Obamateurism of the Day
posted at 8:05 am on November 10, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Via Baldilocks, a Tale of Two Presidents: Weekend Priorities. It was the best of times:
FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) ― Former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, visited wounded soldiers and their families near the site of the worst mass shooting on an Army post in the United States.
The Bushes made their private visit to Fort Hood’s Darnall Army Medical Center on Friday night. Bush spokesman David Sherzer said in an e-mail that the couple thanked Fort Hood’s military leaders and hospital staff for the “amazing care they are providing.”
And it was the worst of times:
11:25AM [Saturday] THE PRESIDENT addresses the House Democratic Caucus – Cannon House Office Building
2:30PM THE PRESIDENT makes a statement to the press on Health Care – Rose Garden
2:45PM THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart The White House en route Camp David – South Lawn
You know, it occurs to me that POTUS has a pretty comfy airplane at his disposal. Rather than retreating to Camp David for the weekend, maybe the Commander in Chief could have gone to Fort Hood to visit the wounded? Baldilocks is a little more impassioned about it:
Even if one were inclined to give President Obama the benefit of the doubt and assume that he had asked Former President Bush and Mrs. Bush to visit the wounded soldiers because the Bushes live in Texas, why would he ask this of his predecessor and not get on Air Force One overnight to get down there himself?
Why would he not go to be with those whom he is charged to send into battle and who were so horrifyingly betrayed by one of their own?
Because he doesn’t give a rat’s backside, that’s why not.
Well, he did think it more important to give that shout-out to Dr. Joe Medicine Crow …
Update: Some days, the AP tries a little too hard to suck up:
Presidents get elected to run the nation. Some days that means knowing how to heal it.
For the first time since winning the White House, President Barack Obama faces such a moment Tuesday at Fort Hood. After a shooting that left 13 people dead and 29 wounded on the bustling Texas Army post, it is Obama’s job to offer some comfort, if not answers.
Obama will do so privately with the families of those killed, and then publicly at a memorial service sure to be watched by American troops around the world.
Perhaps he could have started on Saturday, rather than today, by skipping his Camp David retreat. (via Geoff A)

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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Beeee heaaaled!
blatantblue on November 10, 2009 at 8:10 AM
This wasn’t so much an anateurism so much as a revealing look inside the mind of a callous narcissist.
Guardian on November 10, 2009 at 8:10 AM
*falls backwards and has someone catch me*
blatantblue on November 10, 2009 at 8:11 AM
Correction:
A tale of ONE president, and a wannabe.
singlemalt_18 on November 10, 2009 at 8:11 AM
POS POTOS
Amadeus on November 10, 2009 at 8:13 AM
No time for Ft. Hood victims.
No time to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall.
If he goes golfing I’m going to scream.
ace tomato on November 10, 2009 at 8:14 AM
He doesn’t know what to do. It’s that simple. Ods on there being atleast one camera present to preserve the image of him comforting our troops? He couldn’t be bothered in Germany during the campaign remember? No Media = No Obama.
Mord on November 10, 2009 at 8:14 AM
Didnt he give a shout out to those families? /
becki51758 on November 10, 2009 at 8:15 AM
I’m telling you- Barry and Biden are going to restore Bush’s reputation to historic proportions.
anniekc on November 10, 2009 at 8:15 AM
Baldilocks is 100 percent corrects, Obama really doesnt give a rat’s backside about the troops… Unless he can use them for a photo op, then he cares very deeply about
themlooking patriotic.On the other hand lets consider this as well…
doriangrey on November 10, 2009 at 8:15 AM
I hate to break it to you, AP, but methinks not many will watch.
This President is so tone deaf, he needs two hearing aids.
NavyMustang on November 10, 2009 at 8:17 AM
For gods sake let the man go golfing, the more time he spends on the golf course the less time he is actively screwing up the country…
doriangrey on November 10, 2009 at 8:17 AM
Remember when The One spent time shooting hoops in Berlin after he was told he couldn’t bring a huge press contingent to Landstuhl?
Obama does have his priorities. His priorities.
Obama make a private visit without benefit of the press? Without dozens of photographers to document his compassion?
A recent visit to Dover AFB comes to mind.
The 2010 edition of the Great American Dictionary of the English Language will have Obama’s picture next to the word “narcissist.” [see also: fraud, con-man, Fabian, wannnabe, amateur, et al..]
coldwarrior on November 10, 2009 at 8:19 AM
Can’t a guy eat his waffle in peace?
crazy_legs on November 10, 2009 at 8:21 AM
I dunno. If you volunteered to put your life on the line for your country and you got shot and were lying in the hospital, would you want this PoS showing up? The stench alone from this turd might make you vomit, possibly ripping your stitches out.
Time to go to Copenhagen to beg for the Chicago Olympics — which is a failure, but no time to go to Fort Hood to comfort the wounded and survivors or to go to Berlin to celebrate the wall coming down. Disgusting.
rbj on November 10, 2009 at 8:22 AM
He can try all he likes, he doesn’t know how to be a President. He’s failing and he doesn’t like it. The stench is growing stronger, more people are smelling a rat.
sherry on November 10, 2009 at 8:23 AM
The man has absolutely no idea how to lead the military, and isn’t even mildly interested in learning.
He focussed on the unicorn paradise. Everything else is a distraction.
BadgerHawk on November 10, 2009 at 8:24 AM
Bush = Class
Obama = No Class
cmsinaz on November 10, 2009 at 8:24 AM
FUBO. This just makes me mad everytime I see this story.
Brat4life on November 10, 2009 at 8:24 AM
If Obama had asked Pres. and Mrs. Bush to visit Fort Hood, Obama or his peeps would have told us about it. You know, bi-partisan spirit and all that.
Sloan Morganstern on November 10, 2009 at 8:24 AM
Maybe he could just send a video.
BigD on November 10, 2009 at 8:25 AM
Oh come on, give Obama a break, destroying the United States is no small task, It requires him to make some very serious sacrifices. He simply doesnt have enough time to visit wounded military personal who are trying to protect the very thing he is working so hard at destroying.
doriangrey on November 10, 2009 at 8:26 AM
You’d think Obama, of all people, could figure out how to be “present”.
trubble on November 10, 2009 at 8:26 AM
Amen
nyx on November 10, 2009 at 8:26 AM
Amen amen!
cmsinaz on November 10, 2009 at 8:27 AM
Between this and the Berlin Wall Anniversary snub (he wasn’t there, it’s a snub), I’m shocked that people are surprised by his actions. Ever.
I hear Texas has some nice golf courses. Maybe after a few minutes of “I’m so sorry”, he can get a few rounds in.
mjk on November 10, 2009 at 8:28 AM
LOL excellent!
cmsinaz on November 10, 2009 at 8:28 AM
Exactly!
ladyingray on November 10, 2009 at 8:28 AM
And THAT would be the best part.
mjk on November 10, 2009 at 8:29 AM
I’d like to give a shout out to the Associated Press for their fine reporting.
jeff_from_mpls on November 10, 2009 at 8:30 AM
How I wish we had a different president. This one is disappointing on so many levels it’s kind of a tragedy.
scalleywag on November 10, 2009 at 8:31 AM
Obama: “I’d like to give a shout out to Major Hasan.”
BigD on November 10, 2009 at 8:32 AM
I don’t mean to be indelicate, but perhaps he doesn’t really consider the wounded soldiers victims?
I’m not being hysterical, I’m referring to the fact that he has made statements before not unlike John Kerry’s famous accusations, i.e., cut off arms, gouged eyes out, removed innocent people’s tonsils and feet, etc.
The outlines grow clearer.
jeff_from_mpls on November 10, 2009 at 8:33 AM
Imagine how well-known for pricktastic douchebaggery Obama will be by 2012. Even SNL will start nibbling at the edges of it.
Keep it up, twerp. You’re a great ambassador for Libtardia.
OhioCoastie on November 10, 2009 at 8:33 AM
Reminds me of when he brought in the families of the USS Cole tragedy for an hour, told them he was dropping charges against Al-Nashiri and then went to the opera at Kennedy Center that evening with the Mrs.
sherry on November 10, 2009 at 8:34 AM
Ugh, I can imagine the family meetings with Ogabe, each group ushered into the room one at a time so the photographers can get nice pics of a properly subdued CinC at his most solemn and caring.
“Ok, next family, come on move it, we have a schedule to keep here people!”
Bishop on November 10, 2009 at 8:35 AM
Oh, he\’s not worried about that. He has Pelosi and Reid, et al, back in the home town (DC) working hard for his same goals.Disgusting as they all are.
Highlar on November 10, 2009 at 8:36 AM
What a clueless, ignorant, heartless SOB this current president is. He can’t even be bothered to take a little time out to visit wounded soldiers and offer some sympathy to grieving families. I know, it would be a stretch for this idiot to find some emotion in himself to be have compassion for others. On the other hand, I could understand the sick feelings some may have if he did show up.
My father, a Korean war veteran, passed away this summer. I just recieved the government condolence certificate, and I can’t bring myself to display it with my father’s medals. Obamas signature at the bottom really cheapens the memory of my father and the service he gave to his country.
ZeeMI on November 10, 2009 at 8:36 AM
When people show you what they are … believe them.
redwhiteblue on November 10, 2009 at 8:36 AM
Displays of solidarity with enemies: 1
Displays of solidarity with American troops: 0
I don’t like the score.
jeff_from_mpls on November 10, 2009 at 8:37 AM
Hah. That’s funny because it’s true.
rbj on November 10, 2009 at 8:37 AM
Agreed that it is a revealing look inside the mind of a callous narcissist. But for a politician, to allow the slip of his real self on this show is indeed amateurish. He needs to learn to mask his true feelings and fake it. I’m hopeful that he won’t.
ProfessorMiao on November 10, 2009 at 8:38 AM
wouldn’t put it past him…
cmsinaz on November 10, 2009 at 8:39 AM
Were I one of the wounded, there would be an element of this sentiment lurking in my mind. Especially knowing I would be little more than a prop for his vainglorious photo opportunity. I would probably be pushing that little button like mad and asking for further sedation.
mr.blacksheep on November 10, 2009 at 8:39 AM
[Families] No thank you, Mr. Obama. We’ve already had a visit from a president. We don’t need another one right now, but we’ll keep you in mind for next time.
Kafir on November 10, 2009 at 8:40 AM
Good idea.
He could send a ipod with his bestest speeches on it to the wounded. I’d bet the majic of that would heal the wounded twice as fast as soldiers with wounds that aren’t graced with his words!
Itchee Dryback on November 10, 2009 at 8:41 AM
“…and I hope the families of those that have passed will find comfort in the fact that we elected a man of African descent as president.”
LibTired on November 10, 2009 at 8:42 AM
+1
cmsinaz on November 10, 2009 at 8:42 AM
I’m waiting on the Obama photo-op, saluting the dead soldiers his vaunted political correctness killed.
Stepan on November 10, 2009 at 8:43 AM
Sadly, with this current President the chances of there being “next times” have gone up exponentially.
Bishop on November 10, 2009 at 8:44 AM
You’re kidding, right?
If he had done that there would be a considerable amount of picture evidence to prove it and WaPO/NYT articles to describe the “unprecedented” event.
Caper29 on November 10, 2009 at 8:47 AM
If by the word “heal” you mean turn septicemic and gangrenous, then I do believe you are correct…
doriangrey on November 10, 2009 at 8:47 AM
This is so true.
This regime has been upfront and blatant in showing what they are all about from day 1. How they never get called on anything or why such idiotic explanations given by them are believed and accepted is beyond belief.
Itchee Dryback on November 10, 2009 at 8:47 AM
Narcissist is only the half of it. The man’s a full blown sociopath. Once you realize that, everything he does falls into perspective.
nobaloney on November 10, 2009 at 8:48 AM
No doubt.
I ‘hope’ that at least one of the families publicly humiliates him for it. Of course they’ll be portrayed as extremists in the butt-kissing MSM.
JoeAvg on November 10, 2009 at 8:49 AM
Thats about right…but it wouldn’t be gangrene gangrene.
Itchee Dryback on November 10, 2009 at 8:53 AM
Really? So Al-Nashiri is not in US custody? And the government will not file new charges? And it had nothing to with a judge forcing a procedural decision at that time? Or does your half-truth make you feel better about yourself?
ReaganRoxx on November 10, 2009 at 8:53 AM
Anyone that believes the Bush family went to Ft. Hood at Obama’s request, believes in factories on the moon and tooth fairies;
If Obama had ANYTHING to do with their visit, it would have made headlines on his state run media. Obama wouldn’t let this type of hype miss the masses.
Let’s face it; He is a low class/no class ignorant punk.
Cybergeezer on November 10, 2009 at 8:53 AM
You know I had to laugh my ass off while seeing the short clips (cannot tolerate more than 5 secs) of jugears saluting at Dover. It was like watching somebody watching themselves practice this in front of a mirror countless times just to be seen looking genuine.
I wonder if TOTUS trained him how to salute and whether the stern face and iron resolve depicted on his face will now be a required bootcamp/basic training film on how to do it properly.
hahahahaha, go look. Or better yet, wait for clip 2 from Ft. Hood today.
Priceless!
OkieDoc on November 10, 2009 at 8:58 AM
Hope you don’t mind: FIFY.
Cybergeezer on November 10, 2009 at 9:00 AM
I think the real reason he hasn’t made any speeches or attempted to make any appearances is that he doesn’t have any speech writers capable of writing for his tele-prompter.
Cybergeezer on November 10, 2009 at 9:03 AM
Imagine how well-known for jerktastic d-baggery Obama will be by 2012. Even SNL will start nibbling at the edges of it.
Keep it up, twerp. You’re a great ambassador for Libtardia.
OhioCoastie on November 10, 2009 at 9:06 AM
I hope I’m not the only one whom feels the catharsis at expressing their disgust and outrage at this complete tyrant.
Cybergeezer on November 10, 2009 at 9:07 AM
Characteristics of a sociopath:
See any resemblance?
mr.blacksheep on November 10, 2009 at 9:09 AM
….but he promised rupaul a nite away…..gotta keep those promises to the missus, it’s what keeps a marriage working. besides, the dead soldiers will still be dead once they do decide to arrive, right?/
Ris4victory on November 10, 2009 at 9:16 AM
As I predicted. The President schedules his trip around a public ceremony at which he is expected to speak, so, because that schedule doesn’t comport with what some ODS-infused bloggers who have no idea what determined the president’s schedule think he should have done, he’s somehow a sociopath who hates our troops.
This whole argument is utter BS.
Bleeds Blue on November 10, 2009 at 9:18 AM
Not for the first time in my adult life, I am proud of George W. and Laura Bush.
publiuspen on November 10, 2009 at 9:20 AM
AMEN!!! Me too….I love my President, a man that loves America……President BUSH.
Ris4victory on November 10, 2009 at 9:22 AM
I think you’re right. By contrast Bush is chasing down Reagan at this point.
Blacksmith8 on November 10, 2009 at 9:22 AM
I don’t know how I can think of President Obama as my healer-in-chief when every single day of his presidency feels like salt being rubbed in a wound.
myrenovations on November 10, 2009 at 9:26 AM
Just like his message from Mt. Olympus to the people of Berlin… He waited to see the fallout of him not showing up in person before he gace his half assed video speech.
His little tribute to the families at Ft. Hood a week later is ….TOO LITTLE TOO LATE!
If this isn’t proof this man is NOT a LEADER, I don’t know what else could be…
katy on November 10, 2009 at 9:26 AM
I am sure he would have been happy to travel down to meet with the wounded, but there were no cameras available on such short notice.
CoffeeBreak on November 10, 2009 at 9:27 AM
Thank you President Bush and Mrs Bush.
Screw you PrezBO, you miserable failure of a human.
Monica on November 10, 2009 at 9:28 AM
hahahahahaha
Monica on November 10, 2009 at 9:32 AM
On the bright side; Obama’s complete failure as a president provides a resume that makes him totally unqualified for any other job after the White House.
(Well, with tele-prompter in tow, he might get some speaking engagements in the Philippines or Pokestan.)
Cybergeezer on November 10, 2009 at 9:34 AM
Maybe Obama needed that Camp David retreat so he could meet with someone who would write up his “sympathies” for his teleprompter.
Afterall, we don’t need Obama doing another shout out at the memorial service now do we??
President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush have always been and will always be a class act. And they did it all without photogs present.
texasconserv on November 10, 2009 at 9:34 AM
…by talking about himself.
Can’t wait to do a pronoun count of his TOTUS lection.
Akzed on November 10, 2009 at 9:36 AM
The press crucified Bush for not visiting New Orleans during the first few days of Katrina when his actual presence then would have created a security/logistic nightmare. Obama takes his sweet time getting around to visiting a secure military base (lock up the Muslim soldiers first) and it’s ok. Double standard?
PatMac on November 10, 2009 at 9:38 AM
“To my troops: I am (who am) your Commander-in-Chief, and I remember when I was on the campaign trail and I heard the news of my grandmother passing….”
Trusser13 on November 10, 2009 at 9:39 AM
Easy explanation for his absence in Berlin.
First, there’s no way to make it all about him.
Second, it was a bad day for Communism. Barry Marshall Davis didn’t want to taint the memory of his dad.
Akzed on November 10, 2009 at 9:39 AM
The answer as to why he went to Camp David & not Ft. Hood is right there in the AP story:
If there aren’t any cameras, Obama isn’t interested.
Dark Star on November 10, 2009 at 9:59 AM
Ha… pronoun count….love it! It could be a board game with little TOTUSes that you get to move with each I, me, my…. stuttering adds bonus points! Fun for the whole family! Or…just a simple drinking game.
redwhiteblue on November 10, 2009 at 10:02 AM
You all will love this clip of Obama praising Islam and the Qur’an;
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=tCAffMSWSzY#t=28
Cybergeezer on November 10, 2009 at 10:11 AM
I agree.
I’m sorry for your loss yet I’m grateful for his service. God bless.
beachgirlusa on November 10, 2009 at 10:43 AM
When people show you what they are … believe them.
redwhiteblue on November 10, 2009 at 8:36 AM
Then I’m not being extremist to believe that Obama is a vile, loathsome piece of sh*t?
SKYFOX on November 10, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Obama only cheapens himself, not the memory of your dad and his service.
beachgirlusa on November 10, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Where’s the reset button?
George and Laura: come back.
1921 C DRUM on November 10, 2009 at 10:46 AM
So there is a memorial service where Obie Wan Useless can be the center of attention? Count him IN!!! Of course, they will have to keep those useless family members out until the TOTUS can be set up, but they can wait in the hall for the One! After all, it’s always, always, always, about the ONE! PBUH. May Obie bless us one and all! OK, snark off.
TimothyJ on November 10, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Did anybody really think that the concern about the troops at FT. Hood was real, did they? He’s only inflicting himself on the troops today for the photo-op that would not be there if he and his fat-assed wife showed up on a Saturday night for a private visit. No! Nothing about this bastard is done without the full glare of the media.
highhopes on November 10, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Let’s not forget that Toonces found the time to record a speech for Berlin, recorded through one of those new fangled mixers, with a reverb knob that goes to 11!
MNHawk on November 10, 2009 at 11:15 AM
If only I had invested in knee pads and mouth wash when Obama was elected president. I would be retired just in the money made from AP.
jukin on November 10, 2009 at 11:18 AM
When are people going to get it? This has been Obama’s response to our armed forces since he won the election.
mizflame98 on November 10, 2009 at 11:27 AM
beachgirlusa on November 10, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Thank you for that…You are right.
ZeeMI on November 10, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Indeed, baldilocks.
He only cares about himself.
HA could run an Egotism of the Day series, along with this feature. It could easily be filled.
After the shooting happened “I will…I will, I this, that…for the Indians”, then as an afterthought “you might have heard there was a shooting…”
Yesterday at the wall speech “I, this, I that, I….” then a few words, nothing about communism or Reagan/Thatcher.
This is a narcissistic Idiot/Egomaniac in Chief, that’s all.
Schadenfreude on November 10, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Under the Muslim, Racist, Communist, Liar-in-chief any criticism of Hasan will be considered Racist!! Furthermore any actions taken against him will be prosecuted as a HATE CRIME by brotha Holder!! Hasan is now lawyered-up and should be back to work in Allah’s Army soon! Meanwhile Obama must continue his mission of stealing everything of value to distribute to Fellow black ghetto Muslims. Reparations and thievery is hard work and we must not let the American Military or the CIA stand in our way!! Obama is Acorn and cannot be bothered with any other presidential duties!!
Marco on November 10, 2009 at 12:24 PM
Yet Bush was attacked because he didn’t fly down in the middle of Katrina and sit on a dock while the storm came in.
Obama can make time to comment quickly on the offing of Tiller but takes days and a weaker tone when a soldier is killed outside a recruiting station by a terrorist.
He flys to Europe to pay back his buds in Chicago by trying to get them the Olympics, but can’t fly to support our Allies in Poland and Germany on important dates.
He can take many trips to the NYC area to campaign and get money, but not down to Texas to see the people wounded who would have dropped everything to protect this country.
Yet they say this man only cares about himself, I mean I don’t see it.
Rbastid on November 10, 2009 at 12:32 PM
This useless piece of crap is only going to Ft. Hood to attempt to raise his sagging numbers.
Crimefyter on November 10, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Mr. Obama, do us a favor by staying away. You are not welcome here. We don’t need your presence to heal us. We can take care of our selves. Just stay away.
Proud Texan on November 10, 2009 at 1:38 PM
More recently, Obama changed the rules and allows photos to be taken of our dead returning soldiers.
We know this because of his late night photo op to Dover, complete with reporters, “Night vision cameras” and “Love me” entourage.
DSchoen on November 10, 2009 at 2:43 PM
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