White House: No, we’re not going to have regular Question Time sessions
posted at 7:14 pm on February 3, 2010 by Allahpundit
Yeah, there was a petition, but all the signatories were pundits and bloggers. Whom you really shouldn’t be listening to, you know.
Smart politics, but I weep for the loss of the video content that might have been.
Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton relayed the news during Wednesday’s briefing, calling the idea of standardizing “question time” good in concept but impractical in practice.
“David Axelrod has talked about this a little,” Burton said. “And what he had to say is: part of the reason Friday was so successful with the GOP conference was the spontaneity that occurred there. And it is going to be hard to recreate the spontaneity that happened.”
Burton added that the president “thinks that there is space for more open dialogue, and he is going to look for more opportunities to do things on camera and have open discussions on important issues.” But it was clear that the administration is not willing to incorporate a British-parliament-style Q&A session into American governance.
What incentive does The One have to do this again? If he wants airtime, he can get it in a thousand ways that don’t involve sharing the spotlight with otherwise invisible Republicans like Paul Ryan. Plus, the GOP wouldn’t let him get away next time with what he got away with last week, where the optics practically guaranteed that Obama would come out looking like the winner. No more O alone onstage while Republicans bark questions off-camera in the audience, sometimes so inaudibly that it sounded like Obama was giving a monologue. The only conceivable reason to revive this from the White House’s standpoint is if they finally decide that the “party of no” thing isn’t really hurting the GOP — which it isn’t — and that a stronger line of attack would be to push Republican proposals in front of the public and have Obama dissect them as unworkable. That might convince a few indies that the GOP isn’t ready for primetime yet, which could mean the difference between keeping and losing the House. But given the certainty that Republican questioners would be better prepared going forward, if you were The One, would you risk it?
Exit question: Why would it be hard to “recreate the spontaneity” of a session where Republicans lob questions at a Democratic president?
Blowback
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Tell it like it is Daddy Obama.
Electrongod on February 3, 2010 at 7:17 PM
Bummer.
Would have been awesome to implement a UK-style question time here.
nickj116 on February 3, 2010 at 7:17 PM
It’s almost as if he doesn’t want to answer questions, but would rather attack invisible enemies and sling partisan jabs at his political opponents while pretending he’s “bipartisan.”
Good Lt on February 3, 2010 at 7:19 PM
When’s that White House C-Span transparency kicking in?
Fletch54 on February 3, 2010 at 7:19 PM
Cause TOTUS won’t have spontaneous answers for widdle barry?
OmahaConservative on February 3, 2010 at 7:20 PM
Obama’s already done far more than any of his predecessors in this regard.
He owes us nothing.
Palin Steele on February 3, 2010 at 7:20 PM
Obama is probably afraid something like this would happen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpZhugomNJE
Complete7 on February 3, 2010 at 7:22 PM
PBHO aged five years during his last open-mike bit, he can’t afford to do that again.
Bishop on February 3, 2010 at 7:22 PM
From the Dept. of Redundancy Dept.
Was this Burton or the HuffPo “writer”? It reminds me of a liberal saying about Iraq, “If you go this way, it’s a quagmire. If you go that way it’s a quagmire. Wherever you go, it’s a quagmire.” To paraphrase The Precedent (but using it correctly, as opposed to his abuse) ‘What do you think a quagmire is?!’
neurosculptor on February 3, 2010 at 7:23 PM
Spontaneity and the TOTUS.
Birds of a feather.
nico on February 3, 2010 at 7:23 PM
Palin Steele you need to tell Obama that the pubs still don’t have 41 votes…what is he waiting for dupe?
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:23 PM
Bill Burton is a meathead….my apologies to the meathead that hangs out here.
d1carter on February 3, 2010 at 7:24 PM
No just have a republican meeting going on and have Zero unexpectedly show up with his lap dogs.
I think if it ever happens again the republicans are going to hit him with much harder questions. Pretty soon the republicans should ask Zero why are you still blaming us and Bush. You had the votes for a year to do whatever you wanted. You can’t blame us.
Brat4life on February 3, 2010 at 7:24 PM
Confirmed siting of banned idiot getalige/g0tmylifeback!
daesleeper on February 3, 2010 at 7:26 PM
Axelrod, you might want to apply that insight to 2012. The spontaneity of Obama’s rise past Hillary with the Kiddie Krusade of Obots chanting “yes, we can” cannot be repeated. Tha magic is gone. The kids have finished college and are staring at debts and job prospects in obama’s economy.
Wethal on February 3, 2010 at 7:27 PM
Brat and he and his Dem brethren had control for the two years before that in congress.
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:27 PM
What exactly has he done? Gitmo is still open, healthcare is DOA, crap and tax will not pass.
The only thing the Boy King has accomplished are endless campaign speeches, spent us into oblivion and traveling around the world like a jetsetter, bowing to just about everyone he meets.
What has he accomplished???
Knucklehead on February 3, 2010 at 7:27 PM
FIFY
Rovin on February 3, 2010 at 7:27 PM
Turn off your TV’s and computers!
Stop learning any fresh facts!
Close your damnable ears!
Also Sprach Obamathustra!
profitsbeard on February 3, 2010 at 7:27 PM
Actually he does. You are an idiot.
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:27 PM
He is a coward, and waiting for someone else to make the decision for him…
Seven Percent Solution on February 3, 2010 at 7:28 PM
Who serves who? Did I miss something in my public school system again?
Electrongod on February 3, 2010 at 7:29 PM
He’s supplied Morrissey with tons of Obamateurisms
Rovin on February 3, 2010 at 7:29 PM
Considering PBHO’s string of broken promises, I’d say he owes quite a few people something.
Bishop on February 3, 2010 at 7:29 PM
he’s not a coward.
he already had a Q&A where he spanked the republicans like schoolchildren.
He can’t be expected to babysit every month now.
He has responsibilies…you know, like fixing the economy.
Palin Steele on February 3, 2010 at 7:30 PM
John Boehner:
http://gopleader.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=168603
10 Things Americans should know about the budget
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:30 PM
Un-Presidented.
portlandon on February 3, 2010 at 7:31 PM
And Dr. K did a great smackdown on good old Bill tonight and pretty much called him stupid and dangerous.
Knucklehead on February 3, 2010 at 7:31 PM
I thought you guys were against spanking?
deidre on February 3, 2010 at 7:32 PM
OF COURSE he doesn’t want to answer questions!!!!
alwyr on February 3, 2010 at 7:32 PM
did you remind him the Pubs do not have 41 votes? he is a coward.
you keep telling yourself he spanked them when in fact he looked weak . as usual you leftards rewrite history and you have the major networks , cnn, and MSNBC to carry your water.
He is ruining the economy. Unemployment is out of control and he said it would not get above 8 percent..yeh nice work.
How old are you anyway? Seriously you appear brain damaged.
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:34 PM
only against real children.
Palin Steele on February 3, 2010 at 7:34 PM
Well obviously you know not what you speak and didn’t watch.
He’s had a whole year to fix the economy. Epic fail from my window.
And please, check your spelling trollboy.
Knucklehead on February 3, 2010 at 7:35 PM
Too bad. I actually think it would have been pretty cool. And it would have played to Obama’s strengths.
crr6 on February 3, 2010 at 7:35 PM
too bad reality disagrees with you and agrees with me that Obama spanked the pubs.
my age is none of your business.
Palin Steele on February 3, 2010 at 7:35 PM
Per John Boehner-
President Obama’s budget borrows too much from our kids and grandkids. Under the President’s budget, the federal government will run up a record budget deficit of $1.6 trillion in fiscal year 2010. Deficits never fall below $700 billion, never fall below 3.6% of GDP, and end the decade at more than $1 trillion. The national debt would double over five years and triple by FY2019 from FY2008 levels. Paying the interest on this debt would set American taxpayers back roughly $6 trillion over the next decade.
Nice work Obama- gee thanks./
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:35 PM
The less we hear from the Chicago Jesus the better, IMO. Nothing would be the ideal amount, in fact.
I will happily tune in when it’s Question Time in a federal courtroom for defendant Osama Obama.
MrScribbler on February 3, 2010 at 7:36 PM
You really seem mentally challenged as your prose attests.
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:36 PM
epic fail? EPIC FAIL?!!!
He already saved us from the brink of disaster and a much worse depression. Ask that conservative appointed Paulson, woncha?
Palin Steele on February 3, 2010 at 7:36 PM
Oh, but the straw children it’s okay?
deidre on February 3, 2010 at 7:36 PM
God knows there are not many? Helping Dems win elections ain’t one of them now is it?
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:37 PM
I am going to get Surly with D.C.– I called 2 times today — Tired of corruption “in my face Politicians “–
wheels on February 3, 2010 at 7:37 PM
TREASON!!!
Palin Steele on February 3, 2010 at 7:37 PM
Bowing? Spending? Lying? Deceiving? Blaming?
daesleeper on February 3, 2010 at 7:37 PM
Time for a cracker Polly.
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:37 PM
Why not start with the Community Reinvestment Act…
… or would going to the heart of the matter be above his pay grade?
Coward!
Seven Percent Solution on February 3, 2010 at 7:37 PM
Man your funny. Do you do childrens birthday parties too?
PappaMac on February 3, 2010 at 7:38 PM
Please explain. You don’t even know the meaning. Too much.
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:38 PM
That was Bush with TARP I.
/runs and hides
daesleeper on February 3, 2010 at 7:38 PM
Perhaps the WH could invite the grand daughter of a GOP donor to ask the President “why are those people so mean??”
kringeesmom on February 3, 2010 at 7:38 PM
Hmmm bringing home a real agreement in Copenhagen ain’t one of them
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:39 PM
Man, we are lousy with trolls tonight…
OmahaConservative on February 3, 2010 at 7:39 PM
Cap and Trade…where did it go? So much leadership. Not
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:40 PM
ROFLMAO!!!!!
capejasmine on February 3, 2010 at 7:41 PM
Complaining about the pubs obstructing congress. Now that is a strength. Psss they still only have 40 votes in the Senate. Maybe you should tell Obama.
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:41 PM
Spending. That is one we can agree on.
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:41 PM
Holder has them working the night shift. LOL
capejasmine on February 3, 2010 at 7:41 PM
Sheesh, how come?
Obama said at the Question Time he was “having fun.”
Because they know the session with the Dems was an epic staged, boring flop.
marybel on February 3, 2010 at 7:41 PM
Yeah! When does he start?
PappaMac on February 3, 2010 at 7:41 PM
What the hell do you people want, TRANSPARENCY? Heh, good luck with that, chumps!
GarandFan on February 3, 2010 at 7:41 PM
omg roflmao!!!!
C’mere. I have lots more kool aid for ya! ;)
capejasmine on February 3, 2010 at 7:43 PM
No, artfully picking apart your talking points.
crr6 on February 3, 2010 at 7:43 PM
Surely not the security issue.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/12/29/politics/main6035433.shtml
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:43 PM
Is anybody gonna tell it who was president when TARP was passed?
Joe Caps on February 3, 2010 at 7:43 PM
He’s already by far the most transparent president.
With whitehouse.gov, multiple press sessions, Obama let’s everyone see what goes on behind the scene.
Palin Steele on February 3, 2010 at 7:43 PM
Yeh Bowing . there ya go.
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:44 PM
I take it you’re from Cornwall in the U.K.
And eat a lot of Bream.
The only thing Obama ever spanked was the monkey.
Which has been the entire first year of his Administration.
profitsbeard on February 3, 2010 at 7:44 PM
And bringing the troops home.
And closing Gitmo.
And stopping Predator attacks in which civilians are sometimes killed.
And stopping terrorist attacks.
And And And And
Bishop on February 3, 2010 at 7:44 PM
From the story above…
’cause God knows he hasn’t been on camera enough.
massrighty on February 3, 2010 at 7:45 PM
Trashing his own country while abroad? Yeh Strength
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:45 PM
Stop, my sides are hurting. bbbbbwwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!
PappaMac on February 3, 2010 at 7:45 PM
Vexed question…the Q&A session was not “spontaneous” in any sense of the word.
What prevents this in the minds of the Obami is that THE ONE would be put on the spot…that is, be obliged to provide recorded answers…to harder and harder questions.
It would be a transparent (we like that word, don’t we?) session before the people of the US, where THE ONE would answer to the people’s representatives.
He couldn’t get away with the lie-fest he conducted today before the Dimocrats.
We can’t have that, can we…???
Ragspierre on February 3, 2010 at 7:45 PM
Oooooooooh yeah! It was so cool to see that closed door meeting with the unions. You remember. The one where they got the tax exemption for their cadillac insurance plans. I’m so glad he shared that with the American citizens. LMAO
capejasmine on February 3, 2010 at 7:45 PM
LOL! I thought it was a birthday gift to me, and here I am on a troll-hunting cease-fire tonight. Day-um.
OmahaConservative on February 3, 2010 at 7:45 PM
The Emperor has no balls.
HornetSting on February 3, 2010 at 7:45 PM
Essentially doing away with earmarks as promised and ensuring the health care debate would be on CSPAN….
Oh wait a minute. Forget those.
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:46 PM
How did he save us from the brink of disaster? Please explain.
From where I sit, the Chicago Jesus is driving us to brink of disaster by spending like a loon.
Do you spend money to get out of debt, or does your mommy pay off your bills?
Knucklehead on February 3, 2010 at 7:46 PM
I won’t address someone who can’t address our President with respect.
Palin Steele on February 3, 2010 at 7:47 PM
Gift buying for foreign dignitaries. Uh nope. What an idiot.
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:47 PM
ROFL!!!
capejasmine on February 3, 2010 at 7:47 PM
Could you imagine the One having to answer a question about the economy posed by Jazz or Glenn??? For cryin’ out loud he won’t even go on Cavuto.
kringeesmom on February 3, 2010 at 7:47 PM
Ummm I think you just did?
And was this a point of contention for you, when Bush was being hurled with abuse right, left, and center?
capejasmine on February 3, 2010 at 7:48 PM
Bet you led the way when Bush was in charge/
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:49 PM
Hello Ellie Light ..
and BTW he is not transparent, he is thin skinned
macncheez on February 3, 2010 at 7:49 PM
Love it
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:49 PM
Are you the toolbox that was kicked off Ace’s site for being an idiot?
HornetSting on February 3, 2010 at 7:50 PM
Ahhhh, can’t answer.
Sorry, but the President has no respect for me, nor you.
Knucklehead on February 3, 2010 at 7:50 PM
Was it Levin or Rush, can’t remember, who highlighted that President Barack Hussein Obama had something like 26 days last year that didn’t include a speech or talk to a gathering.
Bishop on February 3, 2010 at 7:51 PM
Getting us out of wars. nah.
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:51 PM
Gaining consensus after a landslide victory (lol)
Uh no
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:52 PM
OK. This person is just playing around. Most transparent Prez. yeah right. What did he say in the SOTUA, he must not have explained himself good enough? Everything that you call transparency was generated for you. The rest of us look at his actions to understand who he is.
Electrongod on February 3, 2010 at 7:52 PM
Being the ‘Belle of the Ball’ now that hope and change are in charge?
Nope.
They still HATE US!
HornetSting on February 3, 2010 at 7:52 PM
I don’t have ‘talking points’ you collectivist cretin. I’m just a citizen who reads, works, and wants to be LEFT THE F*** ALONE by the idiotic wasteful government.
You on the other hand, display what a glittering jewel of ignorance you are every time you heave your corpus up to a keyboard.
Seriously get a clue kid.
daesleeper on February 3, 2010 at 7:52 PM
Good for Obama. The President is not a member of Congress and should not act like a Prime Minister just to make good television. Instituting this as a job requirement would be like bawling out the Supreme Court to their faces at a State of the Union.
Chris_Balsz on February 3, 2010 at 7:52 PM
If I’m not mistaken, it was 29 days.
Knucklehead on February 3, 2010 at 7:52 PM
Oh damn. You were soooo close to moving to the grown up table.
You better go sit back down there on the floor. Make sure you don’t move off the newspapers and get the carpet dirty.
PappaMac on February 3, 2010 at 7:52 PM
Accepting Nobel prizes. Ok I will give him that one.
CWforFreedom on February 3, 2010 at 7:53 PM
Yep~dumbest president evah.
I think only YOU have ‘behind the scene’ access with your backstage pass to obama’s teleprompter……
HornetSting on February 3, 2010 at 7:54 PM
Lying and blind ideology…
+7%!
Seven Percent Solution on February 3, 2010 at 7:54 PM
That wouldn’t be the little disaster the TARP IG said was only delayed and would seriously bite us in the future would it? That also wouldn’t be the anemic 1.9% GDP jobless economy predicted by the CBO based on the submitted budget would it? Yeah he has really done a stellar job hasn’t he. Time for you to smoke some more of that outstanding banana peels your using.
chemman on February 3, 2010 at 7:54 PM
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