Poll: What was the Obamateurism of the Week?

posted at 9:00 am on January 24, 2010 by Ed Morrissey

It’s time once again to pick Barack Obama’s most amateurish stumble of the week!  Don’t worry about whether you’re familiar with these missteps – just follow presidential precedent and make assumptions.  We’re not here to demonize, but just to keep on trucking.  Of course, maybe Obama has a great explanation for these flops, and as soon as he’s done putting a tax cheat in charge of a crackdown on, er, tax cheats, I’m certain he can reassure us that we’re too dense to comprehend his brilliance.

Update: I originally had the truck quote as “drive” rather than “buy.” Thanks to Little Miss Attila for the first heads-up on this goof.

Previous 2010 “winners”:

  • Suddenly jobs saved or created “never expected to be the public accounting of Obama’s goal to save or create 3.5 million jobs”
  • Obama rushes home for minor injury to family friend, keeps golfing after EunuchBomber attack

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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Comment pages: 1 2

Keep on Truckin’ (that chicken)

GnuBreed on January 24, 2010 at 9:03 AM

Truck.

OmahaConservative on January 24, 2010 at 9:06 AM

When the President is actually making commercials for a comedy show (and it’s not a joke), I doubt anyone can say we haven’t seen or heard enough of him. He’s like the infomercial guys…”but wait, there’s more!”

texabama on January 24, 2010 at 9:06 AM

Such a rich field! Let me be clear: everytime this idiot opens his mouth he demonstrates how absolutely incompetent he and the people he has surrounded himself with are. He thinks he has a communication problem, not one of policy or method of governance. And his solution to his inability to govern is, it seems, to revert entirely to campaign mode by bringing in David Pfouffle to advise him. What say you all, has he already surpassed Jimmy Carter in obtuseness?

ProfessorMiao on January 24, 2010 at 9:06 AM

Now Obama is feeling feisty says Axelrod.

Well here’s our response (or at least the response from them who didn’t know who you were from the beginning!)
America Rising – new video

Christian Conservative on January 24, 2010 at 9:09 AM

“Everybody can drive a truck” (50% with only 10 votes)

Some one get the license number of that truck that just ran over the Democrat Party. The “truck” is the rejection of Obama’s outrageous spending policies and the government’s attempt to take over the healtcare industry.

And “the truck” is just warming up!

(I’ll wager Joe the Plumber drives a truck.)

Rovin on January 24, 2010 at 9:10 AM

I really think it was him saying that the same sentiments that elected Scott Brown elected him last year. In effect blaming Bush for Coakley’s loss.

I guess that’s not really an Obamateurism, it’s Obamainsanity.

zmdavid on January 24, 2010 at 9:10 AM

Don’t diss trucks, it’s hard on poll numbers.

ted c on January 24, 2010 at 9:10 AM

truck, but the argument he didn’t get enough face time is pretty good.

rob verdi on January 24, 2010 at 9:11 AM

“Maybe you’re not listening and I gotta explain myself again” (must be read in Italian mobster accent, menacingly tapping baseball bat into palm~courtesy of Glenn Beck).

RepubChica on January 24, 2010 at 9:14 AM

Obama; The “sham-wow” of U.S. Presidents.

Cybergeezer on January 24, 2010 at 9:16 AM

The more media exposure President Oprah gets, the more blame for America’s he’ll accumulate. By all means, you dolt, saturate the airwaves.

OhioCoastie on January 24, 2010 at 9:16 AM

The truck, the best part is that after Tuesday night Ogabe was asking “did anyone get the license number off that truck that hit me”

conservnut on January 24, 2010 at 9:16 AM

I hope Bob McDonnell makes a truck joke in his response to the SOTU.

Wethal on January 24, 2010 at 9:17 AM

We need to photoshop Maobama wearing a trucker hat. In upcoming elections, “Everybody can drive a truck” will be the theme of GOP campaign commercials. What a clueless idiot.

Philly on January 24, 2010 at 9:17 AM

Some one get the license number of that truck that just ran over the Democrat Party. The “truck” is the rejection of Obama’s outrageous spending policies and the government’s attempt to take over the healtcare industry.

And “the truck” is just warming up!

(I’ll wager Joe the Plumber drives a truck.)

Rovin on January 24, 2010 at 9:10 AM

Dang, you beat me!

conservnut on January 24, 2010 at 9:17 AM

You needed one more choice, since they were all inter-related, “all of the above”.

bflat879 on January 24, 2010 at 9:18 AM

Obama always provides a few really tough choices each week.
Have to go with His poor performance is because we haven’t seen/heard from him enough, but the truck was a winner also.

kathleen on January 24, 2010 at 9:18 AM

For me it was even a hint that we don’t see or hear enough of the president. I am so sick of him.

Cindy Munford on January 24, 2010 at 9:19 AM

The truck, the best part is that after Tuesday night Ogabe was asking “did anyone get the license number off that truck that hit me”

conservnut on January 24, 2010 at 9:16 AM

lol…the truck was my second choice.

RepubChica on January 24, 2010 at 9:19 AM

Truck you Obama.

Gibbs on FNS says the Mass vote was a show of support for Obama’s agenda. Huh?

Key West Reader on January 24, 2010 at 9:19 AM

Keep trucking that chicken!

Coronagold on January 24, 2010 at 9:21 AM

Brown took that opportunity to slam the president on government spending..

“Mr. President, unfortunately in this economy, not everybody can buy a truck,” Brown said in a statement. “My goal is to change that by cutting spending, lowering taxes and letting people keep more of their own money.”

Glad I followed the link. Didn’t know Brown had responded. Now that’s what I call feisty.

RepubChica on January 24, 2010 at 9:23 AM

Keep on trucking up Obama.

canditaylor68 on January 24, 2010 at 9:23 AM

Obama’s statement about not having enough media exposure went farther than Ed’s summary. He was saying that the people didn’t “get it”. I think it’s a milestone in that Obama actually admitted that he’d done something less than perfect, although in his view his error was in not assuming that the population at large is as stupid as he’d always assumed before.

Sowell Disciple on January 24, 2010 at 9:23 AM

Truck you farley, go in your own jackyard and back off and see how your feter peels.

ted c on January 24, 2010 at 9:25 AM

To Truck: To engage in activity normal or customary amongst most Americans. Also, political term used to describe something used to tag your opponent as out of touch with the voters, as in “Scott Brown ‘trucked’ Martha Coakley”.

Sapwolf on January 24, 2010 at 9:26 AM

Truck you, Obummer!

ladyingray on January 24, 2010 at 9:26 AM

sure, the residents of the White House live in a glass bubble. but don’t they ever read the Polls? watch FNC to see what “the other side” is saying about them?

isnt that stupid?

kelley in virginia on January 24, 2010 at 9:27 AM

So he thinks he doesn’t give enough speeches, huh? The problem with his speeches is not that he doesn’t give enough of them. The problem he has is, well, Joe Wison told him exactly what his problem is.

backwoods conservative on January 24, 2010 at 9:27 AM

Cybergeezer, Don’t dis Sham-Wows like that! They are the greatest things in the world for wicking water off of a wet dog…I can have a soaking wet lab completely dry in about 5 minutes.

My vote for the OOTW? “I guess I need to be on tv all the time instead of most of the time so you morons will finally get it.”

Chewy the Lab on January 24, 2010 at 9:28 AM

YOU FORGOT…. People still hated Bush so they voted for Republican Brown.

“The same thing that swept Scott Brown into office swept me into office.”

That’s MY PICK.

kevinkristy on January 24, 2010 at 9:31 AM

this line in Plouffes wapo oped:

We must also show real leadership by passing some politically difficult measures to help stabilize the economy in the short term. Voters are always smarter than they are given credit for.

means they are coming for our Social Security Gen X! gird thyself!

and scarborough is worried the tea party is over HA! With Plouffe back all the personal nasty attack style from the primary is back

and when they try to cut our SS I am sure we will find a few million pixxed Americans

ginaswo on January 24, 2010 at 9:31 AM

How much more face time does he want to give us???? UNBELIEVABLE I just cringe when I hear or see any time on TV

xler8bmw on January 24, 2010 at 9:32 AM

Although I’d vote for the truck, I thought his now-a-habit of showing up in a business suit, white shirt but no tie to be a very odd idea of “casual.” Wonder if all the snakry comments about his mom jeans got to him. Perhaps he should call the woman who helped dress Algore in earth tones.

Wethal on January 24, 2010 at 9:33 AM

yeah it takes a real SOOPERGEEENIUS like Obama to pivot from health care medicare cuts to cutting Social Security and raising taxes to reduce the deficit

a real political geeenius is this Obama

BWAAAAAAAHAAAA!!!

ginaswo on January 24, 2010 at 9:33 AM

What makes Obowmao’s belief he didn’t get enough face time more ludicrous is that Pelosi, Reid, and countless other Dems made up for any ‘lack’. So did O’s MSM cheerleaders.

The real fact is, the airwaves have been saturated with the Dems’ push on health control.

Oh, we ‘got it’ all right, which is why the public at large doesn’t want it!

Liam on January 24, 2010 at 9:33 AM

I was going to vote for the Americans are stoopit choice, but I already assumed that Maobama thinks most of us are unwashed bitter clingers anyway. Typical elitist mentality.

Philly on January 24, 2010 at 9:35 AM

Cybergeezer, Don’t dis Sham-Wows like that! They are the greatest things in the world for wicking water off of a wet dog…I can have a soaking wet lab completely dry in about 5 minutes.
Chewy the Lab on January 24, 2010 at 9:28 AM

OK how about Scam-Wow!

Christian Conservative on January 24, 2010 at 9:36 AM

we all say unflattering things about polls, especially when we don’t agree with them, but can’t someone in the WH read them?

the polls should a marked decline in Bambi’s popularity which tracks exactly with America’s feeling on Obamacare.

so why would the WH want to “fight harder” for Obamacare?

kelley in virginia on January 24, 2010 at 9:38 AM

also, what is a “jobs bill”. won’t that cost money? why not a tax cut? won’t that help families & perhaps stimulate the economy?

ok, I’m just an idjit living in rural America. I have Bibles & guns. probably more guns than Bibles.

kelley in virginia on January 24, 2010 at 9:39 AM

I, for one, haven’t seen enough of him.

I guess it because I am so slow, mentally challenged, obtuse, inarticulate and just plain dumb to fully grasp the superior intelligence of his nibs.

tru2tx on January 24, 2010 at 9:40 AM

Everybody can buy a truck and everybody eats arugula.
Snob.

kingsjester on January 24, 2010 at 9:43 AM

The Caliph is Jimmy Carters’ dream come true.

FINALLY……after nearly 30 years someone comes along that makes Carter look like a genius!!!

PappyD61 on January 24, 2010 at 9:44 AM

I went with “…he didn’t get enough public face time…”, but I think there could have been another choice (with additional commentary by Mark Steyn):

“The same thing that swept Scott Brown into office swept me into office,” said Obama. “People are angry and they’re frustrated, not just because of what’s happened in the last year or two years but what’s happened over the last eight years.”

Got it. People are so angry and frustrated at George W. Bush that they’re voting for Republicans. In Massachusetts. Boy, I can’t wait for that 159th interview.

Presumably, the president isn’t stupid enough actually to believe what he said. But it’s dispiriting to discover he’s stupid enough to think we’re stupid enough to believe it.

Pazman on January 24, 2010 at 9:45 AM

I went truck because it once again shows how stupid he really is, especially once he’s off TOTUS. But I think the Obamateurism of the Year has already occurred with him going to Massachusetts in the first place – he is now radioactive to other campaigns this year – watch candidates back away from his support.

PatMac on January 24, 2010 at 9:47 AM

I went with “…he didn’t get enough public face time…”, but I think there could have been another choice (with additional commentary by Mark Steyn):

Pazman on January 24, 2010 at 9:45 AM

My choice too. And we can never have enough commentary by Mark Steyn.

CarolynM on January 24, 2010 at 9:48 AM

why not a tax cut?

kelley in virginia on January 24, 2010 at 9:39 AM

Those are the only two words–other than ‘bad polling’–in our language that can make a Liberal politician’s blood run cold.

RepubChica on January 24, 2010 at 9:49 AM

ok, I’m just an idjit living in rural America. I have Bibles & guns. probably more guns than Bibles.

kelley in virginia on January 24, 2010 at 9:39 AM

Well, yea. Who needs like 80 Bibles?

MikeA on January 24, 2010 at 9:51 AM

“If only I had more face time with the American public…” LOL!! Classic!

Caper29 on January 24, 2010 at 9:52 AM

Ed! are you just so excited about the Vikes playing the Saints today that you can turn on the comments button for Doc Zero’s headline post?

yeah, I’m thrilled about the Vikings, too, but…

kelley in virginia on January 24, 2010 at 9:53 AM

It’s not so much the statement that he didn’t get enough face time as the insinuation that the American people are too stupid to get it unless he explains it more thoroughly. We get it, Mr. Zero. We just don’t want it.

stvnscott on January 24, 2010 at 9:54 AM

“You people are too stupid so I gotta tell you again” (see Steyn’s take on this) reveals the fundamental problem with this fool and his ‘educated’ administration.
However, I had to go with the Truck because it’s such a good soundbite to pummel these idiots with.

2ipa on January 24, 2010 at 9:57 AM

I hope Bob McDonnell makes a truck joke in his response to the SOTU.

Wethal on January 24, 2010 at 9:17 AM

He should make the speech standing in the bed of Scott Brown’s truck.

TXUS on January 24, 2010 at 9:57 AM

Anybody that thinks I do not support them because I do not know what my own core values are is demonstrating major signs of narcissism. This guy is a danger to someone. Hopefully only himself.

cobrakai99 on January 24, 2010 at 10:02 AM

The Truck. It’s such a mask-slipping moment for Obama – and not for the fact that he ridicules a particular vehicle, but for the statement that everyone can drive one. The implicit assertion that our elected representatives should be part of a group of elite overlords, and not come from the everyday people they represent, demonstrates his epic disdain for the hoi polloi and his perception of the office he holds as one of rulership rather than public servant.

swash_plate on January 24, 2010 at 10:03 AM

Obama to sic Tim Geithner on federal-contractor tax cheats

This, and Obama’s “let’s tax those big bad banks” was the WH’s feeble attempt to throw up a smokescreen over the total rejection of ObamaCare, and the reckless spending policies destroying this nation’s fiscal responsibility.

No campaign speech,(more face time), or his rhetorical populist message designed to create a typical class warfare i.e. the middle class/disadvantaged vs. corporations, will resonate as long as these utopian spending policies continue with a total partisan agenda.

As Rod Serling used to say, “there’s a signpost ahead—next stop, the Twilight Zone”. Serling was describing another reality. Apparently, so is Obama and his liberal progressive machine, who continue to ignore the will of the people.

Rovin on January 24, 2010 at 10:04 AM

So, according to Obama, “everybody can drive a truck.” Obama should set the example and drive to future speaking engagements in one similar to this: Trucked-up.

ReagansRight on January 24, 2010 at 10:05 AM

Let me explain it one more time to you truck driving idiots.

texanpride on January 24, 2010 at 10:06 AM

Ed! are you just so excited about the Vikes playing the Saints today that you can turn on the comments button for Doc Zero’s headline post?

yeah, I’m thrilled about the Vikings, too, but…

kelley in virginia on January 24, 2010 at 9:53 AM

Click on the headline itself and you’ll see the comments. It’s always that way with the green ones.

backwoods conservative on January 24, 2010 at 10:07 AM

TXUS @ 9:57
surrounded by Gadsen Flags

elclynn on January 24, 2010 at 10:10 AM

Gibbs on Fox News Sunday.

What a phony liar.

BuckeyeSam on January 24, 2010 at 10:11 AM

“You people are too stupid so I gotta tell you again” (see Steyn’s take on this) reveals the fundamental problem with this fool and his ‘educated’ administration.
However, I had to go with the Truck because it’s such a good soundbite to pummel these idiots with.

2ipa on January 24, 2010 at 9:57 AM

It was even one step beyond this. This is the quote (emphasis mine).

“If there’s one thing that I regret this year is that we were so busy just getting stuff done and dealing with the immediate crises that were in front of us that I think we lost some of that sense of speaking directly to the American people about what their core values are and why we have to make sure those institutions are matching up with those values,” The man is either so arogant he beleives he can tell Americans what their core values are or his speach writters are that badand meant to say “talk to the American people about their core values and making institutions that match up with them.” However, even the rewrite infers that big brother will take care of everything, which does not reflect my core values.

cobrakai99 on January 24, 2010 at 10:12 AM

close quotes….argh.

cobrakai99 on January 24, 2010 at 10:13 AM

If Obama were man enough to drive a truck, his dash mounted GPS would look just like a cute miniature version of his favorite teleprompter.

(hint: it is the one on his left.)

ReagansRight on January 24, 2010 at 10:13 AM

can we pick two or three this week?

poppieseeds on January 24, 2010 at 10:14 AM

Obama should set the example and drive to future speaking engagements in one similar to this: Trucked-up.

ReagansRight on January 24, 2010 at 10:05 AM

I am sure that is the picture he had in mind, of us flyover bitter clinger yokles, when he made that statement.

cobrakai99 on January 24, 2010 at 10:15 AM

Because we’ll really understand Obama’s “message” if we see & hear him more. /

conservative pilgrim on January 24, 2010 at 10:16 AM

Let me explain it one more time to you truck driving idiots.

texanpride on January 24, 2010 at 10:06 AM

Isn’t this another dig at Booooooosh?

conservative pilgrim on January 24, 2010 at 10:17 AM

President and Dems got hit with a Mac Truck.

yoda on January 24, 2010 at 10:18 AM

OT: Matthews at it again on his Sunday show. Discussing what he described as “White Flight” in America, why white people are fleeing this president more than any other president.

I was going to say unbelievable, but remembered it’s SOP for Chrissy.

fogw on January 24, 2010 at 10:18 AM

cobrakai99 on January 24, 2010 at 10:15 AM

Good point. Sadly, I agree.

ReagansRight on January 24, 2010 at 10:19 AM

I have real trouble imagining where this train wreck ends but I am confident it’s gonna be something to behold…and we have never seen it before…

winston on January 24, 2010 at 10:19 AM

Vote is close this week. First tie?

jeanie on January 24, 2010 at 10:19 AM

Can anyone check rasmussen today? I can’t access thru blackberry. Curious if he dropped again today? Thanks!!

Key West Reader on January 24, 2010 at 10:19 AM

People are unhappy with Obama’s performance because he didn’t get enough public face time to explain himself

So difficult to choose from the 5 big amateurisms, but I chose this one after reading Steyn’s brilliant essay on the topic.

jgapinoy on January 24, 2010 at 10:21 AM

Vote is close this week. First tie?

jeanie on January 24, 2010 at 10:19 AM

The First Tie hasn’t been seen in public lately. :)

backwoods conservative on January 24, 2010 at 10:22 AM

I’m with poppieseeds – choosing only one is becoming more and more difficult as Barry’s reign continues. Maybe we could have a choice for multiples or all of the above as suggested by other readers. A wealth of embarrassments from our elitist-in-chief.

Philly on January 24, 2010 at 10:27 AM

Now is a good time to check in with James Simpson’s thesis and see if he is closer to correct or further away.

Keep your eye on the ball, people.

Can anyone check rasmussen today? I can’t access thru blackberry. Curious if he dropped again today? Thanks!!

Key West Reader on January 24, 2010 at 10:19 AM

-17 today, up two since yesterday.

turfmann on January 24, 2010 at 10:32 AM

Tough choice, but the truck comments just show his real distain for the majority of Americans. Kinda worried to see what the market does monday. On a happier note WHODAT!

LSUMama on January 24, 2010 at 10:34 AM

Tough one this week! Every week.

ctmom on January 24, 2010 at 10:37 AM

Thank u turf!

Key West Reader on January 24, 2010 at 10:37 AM

“Everybody can drive buy a truck.”

Fixed it for ya!

Brown’s bull’s eyc response of “Mr. President….not everybody can buy a truck in this economy….” illustrates the key to his election – always ready with a classy – and true – response!

DINORight on January 24, 2010 at 10:38 AM

Isn’t this another dig at Booooooosh?

conservative pilgrim on January 24, 2010 at 10:17 AM

Apparently their only strategery.

2ipa on January 24, 2010 at 10:39 AM

Truck you Obama.

Key West Reader on January 24, 2010 at 9:19 AM

THAT t-shirt could make you rich. Just sayin’.

Yoop on January 24, 2010 at 10:42 AM

Face time!
Ha, I’m getting good at this!

Open The Door on January 24, 2010 at 10:45 AM

Poor barry, not enough Face Time!

Geochelone on January 24, 2010 at 10:49 AM

I’m guessing Barry has never been in a truck or until he called Brown spoke with anyone who had ever been in a truck. Ignorance of trucks is no excuse. The Truck.

JohnBissell on January 24, 2010 at 10:58 AM

I have real trouble imagining where this train wreck ends but I am confident it’s gonna be something to behold…and we have never seen it before…

winston on January 24, 2010 at 10:19 AM

This wreck is going to be so spectacular and historic that Gordon Lightfoot will probably write a song about it:

“The Wreck of the Barack Obama”

The legend lives on from the Democrats on down
Of the big fake they called Barack Obama
The congress, it is said, never gave up their dread
of When the votes of November were their karma.

…

Yoop on January 24, 2010 at 11:00 AM

tough choices once again…arrogance abounds throughout…went with #4..not enough facetime? please

cmsinaz on January 24, 2010 at 11:01 AM

Sarah drives a truck.

Kissmygrits on January 24, 2010 at 11:03 AM

Dear President Obama:

I have a truck. I use it for moving large objects from one place to another, hauling deer out of the timber, pulling my boat, hauling my coyote and turkey hunting equipment to the field, and other such jobs. I have never used it to impress anyone, or make some political point. Most of my friends have a truck, and they use it for the same reasons as I do. Thank you for proving again, that you have no idea about average Americans or their lives.

Sincerely,
Joe the pickup owner.

kam582 on January 24, 2010 at 11:04 AM

Let’s face it, Barry’s stuck on stupid.

GarandFan on January 24, 2010 at 11:07 AM

As he loses more and more the Obamaturism are going to get more and more wild.

I think Obama is on the door stop of failing…again.

jukin on January 24, 2010 at 11:09 AM

OT: Watching FNS this morning. Wallace questioning guests on the upcoming vote to reconfirm Bernanke. As bad as he’s been, I shutter to think of who President Azzclown would nominate instead…I hope the Republicans go with the strategy of “the devil you know.”
Would love to see a thread on here dealing with that topic. I think if they dump Bennie boy overboard, the markets will go (even more)into direct free fall and the republicans will be the ones to suffer…haven’t they learned the lesson about over-reaching from the Dems?

Chewy the Lab on January 24, 2010 at 11:09 AM

Chewy the Lab on January 24, 2010 at 11:09 AM

You have an excellent point there.

Rovin on January 24, 2010 at 11:21 AM

kam582 on January 24, 2010 at 11:04 AM

Same here, bro. But I must admit to an added benefit of truck ownership: pissing off libs in their little Priuses as you fly by them. You can just hear them cussing you as a knuckle dragging bitter clinger. Doesn’t get better than that.

TXUS on January 24, 2010 at 11:22 AM

I’m happy for you Obama, and I am gonna let you finish, but Jimmy Carter was the worst President of all time

/
Best Kanye impression

nyx on January 24, 2010 at 11:22 AM

The truck comment is going to stick on him.

forest on January 24, 2010 at 11:26 AM

I have real trouble imagining where this train wreck ends but I am confident it’s gonna be something to behold…and we have never seen it before…

winston on January 24, 2010 at 10:19 AM

This wreck is going to be so spectacular and historic that Gordon Lightfoot will probably write a song about it.

Yoop on January 24, 2010 at 11:00 AM

I dread the wreck that is going to pass. Narcissus Unleashed is not a pleasant experience for anyone.

nyx on January 24, 2010 at 11:28 AM

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