One would think that Barack Obama would have learned a lesson about microphones always being live after his conversation with Nicolas Sarkozy about Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu got reported all over the world.  The answer to that is … nyet.  Obama’s conversation with Dmitri Medvedev wasn’t just a diplomatic embarrassment this time, but a political disaster that reminded US voters why they need to fear an Obama second term:

President Obama: On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this, this can be solved but it’s important for him to give me space.

President Medvedev: Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you…

President Obama: This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility.

President Medvedev: I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir.

Talk about handing a weapon to one’s opponents!  The Obama campaign seemed poised to use the Etch-a-Sketch comment against Mitt Romney if he won the GOP nomination, but that’s out the window now.  The RNC had a campaign ad cut before the end of the business day:

Thanks, President Obama, for practically making the one-term argument for Republicans.

Got an Obamateurism of the Day? If you see a foul-up by Barack Obama, e-mail it to me at [email protected] 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!