State of Play: Obama's 100 Day Press Conference

In his press conference Wednesday, Barack Obama only really came alive when he recounted his exasperation at the "bickering" that continues to consume Washington. Why can't there be a "timeout," he wondered?

No such luck. For the past few months, the Republicans have resembled the First Family's new dog, Bo--chewing at President Obama's feet and acting a little crazy. But that is simply testament to Obama's unflappability, which is, more than anything else, driving the GOP nuts. Obama didn't score any slam dunks tonight, but he was poised, confident, and humorous. Above all, he exudes competence--a determination to attend to the nuts and bolts of government rather than engage in grandstanding about new crusades.

Obama's common sense, for example, shone through in his response about immigration when he dismissed the notion of simply terrorizing immigrants by launching raids. He pointed out that its the companies that employ them that should be the true targets of investigations. Obama indicated some flexibility as well on the state secrets controversy, arguing that his administration had only been in office a week before it had to tackle the question before the courts.

Throughout, Obama emphasized the welter of problems that confront him. That will only wash for a few more months. The questions in Obama's next press conference will be more pointed--and he won't be able to get away with some of the ambiguous statements that he made about the economy tonight, particularly in response to Andre Showell of BET. Sure, a rising economy will help impoverished areas of America. But it probably won't be enough. Obama didn't want to get pigeonholed as catering to African-American areas of the country, but he shouldn't let it deter him from directing any needed special assistance, either.

After eight years of a president who could barely form a coherent thought or sentence, however, Obama's press conferences are soothing. He's mastered the art of calming the jangled nerves of his countrymen. Now his economic policies need to restore them fully.

Comments

[Chickasaw962]

first Republicans had a difficult time understanding they lost the election, next they have been argueing since. Everyone is happy the republicans are keeping taxes low and government spebnding down. They don't need to argue that point to anyone, no one no matter the party is opposing those concepts. I think rather than a time out for republicans, they just need a little nap like four years, and then in the next election maybe they could run a candidate who taught constitutional law. I hope so.

[MacQ]

Questions that would be interesting for the press to ask:

1. Will you announce a date certain for withdrawal from afghanistan? If not, why?
(He would have to give the same answer that President Bush gave about Iraq when he was screaming for a date certain)

2. You continue to lament the deficit you inherited, but it is actually congress who does the spending and passes budgets. You were a member of congress-did you vote on these policies? If not, why?

3. You say you have saved 150,000 jobs. There is no evidence of that. Please specify how that was done, and what are those jobs?

4. You said that once one person comes into the country with swine flu, it doesn't matter how many more come in. Do you actually believe that one person can infect as many other people as a thousand could?

[berrycooda]

Maybe it is time for Pres. Obama to spend more time at his job as Pres. and
stop flying so many places and acting like he is still on the campaign trail.

I hear his speeches on TV just the same as the small crowds he is speaking to in some
high school gym have the opportunity to do.

Does he think he will get more points if he goes in person to tell theser people about
the economy....Most of them are feeling it already.

And....about all the jobs that are supposed to be forthcomin­g....where will they be coming forth from....Nafta has taken care of most of them.
Maybe the Gov't should focus on building some factories to make solar panels and weatherproofing and wind turbines and get people to work in them...
or will we just order the stuff from China and let people assemble it here as usual.

[danielet]

Heilbrunn's book THEY KNEW THEY WERE RIGHT marvelously exposes the neocon bluff of opportunism pretending to be ideology. Their attempt on FOXNEWS's "Special Report With Bret Baer" today (4/30) to cast Obama is a must see. Having attempted to acquire influence with the Obama Administration, the neocons suffered the inevitable endpoint of chameleon opportunist policy. So they ran back to the Right arguing for Bush Era torture and denouncing Obama "dangerous" rejection of it because, well, that pays their lunch. In making their case of inhumane immorality, these physically puny neocons remind me of Budapest's Chief of Secret Police, in 1956 seized in anti-Red terror revolution. What most outraged Budapest citizens, I recall, is that for a decade of Soviet occupation they had been terrorized by this puny now trembling little brutal master of terror, now wetting his pants in fear. Eight years of Bush as pretend "decider"-- actually fearing responsibility-- and his Vice President, making decisions in "the President's name," have left us with a wrecked economy, a morally bankrupt global standing and a war on terror that never achieved "mission accomplished"-- indeed, has yet to catch the man who ordered 9/11 upon us. America in 2008 chose an agent of change and with every press conference Obama demonstrates the difference between his administration and the that of Bush to which the neocons are historically glued as babbling apologists. Criminal negligence cannot be rhetorically argued away, especially not by those whom in power exhibited criminal incompetence.

[lilian101]

Barack Obama only really came alive when he recounted his exasperation at the "bickering" that continues to consume Washington. Why can't there be a "timeout," he wondered?

There can't be a 'timeout' because he was elected President of the United States. That is a full time job, not a weekend sports event.

If he needs a 'timeout' this early in his 4 years, then we are all in for some rough times ahead.

[Paulette Constantino]

Oh my goodness lilian. He wishes there could be a "timeout" from all the ridiculous antics that the childish Republicans keep generating because they are acting like spoiled little idiotic brats that need a good whipping. I guess you're not used to hearing tactful and diplomatic discourse from someone who holds such a high office.

[Emlyn]

I don't blame him! I am so sick and tired of listening to the stupid hypocritical reps talking about what he should or he shouldn't do. As for a timeout, let's get rid of all the Reps. Send them off to the boneyard. They don't deserve to be Americans; they certainly don't love their country.

[Wake-up]

Wow... one usually has to go to a G4 summit to hear such hatred...

It's a different point of view - don't be scared, it's our money and freedom too in play here. toughen-up a little, if you're so right on all accounts you should welcome a little debate!

[Gotcha54]

How ridiculous this comment is: The man has been working non-stop trying to clean up the mess of the last administration. As he also said he hasn't had time to even play a game of basketball of late. Getting that physical workout is something he relishes and rejuvenates him. The "timeout" he's calling for is to stop the campaigning for something that is 4 years off and try to fix the mess that was left from the Republicans.

[Rosie2]

He meant time out on the bickering and you know it! So stop the petty bickering!!

[eposter]

Reading comprehension is important. Obama didn't say he needed a timeout. He was wondering aloud why the Republicans can't take a timeout from playing political games to get some work done on serious issues. Now that the Democrats have 60 votes in the Senate (welcome Sen Specter) Obama doesn't need the Republicans to take a timeout. Republican are completely irrelevant and it's their own fault. If Obama's 100 days looked like the Republican's 100 days there wouldn't be much "hope" left in this new president.

[youngat80]

Senator Specter's return to the Democrats is no guarantee that every bill brought before congress and endorsed by the President will pass unchanged without discussion. Most thoughtful and reasonable people do not want their elected representatives to walk lock-step through the legislative process.
I suggest that everyone who needs to take a 'time-out' as a disciplinary measure use that time to read the Constitution.

[stevendedalus3]

"At Obama's press conference BET's Andre Showell said that unemployment among black males in New York is nearly 50% and asked what specific policies will target these people."

You'reonly asking for trouble if what I think implicit here is that we open the wormy can of affirmative action.

[DaveCarroll4]

Jacob, you didn't even mention the "torture" issue, so I will. Obama is "absolutely correct" in not directly accusing the Bush Administration of war crimes. I don't see how people don't understand his position. Believe me, that adiminstration's current lawyers would love for The President of the United States to bias every potential investigation into these crimes, and the correspondents need to brush up on some law, and leave it alone. If the President were to emphatically accuse them of war crimes, any case would become a tainted "case closed". Any potential juror or prosecuter would be biased, at that point. Mr. President is a Constitutional Lawyer and he knows what he's doing, as is evidenced. In fact, he walked on very thin ice as he concurred with techniques used as being torture and of torture being a crime. Those who doubt our President's legal intellect are fools. He know what he's doing, period. Check out my videos and articles through http://www.mydavecarroll.com

[dianhow]

True It is not Obama's job to do so. Leave it to the DOJ

[SmallChange]

I agree completely.

[lilian101]

That's probably the most ridiculous thing I think I have ever heard, if the president makes a comment, then no jury could be empaneled on that issue, becaue of inherent bias? Come on what law school are you hiding in?

[DaveCarroll4]

Forgive my lack of clarity, please, i assumed some political horse sense. The politics are currently everything in regard to this situation and any legal action moving forward. I was referring to the Republican Party influence and claims that would undoubtedly surface within minutes if these Republicans were actually pursued. For the sake of heaven, the Republican Party listens to Rush, who is clearly insane, yet they do still have a little power left. Politics matter in getting a potential case of this magnitude to move forward, and the statement is not ridiculous at all.

[lilian101]

Besides President Obama is not a religious figure who commands absolute obedience to every comment, so the inherent bias resulting from an expression by the president descends to who?

His adoring fans of course.

[Rosie2]

And your adoration? Sarah Palin I would guess!

[fogmeister]

President Obama remains in denial re the black underclass.

At Obama's press conference BET's Andre Showell said that unemployment among black males in New York is nearly 50% and asked what specific policies will target these people.

Responding, Obama cited programs which give tax cuts to working families, extend unemployment benefits, and let people keep their health insurance if they lose their jobs! Well, the problem with those programs is that they don't actually help people who don't actually have jobs.

Obama also said that a strong economy will lift all boats. Well, if that were true the poorest Americans would already have jobs. Unfortunately, during the most recent recovery from 2000-2005, employers accelerated their hiring of illegal aliens as independent contractors instead of hiring Americans as employees. So the poorest Americans were shut out of entry level jobs.

Unfortunately for the black underclass, targeting them for special assistance conflicts with Obama's plan to get amnesty for the very illegals who took the jobs which should have gone to them.

This nonsense will continue until we're willing to say that it's Americans first in this magnificent country.

[dianhow]

Black underclass has been with us for so many years-
Education is THE KEY.THAT will GET FOLKS out of poverty. and We have to get much tougher on gangs.- so far its just talk. This is a war- treat it as such ! Buy yes- we can help that happen
as a country. BUT We can only help so much - the people involved must help themselves as well.
Govt programs for education are available- they should call their Congress persons local office.
Go to the library with your kids- start young- it all adds up. Join kids play groups..do not give up.

[dianhow]

Meant to add- yes it should be Americans first. Obama is well aware of the problems of the black underclass - he has spoken on that. Gangs are taking the lives of our black children
- blacks killing blacks. How to stop it ? That is the million dollar question. It is now so ingrained in this country. EDUCATION is the key.
GET kIDS TO JOIN BOYS / girls CLUBS OF AMERICA - GET THEM OFF THE STREET.

[fogmeister]

Education is a key element for people who are already participating in the American system. For people who are not participating, getting a job is the key element.

The problem for the black underclass is that they're caught in a vicious cycle. The kids grow up in homes and neighborhoods where the adults believe that the system is stacked against them. Approximately one-third of the adult males are either in prison or on parole or probation.

The best - and IMO the only - way to break this cycle is to put the adults to work. Strictly speaking becoming an apprentice in the construction trades requires only a willingness to work and an employer who's willing to train. One semester of vocational education would give the structurally unemployed the technical and interpersonal skills which would make them desirable candidates for an appreticeship.

Obama will not lead the charge to put the black underclass to work in the construction trades. If Americans were so obviously able and willing to work, it would also be obvious that we do not need the two or three hundred of thousand illegals who now work in construction.

[edfree]

Obama wont tell the truth.The government can't help you,Its impossible.The republicans tell the truth.You have to help yourself.I do feel bad that the blacks have been waiting for democratic help for 50 years.Help that never comes.Look at any county ran by democrats for 10 or more years,they are in poverty.

[youngat80]

If one were to offer a rebuttal to your post that 'blacks have been waiting for democratic help for 50 years. Help that never comes.', it would immediately be called racism.

We need a discussion about why the blacks have been waiting for help (it is implicit in the statement that other ethnic groups do not wait). This is not the forum for such a debate because of the few who respond without thinking, making false accusations and going completely off-topic.

[Marc Ginsburg]

What most impressed me was how much foresight Aaron Sorkin, the author of the West Wing had several years ago about the office of the President, an office this writer had never held--that holding it is a humbling experience for even the best and most determined leaders among human beings to make this world a better place. You will be held back by every side of human nature in the many forces that are very powerful in Washington coming at you from all angles. If you can move your agenda forward even a few steps and stretch your vision to encompass the next generation, you are indeed a great President. I think we should all reflect that 100 days in George W. Bush's Presidency, the nation was enjoying the height of the Clinton boom. It takes what seems like forever just to get a policy enacted and start moving as the law of the land. It takes even longer for people to begin to appreciate the effects of such a policy. I hope that those in the media with a childish bent for sensation, scandal and quick profits abandon such lower parts of human nature and strive instead to fulfill their mission as sentinels to uplift the spirits of the people and to provide hope.

[dianhow]

AMEN to that

[billw8017]

A certain lawlessness is liberty. The United States has more people locked up than any other nation on earth. This is not merely more expensive than sending them to a good university, it takes the prisoners away from good tax paying jobs while not necessarily leaving us safer. It does tend to be a class thing since influential people protect their own and themselves, but the lower classes are victimized by the law and denied the opportunity to grow into good citizens.

Consider our gun laws. The NRA wants people to be able to stock up and pile the weapsons from the floor to the ceiling -- but, under lock and key. Children should not, for example, take them to school and get their lunch money back from the bullies. Crazy people, not that we should keep or reveal any records of who might be crazy, should not be allowed guns. This is a recipe for imprisonments.

[dianhow]

Yep Millions locked up for marjuana possession. Not a good plan - get them into therapy - not prison. Makes no sense.

[sugar20035]

What nobody (and most of all Cheney) seems to realize is that by the Bush admin using these torture tactics it puts EVERY SINGLE AMERICAN at risk when traveling abroad. Any American could very easily be targeting to be kidnapped and tortured in retaliation.

It's disgraceful behavior! And most of all it doesnt work! As a matter of fact it guarantees faulty information.

They should all be in jail.

[TruthmongerII]

I like Obama as a person, and have never voted for the GOP, ever. Yet his stance regarding torture is unacceptable because he, the POTUS, is entrusted to enforce the laws. Waterboarding = torture = crime, and Obama doesn't want to see Bush & Company prosecuted. This is extremely disappointing to our allies, in bald contradiction to international law, and is a moral disgrace despite Obama's stated morality. The U.S. citizenry has nothing to be proud of in allowing Bush/Chene­y/Rumsfeld­/other subhumans to commit these acts either, and their silence = complicity. So we're all up to our necks in it, but we don't have the option of letting the Dems get away with pretending IT NEVER HAPPENED. We didn't excuse the Nazis, and sorry people, but this is exactly the same. Those who tortured are GUILTY and CRIMINALS THEMSELVES.

[dianhow]

I like OBama as a President as well. But on torture-we see eye to eye. If its torture, as he said-it was-
then we need to go to the next step. BUT that is Holders dept not Obama's - thats the rub.
Wait- Things may change if we all nag Holders on this send him an e-mail to askdoj.org
its ONLY been 100 days.

[Paulette Constantino]

Stating that the US citizenry has allowed the B/C/R regime to commit torturous acts, in my opinion is absolutely outrageous. How can you make such a statement? I understand and empathize fully with your anger and animosity, but it seems to be displaced by admonishing Obama, US citizens, and the Dems. A lot of citizens, including me and Obama, were against the whole war to begin with. So to say we allowed these atrocities is a moot point. To allow those idiots to go over to Iraq in the first place is despicable. I don't know what we(as citizens) could have done to prevent all this because Bush and especially Cheney was so hell bent on war and torture and whatever the heck they wanted to do. That's what I'm not proud of. To let them get in office not once, but twice, is the atrocity that we have to live with. We finally woke up and hired Obama. He'll do the righteous thing, believe me. Hope you'll be on board with it.

[foxymama]

The President is slowly building his case against Bush, Cheny, Rumsfield, and Rice. He's quietly building his case through Holder and the Justice department. Then, he'll pounce when he has all the facts and witnesses. That's what a good lawyer would do.

[Dave-O]

It's so refreshing to watch a Presidential press conference where the press actually ask questions and the guy behind the podium isn't a bumbling, incoherent, idiot. Not to mention the fact that he can actually pronounce the word "NUCLEAR!!!!"

After the last 8 years of mindless, lies and Karl Rove talking points, it truly is refreshing to see that the leader of the free world is capable of thinking on his feet, is not prone to childish tantrums and doesn't not make up words and is capable of using a vocabulary of a college graduate, not some drunken frat boy bully who talks tough but is a spineless weenie.

It took 20 years of neglect to create this financial crisis and the wars we're neck deep in. I think it's totally unreasonable for the press to make such a big, damn deal about the first 100 days. He's shown poise, decisiveness and courage in these 100 days. Isn't that what we need in a president. God knows we haven't had that with GWB!

[dianhow]

Thats exactly why Obama won. Compared to McCains' stumbling- he stood out like beacon.
I do not mean he is perfect- not by along shot But he is trying and I believe he cares. .

[Carmichael]

Well, I think the president's 100 days is a good gesture to perhaps most of us, but realistically, how much can be done in 100 days considering the astronomical workload that has been handed to him? The economy is in a turmoil, health care is still a mess and not to mention the ongoing debacle over energy, which I think is a high priority amongst all of what is needed to be done.

The president actions and personality presently is well noted, one that I believe is very good, but as Americans we must give him time. Rome was not built in a day, and God did not created the world in a day. According to the book of Daniel in the bible, 1000 years could be a day.

Patience is virtue, and we need to exercise that more often, what is good for us, is also good for the next person.

[dianhow]

THis meltodwn took 28 years to get this bad. REagan / Bush deregulation of banks & WAlls t got us here - with a bit of help from Bill Clinton. So yes it will tale awhile to improve enough to feel it.

[Emlyn]

I don't blame Clinton. I blame the reps.

[debqd]

Best press conference so far! It's such a joy to have a competent, well-spoken President again. Wrong on the "bickering" being the biggest deal. The "soldiers" got to him much more.

[kidstalkpoliticsdotcom]

Here, here. He's going to go down as one of the great without question for that reason alone.