President Obama got testy Tuesday evening when CNN's Ed Henry pressed him on why it took "days" for him to express outrage of bonuses paid to AIG executives.
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Twitterers react: Obama’s testy answer to CNN’s Ed Henry
By Jimmy Orr | 03.24.09
The fun thing about watching the presidential press conference with Twitter in the background are the real time reactions of people sitting at home remarking on the event.
Like the teleprompter jokes that began as soon as the press conference started.
Or when President Obama flashed some anger at CNN correspondent Ed Henry for asking why it took him days to express outrage over the bonuses paid to executives at AIG.
“It took us a couple of days because I like to know what I’m talking about before I speak,” Obama snapped.
The Twitterverse snapped too. “Ed Henry” soon became one of the most searched items and people quickly typed out what they thought of the exchange.
daveburkevt wrote, “Obama slams CNN dufus…”
EdJLucio typed, “Daaaamn CNN’s Ed Henry got roasted!”
c3ane agreed saying, “CNN/Ed Henry you got spanked. Deal with it.”
crutis saw things differently though. “I like to know what I’m talking about before I speak. When did THAT start?”
As did sanity check. “Obama’s response to CNN’s Ed Henry was very amateur. He showed he was irritated by Ed’s persistence.”
After
The discussion between the CNN talking heads brought out reactions from the Twitterers as well. On the set Bill Bennett said, “”After Ed Henry, he looked like he wanted to go home.”
penguinponders concurred with the former Education Secretary. “Bill Bennett on CNN. Good before Ed Henry, after Ed Henry, he looked like he just wanted to go home. I agree.”
Maggietheresa had a differing opinion. “Why isn’t Ed Henry covering a city council meeting in some small town? He embarrassed himself.”
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Hey, we’ll never embarrass you — so follow us on Twitter!
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2. Jon Achar | 03.24.09
Ed henry, politely shown the door by the President. A good answer to a stupid question. Congrats to the President for a quick dose of sanity to the blithering idiot from CNN.
3. Kevvboy | 03.24.09
Hey guys, when Barack Obama said that, he WAS home.
I’m just sayin. Deal with it.
4. Raquel | 03.24.09
If his answer had been truthful not just meant to chide Henry, he would have read the stimulus package before signing. Go Henry!
5. Carol | 03.24.09
Ed Henry is a good reporter who asked a hard hitting question - which is his job. Obama should be ashamed of himself for reacting the way he did, very un-Presidential and demeaning of the office. If Obama wants to get angry, perhaps he should direct it at al Queda and Iran instead members of the White House press corps who don’t roll over or throw him softballs.
6. Ms. Russell | 03.24.09
Ed Henry is a guppie trying to prove he can swim in the big tank. That’s why the president treated him like fish food.
It was an appropriate response to a sophmoric stunt. I’m most impressed that President Obama never loses his cool. He’s unflappable. And quick. I’m sure Ed Henry is still smarting. (which is why CNN is spinning the backlash as best as they can.)
7. Mumtaz | 03.24.09
It was a well deserved put down for the gotcha questioner. CNN should take the message and move on from its round the clock AIG bonus coverage.
8. JonJon | 03.24.09
Good slam on Henry, but really he is the PRESIDENT of the United States of America. I was kind of hoping maybe he would be a little more professional. I mean maybe if he would have waited Turbo Tax Tim could have typed something a little better than that in the teleprompter for him to read.
9. Dutchess | 03.24.09
“The Beave” alias Beaver Clever/aka Ed Henry deserved a kick in the pants. Who cares whether he is a Republican in hiding at CNN, he still should show respect for his President! Shame on him!!!!
10. Sam | 03.24.09
Ed’s question was fantastic! The government needs questions like this one and Chip Reid’s to remind them what they stand for. The President’s response was curt but understandably. The President had an expected response which was suffice enough for that press conference.
11. Cw2009 | 03.24.09
The president did not exhibit anger; he responded to a stupid question with a reasonable answer. Really, is there something wrong with wanting to “know what I’m talking about before I speak”? Henry asked–he got the answer. It was a refreshing change from the previous administration. The “talking heads” should benefit from the president’s example.
12. Richie | 03.25.09
Ed asked the same question in many different ways and sometimes would sound like Obama doesn’t know what he was doing.
By the way have you ever seen Ed Henry on Lou dobbs or spinning news with no shame. I think he well deserved the smark down!
13. Supporter | 03.25.09
Sadly this President is held to a much higher standard than the past President who could neither speak well or read well. I’m glad to see him pushing back. A far cry from our previous President!
14. Leigh | 03.25.09
Carol—-a “hard hitting question”? Really? It was a faux-populist, feelings question that only a rank amateur would ask. Two wars and a tanking economy and the President of the United States has to take a question about when he felt outrage?!?!?!?! I loved his answer because a stupid question deserved it.
15. Vip | 03.25.09
Or, maybe Obama was just answering the question truthfully. It really took him a couple of days because he wanted to know all the facts before he shot his mouth off.
16. nadia | 03.25.09
I was shocked the way Ed Henry asked his questions and of course when he came back in the end about AIG. He came off very accusatory and disrespectful to our President. Please show composure and professionalism when you are speaking to our nations leader. No wonder his reporting is kept to the minimum and in the background.
17. Leigh | 03.25.09
It’s a simple answer to a simple question. The 24 hour media wants new information, constantly; to the point where they’re more than willing to invent it if need be. President Obama has shown repeatedly that he does not have an instant response– how much of that is wanting take names before shooting, how much is wanting to see where the public opinion goes, and how much is simply being slow to deal with problems, I’ll leave to the reader. But the media interprets a slow response as weakness, or being unprepared, as if the President must reply to every concern personally and instantly to show that he has a clear head, even when they admit that taking time to think before you act would be advantageous.
Really, look at print (or web) media, and compare it to television news services. How much of the print/web media talks about substance, policies, bills and vetos, laws and budgets, things that have a very real, very solid, very determinable impact? How much time do TV news channels spend talking about optics? About whether some off-the-cuff comment or reply was appropriate, or good, or whether his tie was an appropriate color, or if he’s making a terrorist fist jab, etc. etc. What matters isn’t how he replied to the question, what matters is what he plans to do about the issue of bonuses.
18. colin g. morris | 03.25.09
Ed should learn some respect. AIG is old news and there are other more important things to ask the president.
19. John | 03.25.09
I actually applauded and cheered Obama when he said that. It was to the point, showed Obama’s wisdom, and shut Ed Henry down. Obama is showing that he is indeed a great communicator.
20. bitterindependent | 03.25.09
the response was a great way to give a polite and professional smackdown….ed henry tried to break protocol by jamming three questions in and he got his butt handed to him…..the president’s response was appropriate and the crowd’s response to it was powerful….
22. B. Brown | 03.25.09
The President tore Ed Henry a new one! Old Ed will think twice before he patronizes the Prez again.
23. Nobama | 03.25.09
How dare he question the emperor’s judgement! Execute him! That will teach those pesky reporters that we don’t live in a free country!
24. bob | 03.25.09
AIG stinks, but I heard Obaloney knew about it a long time ago and didn’t do anything about it. What does Barack have to say about JP Morgan buying 2 luxury jets with their bailout dough?
“They’re bailin’ out the bankers while the farmers auction ground/livin it up on Main Street in that New York City town/ but here in the real world, they’re shuttin’ Detroit down…” John Rich, “Shuttin’ Detroit Down.”
25. dismayed | 03.25.09
Ummm Are we going to lose our freedom of speech next? Anger is not a way to handle a press conference, the President’s response lacked class and confidence. I am embarrassed for Him.
26. A correct person | 03.25.09
He told the truth for once–he had NO idea what to think about it at first, so he had to go ask his advisor friends to explain it to him.
It’s not like he knows what he’s doing. He’s just wingin it, like they did with the “really big number” 700 billion stimulus. (Not that McCain would be any better. Oh well.)
Ahh, government runs soooo well, I trust them to fix the economy more every day!
27. Hunter | 03.25.09
Ed Henry had every right to ask that question, why didn’t the President say anything about it? Why didn’t he express his so called “outrage” until the trail started to lead his way? Every journalist has to ask questions, and as a President he should give answers, not cheap remarks and an icy stare. Come on people, our President is human, not some glorified idol. No matter how amazing he is he has to be questioned for the good of our nation.
28. Jonathon | 03.25.09
While the response was deserved, I do agree that more professionalism should be expected from the leader of one of the most powerful nations in the world. And anger or outrage, like violence, should also be a the last thing the President resorts to.
29. gus | 03.25.09
I think it was a good response with some attitute. its like obama wants to put his foot down and say to all reporters “whos next?”
30. Lionel Libson | 03.25.09
So when that 3am call comes to the White House, will the caller have to wait 2 days for a response, or will the teleprompter be set at a higher speed?
32. Jeremy | 03.25.09
Why are people so mad at this reporter?? He was doing his job and he managed to do something that so many people were wondering. Why didn’t our president react angrily UNTIL the media found out?? Is that a president who really cares about us? IDK, but thank you Ed Henry for not lobbing another softball pitch for Obama to answer easily. It’s reporters like you that keep the government on its toes and hopefully honest. Mr. President, why don’t you just answer the question. Why would you honestly have to “think of a proper response” over something that you KNEW would infuriate the American people.
33. no-name-alex | 03.25.09
That was a real moment between the President and a reporter. I don’t think it was unprofessional at all they way he responded, in fact, I’m glad he did, because it shows me that he means what he says, and what he said was absolutely true, and the best response to that silly question.
34. StephanieFoxx | 03.25.09
Kudos to President Obama for his quick verbal blow to Ed Henry. The question had already been asked by another reporter earlier, so Ed was just harrying the president by rephrasing and repeating it. He richly deserved the curt response from the President.
35. Wants Answers | 03.25.09
Its unbelievable people are slamming the reporter for asking a hard question. Especially the way we’ve gotten here…a stimulus package signed by a Congress that didn’t read it…and the “Class Warfare” waged against AIG bonuses that were on the books well before money was doled out (with little strings attached). Certainly, the bonuses are laughable, but isn’t anyone in this Administration doing their homework? Maybe THEY should be asking the tough questions before throwing OUR money to the wind. I find the fault with the Administration’s countless missteps and I would like to hear real answers behind all this haphazard money-shifting. It was certainly correct to slam the last administration. We can’t question the current one? That’s sad.
OK Obama Maniacs, commence blind allegiance…
36. E H | 03.25.09
Why didn’t Henry and his buddies at CNN who make six and seven and eight figure incomes find out about these bonuses in Nov & Dec 08 or Jan & Feb 09?
37. Rick | 03.25.09
Great question by ED Henry. Very simple and to the point. On the other hand, B.Hussain Obama,acted like a little child who got caught doing something wrong. Only the drones defended Obama’s remarks. What a mess Obama has gotten into. I guess this is the CHAMGE he was referring to. YES WE CAN? What does that mean? Fail???
38. NOBAMANOMORE | 03.25.09
How long is Obama going to wait to address the nation the next time we are attacked? The next time we suffer a natural disaster?
39. E H | 03.25.09
Why didn’t Henry and his buddies at CNN who make six and seven and eight figure incomes find out about these bonuses in Nov & Dec 08 or Jan & Feb 09?
40. Walter | 03.25.09
Throw a hard ball and you can possibly get a line drive hit back at you. The President’s response was appropriate. Why make anything more of it than that?
42. Josh | 03.25.09
I completely agree with Carol. I don’t know who Ed Henry is, but I assume he’s white given the reaction from Obama.
44. Thomas | 03.25.09
I hope Ed Henry got a lesson … hope he learns to respect others especially the President!!
45. Bad to the bone | 03.25.09
Wow Ed Henry, you wanted it and your got it! Pow, right in the kisser. President Obama already gave an answer and Henry kept pushing him. The President is tougher than what you think!
46. Dan in CA | 03.25.09
Why did it take days, Mr. Henry? I dunno. Perhaps because in the last few days… I’ve had to deal with housing stats, North Korea kidnapping Americans, Chinese harrassing US ships, 1 million starving Sudanese, Hutu rebel insurgency, Iraqi suicide bombings, growing Taliban influence in Pakistan, Mexican drug cartels, growing deficits, toxic assets, U.S. currency influx, staggering unemployment, Russian threats, IRA killings, and a hypo-allergenic canine. MAYBE THAT IS WHY
47. Dem09 | 03.25.09
The is the second time Henry tried to embarass the President. Shame on me one. Shame on Ed the second time. He needs to make his mark trying to do something else. I am sure Fox News is watching him closely.
48. Michael | 03.25.09
The better question is “Mr President, where in the constitution are you given the authority to bail out any private company, much less punitively tax any bonus (the details under which those bonuses were given remain sketchy)?”
49. Walter | 03.25.09
That was hard hitting reporting by Ed? It sounded more like his political views got in the way of him being unbiased. He got what he deserved, IMO. I thought that the response was very Presidential.
50. James | 03.25.09
One of Obama’s slogans during his campaign was “Time for a change”. After eight years we finally have a president who “wants to know what he’s talking about before he speaks”. I’m sure this was foreign to Mr. Henry and consequently had him confused. Thank you Mr. President.What a welcome change!!!
51. Nespa | 03.25.09
Ed Henry was persistant even after Pres. explained himself so eloquently…He better be glad it wasn’t Bush who’d answer his question. Its funny noone scrutinize his remarks especially when he was being sarcastic in any fashion. We’d just SHUT UP and SWALLOW IT like the economy!
53. joy.kleinberg@gmail.com | 03.25.09
GEEEZZZZ… I wasn’t an Obama fan. But, when he kept getting asked the SAME question in various forms of words… and the CNN reporters question was almost as stupid as the race question. I am happy the President isn’t afraid of reporters. I feel if more people were to stand up to the half truth, manipulating paper sellers the news might actually be worth reading. and another thing… is this country so full of people who think everyone has a secret adgenda?? It is wise to not shoot your self in the foot by shooting off your mouth and giving your opinion about things you don’t know all the details to.
54. Rob | 03.25.09
I don’t think Obama was rude when he said “because he wanted to know what he was talking about before he speaks”!! The guy thought he was uncovering the biggest scandal since Watergate by asking, “Why didn’t you express your outrage immediately to the American People?” Sounds more like a bipartisan question from a bonehead, and bonehead critical responses on here! People asked GW Bush why he sat in the damn Kindergarten chair for ten minutes like a deer in the headlights after he was told that terrorists were blowing up Manhattan too! But that was a legitimate question! Lastly, Bush always spoke without thinking it through, which is why he will go down as one of the worst Presidents we’ve ever had
55. JoeB | 03.25.09
Nice comeback to an idiot reporter who needs to rake up controversy to get his show ratings up. Did you watch him afterward backpedaling furiously and trying to clarify what he really meant by his question? Got what he deserved.
56. Dakota | 03.25.09
It’s so hypocritical of these people to criticise the press for having asked Obama a tough question when surely they would have applauded to any ‘gotcha’ question posed to former president Bush. And also I don’t think asking a person to explain their delayed reaction is a ‘gotcha’ question.
57. Lloyd | 03.25.09
Obama was upset because someone dared to question the messiah. His answer was a lie or he wouldn’t have let Geithner flap in the wind for days. He just can’t decide what he wants to focus on until the latest poll results come out- the pollsters were off for the weekend so he couldn’t react.
58. Me | 03.25.09
Well, if the President would have answered the question in the first place, Ed Henry would not have had to ask it a second time. If you remember correctly, that was his first question and the President decided to ignore it…or worse, forgot it. As for the response? I have no problem with the words. Sure, he’d like to know what he’s talking about before he speaks. That’s a fine stand. Could he have said in a better? Yes. It showed he was upset at the question, didn’t really have a good answer ready for it (like some of the other softballs thrown his way) and had to resort to spanking a man for simply asking his first question again.
59. KJ | 03.25.09
Dutchess, funny that you say that he should still show respect for his President…you lib dillweeds haven’t been doing that for years, but now when you get one of yours in there it’s all “Oh, we have to respect the office” I’m ashamed of how you treat the office, like some sort of popularity contest.
60. Pedro | 03.25.09
That was the most ridiculous thing I heard all night. Are you sure Ed doesn’t work for FOX NEWS because that’s the kind of nonsense I see on that news network all the time. Because that’s the most important thing on Americans minds is why he didn’t respond immediately, because the homeless kid’s life depends on it. Right. *sarcasm*
Obama answered it quickly without wasting MILLIONS of people’s time justifying it.
61. nicky | 03.25.09
Good job Obama! Finally a president who doesn’t double talk and get caught up in his personal image at the expense of his country. Obama’s anger showed the absolute genuineness of his response. He is a scholar and former law professor, so we should expect that he will actually think and get informed before speaking. We may not be familiar with such thoughtful leadership, but we should learn to expect and appreciate it!
62. RC | 03.25.09
Ed Henry made a mistake! he should have realized the relevance of his question in this troubled times. The question/s should have been raised according to the degree of its importance with the current issues that Pres Obama’s governement is now facing. That question is a sign of stupidity on Ed’s part. Hello Ed…his your President!
63. Mike | 03.25.09
I thought Ed’s question was great!!! I believe Mr Obama was irritated because he didn’t have a responds. I felt Obama answered Ed like a big (but scared) bully would answer a little kid during lunch on the play ground.
64. JJ | 03.25.09
How dare him! How dare he ask his majesty The Messiah a tough question!!! Considering how his Majesty likes to know what he’s talking about before he speaks, MAYBE he should consider READING something BEFORE he signs it!!! Keep those blindfolds on and continue downing that tasty KOOL-AID..MMMMMM GOOD!!!
65. JayJay | 03.25.09
LOL What some of you don’t realize is that, it isn’t Obama who wins here it’s Ed. You see unfortunately the president fell for the oldest trick in the book. Reporters and have paparazzi have been resorting to such tactics since the beginning of time. Henry is no fool. He got the response he wanted. By Obama answering the question in the manner that he did, it shows that Ed Henry got the best of him. While the response may have been called for, Obama should have been more professional and used perhaps a a bit more tact. It’s all about the tone. Not about what you say but how you say it.
66. Franco Lopez | 03.25.09
Good for Ed,
Just goes to show the White House will always be full of idiots, from the Presidency to the Press Corp. Now that’s change I can believe in…. none.
67. Rich | 03.25.09
The President gets asked a question he didn’t like and responds as such, and this makes Ed Henry an idiot, an amateur, a Republican in hiding, etc? Some people want things both ways: treat President Bush like garbage but protect President Obama like he’s a delicate flower. Grow up people and stop being so damn one-sided.
68. Treka | 03.25.09
I think his response was dead on. Problem with our former president is that he didn’t think before he spoke (i.e. using incorrect grammar, making up words,etc) or better yet before called for the riduculous war in Iraq that has the US in a financial turmoil. President Obama had every right to respond in that manner. For those of you who think the comment was unprofessional reflect on the former president’s many goof ups and then let’s have a session!
69. Jerry | 03.25.09
He likes to know what he’s talking about before he speaks? Is that right? How about the giving the American people enough time to talk to our Lawmakers, and giving the Lawmakers enough time to know what they are voting on before you ram a 900 Billion dollar tax-payer funded alleged stimulus bill? We’d like to know what you are proposing to spend our money on, before you pass a spending bill!
70. hutch1200 | 03.25.09
The Presidents response was indeed very undignified. These are tough times. He needs to answer tough questions. This isn’t Chicagos 13th Ward.
71. Peyton | 03.25.09
Some of your comments are hilarious, especially Carol and JonJon. The reporter got the response that he deserved. Was he asking these questions to Bush. How quick have we forgotten that it was Bush and the republicans who created this mess and the bailout plan without any accountability. Too many of reporters speak without thinking hoping to be the next anchor … you know, the ones who don’t have to go to press conferences to make a name for themselves.
Barack Obama is President of the United States of America! Get over it! Somebody need to tell many of you “I like to know what I’m talking about before I speak.”
72. CARLOS | 03.25.09
THAT WHY IS AMERICA IS GOING DOWN, AND THE WORLD LAUGHS AT AMERICA, SIMPLE, WE MUST WORK TOGETHER OR PERISH AS ROME !!!!
73. david donaldson,Atl ga | 03.25.09
1st things first,obama can read from the prompters all he wants because he writes his own speeches..he does not need to be spoon fed like lil g.w.bush..
2nd,i laughed till i cried as we saw young theodore cleaver get da boot in the caboose,and he still hasn’t pulled it out yet!!
3rd,he showed fight,and im glad he did,and he did nothing to degrade the office of the president of the united states..im glad he did it,i’ve been waiting on mr.cool to slap someone in the mouth,and cheney should be next..
4th,bin laden is still out there and loose people!!
g.w.bush let his guard down and we were Attacked and he did nothing about trying to bring bin laden to justice,NOTHING!!!
5th,you conservatives are the biggest joke since the knock knock jokes..we are in much better capable hands with obama in the white house than we would have been if mccain were in there..
mccain spoke too soon his self when the russians roled into eastern europe during the presidential election,and u see where it got him..
god bless president obama,and god bless america!!
74. sue | 03.25.09
Ed’s question was excellent. AIG was one of Obama’s biggest contributors (look it up). The government owns most of AIG’s stock now since she bailed them out, and could easily have demanded that those bonuses be given back. Prs.Obama did not have to think about anything except how he was going to tiptoe around his largest contributor. He got out of itby saying he had to think about it (sure). I believe it was the New York Governor Mayor (not sure) who had to tell tell to give it back (why?)
Shame on you President Obama!!! You told a lie to America.
75. AK69 | 03.25.09
Serves him right for asking such a lame question. I wouldn’t want to say anything before I knew the truth. Remember Obama is the president of the United States, not president of Finances. He’s busy with other things (like the war) and needs a day a two to get all the facts before making a public statement. It’s the news that broadcasts rumors, not the president, and Obama knows that, thus the icy glare.
76. Ashkan | 03.25.09
I think some folks still would not want to believe that President Obama is working for people after all that we as Americans have been through last ten years! Be fair please….
78. Mark | 03.25.09
Dont ask a question if your not going to like the answer. If you have the ballz to try and roast the president during his press conferance, you better have the gumption to withstand a direct response. Next question please…
79. Wayne | 03.25.09
GO ED!!! put them on the spot and get us some answers,,too bad obama had to try to show his *** and not respond with the truth!!!
80. Tom | 03.25.09
I am glad the president slapped him back where he belongs. The AIG thing has been delt with and the nit pickers that keep regurgitating it and chewing it back up need to learn when to stop…there are far more important issues at hand than his degree of anger and when.
81. Josh | 03.25.09
I like President Obama; I want to state that up front before easily offended Obama supporters try to roast me for my next comment…
If Obama likes to know what he’s talking about before he speaks, then perhaps he should have found out what types of bowling averages Special Olympics athletes actually have before he suggested his 120ish average would have been good!
82. Capt Blasto | 03.25.09
Just say “NO to the O.
Were in the U.S.S.A. now !
Get Ready for the O’s SS troopers
Coming Soon in every Town across the U.S.S.A.
83. djay | 03.25.09
Perhaps we will start seeing the “true nature” of our teflon pres.
Perhaps Obahma will need to start wearing his BIG BOY PANTS and stop playing MR.COOL to the press. Obaham called the press conference, was asked a question, for a moment he “lost it”. touchy touchy. Obahama your with the big boys now.
84. Secret Asian Man | 03.25.09
“I like to know what I’m talking about before I speak” Translation: I want to be sure I’m politically correct. Not surprising when someone screwed up in his administration (Geithner et al) and left a loophole in the legislation which allowed these companies to distribute bonus checks. The president could have shown real backbone and admitted the embarrassment rather than be short with the reporter.
85. Peyton | 03.25.09
Barack Obama is President of the United States of America! Get over it! If the media would make “I like to know what I’m talking about before I speak” a rule, the news would be reported right instead of blowing up trying to get ratings. Did he ask Bush and Republicans these questions prior to now? I’m guessing no, because if he did, he wouldn’t have ask President Obama. You all need to remember that this crisis/bailout didn’t start January 20, 2009.
86. Pat | 03.25.09
I feelEd was trying to grandstand, but got his butt kicked. You go president Obama.
87. dumbtaxpayer | 03.25.09
I wish the Prez would think before giving trillions to you know who. I think Ed was right in asking questions we want answered.
88. Jocko | 03.25.09
Obama should have reacted in the first nanosecond of rumor of the bonuses. He should have vilified AIG and aligned them with an “Axis of Evil”, Told them to “Bring it On” stripped them of their WMD’s and sent our youth to go die to battle them….
We should immediately declare war on Cuba, to really take the fight to Bin Laden. As far as education is concerned I offer the simple fact that, “Our Childrens’ can learn”. A monumental statement even if it had been said correctly it would have proven 0% of the population of the earth wrong. Has someone said US children can’t learn? The question is if they can learn fast enough to compete. I don’t know the answer to that question but they sure make good cannon-fodder. I would like to know why the usefull age of an emply in the private sector ends around 60 yrs old, the useful age of a senator ends at around 90 and the useful age of a soldier ends around 25?
If you can’t keep a Ryder truck from entering the country with 100 Illegals and 200 tons of weed I find it a hard argument that you can filter 8 Oz of enriched Uranium from coming across that same border.
89. Gucci MaN | 03.25.09
Ed..Life is tough…It’s tougher if your s_upid. By the way the under score is a t 
90. John | 03.25.09
Ed’s question, asked the second time, was nothing but a waste of time. The question did not promote moving the conversation forward but only to get what was the obvious answer. Obama’s reaction was a measured response to indicate there were more important questions to be asked.
91. fightinback | 03.25.09
I think Ed did a good job! Obama has the attitude that “ya better be nice to the king”. If they had asked him these kinds of questions during the election, we may not be in the mess we’re in now! It’s about time CNN stopped treating him like royalty!
92. Carol | 03.25.09
it doesn’t matter how the President responded, there will be someone who will ALWAYS find fault. Funny how Republicans find fault in our new President - too bad you were the ones who voted George Bush Jr. in as President… now our new President is having to clean up, or try to.
Like he said, nothing can be fixed overnight. There are always people who just have nothing better to do than complain… about everything. It’s a shame American’s are viewed as nothing but complainers.
Remember, we are Americans and we need to be adults and support the President. We took the nightmare Jr. created for us, but oh, I forgot, the Republican Party NEVER does anything wrong… yeah, and the world is flat.
93. Kara | 03.25.09
To tell you the truth, this is boring compared to other replies by previous presidents. I guess that’s good, in a way.
95. Jani Doe | 03.25.09
…what difference would it have made one way or the other if the President had acknowledged the AIG fiasco initially or later? I guess, Ed’s question was a rhetorical question and possibly did not deserve an answer at all; however, the President offered one in performance of his press and public-related duties.
It is really neither here nor there. I would, though, prefer a more contemplated representation, by the press, in asking legitimate, hard-hitting questions of importance and meaning, requiring answers that may “make a difference” in my actions or life. Spare me, and more importantly, the President, from mediocre questions representing nothing more than time wastage.
96. jsjsjs | 03.25.09
Right-on response to a tough question meant to embarass the President. And to all you anti-Obama commentators, President Obama inherited –not created–the economic mess from the GOP and its supporters; so Obama has to fix clean up the GOP crap and fend off ill-intended questions like what was asked tonight. Give the man some credit.
97. Jiny | 03.25.09
Ed is the media, he gets paid to ask thought-provoking and dull questions. This question seemed like a dull and stupid one, but as we all know there are no stupid questions.
98. Nicola | 03.25.09
There comes a time when we just have to slap someone down even if we really don’t like doing it. Such was Obama’s moment in responding to Henry’s silly question. Who in his/her right mind expects a thoughtful person — especially a President — to shoot from the lip every time something comes up (and that’s even assuming the event is worthy of comment in the first place)? No, Obama was, as we have come to expect, supremely presidential. He gracefully silenced the questioner without deliberately putting the man down. Nicely done, PRESIDENT Obama! Perhaps this instance will put future media personnel on notice to stop asking dumb questions? Yeah, now I’ve gone too far….
99. leland | 03.25.09
Ed Henry has a bachelor’s degree in English from Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y. Go back and get a journalism degree.
100. gerardw | 03.25.09
For a body that has a finger on the BIG BANG buzz bomb, the pres will need to speed up his learning + his reaction time!
101. Duane | 03.25.09
Look how much more is the darn press going to push on the president. OMG if everyone would put them selves in his shoes and the stress he is going through and the bull he walked into because of the bush administration many of us would have cracked already. Now Plz folks lets look at this a little differently. Obama is working his tail off for us. People say, “I don’t see anything happening yet”. How many bills are in office right now?? How much time and devotion has our Great President done so far? To answer that for the people who don’t pay attention…Quite a hell of a lot. Look at what Obama was doing before he could officially be president. I don’t recall any other president doing this or trying to work with or make preparations for term of office. If I was Obama I would of had CNN’s Ed Henry escorted out of the room. His question wasn’t a question it was a down right cut down of Obama and his administration. If the facts we’re known he prob. didn’t vote for Obama and a big bush administration supporter.
102. Leman | 03.25.09
Just let President Obama do his job folks. He had the right to snap, given how stupid Ed’s question was. Maybe we should put ourselves in Obama’s shoes and think how we would react after putting in so much effort and determination which is only met with sarcasm and stupidity at it’s best. Go Obama!
103. Days of Broken Arrows | 03.25.09
Yes, how dare a reporter ask an elected official to own up to why he dragged his feet until public outrage demanded he do something.
We clearly now live in a monarchy where those who question King Obama will get thrown into the shark-infested moat for disrespect.
Henry asked a good, solid question.
105. dantheman | 03.25.09
The press conf was as expected a bunch of news reporters just sitting there all afraid to ask good direct questions of a Prez who is suppose to be in charge. I like Ed Henry who showed that he was the only brave soul to pose a very good direct question. But the responce show a very inexperienced man/Prez who looked like he was a very thin-skinned person. Obama has always looked a man who is always so careful/Afraid that he acts like a china doll ready to break at a moments notice.
106. totolatifa | 03.25.09
Ed CNN Henry outfoxed FOX News with an otherwise fair question when he slipped in “your daughters” referring to the presidents kids. Obama slam dunked CNN. Way to go Mr. President!
107. DonG | 03.25.09
I agreed with the President”s response totally. They need to understand that his due to his position, his every word would be scrutinized. Therefore he held his tongue for a few days. Maybe Chris Dodd should have done the same.
109. susy | 03.25.09
If the president got all cranky about every bad thing he hears about he wouldn’t be much of a leader. The idea of speaking out when you have your thoughts together is a good one. Something we all should do more of.
110. bill mcclintock | 03.25.09
Obama has as much to do with the AIG bonuses as Iraq had to do with 911, No matter how many wags try to connect the dots, the connection is simply not there and no amount of hot air will make the connection real in any but the weakest minds.
111. sam | 03.25.09
If the president don’t like to answer any questions then he should speak alone with no one in the room.
112. TheMessiah | 03.25.09
Finally, a reporter asks the point-blank question the rest of us would be asking (because we’re not ‘professionals’) and he’s the bad guy?
I agree, since when has ‘wanting to know’ stopped The President before?
113. laym | 03.25.09
We do not need more star-stuck reporters and media. Ed was doing his job. That was an amateur answer, Mr.President
114. sHaE-sHaE | 03.25.09
At least he does want to know what he’s talking about before speaking unlike his predecessor.
115. Toosmart | 03.25.09
Ok…this is so lame. And just another attempt by Twitter.com to get more people to join their website. What is a “twitter” anyways!? With a name like twitter, I sure won’t be associating my net time to it.
Obama is our president. I’m still proud to say that. This article is redundant and just a cheap shot way to get people on twitter. Notice how they mention that site over and over. Like who cares?! Might as well say the Facebookers and Myspacers had something to say about this too. In fact, THEY DID.
117. mattGoldman | 03.25.09
Reasonable question which received a reasonable answer. Nothing wrong w/a president showing a bit of frustration now and again. I’d rather see that than the previous 8 yrs of blank looks and “wanted dead or alive” blathering.
118. steve | 03.25.09
It’s obvious Obama did lose his cool, Ms. Russel..that’s why the icy stare and anger at a perfectly legitamate question. Good for Ed !!! The American public is tired of the typical, lame questions that are normally asked by reporters. We need to see more of this type of journalism, and see how cool the pres really is under pressure, not what he pretends to be.
119. Mr.jones | 03.25.09
What i like about Obama he isnt scared to be himself,for the first time ever we have a president that is just a mere man…
and like all men and women certain situations can irrate us. sometimes we Feed into the anger ,sometimes we ignore it…as Arthur Ashe would say Henry got Served.
120. Jerry B | 03.25.09
I think the question was pretty good, although I would prefer: “Mr. President why are you taking trillions of dollars from We the People and giving them to the billionaires from Wall Street?” Anyway, Obama’s response was a crack in the facade. You could almost hear him say: “How dare you question me, you peasant!”
121. lulu | 03.25.09
Ed Henry, you got served deal with it.I’m amazed that a journalist from your caliber will ask such a meaningless, childish question.do you think the presidency is your twitter profile where you can sprout nonsense every second of every minute?
For a president to go out there and comment on a situation any situation for that matter he needs to get all the facts right ( huh Ed, don’t you agree?)and in light of the multitude of complex matters this poor man has been dealing with since he took office, you Ed of all people should know that he can’t just go out there at the speed of light and comments on 160 millions worth of bonus .
I’m not an american but i’ve been following US politics for a while now. and my message to you is BE GRATEFUL you have such a hardworking, well intentioned president like Obama.
Seriously what did you expect? that he’s just going to magically solve all the gargantuan problems of America in two months.get real and get back to work.
122. nick | 03.25.09
obama allways trys to be the smooth and pleaassant interview. Ed Henry REPEATED his question after Obama has answered the bit of substance the question had. In fact he had to blurt out the question as the preident was moving on to the next questions.
Henry was looking for a cheap sound bite, and got spanked for being trivial. he deserved it, Obama looks presidential and reportes will think twice about wasting there 15 seconds of fame on stupid questions…
123. KMG | 03.25.09
I think that the president’s response was appropriate, rather than jumping the gum and giving out his opinion as soon as an issue arise like other presidents, who did it just to show they are up to date. If you call the United States your country, then you must accept that Obama is your president and will remain so for the next 4 years. With that said, if you are waiting for him to mess up, then you must have no pride or faith in your country.
124. El Christo | 03.25.09
People in the media are STUPID as they come.Thanks to the Internet the whole net work is DYING and hopefully in a year or two will be a thing of the past.
The main stream media is in coma the last ten years and the desperately trying to hold on to the power that had in the past.IT IS OVER
125. shola | 03.25.09
Ed’s question was a spice that his excellency needed to remind him of the harculious task ahead of him in the journey to rescue US economy from the vicious circle it is at present.Tumbs up for ED and bravo for Obama.
126. neil | 03.25.09
questions like this will keep washington honest. I wish we had more honest reporting like the europeans.
127. Nii Sai | 03.25.09
I hope the rest of the press in the US learns from this experience. It’s time to ask intelligent questions. The Bush days of sloganeering and gibberish are over. Think before you ask Obam a questions because he THINKS about his answers. Enough with the questions dealing with peripheral issues rather than the elephant sitting in the middle of the room!!!
129. GameofLife | 03.25.09
Hooray for President Obama!
Henry should had pay attention. His question was asked and answered previously.
Henry was rude and unoriginal.
Oh Henry!
130. Sentiant | 03.25.09
I found this great entry about the Henry/Obama exchange. Some guy named ActaNonVerba put it pretty plain. “For those twitterwits out there that thought Mr. Henry got shot down, lets do the math here. Hussein is a sitting President of the United States which pretty much makes him the most informed individual on the planet, what with his morning, noon and night briefings. So for him to feign ignorance let alone say he likes to know what he is talking about is to imply that the “Dear Leader” is not as on top of things as we would like to hear.”
131. MsTam | 03.25.09
Ed’s question was simple and honest. If Obama claims he “likes to know what he’s talking about” before he speaks, what was he thinking? Although typically a good answer,He has spoken from day one regarding possiblity of Guantanimo detainees coming here to USA. Did he speak without “knowledge”, understanding, or perhaps without care that bringing killers from Gitmo’ to US soil allows them the same rights as We Americans?…detainees whom have undeniably promised to continue killing. His cold stare,with that how dare you brow…didnt put Ed in his place, but Challenging his actions does bother him.
132. ddesign | 03.25.09
Loved, Loved, Loved It! Ed Henry has been at Obama for a long time now. He had it coming! And why isn’t he working for a Republican News network anyway? I’ve got it. Put Henry to work with Rush.
133. Jason | 03.25.09
President Obama didn’t get ‘testy’ with the CNN pundit. He didn’t raise his voice, or lose his composure. I’m glad that the Press is able to ask tougher questions than in recent years. It’s a two way street. If a reporter is going to ask a loaded, or irrational question, they should expect a similar-type answer.
135. TNAnderson | 03.25.09
I didn’t understand Ed’s question, or rather why he was even asking it. What difference did it make when Obama first commented on the bonuses? Obama is cleaning up a huge mess that was dumed on him. He’s got nothing to be ashamed about.
136. Fenick Jean | 03.25.09
Ed Henry’s question was 110% legit. It’s time that “we the people” question the questionable acts of government. And to Obama, please read before signing.
137. Orrly | 03.25.09
Ed is an imbecile for a juvenille attack, that if tried in the bush pressroom, would have had him banned from reporting at the white house.
Some Idiots posting here seem to think a hack reporter should be held in higher regard than the President of the United States of America.
this defies any thoughtfull rational of the importance of an elected President, and truely is a broken cognitive thought process to belive some rude num-nut reporter is worth more to our society.
139. Dennis | 03.25.09
….you all just don’t get the man….you mess with bull you get the horns! Give it up for OUR president. BAM!
140. squirt | 03.25.09
although the president considers himself to be persistant with his difficult endever to correct this economy and did have a snappy comback and hopefully a honest one is it necessary to be irritated with those of us who are as persistant as well ??
141. Wale | 03.25.09
Ed Henry’s question was NOT stupid. It was a good question. Why would Obama not say anything about the Bonus until it became public?
Obama replied with a good answer. A president deliberate before his reacts. That’s the behavior of a wise leader.
142. Bigtime | 03.25.09
I hope all reporter are afraid to ask questions now. What we need to a good man to make us do what is right all the time. We don’t need questions anyway. Reporters should never question O just do what is right. Be Afraid!
143. darlene | 03.25.09
Obama should be ashamed of himself. He should have answered the question honestly…we the people deserve to know the truth. Talk about shooting from the hip, he could not answer the question and shot a weak answer from the hip
144. Plan | 03.25.09
What’s with people cheering the president for showing thin skin as soon as a reporter asks him a question that isn’t a softball?
Reading some of these responses, you’d think reporters are not allowed to ask questions and our president should not be bothered with such minutiae. We can have an endless parade of magazine covers talking about Obama’s style and Michelle Obama’s “toned arms,” but the minute a reporter asks a relevant question — about the economy and executive bonuses, no less — it’s treated as a great affront to our rock star president.
It’s a sad day when the public thinks the media shouldn’t be asking questions that might annoy the people in power. People will realize how very wrong they are when all our newspapers are run into the ground and the only “news” left will be celebrity gossip, groveling fluff pieces and round-the-clock coverage of missing white women.
145. Malik | 03.25.09
Sooooo True , “I like to know what I’m talking about before I speak”
unlike bush who didn’t know what he said, what he was doing , and what he was supposed to say.
I feel the economy is in such a bad state, because of 2 wars and BUSH!!!
His father did the same thing, the economy was bad after he left office, it took Bill clinton 8 years to fix it now the son does the same thing.
I believe he should be tried in court and judged by the american public.
148. NJ | 03.25.09
CNN should change their political team. Their punditry is becoming irrelevant day by day.
149. Jarrette Fellows, Jr. | 03.25.09
Obama’s response was appropriate. A knee-jery response would have been unprofessional. He waited until he had the facts before responding.
151. Kathleen | 03.25.09
I don’t doubt CNN would want to imply they (CNN) already knew the answer to that question 2 or 3 months ago, since they supposedly KNOW everything. CNN’s people have a grandiose view of their importance in the information age. They might have considered ‘leaking’ their supposed foreknowledge to the president’s staff. No doubt CNN has an agenda with the President, he’s not very fond of the news media in general, he knows how to use them however, lol!
152. Lynn | 03.25.09
I think Preident Obama sucks and is gonna bring our economy to a horrible end!!! If he’s so concerned with us the people…and the economy state..why does he continue to have extravagant parties and spend more money? He’s just another typical man in a big white house feeling himself and his status, trying to show he’s the big dog now!!!PLZ!!!!
153. Jerry | 03.25.09
I giggled at Carol’s comment.
Heh. Directing his anger to Iran. By that you mean ALL of Iran, right? Oh Jesus I lol’d.
154. Lynn | 03.25.09
Of course this won’t get posted as did not the last one sent but Obama is leading us for destruction !!!
155. Ayanna | 03.25.09
The reporter had a reasonable question, and I’m disappointed by President Obama’s terse response. If GWB had done that, we wouldn’t have heard the end of it. When will the media start asking the tough questions and stop kissing President Obama’s behind. It’s becoming quite embarrassing now. Now, if ANYONE criticizes the President, it’s considered unpatriotic.
156. Andy | 03.25.09
It didn’t take President Obama any longer to figure it out than everybody else. What took so long was figuring out what political spin he wanted to put on it. No better answer could have been expected, but no one with half a brain believes it. Nothing was gained by asking the question.
157. mahendra | 03.25.09
Whata moron is this ed henry,to ask stupid questions.congrats to the president,for treating him as such…MORON.
158. anonymous mouse | 03.25.09
Wow, it took Obama three days to make sure he understood that paying out $165MM in bonuses at AIG was a bad thing?!
Are you freaking kidding me?
And you think he got the better of Henry by saying so?
It simply made him look like the hollow suit he is.
I sure hope it doesn’t take him three days to answer the proverbial “3am phone call”…
159. Bri | 03.25.09
Wow, this guy is not fit to be President. Can’t take the heat then get the hell out of the kitchen. Go back to what you really know and thats making NCAA college picks. What a doofass!
160. steve | 03.25.09
I did not think the president was being a smart a… I thought he said what he meant. Ed tried to embarrass and push the President and Obama put him in his place. The reporter was unprofessional. The leader of the free world put him in his place. This was not the Jerry Springer show. Why some TV people only think rude obnoxious behavior is all we Americans want to see on TV anymore? There is still plenty of room on TV for mutual respect, especially regarding such an important time as our President trying to calm and and encourage Americans so our country can heal itself. But there is always some blithering idiot who’s agenda is to spread fear, mistrust and doubt. Thats you ED!!
161. J | 03.25.09
So now that Obama’s prez, he can no longer be questioned about his actions? Hmm…typical liberal hypocrisy.
163. Brandon | 03.25.09
Good for the President; Ed Henry got what was due to him. Don’t get me wrong, the question was relevant, but seemed more than slightly vindictive. Bottom line: that’ll teach that little shrimp to play around with the sharks. That press conference was definitely the WRONG place for him to get his feet wet…
164. Whortense | 03.25.09
Ed Henry’s question was blatantly gotcha and partisan; I kept having flasbacks to Jeff Gannon.
166. Dre | 03.25.09
The President put that reporter in his place and did it in a cool manner. The answer was short, to the point and very truthful.
167. Scott Vines | 03.25.09
Yawn…. How about knowing something about economics before you spend trillions of dollars? Obama’s just another Keynesian socialist and won’t solve our economic problems because he doesn’t understand what caused the crisis in the first place. Can I prove this? Not to your liking if you’re a Keynesian. Just wait and see.
The ONLY economists who saw this coming were the Austrians. Almost everyone in power now was blindsided, and you really expect them to fix our problems? The American people are fools and deserve the hyperinflation coming their way.
168. scot | 03.25.09
really?? when did obama start this policy of knowing what he is talking about? we need more reporters like Ed. I’m surprised obama didn’t say that it was all Bushes fault an he just found out about it today. oh praise the anointed one.
169. kevin | 03.25.09
it was a question that would probably have bested our former president and was easily handled by a smarter obama. henry tested the waters. he got burned. it probably won’t happen again soon.
171. Ben | 03.25.09
I like our President, but his answer rings hollow. No one seems to have pointed out that you could explain this to a 10 year old in less than 30 minutes…maybe even less than a minute. Here, try this:
AIG arguably bears the most responsibility for the global financial meltdown.
AIG took a LOT of money from taxpayers.
AIG then paid millions of dollars of said money to the very executives who ruined not only their company & the global economy, posting the largest quarterly loss in global history.
Look, you got the gist, and it took what…15 seconds? This was obviously a politician answering a question he is very uncomfortable with because he is vulnerable on the issue. For the first time more Americans believe he mishandled a situation than believe he handled it well (the stats are something like 52% to 42%).
172. khunya | 03.25.09
Afterall, President Obama is a human-being too. He was caught his pants down. It was a legitimate question by Ed Henry. Obama just didn’t know what to answer that question.
173. Corey | 03.25.09
I guess the President is more than just a calm demeanor… Obama ‘09 and forever
174. Ed not Henry | 03.25.09
i think some people don’t have anything to do. All they know is just critisize others who are trying to make a difference in our lives, meanwhile they can’t even take care of their 3 or 4-member families. If the president is upset about a stupid question i think that is ok. Remember the president is human. He’s got feeling too like anybody else. People should just stop fooling and think about how individually we can make a difference in getting this country back on track.
175. Sarah | 03.25.09
Why is everyone constantly questioning Obama and his politics when NO ONE had a word to say about all the horrible things Bush did while in office? Taking the longest vacations a President has ever taken, wire-tapping phones w/out reason, going to war with the wrong country, not to mention his big help on putting us in this mess. Face it republicans…he WON by A LOT. Just shut your mouths.
176. trog | 03.25.09
“It took us a couple of days because I like to know what I’m talking about before I speak”
LOL…kinda like he knew what he was talking about when he slammed special olympics?
He needs DAYS to think?
177. liz | 03.25.09
oh so now it’s funny? good grief. you americans are bending over backwards for this guy you elected to office. if obama slaughters a poodle in front of the press, you’d still cheer and swoon mindlessly.
tsk tsk. now the debate is lost. looks like Obama could do no wrong to you now.
178. tuningin | 03.25.09
The reason the president replied in that manner was that the question was repeated unnecessarily. The manner in which Ed Henry ASKED the question was testy. He repeated the question after the president had already finished responding to it, and it was snarky of Ed Henry to keep ragging on him about it.
I thought the president was just being business-like in his answer–conveying the message of “That’s enough of that topic, let’s move on.”
179. Malik | 03.25.09
Perfect answer for a dumb question. If the Prez had responded to the AIG situation immediately without being informed, then he would have been slammed for doing so. Hooray for a President who gets informed and actually thinks before he speaks!
180. Naomi | 03.25.09
I’m sorry, but does it *really* take three days to understand, “Company pays bonus using taxpayer funds”? Oh, please. They were trying to find a way to justify it without looking like they side with the company. Like to know what I’m talking about, my big toe.
181. Thunder | 03.25.09
I don’t think Obama was irritated by Ed Henry’s question about AIG per se, but rather the fact that Henry tried to squeeze 3+ (unrelated) questions, into one and then forced the issue once Obama had answered the first two. I would have been curt with the guy too.
182. Binoy | 03.25.09
This quite obviously shows the President is on the edge and probably testing his limits.
The reply from the President - didn’t just include the words, but the stare and the moments he took to answer, all shows something more deep and sinister than what the nation has so far witnessed from this President.
Would this be the beginning of things to come? I’ve heard some compare him to people like Hitler - I never thought seriously abt it, but now the thought doesn’t seem all that incomprehensible anymore. I shudder to think of it, because the implications are beyond compare. To imagine that, this is how he would genuinely treat those who have a different view (because this wasn’t rehearsed - its honest), it even chills the marrow!
Lets hope and pray that this is not a sign of things to come.
184. Josh | 03.25.09
Ed’s question was amazing. Obama talks about change, and gets elected without actually campaigning specifically about anything. Ask yourself, if you voted for Obama, what the most influential policy was that swayed your vote. Is there one? To think we got here from not wanting to pay tax on tea. I’d rather live in Britain.
185. Colonel | 03.25.09
I didnt see the press conference, sorry I missed now. Just when something juicy hits the air waves i have to be watching a fricken war movie. Based upon what I’m reading….without watching it for myself………..Id have to give Ed..9 stars for the intestinal fortitude and courage to carry out such a question, but the President as much as I hate to ….gets a 10 for “shooting from the hip”, John Wayne style
.
186. Betsy | 03.25.09
Want’s to know what he is talking about? More like he needed to give his writer’s enough time to come up with something for him to say. This is just more proof that when he has to think for himself, or someone asks justified questions, Obama acts like a child having a temper tantrum.
187. robert lawley | 03.25.09
president’s response as well as most of speech reminds me of 68 yrs of politicos, lotta talk is all just a lotta talk
188. Mike | 03.25.09
It appears on a large part unanamious that many people agreed that president Obama was appropriate in his response to Ed Henry’s Question. Obama is much more methodical when answering questions, unlike Bush who blurted out words/sentences that were often very questionable/confusing. Its nice to see President Obama respond so professionally to a reporter who wasn’t likely expecting such a blunt reply.
190. Deangela | 03.25.09
I find it quite profound that Mr. Obama had the foresight to think before he spoke on that issue. In this day and age where everything you do is criticized it is only natural that you have to take a bit more time to analyze a situation. I would have become testy as well, what did Ed do when he heard the AIG scandal? Probably sat back in his recliner, tossed a Beer or two, and scratched his head before going to bed. It was probably a last minute question to save him from looking like the nosy idiot he really is…I bet he didn’t think before he spoke.
191. Nivana | 03.25.09
The point about henry’s question is that it was completely irrelevant, just meant to make the president look bad. So he deserved the answer that he got.
192. Sam II | 03.25.09
Seriously, President Bush was asked questions similiar to this 10x per conference, especially regarding his reaction to 9/11, the question wasn’t moronic or out of bounds. That being said, neither was President Obama’s. It was a well placed and very authoritative proclaimation that he isn’t going to act on a knee-jerk reaction. I am a lifetime conservative and am extremely against what President Obama is doing but please people, let’s give him credit where credit is due.
193. Ab | 03.25.09
I can’t believe so many people are so quick to defend any and everything Obama does. Henry had a legit question. He’s in a room full of reporters asking softball questions and when one guy asks something remotely tough, you people call him “republican in hiding” and a guppie. I woulda thought after the last president we would have learned our lesson in blind loyalty.
194. Denny | 03.25.09
I feel the President is human, and if that question upset him. He should be free to answer it in the way he feels. As for Ed Henry, he is a reporter and he is to ask questions, that might not seem apporpriate at the time, but from a reporters eyes, they are important or why ask them. I think the question was one that catch the President off guard, and he answered it truthfully. No shame on anyones part, just the way it is and is going to be.
195. Monte | 03.25.09
6 months to a year from now the questions will get harder. When we are all out of work and it takes a bushel of dollars to buy a loaf of bread because of the massive spending.
196. Rhonda | 03.25.09
I loved it!..Someone with enough _alls to shoot it straight to the man I’m ashamed to call my President….I know he is, I just won’t say it.
He hit the floor running from day 1 with all his “fixes” and farces. He has done nothing but made a mess much messier, but I would say he is a good actor.
Personnally, I think he’ll be the straw that broke the camels back…I like when someone will question someone placed in high power …with the same passion Obama spews out what we are to believe.
Yaaa…ED…go for it. I don’t “think” looks will kill. rko
197. Khen | 03.25.09
Get’em Obama. CNN is only three steps from FOX News anyway. Talking about the young leading the “old”…..go figure.
198. tiredofit | 03.25.09
How many days will Obama need before he knows what to say or how to react to a disaster, whether it be natural or man made? Will the press crucify him the way they did Bush after Katrina? Obama took days during his campaign to monitor peoples reactions to issues like Rev. Wright before he stepped forward and made statements and then made statements to correct previous statements. There won’t be days to monitor what kind of reaction the public is looking for after a disaster and minutes could mean life or death to many.
199. Dee | 03.25.09
Ed Henry finally got what was due him - that teenage smirk gently faded to (semi) grown-up grimace last night. What happened to civility in reporting? Save the gotcha moments for Dick Cheney and crew.
200. G | 03.25.09
From some of the support that Ed henry got, You can tell whatever idiocy pushed in america, there will always be some morons who support it…
201. rick | 03.25.09
Ed Henry good job it took him days to learn…..therefor he is our president…such an obamdiot
202. vi | 03.25.09
I believe President Obama’s reaction was on point. We have to remember he did not put America into this economic crisis but he is doing his best to bring an end to it. Mr. Henry’s question seemed more likely as attack (with his tone) on the president’s ability to address the situation with AIG and I feel it was handled quite well.
204. Kym | 03.25.09
How was that a hard hitting question? If we think that’s hard hitting, then our media really has been castrated. Now, the “hard hitting” question I want to hear is why Obama hasn’t answered any of our questions on pot legalization, especially since that WILL fix our economy. Quickly. Our journalists are all a bunch of pansies.
205. Edgar | 03.25.09
Absolutely agree with the Sams comment. Question was the way to check Mr. Obamas political and just a human reaction. He s a “young” and “fresh” president, it is just clear that he has to be ready for signing something. And it is a normal reaction of a man who has responsibility.
Good answer.
Nothing speacial..
206. JoeBack | 03.25.09
GO HENRY! This prez better get use to hard questions.
Obama got angry because Henry was right. Obama said “needed time to find out what he was talking about”, so he says? Yeah right, he knew the payouts to the execs at AIG were in the stimulus package. What that President Arrogant needed was time to figure out how to dodge the bullet. You people think Bush was bad? Wait. Obama will make Bush look like a angel compared to what he has in store for us.
The bailout by the way - was to “bail out” the company. That is to cover operating cost. Payroll is part of that. No one is saying beans about the millions Obama and his crew is making. Let him take a pay cut.
207. R | 03.25.09
you can tell the ‘gotcha crowd’ that ed henry appeals to by reading the talking point answers in these comments. no one defending the idiot even watched as he answered the question in several ways right before because they are being spoon-fed their opinions by the conservative media sources(and thus the talking points in the ‘responses’ here…)
209. twitty-7 | 03.25.09
President Obama is the right man for the job in this day in time. He is exactly what the United States need, a smart, and down to earth person. Obama knows what people need. He is in touch with people because he has walked in our shoes.
210. mickeyson | 03.25.09
“If his answer had been truthful not just meant to chide Henry, he would have read the stimulus package before signing. Go Henry!”
How stupid is this statement. The stimulus package was sign and first to infusions were doled out but the Bush administration. Wake UP… Wha don’t you people understand? The Obama administration are the ones that found this item in the package after delving into the intricacies.
211. jj | 03.25.09
How DARE any of you question or criticise Obama and disrespect the President of the United States of America. HOW DARE YOU! Yeah we may have been critical about Bush and disrespected him and the Office but..but..uhm..that was DIFFERENT. Now I got to get back to my MTV and a BIG TALL GLASS OF TASTY KOOL-AID…MMMMMMMMMMM GOOD. **** OBAMA!!! He’s gonna get me something for nothing!
212. thomas reed | 03.25.09
Obama is immature! he is luckly the flaming media likes him. he dosen’t read anything just signs on the dotted line. STOP DRINKING THE KOOL-AID….
213. sam | 03.25.09
Mr. President answered the important question that Ed asked. Ed should have shut up when the president was moving on. He asked for it, and Mr. President gave it to him.
214. Oscar | 03.25.09
Teleprompter off, I seriously doubt if there was enough brain power in the two previous administrations to answer so well, the litany of questions President Obama did! Recognize!
215. Dave | 03.25.09
Ed has the right to ask that question. The President should respond politely and with grace regardless of any question. Sorry to say, Obama has a testy temper.
216. Nobody Cares Anyway | 03.25.09
What’s the big deal? So Ed Henry didn’t know why it took him so long… I mean was he trying to make Obama say that he was doing something else unimportant than managing this or…? I don’t know this doesn’t seem like it’s anything really to talk about though I see so many comments about this… SO WHAT… Nothing else to report on these days? Hint, hint… media blowing up news that isn’t really news to get viewers so they can keep their advertisers and keep their rates high? Humm… guess I will shut up now.
218. go shopping | 03.25.09
Mr. Ed. ur guys and gals from cnn are such idiots. maybe if you would have asked the question to the President without attitude (u sounded like a brat dude) just maybe you would have gotten a much thought out answer. You guys at cnn wake up every morning to find something wrong that this President is doing. Yes, race has ALOT to do with it. Let’s not beat around the horses. Let the man do his job which is more than I can say about the last President(da,da). Anyway, just take it like a man and go shopping….works for me. horse is a horse of course,,,,,u know the rest.
219. Bob | 03.25.09
Listen.. obama needs to grow up. Ed Henry asked a question and stepped out of the comfort zone of the new obama god followers. He’s a reporter that showed he has a backbone and seeks answers to hard questions. The obama baby showed his real backround when he didn’t get his way at an open forum.
Step up and be a leader, stop crying, and while your at it stop pointing fingers at the last administration. So typical. You took the job, deal with it. Two thumbs up, and a pat on the back for Ed Henry showing some guts. A true American.
220. Chuck Jackson | 03.25.09
If knowing something before he speaks is his criteria I guess we’ll be waiting awhile before we hear anything come out of his mouth……..either side.
221. Tigman2 | 03.25.09
Sure Ed Henry’s question was pointed as would questions levied by some John Q Public’s out there. The President was assertive and professional. He gave an equally pointed answer to a pointed question in taking issue with a presumption behind the question - that he somehow lacked an intensity in reacting to the AIG bonus brouhaha.
222. Rob | 03.25.09
Lets face it, we are human and even though he is our President and seems to be “cool” in so many ways, he still can be rattled by questions he can’t handle. There is alot more about “AIG”… we don’t know about. Wait until you see the “Real Bonus #’s”. There is a big difference here in knowing and “how much you want to tell”. He certaintly wanted out of the question. You have to know by now “seeming cool doesn’t always mean you are right.
You didn’t think for a moment he was going to get caught in the cookie jar!
223. Kevin Alton Davis | 03.25.09
Ed Henry did what every slimy news reporter out there does from time to time…try to make someone look bad (the President)in order to make themself look good. Backfire, hahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!
224. Todd432 | 03.25.09
Good for Obama, I’m tired of hearing the same questions and answers. Who’s the media working for anyway those are not my questions, I already knew the answers. Lets here him talk about some Marijuana Legalization!! That’s what I want to hear about. We could all use a good toke after what wall street and bad politics have done to our country.
225. Monterey | 03.25.09
Oh Pul-ease! Only an amoral moron would make this about race. Obama gave a perfectly acceptable answer to yet another stupid question, and he kept his cool while doing it. Those who continue to criticize Obama’s answers should be happy to have a president who CAN speak - unlike the one we had for the previous 8 years.
226. Johnnycake | 03.25.09
It’s nice to know our president won’t be stuck to the old time act that a president has to be a perfect little doll like some old housewife. Go Obama, Kick CNN’s butt.
227. Rockhardnj | 03.25.09
Your President needs a couple of days to know what he’s talking about on an issue that was written into a bill 2 weeks before he signed it but, my President gets roasted by you double standard spewing liberals for not leaving a book reading session (which he was amazingly able to do without a teleprompter) with a group of kindergarden kids…………..
228. Thomas | 03.25.09
I think that President Obama’s response was actually very good, and it really didn’t seem “un-professional” or “angry” in any way to me, it just seemed like he was giving an obvious answer to a rather dumb question.
229. Jo | 03.25.09
Why is it called anger and unprofessional when President Obama gave an appropriate answer to the question asked? Since when does a serious stare and a firm voice indicate anger or displeasure? Would it have been better if he was smiling, after which people would have been wondering why is he smiling about a serious situation. His stare matched the firmness in his voice because he wanted everyone listening, including Ed Henry to know, beyond a shadow of doubt, that he means business. And to the response by Rick (#37)”What a mess Obama has gotten us into”. Where have you been for the last 8 years buddy? Every issue that President Obama is dealing with now is what the American people were left with as the result of the Republican White House led by the infamous George W. Bush. It’s amazing how many people are coming out of the woodwork to criticize President Obama after less than 100 days in office, but those same people elected George Bush to two terms. Talk about suckers for punishment. In case all of you Obama haters forgot, President Bush will be remembered as one of the worst Presidents in history for the utter chaos in which he and his pundits left this country.
Great question by ED Henry. Very simple and to the point. On the other hand, B.Hussain Obama,acted like a little child who got caught doing something wrong. Only the drones defended Obama’s remarks. What a mess Obama has gotten into. I guess this is the CHAMGE he was referring to. YES WE CAN? What does that mean? Fail???
230. CCG | 03.25.09
I have no doubt Obama knew about the bonuses well ahead of time. They all knew about the bonuses. Any lawyer will tell you that those bonuses under contract were very troublesome to deal with. OK, so instead of explaining contract law the administration and congress made a CHOICE and feigned outrage about the bonuses. It was their feigned outrage that got them into this mess, not the difficulties of breaking private contracts (um, that and wasting our money on bailouts to begin with). They made a choice to be political instead of factual, and they should expect to pay the price.
Problem is, Obama doesn’t like dealing with the aftermath of his poor choices. Too bad.
231. Francesca B. | 03.25.09
President Obama’s response to Ed Henry was straight forward and honest one.
232. BeRealAmerica | 03.25.09
How many days has this President been in office? 3 months and working ALL THE TIME and not perfect????? Shame on him. No shame on the public for the pressure to be perfect in 3 months. Give him a chance to work with it. Anyone that watches the news or press conferences knows if his methods don’t pan out, HE WILL try to FIX THEM. HE DOES LISTEN TO BETTER IDEAs. IT HAS ONLY BEEN THREE MONTHS!!!!!! I think he should have never promised this ungrateful society Transparency. What President has ever kept the American public this informed of his actions and the actions of Congress? He tries to explain everything that is going on. FORGET THIS. Obama should exercise his Leader of Free Country Rights and don’t say nothing….just do. He should have did everything behind close door like pass administration and let everyone just deal with. Why let us know? He could have taken his first questions at the end of the year. People, like Ed Henry are not spiritually mature enough to not to know how to stay off of past item, or make ‘petty’ digs at him. This is extra stress he didn’t have to have. Because Pres. Obama thinks in a service mode, he trying to keep the ones he serves informed. Forget that. Obama, Lie like all the others, break your promises like past officials and rest a while. They ones who support you will support you from closed oval office doors. The haters will hate on you regardless, why try so hard? Transparency—-YUCK!!!!!
233. A. Shropshire | 03.25.09
Ed Henry and the like are constantly putting Obama through the test with those silly questions. Why can’t they just let the man do the job he was elected to do without scrutiny? Obama responded in the correct way. Any elected official would obtain the facts before speaking publicly and why is CNN employing Ed Henry? Idiot!
234. justin jose | 03.25.09
Presidents are to be treated with respect - no matter what. The media, which absolutely failed when it came to asking any questions of the previous administration’s illadvised gaffes, including a war that sent our young to the battlefront, appears now ready to make amends - but with stupid comments. Like Ed Henry’s childish question (maybe appropriate in a private off the record interview). It did not show respect to the president or what this man is trying to do for his country by working his and his team’s balls off with 7 day weeks.
And talking of media disrespect, the other day another interviewer was asking the president, if he was punch drunk. Ridiculous and patronizing by any standards. And then there was meredith viera, who was suggesting that “the president needs to watch his tone”. What the heck is happening here? Suddenly, the media thinks that it can talk down to the president? Something is not right.
235. Bob | 03.25.09
Ed Henry asked the question that all the “Liberals” avoided because they did not want to show up the man they pushed into the White House.
237. Kellie | 03.25.09
It wasn’t a bad question or a bad answer. I’m sure many people were wondering that themselves. I didn’t think Obama was rude at all. I thought he was honest and direct. What is wrong with saying you like to know what you’re talking about before you speak?
238. Gail | 03.25.09
I don’t understand what Ed Henry’s question was suppose to show. It appears that he was badgering Obama. He kept talking about Cuomo doing … in NY. Obamo answered the question but Henry kept badgering him. Henry was very disrespectful.
239. Alvin | 03.25.09
Ed Henry “dont know what he is talking about before he speak” and all who have negative comments againts your president, dont expect your president
just take a magic wand to change any problems,my question is what do you do to your country?just criticized and finds fault?
240. buca | 03.25.09
The president was on track for a change in Presidential history! Obviously, Henry is a hip shooter! Why did BUSH wait so long to react to Katrina? Why did BUSH wait so long to react to 911? Why did BUSH wait so long to get the **** out of the white house? Finally, we have a leader who WILL steer the ship instead of trying to sink it for the sake of “the rich”
Great job Obama…Thank you so much for stepping up to the plate and being persistant with “CHANGE”…”OH YES, we CAN! Finally, the American people have some hope as well as the world!
241. justin jose | 03.25.09
Presidents are to be treated with respect - no matter what. The media, which absolutely failed when it came to asking any questions of the previous administration’s illadvised gaffes, including a war that sent our young to the battlefront, appears now ready to make amends - but with stupid comments. Like Ed Henry’s childish question (maybe appropriate in a private off the record interview). It did not show respect to the president or what this man is trying to do for his country 7 days a week.
And talking of media disrespect, the other day another interviewer was asking the president, if he was punch drunk. Ridiculous and patronizing by any standards. And then there was meredith viera, who was suggesting that “the president needs to watch his tone”. What the heck is happening here? Suddenly, the media thinks that it can talk down to the president? Something is not right.
242. BK | 03.25.09
Obama is like a little kid on his first date not sure what to say or where he can touch! He needs to grow up but more importantly America needs to realize That this was ‘One Big *** Mistake America”.
243. maria | 03.25.09
Ithink Obama need to restrain himself becauese the true test of a leader is seen by how one reacts under pressure or in a crisis.
healthy critisism is good.
244. BeRealAmerica | 03.25.09
This is Obama’s own fault. His Transparency promise. Forget this. He should govern from a closed oval office. Make decision like pass administrations, don’t explain and let the American public just deal with it. Avoid these un-necessary attacks in the media and by republicans. He works in this service mode, and feels he should keep us all informed. His supporters will support him regardless to whether he gives a press conference today or at the end of the year. None of them appreciate knowing this stuff and half of America is not spiritually intelligent enough to understand his investment plan, deficit position and moral responsibility anyway.
245. Crackerjack | 03.25.09
Ed is a little guppie weenie. Had he just jammed a short question in at
the end, but he had to repeat about Cuomo in NY. He was just irritating
Obama ***** slapped the ****** and hopefully set a precedent!
246. Jackie | 03.25.09
Ed Henry should be ashamed, what makes him think he has the right to publicly disrespect the PRESIDENT of OUR UNITED STATES, he clearly forgor that he is merely a small time reporter on CNN. The way he kept persisting and his tone of voice was very offensive, which is why the President responded the way he did. CNN should NEVER send ed henry to the presidents press conferences if he wants to act like a 2nd grader.
247. the realist | 03.25.09
Ok so 90% of the comments on here are just as lame as Ed’s question. Did most of you even WATCH the conference? Ed’s question was a repeat of a repeat, that deserved the verbal slap in the face. We raise our kids with the philosophy to think before we act - so we slam a president that represents this basic value for it? People forget we’re all human. President or no president. Back in the day when this country was first established, our first presidents, I’m most certain, were a lot more fierce than what people are crucifying Obama for. They had to be to get the people focused. And with so many years of diversion, we ALL need to get back on focus. Stop wasting time with this Ed issue everyone, and get your lives in focus. Do your part as an American and buckle up because it’s gonna be a bumpy ride. Deal with it - or leave the country.
248. Mack Buxton | 03.25.09
This Twitter thing has gone too far — people are more interested in “real time” reactions during a presidential news conference than focusing on the content and delivery of the event. You can’t pay attention to something while “Twittering.” If this continues to happen, we’ll have more people interested in hearing their own (online) voices than actualy listening. Listening is a dying art form.
249. O Balm Me | 03.25.09
I think Obama is being immature and unprofessional here. Henry was doing his by asking a good valid question that many Americans want to know. Nothing wrong with that.
Obama’s reaction is wrong. Just because he’s the President doesn’t he cannot be questioned. Nobody is infallible and beyond scrutiny.
Right on Henry. Go and don’t let go!
250. skaryguy | 03.25.09
@ Carol, Hahahaha, very typical “American” response. Yes, he should get angry with Al Qaida and Iran, just the same way George Bush did with Afghanistan, and how did that go?
I thought it was a great response to a ridiculous, unimportant question. Obama brushed it off, the way you might brush off an annoying fly.
251. Stacie | 03.25.09
Obama showed how UN-PROFESSIONAL he is with his snarky response to Henry’s question. Henry followed up the question because Barry never ANSWERED it…he talked in a circle as usual. That is what he is good at: talking in circles so you don’t really remember what the actual question was. Is it 2012 yet?
252. Jenn | 03.25.09
Hmmm, I’m not sure what all the fuss is about, perhaps the press is just making a big deal about yet another small thing. I watched the video and Obama was poised and perfect, not angry or snarky, it looked like an attempt to be fun to me.
253. Frank | 03.25.09
Decent answer to a decent question! It is about time a reporter asks such a simple yet direct question to President Obama. The question threw President Obama off-guard and made him actually think about things for a second instead of resorting to the white house ‘pre-direct press core controlled questions.’ the question makes President Obama and Ed Henry both deserve kudos for engaging each other instead of what would have been a pretty boring q and a session!
254. go shopping | 03.25.09
one more comment please: Your last president could not read well let alone speak. Is it true….birds of the same song flock together. People who had all this faith in the last administration,,,,where r we now???? get real people or maybe u need to be spanked too. da da go shopping
255. R1607 | 03.25.09
He likes to know what he talks about before he speaks…..I guess with no experience in running anything this will be the last thing he ever says as the President.
256. Debbie | 03.25.09
Was that anger? It was just a response to a question. President Obama has a right to answer any way he wishes. It looked fine to me. Very professional and very real. Oboy, people just want to make a lot of drama over nothing.
257. tonwa | 03.25.09
Hey i don’t like Obama so…any bad press for him is good press to me!
“Say no to Eurotrash socalism”.
258. Dagmar | 03.25.09
It is nice to see that not everyone at CNN bows down and treats President Obama like a god.. why is Ed Henry the object of ridicule? CNN is so liberal anymore which is why I have switched to FOX News - at least there you don’t have people who “gush” over the President -they actually demand to know..
President Obama did not know what was in the package deal he signed, then people should be saying “SHAME ON HIM” not on Ed Henry for asking the a question that I certanily wanted to know… why did it take so long for President Obama to be outraged? I am sure because he was hoping that the court of public opinion would not be so outraged.
I am outraged at the whole stinking package that reaks of spending that no one in the Whie house will have control over and all Americans need to keep up the heat as to how that money will be spent!
260. Kevin | 03.25.09
When a reaction like that comes from a person it is 99.9% of the time they got caught at something and were put on the spot. Obama said nothing was going to be signed without full scrutiny from him. He did not read this one at all until all the flack came back from the public. That is why it took him several days to respond. He needed time to read it after the fact. He got caught and got mad. More reporters should ask real questions but they can’t for fear of losing their jobs. They have bosses they have to answer to and are told what they can and cannot say. Remember the bias in the media. I know that comment will ignite a bunch ****.
261. jed | 03.25.09
all the people demanding respect for the office, do you mean the same kind of respect that President Bush got…?
262. Wes | 03.25.09
Are all of you that blind?!?
This is not middle school where the person who speaks the loudest or is more aggressive wins a debate.
This is the President of the United States of America being asked a very valid question and responding in a manner that leaves a lot up to question.
Let’s ask ourselves why Geitner’s assistant (Sarah something) who was there during AIG’s discussions about compensation is being kept silenced and not allowed to speak on the subject.
I have never seen such a violent disregard to our founding documents in my life and am VERY nervous about the coming years.
If Obama can turn policy around this much in 65 days, I am VERY nervous about what may be done in the next 4 years.
He has blatently lied to an uneducated american public on several occasions and knows that in acting like the middle schooler who talks louder he is able to captivate the attention of the mindless majority.
263. metanoia | 03.25.09
anger brought a war and this recession to the current economy.. good thing that this president considers the consequences of emotions prior to taking action..that reporter is naive of what it feels like to be up there.
264. attheriver | 03.25.09
It’s embarrassing that the President could not properly answer Ed Henry’s question. Geithner has admitted to forcing Congress to make the bonuses possible. For President Obama to say he first needed to find out what he was talking about means either (a) he was clueless as to what Geithner really stood for and had done already or (b) he is hiding the truth and was just buying to time to create spin or see if the news story would fade.
266. Jim | 03.25.09
typical of what we’ve seen so far of this administration: attack anyone who disagrees or asks a tough question. From kicking reporters off the campaign plane when they wrote a favorable article on McCain, to threatening to not talk to reporters if they “grill” him whenever he comes to the Whitehouse press room (that question had to do with assigning a lobbyist to undersecretary of Def. two days after saying “no lobbyists.”) to Obama’s press secty Gibbs publicly ridiculing CNBC’s Rick Santelli’s criticism of the Stimulus pkg. The message is clear: If you disagree with this administration, they will rain down on you. I think Marx and Mao used this tactic as well.
267. Wes | 03.25.09
Since when did it become wrong for the media to ask any question- especially to the leader of the free world?
That was a VERY valid question that deserved a valid answer.
I nearly voted for Obama, but didn’t after researching him and his beliefs and watching him debate.
I am SO glad that I didn’t even though it doesn’t matter.
He is truly changing the US as we know it into a more and more socialist type government.
Just yesterday he asked for power to take government control over failing banks. He is not only expanding the role of the executive branch, but the role of government to bounds that are entirely unprecidented in our countries proud history.
268. Isabella | 03.25.09
I personally believe that this whole situation is completely blown out of portion. Often the very issues in which should be focused upon are instead shifted somehow with a “trivial trifle” such as what happened between Ed Henry and the President. I think the news frequently concentrates on such ridiculous focal points, and its contents blown way out of measure. Sensationalizing stories has been a long time ta-tic… grow up America!
270. TC | 03.25.09
#37 - Rick. Before trying to throw a smackdown on the President of the United States, how about you learn how to spell?
Of course Ed Henry had a right to ask a question (although perhaps it would be best to not regurgitate previous questions during a time sensitive news conference) and of course Obama had a right to answer it. I saw no disrespect in his answer. Obama and his administration have been answering the same question all week. If you want to blame someone, blame Chris Dodd.
Talking about the response time for the next time we are attacked versus who knew about the bonuses for AIG are worlds apart. On top of that, this is the age of instant media and it is good to look at the facts behind the scenes for clarification. What if that story ended up being false? If a knee jerk instant reaction is given in either case, then you bloodhounds would be all over it. We need to get back to a nation of thinking first, shooting later that we have lacked for the past 8 years. Not thinking and not researching is what got us into the war and that has directly led to this deficit. Oh, and it has also allowed this financial fiasco to fly under the radar for years while everyone was more worried about the war and those Iraqi WMD. And let us not forget #48 Michael who started these AIG bailouts last FALL. And how about you don’t bring the Constitution into this? Where in the Constitution was Bush/Cheney allowed to trample on our rights? Where?
Also, how often during this financial disaster did Bush have prime time press conferences? Obama has had 2 in a month. At least he is facing it on the backend when Bush wouldn’t face it on the front.
#59 You have to give respect to get it, and I don’t recall the American people getting any respect for 8 years.
#64 - Really? A Kool Aid comment? Really?
And about the comments regarding “jamming” the stimulus down lawmakers throats. He said he would like it voted on before President’s Day. That doesn’t mean it had to happen. Congress controls that, not him. They all wanted to get to some break or another. Those fools always seem to be on break. I need a job like that. They could have sat on it for weeks if they chose. I personally think the entire Congress should be removed from office. They made the choice to vote for it without reading it.
#126 That question will keep people honest? Wow
#143 - He did answer the question honestly. Guess you haven’t seen that in awhile so you can’t recognize it.
Has Obama done everything right? Of course not, but he is only TWO MONTHS into office. Let’s have an intelligent non partisan conversation in a YEAR. None of us know if he will be a great President, let’s just wait and see. If you want real change, get rid of all the Congress unless they are first term. Stand up as a country and say no more than 2 terms in office. The lazy fat cats who have been there for 40 years are the ones running this country and running it into the ground. They are the ones with greasy palms and back office deals. Let’s change the rules so that main streeters could have a legitimate shot at winning a national election.
Finally, I am sick and tired of conservative junkies trying to stoke a fire by using the words “Hussein” or “Messiah” when speaking of the President. Under Cheney’s rule you might just have been put in jail if you made snide comments about Bush or Cheney. Now that you are all free again it is like a free for all. It is fine to disagree, but let’s not take it to that level.
271. x30guy | 03.25.09
When Barack doesn’t get a softball it’s obviously a real challenge to him. Definitely not quick on his feet and obviously overwhelmed by his current job. Anger and a short retort is the normal way for someone like this to try and protect himself.
We should pray that HE will change.
272. Kipo Aluuz | 03.25.09
I think president did Obama did what was right and what he preached during the election. That is being able to do two jobs at the same time. Answering Dumb and Serious minded reporters in the same meeting…Ed Henry and Others
273. Sami | 03.25.09
If this AIG bonus issue takes Mr. President to know couple of days to understand what he is going to speak, then I doubt his ability to understand critical matters be it national fiscal & budgetary or related to international crisis. In such cases it may take months to speak out or to react and by the time he would react probably the issues will be beyond any such reactions.
274. Claude H. | 03.25.09
Presidend Obama responded to simply to a simple question. For those of you who think this was a hard question, I would like to know what is so hard about “why did you wait days to react?” Blah! I hope we are not expecting this president to react like a dud head. If he took days, then he took days. That’s it. Let’s focus on what he’s doing about it now- tax them at 90% and still go after the 10% and blast those who do not return the bonuses. We are already making progress as many of them have voluntarily returned the money. I can remember a time when those bonuses would absolutely not have been returned. So Ed, ask your questions. I am sure Presidend Obama can handle you.
275. dodato | 03.25.09
Henry seemed to think he had a “gotcha” question, and the President dealt with it succinctly and moved on. How that could be interpreted as testy is baffling — certainly the chuckles his response elicited from the press corps suggest they fully recognized the touché response.
276. thinkerbell | 03.25.09
Is saying “It took us a couple of days because I like to know what I’m talking about before I speak.” really all that childish? Giving Ed the benefit of the doubt, maybe hes just really curious…but then again he must keep in mind that curiosity killed the cat (in this case, however, it was broiled and then flipped on the other side for an even cooking).
THINKERBELL MATH PROBLEM OF THE DAY:
What is difference in the amount of work that Obama did in his first 100 days to try to help our country and what former President Bush did in his first 100 days to do the same….
Extra credit (optional): Compare Obama’s hours of work in 2 months, to Bush’s hours of work in 2 years.
Enjoy
277. Trish | 03.25.09
It was an honest question and deserved an honest answer.All of us have questions that we would like to be answered as we as the average American are out raged by what has been going on in this country. We and our children are going to pay the price for all of this greed.
Obama, at times has a haughty attitude and he does not like to be taken down from the pedestal that so many have put him on.We have to remember that all though he is the President, he is still just a man.
He should have answered the question without the cold stare and anger.I am sure before it is all over with, he will be asked many more questions that he will not want to answer.
278. Michael W | 03.25.09
Funny stuff! So, let me get this straight here fools .. reporters are NOT allowed to ask the messiah tough questions? Should they stick to puppy talk and swingset design? Give me a break! He runs from every question BECAUSE HE HAS NO ANSWERS! You’re ALL fools if you can’t see that - OR more likely .. voted for him and have no other choice but to defend your childish decision! Go ahead - just apologize to your children now! Ya know, the one’s who will be living in a 3rd world country VERY soon!
279. cz | 03.25.09
Really?? Really??? Obama - who always keeps his cool - finally had to react to an idiot reporter who is trying to create a scandal with the AIG bonus. The same stupid reporters who didn’t ask questions during the Iraq war, who didn’t ask any questions about the Patriot Act, who didn’t ask any questions about the terrible conditions our veterans have come back to, who turned a blind eye as this whole mortgage mess exploded … now want to earn their stripes going after this President - only 60 days in. We see what you are trying to do and we are repulsed. And to all those who are using this exchange to state that Obama is undemocratic and/or demeaning the presidency, where were you when Bush started dancing onstage like a monkey, where were you when Bush refused to permit reporters from asking him questions (i.e. Helen Thomas) or when Bush passed a directive preventing the American people from seeing the flag draped coffins coming back from Iraq, when he authorized spying of Americans he felt was a “terrorist” through the Patriot back … oh and what about the war he never got approval from the American public to go fight. Yeah, we forgot all that. Now, this President is being undemocratic? GIVE ME A BREAK.
280. Carlos | 03.25.09
Ok…tough Press Conference.
I really think HE would be better. Take a Look. We miss him…bring him back!!!
281. James | 03.25.09
Dont anybody dare criticise President Obama. He will be my all time REPUBLICAN president. Fantastic follow-on, I say, on the lines of President Bush.
282. cccbman | 03.25.09
Honestly, I am surprised Ed Henry’s question got in at all. Up until that point in the press conference, Obama was cross referencing his notes while scanning the room looking for specific reporters he knew would ask the questions that pertained to his agenda. Look at the press corp members and outlets that did not get the opportunity to ask questions. Let’s see,, the NYTimes left out in favor of Stars & Stripes.. hmm. The fact Henry was able to ask the question at all reflects my belief that White House press secretary Robert Gibbs is just one more incompetent in Obama’s administration. If the Obama/Gibbs goal was to control the presser, they failed miserably.
283. Canteenboy | 03.25.09
Obama is a puppet….he has to have teleprompters to speak and advisors to tell him when and what to say….I like how he dismissed the question about ONE WORLD CURRENCY…he is all for it…and its one the record…this man is a shame ….not presidential material…just hip-hop style showboating.
284. Henz | 03.25.09
Great Presidential composure! Can’t wait until a foreign national ticks him off when he is unprepared.
285. Prostate Cancer Conquerer | 03.25.09
He deserved what he got from the President. I mean - comon - why stick your hands into the mouth of the president. He is going through a lot right now and don’t need such questions.
286. Truth | 03.25.09
You liberal nutballs have no integrity at all. The previous administration was lambasted by the media on an hourly basis. AIG is a prominent news topic, not “old news”, and you libs are happy to see it covered when it suits your agenda. But when your American Idol prez gets asked a tough question, you whine and groan. Congress passed a bill (however inappropriate) with lightning speed implementing a 90% tax on bonuses. That begs the question of how quickly Obama reacted to it, and whether his reaction was reactionary itself to public outrage or whether it was his own reaction. Dems live and die by public opinion, so questions about whether their reactions are independent of public opinion are spot on target.
287. dontthrowstones | 03.25.09
Everyone who is so quick to judge should take a step back and think about what they would have done in the situation. We all think we have all the answers. Take a step back, take a deep breath and do what you can to help the situation. The reason we are in this big mess is not just the government…it’s so many Americans who spent way over their heads. Before you point fingers outward, take a look at the one pointing back at yourself.
288. JoeLiberty123 | 03.25.09
Obama is not in charge of our nation anyway. It is controlled by the Federal Reserve and the rest of the banksters in the Treasury.
290. Ray M | 03.25.09
I so sick of this president whining about inheriting this problem and how short our memory is about that. He is right about one thing the public does have a short memory because this president was part of the senate that helped create the problem. The last administration could not sign into to law anything that was not forts approved by the senate.
291. Batman | 03.25.09
Perhaps we need to consider Bush’s responses toward that old rhetorical bat, Helen Thomas, when we evaluate how presidential some people CAN be and how some CAN’T be. Compared to Thomas, Ed Henry is a sycophant like much of the media Obama priesthood. Obama’s response was just one of many more gaffes from a teleprompted empty suit. A polite response carries more weight with those that have some semblance of belief in civilized behavior. And I like to believe, perhaps in error, that this is most of us.
292. just me | 03.25.09
The reporter got just what he wanted out of this current “episode in the obama saga. He will forever be remembered as the reporter that got smacked down as planned and started this topic and each time we ( I am now guilty as well ) respond and answer, it just gives him more free publicity so that when you google his name everytime it is mentioned here and on other forums it shows up making him a popular search so he can use it to make 8 figures instead of 6. What is it? — Even bad publicity is publicity? Now people will watch the news conferences hoping to see another slip…
293. lu-ee | 03.25.09
…so the president needs a few days to figure out what he should say about an issue being commented by Americans in real time??? ***????
I guess he needs to use his blackberry to FIRST contact the chicago political machine, then he HAS TO CHECK the polls, then HE HAS TO CHECK the weather, THEN HE HAS TO get a high & tight hair cut, AND THEN WE CAN HAVE OURSELVES AN ANSWER THAT WE CAN BELIEVE IN….????
….yep, change you can believe in. like a buck and a quarter change(due to inflation), that is.
…actually I didnt think Henry got slammed in the least. I thought he handled himself spot on brilliant. I think Obama looked out of his league. It was Obama who came off as a short-tempered, spoiled, pampered, coddled & conceited charlatan. As well as being a president who is in WAY OVER HIS HEAD.
I cannot wait for the next episode of How the White House Turns.
294. teejai | 03.25.09
The president responded to the question in the same manner and tone in which it was asked. I think the president’s answer was basic common sense. If you don’t know what you are talking about then remain silent. This is what I tell my children, so they won’t go around sounding ignorant. Apparently, many people never learned this lesson as a child, otherwise President Obama’s response to this question would not be an issue.
295. Mark Welchel | 03.25.09
Mr President likes to be told how to respond from his “scriptwriters” before he confronts the people. That is the only way he “knows” what he is talking about. What a joke. My great great grandchildren will be paying for all he has done in such a short time.
296. Paul | 03.25.09
It was Obamas people who asked Dodd to preserve the bounuses in the stimulus package so Obama should have known about it from the start.
297. Tom Cavanaugh | 03.25.09
Our country has a prez’ that can speak fluently in front of the world again. Media beware, you best go back to the blackboard and arm yourself with some tougher questions for this learned man. If we, the taxpayers have to foot the bill in giving all this “charity to the rich”, at least we are comforted in having a strong, courageous spokesman living in the capital building of our nation.
298. Deacon | 03.25.09
It seems that Obama gets a little testy when someone asks a legitimate question or second guesses his stance on any issue. He needs to realize now that he has the title of President of the United States it’s his job to answer these questions, and remember he does work for the American People.
Therefore anyone, from a hardworking blue collar American to a sly reporter has the right to demand an answer. Sorry, but side stepping tough questions and blaming the Bush administration really has gotten a little tired…
299. Melissa | 03.25.09
What I find the most amazing from some of the comments (and our President). Read this quote again people: “It took us a couple of days because I like to know what I’m talking about before I speak.”
It took him and his people a couple of days, to figure out these large bonuses were defrauding the American people? Isn’t he the President of this country? Why did he have to check with others, before he knew how he felt about this scam? Ohh that’s right, because he is in the pocket of AIG..
If President Obama wants to know what he is talking about before he speaks, please ask him to start with the legislation he approves, and NEVER reads. I’m sure he needs to check with others, before he knows how he feels about his scam of a stimulus package too, which actually lead to these big AIG Bonuses.
If he reads something he signs, he might have a WAY better understanding of what’s going on, and he won’t have to check with his pals..
301. wc | 03.25.09
Why di nobody ask about Franklin Raines, one of his biggest financial supporters, and the 90,000,000 ninety million dollars in bonus money from failed banking institutions?? Im sure his response would NOT have been “I want to know what Im talking about”! It is so so clear that Obama wants me and all others who are not “classified” as poor, to support all the homeless who do not work, and the “OPRESSED”. This gut is **** bent on destroying America, and becoming part of the NEW WORLD ORDER. This NWO will embrace him and his family as he continues to very deliberately leave behind the interests of the U.S.A. A real communist
302. mildred Tillman | 03.25.09
President Obama is answered appropriately. The question was useless and the questioner is dumb!
President Obama is doing a wonderful job so to all of you haters out there, God Bless you!
Bush is responsible for the condition of the world. President Obama is just fixing what Bush messed up.
Pray for our President!!!
304. Victor Quinones | 03.25.09
It seems like everyone is out to get Obama,he’s the president;it’s time to deal with it and the answer he gave to the CNN reporter… well deserved!
305. bob glave | 03.25.09
I wish More reporters had the guts to question Obama as to how much AIG donated to his and other democratic canidates this last election ,then maybe , we would be better able to understand why this pork barrell package had to be past without the members of congress even reading it. but then do we expect to get a truthful answer from the guy thatd makes every thing out to be a crisis, that we , our children, and atleast our grandchildren will be paying through the nose for.
306. rogelio | 03.25.09
A good leader looks at all aspects, all factors, all angles, before he decides what is best for us. It would take time and lots of energy to do that. It would take a lot of conversations and listening. If you can do better than Obama, then offer your help, dont condemn.
307. Jane | 03.25.09
Ed Henry’s question was not a stupid question…it required a direct answer from the President (which no reporter got for any question). It showed Obama’s true irritation at having to be accountable for his own actions.
308. moiraesfate | 03.25.09
I thought that was hilarious. Ed Henry got his butt swatted. It as a dumb question and the President gave a smart answer.
In the modern world, everyone keeps expecting immediate results and its completely insane. The man has only been in office two months. Everyone makes mistakes at a new job within the first two months they begin. There’s a reason that most jobs have a 90 training period.
People need to start being more reasonable.
309. Mark | 03.25.09
President 0bama’s delayed answer to Ed Henry’s question was testy because he was hoping to avoid it all together and not answer it…like most political dems. Henry pressed and got the true colors of Hussein 0bama. 0bama delayed because he was trying to spin the situation because already knew about the bonuses!! They all did!!
310. igo o | 03.25.09
It took him two days to grasp the meaning of some executives getting rich with taxpayers’ money, mmmhhh… Very thoughtful man. Maybe he was reflecting on the nature of man. Made a koan of a very unethical action and meditated for two days; then he got angry at a reporter who asked him about it instead of acknowledging an oversight from his treasury secretary.
311. Mark | 03.25.09
It’s been just over 64 days…. it feels like almost four years already!! Are we almost done yet???
312. Nikki | 03.25.09
The President answered the question. Why is it when people don’t get the answer they like, want or hope for it’s a tough question that the president is running from? He answered the question…and, Ed Henry got what he deserved. Don’t stand up in a press conference with questions intended to put the President on the spot…you may just find yourself on the spot.
313. Meech | 03.25.09
Hooray Obama!
Finally, an intelligent president who has the quick whit to respond to a hard hitting question whithout looking like a “deer in headlights” like dumb ‘ol George. What would you rather have, a president who takes the time to gather the facts or a president who shoots from the hip and gets us bogged down in a war that we are still trying to get out of? If you have a problem with his slow reaction to AIG need I remind you of Bush sitting in a classroom on 9-11 after hearing we were attacked looking completely lost. Or how about the “lightning quick” reaction he had to hurricane Katrina? The difference here is that the AIG situation allowed for some time. 9-11 and Katrina required immediate responses and our former leader couldn’t handle it. Based on Obama’s shown ability to think on his feet I think our country is a lot better off! Farewell Bush! Here’s one of MANY Americans who are happy you are finally gone!
314. john | 03.25.09
heyy!!!!! i’m obama! I wan’t to spend 9.3 trillion dollars of the taxpayers money within 10 years!!!!….hey im obama!!!! i want to blame everything on previous presidents and administrations!!!! heyyy im obama……..i have all the answers!!!!!!
315. Winston Smith | 03.25.09
Why didnt they ask President Hussein if he was going to accept the Special Olympics Bowling Champions’ (who claims to have a 266 average) challenge to bowl against him at the Whitehouse? Or did he already rip the lanes out and and replace them with a basketball court like he said he was going to.
316. Nunya | 03.25.09
America is ignorant for choosing that idiot as our president. No professinalism what so ever. Let’s wait and see what stupid decision he makes next.
317. JohnD | 03.25.09
Why would a corresponent from CNN (Conservative News Network)not ask a question this way? They do everything thing they can to undermine anything positive that might possibly come out of the White House now that the democrats control it. Their reporting is decidedly one sided and biased and Ed Henry is no exception. Its Rush Limbaugh politics at its best. Try and divide and smoke screen that the Republicans put us in this mess in the first place.
318. dancin | 03.25.09
I applaud Ed Henry for asking the tough question to our President. I found that President Obama tip-toed around Ed’s question and I don’t feel Ed received a truthful answer. As for President Obama’s professionalism, I feel as Americans we should have expected a more professional response than what the President offered to Ed’s question. I still do not feel that Ed’s questioned was answered. The Presidents response is what is shameful not Ed Henry’s question.
319. skangum | 03.25.09
“I like to know what I’m talking about”…..uh, after all the bailouts, you don’t know what your talking about already????
A President that goes on talk shows and acts like a fool, then when an issue with the government bailouts shows up he admits he didn’t know what was going on….that is a serious issue.
320. Steve B | 03.25.09
*** people!?!
Why are you slamming Ed Henry for asking a legitimate question??
Obama talks about a government open to the people - telling the people what is going on. If Obama sat on this information before saying ANYTHING - of course it would come back and bite him in the a$$. If he really wanted to be proactive about it - he could have come out and said “We have learned that AIG is using bail out monies to pay bonuses - we are looking into this and will….blah blah blah”
Obama acted childish and WRONG for reacting the way he did.
We need to stop handling this president with kit gloves. He came out playing hardball to get there - play hard ball back AND MAKE HIM ACCOUNTABLE.
322. John M | 03.25.09
Rewind to 4 months ago. If the former president had given that answer to a reporters question you would have hailed that reporter as a god. Now it is a different set of rules? If it takes “days” for the president to find out what he is talking about on a simple matter of those bonuses, then I can imagine how long on some other national crisis. Everyone knew about those bonuses and let them slide. Once they became public it was all political finger pointing. It is just business is usual in Washington.
323. Carol | 03.25.09
Old Ed should have done the same the President did, think before he speak. Rage only produces more rage!!!!
324. theObserver | 03.25.09
I believe the correct answer would be, “My team wanted to see the public’s reaction before we took a position, as we had to have time to figure out how to protect our policy and position.”
Note that President Obama is smart and crafty, just like most presidents. They have several agendas and maintaining power is at the top of the list. What’s good for the “American people” is somewhere down from the top. This isn’t a game, this is the real deal, so keep your eyes and ears alert.
326. GOPHater | 03.25.09
Ed Henry should be covering a PTA meeting somewhere in Mississippi. What a punk. Good grief, what a punk.
327. Dr O | 03.25.09
Incredible!
The ship is sinking … the Captain is trying to save the ship and all on board … and some MORON … wants to know WHY the Captain did not show immediate anger when he found out that some OFFICERS in the crew had set aside most of the lifeboats and emergency equipment for themselves. Bah! Go figure!
328. Tom A | 03.25.09
The implicit assumption in a press conference is that you are inviting in serious journalists. A few of the CNN so called journalists are just hucksters or opinion mouthpieces who apparently can’t take an “icy” stare. Obama’s response is memorable because he probably gave an honest answer with a sharp tongue. I wish Tim Russert were still here to ask the question - I’m sure the response would be the same.
Finally, people loved the smackdown because lots of reporters rank down there with used car salesmen and AIG execs.
The conference was memorable for being so much better than anything Bush 2 could have ever done.
329. davidkohlstrom | 03.25.09
Oh, so Obama KNEW what he was talking about when he offended Special Olympians, the Regan family, etc.? Hmmm, if that’s the case, this dude’s just plain mean.
330. leeway | 03.25.09
Here are the facts. Ed asked THREE questions.The last two were on the same subject addressing future concern about future deficit.The president answered them in reverse order starting with the third question.Then he smoothly moved to answer the second question. Before he had finished the second, Ed Henry interrupts to repeated his first question-albeit post facto.The bonuses had been paid.The horse was out of the barn, but this was not an Emergency.You should be d*** sure you have your facts to the letter before you demonize the offending party or parties. He got an answer - a professional one at that.However, i would been more satified it the President had said “I did respond. I have no legal recourse.How the heck will the infomation help ANY situation now?????
331. nicocoer | 03.25.09
I think that his response to Ed Henry had a lot to do with the fact that That horse has already been through it’s postmortem beating. It showed a lack of originality or any real thought, and was tagged on to the end of the followup period- and was done in an unprofessional manner.
I love CNN, but when Ebony and Stars and Stripes ask better, more thoroughly thought out questions than you, it’s time to rethink your methods. Seriously.
332. Chloe | 03.25.09
I absolutely do not think he was upset at all. As an Illinois resident I’ve watched Barack speak for years and I think he was just giving a very honest answer to Ed. It was to the point, yes - but that is President Obama’s speaking style. I saw no change in his countenance. (Certainly nothing that would suggest he was being ’snarky’ or ‘rude’!) I think everyone is reading something into this that isn’t there.
333. Rachelle | 03.25.09
He needs to answer the question tactfully and respectfully. I would like to know why he would act like a child. We as Americans have every right to know why when it was put in the stimulas package that HE signed did he not know it was in there. Maybe if he would have kept the promise to read and wait 10 days before putting laws on the books he would have known it was in there and this would have been a moot point. Then he would have been a head of it instead he just looks like a big baby and a child.
334. Don D | 03.25.09
The fact that Obama didn’t show outrage immediately about AIG is hidden in the fact that the entire AIG debacle was not suppose to be known. It had been approved in the stimulus package as AIG bonuses were grandfathered (BY NAME—READ THE BILL IF YOU DO NOT BELIEVE IT). He had to let the house and senate democrats beat their war drums first and draw attention away from the fact they all kew about this. Barack plain and simply did not know how to act or how to respond to the question. The telepromter was not preloaded with a cutesy response from the heavens as the “Telepromter” did not expect anyone to ask him a meaningful question.
BEWARE ALL YOU OBAMA SUPPORTERS THE TRUTH ABOUT THIS FAKE IS COMING OUT. THE LIBERAL MEDIA IS BECOMING MODERATE AGAIN AND YOU HAVE ALREADY LOST HALF THE MODERATE VOTE>
335. Jim | 03.25.09
I think he should have asked why he did not show outrage with two of the Congressional clowns who were major contributors to this financial fiasco, namely, Chris Dodd and Barney Frank
336. Pauline | 03.25.09
I watched this speech with my children, and my daughter who is too young to understand what was being said, looked at me and asked “Why is he so mad?”
I think we as a country have a right to be mad, why did it take so long to comment on this, don’t we have a right to know where our money is going, and if we don’t like how it is being spent is this the reaction we get if we ask why?I know you respond fast for other mistakes like the special Olympics comment you made. I have kids with disabilities, is this the response they would get if they asked why you made the comment, or why these banks are allowed to spend money this way? Why can’t you admit a mistake was made, and it was yours.
337. billblasphemy | 03.25.09
I don’t really care what “twitterers” think. I only care about how the President handled the questioning. It was with poise and intelligence. Something the White House has been missing the last eight years. Apparently Ed Henry thinks he is still talking to George Bush. Ed got his butt handed back to him.
338. Ellison | 03.25.09
Come on all of you who thought that was a good question. Do you really think that. It was a very stupid questions. All of this is because of the BUSH adminstration and when ALL of you realize that and STOP attempting to put it on President Obama we then can begin to heal and more on as a nation.
If you find yourself not able to move on then you need to ask yourself some questions and the first should be is it because he is an Black American. The man is intelligent so what else can it be?
339. Teri | 03.25.09
I am so thrilled to see a President with a brain for a change. Reporters haven’t been allowed to ask real questions for years so they are a bit rusty. They are going to have to bone up on their reporting skills to keep up with this President. Obama can think on his feet and actually understands the dynamics of our complicated problems. We’re no longer going to get answers like “it’s hard.” Keep it up Mr. President!
340. maunumaunu | 03.25.09
I see some people still like to be treared like a child.Obama said,”He’d speak to the American people like adults”!!!But some of you are still stuck in,”NEVERNEVER LAND”,wanting your world to be sugar coated,and filled with lollipops,GROW UP AMERICA!!!The 21st century is now!!!The man has a message for the adults of this nation,listen!!!!
341. Vince | 03.25.09
Good question. It was typical to give a short and sharp answer for a politician who doesn’t like the question. Politics aside dont you people see him for what he is - just another lying, priviliged politician.
342. Liz | 03.25.09
Raquel | 03.24.09
If his answer had been truthful not just meant to chide Henry, he would have read the stimulus package before signing. Go Henry!
You are an idiot, Raquel! Maybe you should take a que from the President & actually know what you’re talking about before opening your mouth. Our current president did not sign the bail-out plan that helped AIG, the former President Bush did that. The stimulus plan that you are speaking about is something totally different sweetie.
343. rich | 03.25.09
at least we have a president now who thinks before he speaks……….not like bush…hahahahaha
344. VR | 03.25.09
Ed Henry deserves what he got. It was a stupid question.
What you expect president to issue a statement without looking into what exactly happened first? Thats so Bush’ish
345. tim | 03.25.09
the question should have been why did he express any outrage when his boy timmy g knew and approved the bonuses specifically.
346. Lori Cardwell | 03.25.09
I think the President Obama has every right to take his time and get all the information that he needs to, and to make a decision. No one will just come out there and speak on a topic that they don’t know anything about. Ed Henry looked real stupid last night. I think Ed got what he deserves for asking that question. Not only that the American people should be in an out rage about all those bonuses that was giving out. The average person isn’t getting anything close to that these days. The economy is not good at this time and for them to take those bonus is a crime shame for them to take it. Also they would not have giving the money back if they wasn’t going to be taxed on it I am glad President Obama is doing something about that not only that he is trying to help us get out of this mess that we are in. PRESIDENT YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
347. Debbie Q | 03.25.09
Does everyone forget how tight the secretary of treasure is with Obama? According to the 60 minute interview they appear to be best friends. If I remember correctly it was the last administration’s secretary of treasure who didn’t read between the lines and gave the funds away without any constraints. It seems to be a popular theme in Washington. I think the question was well deserved and the president should have known what exactly the terms were for the release of funds to AIG. Why make the same blunder? After all it is the taxpayers money.
348. redhead | 03.25.09
What a lot of people that say Obama wasn’t right in showing frustration are forgetting that instead of jumping on the gossip wagon that we call “news” he waited for ACTUAL reports from AIG. How bad do you think he would have looked had he showed his anger to find out that the “news” was wrong?
I feel that he answered well to a question that was asked simply to make him look bad. I would have snapped at Ed Henry if I had been asked.
I say at least Obama is trying, unlike others we’ve had in the white house.
349. Stephanie | 03.25.09
DAN IN CA —–THANK YOU !!! THAT IS EXACTLY RIGHT!!!I GUESS THESE PEOPLE THINK THAT BECAUSE YOU ARE THE PRESIDENT YOU SHOULD ONLY FOCUS ON ONE THING LIKE BUSH DID !
351. Samy | 03.25.09
Finally a question that wasn’t rehearsed. And all the “fawning foxes & foxettes” are in a dither. Good for you Ed Henry. Next time ask how much he received fom the AIG before all this bailout mess began, and how much is he going to be paying back? Of course that will only land Ed a seat(maybe) on the White House lawn, on the “Fourth of July”. If he is lucky! See that he(Obama) has moved from the small screen (teleprompter)to a larger one, but ahh… that is grist for the mill on another day. Again Kuddos! ED HENERY!
352. Meatt | 03.25.09
“Political views getting in the way…” We had to listen to the same thing in reverse the previous 8 years (because there are 137,343 democrat reporters versus 3 republican reporters), but NOW we react? Please…I guess mirrors work differently in demo-land.
353. Sohos | 03.25.09
Beware the Octopresident. He and this Congress will make sure that the tentacles of government are wrapped around every aspect of our lives. These people are out of control with their spending and their meddling in personal freedoms. Throw them ALL out!
354. numbersdude | 03.25.09
We need a pres who doesn’t take days to respond to current events especially when events are not difficult to interpret.
355. Klamorris | 03.25.09
What are you people talking about? He just answered the question that was asked. Why did it take you so long….uhhh because I need the facts before I speak on it…what is the problem in that. I think you Obama bashers are just looking for something else to ping him on…but let me tell you this is not it. For most people having an understanding of an issue before addressing it is normal. Choosing to know what you’re talking about before opening your mouth and blabbing the wrong thing, this is normal…then again maybe thats not the case for many of our Republican friends. He answered the question in a fair and honest way and I don’t understand how that could be misconstrued.
356. SL CULLEN | 03.25.09
“While the response was deserved, I do agree that more professionalism should be expected from the leader of one of the most powerful nations in the world. And anger or outrage, like violence, should also be a the last thing the President resorts to.”
Anger and outrage?? LOL WE must not have been watching the same video.
357. CeCe | 03.25.09
I think Obama responded well. He answered honestly and kept his comment short so that he wouldn’t say something that would be “un-president like.” I would definitely research something before I acted on it; it would be stupid not to do research first. He answered a tough question with a real response. GO OBAMA!
P.S. Sounds like Michael W is making a racist remark to me!
358. Mark | 03.25.09
What an untruthful answer! His real truthful response should have been, “I cannot have any responses to national and world events until Rahm Emanuel and Nancy Pelosi place what I am suppose to say or feel in the teleprompter”
360. cassandra | 03.25.09
Mr. President was on point; his answer succinct and truthful. He has been in office 60 days and is making constant headway into a horrible situation our previous president left us in. sure Ed Henry can ask the question and guess what, he got an appropriate answer. Maybe not the one he wanted, but appropriate. Don’t dish if you can’t take. LOL.
361. Neal Linkon | 03.25.09
I didn’t see it as a put-down at the time. I just thought it was the right answer to the question. I think people are upset because it actually made sense!
362. Kevin | 03.25.09
Readers react to CSM testy headline on the President’s speech.
“It was an honest question and deserved an honest answer”
It was not an honest question. IT was a petulant baby question and he deserved what he got. The president gave a thoughtfull detailed answer and the guy didn’t hear any of it. He wanted his poke poke with a stick chance and he got slapped down by a better man.
364. Whatevs | 03.25.09
I thought his response was spot on and also very funny.
Ed Henry was being obnoxious and deserved a smack down. Sorry.
I’m actually surprised no-one is bringing up the OBVIOUS “gotcha” question from Fox News…the guy was basically implying that Pres. Obama is a Communist &/or Socialist. What a stupid question. Fox News is yellow journalism at its finest!
And for the person trying to draw parallels between Pres. Obama and HITLER, you need to readjust your tin foil hat. Get a grip.
365. Blade | 03.25.09
Funny, it takes 3 days to comprehend a bonus. It took him 10 minutes to start shoving a stimulus plan, that even he said was rickety and not complete, in the faces of all the tax payers who will inevitably have to clean it up! I am so sick of ployiticians, from the left, right and center, they are all the exact same. Just socialists with one goal on there mind; One World Government! The fact we swallow there lies and ploys in gulps is sickening. WAKE UP! There is no political savior coming to rescue us from ourselves. Especially from these old school institutions known as “Republican and Democrat”.
366. Jay | 03.25.09
People are making this out to seem like President Obama was trying to smack down Ed Henry. Couldn’t the other reason be that this is a new white house that thinks before it acts. That kind of honesty from an elected official is refreshing to me.
367. Michele | 03.25.09
Kudos to President Obama!
His response to Ed Henry was valid and was handled properly. I like that Obama tells Ed ” I like to know all about what I am speaking about before I respond!”
An intelligent response to a no brainer question and wasn’t that response great!
368. Anna R. | 03.25.09
I like the answer that the President gave. Yes it had bite to it. But he certainly did not loose his cool. He was just stating what he felt was the obvious answer. “I like to know what I’m talking about before I speak” I guess some Americans are so use to the bull that Bush spewed to us that they can’t believe that the President would actually give thought to any situation that comes to him. This microwave, dsl, give it to me society, wanting it now, now, now. Patience is a virtue that America is showing that it lacks. A land of impulsiveness that landed us in this financial crisis. Remember, be quick to hear (pay attention), slow to speak (don’t act on impulse, give thought to your actions ), and slow to wrath.
369. Lee | 03.25.09
Its interesting reading the responses of those who will loathe and criticize the President no matter what. He could save a child out of a burning house and they would still find something to fault him with. You know who you are: those who continue to use his middle name, those who refer to him as the messiah.etc. What sorry pathetic people you are. You idiots probably didn’t even look at the press conference because if you did you would have seen that Ed Henry had already asked the question and he was clearly trying to be an idiot. The President’s response was not one of anger, it is exactly the way you would respond to an idiot.
370. john | 03.25.09
every one seems to forget that you are talking about the president of the united states of america. he needs to make the worlds most important decitions at a fraction of a second just like a fighter pilot in a dog fight if he hesitates to act peoples lives will be affected. he says that he would like to know what he is talking abbout before he speaks but has alot of people advising him on what to do, what to say and who to say it to. i bet that it is very possible that they first wanted to see what the peoples response would be then he would play the GAME. you can not in good faith tell me that the president and the newly appointed fed secretary ( who admitted that he knew about the bonus’s) had know idea that this was going to happen. i personally have a big problem with the government bailling outever y **** and harry.
371. kiers | 03.25.09
nothing. too much is being hyped about a legitimate question…and a very correct answer. BUT, i don’t understand this “cuomo” angle….what has cuomo got to do with anything? silly to equate cuomo with obama.
372. Michael | 03.25.09
Ed Henry’s question is typical of TV “journalism” these days. This is what passes for “tough and incisive”, when it’s actually the type of stuff that’s designed to try to put someone on the spot. Very Fox-like, if you ask me. It got the proper response from an intelligent person who has enough on his plate and doesn’t have time for nonsense.
This is why I don’t bother with television news. What amazes me, however, is how CNN US such an inferior product. The rest of the world gets CNN International - and we can’t, even though it’s broadcast from Atlanta!
373. Jimbo | 03.25.09
Ouch - someone actually challenged his royal majesty. Would someone please remind the press that they are addressing a celebrity!
374. CH | 03.25.09
What a joke some of you are. “He’s the president, you should respect him!” The people saying that are two-faced, because the press roasted Bush all the time and you guys just sat there eating it up. I don’t want to hear another word about “oooh, respect the president, don’t ask him tough questions”. A, that isn’t respect. And B, **** get the same amount of respect from us as Bush got from you– none. Deal with it.
375. BGill0 | 03.25.09
The best answer was early in the posts and is worth repeating. I’m glad you take 2 days to get your facts staight before speaking. I wish you would have taken 2 days to READ THE BILL you SIGNED!!!!! Then we wouldn’t be in this mess!!!!
376. Frances | 03.25.09
If President Obama found out about it days before he expressed outrage, why did it take him DAYS to respond? With something as important as to evoke outrage, why ddn’t he find out about it sooner so that he would know what he was “outraged” about before he spoke? I think President Obama is trying to do what it best for the country, but I also suspect that he is so used to the “rock star” treatment by the press and the liberal left that he cannot handle a controversial question. What happened to his cool? The question was “right on” and had been on the minds of many Americans. Perhaps if he stayed at the White House more often and tended to business he would have known earlier about the AIG bonuses!
377. Tattle | 03.25.09
Ed Henry, you got what you deserve from that stupid question. You idiot asked the same question more than once and be basically told you to shut up and sit down and give someone else a chance to ask productive question.
378. Blade | 03.25.09
I wonder what kind of Stare the reporter would have got if he asked a real question like; Is it true Mr President you indeed are not eligible for the office you hold, due to your duel residence status with another country. How bout this one. Mr President, isn’t it true you are a communist at heart, and that is why your State Department is trying to warm up and woo the nations with the same or similar government design? Wait, what about this. Mr President, has it ever occurred to you that by the time the tax payer gets done paying for this stimulus we will be completely defunct financially as a country. OR how bout; Mr President why do I get the wierd feeling you are the anti-christ. hahahaha
379. Nancy | 03.25.09
A better question might have been why didn’t the president know about the bonus plan in the first place? Maybe because he didn’t know everything in the legislation to begin with? Maybe because he didn’t read it? If the president is going to sign legislation before he reads it, he deserves to have to answer questions like Henry’s…..and he should answer them with respect.
380. Tammy | 03.25.09
To those saying Obama should have demanded the bonuses be given back or not have been paid out at all, the executives already had contracts for those bonuses and you can’t just ignore that without setting contract law back about 200 years. As a former law professor, Obama would know that. It’s not as simple as that.
381. JD | 03.25.09
Maybe he waited because the teleprompter wasn’t on. Big government, big spending, big taxes. AIG isn’t the first gaffe and won’t be the last. This country’s economy is screwed!
382. Maria | 03.25.09
Interesting considering that he’s never needed a few days to get the facts straight on anything else. Also interesting considering how much AIG backed him. I really can’t wait until the next election, assuming we all make it that long.
383. smecca7379 | 03.25.09
Incorrectly stated in one response, this was not a misstep of the Obama administration. This is a remnant of George Bush’s stimulus package which continues his commitment to the top 1 percent, aka his base as he so eloquently put it, and his disregard for the common man. However, Barack Obama along with the rest of congress passed this bill and now feign shock and disgust. As for the Presidents response to the reporter, he is absolutely correct we’ve had enough of politicians flapping their jaws to appease the masses before having all the facts. Isn’t that how we ended up in a war? Yes, please Mr. President don’t speak until you have something substantive to say, we want answers not condolences.
384. Kieran | 03.25.09
I think Pres. Obama’s response just showed how arrogant he really is. In his position he should get used to questions from reporters who are doing their job - reporting. Good for you Ed.
385. Head my message | 03.25.09
OMG… to those who are in agreement with Ed Henry’s question to the President, you are pathetic hypocrites? You are the same hypocrites who voted for G.W. Bush after it became public knowledge that Bush did not respond immediately when he was informed by a close aid that the towers were hit. Dumb G.W. Bush sat in the children’s classroom and and waited nearly 20 minutes before he even spoke to any official or secretay of defense or notifed the Pentagon. He sat there while the nation was under attack after getting briefed. Then he gets on his high horse and yell “Yeeee Haaaa!! Let’s go get I-RACK!! cuz that Saddam Huussaaane has got weapons of mass destruction (did I say that right??) yep W.M.D.’s and we gotta go get ‘im!” So he poured countless of hundreds of billions of dollars into a fabricated war to a non-threatening country already broken financially, militarily by sanctions imposed by his father since 1992. And idiots of this nationvoted G.W. back in because he told you that he was protecting this nation from terrorists. Yet now that the country is broke and damn near naked and out fo doors you want to attack a President who can think and react accrodingly over 165M dollars that was abused by some CEO’s of AIG but you cheered like grouoies when hundreds of billions of dollars were being poured into I-RACK (yeah, I-rack up dollars) for a BS war while countless innocent people are dying on all sides. I say to you hypocrites as I say to all of those who hate Obama and the Rush Limbaughlosers followers that I hope and pray that if this nation gets turned around that you hypocrites and haters will not benefit one bit… not even your children.. you all need to wander off and die in the wilderness. Only the sincere and meek will inherit what is rightfully dur to them… Just stick around a while… watch how this nation is turned upside down from more calamities and financial peril because of the arrogance and hatred that is in the hearts of those of you who are so hypocritcal.
386. Wordsmith | 03.25.09
I love how everyone is talking about professionalism and all that blah blah blah. Lets step back about four years. What do you think Bush’s answer would be to that question? Oh wait would we even be hearing from him on this subject? I must say that I am a bit refreshed that the President of the United States of America has been as availble as he has been. I don’t remember the last time I saw the President on the news this much. Also some might wanna pay attention. It’s lovely that the falling stockmarket isn’t news anymore now is it. I say let things flesh out and see what happens. The truth is that this country hasn’t the slightest idea of what to do in this economy. Hello it has never happened before. So anyone that talks about what to do or not do is guessing. It’s a **** shoot. LOL…man I love it. I was in the Army and we had a word for this. It’s called a ” Cluster @$%#!!! you figure it out. Also what’s with the question? How do you show anger and be professinal. Rationally the two don’t go together. Yes take your time to think and get things in order before you open your mouth cause I swear there are people out there waiting for a slip up so they can yap yap yap 24-7 on CNN.
387. Mohssen | 03.25.09
As I read the comments, I am seeing things like…”Yeah, how dare Ed Henry ask such a disrespectful question” or “Obama got owned.” Is there anyone else left in the middle of the spectrum who does not think much of this exchange. Is there anyone else who is not an extreme left-winger who thinks Obama is a prophet or a right winger who does not remember the travesty of our last presidency. Everyone’s picking teams like its football season. Grow up.
388. memi | 03.25.09
I do not think it was a testy answer. Ed asked 3 questions, ccccccccccccoome oooon give someone else a chance and stop showboating. The president possibly does need to think about things first before shooring off at the mouth. Did not the ****Ed listen when he said he gets the hard decisions after no one else can make them. Do you think Ed, he gets the info Stat?
389. Chris S. | 03.25.09
Ed had any right to ask this question and any question that concerns the american people and our Taxmoney!And why do people think the President kept his cool and did not got angry, are we dealing here with children or what ,having little temper syndromes is so un-presidential!!!!! You did not see Bush get upset when a shoe got thrown at him,no he had a little smirk on his face.Obama did not make any specific points how he will make the changes he is just beating around the Bush.He just do not know how to be a President,not knowing what he talk about when HE signed the damn papers. Who believes his is as stupid as most of the Dems!!! Thats all i have to say.
390. kohlie | 03.25.09
I think it is right to question this administrations actions. They constantly attack the prior administration. Is it now wrong to disagree and voice an opinion against this administration?
The gov. piles on debt upon debt and runs the gov. like the financial companies they rail against.
Medicare and Social Security are such disasters, the gov. does not even count them in the budget! So the REAL debt figures are not given to us!
391. amberlina | 03.25.09
Look he’s (BO) human and I personally don’t think anything was wrong with the question OR the answer. It’s not that big of a deal. I like that he keeps it real. It is stupid for people to run off at the mouth before getting more information I like that BO steps backs and THINKS a little before just coming to the public willy nilly. and as someone else said I don’t remember you guys being this hard on STUPID BUSH who couldn’t read talk or think
392. Thomas | 03.25.09
This was hardly a tough question, though it was about the toughest anyone could ask in this circus of a “press conference.” I’m amazed that so many people are consumed in this debate, oblivious to the fact that this and previous presidents, congresses, and justices have gone well beyond their constitutionally granted authority. But hey, continue to be consumed - you’re playing right into their hands.
393. Laura Cohen | 03.25.09
If you truly don’t we will not publish any comments regarded as obscene, defamatory, or intended to incite violence, what is “Obaloney” or referring to the President as “the anti-christ”?
394. G. May | 03.25.09
#270 Tony - Still placing blame in the wrong places. Your tired old leftist memes are running out of gas. Bush and Cheney trampling on your rights and possibly killing you? You’re delusional. Funny thing is, Obama has kept in place those same policies that you whackos are claiming are trampling on your rights (which no one can ever seem to cite any real life examples of). And he’s getting a free pass on that from his supporters and the media.
The congress was to blame for the war, and the budget. Those are simple facts. The congress, of which Obama was a member, is the entity which approves spending. The congress, of which Obama was a member and which was controlled by democrats for the past two years, is the responsible entity in this crisis. You fools who blame presidents for economic issues are such uninformed partisan hacks that it’s unfortunate your shrill cries are drowing out the voices of reason.
And addressing the war memes you regurgitate out of pure reflex - nevermind the fact that Bill Clinton made it public policy in 1998 to change regimes in Iraq. Nevermind that the congress voted on 22 other reasons beside WMDs to authorize the war. Nevermind that EVERYONE (including Hans Blix as late as Dec 2002) thought Hussein (Saddam, not Barack) had WMDs but we had no way of verifying either way except through force. Nevermind he was in material violation of sanctions that were enforceable by force. Nevermind that we killed more than 500,000 Iraqi civilians through sanctions and “diplomacy”, and reduced that number exponentially when we went to war.
Nevermind facts. Nevermind reason. You just keep bleating your same old tired half truths and lies. Apparently they have been repeated long enough for people to believe them.
395. Whyputaname | 03.25.09
Let’s talk about the Reporters and the Media, there is a little know article that came out back in Dec. 2008 about what the media calls Pentagon Pundits. Yeah…remember those Military analyst they put on for the lead up to the war in Iraq, funny from what I remember they weren’t so abundant during the lead up to Afghanistan!
Someday I would like to ask MSNBC about the wall for the soldiers that they made for people to send in pictures of their love ones who are in the service, funny that MSNBC doesn’t show it anymore…I would like to know what happen to it?
Here’s the link for the Pentagon Pundits and the media…if it don’t work just “Google Pentagon Pundits”!
http://www.commondreams.org/news2008/0505-01.htm
396. Ted | 03.25.09
To all the NAY SAYERS, the Haters, here’s what i have 2 say to you all It is written “Judge Not Least You Be Judge” look in the mirror how much better are you than this man that has stepped up to the bat and at least making an effort to change things in this messed up economy finally DON’T HATE THE PLAYER HATE THE GAME clean up your own house before you try to clean up the next man’s.
397. Tex34 | 03.25.09
Why not ask a question about why the president took so long to respond? It is the taxpayers money we are talking about here. Everyone who wrote something defending the President’s response is being foolish. I don’t care if you like him or don’t, when it comes to someone like AIG taking our money (Which is intended to get them back on their feet) and giving it away, the President should address the problem immediately.
How long does it take to know what you are talking about? Somebody brief the President…
398. A-LEX-ANDER THE GREAT | 03.25.09
Obama put that mockery of a real reporter right where he needed to be, BACK IN FIRST GRADE!!!
P.S. Certain people should know what he’s talking about before he writes… reporters ARE allowed. Did you watch the whole thing or just this clip? You seem way to bitter! LOL Are you related to that fool that asked the question? Or are you just mad because you was thinking the same question, and if asked would’ve got the same answer… LOL
399. Kate | 03.25.09
You know…..at some point you (Obama can do no wrong) people are going to have to stop blaming Bush for everything bad that is happening. Geez, you even criticize him as if he were in this press conference. I’m so sick of hearing about the last administration and how everything was done wrong. WELL, there is a new administration now, and they and their followers need to step up to the plate and quit whining and blaming the last administration for everything that is not going exactly as they want it to NOW. Obama is in charge now, deal with it. Everything that happens NOW is Obama’s responsibility and his responsibility to get it solved. Bush didn’t have the greatest economy either when he started, but he didn’t go out and blame the previous administration and constantly whine about it(not very presidential IMO). The past is the past….move on!!!
400. donde | 03.25.09
President Obama answered apprioprately. Ed Henry was asking the same question over and over. One that the President already answered. He is our President for a reason. He is a lawyer attended Harvard Law. President Obama has a very nice demeanor but do not get on his bad side. He is a shark and Ed Henry was a fish. Stay out of the water Ed or you will be eaten. Finally a President to be proud of.
401. LTT | 03.25.09
The real question is — Why didn’t Bush ever do anything to help our economy in eight years? Pres Obama cannot solve everything that took years to create and make better in less than 100 days. Everyone thought Bush was funny and never called him on it. Now they want to blame Obama and hold him to a higher level of action than previous Presidents. Now the 44th president is suppose to create a utopia where there was never one before.
403. mrowl | 03.25.09
This is why ALL questions should have prior approval.
How dare this reporter ask a question that disturbed the slumber of the listening audience.
404. FLIGUY | 03.25.09
The reason it took Obama a few days to respond was because he is a Moron and he did not know what he signed or he did when he gave AIG millions in bonuses and wanted time to fabricate a lie to cover up. Hang in there Obama!
405. A-LEX-ANDER THE GREAT | 03.25.09
Obama put that mockery of a real reporter right where he needed to be, BACK IN FIRST GRADE!!!
406. Steve | 03.25.09
All the reactions posted here criticizing President Obamas final answer to Ed Henry that are negative clearly show the anguish in the republican party toward this new administration. Have we forgotten the last administration started this snowball. The president is clearly taken a good posture & procurement to this crisis. Knowing what your talking about before you say it is something the last administration should have practiced.(Iraqs weapons of mass destruction for example) Great door knob close from the president.
407. Jeff | 03.25.09
It was atleast nice to see a reporter asking the questions MOST Americans wanted to ask about our hard earned tax money providing multi-million dollar bonuses. Obama’s snarky response simply was covering over Geithner and the administration’s incompetence regarding handling these bailouts. Obama is sliding by in the present, but the public’s patience is growing thin as more Wall Street Execs are rewarded with our money.
408. Thomas H | 03.25.09
I have never liked it when reporters engage in “Gotcha” questions regardless of who it’s directed at. I believe it’s a waste of time and contributes to the bad blood in Washington. I also think that if you have thrown your hat into the political arena you need to have a thicker skin than what was displayed last night by the President.
409. DDT23 | 03.25.09
Ed you really got your answer, you got slammed, WAY TO GO MR PRESIDENT!!!! CNN only chose Ed Henry for the White House correspondent for the simple fact that they needed a Republican in hiding. I ain’t never liked Ed Henry’s style of reporting anyway he is a BUMBLING IDIOT. Next time Ed stick to the matter at hand and stop trying to embarrass the President. I am an avid CNN viewer but as soon as I see Ed Henry among others I switch channels. And also advise my friends to do the same. Ed should have gotten slammed he is STUPID!
410. Dave Kidd | 03.25.09
I cannot believe that people feel that Ed Henry did ANYTHING wrong. Why is this President so UNTOUCHABLE! Ed simply asked a question and Obama backers are angry because it takes time to get the correct person to move the president’s mouth. Someone didn’t get there fast enough, so the president threw a temper tantrum and showed that he is only COOL when someone is telling him what to say. This president is out of his league and people don’t like it when his inexperience shows through.
411. Raymonde | 03.25.09
President Obama’s response was accurate. I felt that Ed Henry’s tone was harsh and mean-spirited. He should learn how to talk with respect to the president of our nation, especially one that is trying as hard as Mr. Obama is to get this country out of the terrible mess that we are in.
412. sam | 03.25.09
Blacks and whites are treated different in this country, Obama has 3 times
the education of the last guy, but many hate him just because of his color.
We can not go on like this gave him a change.
413. Elke E. | 03.25.09
I think Obama was spot on! The reporter was out right disrespectful and his tone was accusatory. Henry was obviously trying way too hard to make a name for himself. He thought he had a slam dunk and he ended up looking like a DUNCE! I think it was necessary for President Obama to respond the way that he did. I think his message was,,,I’m allowing you to ask any question that you like..but you will not disrespect me.
414. KW | 03.25.09
President Obama is polite and patient most of the time. People (reporters included) will try your patience and take your kindness for weakness, I am glad the President responded the way he did and he needs to do it more often. I am sure Ed Henry thought long and hard about what one question he would ask the President, obviously he chose the wrong one!!
415. Prophet | 03.25.09
This is lunacy talking about Ed Henry and the Presidents response. It is lunacy to hurl partisan shots back and forth because it solves nothing. What all you people do not seem to understand is that you are witnessing the bipartisan destruction of America. Neither party or their elected “representatives” is doing anything good for or standing for the majority of Americans. The banks and wall street are in control and sticking America. If you really care about fixing Americas problems, then get properly informed instead of swallowing the media’s and Washington D.C.’s spoon fed lack of information and wasting time on trivial press conference banter. Go to youtube and watch the obama deception.
416. Mike in Austin | 03.25.09
CSM is linking to a video calling a fellow journalist a “cockroach.” That’s a bit harsh, don’t ya think?
417. Becky | 03.25.09
Watch “Lie to Me” on Wed night. It helps to see past Obama’s rhetoric. His response was simply that of a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
418. FluentONE | 03.25.09
Perhaps Obama should spend LESS time on his basketball brackets and making “historic” appearances on ESPN and The Tonight Show and spend MORE time getting “up to speed” on the AIG situation. Maybe then he can answer simple questions from reporters.
419. Truthful | 03.25.09
Honestly now- the press has a job and CNN correspondent had a great question…why did you guys in gov’t give away our hard earned money to crooks and ask for no accounting of it…..and it must have disturbed our cool president enough to whip out his sword and trash Ed in front of the world. I don’t think it was respectful and the power has gone to Obama’s head. He is not above anyone and has to answer to his people that he is leading. He scored a big zero from me and I hope he apologizes in public. It was an example of his ego and it is very big…what is feeding it? The power of the working man and woman who now can’t ask a simple question that needed to be answered….sad sad sad.
420. Ron | 03.25.09
Comment # 278 as well as a few others gives way to the obvious, and that is that these folks are apparently uneducated. It is also apparent just who the “Fool” really is. Any person who would choose to speak on any matter of such significance, before thouroughly accessing the situation and getting the facts is subject to ridicule and embarrassment. Such is the case here as well, as Mr henry apparently did not give the question ample thought before attempting to shove it down the President’s throat a second time. Had the President immediately blurted out in outrage without being well informed about the AIG controversy, then it would have only been another avenue for critism and ridicule as well as a tool for people who make it their jobs to find fault in everyone other than themselves. I feel the President did a very good Job last night with the whole Press conference and Ed Henry got just the response he solicited. That ofcourse is my “opinion” as I am entitled to as is all Americans. The decisions that are put before the President are not ones to be taken likely and an educated person would know that “thought” is only one part of the process of making a rational decision. Let’s give the man a chance. After all is said and done, then let the facts speak for themselves. In closing, I will quote the President in saying “If it was easy, it would have already been done”!
421. Jerry Oldfield | 03.25.09
Obama once again let the American people know what an idiot he is. Thank God he wan’t the president when the Twin Towers went down or it would have taken a few days for him to respond. God help us all.
422. FLJerry | 03.25.09
The 24-hour news media needs to make news if there isn’t a fresh issue every day. Hey, they’re entitled to try to make profits, too. It is the JOB, it is the DUTY of Rush Limbaugh to react quickly, to sputter and fume and rant. Same for Keith Olbermann, Ann Coulter, Rachel Maddow, Bill O’Neill, Bill Maher, Glenn Beck; the list goes on and on. They must take the instant populist message to their hungry fan base. That’s how Dobbs can keep ranting on his immigration issues and that bimbo on cable can keep looking for Kaylee months after that case was over and done. The public, or at least a population large enough for the cable ratings moguls, will keep paying for it.
All that said, it is NOT the job of the President of the United States to pander to the screaming mob. We don’t need him to strut and crow, we don’t need to see him in a flight suit and hear him overreact to please his base and his big campaign donors. It’s completely refreshing to see that our leader wants to actually think about an issue before speaking.
And guess what… the issue isn’t really that big a deal. AIG gives out retention bonuses with .1 percent of their bailout money. Meaning 99.9 percent was not used for bonuses. They’ve been singled out as greedy opportunists, while their bonus handouts pale in comparison to Merrill Lynch and almost all banks, hedge funds, and moneylenders. Grow up, folks. Stop kowtowing to the moronic cable news commentary and use your own brains.
Ed Henry did his job as a cable news muckraker. Obama gave him an appropriate response. There might have been news made in this press conference, but it sure wasn’t this exchange.
From all the screaming over this fluff, it sure gets discouraging to see how far the American public has dumbed down. I hope 8+ years of intelligent leadership can somehow turn us around.
423. Ezra | 03.25.09
There is no story here. It wasn’t a nasty question or a testy response. People have nothing better to do than make mountains out of molehills.
424. boadicea | 03.25.09
Obama’s response was to Ed Henry, but it was not about Ed Henry. At least not limited to Ed, because he does have the media disease of gotcha.
It’s about how to run a govt rather than a campaign which treats every issue as primarily about the PR rather than the substance.
425. hmmm | 03.25.09
Geithner asked for the loophole in the stimulus bill that allowed AIG bonuses…so, why are Obama, Geithner and Congress surprised that the bonuses were paid? And why the delayed reaction??? They knew it was going to happen the second Geithner requested that Dodd add the bonus language to the package. Ed Henry asked a good question…this admin is already in cover-up and lie mode. Sad.
426. sgarza53 | 03.25.09
I think more of the liberal reporters need to start asking those type of questions. Seems like everyone is so scared to give the hard questions to a president that seems to say a lot about nothing. Not only that, he should have known about that before all of the mess. To me that shows that his cabinet is not doing their job.
427. Jim L. | 03.25.09
Cold stare? Spanking? For what? Pleeeease. President Obama didn’t ’spank’ anybody. Remember, folks, the AIG bonuses continue to have much of the country in a lather. What, you don’t want the president to answer any ‘nitpicking’ questions about it? “What did he know and when did he know it?” Sound familiar? During ‘other’ administrations, Ed Henry’s question would have earned him a Peabody Award.
The president answered Ed Henry’s secondary questions with a long drawn-out explanation, apparently hoping Ed would forget about his first, most important question. Guess what, Mr. Henry, to his credit, didn’t forget about that question. And guess what, the president didn’t show Ed Henry the door and the president certainly didn’t answer Ed Henry’s question. Basically, the president, frustrated that he was put on the spot, said to the country, “My dog ate my homework.”
428. Mauro | 03.25.09
I am NOT an Obama person. I do not trust the guy. However, yesterday I was impressed about his eloquence. He is such a Academic Professor and that is where he should be–in a university. He hears without listening. Yet, he responded calmly to all questions. Now, interesting was his response to the stem cell research. How can he push something that HE himself says he wrestles with and deals with unethical means to destroy lives. Sincerely, after that answer I came to the total conclusion that Obama has no ethics at all. I still do not trust the guy. He knew about AIG, he knew about the stimulus package and was a sloth since HE did not read it. Sorry Obamans… he is not a dream come true.
429. Elgin | 03.25.09
The president is telling it like it is. And keeping it REAL. Get with it people. And leave the man alone and let the man continue to clean up the MESS bush left him in…which is doing a DAMN good job @ cleaning thus far.
430. NN | 03.25.09
It’s a shame!!! Shame on you ED. President Obama did well to shut you up. You make so much noise as if you will do anything better. It’s amazing how the TV media sits back and talk, he should have, he said, he did not say…. Anyways, they get paid for talking. Bull! Bull!. Give him a chance. It’s barely 65,,,or how many days since president took office. Do you expect him to work magic in a day? Please give him a break! Be realistic!
431. Siam Erzuah | 03.25.09
Ed Henry was a feather weight who wanted a fight with a heavyweight Barack. Unfortunately, he was given a wicked upper-cut and never recovered. Later the CNN pundits were seen trying hard to resucitate him to no avail. I believe poor Ed is still nursing his wounds. Ed henry should pick a fight with his equals and try to stay away from the likes of Barack. If Ed Henry thinks this Obama is an ordinary president who he wants to toy with, then he is living in fools paradise. This guy defeated the ‘battle ship’ SS Hillary and Bill Clinton, and went ahead to beat John Maccain and the Republican fighting machine, and he wants to take him on one-on-one. This is a recipe for suicide, and that is exactly what got Ed hanging on the ropes. Next time he wants to pick another fight with Barack, he should go and bring a whole batallion of disgruntled pseudo-reporters like him: the Rush Limbaughs, the Sean Hannitys, the Lou Dobbs etc etc. However, he should make sure he is not the first in line to face Barack. He may not recover to practice his profession again
432. C. Elaine Fontana | 03.25.09
Although I did not vote for Pres. Obama and helped with Sen. McCain’s campaign, once elected, he did become our President. I am not comfortable with this and am very frightened re: the future of our country. The point is: He makes a statement that he must have time to know what he’s talking about before he speaks. He needed time to give a simple response to the question, while he ironically did not need the time to read the stimulus package before hawking it, and making it sound like the end of the world if it was not passed? I will give the highest office in our country the respect it deserves. Yes, it is early in his administration but he has a lot to prove to me re: of the people, by the people and FOR the people.
433. Glenn | 03.25.09
I found one reader comment interesting and indicative. “…Ed Henry deserved a kick in the pants. Who cares whether he is a Republican in hiding at CNN.”
Sounds like someone just might be admitting to the liberal bias at a certain major news network.
Why else would Ed Henry be “in Hiding”. Maybe he should “Out” himself. Then the ACLU can step in and represent him as they do all conservative organizations.
434. Jessiie-Essiie26 | 03.25.09
I think the Obama’s response was right on point. he didn’t come off being rude and disrespectful, even acknowledging the question with a response was good enough. if he didn’t even answer the question then maybe that would be a reason to be upset. he has gone through many press confrences and i’m sure there were other questions (like Ed Henry’s) that came off negative so he would be comfortable and confident in his response. If he responded by turning red and cursing the man out then that would be a different story. Ed Henry just needs to sit down and think before he speaks. He’s a reporter and was only doing his job and i believe we all can agree on that, but sweetheart next time don’t just ask anything. Did he even have that written down? Also, he asked twice once along with the other statement and after he didn’t get the response he wanted or was looking for. Maybe i’m wrong, but he asked for it. So in my opinion, 1 for Obama 0 for Ed Henry.
*GO JO - good response.
435. Unbelieving | 03.25.09
@Supporter: Higher standard? Are you kidding? He’s getting more free passes from gaffs and errors in judgement than G.W.B. ever did.
Why is so bad to ask why he waited to respond to the bonuses until AFTER it became front page news? He knew (or if he didn’t know, he can’t trust his staff) and kept quiet. Typical political C.Y.A. and spin-doctoring afterwards.
The way this presidency is starting, it will equal G.W.B. in mistakes and needs to be held to the same standards. 2012 needs to be the year of the Third Party so both sides realize they need to stop squabbling because we’re not going to take it!
436. Marv Stein | 03.25.09
I believe it was Ed Henry’s tie. It seemed, to me the same one that the Gov. of Louisiana had with his rebuttal to the President. I think the tie puts child like answers, and questions into the wearers, they get all knotted up….
437. Dean | 03.25.09
Ed Henry got an apprpriate response for the level of question he asked. Meaning: as President, where the buck stops for all of our nations problems, he HAS to make sure he has all the facts, all the back-stories to what he is investigating. It is HIS ultimate problem to answer to the American public. It is SELF-EXPLANITORY that he would take some extra time to find out what is going on. And we ALL know that — wouldn’t YOU make sure you knew what was going on before you took the case to MILLIONS of people?
Well, because of that OBVIOUSNESS, Ed Henry got the answer he deserved — because HE KNEW TOO, why the Pres. took extra time to come public with some answers. Henry knew, but being the opportunist he is in trying to sound intelligent for career advancement at CNN, he thought that this question had a double-benefit. He thought that even though it was obvious for Obama to wait a couple of days, the outrage about bonuses in this country would lend some hysteria and aggravation to what would seemingly be a simple answer. Ed Henry knew that he had an opportunity to ask a question that - because of the mere NATURE of that question - would perk-up the ears of all around him, the viewing audience, and his BOSSES.
438. MommyOf2Angelz | 03.25.09
I am glad Obama let him have it. I smart-ass question deserves a smart-ass answer. The question was totally pointless.
439. Scott | 03.25.09
Finally, a CNN reporter is sounding a bit “fair and balance” instead of sounding like he was on the Democratic party’s payroll. Its refreshing to hear a member of the media call Obama on one of these issues. The media needs to stop treating Obama like a rock star and start holding him accountable. Obama will take credit for anything positive that happens in our economy, while at the same time, blaming only the Bush administration for all the negative issues with the country. The media crucified Bush for years. Its time to hold Obama accountable for his actions as well.
440. Adam | 03.25.09
I don’t believe (as this article writes) our president “snapped” at Mr. Henry. In my opinion President Obama had enough and was getting to the point, summing it up, and moving it on. I believe the President takes more criticism then we combined could EVER know, and he seems to handle it all very, very well. Cut Obama (our President whom God placed in that position) some slack.
Also, Ed Henry was simply responding with the pressing questions CNN most likely (I don’t really know the system) wanted to know and “get the drama.” I don’t feel its fair to push the issue, or to even make this an issue as its becoming.
441. joseph | 03.25.09
I’m so happy obama sparked that smart *** comment, it made those republican reporters, who are just trying to prove that he wasn’t the right choice, look like straight petty losers, deal with it …..
wanna debate some more low cl***, BITTER( great choice of words)
Republicans
442. Julio | 03.25.09
What a joke. I wish more people Dem and Rep, shot reporters looks like that. I know I would. You don’t show “immediate outrage”! **** Ed Henry and his ilk aren’t outraged at all. They are only outraged at the fact that people are outraged about the bonuses… Hey Ed, how does it feel to get **** slapped on national TV by the leader of the free world? Sucks doesn’t it???
443. s | 03.25.09
The government, with its millions of policy wonks, did react to the situation in question. The Chief Executive of the United States should not be bound to ’showing outrage’ at the compensation practices of one outragous firm. Sure, we all want to hear people screaming at AIG executives so we can feel better. Yes, he missed an opportunity for cheap, easy-win sound bites that any clown on a blog can make. His job is to think at a higher level than that. Is it not better for a guy with his job to deal with the bigger, very complex web of bigger issues that must be managed to solve the financial problems we face? Demonizing is easy and an outlet for hacks. (Enter CNN.)
444. Kurt | 03.25.09
I would expect him to be frustrated with a question like that. Thought he handled it well. He needs to keep redirecting people until they get it. If outrage over the deficit now that we have to increase it when their was little before when we didn’t then he is not reaching some of you. So the public appearances etc… That question was a waste of time.
445. Ed | 03.25.09
Hmm.. could it be that Ed Henry is someone who finally asked a hard question rather than the usual “softball”, “Say Mr. President, how is the First Lady’s garden coming?” Good for Ed but he can be sure, he will never be called on to ask another one. Why did Obama sign something he hadn’t read? The provision was in there to give AIG executives the bonuses. Just ask Chris Dodd.
446. BGill0 | 03.25.09
All of you that conintue to try to blame the Bush Administration for the problem with the economy, check you facts/history! The economy was at an all time high with just 2 years left in Bush’s term. Anyone remember what happened then?!?!? The Dems took over the House and Senate. Also, I know there was a lot of corruption in Wall Street (Suprise Suprise, people become corrupt when you remove God from the equation,) but the greatest contributing factor to the Economy crash was Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae which are again…. Democratic … constructs. I know that some if this happened on Bush’s watch, but take YOUR SHARE of the blame DEMS!!
447. Ed | 03.25.09
To all those people that thought it was a stupid question, I’m sure you would have preferred something like this…
So Mr. President, what are you going to grow in the garden….
448. ED | 03.25.09
Most of you who are bashing Obama forget one critical aspect of Ed Henry’s question. That is the unspoken but unmistakably intoned accusatory fabric of Henry’s question. The tone of Henry’s question was clearly damning of the President’s 2-day delay in expressing his outrage at the AIG bonuses. Maybe it is true that we Americans are very myopic and with very short attention span. Remember the Fall of 2008, just before the first Presidential debate, when John McCain suddenly suspended his campaign to rush back to DC to take care of the financial crises? Remember how that hastily manufactured charade turned out? In Ed Henry’s question is the implied notion that the President was asleep at the helm with the greater implication that, if the President was not up to snuff on an issue as peripheral as AIG bonuses, then it is questionable whether or not Obama would be up to that task to all the other great challenges that the Country faces and which he most likely will be confronted with. I do not think that anyone knows how Obama would deal with any one of these major challenges, should they materialize. After all, neither Kennedy nor anyone else in this Country could ever have claimed prescience with regard to how the Cuban Missile Crisis would have turned out.
So, when a reporter asks a question such as Ed Henry did and in such in such a pugnacious manner, we need to take a break and try to understand the real reason behind the spoken words of the question. Obama understood this, hence the rather biting response elicited by the latent insidiousness and erroneous assumptions of the words of the question.
449. BG | 03.25.09
It is refreshing to have someone in charge that wants to be sure of himself before he opens his mouth.
450. Lisa | 03.25.09
Our new president does not like to be questioned now that the press is not giving him a free ride anymore!
451. Adam | 03.25.09
“I was kind of hoping maybe he would be a little more professional.”
As opposed to “smoke them out and get them running” type statements by some presidents. Yea, Obama needs to be more professional. Give me a break.
452. andruito | 03.25.09
In a perfect world perfect people would ask perfect questions and receive perfect answers. When Cain’s offering was rejected by God, God said to him:
“Why are you so angry?” the LORD asked him. “Why do you look so dejected?
Gen 4:7 You will be accepted if you respond in the right way. But if you refuse to respond correctly, then watch out! Sin is waiting to attack and destroy you, and you must subdue it.” (NLT)
Let’s be honest we all been there, the wife or parent or friend asks a valid question and we get angry because we know they are on the right track and we are not.
453. Kevin | 03.25.09
Ed Henry is a very good reporter of CNN, who asked a important economic question about AIG bailout and bonuses scam(Note that AIG paid good money to Obama campaigning and there is a rumor on capital hill that he is soft on them).Obama should be ashamed of himself for reacting angrily on a press person and very un-Presidential and demeaning of the USA president office.Very sad day for America. we are going down day by day in all respects.
454. Brent | 03.25.09
These comments are laughable. I keep seeing the “He is our President . . . respect him” line. Yeah, everyone treated Bush with so much respect . . . Geez, most of your are morons. Get off Obama’s ****. He deserves tough questions which he RARELY gets.
455. Lindsay | 03.25.09
Bottom line, he didn’t answer the question. This is just one more side-step that only further proves the president’s desire to control every aspect of this country. If he can control the press, control the media, control weak American minds, then he can stick his big government, socialist foot wherever he wants to. He is scared, way over his head, and is simply throwing (our) money at his problems. Personally, I am holding out for the giant “I told ya so” that I will be able to say in about 3 years.
456. Nicholette | 03.25.09
Obama’s response was childish, and the question he was asked did it’s job. I believe CNN got the response they wanted and Obama’s probably kicking himself right now for loosing his cool.
457. Jim Berg | 03.25.09
Some of you act like we should ignore the fact that the president and his party are throwing away Billions of YOUR dollars! Really? Yes there is a war going on and the soldiers fighting it cant even get uparmored hummers because its not in the Budget! Good job Ed, Keep asking the hardball questions and maybe just maybe the smiling mask of the Dems will start falling off to reveal the true face of the party ( anger and hate )!
459. another sam | 03.25.09
Ed’s question was asked in the same way many tax payers think. I have never defaulted on any loans and I pay all my bills. these AIG pigs caused a serious issue and the Government SHOULD have reacted with investigations imediately regardless of “liking to know what [he] is talking about before [he] speaks…” HE is not the only authority… the GOVERNMENT is… ONE MAN does not make the decisions but he is the representative of the governement. He is snobby and has canned answers for getting out of situations he doesnt want to be in… which is fine in business… and government is mostly about business but I believe Ed’s question was fair and needed to be asked. It wasnt the most important thing out there - aka forecasting the amounts of money truly needed by these now crooks… but the government should force AIG to pay back all the money - contract or no contract… it is BS.
460. Rob | 03.25.09
Quite obviously, much ado about nothing. Anyone who has a problem with the Presidents answer definitely has it in for Obama, not being realistic. If you were given that answer by someone you know you’d think nothing of it. There were no histrionics or anything else to warrant this sort of response from anyone, much less outrage of any kind. Did somebodys’ widdle feewings get huut? Get some balls and shut up!
461. TiredofTheBull | 03.25.09
Ed Henry, you should be ashamed of yourself for questioning someone’s time frame for expressing outrage. Instead of putting more on the already overloaded plate, it would be a good idea to help clear it first.
I am sure other countries are sitting back laughing at America! We are too busy bickering about “SMALL” petty things. We have some very, very serious issues facing our country. If we would pull together during a time like this, maybe we could get this country back in order before we hit rock bottom (we are very close).
We are wasting good energy on too many small things like a report’s stupid question/our president’s response. Way to go America!!!
As far as the teleprompter, maybe Bush should’ve had one at all times. To all the whiners, you should have been taught as a child that you don’t have to whine everytime things don’t go your way.
462. a white female with an education that i am PAYING for myself. | 03.25.09
“412. sam | 03.25.09
Blacks and whites are treated different in this country, Obama has 3 times
the education of the last guy, but many hate him just because of his color.
We can not go on like this gave him a change.”
blacks and whites? what does this have to do with ANYTHING?
are you Black? does it matter? NO. stop with all the black white BS… he is a MAN in a JOB and President Bush was OUR PRESIDENT and deserves respect. plan and simple. Obama is now our president and even if he was purple it wouldnt matter… you people make me sick with the race card.
463. Anshu | 03.25.09
In these rough economic times, these questions will keep us on right track.
CNN’s Ed pointed out the gap in efficiency of the Capitol Hill’s processes of notifying the leader of our nation with adequate details. Perhaps it needs to be viewed as an opportunity of improvement so that issues filtering to the top must be at an appropriate pace. I liked the exchange but whats the take away? Can we improve next time in our leadership reaction?
464. corey dawson | 03.25.09
I agree with number 36 — CNN pays Henry and his cronies lotsa money to be in the know –it is called investigative reporting — you mean to tell me CNN did not have an inside guy that was aware of the employment contracts’ language?! Better yet when the company was accepting the bailout ALL personnel should have expected that there would be no bonuses this year and for every year thereafter until america is repaid. In my corporate america experience bonuses are usually the first to go. Shugggy dogggie darn we are a greedy greedy nation of people!!!
465. DDT23 | 03.25.09
FLUENTONE it seems to me you are a hater you cant event give a meaningful comment who in the **** cares if the President plays basketball or goes on the tonight show. I guess it was all okay with you that George W Bush was bowling in his down time or away riding horses. you are too are a bumbling idiot. Oh I guess you don’t even care that the nation is in a mess one that we the people inherited from your Bush administration. You probably got some of the Bush Tarp money so as far as you are concerned the nation can “go to **** in a handbasket” Talking about answering simple questions. You cant even write a simple comment. and stick to national issues.
466. Gary G | 03.25.09
Way to go Henry. Someone needs to ask the tough questions instead of sitting there like the other bunch of hungry puppies waiting for the Prez to throw them a bone. Since when did Obama ever worry about knowing what he was talking about?
467. rojojenkins | 03.25.09
Oh my God, tell me again why this country was founded. What else has to happen before we decide to come together and act as one. Everybody saw somthing in this man called Obama,SO LET HIM LEAD!!!!
468. Shel | 03.25.09
Obama, lied at the begining of his run for president, (Pledge to take public funding and didn’t) He knew about the bonus for AIG, he signed the bill allowing it, if he, (Obama)so that makes him, for better word incompedent!! Or maybe just plain stupid??? Don’t you people out there see where this guy is taking this country? I’m a old guy, but I can see through his BS!
469. JustMe | 03.25.09
For once in modern times we have a predisent better than the rest. That reporter is a jerk and should be taxed at 90 percent like the AIG rip-off execs and all other white collers making six figures.
470. suni | 03.25.09
Ed henry just want to make MR. Obama feels that he does not know how to answer a question . Please henry he so well educated for that.
471. John | 03.25.09
People never seem to amaze me. You all act like as if a president’s moves are straightforward, and totally related to the job at hand. A politicians moves are political. A journalists moves are political.
The point was to make news. It did. Both men were successful. Its all a strategy game. Read some Machiavelli. Seriously, nobody in politics is stupid enough to make straightforward moves, because people are too easily swayed by the criticism that will arise from those kinds of moves.
It just isn’t going to happen. Obama didn’t want to express outrage, because he knew of it’s potential liability to be used against him if more info came out that showed he got something wrong.
Bush didn’t admit making mistakes for the same reason. Its political suicide to do some of these things that the sheeple think that politicians need to do. If voters were reasonable, yes, it would be possible, but voters by and large are biased, emotional and irrational when it comes to politics. (And total suckers for political strategy as well.)
Keep politics, and political fallout in mind when watching what politicians say. How on earth does it make sense not to. Always ask yourself “what kind of political strategy is X politician up to? Don’t take what they say as straightforward. You might find yourself understanding both sides of the aisle then finally.
472. Web Site Traffic | 03.25.09
It just showed us all how much of a regular guy Obama is. It was a very intelligent comment imo
473. Chuck Billabong | 03.25.09
Considering the rubbish this country was subjected to from George W. Bush over the last 8 years, the complaints about President Obama’s answer to Ed Henry seems to me a little more stringent than necessary. Where were these folks when President Bush was shredding the Constitution….Take a breath people.
474. Skye | 03.25.09
I can’t believe people are bringing color into this debate. I believe, logically, that President Obama is an unfit president not because of his skin color, but he has not been in politics long enough to be a truly good president. This was shown last night when he let a simple reporter under his skin, and snapped at them.
Also, did you happen to go to college with President Bush? You know nothing of his education or political background. Do the research before you make ignorant comments.
Remember, if something goes wrong now, you can’t blame Bush any more.
475. JohnC | 03.25.09
I see many of you commenting that you wish he had been more professional. What happened to the days of the Presidents with a sort of primal toughness about them? Yes, you should be a professional as the President of the United States, but you should also be a firm ruler.
Being pointed is not unprofessional, people. Quit getting your panties in a wad every time something isn’t politically correct, whether you’re Democrat or Republican. It was not a “hard question” as some of you may imply by your comments, it was an amateur one.
476. helen | 03.25.09
I like to know what I’m talking about before I speak — I love that statement. And I think President Obama is great! Do not blame all this mess. We Americans are now this is thanks to Nixon! And Bush!
477. Feliz | 03.25.09
I am not really sure why everyone is making a big deal about either the reporter’s question of the President’s response. Henry asked what a lot of Americans are wondering, “Why the delay in reaction?” and Obama answered truthfully that he wanted to know the facts before showing a reaction. In both cases, I think the job was well done - Obama showed that he will not just the gun and react but will see the situation and the facts first and THEN make a decision and Henry needed to ask the question b/c people want to know why the wait. I think there is a reaction here for the sole purpose of a reaction.
478. M Deloach | 03.25.09
I think that President Obama actually showed his true colors - finally. He should not get mad - he knew that this would happen. If the news conferences were less scripted, maybe we would see who the American people really elected. He should learn to deal with the bad and he should actaully answer questions rather than talking around them. I have also seen better “icy stares” from high school students that I have taught. The President does have to deal with tough questions. Now I am wondering how he will deal with the EU President saying that the Obama economic plan is the “way to hell.” Will he try to ’smack him down ‘ too? I hope not. One more thing - President Obama should pay his writers and briefers his whole salary - THEY are on the ball.
479. echojo | 03.25.09
It was a ridiculous question. “Mr. President, why didn’t you have a knee-jerk reaction?”
480. Sean | 03.25.09
There was no uunprofessionalism on either Henry or Obama. He asked a question that no matter what the answer wouldn’t change the situation. Obama answered in short because it was obvious that Henry had no interest in the answers to the other parts of his question. Why does it come down to who outdid who? HE ASKED THE QUESTION (2x) and OBAMA ANSWERED THE QUESTION..period! Get over it people!!!
481. Showtime | 03.25.09
Great Job by the President to a stupid question to begin with. Bottom line I don’t want a President who doesn’t take the time to look over an issue and get all the details before he speaks about it that is the smart thing to do!
482. Ryan | 03.25.09
So it’s okay to bash Bush and his administration for being slow to respond to certain things like Katrina but we can’t question Obama on his reaction to the way AIG spent the money HE gave them?
483. cmaye | 03.25.09
No one seems to remember we went from a surplus and healthy economy under the clinton admn,to the last 8 years of greed, deregulation, and lack of ethics begining with enron. Any president, reguardless of party has been handed much DAMAGE to the economy. there are many of us that played by the rules and not overextended that lost many hard earned dollars and health care. Where were the republicans during these years of damage? Please stop creating more damage and help us. Shut up and step up. I am pleased to listen to a president that can pronounce words and complete sentences.
484. TC | 03.25.09
#299 - In case you are not aware of the TARP funding, there weren’t restrictions put in about executive pay and bonuses, that was saved for the automakers. Also, there was no clear directive on how the money needed to be accounted for. For instance, some large banks went out and bought smaller ones. They say that wasn’t TARP money used. Some say executive pay and bonuses were not used with TARP money. Who really knows??
See why someone might want to check facts (or as much fact as can be found)? Who is to know what pot of money was used. These were part of a legal contract signed long before Obama came into office. Legalities need to be researched. See why the TARP never should have been passed without these restrictions? For me, if they need our money (or are forced to as some were) then they don’t get to go shopping or hand out bonuses. That wasn’t on Obama’s watch, it was Bush’s.
486. Rick | 03.25.09
Uummm News Confrence. Uummm Freedom of speech. Uummm Want to kwon what I talking before I speak. Uummm Telepromter
487. TC | 03.25.09
#378 - your comments are not funny and in fact are just another piece of what is wrong in this country. You are a disgusting, vile person. When will you criers get over the fact that he was born in this country and yes, he did live abroad during part of his childhood. So what? Many people do. I don’t see you raising your voice about the California governor who in fact wasn’t born in this country nor raised here. But he is Republican so that’s ok? He was a movie star, he’s allowed? I am so tired of ignorant people.
488. KC | 03.25.09
The President’s accessibility to the media through TV appearances and interviews is a double-edged sword: He wants to be seen as down-to-earth and a regular guy so the American people will listen to what he has to say and support his policies. But that effort to be seen as a regular American subtly blurs the long-held boundary that exists between the President and everyone else. As a result, “reporters” like Ed Henry think they can ask those kinds of questions of the President and that **** feel compelled to waste everyone’s time answering them. But to follow-up on it shows what a true doofus Ed Henry is…he should have expected to get dissed…you’d think CNN could do better.
489. Among the few with sense | 03.25.09
Come on, give me a break. You Obama lovers are obviously going to defend him no matter what. When it gets tough, you go with the blame game, “Bush left such a mess that we need to cut Obama some slack.”
There are conservatives, that pass judgement based on actions, and then there are Bush-hating liberals that will agree with anything and everything their anti-Bush almighty leader does.
It gets interesting when that sometimes flies in their face, like Obama saying that teachers pay should be ties to student performance and that we should have longer school days and shorter summers.
490. AnneLouise from Florida USA | 03.25.09
Good one for the President! He makes me more proud every day. He knows how to handle himself with class and dignity. CNN embarrassed themselves by sending a highschool kid to do a professional’s job.
491. Unbelieving | 03.25.09
Okay. Comparison time:
Bush: Took us into a war without knowing all the facts about the W.M.D.’s.
Obama: Took us into a bailout without knowing all the facts about bonuses.
Bush: Has problem with speaking off the cuff; vocabulary problems.
Obama: Has problem with speaking off the cuff; needs teleprompter.
Bush: Increased spending lead to increased deficit.
Obama: Increased spending leading to increased deficit.
Bush: Defended by supporters for criticisms of inaction during first months of presidency revolving around Sept 11th attacks.
Obama: Defended by supporters for criticisms of inaction during first months of presidency revolving around economic recession.
Bush: Wanted blind faith in his actions by the masses.
Obama: Wants blind faith in his actions by the masses.
So far, I see no real difference in today’s political ’spin-it-as-you-see-it’ actions. Obama has already gone back on several promises:
1) No lobbyists in his administration.
2) Posting of legislation for 5-day public review on White House website BEFORE signing into law. (He broke this on his first bill signed!)
3) Keeping his staff honest and accountable.
Wise up, people! If Bush was so bad, then Obama’s presidency is beginning to stink as well! Vote Third Party in 2012 so both Parties know we won’t stand for being led like lambs to the slaughter on the altar of political greed and partisan bickering.
492. pugs524 | 03.25.09
so the prez can chide and jump on a reporter who asked a legitimate question and its ok. he can talk about special Olympics and its ok. he answered the way he did because he was never outraged at the bonuses they left that part allowing them to be paid in the legislation and he had to come up with a way to not have to respond and give up the truth. people need to get over him already he is not the greatest person ever
493. TC | 03.25.09
#379 - Maybe because it wasn’t in the stimulus package, which is the only bill like that he is signed. And maybe because it wasn’t in the TARP either. Maybe because it was part of an AIG contract with their employees? Good heavens, get the facts straight.
494. lorenzo | 03.25.09
yeah and president “BUSHED” waited how long to deal with hurricane Katrina????? you guys better be happy we finally have a President who actually uses his brain. Instead of the Idiot that was running the country for the last 8 years.
495. ED | 03.25.09
ED Henry wanted to play “gottcha” with the President. Just like Rather did with Nixon and succeeded, then tried with Bush One and Bush Two but failed on both counts. With Nixon, Rather became a fixture of the CBS evening news for years: with both Bushes, he got canned and now relegated to the wilderness of broadcasting. It would be intereting to find out what Ed Henry was thinking when he embarked on his venture to out the President on an issue that is of little substantive significance to the resolution of the financial meltdown the Country is presently experirncing. Could it be that the thought of Dan Rather and the potential boost to his career flashed through Ed Henry’s mind? Quite possibly so, hence his frenzied attempts to embarrass the President. At any rate, Henry got his proper due and although he may not be banished from CNN, I am pretty certain that if he were canned by CNN, Fox News is salivating at the prospect of Ed Henry becoming a member of the “Fixed” News Staff: I think he would fit in very nicely there amongst his own ilk.
496. Beth | 03.25.09
Kudos for Obama!! Unlike Bush, he likes to think before he speaks. Oh, forgot, Bush couldn’t think either.
497. Wake up people | 03.25.09
To all of you who think Ed Henry did wrong,
He only asked a question that was fueled by Our President’s lack of restraint in decision making. Why couldn’t he show that kind of restraint when choosing his cabinet or passing a stimulus bill that “his” Treasure over saw? Or are they going to blame Turbo Tax and Bush for those actions too? Let me remind everyone that he helped pass a bill not even his wonderful Democrats had time to read but only fill up with junk like AIG bonuses. Don’t blame Ed Henry for asking a question that actually pulled Obama away from the teleprompter! Honeymoon is over people!
498. rita carr | 03.25.09
Obama is a big boy and he knows and expects people to ask leading,baiting and -or inane questions. What he needs to do is have one of his high paid flunkies to come up with pat answers like the Bush administration did. Might I suggest one of my favorites? “I don’t know, I don’t care, and I don’t give a damn.” Only to be used with a big smile on your face,Mr.president. Due ,I think, to an honest desire to have open communication and trust(what’s that?)—I think he sets himself up for lots of ***,***. I’m sure-this president-thinks a little *** is worth the alternative,which would of course be-the Bush method of piling lies upon lies-also with a big smile.
500. Caprice | 03.25.09
What is the big deal. It is refreshing to have someone in the white house who speaks like we do. It’s time out for all of the politics as usual. The problem has been people talking in circles. Now you have someone who says what needs to be said, and there is no doubt what he meant by it. In other words, “Get out of my face…” Way to go Mr. President.
501. Bored with Obama | 03.25.09
Boring. When the man speaks it is like a never ending verbal vomitus. He has no idea what he is doing, and it is so obvious. Just a talking head, surrounded by the most obviously crooked and stuttering administration ever.
And people called Bush’s administration incompetent. Democrats will now, of course, accuse CNN of siding with the Bush administration (despite their 3 month long absence from Washington). Typical democrats, no understanding of the word loyalty, even to your own media voice.
502. Deedy | 03.25.09
Wow… all this about a question asked to our President in his delay of reacting to the AIG incident… YOU ALL NEED JESUS…. Did Ed ask this question to Bush regarding his delayed reaction and ICY look when they informed him of the towers (9/11 tragedy) or his reponse to Hurricane Katrina? Okay..PEOPLE EXCEPT IT…I KNOW IT MAY BE TOUGH..BUT MY PRESIDENT IS BARACK OBAMA!
503. d_heenan | 03.25.09
When J.P Morgan & these AIG BUTTS get millions of $ in bonuses, so they’re set when the economy really crashes, is rediculous!!! Dan in CA is an idiot!!! Unemployment (OUR ECONOMY!!)not hutu, sudanese & IRA, whatever! He is the Pres. of the UNITED STATES not the World! Take care of home first(that doesn’t mean a canine with allergies!) we have our own disasters & tragedies! Obama needs to be accountable for what he signs & agrees to. READ BEFORE SIGNING!! If he did he may have had a better answer for E.H. Moreover he may not have signed the bill. Maybe he had some incentive?
504. Mary Lou Wall | 03.25.09
The reporter’s question was fine but the President’s answer was direct and I certainly would not want a person in the Oval Office who immediately reacts to anything, only a fool does that.
As far as laughing on the interview regarding the auto makers - GIVE THE PRESIDENT A BREAK - let us not decide when he can smile or laugh - It seems childlike. That is why this country is in this mess because instead of watching and saying something about real criminals you pick up on NON-ISSUES.
He’s intelligent, give him slack - it is the people near him to watch.
Thank you. Mary Lou
505. AT | 03.25.09
Applying Obama’s logic, then it was understandable why Bush did not react immediately to the news about the towers on 9/11. Maybe presidents act that way but liberals interpret it with a bias.
506. Alex | 03.25.09
i find it funny how people are angry about the disrespect for the president, “he still should show respect for his President! Shame on him!!!!” when everybody ripped on bush all the time. I’m not supporting bus”h, but I think we shouldn’t all of a sudden act like it’s a crime to “disrespect” the President, even though i dont even think it disrespectful
507. JEllison | 03.25.09
I was just wondering when someone is going to step up and give the president some speech tips. I have never heard so many “ahs” in my life.
508. Stone | 03.25.09
Regardless of whether or not anyone likes the way the President responded to the question, the matter at hand still remains: he is not holding those responsible for these disasters with AIG accountable for these HUGE oversights! Why does he often look the other way or refuse to acknowledge when those he associates with or appoints to these positions of power screw up??? We need answers and solutions, not excuses and spending!!! Stop nitpicking at the insignificant and start griping about worthy issues to complain about!
509. Fly on the swatter | 03.25.09
Dodd says Geithner asked for the provision to be taken out of the bailout bill that prevented retainer bonuses. Why would Obama need time to think of why he waited to go public. Obama called the News conference! Reporters should ask if it was Obama’s idea or Geithner’s to remove the provision. Smells like the same Chicago politics that CNN refused to ask questions about before the election. The job of President requires that the President answer reporters questions from time to time. At least it has in the past. CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE
510. Scott | 03.25.09
HOW DARE ANYONE QUESTION THE PRESIDENT!!! I mean c’mon Ed what were you thinking?!?! How dare you even remotely think you can question anything Obama says or does.
512. JoeThePlumber.. | 03.25.09
Wow.. someone who doesn’t just take everything hook line & sinker like the rest of the obama sheeple. He asked an important question just like Barbara Walters would have hit up President Bush or anyone else. He’s wanting the President to answer a direct question in regards to the outrageous bailouts and spending. The President is directly responsible for the budget and deficit of this country. If the President can’t take the heat and answer to the public, then he needs to get out of the kitchen. His budget triples anything previously done. He’s putting this country into some serious debt. Red ink as far as the eye can see. Democrats used to rail Bush for his spending and his budget, but turn a blind eye when Obama’s given a checkbook with no spending limits.
513. Shod Boi | 03.25.09
Which is more important: The President’s Public display of emotion towards a problem or the actions and measures taken to solve it? It should not have been a question of why the President Obama took “so long” to respond to AIG but rather the question of how and when the problem will be taken care of. People like to keep “soap opera” madness going on in their day to day lives which is ridiculous. This video clip is a good example of that. Mr Henry ( not to bash him) would rather point out the flaws of how President Obama isn’t appealing to the American Public emotionally rather than taking into consideration the President’s collective thoughts on the subject. Only a fool would lash out on a subject with out knowing the true parameters of it. This is a lesson we should all uphold.
514. BellaMia | 03.25.09
It’s so hard for me to read alot of this nonsense. These blind & young Obama followers are sooo into Obama the icon, that they can’t see the Obama that is detroying our future. I have to have faith that when our young people learn to think for themselves, they will vote for what is right and not for what is popular.
Kids read your history books!!! Don’t be sucked into the “Obama Youth” like the “German Hitler Youth”. We cannot make the same mistakes as before. The USA helped bring down Hitler, there will be no one to save us from ourselves.
You guys are smarter than this so start acting like it. Start using your own brain.
515. mary beth | 03.25.09
He spent over 40 minutes answering questions from the press- you tell me how often that happened in that last miserable presidency??!
I love him! He is a mover and a shaker with great insight. I back him 200% Give him TIME.
516. Bob C | 03.25.09
Can we blame the “past 8 years” for the “next 4 years”
Loved it that CNN, part of the messiha’s home network, actually tossed something other than a soft ball question. Good for you!!
So why didn’t the Great one read the spendulous bill before he signed it?
517. DanT | 03.25.09
Like a bunch of pre-pubescent cheerleaders the twitters lack any real maturity to understand how unprofessional and vindictive the Pres. is despite leading is down a septic hole.
518. Obama Mama Yama | 03.25.09
“Smacks” Henry of CNN??
What did I miss? I just watched this exchange. Obama is direct and to the point….I don’t see rancor or irritation …. Have we as a nation become so lulled into buying sweet talk and political BS that when someone is straight up we now read all these other things into it??
straight talk folks doesn’t mean MEAN….
519. Dar | 03.25.09
Obama was asked on 60 Minutes if he was “Punch Drunk” –I think he is power drunk. Signing bills without reading them or giving anyone else time to read them after promising to go line by line - ha - just more lies. We have a power hungry Dictator for the next 4 years.
Ed Henry, I applaud you for your question - too bad more reporters don’t ask questions that matter to “WE THE PEOPLE”
520. Yolanda | 03.25.09
I think the people need to lay off the President. He is a human being just like you. He has feelings just like you. There was nothing wrong with his answer to the reporter. I think we need to give the President a chance to do his job. Remember he inherited everything from the Bush administration, and the ones before them. I think he is trying to help the people. Leave him alone and try to help him not down him. Ask yourself a question, What else can i do to help the President and myself.
521. Areyoustupid | 03.25.09
@ryan #482, did you seriously just compare a natural disaster with millions of lives at risk to unauthorized bonuses? Are you saying that you can’t understand why it took a long time to review an issue with no lives at risk, but that it’s understandable to slowly react to a disaster with people’s lives at risk??? You fail!!! I’m terribly disappointed by how many people are here saying we should treat this administration the same way we treated the old one. Did this administration get us in this mess? Let the man do his job!
522. BBall | 03.25.09
The majority of people here make me laugh. Had George Bush answered the question the way Obama did, you would be all over him saying how stupid and unprofessional he was
523. Randa | 03.25.09
Obama is ridiculous… in the same category as “Jim Jones”.. and his little followers are already being asked to drink their kool-aid and just lay down.
524. Toni | 03.25.09
How refreshing that the President can say to these dumb *** reporters what I have wanted to say to them for years! Reporters don’t think before they speak. They ask dumb questions, and they ask the same questions over and over and over again. Weren’t you listening to the other questions??
How refreshing that our President wants to know what he’s talking about. Kudos to Obama.
Yes, he is the President, Yes, he should be professional, but he is human and subject to mistakes just like the rest of us. I like that he isn’t stuck behind the walls of the oval office. I like that he is on television, whether it be Jay Leno or 60 minutes. I like that he can show he is human by mis-speaking or showing emotion my laughing. I like that he is VISIBLE!
525. Lorie | 03.25.09
A smart, intelligent answer to an immature, thoughtless question. I applaud President Obama for his composure. I’m not sure I could do the same!
526. Donovan | 03.25.09
Ed Henry was very disrespecful and non professional in the way he asked the question to the President of the United State of America. He was not representing CNN . He was talking for himself . I do not think he meets the standing and the qualification to be a White House Reporter for CNN.He sounds like he was in frick show.He should be dismissed .
527. Lou | 03.25.09
Let’s be honest with ourselves: Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Greens, Libertarians, Conservatives, Liberals, etc., Obama was coasting before this question and then sputtered afterward. Watch the replays. Bias always is present. Bush kept us safe since Sept. 11, 2001 and now it is Obama’s turn. Let’s wait and see. How can we not hope he succeeds in this?
528. ICCDUDE | 03.25.09
“Ed henry, politely shown the door by the President. A good answer to a stupid question. Congrats to the President for a quick dose of sanity to the blithering idiot from CNN.”
I guess we can’t say ANYTHING bad about the new president, unlike how we dealt with the last.
So the guy asked a hard question, now he’s a “blithering idiot”. For doing his job. Guess we need to send him back to the Obama re-education camps so when called on next time he can ask about the WH puppy that is coming.
529. mow | 03.25.09
When I read some of the comments about what President Obama said to the reporter, I felt that some of us people have gone mad..Let me ask everyone a question, “Don’t you want to be sure about a subject before you speak or give comments on it”..Or is this the problem with us Americans, just because we have freedom of speach we feel we can talk or give openions on everything, much to our failure in the end. And no to those who said he was angry, I did not see an angry president. I saw a man with a lot on his shoulders. America has a long way to go before we can breathe again.. so instead of putting him down-People just keep him in prayers..
530. gillian | 03.25.09
I’m really surprised that it’s taken people this long to realize the Pres. Obama is a snarker. It’s one of the things that fascinates me about him. And on the subject of “Ed’s persistence” I also don’t get why these Beltway hacks are seen as the pinnacle of journalism. They are all terrible. Ed is a symptom of the larger disease known as Washingtonitis.
532. Nessa | 03.25.09
In Response to Ryan. You can not put the Katrina situation and AIG bonuses in the same catogory. During Katrina, there were people dying(which needed a quick response), not jgreedy executives misusing the taxpayers money. So please don’t put the two in the same catogory.
In response, to President Obama, I don’t beilieve he was at all disrespectful. Many people misinterpeted his response, which was actually stern and to the point. He let the reporter know, dont past judgement on my reaction. I will rather my leader waiting to get facts on a situation like that, before responding ignorantly.
533. lenora walker | 03.25.09
Maybe the question that Ed asked was not on the telepromptor.
That’s why Oboma was upset. I also would like to know why their was such a time span in this regard.
534. axeman00 | 03.25.09
Nobama, you really believe we don’t live in a free country? I don’t think so, but if the ideaologies behind PC keep advancing, that may be the case here,sadly.. . . not something that I want to see. Yes, I do believe Ed Henry ask a legitimate question and it was not desrepectful at all to pose it. That’s what reporters do. They don’t seem to mind when the it’s a republican president they’re asking. And desrespect is never far behind. But of course the question may not have been thought out on Ed’s part since Obama did give, what I think, was an understandable but moot reponse(who doesn’t want to know what they’re talking about before speaking?). I think it is all just related to the “us against them” mentality.
535. Sick of it. | 03.25.09
Oh — sure Henry’s question was really unnecessary when Obama took five minutes to talk about the A-Rod’s ‘roid use in his last press conference! Obama’s a joke. You know you’re in a bad spot when you’re a liberal and CNN starts turning on you!
All that and it doesn’t take days to decide you’re upset by something. It’s just too bad he didn’t come into office informed about the issues of the day and he’s having to learn on the job.
536. Andrea | 03.25.09
We are standing on the edge of a cliff. Our leaders continuously chant something that sound to some us like “Jump!, Jump!, …”. I think that when someone asks “What is it you are chanting?”, we deserve better answer then “Shut up!”, especially since we still hear that “Jump!, Jump!, …” in the background.
537. Kevin | 03.25.09
Look that reporter was an idoit, everyone knows before you approach the public with critical information you must first understanding exactly what the issue or problem is. Like our President stated, “he likes to know what is speaking about before he speaks.” Too bad a CNN reporter does not do the same. Also, it was not a tough question, it was a stupid, I need 15 seconds of fame question. I enjoy the personality of our President, atleast he knows what is talking about as oppose the other idoit president we had 8 years ago. I enjoy a President that speaks my language. Finally, all the other reporters thought that was a stupid question as well, that’s why they laughed when President Obama cut him off. Bravo Mr. President!
538. Poto | 03.25.09
One would think that with as much koolaid as so many of the posters here have obviously consumed, they would have enough sugar in their systems to be sweeter to poor Ed and give him break in having the audacity to ask the Big O a question that was obviously outside of a teleprompter ready response.
539. kckid | 03.25.09
Terrorist attacks, hurricanes, and other life and death situations require an immediate/instantaneous response. Greedy AIG execs getting bonuses don’t require an immediate response, but instead require research to find out who received bonuses and why. A terrorist attack threatens my life, a bonus doesn’t. There was nothing wrong with Ed Henry’s question. What was wrong was HOW Ed Henry asked the question. The President gave an appropriate response. Somebody at AIG may have actually deserved to get a bonus because they did their job extremely well, but was outnumbered by the majority of idiots who screwed up.
540. Pierre Aguilar | 03.25.09
Holy Macro this guy can talk !! Nice reply … I guess the days of a President speaking his mind (or whatever) without thinking about the consequences are over. It was about time.
541. Prisma | 03.25.09
Ed Henry has a bachelor’s degree in English from Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y.
CNN could not find any one better than that for this prime position. This Ed Henry does not have a clue about journalism. Why am I paying to watch CNN on cable ?
542. noyoucant | 03.25.09
“I like to know what I’m talking about before I speak” - when does that start? Respect for the President? When does he start to respect the Constitution??
Please, reporters, more tough questions for The Anointed One!
543. megan | 03.25.09
Henry’s question was legitimate. I’m sure that many people did wonder about Obama’s reaction time. The answer was direct and I believe truthful - thinking before acting was his hallmark and one reason O got elected.
But put the question in context. During a time-sensitive press conference Mr. Henry posed 3 questions. Obama dealt with the ones which were more fact information seeking, including one question in which Henry basically implied that NY governor Cuomo was superior in his response. Then Henry reasked his third question to the detriment of other reporters waiting their turn, and everyone knew where he was going because of his previous tone. Obama didn’t lose his cool - he answered shortly and succinctly and moved on.
Finally, everyone’s missing the bigger issue. Obama took questions from Henry, Helen Thomas and a Fox reporter. The former administration selected favored establishment journalists gave them a script and noone dared deviate lest they never again be selected for face time during bush’s tenure. And that is why Obama is the man.
544. Will | 03.25.09
How the Hades do some people think that “Why did you take so long?” is a hard question in this situation?
Obama is a smart man and doesn’t stand for people being jerks. That Ed fellow was being an idiot and he got what he deserved– a snappy yet rather civil and rational comeback. It’s not like Obama lunged off the stage like a rabid mongoose and ripped the guy’s face off, folks. He handled it well, and it’s refreshing after the last President to see someone who can actually admit mistakes, stand up for himself when needed and– oh yeah– can actually TALK!
What I want to know is why did President Bush take nearly an hour to respond to the 9/11 crisis and why New Orleans is still a mess from the hurricane. Where was that creep Ed then?
545. LaDonna | 03.25.09
I think back to the female reporter at a Bush press conference (one of his few) where Bush threatened to have her mic turned off if she didn’t stop trying to get an answer out of him. How totally refreshing to have a president who actually talks to us like adults and doesn’t condescend to us. Our favorite answer in the entire President Obama press conference was his answer to this CNN mouthpiece. “Mr. Ed” made a horses you-know-what out of himself. The President needs to answer more stupid questions this way. We’re out here hurting; I could care less when the President thought or felt something. I want him to do something and it appears he is trying to do so.
546. Dr. Rico | 03.25.09
Everyone on the page seems to be suffering from political IBS. Just not getting enough fiber from our politicians and media. The result being a bowl full of undigested spew. You are still eating those supersized big meal deals!
Put down those Whoppers and Big Macs and look for something substantial to feed yourself. I know the menu seems quite limited these days but your physical and mental health depends on it. It seems as if many are defending their
nutritional choices by describing how bad that other stuff is for you while gobbling down the same old swill you’ve been eating for years. You don’t even recognize the symptoms of your illness. Just look in the bowl and if you don’t recognize anything of substance, change your diet. Good luck and good health.
547. Matt | 03.25.09
In an effort to fault both sides, I think Ed Henry asked a completely unnecessary question, and in turn got a very sarcastic response from the President. If you try to grill America’s golden child, you’re going to lose, because you simply have no support from the audience. And Obama is not directly responsible for any part of this AIG scandal, anyway…(on that note, there’s no need to feign being a martyr and “claim” responsibility for the scandal, when you won’t acknowledge being responsible for any individual part of the scandal, Mr. President). Anyway, I’m glad that we’re rid of #43, and I’d like to be optimistic about #44, but the deficit projections as a result of this new budget trouble me, and incidents like this AIG scandal are perfect distractions. Lastly, the partisanship on this message board is nauseating. The same people defending Ed Henry’s question surely played the “Respect the President” card when Bush was attacked during press conferences. Likewise, these numbskulls that commented on Obama “putting the smackdown” on Ed Henry are the same hypocrites that relished every verbal attack made on Obama’s predecessor. Where was that “Respect the President” sentiment for Bush when TWO SHOES were thrown at him? Like I said, Bush was a disaster and I’m glad he’s no longer in the driver’s seat, but this immunity Obama has to criticism simply because of his popularity is annoying.
548. Wade | 03.25.09
Hasn’t anyone heard that CNN stands for Communist News Network or in the case of Mr.Henry Confused News Network. Although I am not an Obama fan, CNN needs to do as he does and find out the facts before opening there mouths. The only thing they have going for them as far as I am concerned are the good looking female anchors. Ditzy, but good looking
549. s | 03.25.09
Response to 482. Ryan | 03.25.09
People were dying in the streets when Bush did not respond to Katrina. Right or wrong was Obama’s reponse to AIG bonuses is your opinion - but 165 million, billion, trillion in cash doesn’t matter to the loss of lives, bodies floating down streets, police firing on people to keep them from crossing to higher ground. That was outrageous. Obama is not a messiah. He will make mistakes like every other President regardless of party affiliation.
Furthermore, 24 hour news has ruined this country. Every single issue comes down to us against them. It was a simply asked question that received a simply given response. No hidden agendas, no psuedo outrage, no icy stare, no underlying hatred for Obama/Media. Many issues need deconstructing and questioning them is the job of the media and all of us. Everyone needs to be accountable.
550. Mike in NJ | 03.25.09
Firstly, the fact that his terse response is being read as “anger and irritation” is a joke. That was NOTHING. Grow some thick skin or go home. Secondly, in response to those who blame the current state of the American economy on the current President’s administration - WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN THE PAST EIGHT YEARS!? When he GOT HERE it was like this. You idiots are indicting President Obama for walking in and trying to break up the fight? Maybe if the Bush Administration hadn’t focused solely on it’s “Rich Get Richer” agenda the general American populace wouldn’t be down in the doldrums clamoring for a solution.
551. Joseph | 03.25.09
Ed Henry got owned? What I heard was Obama abruptly and abrasively answering a solid question, to which the only answers would have put Obama in a negative light. Either a) Obama didn’t read the bill in the first place (who as a company head does not read what he signs?) or b) Obama is only angered b/c of the public’s disgust w/ the bonuses (o/w he would have shown some anger when it was first brought to his attention, even if it were somewhat tempered). No, I think Obama got owned, and his response was the best he could manage before retreating into his turtle-shell for protection.
552. Colleen | 03.25.09
It was a realistic question. Our president came off as snippy. If a simple question like this put him off, what’s he gonna do when the press really starts to play “hardball” with him? Freedom of Speech…free to ask a legit question,a calm rational answer without attitude would be the appropriate response. This is not the first time our president has shown this side of his personality. Talking “down” to people shows disrespect to all of us. There are alot of Americans out there that are truly terrified of what’s going on with our economic situation. I do think it’s amusing that when Bush was president, the media and private sector was very disrespectful, but now that Obama is president, there’s alot of flack about being disrespectful towards him. Shouldn’t dish it out if you can’t take it….
553. TiredofTheBull | 03.25.09
I thought this was about Henry’s question and Our President’s response. Poor Poto (#518), couldn’t keep up with the high level or communication, so it starts talking about koolaid. Your small mind is probably as small as Ed Henry’s. If all you can come up with is an old-age myth, I suggest you please, please grow up! This is a new day and time. Do you even understand what is going on or do you need a someone to break it down for you?
554. ProudLiberal | 03.25.09
I don’t get what the big deal is, Obama got annoyed but he still respectfully and honestly answered the question. Just because he doesn’t immediately hold a press conference about how “outraged” he is doesn’t mean that he’s not attempting to figure out how to take care of the issue. Maybe he doesn’t want to hold a press conference about it until A. He is aware of ALL the facts (and not just part of the story) and B. Has a plan for how to take care of and attack it. It’s ridiculous that anyone including the CNN reporter should expect that every time he has an emotion over something going wrong (there is so much of it these days) he should have to hold court with the reporters from CNN and express it so they can sound bite it to **** and back. No he’s not the “King” and yes he does have to answer to the people, but lets be clear 99% of reporters behave like vultures and are more interested in reporting the bad of EVERYTHING and beating the horse way after it’s dead than reporting ALL the facts (GOOD and the bad). The bad stuff sells papers and brings in revenue- the good stuff doesn’t! The people should want answers, but the answers should be in the form of how he’s going to move forward and take care of problems- not what he feels emotionally about it. GMAFB.
555. ss | 03.25.09
maybe Hillary’s 3 am ad was correct. If it takes president couple of days for every decision then we may be in trouble.
Someone needed to ask tough questions and question the delay in AIG response…
556. mohammad | 03.25.09
I think ed does not deserve to represent a network as credible as CNN and he should be ashamed of hmself. he forgot that he is talking to the world’s leader and that the world was watching the news conferenc. he was disrespectful to the president of the USA and he does not know how to practice democracy. I recommend that he transfer himself out of white house or to Fox news network.
557. emmanuel | 03.25.09
wow! truly there was no right or wrong way for either parties…the issue still remains now that we know what is going on what plans as a whole we must pursue…may god continue to help this world most importantly our president and his members.peace be with you!
558. Alan | 03.25.09
The people making negative comments about our prior president keep forgetting that the Congress that actually led our country the last two plus years and assisted in our current finanacial state were and are Democrats. What were they doing to improve our situation during those last two years? Waiting till their party was in office so they could point their finger at the prior president. How much does the public really understand our political machine and how, for the most part, who really runs our country.
We should accepted the fact that Americans are spoiled rotten in our lifestyles compared to citizens of most other countries. How can we blame one person or prior administration for our economic downfall when it was our own greed over many decades that caused this, not any one political party.
Wouldn’t be nice, instead of acting like we are in a Kindergarten sandbox, to stop pointing the finger and get on with helping the American people back to work. Our nation needs to really grow up. The money should have been spent putting people back to work not bailing out companies that have failed. In days prior we used our “out of work population” to build parks and roads. Now we are “bailing out” failing companies so they can ask for more money in the near future and probably fail again. And if we, as tax payers, own 80% interest in these companies that are being bailed out, why are the same people that caused those companies to fail still working there, much less getting bonuses for failure. Shouldn’t there have been resignations from all top management of these companies before the bail out monies were funded.
559. April | 03.25.09
So what if he came off as “snippy”- he’s a human being. He was trying to give a press conference and the question was irrelevant to the nature of the conference. He was “snippy”- SO?! Is Ed gonna die from it? Quit overreacting, he got annoyed and it showed, big deal!
Obama is not responsible for the money that was handed to AIG- it was done before he ever took office- so for all of you talking about how he should have read “his bailout package” before signing it- AIG had nothing to do with it. And finally- respect for Bush?! For what? I think it’s too bad that one of those shoes didn’t get him in the forehead, maybe it would have knocked some sense into him. I love how everyone is biting at Obama’s heels and blaming him for the things that were done and set in motion by his predecessor, he’s just trying to do damage control over the Bush years. I feel sorry for him, he has a gigantic job in front of him and a lot of stuff to fix and every one is harping on him because he got “snippy” with a reporter. Some people need to get a thing called a LIFE.
560. Rodman | 03.25.09
That’s right.. Reporters are there to ask the questions that ordinary citizens have and publish the answers. But that’s not
the issue here. The issue here is that Obama is being blamed for
a disastrous economy that he (and all of us) inherited from the worst, most corrupt, narcissistic, authoritarian, self-serviced, inefficient, absurd, down right stupid administration in US history, that happened to be a republican administration. Then some hard core (brainless) republicans wonder why Obama devastated John “McCain and his “bird brain” running mate Sarah Palin on the elections. The American people need someone with brains in the house. We tried with a moron for many years and we can all experience where that took us.
I’m neither a republican or democrat, but I am against having idiots in power, specially when it comes to the US president. Never again.
561. Varn | 03.25.09
Boy, did BHO put a lot of spin on the answer to that question. The question had to be asked twice to get an answer. Why didn’t he want to answer the first time the question was asked?
His answer was inconsistent with the way the AIG bailout was passed. Evidently someone doesn’t care if things are not read before they are signed but yet that someone wants to make sure they know what they are talking about before they speak, or the teleprompter is primmed.
562. sabrina | 03.25.09
to the people who say president Obama acted unpresident like and disrespected american people with his response. If someone ask you a legitimate question and you get a legitimate response how is it unpresident like.Obama gave an truthful and acceptable answer and i wish more people would understand what they are talking about before they speak unlike you, then people like President Obama and myself wouldn’t have to waste our valuable time responding to the ignorance of people like you!
563. legacy | 03.25.09
316. Nunya | 03.25.09
America is ignorant for choosing that idiot as our president. No professinalism what so ever. Let’s wait and see what stupid decision he makes next.
Answer:
Georges Bush was so smart.
565. William Moore | 03.25.09
Most questioners have in mind an answer to their questions before they ask the question. Ed Henry expected a particular answer. If a different answer was forthcoming, he was prepared to slam the president for that answer. Ed may have wanted the response to be “I was asleep at the switch,” or “I did not feel outraged the first 3 days,” or some similar answer that would make the president look inept or stupid. Otherwise, why ask such a question?
Now, the press is circling their wagons to support and protect one of their own. Their rule: Do not attack the press, nor even stand up to it, if one of us is embarrassed by the answer.
566. Kim | 03.25.09
Deep down, you all know what Ed Henry was trying to do with that question. Obama’s answer was on point and appropriate. Okay, you didn’t want him to be president so you didn’t vote for him. You were disappointed when he won. You don’t want to give him a chance so you are going to criticize him even when there is nothing to criticize. You are holding him to some standard that you have never held any other US president to just because he is Democrat or not White or both. Admit it! Nothing he does will ever be good enough for you because you are just miserable. Oh and for those of you who think Ed Henry’s question was so “hard hitting” maybe you need to go find Bush and ask him about all the “OBGYNs practicing their Love”. LOL
568. Latoya | 03.25.09
Fist of all to all of u negative people on here responding to what PRESIDENT OBAMA said GET A LIFE. That reporter got right what he deserved they are always trying to say things to make the president look bad as if he is not as smart as he seems. Another thing you people need to remember is that BUSH is the reason that our economy is the way it is President Obama is only trying to get a resolution to help the American people. Did they ask Bush any stupid questions like this? Did Bush ever know what he was talking about? Did Bush care about our veterans, our children and there educations or our old people? Did Bush try to change what he had done before he got out of office? I think all of the answes to these questions is NO!!! So stop trying to down grade a Black President who is trying to make a change and better the society for our young children, old people and veterans. What is the problem? I think President Obama is doing a GREAT job and at least he is trying. He answered that question like he was suppose to because that was just down right silly to me. See you negative people do things to try and break him but he is unstoppable so find something else to do!!!
569. DISGUSTED | 03.25.09
WOW - THE FIRST TIME A NONSCRIPTED QUESTION GETS ASKED, NOT THE REAL SMOOTH ALREADY TELEPROMPTED ANSWER!!!! LET’S HAVE SOME MORE.
570. Christopher Bieda | 03.25.09
I thought the whole point of Barack Obama was that he was a quick study. Guess not.
571. Varn | 03.25.09
The following appears to be a pointed attack on another “commenter”. This is sort of thing is suppose to be unallowed here. The personal attacks, that is. What happened? The commenter is even referred to as an “it” having a “small mind”. This is not respectful to the other commenter. Is this one of those so-called liberal bullying efforts? Or, is it an angered conservative?
Here is the questionable comment.
552. TiredofTheBull | 03.25.09
I thought this was about Henry’s question and Our President’s response. Poor Poto (#518), couldn’t keep up with the high level or communication, so it starts talking about koolaid. Your small mind is probably as small as Ed Henry’s. If all you can come up with is an old-age myth, I suggest you please, please grow up! This is a new day and time. Do you even understand what is going on or do you need a someone to break it down for you?”
572. DCollins | 03.25.09
Everyone is entitled to their opinion on the matter of the President’s response to Ed Henry. President Obama answered Henry’s question directly and professionally. At least he’s not like dumb W (Dub-ya) that always babbled like a damn dummy every time he responded to a question with that silly-@$$ smirk on his face.
To all of you negative people, STOP HATING on the President. You’re just mad because he has a backbone and he’s making progress. You want him to fail and it’s not going to happen. He’s getting down to business by repairing the mess the thieves, rogues, fat cats, and cronies caused by the previous administration. It’s clear that a lot of you are really ****** off because he’s making great progress in less than 90 days of being in office. Are you afraid that he’s going to put money back in the economy and the pockets of the American people? Or are you afraid that he’s going to be too successful in dealing with more serious issues at hand such as balancing the deficit? So, put your big girl panties on or your big boy boxers and DEAL WITH IT!!!
573. proudconservative | 03.25.09
It was a perfectly fine question. I don’t know why the young, and as we are sure finding out, under qualified President Barack Hussein Obama reacted the way he did. If he is already losing his cool over simple questions only a couple of months into his presidency just wait until he has to answer some tuff questions about more pressing issues. If any other president acted in this manor there would be outrage from the far left wackos.
574. Winner | 03.25.09
Ed Henry = a pretender
Obama = as kind an answer as could be expected. I guess a lot of you have forgotten how unprofessional GWB was up there, calling people nicknames like ‘Stretch’ and smirking at every question that was the least bit uncomfortable.
That’s in the few press conferences he did, mostly at the beginning and end of his 8 years in office.
575. Ematt | 03.25.09
A president taking time to respond “publicly” to a situation that isn’t an immediate national emergency (like 911) should be understood by republicans, democrats and independents alike….. Therefore the question was clearly insignificant and unnecessary, regardless of it was asked of Bush or Obama. Fair is fair regardless of who’s side were on.
576. April | 03.25.09
come on people! was i the only one who caught that they had…like overnight…to read 3000 pages? the republicans were making a big stink on the floor about not even being able to read it through. although it would be tedious, i wish the media would break it down point by point for us….imagine what else we’ll discover! anyhow, i think this whole episode is the first major, real glimpse our new President….he’s cocky and arrogant. this presidency is all about him making history and proving his point, not what’s best for the country.
578. Nell Gillilan | 03.25.09
I think Ed Henry was right on and we need more news repoters like him, that will ask pertinert questions. I also saw the true to form Obama,who tries to cover up and gets angry when he is caught on the spot.Cool cucumber Obama kinda lost his cool.The transparency is not there,every thing is still hidden in a smoke screen.Concerned Nell-3/25/09
579. Lenny | 03.25.09
Of course all the posts here are based on which side of the political spectrum you are on. The bottom line is that it was a very poor attempt by Mr. Henry to politize the question. Realistically, a question on Afganistan, Iraq, Budget proposal, issues with Russia, North Korea, Iran and REAL ISSUES about our economy should be our nations priority. Not the gottcha Political things. All these posts should have been concerned that a question of this type was asked instead what is a real issue. For us to worry about something as SIMPLE as this from a reporter and not about REAL PROBLEMS should have everyone concerned, not just because of a petty political jab by a SIMPLE Reporter. CNN should be appaled that their own reporter wasted the valuable opportunity to ask a petty issue and not a REAL Question.
580. Donna | 03.25.09
Wow - After reading all of posts here, I am quite certain that this country is in serious trouble. Not because of who our President may be at any given time going forward or what he/she may say or do, but because the AMERICAN PEOPLE are so incredibly divided there is no way in **** that this country will survive. We are headed for implosion because we as a people cannot come together. Jeez. I’m just so disgusted.
581. Ndavis | 03.25.09
I thought the response quite appropriate. Had it been me responding, I’d have told the reporter he was an idiot. I thought the President handled it very well. Everyone making a big issue out of nothing.
582. makeitcount | 03.25.09
Obama dodged almost all the questions with the same ole rhetoric and so the guy just wanted him to give an answer to the question. It’s hard to nail jello to a tree!!!!
583. sfcmac | 03.25.09
‘Bamster’s attitude towards honest criticism is:
“How dare you question THE ONE’s mandates?”
He “likes to know what he’s talking about”? He doesn’t even know what the **** he’s doing.
And as for ’sacrifices’…like sacrificing TRILLIONS of taxpayer dollars to his bailout debacle?
PrezBo has crashed and burned, and it hasn’t even been 100 days into his term.
Congratulations, Obamabots. We are now saddled with a narcissistic socialist who is in the process of destroying this country’s economy.
How’s the “change” working out for you?
584. Robert | 03.25.09
It is so refreshing to have a Commander in Chief that is so articulate and well spoken. Obama held his own through the entire conference. As for most of the questions and answers they were informative. With Barack in office we don’t just have scare tactics and hoopla, but real governing.
585. Ron | 03.25.09
The president showed his true colors. He was asked a question that was not a softball and came off looking very bad. I found it hard to believe he actually called on a reporter and did not already know what the question was going to be. Perhaps the liberal media will pour out their Kool-aid and start acting like responsible journalists.
586. Stephen Stinson | 03.25.09
Very simply: it seemed to me that President Obama was tired. Has anyone thought of that? I hadn’t the patience/time to read ALL the comments, but the ones I have are only focused on whether what he said to Ed Henry was appropriate.
During the press conference, I saw a man who has been working very hard and who has had an enormous job to deal with. He spoke of the incredible scrutiny with which the president must deal in his interview on Jay Leno. And Leno himself seemed to be empathizing with the President. Leno talks to the American public 5 nights a week.
People are doing well by remembering/recalling how W dealt with the pressure of office - bumbled interviews, non sequiturs, his demands of loyalty (loyalty = you will not embarrass, criticize, or stick it to me in public), etc.
Collectively we’re adjusting to the humanness of President Obama. I think it will do everyone good to try and appreciate how well he’s handling/has handled his presidency (essentially how he communicates with the American people) thus far.
As the press conference was reaching its conclusion, Obama was showing signs of fatigue. His answers were labored and slow. I attribute that to his level of commitment to the office. He seemed to be concentrating very carefully on sentence structure, what he was saying, how he was saying it, completing his arguments, etc. Whenever he’d reach a point where he knew what needed to be said he perked up and his energy would return.
I don’t expect perfection. I am blown away by the incredible level of competency, brains, honesty, grace, poise, and humor that he has brought to the office. Now that Obama is here, It’s hard to believe we were being led by a President so deficient in those areas.
Future press conference protocol might include drinking a Red Bull before stepping to the podium, or he might, as a joke, pop one open in front of everyone just before he takes the first question. That would be awesome.
587. CraigE | 03.25.09
Obama is in way over his head. If something as common as executive performance bonuses takes him several days to understand, how many years of “on the job training” will he need to speak on a really multi-layered Mid East problem or a wild national disaster such a Katrina. Everyone voted for Obama’s HOPE and CHANGE, and now I’m HOPING for a quick CHANGE in 2010.
588. trojankev | 03.25.09
I have absolutely no respect for the press gaggle. They stood mute during almost the entire Bush disaster, when they were most needed, and now they want to act as though they have a spine, and are doing their jobs.
I remember a several weeks ago when President Obama paid a surprise visit to the press core in the White House (totally out of the norm and NOT necessary) and one of them took the opportunity to ambush the President with a rude and disrespectful, for the occasion, question.
I suggest that anybody who wants to slam President Obama for his handling of press questions should google up some tape of Bush (either one), Reagan, Nixon, Carter, and even Clinton. What a joy to see a person who has such a command of the details, not to mention the language!!
589. sasha | 03.25.09
Hey! Have respect for our President Obama. I did not like President Bush as our leader the last eight years but at the same time he made me laugh because he had a sense of humor in addition to good things he did. He has respect for Obama by keeping his silence. He truly wants Obama to succeed in turning our country around. I may not have liked him during his presidency but I still respect President Bush. The problem with us Americans is we want instant gratification, we want everything NOW, we’re impatient. This problem we are going through is going to take TIME so shut up and be patient!
590. Poto | 03.25.09
Dear TiredoftheBull,
I was simply making a comment on the lack of sympathy that was shown to a reporter (whether his question was valid is a matter of personal opinion, not fact), and the overwhelming support for the President answering his question in a snippy manner. The Press Conference was a professional venue, and regardless of whether a person’s position is POTUS or the job deemed lowest by our society, on a professional basis there was no call for the question to be answered in such a manner. Why such latitude when we don’t like being treated that way by anyone in the professional world, be it an employer, co-worker, or checker at the grocery store? The question I now have is: If I am so “small minded” and need to “grow up,” why even bother responding about/to my post? Wouldn’t that be a waste of time for someone who is in full understanding of “what is going on” and can communicate “on a high level”? The only reason I can surmise is that it struck a nerve because there was some truth in it.
Sincerely, Poto
591. blake | 03.25.09
Obama is an ignorant fool who does not know what he is doing. He is an empty suit, clown who only knows how to giggle. Hey, he is the giggler.
592. JK | 03.25.09
Yes, Obama likes to know what he’s talking about before he responds. Sure….I wish Ed followed it up with a question regarding that monster of a bailout Obama signed…you know the one that he discouraged Congress from reading, so they knew what they were talking about when taxpayers started asking them questions about it. He is such a considerate man, but of course we are all merely dimwitted citizens who could never understand his godly means and ways which he has planned for us all. What he doesn’t understand is that he ran on being open and not hiding things from others, well that would include allowing elected officials to understand what may or may not be written in proposed laws.
593. Veritas | 03.25.09
Notice how the Obamabots get angry when the Pres is pressed hard (whether ‘gotcha’ question or not) but ate it up like government cheese when it happened to Bush.
Time to get over the head-in-sand complex. There isn’t going to be any change, you have no hope (if you pay your taxes, contribute, and pay your own way through life) and yes the Illinois Messiah can make a mistake, in fact - he has made quite a few of them.
If he fails to acknowledge them (as a certain previous president failed to do) he will cause tremendous harm to this country.
594. gigi | 03.25.09
You think Obama slammed Ed Henry???? Please. Obama avoided answering the question from the get go. He doesn’t want to answer the type of questions Henry had the guts to ask. The rest of the press core ask airy fairy questions don’t challenge the president, they did the same thing during the whole campaign. In the business world you don’t get away with giving an answer like Obama gave when he was pushed to answer the question Ed Henry asked, not once, but twice. Keep it up Obama.
595. please save us from stupid | 03.25.09
Deal with the fact this president can’t think on his feet and without a teleprompter and a puppet master pulling his strings…………. Its about time the MSM grew some B@#$
596. dan | 03.25.09
Obama team needs to improve their emergency reaction time. Ed has pointed that out. I for one don’t really care about how well Ed did but how fast my president reponds to crises.
597. Frannie Sky | 03.25.09
I guess it’s okay to ask tough questions of George Bush, but not okay to ask a tough question to the current guy in office. What a double standard…wake up people!!!!!!! I’m proud of the reporter for asking that questions…we needed to know! we need more reporters like him!!!!!
599. Jake | 03.25.09
From some of the negative Obama responses I’ve read (and Blake, yours is at the top), I’m amazed at the level of ignorance displayed by sections of the American public who think that they could do better if THEY were in office. You probably don’t have half the level of education President Obama has, half the IQ that he possesses, or will ever accomplish half of what he has. As a white person, I’m embarrassed to say that most of you hate President Obama because he is black. I see no other reason for your venom. Has he done anything to you personally for you to call him an ignorant fool(other than convincingly trounce your hero McCain, who presented absolutely no solution for America’s woes during the campaign - by way, where were you during the elections? How come your voice wasn’t heard?). MAJORITY RULES IN THIS DEMOCRACY. Anybody unhappy with the principles on which this country was founded does not deserve to be an American. He won the elections fair and square, there is no question about that. Now that he is president, there is nothing you can do about it other than impeach him, and unless he gets caught in the oval office with his pants down, there is little chance of that happening. His is president, and that’s final, so deal with it.
President Obama, if you ever read this, you are doing an excellent job! I doubt that anybody who voted for you (THE MAJORITY) has changed their minds about you. Please ignore the naysayers (sour grapes) and all the unintelligible banter and continue with the business of correcting what is wrong with our beloved country.
600. Lucy | 03.25.09
Good Job! Ed Henry! I guess everyone is okay with their tax dollars going to the BIG EXECUTIVES! Obama was a COWARD for not answering your question.
601. Lucy | 03.25.09
Jake at the bottom. I work hard for my money and I really don’t appreciate my hard earned tax dollars should go to these executives! You might be okay with it, but I’m not. President Obama was a coward for not answering Ed’s question. If this is how he plans on running this country, by only answering questions he feels he’s in the mood to answer then we’re in alot of trouble. He should have been angry with what happened with AIG!
602. RealTalk | 03.25.09
Come on, are there actually people calling President Obama a puppet and whining about the teleprompter? This–after spending 8 years under the leadership of a man who kept reading with little children AFTER finding out about the Sept. 11 attacks–does not surprise me (apparently, he didn’t know what to do, did he?). The same idiots who voted for the glorified idiot known as George W. Bush (TWICE) are ever vigilant in breezing over his giant mistakes, and not to mention the OBVIOUSLY notecard-scripted speeches. But oh, right, moan and complain about Obama using MODERN TECHNOLOGY, that’s refreshing, really…
603. Dave | 03.25.09
Hilarious how the losers and haters are STILL trying to gin up some dissent on the internet. You lost, guys. We like our president. I get up every day grateful that McCain/Palin are not running the country. Stick a cork in it, already.
604. curious | 03.25.09
I am just wondering based on the responses I have read so far, how long did it take you to type your comment? What did you use to base your comment? Some people ask, how long will it take for him to respond to an attack? I think that is very shallow to compare those two situations. It was unprofessional for him to answer that way… In what way could he have answered it better? Freedom of speech will be taken away…..if the president answers a question, does it equal to taking away that freedom. Ed Henry could have answered back and ask more questions…it is just about personal feelings at that point. some people respond like they know everything. do they have other information that will give them the benefit of weighing other factors? just curious.
605. JK | 03.25.09
Ahhh, yes. 599. Jake is like many of the knee jerk Democrats, I am familiar with many…especially in the Detroit area. When someone disagrees with what is being done or how things are being run, those people must be racist, especially if you are white. It is ashame that the race card is always dealt out as a way to try and counter people’s legitimate questions as to how things may be run. It is a weak and lame response, if any. You are probably right though, I will not accomplish half as much as he has done, because I am unwilling to lie to large numbers of people and twist facts as he does, but don’t underestimate other people’s intelligence. I am disgusted with a number of people who ignore his actions after listening to his speeches denouncing “improper spending,” as well as those on transparency to finally observe his handling of the monster stimulus package bill that nobody could read, well they could if they wanted to be castigated by the almighty O. It was somewhat deceptive in nature to say the least.
606. First Amendment Mary | 03.25.09
So……you edit, control, censor and decide?!?! C’mon, Twitters React….are you by anychance liberal Dems?!?! Ho ho ho ho
607. Lucy | 03.25.09
I agree with you JK. I personally voted for Obama. However, I do know when I’ve made a mistake. Which is the mature thing to do. Just admit that his reponse was immature. We deserve answers! Most of these people are extremely immature thinking that Obama’s way of running from the question was okay. In respone to Realtalk. I don’t know what you expected from President Bush after learning about the attacks. Maybe what you wanted to see is him get out of control, panic and explain to the kids that the world was coming to an end. He dealt with it the best he could. Obama has proven that he’s a coward when it comes to justifying his actions. He needs to get that money back from AIG. But probably won’t because they have him in their pockets.
608. Jymie Darling | 03.25.09
WHAT??? You’re kidding right? He’s talks out of his butt constantly. Obama is NOT a god…he’s a moron.
609. HH | 03.25.09
605 Another bitter republican. You (republicans) had your 8 years and we ALL see the results of that. Now you devolve into picking at the little things to slave your massive self-inflicted wound. Get some dignity and owe up to your mistakes instead of acting like a chided brat. ” I hope he fails ” (limbaugh). This is much the same as saying “I hope our country fails”. Republican wisdom ?
610. Josh | 03.25.09
Good for Henry, he was doing his job and asking important questions, it shows everyone what Obama can really be like…
612. John | 03.25.09
Jake-599, I don’t dislike Obama because he is black, that has nothing to do with it. I personally dislike him because i’m republican. His color did effect his votes i think because as i watched the people talking about how happy they were that Obama was president, i heard “I’m so glad a black man is in office.” or something pertaining to “black” in every happy speech. Also, who are you to say we can’t be the president someday? Even if YOU are not as smart as him that doesn’t mean I’m not.
613. Marchelle | 03.25.09
What a wonderful world it would be if people got the fact’s before they shot off their mouth. Wow! what a concept, getting the facts before you speak.
“Well done” Mr President
614. Jymie Darling | 03.25.09
As for majority rules comment. He won the electoral vote by a landslide…barely winning the majority vote of the popular vote. The Majority isn’t really the majority by much. Obama is not a god. Obama is not as great as everyone thinks. Obama gets served his butt also…such as the VA people serving him his head on a platter over our insurance that he would like for us to pay (serving in a war and getting injured, we were promised that our injuries would be cared for…Obama had the bright idea to start charging us until he was served and put in his place). He asked a question. The same answer could have been delivered without the testiness. We, the people, ALL THE PEOPLE…are allowed to question our government. To not do so is truly UNPATRIOTIC. Just because the liberals don’t like it is inconsequential. Now….When the Bush admin was doing the same tactics…we all screamed that it was a unconstitutional…that we have the right to question everything and he should be answerable to everything. But not this one? It’s the standard of hyprocrisy and double standards that make me think that we need a new party…the Replicrats. I, like alot of people, are moderate middle of the road individuals that are not sworn to our souls for either party, but would like to see intelligence and not a smooth talking prompted by a teleprompter because he can’t think on his own nor a cowboy ‘git r done’ attitude in the white house. Obama is the liberal answer to Bush. One has already damaged this country…the other will in time.
615. fused | 03.25.09
why did the teleprompter react so nasty it was a simple question asked of a simple man who believes we can tax and spend our way to recovery
616. Republican | 03.25.09
Obama shows some wit to a reporter who couldn’t show respect; you have to be an idiot not to see how Ed asked his question while sitting down! Did anybody notice the disrespect, so here you have it: another interpretation of the answer is for Ed to know what “he’s talking about before accusing the president.” The whole world knows that Republican brought upon us this economic storm; you don’t need CNN or FOX to twist the fact.
go Obama–that’s why we elected you to handle idiots of the right wing who are destroying the Republican party.
617. Sandy | 03.25.09
Voted Obama - MR. PRES -you wanted the job, said you COULD do it and WOULD do it. YOU WON, please stop campaigning! Congress (Democrat driven) does not listen to you. It is embarrassing that they won you the Presidency and will not support you now - so get back to DC and if you have to sit on “your own” to get them DO WHAT YOU TELL THEM too, like “no bulls–t in the stimulus”, maybe, and I do say maybe - they’d do what you tell them.
618. amaob | 03.25.09
What audacity ? of spontaneous wisdom.
I didnt see any reason the president’s answer was disrespectful. The question was directly attacking/critical of Obama’s supposed inability or like he was in on the corruption from day 1. This kind of question is better for the newspaper/editorial or something. For a real time news conference, a difficult question should be given a chiding/honest/stern reply. There is no other way to deal with it.
619. Danny | 03.25.09
Republicans can be so revolting. Like lions pouncing on their pray, they are on the look out to criticize Obama on anything they can get their hands on (or make up). I think you guys do your arguments more of a disservice and help your cause. How can anyone with a conscientious mind believe anything you say now. I know Obama will make mistakes, he is human, but the callousness of some attacks and vile that Republicans spew is beyond human. I don’t mind genuine honest criticism, but you people would attack him if you could for wearing brown pants on tuesday (pointless right).
620. Lola | 03.25.09
I don’t see why people expect Obama to be perfect. He IS human. Humans become irritated under stress, and seeing as how he is under so much pressure, it was bound to happen whether public or private.
621. BOB THE GUY | 03.25.09
DOCTORS GET PAID WAY TO MUCH IS THE PROBLEM, JUST EAT GARLIC/LEMON WHEN YOUR SICK
622. twodogwoman | 03.25.09
What universe is the media living in? Many talking heads are saying that the President was “testy,” or that Ed Henry “got” him, or that the President had no real answer.
Only the American people to whom the President was speaking, seemed to have admired what he said and saw no testiness in how he said it.
624. the realist | 03.25.09
…this is STILL going on? moderators, please close this down and let people move on already. vote for your favorite American idol!
625. leaveitalone | 03.25.09
Call this venom against the President what it is ” Pure Racism “. The exchange between President Obama and the CNN report would be an issue if it involved anyone other than a African American. Our country will never rid itself of the poison of racism. This country would rather descend to the bowels of social,economic and academic **** then except and give thanks for a chance of redemption.
626. Cora | 03.25.09
It does not matter what Mr. President says, doesn’t say, react quickly or slowly, respond in the most calm and professional tone………. there still are people who are going to talk badly about him. They will continually criticize him and disagree with his every action. Why? Simple…. they did not, do not, and will never, ever, ever, ever want A BLACK PRESIDENT. They can flat out LIE and attempt to sugar coat their reasons however they want….but we all know the truth.
627. Mona | 03.25.09
Thank heavens we finally have a president that thinks before he speaks. He is an eloqent speaker that shows composure and professionalism in spite of the 98% right wing media that is slamming him at every turn, and trying to prevent him from doing what needs to be done, at a time when we are in desperate need of a president that will lead us out of this sinking economy. Ed Henry showed no more respect for the President than the Murdoch owned Fox Network. Lets ban together and demand a press that is bipartisan and truthful. I say, “Yes We Can”, go Obama!!!!!!!!!
628. Lynne | 03.25.09
Obama could have answered it better than he did or at least a little bit more polite. There is nothing wrong with getting information to the american people. The reporters should have been asking questions during his campaign. The media just sold us this president.
629. Tnew | 03.26.09
Hey Jake why don’t you actually do a little research about the principles this country was founded on and then rethink your comment about “not deserving to be an American” I absolutely agree with you on that one statement but I think you need to educate yourself and wake up about what direction this country is heading. Principles mean nothing anymore it seems and that goes for both the left and the right.
630. Jake | 03.26.09
Majority is what decides the final outcome, be it 55% or otherwise. You’re giving President Obama a harder time than you gave Bush when his first election was in question (and we all know the voting was rigged then). And then you came back and elected him again even though he obviously was not the right choice for president. Obama’s hardly been in office three months and you’re already talking impeachment. What else could it be other than the race card? Admit it, this goes deeper than what he has done or hasn’t done so far.
631. MEEEE | 03.26.09
Ed asked a really stupid question which he obviously didn’t think through.
Not even a fourth grader would’ve asked this question.
632. Homunculis | 03.26.09
LOL. This new Prez of our lost his top over ONE simple, and direct question? He wouldnt have lasted a day under the hazing, and rehtorically abusive questions posed to GW Bush by the press. Obama would have been dealing with ‘Mr.President, dont you feel you owe hardworking Americans an apology for first signing this bill that allowed for poor performing bonuses, and then second taking days after news of these bonuses hit the public to fain outrage’?
Id say Obama got off easy with Ed’s question.
633. ritacarr | 03.26.09
Really,Obama answered these questions when he announced that he would do whatever it takes to turn this conflageration the Bushes smote us with–in the short term, and then make adjustments as things improve. Obama made one small mistake–People who have the door to their minds locked from the inside –are not going to internalize any explanation no matter how many times or how many ways he explains it to them.
634. m.a. | 03.27.09
Cnn punditry along with Fox is back again into unreality and overreacting to try to make news. It’s like revisiting Bushworld. George Bush was always getting angry at reporters when he got a question where he didn’t have the talking points answer. Plus all those times where he was just not up to the lowest levels of coherency. The press would usually act like all that was normal. It was really a time of insanity.
Now I couldn’t believe trying to make Obama’s remark into this big bad showing of ANGER. BREAKING NEWS…the president gets ANGRY at Ed Henry.
Oh PLEASE! Obamas remark was an appropriate response to a confrontational
question. Henry challenged him and he deftly responded. There was no “Oz moment”. There was a “Zorro moment”,when Obama used his rapier on poor Ed’s grandstanding.
635. JK | 03.29.09
No Jake, I will not admit it is anything deeper than what his current plans as well as future espoused plans. I have never mentioned impeachment, I just do not want to see those plans put in motion. His Healthcare Adviser even said that his plans to completely overhaul or change healthcare system were misguided, only then did he backpedal at least for now, and say that we should build upon the current system.
I mean come on, I didn’t support quite a few things that Bush was doing and I don’t support things that Obama is doing. I keep hearing someone say well if you don’t have anything to give as a plan than shut up. You know, I don’t think that he would sincerely listen to anyone if they did propose a different plan of action, regardless of his rhetoric. And the race card is something that someone plays in their favor against others, not something that someone throws out in opposition to a person. I don’t doubt that some people are prejudiced against Obama for being black, just as much as some people were prejudiced against Bush for being white, but not for everyone who is objecting to his ideas. You don’t have to see something played out to the end in order to know it’s not a good idea.
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. Blake | 03.24.09
I thought the president’s comment was spot on… and what a change from a president that ’shoots from the hip’ snicker snicker snicker…. [groan]