Obama to troops: “You guys make a pretty good photo op”
posted at 9:42 pm on November 19, 2009 by Allahpundit
Drudge was teasing this all day and we had the WaPo write-up in Headlines earlier, so I feel obliged to set the record straight. On paper it sounds iffy but the vid proves that it was received in precisely the spirit it was intended, i.e. as a joke. There are plenty of reasons to object to The One (here’s one that just rolled into my RSS reader). This ain’t one of them.
In fact, while this is indeed a “pretty good photo op,” it’s not the best one he had while in Korea. Dude.
Blowback
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disgrace
alexraye on November 19, 2009 at 9:44 PM
…and even a better one when you’re dead.
29Victor on November 19, 2009 at 9:45 PM
For what? For … joking with the troops?
Allahpundit on November 19, 2009 at 9:45 PM
Actually Beck lambasted him for this very thing when he did this speech.
therightscoop on November 19, 2009 at 9:46 PM
Penny for the Soldiers’ thoughts
Schadenfreude on November 19, 2009 at 9:47 PM
See those guys smiling and laughing? I bet there is a “kick me” sign on The One.
bloggless on November 19, 2009 at 9:47 PM
As Sam Kinnison once said, “They’re just innocent jokes people.”
Except Kinnison was a comedian and Ogabe is a guy who made sure a flock of press chickens were photographing his every move while he saluted fallen soldiers being returned to Dover AFB.
Bishop on November 19, 2009 at 9:47 PM
Of course it was joke. No one is thinking otherwise; but it’s a stupid joke because it brings to mind the uncomfortable idea that, y’know, there’s probably some truth to that joke. So it will be a statement that will stick to Bambi for a long time, especially as he dithers with the lives of the people in that photo op.
PackerBronco on November 19, 2009 at 9:47 PM
I loathe O, but this one ain’t one of the worst. It was a joke, much like his administration. But nah, this is not as big a deal as it is being made out to be. It’s only because he’s a jackass every other moment of the day.
XWing5 on November 19, 2009 at 9:49 PM
”We are grateful for your service.”
Yeah right, inside he’s prolly thinking ”Bunch of baby killers.”
Tony737 on November 19, 2009 at 9:49 PM
AP = me puking.
klickink.wordpress.com on November 19, 2009 at 9:50 PM
Did the Teleprompter tell him to say that?
Tony737 on November 19, 2009 at 9:50 PM
I believe his “decision” was coming after Afghanistan had elections then after he returned from his Pacific trip then after he’s had his turkey and stuffing then after…….
Marcus on November 19, 2009 at 9:50 PM
I think Obama has Glenn Beck on his mind. Beck last week lambasted Obama for using the troops for a photo-op.
http://www.mediaite.com/tv/off-script-glenn-beck-calls-soldiers-addressed-by-obama-props/
cubachi on November 19, 2009 at 9:50 PM
Merely pawns in the hands of the most powerful…
d1carter on November 19, 2009 at 9:51 PM
everybody was Kung Fu Fighting!
rob verdi on November 19, 2009 at 9:51 PM
Response to the joke was pretty restrained.
4shoes on November 19, 2009 at 9:51 PM
Joke? WTF are you talking about? The joke’s on the public, as usual.
Jaibones on November 19, 2009 at 9:52 PM
Let’s just say with The Won’s reputation, this was better left unsaid. We all get the “joke” and it is Mr. Obama.
Cindy Munford on November 19, 2009 at 9:52 PM
In every joke there is truth.
kagai on November 19, 2009 at 9:53 PM
Considering he hasn’t made a decision on Afghanistan, he’s rarely has gone overseas to meet the troops or to boost morale, this is in South Korea (Afghanistan is in Asia; is he going there also?), I’d say the joke is ZERO on the funny scale.
More than anything, his remark reveals a lack of seriousness toward the military and that he lives in a bubble. You just don’t joke about the military being “a good photo-op.” EVER.
conservative pilgrim on November 19, 2009 at 9:54 PM
I really think Zero means this though. It’s not a joke to him it really is a great photo op. For him this shows he cares about the troops, but if he really did care he’d give McChrystal what he’s asked for. With his dithering on Afghanistan he probably shouldn’t of said this.
Brat4life on November 19, 2009 at 9:54 PM
If there is one thing to learn from the last 8 years it is that you don’t let up on your opponent when he makes a slip of the tongue. Why are so many on the right incapable of learning this? Do we need George Allen to give a seminar?
Oh, and this is a greater truth moment. Obama could care less about what happens to the people in his photo op. If he gave a damn he wouldn’t be dithering on Afghanistan and bringing terrorists to the US to grandstand.
18-1 on November 19, 2009 at 9:54 PM
I don’t know…It does rub me wrong. I realize they position troops behind them when making speeches but…it’s a pretty shameful gaffe, if anything.
Diane on November 19, 2009 at 9:55 PM
Sure it was intended as a joke. But no one said that humor doesn’t reveal truth or is never offensive.
This is President I-Me-My, the narcissistic Commander in Proof Sheet. It’s just one more instance of him reminding his audience why they are there for him.
Another person, a real leader, would understand what the individuals in that particular audience do for our country. Soldiers are more than backdrop.
obladioblada on November 19, 2009 at 9:56 PM
Not funny while dithering.
txag92 on November 19, 2009 at 9:58 PM
This is what that famously conservative newspaper, The Washington Post, the same paper which regularly admonishes Ogabe had to say about his Dover trip:
“Obama’s visit was not announced in advance on his public schedule. Instead, the White House gathered a small group of reporters to accompany him on short notice for the middle-of-the-night trip….The carefully choreographed visit to Dover”
He had to bring reporters along? Why?
Sorry but this is a man who sees the troops as props for himself, a way to enhance whatever CinC credentials he imagines himself to have. The public may have taken this statement as a joke, but rest assured Ogabe meant what he said.
Bishop on November 19, 2009 at 9:58 PM
For whining to the troops. And losing a war.
alliebobbitt on November 19, 2009 at 9:59 PM
Translation: You guys make me look good.
Me me me me me me me, I’m in love with meeeeeeeee.
smellthecoffee on November 19, 2009 at 10:00 PM
The pay raises cheer was a total gimme.
Hell, during my term of service, we’d have cheered Gorbachev if he’d promised us a pay increase.
The Ugly American on November 19, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Maybe he should show respect for them before trying to be a comedian. Then the jokes will be better received.
MadisonConservative on November 19, 2009 at 10:01 PM
For what? For … joking with the troops?
Allahpundit on November 19, 2009 at 9:45 PM
NO ! For pretending to be supportive of the troops while punishing and weakening their defense. Save the jokes for “Groucho” Biden!
cableguy615 on November 19, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Everything he does with the troops is a photo op. He could really care less about them. Obama was here at Osan Air Base yesterday and the military was busing troops in from all over the peninsula for him. I had absolutely no desire to hear the anything the empty suit had to say in his speech. Ate lunch in my office.
galvestonian on November 19, 2009 at 10:02 PM
Isn’t what make jokes most effective is when there is some truth to them? So what truth does Obambi think his joke has?
aikidoka on November 19, 2009 at 10:02 PM
Well, what’s important is that you guys never have a sense of humor about anything if it doesn’t jibe with your political ideology.
Proud Rino on November 19, 2009 at 10:03 PM
What a load of macaca
18-1 on November 19, 2009 at 10:04 PM
It seems Mr. AP and the ‘boss’ have conflicting opinions on this issue:
http://michellemalkin.com/2009/11/19/emetic-of-the-day-2/
Dr. Carlo Lombardi on November 19, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Normally I would agree but after watching the video, I think it was a slip.
When Obama tells a “joke” he ALWAYS laughs at himself (i.e. ain’t I clever)
He said that line without a shred of irony.
The Ugly American on November 19, 2009 at 10:05 PM
You really don’t get this guy do you? He’s not joking and the laugh is directed at them. He has no respect for them and nothing in his distant or recent past has shown any different.
thomasaur on November 19, 2009 at 10:06 PM
It’s the symbolism of it all. The same with the bow to the Emperor and a few other things that could be mentioned.
Many a truth is said in jest.
Drained Brain on November 19, 2009 at 10:07 PM
Not true; you don’t share our political ideology and we laugh at you all the time. So there.
Bishop on November 19, 2009 at 10:09 PM
I had a friend once that had a Kawasaki Ninja. He’d ask any blonde, big titted girl to go for rides with him. When she’d ask, “Why?” He retort, “’cause you’d look good on my bike…” Needless to say, he got smacked often…
So, Obama wants the troops as a backdrop, just like my friend, so he can look good….
Narcissist.
ted c on November 19, 2009 at 10:09 PM
My problem is that the filthy lying coward spends days on a worthless tour of Asia and then spends 55 minutes with the troops, calls them a photo-op, and then flits away on his pretty plane. Couldn’t he have least given him the full hour? God forbid he might have had a meal with them.
highhopes on November 19, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Oh jeez. Obama — any president — is going to ragged on if they go see the troops — “just a photo op” — or if he doesn’t — “doesn’t care”.
Obama made a quick reference to the patent absurdity of a situation that Presidents have been putting troops in since George Washington, in a way that showed comraderie and mutual respect, saying “we’re all in this together.”
You may not like him, but I’m not buying this as disrespectful in the slightest.
Oh, and even when we hate the war, we leftists do like and respect the troops. So get over that, please.
Bleeds Blue on November 19, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Hey, it’s the least those troops can do for their Commander-in-Chief while he stonewalls Congressional demands for hearings on what happened to their brothers and sisters in arms at Ft. Hood.
Christien on November 19, 2009 at 10:13 PM
If Obama intended to be funny, then it’s a sick, sick joke. He is making a reference to being called out for his recent ‘photo-op’ at Dover AFB, where our deceased troops were returning home in a casket.
He is taking a poke at his critics at the expense of the troops sitting behind him.
NOT FUNNY. NOT ONE BIT.
TN Mom on November 19, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Ted Rall would like to have a word with you.
Bishop on November 19, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Obama could kiss your sister… and you wouldn’t care.
Obama could kick your dog… and you wouldn’t feel dissed…
Obama could use your toothbrush and…no problem!
Obama could drink your last beer or take your last smoke… and it wouldn’t be nothin’ but a thang….
Obama could nail your mom, steal your wallet and diss your country and it wouldn’t phase you a bit….
Kool Aid effects.
ted c on November 19, 2009 at 10:16 PM
Ever notice how the people behind Obama in one of these photo ops are just the “right” racial and gender mix? LOL
ddrintn on November 19, 2009 at 10:16 PM
Not funny.
tx2654 on November 19, 2009 at 10:16 PM
Being a AF MSgt of 17 years, I agree w/ you on this one, AP. I have to be careful when it comes to my CINC. During the Clinton years, if you ever read the book, Dereliction Of Duty, you will see where the left has an aversion towards the military, especially Hillary. I just feel like we are props at times. But, in regards to this photo op…eh…
Static21 on November 19, 2009 at 10:17 PM
I sure hope that was your attempt to incite come comment; if not you lost a lot of respect from me tonight. May not be a care at all for you but I think it stunk!
PaCadle on November 19, 2009 at 10:17 PM
These are the troops that Obama slandered and implied were just bombing and air raiding villages. I don’t get how he can stand there in front of them at all, let alone be joking around. Absolutely sickening.
Narutoboy on November 19, 2009 at 10:17 PM
I have to say that is the one and only photo of the Won that I can tolerate to look at……….and only because of the background. I am not so blinded in my ideology that I can’t be fair.
proudteadrinker on November 19, 2009 at 10:17 PM
That “i hate the mission, but love the troops” crap doesn’t pass a laugh test.
lorien1973 on November 19, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Obama to troops: “You guys make a pretty good (diverse, multiracial, ethnically balanced, equal opportunity and get whitey the hell outta there) photo op”
FIF him
ted c on November 19, 2009 at 10:18 PM
What about doing more than a drive-by at the end of a worthless tour of Asia? The filthy lying coward spent a total of 54 minutes at this photo-op. He had very little time to joke with the troops, in fact he didn’t even bother to meet with them.
Allah, I know you hate Bush and despise the military but even you should be man enough to understand that there is more to being CINC of the military than what happened here. GWB even made his way to combat zones for Thanksgiving. This bastard made it a short stop at the end of a worthless tour of Asian nations.
I hate you for not being more supportive of the troops and less supportive of Obama. The troops deserve your support and you steadfastly refuse to give it. What does it take for something like you to become an American???
highhopes on November 19, 2009 at 10:18 PM
Dude told a funny joke. Everyone laughed. The end.
DontTaseMeBro on November 19, 2009 at 10:18 PM
What a piece of excrement.
ohiobabe on November 19, 2009 at 10:19 PM
Bleeds Blue, I can assure you that the one phrase guaranteed to piss off our men and women in uniform is “I’m against the war but support the troops”. They know b.s. when they hear it.
ddrintn on November 19, 2009 at 10:19 PM
PM
And we happily return the favor. Indeed, the world laughs at you and other winguts like you.
rightistliberal on November 19, 2009 at 10:20 PM
Plenty of things to get pissed about, this isn’t really worth getting up a head of steam over, imo.
Midas on November 19, 2009 at 10:20 PM
I think you’re giving him too much leeway on this one, Allah.
A photo op is all these guys are to him. He was on the ground at the base for less than an hour. In and out for a speech and a photo. He’s not spending any real time with the grunts or talking strategy with the commanders. He needs a little media boost, so he drops in to give a well written speech and tell a couple light hearted jokes.
This stuff is staged. The real President Obama is letting our guys twist in the wind in Afghanistan and giving shout outs right after terrorist attacks.
You may, and I believe you do, but there’s a pretty strong undercurrent on the left that doesn’t. Unless being called names, having rocks thrown at your building or people trying to cut down your American flag are a strange sign of respect I’m not aware of. Cultural differences, and all that.
BadgerHawk on November 19, 2009 at 10:20 PM
I figured that if he really considered it just a photo op, even he wouldn’t be dumb enough to say so (except in case of a TOTUS malfunction, of course).
malclave on November 19, 2009 at 10:21 PM
M
All troops are against the war. Especially, the kinds in which def sec tells them :”you fight the war with what you have.” And if in the process, you get blown up because Humvees don’t have armor, don’t worry. Sh*t happens. So please, stop this sanctimonious nonsense.
rightistliberal on November 19, 2009 at 10:22 PM
So you support them but not the mission that they’re willingly risking their lives for? Explain that one, please.
Narutoboy on November 19, 2009 at 10:22 PM
POTUS candidate and reputed Troop-Lover decided to play basketball rather than visit wounded troops at Landstuhl; one must have priorities.
Bishop on November 19, 2009 at 10:22 PM
… we leftists do like and respect the troops. – Blue
Yeah, the ENEMY’S troops. But libs are known for spitting on OUR Troops and calling them ‘baby killer‘. Funny name coming from the pro-abortion crowd.
Tony737 on November 19, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Even if it is a joke, what CinC, while stalling for time to “deliberate” over a war that is deteriorating rapidly for lack of leadership, chooses to joke about using the military as his PR pawns?
It looks simply awful. If nothing else his vaunted political instincts are crap in this case.
Missy on November 19, 2009 at 10:23 PM
I suggest the president immediately resign and go for his real desired occupation as a comedian. Oh wait, that would put Mr. Biden in charge. Tough call.
Cindy Munford on November 19, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Not nearly as stupid as “we love the sinner but hate the sin” tripe you guys put out about the gays.
But why is this so odd. We got nothing against the troops. Even elitist leftists like me have friends, acquaintences and relatives who have served. We’re know they’re not bad guys. And we know that their missions are often important, and respect what they do for us. We just feel bad that idiots like Bush and Rumsfeld risked so many of their lives with their military incompetence –while screwing up our foreign and defense policies — and hope that Obama’s coming decisions bring as many as possible home as soon as possible, after asuccessful mission.
The fact that you think other people deal solely in hate says a great deal about you, my friend. None of it good.
Bleeds Blue on November 19, 2009 at 10:23 PM
That laughter sounds more like whining and whimpering these days.
ddrintn on November 19, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Glenn Beck runs this man. If he put half as much thought into Afghanistan as he does about how to outsmart Glenn Beck, we’d have won the war by now.
Red Cloud on November 19, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Call it whatever you want. It was disgusting. But, then again, disgusting is this guy’s norm.
JellyToast on November 19, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Ya’ll are a good photo op. Here are 20,000 troops so you can lose Afghanistan, just lose it a little slower. You’re welcome.
lorien1973 on November 19, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Bullshit. They’re there to win.
ddrintn on November 19, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Missy on November 19, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Missy-we are used to it…doesn’t affect us much…
Static21 on November 19, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Yes.
It may be a joke, but it rings callous coming out of his mouth.
baldilocks on November 19, 2009 at 10:25 PM
You forgot to call me a racist. I’m still waiting for you to explain how my referring to the President as “Ogabe” is racist, as you said it is.
Bishop on November 19, 2009 at 10:26 PM
M
No, dude. It is the “true conservatives” who threaten secession because they can’t apparently win elections. Maybe, that is whining?
rightistliberal on November 19, 2009 at 10:26 PM
Like I mentioned in the headlines, W couldn’t get around the troops without getting all misty, this president just doesn’t understand.
Cindy Munford on November 19, 2009 at 10:27 PM
“We”? You mean people like Kos, who says essentially they’re just mercenary rednecks who deserve to have their guts splattered on whatever Mideast road? That “we”?
ddrintn on November 19, 2009 at 10:28 PM
Ah yes, I forgot about that one. And the schedule for that was changed after it was determined that the press could not accompany him.
This joke is a lot closer to reality than Allah wishes to acknowledge.
BadgerHawk on November 19, 2009 at 10:28 PM
M
Sigh. And they love war? Of course, if they are in a mission, they want to win. Who can doubt that? But military hates war because it is they who suffer most.
rightistliberal on November 19, 2009 at 10:28 PM
stonewalls Congressional demands for hearings on what happened to their brothers and sisters in arms at Ft. Hood.
Christien on November 19, 2009 at 10:13 PM
Christien: StoneWall Obama,me likey!!:)
canopfor on November 19, 2009 at 10:28 PM
Ya know what was funny? W joking about not being able to find WMD’s at the Washington Journalists dinner.
You know who didn’t find that funny?
Liberals who called Bush hateful for disrespecting what had happened.
Well, the world turns…
It wasn’t funny. It was smarmy.
Skywise on November 19, 2009 at 10:29 PM
Umm, you were saying……?
ted c on November 19, 2009 at 10:29 PM
I’ve lived through a lot of presidencies — the first I remember was Ike — and do not recall hearing any President say what Osama Obama is supposed to be given a pass for saying.
Disrespect is never a joke, and is doubly unfunny when it is clear that the Coward-in-Chief holds the men and women who will fight (and sometimes, alas, die) at his command in contempt.
The Chicago Jesus can’t let a day go by without proving that he is scummier than the most partisan of us could have imagined.
FUBO.
MrScribbler on November 19, 2009 at 10:29 PM
Allah will never get it….and Bleeds Blue, FU!
dmann on November 19, 2009 at 10:29 PM
Exactly. For a dude who is losing Afghanistan while he can’t figure out what to do. It’s a joke alright. A sad one.
lorien1973 on November 19, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Doofpundit does have a reputation for bashing the troops as well. Remember, he blamed us for scare force one.
TTheoLogan on November 19, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Props to Barry for the improv–it was getting kinda tense after he started with a shout-out to Li’l Kim Jong.
Christien on November 19, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Like I mentioned in the headlines, W couldn’t get around the troops without getting all misty, this president just doesn’t understand.
Cindy Munford on November 19, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Cindy Munford: Here ta go!!:)
http://iowntheworld.com/blog/?p=11098
canopfor on November 19, 2009 at 10:31 PM
We all know why Michelle is the boss. We all know why AP is not the boss.
mobydutch on November 19, 2009 at 10:31 PM
They love their jobs, and their job is to kick ass.
ddrintn on November 19, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Glad you agree that it’s retarded. Yet you agree with it anyways. Says a lot about someone. Not whom you think, though.
lorien1973 on November 19, 2009 at 10:31 PM
KMA. When Obama stops stonewalling with my friends in Afghanistan and tells his AG to cease persecution of those who protect your way of life for doing just that, then maybe his little “jokes” will be better received.
baldilocks on November 19, 2009 at 10:32 PM
and apparently nothing for them either….
no support.
no leadership.
no strategy.
no answers.
no respect.
no admiration.
no thanks.
maybe you’re right, you aint’ got nothing against them. None of those things I listed here would you guys ever put up against them….
pwned.
ted c on November 19, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Next time he visits the troops he can make a joke about “dithering.” Wouldn’t that be funny? NOT.
This is like an estranged dad visiting his young son, whom he hasn’t see in six months, making a joke while taking a pic with his son, telling him he’s going to be a great “Kodak memory.” Isn’t that just side-splitting? Har har har.
smellthecoffee on November 19, 2009 at 10:32 PM
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