Obama Calls on Huffington Post's Sam Stein

Go, Sam Stein! One of the handful of reporters who were called upon to ask a question at President Obama's first press conference was Sam Stein of the Huffington Post.

His question was whether or not Obama supported the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in order to prosecute Bush administration officials who broke the law during the past eight years. Obama did not admit to having read Senator Leahy's proposal, but he did reinforce his opposition to torture and his support for the rule of law. It sounded like he'd rather not go down that road, but he didn't absolutely rule it out.

The press conference itself revealed very little new for those who follow the news. But what WAS new was the way this president handled the questions and who he called on. First, he knew his stuff. He answered comprehensively and didn't get trapped into saying things he would regret. He took thirteen questions, and he started with a female AP correspondent. He then proceeded to call on most of the major networks and finally acknowledged the power of blogs like the Huffington Post by calling on Sam Stein.

Some wanted Obama to blast the Republicans and give up on bipartisan efforts, but he refused. He made some gentle fun of those who believe the government should do nothing, as well as those who criticize stimulus as "spending". "Of course it's spending," he said! "What do you think a stimulus is, if it's not part spending?"

Even CNN has acknowledged that calling on Sam Stein was a "first" for a presidential news conference. It's a new age, folks!

Comments

[americanalien]

I felt so proud. This was long in coming. Thank you Sam Stein and thank you HuffPost. We have overcome.

[raker]

Hooray for Sam Stein and the HuffPo. Best of all was Jon Stewart's pointing out that the Washington Post guy asked an inane question while the blog guy asked a serious and courageous one.

[08politicaljunkie]

I shouted out, "Go 'head HuffPo" and "Sam Stein, you go boy"! I felt such a sense of pride.

[AlgerHiss]

This made me laugh so hard (any many times afterwards). It still does.

[neutral1]

Props to Sam! At a time when Washington is wasting so much energy on silly matters like the economic collapse, or the attempt to difuse tensions in the Middle East, only our own Sam Stein stayed focused like a laser on what we here know is the most important matter, exacting revenge from Bush, Cheney, and Rove.

You made all of us here at huf&puf proud Ben. With forward looking questions like that I am sure he will pick you first next time.

[prodemdss]

I could not have said it better myself, I was so proud when Obama looked for her, and pointedly waited for the question, and answered it oh so eloquently. Bravo! Facing the nation, here we go.

[MsIrisMG]

Guess I'm going to have to figure out who Sam Stein is. I'm new here!

[robert234]

When they achieve power they frequently behave cowardly. Being above the law is the natural state of all government.

[Raffi Babakhanian]

Props to the HuffPost. Shame on the Washington Post.

The question isn't whether The Huffington Post deserves to play with the "big boys" in the White House press corps (and get called on by the president). Of course it does, as demonstrated by the seriousness of the question -- which adds to the knowledge and understanding of the public (the role of the press: remember that?)

The real question is whether the Washington Post still deserves to be called upon. I'm just in shock that during a time of national and international crisis Michael Fletcher would ask a completely trivial and useless question during an important presidential press conference. ALEX RODRIGUEZ!?!?!

Why was Fletcher or the Washington Post even in the room? Why was he called upon? If a member of the press doesn't get how serious the situation we're in is, they shouldn't be on that beat. Holding people accountable includes politicians and bankers and business people, but it also means holding the press accountable. There was no accountability for the irresponsibility of the press during the Bush era. We need to start correcting that now.

Shame on Michael Fletcher and the Washington Post-- pass it on.

[susie1776]

Having seen how many Huffpost readers comment on stories on the site, I bet there are more people reading Huffpost than read the WaPo! So...good for Obama for recognizing the power of the Internet to keep people informed and involved!

[prodemdss]

Isn't it great?

[zest]

Do you think this internet thing will catch on?

[RIConservative]

Here's something interesting. I guess Sam Stein and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran agree with each other. Sam's question is asking for Bush to get punished and so is Ahmadinejad. According to the NY Times "Ahmadinejad..... calling for him (Bush) to be “tried and punished” for his policies and actions in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region."

I guess it's nice for you guys to see who it is that you are siding with.

[janfin]

That is a really dumb comment. No one is "siding" with Ahmadinejad. It's just too bad that "you guys" don't like upholding the constitution.

[OhioObamaVoter]

Ditto

[Jane Hayes]

This is a really ignorant way to frame this comment, RI... I heard Mussolini liked orange juice... me too! What a coincidence! Bush and his administration should be investigated and (in my opinion) punished. Other people in the WORLD believe so, too. Not just Ahmadinejad.

[prodemdss]

It was a fair question and you just listen to too much hate-radio and tv to form an opinion. I thought, as did alot of Americans that disliked Bush's policies on oh-so-many levels, it was a fair response, as well, very diplomatic. Now, personally, I have been wondering for months why it isn't the '70's when impeachment went down. So, think about that and watch some more and get an education while you are at it.

[BuckeyeLou]

Congratulations Sam! Great question and I think its super that President Obama acknowledged
the power of the InterNet.

[cdub1991]

Now we know that they pay attention to the blogs. My question is whether they pay attention to any of our responses to the blog. Is anyone listening to the rest of us?

[Magee]

I agree. I think that they should have certain staff designated to read the blogs as we are the most immediate voice of the people. Go Sam. I've only been blogging for about 15 months but I believe in its powers and I like what Sam says.

[Shellly]

Trust me, President Obama is well intuned with what is going on. He reads the blogs as well as newspapers.

[ReasonIsMyReligion]

Congrats to Arianna.
Thank you Obama!

[AliveInNYC]

At least Sam asked a legitimate question while the Washington Post was asking a nonsense question about A-Rod and steroids.

The "mainstream media" is dying rapidly.

[OhioObamaVoter]

Yes! I made note of this too. I wonder how the editors of the Washington Post felt about their representation? Huffington Post can be proud of Sam Stein. Cheers to Mr. Stein and to Arianna and the Huffington Post... Great question!

[MsDebate]

Yeah I was really shocked when he called Stein's name, congrats!!!!!