Video: Gibbs tells reporter to “calm down”
posted at 11:31 am on December 5, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
How badly did Robert Gibbs handle this? Even the White House press corps audibly gasps when he tells April Ryan, a reporter from American Urban Radio to “calm down” and then compares her to his young son in terms of temperament. Granted, the question she was pursuing was about as puerile as it gets; she wanted Gibbs on the record as to whether Michelle Obama felt overshadowed by White House social secretary Desiree Rogers. Was Gibbs being sexist, condescending, or was he just telling Ryan to grow up?
ABC’s Jordyn Phelps has the report:
Ryan had a heated back-and-forth with Gibbs over whether White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers overstepped her bounds in the “Gate-Crash-gate” incident and was pressing Gibbs on the subject through repeated questions.
“Some might have called her the belle of the ball, overshadowing the first lady,” Ryan said.
Gibbs said he hadn’t heard that criticism before.
Ryan continued in her questioning, asking whether Rogers had invited herself to the first state dinner.
Gibbs shrugged it off, then told Ryan to calm down and take a deep breath.
“This happens with my son. He does the same thing,” Gibbs said, referring to his young child. It drew ooohs from the press corps.
“Don’t play with me,” Ryan said.
In my opinion, Gibbs should have found a better, less condescending way of telling Ryan that the White House isn’t American Idol, and that the First Lady doesn’t have to worry about her social secretary overshadowing her. Maybe ignoring Ryan for a while would get the message across. Because honestly, with high unemployment, escalating energy prices, and an ongoing war, are urban radio listeners really all that concerned about Desiree Rogers’ relative wattage in comparison to Michelle Obama?
Take the poll:
Update: Jake Tapper tweeted me that Jordyn Phelps wrote this piece for ABC, not him. I’ve corrected it in the post, and thanks to Jake for the correction.
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I think AP scooped you on this one, Ed, though it was in the context of the Desiree Rogers thing.
KingGold on December 5, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Sure miss Tony Snow. Baghdad Bob fits in quite well with Dear Leaders posse.
Dingbat63 on December 5, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Gibbsy-ultimate putz…
should we expect a new press secretary anytime soon?
cmsinaz on December 5, 2009 at 11:35 AM
“So what’s wrong with being sexy?”
“SexIST.”
Chuck Schick on December 5, 2009 at 11:35 AM
sexi-racist
blatantblue on December 5, 2009 at 11:35 AM
I voted “sexist,” with the echo of his boss (“Sweetie”) ringing in my mind.
cs89 on December 5, 2009 at 11:36 AM
There needs to be a “Gibbs just being Gibbs” answer.
Caper29 on December 5, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Someone needs to jack-slap Beltway Bob. Pronto.
Philly on December 5, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Romper Room
fourdeucer on December 5, 2009 at 11:38 AM
What is wrong with the woman asking that question?
Can’t Gibbs have her deported or something?
jhffmn on December 5, 2009 at 11:38 AM
Somebody’s missing the point here. Rogers is not the issue . . . these attempts by Gibbs and the White House to control both the channel and the message is dangerous and a threat to our basic freedoms. The real message being transmitted by this administration is for the media to fall into line and stop being pushy.
rplat on December 5, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Gibbs is an idiot, but that comment I have no problem with. He can be condesending. If it turns the press against his boss, well, who cares.
Mr. Joe on December 5, 2009 at 11:39 AM
There was a time in this country when fat white men who equated talking to Black people like talking children was racist.
Add a “Racist” choice in your poll.
portlandon on December 5, 2009 at 11:40 AM
I believe you need a “Just Acting Like a Gibbs” choice in your poll.
rob verdi on December 5, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Dumb question trumped only by an even dumber response from Gibbs.
LastRick on December 5, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Title of Gibb’s upcoming memoir: “Yeah, I’m a Pu**y. So What?”
SKYFOX on December 5, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Gibbs is an ass here. I don’t know if it’s sexism or racism, but its patronizing.
Spirit of 1776 on December 5, 2009 at 11:41 AM
If a Conservative had done this, it would have been Raaaciiist!
kingsjester on December 5, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Definitely inappropriate, but how would be be sexist? He’s comparing her to his SON.
MadisonConservative on December 5, 2009 at 11:43 AM
Did you expect anything less from someone who works for a POTUS (candidate at the time) that called a reporter “sweetie”?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on December 5, 2009 at 11:44 AM
I have no problem with a WH Press Secretary basically telling a reporter to get knotted. It’s about time the MSM types got their comeuppance.
Liam on December 5, 2009 at 11:44 AM
Maybe Gibbs has been spending too much time around Baucus.
Kissmygrits on December 5, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Gibbs is a clod who thinks he’s charming, cute, and funny. In the period UP to Obama’s election, it would have worked.
Marcus on December 5, 2009 at 11:47 AM
RAAAAAACIST! If a Conservative had done this, he would have faced a Congressional panel (broadcast live on national television)and then would have been drawn and quartered in Lafayette Square. Hypocrisy.
Philly on December 5, 2009 at 11:48 AM
This story really grabbed attention away from the Palin story on a progressive blog. It was actually a fascinating peek into what people think of the new social secretary.
Gibbs lost his professional demeanor entirely with her, it’s clear. But, I think the WH is frustrated that they cannot get this story to die. It just has captivated people. And why not? It involves a very attractive (much prettier than Michelle) social secretary, gala affairs, Who’s Who these days, and fashion. LOL*
The WH, I’m convinced, wants to shut down this story because it’s a set-up. If Rogers is called on the carpet, even after the Secret Service took full responsibility, then the next logical question is for the First Lady.
Rogers eliminated the function of the WH having a staff member verify tickets and check off the guests from the list. They downloaded full responsibility to the Secret Service and cut out that function.
Now, there’s no way that Rogers did that without Michelle’s approval. For 20 years, the function served State Dinners well. And, they have announced they will return to that system.
But the REAL question of the day is why did Michelle go along with Roger’s idea on this? It’s actually one of THE chief responsibilities of the First Lady, to invite guests to the WH and oversee that political hot potato.
Finally, Gibbs really does owe her a public apology. She was impertinent regarding the gossip about Rogers being more of an A-Lister than Michelle is. However, the question he shut down about why she was on the list is actually a good one.
In the past, social secretaries did not attend as a listed guest until they were well established as “under the radar.” Rogers, obviously, decided to go against tradition in more ways than just eliminating the function at the door.
BTW, I looked her resume up. She is super-powered and very impressive. And the reports from peers, other than this situation, are that she is doing a fabulous job for the Obamas.
AnninCA on December 5, 2009 at 11:48 AM
I like the fact that he’s creating his own enemies in the LSM and doesn’t even know he’s doing it. It’s comical, really.
Fishoutofwater on December 5, 2009 at 11:48 AM
That line of questioning by Ryan was lame – indicative of the Entertainment Tonight, sound bite media nowadays. She deserved to be put down. Too bad the guy to do it is such a sleaze-bag.
KS Rex on December 5, 2009 at 11:48 AM
Definitely add RAAAAAAACIST as a poll choice, I agree.
Philly on December 5, 2009 at 11:48 AM
You missed a question on the poll:
(6) WHO CARES
johnsteele on December 5, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Gibb’s may want to pursue a new career.
Wonder if he can do a Rod Stewart impression?
“If you think I’m sexist
And you want my body,
If you really want me
just reach out and touch me
come on sugar let me know…”
Then, again, that is pretty disgusting right there. :-)
coldwarrior on December 5, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Reporter: “I want some answers.”
Gibbs: “Well, you’re not going to get them from me.”
Fuzzlenutter on December 5, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Condescending is a perfect description for the messiahs version of Baghdad Bob.
The guy just makes my skin crawl he is so slimy.
conservnut on December 5, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Now, now, calm down, you’re acting like my son.
Knucklehead on December 5, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Funny you should say that because I’ve always said since the very beginning of the 08 Democrat primaries that Obama ran his election campaign like he’s a contestant of American Idol, with the media behaving as judges who couldn’t say enough good things about his every appearance and speech. And I still think to this day that Obama runs his White House like an American Idol reality show.
OxyCon on December 5, 2009 at 11:52 AM
I’m going against the grain here, but I think Gibbs acted appropriately. There is no room for gossip columnists in the White House press corps.
Blarg the Destroyer on December 5, 2009 at 11:53 AM
So because both Mr. Gibbs and Ms. Ryan could have phrased their questions/answers in a more appropriate way does that mean they should give up all expectations of being consider serious examples of their professions in the future?
Cindy Munford on December 5, 2009 at 11:54 AM
Do you actually think that Michelle thinks of her role as first lady as a job to be taken seriously?
conservnut on December 5, 2009 at 11:55 AM
MadisonConservative on December 5, 2009 at 11:43 AM
I see it as sexist because he’s referring to this woman as a child. Would he refer to male reporters as children? Possibly, but there is a patriarchal history of men having more power than women and children.
cs89 on December 5, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Now, now, calm down, you’re acting like my son.
Knucklehead on December 5, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Yeah, I know. But, dadgum. Gibbs is stupid on a stick. And he gets away with it because of who he works for and what side of the aisle he’s on. I really miss Tony Snow.
kingsjester on December 5, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Dilbert no more. Beavis (formerly of Beavis and Butt-head) now runs the briefings.
Mark30339 on December 5, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Funny thing is, Gibbs was technically right. It’s not worth talking about.
But, damn, Gibbs is a putz.
ElectricPhase on December 5, 2009 at 11:57 AM
April Ryan was being pretty obnoxious but Gibbs handled it really badly which is no surprise. But at least he didn’t call her sweetie.
CarolynM on December 5, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Wow! When is the stupid press going to stop taking this stuff from the administration? Gibbs is a jerk, but when is the press going to press him on anything? All they have to do is stand up to him. We’ve seen a year of this pathetic press crew lapping up anything that falls to the floor of the press room. Stand up to him. He’ll fold like a cheap lawn chair.
BetseyRoss on December 5, 2009 at 11:57 AM
RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA *breath* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACIST!
RarestRX on December 5, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Some might say this would be a huge improvement.
petefrt on December 5, 2009 at 11:58 AM
It’s not sexist. It’s just unprofessional.
t.ferg on December 5, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Gibbs represents the White House and needs to behave in a dignified manner that would reflect the values and degree of class that our President of the United States exudes and demands.
Oh wait, that’s exactly what Beltway Boob did. Sorry.
Philly on December 5, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Granted, it was a dumb question. The reporter was pretty unprofessional. But you’d hope the President’s top mouthpiece would be a bit more professional.
Awe, who am I kidding? This isn’t the Bush White House.
t.ferg on December 5, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Of course, she does. I’m never going to join EITHER right or left and adopt a completely disrespectful attitude toward people that your comment suggests.
Of course, she does.
BTW, I’m equal opportunity on this one. I can’t stand the Palin bashing or the Bush bashing that used to go on. I admired Mrs. Bush greatly. Still do. And I never voted for her husband.
I am appalled by the Palin bashing, too.
AnninCA on December 5, 2009 at 12:01 PM
They’re getting teeesty.
Itchee Dryback on December 5, 2009 at 12:01 PM
HA posters lecturing on civility. Terrific.
crr6 on December 5, 2009 at 12:01 PM
who do these people think they are?
unseen on December 5, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Good for Gibbs. He should have just ignored her.
madne0 on December 5, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Well, for those of you who ARE interested, Rogers has really caught flack in DC for being, you ready, “uppity.” LOL*
It’s an ironic story, actually. Her style is very flamboyant and risk-taking, which has caused many people to frown. Social secretaries in the past took great care to never upstage the first ladies. Rogers is rocking the boat.
AnninCA on December 5, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Ummmmm….yes?
jamie gumm on December 5, 2009 at 12:04 PM
HA posters lecturing on civility. Terrific.
crr6 on December 5, 2009 at 12:01 PM
Stick around. Maybe some will rub off on you.
kingsjester on December 5, 2009 at 12:04 PM
I don’t mean to insinuate anything about you Ann, I am insinuating that I don’t think she does. I think she sees the position of first lady as a perk that she is due.
conservnut on December 5, 2009 at 12:05 PM
We are pretty terrific, aren’t we? Thanks for the big ups, crr6. HotAir posters, pat yourselves on the back.
Go back and play with the rest of the KosKidz.
Philly on December 5, 2009 at 12:06 PM
don’t mean to insinuate anything about you Ann, I am insinuating that I don’t think she does. I think she sees the position of first lady as a perk that she is due.
conservnut on December 5, 2009 at 12:05 PM
AnninCA on December 5, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Well I’m just glad the adults are in charge now.
sammypants on December 5, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Gibbs has been annoyed by questions from other reporters and never sunk to this level. So I do think that he took liberties with April due to her “status,” whether gender or otherwise.
He should publicly apologize.
AnninCA on December 5, 2009 at 12:09 PM
This is SOP for the fourth grade assclown Gibbs
Koa on December 5, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Oooh…ouch.
justltl on December 5, 2009 at 12:11 PM
On the substance of Ryan’s question, about Rogers acting like the belle of the ball, I happen to have known Rogers for many unfortunate years, and I can tell you she has a higher opinion of herself than does Obama of himself, if that is fathomable.
And, she’s quite possibly even more incompetent than he is. I guess you might say they make a perfect team.
One other thing. I would make book that she was the one who ordered the “party crashers” through security because they were her friends.
TXUS on December 5, 2009 at 12:13 PM
I feel sorry for his children.
What an a-hole.
bridgetown on December 5, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Defending Gibbs by drawing equivalence with blog commenters….priceless!
ElectricPhase on December 5, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Absolute racist, with a sexist chaser.
n0doz on December 5, 2009 at 12:15 PM
ED
Can you add stupid effin idiot as a poll choice?
SHARPTOOTH on December 5, 2009 at 12:15 PM
No more ignorant than the president stating employers who produce more with fewer employees are a problem.
publiuspen on December 5, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Is that you, Charles Johnson, of Little Green Footballs??
bridgetown on December 5, 2009 at 12:16 PM
God is anything not sexist anymore?
Proud Rino on December 5, 2009 at 12:16 PM
He should admit that the job is beyond his capabilities.
James on December 5, 2009 at 12:17 PM
I agree 100%. You guys are a bunch of animals, for the most part. Gibbs at his worse is 100x better than most of this lot.
Proud Rino on December 5, 2009 at 12:18 PM
I choose #6 – D!CK.
ambuldog on December 5, 2009 at 12:18 PM
Where is the, “I don’t friggen care.” option?
NotCoach on December 5, 2009 at 12:19 PM
worst, not worse. PR you are a moron, sir.
Proud Rino on December 5, 2009 at 12:19 PM
Gibbs is such an ass. Fittingly, he is also the public face of this
cabaladministration.long_cat on December 5, 2009 at 12:19 PM
I’m still stunned by Gibbs’ out-of-control arrogance. One of many examples of what is wrong with the Obama administration.
.
martywd on December 5, 2009 at 12:19 PM
Manners are what keep people from physically assaulting each other . Gibbs is without manners .
borntoraisehogs on December 5, 2009 at 12:20 PM
I heard him say “boy.” Anyone else hear him say “boy?” Well, maybe I didn’t hear it hear it.
mchristian on December 5, 2009 at 12:20 PM
It always seems the back story is far more enlightening than first impressions.
I would never buy into the SS dropping the ball, and your bet is probably correct.
fourdeucer on December 5, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Actually, I’m surprised that Gibbsy has actually lasted as long as he did. He must have some juicy info. that he’s using to blackmail Barry and Rahm with.
Illinidiva on December 5, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Everything is racist now.
mchristian on December 5, 2009 at 12:23 PM
You are being particularly vile this morning. Who pissed in your Cheerios?
Blarg the Destroyer on December 5, 2009 at 12:24 PM
A similar response to the Air Force 1 scary flyover of NYC:
Reporter: “I want some answers.”
Gibbs: “Well, you’ll just have to ask the White House.”
Say what?
Christian Conservative on December 5, 2009 at 12:25 PM
He never would have responded to a male reporter this way. Could you imagine him saying that to Major Garret or Tapper? Now, Chuck Todd of NBC, I could imagine saying it to him.
PatMac on December 5, 2009 at 12:25 PM
The line of questioning was completely reasonable considering that is what this administration is all about. It’s all about the image. It’s far more important who is outshining the Obamas than how high the unemployment rate is.
If Gibbs doesn’t like it than maybe he should find a less egotistical employer.
CookeyD on December 5, 2009 at 12:26 PM
why not take the racist angle. White man telling a black woman to “calm down” (translation: don’t get uppity) and calling her a child. Imagine the reaction if Tony Snow had done that.
cameo on December 5, 2009 at 12:27 PM
This is not the first time Gibbs has been particularly nasty to April. I’ve been waiting for the blowback – maybe now it’s here.
debg on December 5, 2009 at 12:27 PM
There is an account by a former social secretary that Rogers was working the entire night, not partying.
It’s in the Wa Post.
AnninCA on December 5, 2009 at 12:31 PM
Interesting. Who does she work for?
AnninCA on December 5, 2009 at 12:31 PM
“this lot.” ???
Why do you come here?
lol
bridgetown on December 5, 2009 at 12:33 PM
We’ll remember that comment the next time you post.
yoda on December 5, 2009 at 12:34 PM
My question, too. You simply got to it first!
Liam on December 5, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Kinda like tying two cats tails together and draping them over a clothesline………MmmmmRowwwwwwwwww…..
Robert17 on December 5, 2009 at 12:37 PM
April works for American Urban Radio Network. She’s got a long history as a journo. See http://www.aurnol.com/networks/renaissance/whitehouse_report.asp
debg on December 5, 2009 at 12:38 PM
Although Gibbs is certainly indicative of this WH, he needs to go, he is a vile disgusting little man who is an embarasssment to the country.
While an appropriate rep of the Obama he is not who should be a mouthpiece.
ORconservative on December 5, 2009 at 12:39 PM
Thanks. She’s not terribly sharp with her questions.
AnninCA on December 5, 2009 at 12:39 PM
Ryan should have asked Gibbs about the strained relationship between Michelle and Harpo Winfrey. Saw a story about a week ago about how Oprah and an aide went to the WH for an interview with Michelle, and Mrs. O’bama basically totally ignored her and directed her attention to the aide’s questions.
Apparently Ma Bell is extremely jealous of Oprah’s rapport with Barry, and is undermining it as much as possible. Supposedly on her orders, Oprah is basically a non-person at 1600 now.
Of course, this story will be buried too…
Del Dolemonte on December 5, 2009 at 12:40 PM
Um, everybody who could?
Aviator on December 5, 2009 at 12:40 PM
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