Obama Expresses Hope That NFL Referee Lockout Ends Soon

President Barack Obama took to Twitter Tuesday to express hope that the lockout of the NFL's unionized referrees ends soon.

@BarackObama
Barack Obama

NFL fans on both sides of the aisle hope the refs' lockout is settled soon. -bo

September 25, 2012 5:43 pm via web Reply Retweet Favorite

Obama joined Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) and GOP vice-presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), who both have called for an end to the replacement referees. (Ryan's spokesman, Brendan Buck, tweeted that Obama was "leading from behind.")

Walker and Ryan, both Wisconsinites, were outraged by the final call in Monday night's Seahawks-Packers game. Seahawks Quarterback Russell Wilson threw a "Hail Mary" into the end zone into a crowd of several receivers, which officials ruled a catch by Golden Tate. However, the Packers' M.D. Jennings seemed to have control of the ball. Officials ruled after about ten minutes that it was a catch, giving the Seahawks a 14-12 upset victory.

Obama called the Packers-Seahawks game "terrible" while walking into the White House Tuesday, according to the pool report. "I've been saying for months, we've gotta get our refs back," he said.

In a labor dispute involving the NFL Players' Union in March 2011, President Obama said that the two sides should be able to come to an agreement without him. "I'm a big football fan, but I also think that for an industry that's making $9 billion a year in revenue, they can figure out how to divide it up in a sensible way," he said. The two sides came to an agreement in July.

HuffPost's Dave Jamieson has written about the NFL's latest labor issues:

The referees have been locked out since early June, when negotiations over a new contract between the National Football League Referees Association and the NFL broke down. Although there are many issues at play, the referees' union has said the main sticking point is pensions: The league wants to freeze the defined-benefit pension plans they've had since the 1970s and switch them to less-attractive 401k's.

A lockout is different from a strike -- the referees did not choose to stop working, they were forced to do so by management as a bargaining tactic.

"The key is the pension issue," Scott Green, the head of the referees' union, recently told HuffPost. "A lot of our guys have made life-career decisions based on assuming that pension would be there."

The NFL is an extremely profitable enterprise, raking in about $9 billion per year. The average team is valued at about $1.1 billion, according to Forbes. Still, league commissioner Roger Goodell recently told HuffPost that pensions are disappearing for American workers in general, and that most people don't enjoy what the referees have.

This story has been updated to include President Obama's comment on the Packers game, per a White House pool report.

Loading Slideshow

• Officials signal a touchdown by Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate, obscured, on the last play of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 14-12. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Wide receiver Golden Tate #81 of the Seattle Seahawks makes a catch in the end zone to defeat the Green Bay Packers on a controversial call by the officials at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Wide receiver Golden Tate #81 of the Seattle Seahawks makes a catch in the end zone to defeat the Green Bay Packers on a controversial call by the officials at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Wide receiver Golden Tate #81 of the Seattle Seahawks makes a catch in the end zone to defeat the Green Bay Packers on a controversial call by the officials at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to pass in the first half against the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Golden Tate #81 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates after he scored a 41-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Golden Tate #81 (R) of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates with teammate John Moffitt #74 after Tate scored a 41-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers is pressured by Chris Clemons #91 and Jason Jones #90 of the Seattle Seahawks in the first half at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: John Kuhn #30 of the Green Bay Packers looks on after he lost his helmet on a play against the Seattle Seahawks in the first half at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 Green Bay Packers is pulled down by Bruce Irvin #51 of the Seattle Seahawks in the first half action at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Kevin Casey/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to pass under pressure from Nick Perry #53 of the Green Bay Packers in the second half at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Mason Crosby #2 of the Green Bay Packers kicks a successful 29-yard field goal from the hold of Tim Masthay #8 in the third corner to cut the lead by the Seattle Seahawks to 7-3 at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks runs the ball in the second half against A.J. Hawk #50 and Tramon Williams #38 of the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks runs the ball in the second half against A.J. Hawk #50 and Tramon Williams #38 (obscured) of the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks runs the ball in the second half against A.J. Hawk #50 and Tramon Williams #38 of the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Jermichael Finley #88 of the Green Bay Packers drops a pass as he is defended by Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is congratulated by head coach Pete Carroll after defeating the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Wide receiver Golden Tate #81 of the Seattle Seahawks makes a catch in the end zone to defeat the Green Bay Packers 14-12 on a controversial call by the officials at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Wide receiver Golden Tate #81 of the Seattle Seahawks wrestles with cornerback M.D. Jennings #43 of the Green Bay Packers after making a catch in the end zone to defeat the Green Bay Packers 14-12 on a controversial call by the officials at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Cornerback Tramon Williams #38 (2R) of the Green Bay Packers argues with members of the Seattle Seahawks at the end of the game at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 14-12. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Golden Tate #81 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates after making the game winning catch as time expired against the Green Bay Packers winning 14-12 at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Kevin Casey/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Cornerback Sam Shields #37 of the Green Bay Packers is called for pass interference against wide receiver Sidney Rice #18 of the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 14-12. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Cornerback Sam Shields #37 of the Green Bay Packers is called for pass interference against wide receiver Sidney Rice #18 of the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 14-12. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Cornerback Sam Shields #37 of the Green Bay Packers is called for pass interference against wide receiver Sidney Rice #18 of the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 14-12. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Tramon Williams #38 Green Bay Packers is pushed back by Evan Moore #82 and Heath Farwell #55 of the Seattle Seahawks during game action at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 14-12. (Photo by Kevin Casey/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks leaves the field after defeating the Green Bay Packers 14-12 at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is congratulated by defensive back Chris Maragos #42 as they leave the field after defeating the Green Bay Packers 14-12 at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks downfield under pressure from defensive tackle Alan Branch #99 of the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 14-12. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Wide receiver Golden Tate #81 of the Seattle Seahawks makes a catch in the end zone to defeat the Green Bay Packers on a controversial call by the officials at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Pete Carroll, head coach of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates with Max Unger #60 and Clint Gresham #49 both of the Seattle Seahawks after defeating Green Bay Packers 14-12 at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Kevin Casey/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Running back Cedric Benson #32 of the Green Bay Packers is congratulated by tight end D.J. Williams #84 after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 14-12. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Sidney Rice #18 of the Seattle Seahawks cannot hold onto the ball as Sam Shields #37 of Green Bay Packers interferes on the play in the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 14-12. (Photo by Kevin Casey/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks throws downfield as Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers pursues on the the play at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 14-12. (Photo by Kevin Casey/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers is sacked by Bruce Irvin #51 of the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 14-12. (Photo by Kevin Casey/Getty Images)

• Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

  SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Bruce Irvin #51 of the Seattle Seahawks sacks Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field on September 24, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 14-12. (Photo by Kevin Casey/Getty Images)

• Matt Flynn

  Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Flynn warms up before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

• Aaron Rodgers, Bruce Irvin

  Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, left, is sacked by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin (51) in the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

• Bruce Irvin, Aaron Rodgers

  Seattle Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin, left, sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) in the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

• Aaron Rodgers, Bruce Irvin

  Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, left, is sacked by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin in the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

• Bruce Irvin, Aaron Rodgers

  Seattle Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin celebrates after sacking Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

• Russell Wilson

  Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson sets to pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

• Bruce Irvin, Aaron Rodgers

  Seattle Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin (51) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) for the second time in the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

• Golden Tate, Charles Woodson

  Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate (81) catches a pass for a touchdown ahead of Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson (21) in the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

• Chris Clemons, Aaron Rodgers

  Seattle Seahawks defensive end Chris Clemons, left, sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

• Marshawn Lynch, Michael Robinson, Morgan Burnett

  Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) carries the ball as fullback Michael Robinson (26) blocks Green Bay Packers safety Morgan Burnett (42) in the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

• Aaron Rodgers

  Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers sets to pass against the Seattle Seahawks in the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

• Aaron Rodgers

  Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) passes against the Seattle Seahawks in the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

• Tim Masthay, Mason Crosby

  Green Bay Packers' Tim Masthay, left, holds while place kicker Mason Crosby makes his second field goal against the Seattle Seahawks in the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

• Cedric Benson

  Green Bay Packers running back Cedric Benson (32) carries the ball downfield against the Seattle Seahawks in the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

• Seattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner, obscured, breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones (89) on an attempt for a 2-point conversion in the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

• T.J. Lang, Cedric Benson

  Green Bay Packers running back Cedric Benson (32) kneels after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks in the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, in Seattle. Packers guard T.J. Lang stands at left (70). (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Comments

[BLACK2THEFUTURE]

12:51 PM on 09/26/2012

lmao.. this is all Pres. Obama's fault if he would just give the wealthiest americans a lol tax cut they would have the extra money to give ref's thier pension (even though they made record breaking profits last year).. trickle down effect.. Obama just doesnt understand how business works.. aint that right republicans?

[curly22]

09:52 AM on 09/26/2012

I don't think Obama should concern himself with this. It sounds so silly when there are so many bigger issues at hand today.

[Varmithunter]

09:34 AM on 09/26/2012

Cheeseheads lose! Hooray! My favorite teams are the 49ers and anybody playing against the Packers.

[Grandma Koolfinger]

09:21 AM on 09/26/2012

I like the replacement refs. They add another layer of surprise to the games. They need jobs, too.

[Patriot28]

09:17 AM on 09/26/2012

Let the NFL setle their own problwms, Obama - your job is the economy.

[Winston Smith III]

09:01 AM on 09/26/2012

Is this an article from the Onion?

[elizlucinda]

09:14 AM on 09/26/2012

Are the responses from Onion? Why are people piling on Obama for a one sentence Twitter response. I don't see this kind of outrage directed to Romney and Ryan

[Choseyourpath]

09:37 AM on 09/26/2012

Because Obama should be focusing on the complete and total disaster that this country is in.

[marekl19]

09:00 AM on 09/26/2012

This is what I come to expect from Barry. Hope. Not meaningful action. Why is he commenting about this anyway? What national security interest does he have here. Oh maybe he's afraid if the NFL dissolves, our crime rate will go up. Barry your a genious.

[keeghoops]

09:19 AM on 09/26/2012

I ask myself that same queston about the republicans. Endless hyperbole about women's rights, union bashing, gay rights etc. etc. -- ad nauseum. Nothing about foreign policy with any substance or banking reform. The economy wasn't gutted by working people, it was gutted by banks and risky loans. Use some intellectual fact finding and reasoning for crying out loud.

[bcnihao]

09:28 AM on 09/26/2012

So that same critique applies to Romney, Ryan, and Walker. Right? Far-right??

[Choseyourpath]

09:38 AM on 09/26/2012

Nope, they're not in charge of this mess.

[marekl19]

09:54 AM on 09/26/2012

If Romney becomes president then yes. As far as walker, he isn't the president responsible for nataional security. You show you are a political hack and have no respect for logic by including Walker. I could see how you can include Ryan because he is a VP but then you would have to apply that standard to Biden. Becareful where you tread. If you are going to hold Obama responsible for what Biden says you are really asking for trouble. I can see including a congressmen but a governor? Anyhow, yes when politicians talk about sports it upsets me. Ryan upset me when he said that the referee situation reminded him of our current president.

[redgreene]

08:48 AM on 09/26/2012

this country is pathetic. even regular refs make "terrible" calls. we have really jumped the shark. thx barry.

[DidyaknowSD]

08:40 AM on 09/26/2012

Interesting how politicians from both parties blast the NFL for how they run their business when they can't run their own country.

[spencerlasls]

08:30 AM on 09/26/2012

Am I the only one that sees how much this Lockout is costing the economy? People are fed up!! No one wants to watch the game because the of the lousy officiating, hence no one is watching the very expensive commercials. Even before the strike the cost of taking a family of four to the game was several hundred dollars. Hmm, with that kind of money coming in every week, from every stadium in the country, I find it hard to believe that the NFL can't settle this.

[gjmjoe017]

08:28 AM on 09/26/2012

Glad Obama is worried about all the important things going on in our country,like football.Working this out will really turn our economy around.Can't imagine him having the time to think about it,with all the T.V. appearences he has.How the hell did this guy ever get in our White House??

[OhMyGoodness]

08:37 AM on 09/26/2012

His statement led you to believe that he's worried about it? Hmm I just thought he had an opinion about it. But hey he isn't supposed to know what's going on in the country and he certainly isn't supposed to have an opinion about something other than jobs and the economy,

[gjmjoe017]

08:50 AM on 09/26/2012

You know,the more I think about it,it is probably a good thing that he is focused on football,The View and Letterman,that way he won't continue to drive our country into more debt with failed spending......

[redgreene]

08:52 AM on 09/26/2012

"i've been saying for MONTHS", barry o. worried covers it.

[TxLibNan]

08:42 AM on 09/26/2012

Oh, that was lame!

P.S. sheldon adelson (no caps for him) is trying, to the tune of 100,000,000, to buy the presidency!

[gjmjoe017]

08:51 AM on 09/26/2012

Oh,no,his insane spending with no result is what is lame Skippy........

[idiot sensor]

08:28 AM on 09/26/2012

We needs us a referree spring, likes dat arab spring. Dat worked out awesum.

[MUDPUPTN3]

08:25 AM on 09/26/2012

The middle east is burning, and Americans are tortured and slaughtered in Libya and Afghisanistan, and Obama is worrying about the NFL's referee strike, now ain't that just par for the course!!! Nov 2012 can't get here too soon, and thats a FACT!!!

[pammiethekid]

08:37 AM on 09/26/2012

Yes. Because a short response to a question he is being repeatedly asked equals being "worried" about a subject. Must be hard for conservatives to imagine a POTUS who can give an intelligent answer to any subject he is aware of, and move on. Meanwhile, you have the Bush legacy and a current candidate who actually wonders why the windows on jet aircraft can't be opened by the passengers.

[TxLibNan]

08:43 AM on 09/26/2012

Good retort to a inane comment!

A fav from a fan!

[streamstalker4]

08:45 AM on 09/26/2012

That would be all well and good if he knew the answers to some other pertinent questions like what the national debt is!

[elizlucinda]

09:11 AM on 09/26/2012

Why are Romney and Ryan worried about it...or doesn't that count?

[MUDPUPTN3]

09:39 AM on 09/26/2012

Nice try but I don't think this article was Romney and Ryan, LOL!! It was all about Obama showing his concern for the NFL refrees!!! Darn those unions showing their butts and making waves this close the election!!! LMAO!!

[vtmichaelb]

08:23 AM on 09/26/2012

Don't you have more important things to worry about Mr. President? Um maybe like the economy?

[kjallyn]

08:29 AM on 09/26/2012

Right on schedule.
Go clear some brush.

[tshields424]

08:56 AM on 09/26/2012

Clearly he does. Maybe that's why he spoke at the UNITED NATIONS yesterday and addressed the serious challenges we face in the Middle East.
Get a clue, or try to at least.

[Choseyourpath]

09:46 AM on 09/26/2012

And what was he doing when he ignored the warnings about the attacks? Golfing/fundraising. Now when the crapstorm has subsided a bit he addresses it. Sorry, it's not laudable it's laughable.

[plewdawg]

08:21 AM on 09/26/2012

...And the American people on both sides cant wait for his presidency to be over.