Carter will be the first one to call the IOC a racist organization if Obama can’t bring home the bacon.
sherry on September 28, 2009 at 9:03 AM
Sincerely, I start to wonder if maybe he’s the stupidest man since Gerald Ford to hold the presidency. I am astounded by the breadth and depth of his naivete & ignorance.
WashingtonsWake on September 28, 2009 at 9:04 AM
That Joe song put it out there vs. Kissinger globalism.
The North Vietnamese communists just wanted European imperialism and subsequent US involvement out of their hair. They didn’t actually fight and believe they were meant to entirely destroy the USA, most particularly they did not dream of destroying the selfish USA from within. Our media via Cronkite did that sabotage trick for them out of misdirected compassion, if not through overt collaboration as with Jane Fonda.
But these kids are singing Obama’s praises for destroying America from within. It isn’t enough to drive the US out of the Middle East. The point is to absolutely conquer and destroy the USA all together, along with the destruction of Israel of course.
BTW, I noticed Germany had the good sense to re-elect Merkel, stronger economy (and less likely to capitulate further to Islamic domestic demands in Germany—interesting to see what comes of the Germanic white Muslim pioneers in Islam now.)
maverick muse on September 28, 2009 at 9:04 AM
I would probably call it avoidance…he can’t deal with the real issues of the day so he will hop on AF1 and hide his head in the sand
cmsinaz on September 28, 2009 at 9:05 AM
no doubt
cmsinaz on September 28, 2009 at 9:05 AM
WashingtonsWake on September 28, 2009 at 9:04 AM
Your IGNORANT take on Gerald Ford is based entirely from SNL rhetoric.
maverick muse on September 28, 2009 at 9:05 AM
As much as I dislike the Brazilians for being Obama’s and Chavez’ proxy in Honduras, I do hope, if they’ve made the best case, that they get it.
Wethal on September 28, 2009 at 9:06 AM
cmsinaz on September 28, 2009 at 9:05 AM
agreed
UNFIT TO SERVE
bluegrass on September 28, 2009 at 9:08 AM
cmsinaz on September 28, 2009 at 8:56 AM
Chicago cable TV WGN carried the story last night. The organizer needs a couple of thousand dollars donated in order to get an audience from the Copenhagen Olympic Meeting and counter Obama’s presentation.
maverick muse on September 28, 2009 at 9:08 AM
All 50 and 100 meter sprint times will be averaged. If you exceed the average you will be ignored, remedial sprint training will be given to those below the mean time. All participants will be awarded a medal and speeches of “it’s more important to compete than to win” shall be given.
ted c on September 28, 2009 at 9:09 AM
CarolynM on September 28, 2009 at 8:55 AM
authenticity
maverick muse on September 28, 2009 at 9:11 AM
wow…do you think he has a chance?
cmsinaz on September 28, 2009 at 9:12 AM
LOL
cmsinaz on September 28, 2009 at 9:13 AM
Shall Bill Ayers be referreeing a flag stomping contest here at this Olympics?
Shall there be a new “pipe bomb” event? Where participants sprint to a federal building, hastily emplace a rod shaped device, then rapidly evacuate to the nearest English department and tap out a new book for a future president?
ted c on September 28, 2009 at 9:13 AM
THE PRESIDENT: This isn’t a football game, so I’m not interested in victory; I’m interested in resolving the problem.
Two truths and one bald-faced lie. The Present sees no problem in his natural ally’s attainment of nuclear arms. He just has to talk tough for public consumption. For me, it’s the future public consumption of roentgens that I’m concerned with, for us and for Israel.
SKYFOX on September 28, 2009 at 9:14 AM
shall we apply affirmative action standards for the 2016 Olympics?
Shall previously “discriminated” minorities have the opportunity to compete in an arena previously only reserved for the “privileged few”?
ted c on September 28, 2009 at 9:16 AM
and roger that.
ted c on September 28, 2009 at 9:17 AM
CarolynM on September 28, 2009 at 8:55 AM
The chant’s refrain text translation aligns with Gadaffi’s rhetoric during Obama’s campaign that was translated by the Islamic media recording the speech, Al jazeera. Obama’s election did not alter the political content in Gadaffi’s UN speech translated by UN translators.
You show me how Muslim school children in Kenya or Libya differ now in their view of Obama. From my reading of online news, there is more similarity than contrast.
maverick muse on September 28, 2009 at 9:21 AM
Obama on his domestic agenda (health care, cap & tax, etc): “I won.”
Obama on dealing with Iranian nukes: “I’m not interested in victory.”
catmman on September 28, 2009 at 9:28 AM
1/20/09
Kafir on September 28, 2009 at 9:28 AM
Hey, Obama! Nobody likes a passive-aggressive!
Why don’t you get yourself some counseling for your passive-aggressive narcissistic self-esteem issues?
Do it for the country! Oh, and resign and take Joltin’ Joe and Nanzi with you.
ExpressoBold on September 28, 2009 at 9:30 AM
cmsinaz on September 28, 2009 at 9:12 AM
Speak now or forever hold your peace. If its your life at stake, not just someone’s wedding, are you going down deaf and dumb?
If your neighborhood is going to get bulldozed and you are THE FORGOTTEN MAN not consulted, most certainly denied voice, it lends credence to the black lady’s charge that the Chicago plan to host the Olympics is racist, though that’s the least of it. This Olympic race isn’t about race, it’s about the economy, and that Chicago can’t afford to host the Olympics, according to those living in Chicago who are being coerced by their authoritarian Mayor and POTUS to foot the bill: shut up ‘n buck up or get lost.
But that is squat compared to Obama destroying all of America. Afghanistan isn’t to be dismissed out of hand because it makes Obama uncomfortable, and Obama finds our entire military completely distasteful unless he’s using force against US CITIZENS.
maverick muse on September 28, 2009 at 9:31 AM
From politico.com
ted c on September 28, 2009 at 9:32 AM
I’m told that Byron York made a critical point about this: when Obama sold out Eastern Europe by giving away missile defense, he already knew about the additional Iranian nuke site.
Now there’s a hint that there may be even more sites.
obladioblada on September 28, 2009 at 9:33 AM
That Gates would “sit on McChrystal’s report” preventing the potus from reading it YET speaks volumes.
The Obama Doctrine: “I’m not interested in victory.”
maverick muse on September 28, 2009 at 9:39 AM
copy that…
cmsinaz on September 28, 2009 at 9:39 AM
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