Obama says he needs space.

[Snake Alchemist]

SEOUL, South Korea - At the tail end of his 90 minute meeting with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev Monday, President Obama said that he would have "more flexibility" to deal with controversial issues such as missile defense, but incoming Russian President Vladimir Putin needs to give him "space."

The exchange was picked up by microphones as reporters were let into the room for remarks by the two leaders.

The exchange:

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

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

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

http://news.yahoo.com/president-obama-asks-medvedev-space-missile-defense-election-101729176--abc-news.html

I'm always amazed that people don't realize that their microphones are on.

[Kahuna]

1. BFD! Is this suppose to be an international incident?

It's not like he said something he couldn't have said to Vlad's face. I doubt that Putin will take to his faintin couch over it.

[Snake Alchemist]

2. Of course not. It's an interesting insight into international negotiations though. nt

[Kahuna]

4. I read some of the yahoo comments. It's surprising to me what people..

are reading into the conversation. It was just the president making a statement of fact. He WILL have more flexibility when election politics aren't involved.

[Snake Alchemist]

6. I NEVER read the comments.

BP can't take it.

[Hugabear]

3. And you are pushing right-wing drivel, why?

This doesn't seem like a big deal - it's always difficult to accomplish meaningful diplomacy when every little move you make will be scrutinized, blown out of proportion, or taken out of context by the right-wing propagandists.

Amazing that some people feel the need to bring right-wing propaganda here.

[Snake Alchemist]

5. Posting about an interesting mic slip-up is drivel?

I'll have to wait for my list of approved topics to be emailed to me each morning.

[Enrique]

8. events aren't propaganda

I don't think it's a big deal, but it looks like you do if you are so upset at it being posted here.

[Puzzledtraveller]

11. I agree

It's worse to overreact in opposition to certain things, at its worst it screams paranoia. On both sides.

[Hugabear]

16. There's a reason why Drudge is screaming this across the top of his site

I also heard some right-wing talk show hosts lambasting Obama over this issue while driving to work this morning. Yes, they are turning this issue into the latest anti-Obama meme.

[Broderick]

7. I am encouraged by that

That is human beings talking amongst themselves and in such a topic, that is an interesting exchange and leads me to believe our President wants to do the right thing.

[Snake Alchemist]

9. It really offers an interesting window. nt

[Broderick]

10. Yeah it does

[Pisces]

14. Shows me he is confident in reelection against these buffoons. I love the comment.

[Kahuna]

15. That seems to be the gist of the yahoo comments which are heavily freeped.

They're implying that the president must be planning to steal or fix the election somehow. The think that's the signal the President was sending to Medvedev.

[nobodyspecial]

12. Yep, I wonder what else he can accomplish

if he wins. I think we will see much bolder initiatives in many areas.

[Broderick]

13. Precisely what my thoughts were

It's a window into what he feels can be achieved. Elections here in this country are so consuming. I don't want to even remotely suggest changing it, but things are always different when elections near. The incumbents tend to squat in the middle and the real work begins in the second term. Then again, legacy interferes too. The country is so diverse from state to state and region to region and politically it's tough to govern and be re-elected governing from a polar end to the middle.