Reactions to Obama "checking" Biden on the Justice Roberts dig earlier today?

[Shardik]

When Biden said he didn't have the memory that Justice Roberts had when he was to read the oath to the executive staff, Obama reached over and held Joe's arm while giving a very understated "no" nod at the VP.

I've never seen a Pres do that before and I kind of like the fact that he did but I wonder if Biden's going to ttake it well/ It's never nice to be chastised on televion.

What do you think?

[polichick]

1. I saw that. Obama was obviously not happy, but everyone else laughed.

[sammym3]

61. That's two!

Unless you don't count Jill's flap with O.

[Duer 157099]

2. I didn't see it, but if as you describe, it does not sit well with me, either

there's only so much more bullshit I'll tolerate like this. Fawn all over the fuckin creatins who shat all over this country, and chastise your own? Fuck that.

[4 t 4]

4. I loved it

I think they might have a good cop bad cop thing going and it works for me

[islandmkl]

6. you didn't see it, but you will react to 'as if you describe'...

why don't you find out exactly what happened, with your own eyes and ears, and then make a conclusion...

Q: 'what do you call a fairweather fan who is alreadly leaning in one direction?'...A: one of the other side

[Shardik]

14. Would you have described iit any differently?

I have mixed emotions on the moment and tried to describe it as accurately as I could.

This is not a slight on either man. I feel they were both doing what comes naturally for the both of them.

[islandmkl]

37. i have no issue with the accuracy (or inaccuracy) of your description...

that was neither here nor there...

i am generally amazed at conclusions based on second-hand information, which may or may not be accurate, neither of which case is known by the person making conclusive comments...

[Joe the Revelator]

8. I'd rather the President really work on changing the tone in Washington, by starting w/ his own VP

and I LOVE Biden.

[pnwmom]

11. That "creatin" will be leading the Supreme Court as long as Obama's in office,

barring his untimely death.

It is plain stupid to take potshots at him, and Obama is smart enough to realize that.

[NeedleCast]

12. I guess that's one way to see it

I saw it as very good of Obama. He's saying he's not going to let this be a typical presidency.

I think Biden said it in jest and didn't mean it in a snarky way, but this is just the sort of thing that Limbaugh and Beck tug off to. Instead of fostering another era of "gotcha" politics, Obama is focused on the job.

[Shardik]

18. I'm feeling very much as you do on the moment.

Obama is very conscious of what the media can and will do with moments like this and is trying his best not to alienate the pugs.

[Rage for Order]

60. What has Roberts done that would be considered "shatting" on the country?

Aside from stumbling over some words in the inauguration, of course

It's an honest question. I'll admit I don't follow the Supreme Court very closely, but I can't think of many (any?) decisions from the court since Roberts became Chief Justice that have seemed completely F'd up.

[LakeSamish706]

3. I think that Obama needs to lighten up.... It was meant in jest by Biden.....

and Obama should have taken it in that spirit. If Obama thinks that he is going to be able to work hand in hand with all Republicans, I think he is delusional.

[Joe the Revelator]

10. He's trying to change the tone by setting the example.

[LakeSamish706]

13. I don't care about that, he needs to lighten up... Joe is on his side, Roberts is not. n/t

[Joe the Revelator]

17. You should care about that, its going to be the theme of Obama's term

Time to put childish things aside.

[LakeSamish706]

20. It was meant in good fun by Biden and thats how Obama should have taken it. n/t

[Joe the Revelator]

21. Thats how Bush would have taken it. Its understandable that you're still in that type of mindset

eight years is a long time and old habits die hard.

[LakeSamish706]

24. Thats not it, I think if Roberts is that thin skinned then he is in the wrong job. n/t

[Joe the Revelator]

26. You're not getting it. Its not about hurting Robert's feelings, its about fostering a different tone

From the top to the bottom.

[LakeSamish706]

30. I'm getting just fine, you foster whatever tone you want but you still have...

brain dead Republicans to put up with. Having Joe crack a slight joke in front of the WH staff should have been funny to Obama as well and it would have gone over much better than scowling at Joe. IMO

[Joe the Revelator]

32. It wasn't in front of the staff, it was in front of the press and cameras

Once again, you can either repeat the cycle of stupidity, or you can change the tone. Obama has made his choice.

[Sal Minella]

36. "Good fun" at someone else's expense is not Obama's idea of "good fun," apparently.

I'm sorry Biden made the jibe, because it's not funny to pour water on a drowning man.

Since Roberts had already apologized for screwing up, it should have been quietly and forever dropped, imho.

[LakeSamish706]

38. Your assuming that Robert's didn't do it on purpose, but we will never know that. n/t

[Sal Minella]

44. Roberts has been whining for months about wanting/deserving a raise.

Do you really think he would screw up that bad on purpose? I just don't think he would, since he's trying to convince people he's worth more money than he's getting.

"Cannot recite one complete sentence" is not going to look good in his employee file when Performance Review time rolls around.

[LakeSamish706]

46. Who decides their raises anyway? n/t

[Sal Minella]

48. Really don't know -- but I'd bet the relevant deciders saw that oath live, and won't forget

how incompetent Roberts looked! And he knew it.

I think the guy's a jerk for screwing up, but he doesn't need to have salt rubbed into an already painful wound.

[misanthrope]

63. If he's worried about money, then enter private practice...

...the SCOTUS is public service.

[Sal Minella]

68. At least Roberts doesn't complain about the job.

Thomas is the one who has made it clear he's unhappy being on the court -- his comment was "You can't make any money at it." Very crass, very straightforward.

The man has no idea what a great honor was mistakenly bestowed upon his undeserving head.

Roberts figures you CAN make money at it if you just keep whining about a raise persistently, I guess.

[PatSeg]

52. I agree

It was funny without being mean. I understand if Obama didn't care for the humor, but he should not have shown his disapproval in public. He could have easily said something to Biden in private. I saw it on TV and it made me uncomfortable.

[malaise]

47. Ding ding

The CJ had already apologized - move on.

[Joe Fields]

65. time to put away censorship, also.

[misanthrope]

62. He's in for a rude awakening, too...

...They've already taken aim at him and have been trying to undermine him for months now.

Sen. Jeff Sessions' big "FU" to Obama during the inaugural parade is but one example of what's in store.

[pnwmom]

15. It is delusional to think

that it is a good idea to make fun of a CJ who will be CJ as long as you are in office, affecting every Supreme Court decision that is made.

[LakeSamish706]

19. I highly doubt that Roberts is going to lean in Obamas direction with any....

decisions anyway. As far as I am concerned Obama was way over the top in his reaction to the Biden jest today. Thats just my opinion though.

[pnwmom]

25. There are many issues that don't easily divide along a liberal/conservative axis.

And I think Roberts could be the type to act on a personal grudge. Obama and Biden shouldn't take any gratuitous slaps at him.

[LakeSamish706]

33. Then Impeach the fucker for screwing up in the first place, and problem solved. n/t

[pnwmom]

42. Get real. n/t

[Duer 157099]

28. Are you suggesting that a Chief Justice is that petty, about decisions

in front of the Court?

Are you kidding?

And if you think that, and if Roberts is really that petty, then gloves off. imho.

Jeeeeeezuz!!

[napi21]

5. I guess I understand Obama not wanting to highlight the error, but

Joe was making a joke! God knows he's not only done that all his life, but been the recipient of many too! I think Joe will take it fine. Tensions must be a bit high in the WH right now becaue they're working on sooo many very big problems and having to contend with a few ego crushed Pubs trying to hold up confirmations at the same time. Things will smooth out in a few weeks I'm sure.

[my2sense]

7. I noticed that too

Biden should know Obama's style by now - Obama was gracious about Robert screw-up and I'm sure he doesn't want more attention being brought to oathgate.

[EFerrari]

9. Is there a video link? Can't help but think both men were tired. n/t

[Mind_your_head]

49. Here's a link:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x262717

----------

Personally, after watching the clip at the link, it's a non-story. Reading this thread (before watching the clip) made it seem like a much bigger deal than "to my eyes" it actually was.

[EFerrari]

69. Thanks. I agree.

[TexasObserver]

16. Obama was right. Biden took a gratutious shot AFTER Obama had put it behind him.

Joe has to learn to hold his powder on that sort of thing. Obama has serious work to do, and that kind of comment doesn't help.

[pnwmom]

27. Obama has a lot to teach people -- including many here -- about tact

and diplomacy.

It's a great part of what's made him so successful.

[Raine]

29. Obama is pure CLASS nt

[TexasObserver]

50. The instant it happened, Obama knew it would upstage the event.

This is where Obama is so smart. He knows that throwing a bone to one's loyalists is not going to get anything done positive today, and is going to undermine his message of the day.

Joe will learn and will adjust. I've always liked Joe, but being irreverent and funny while conducting official business is something to do behind closed doors, later, when joking around with close associates.

[Libertyfirst]

22. Joe will take it in stride. He WANTS to do what Obama wants and the way Obama wants it done.

Joe is going to be of great value of Obama. And his sense of humor will help. I guess he shouldn't made the remark, but I laughed by butt off.

[bbinacan]

23. Pot meet kettle

Joe, you should be the last to criticize one's gaffe.

[Bucky]

31. Obama's trying to be the grown up. Biden's having none of that

Biden is probably a little better versed in the good natured ribbing that goes with politics. I'm sure the president will loosen up once he's been on the job a while. Trying to be above reproach is probably part of his strategy of getting his appointees past the Senate Republicans' hijinx.

[2Design]

34. the odd couple - levity and seriousness - both will balance n/t

[Uzybone]

35. Another non story

I wonder when some on this site will grow up and stop looking for bullshit snubs and controversies?

[Sal Minella]

40. Shardik was asking for reactions. As shown by the responses, the reactions were wildly varied.

As we would expect on DU!

[Shardik]

72. Ka-ching.

Thanks.

[CTyankee]

39. It seems to me that Obama just wanted to "let it go."

n/t

[Dreamer Tatum]

70. Like 99.999% of the country

And Biden is going to have his ears pinned back by Rahm...you don't break tone with the President.

[Brooklyns_Finest]

41. I liked it.

Obama is showing that he doesn't take shit from anyone. That is what people respect. As a blackman, he does not have the option of being too casual or jokey. He has a serious job and is taking it seriously. Biden has a role to play, but he can easily be sent to the golf course for the duration of his vice presidency if he get carried away.

We are not there yet, but people asked how Obama was going to manage the big egos in his cabinet. This little snafu gives us a glimpse of what he is all about.

[Shardik]

45. Good points.

Welcome to DU.

[elleng]

43. Joe will be fine with it, IMO.

He's a big boy, and its important for him and others to understand the tone President Obama intends to set.

Joe and all will likely have to forego some good jokes, but it will certainly be worth it! And maybe some will keep logs of 'the lines that got away.'

[depakid]

51. I'm sure Obama is aware that Biden doesn't know when to shut up

and is likely to put his foot in it repeatedly over the next 4 years.

[Poll_Blind]

53. (LINK) I didn't catch that at ALL the first time I saw it but I just went back and...

...watched it and you're right although I didn't see Obama do any nodding after touching Biden's arm.

Link to CNN video

 I think Biden was actually trying to ruffle Obama's feathers. He didn't even look at him when Obama touched his arm. I have no earthly reason to believe that there would be any friction between them, but that's how it looked: Like Biden and Obama had been discussing it earlier and Biden didn't think it was a big deal but Obama did- and so Biden made the joke anyway and Obama did not want him to go there.

 Of course, we now know it was because he was going to redo the oath a few hours later in the evening and he took it seriously enough to have it redone.

PB

[mentalsolstice]

54. I simply saw it as funny man/straight man

Or maybe like Tommy and Dicky Smothers. I'm sure they've discussed and laughed about the inauguration flub. They've probably made jokes about how Biden was really the prez for the last 1.5 days, because Obama's oath "wasn't valid". By that time they also knew Roberts was coming to the WH to redo the oath.

All three of these guys are attorneys...I'm a retired attorney...and I can tell you, by virtue of our education we've got thick skins and we appreciate each others' snarkiness. Roberts probably thinks nothing of Biden's comment, knowing it was in jest, and Obama was just playing straight man.

[trayfoot]

55. I did see it and didn't quite like it.........

President Obama should have chastised him in private - not on public tv. I also see why Obama didn't like it, but there's a time and place for everything.

[MO_Dem]

58. I didn't like it much, either.

I thought he was disrespectful of VP Biden. Vice President is a constitutional office and he should be treated as an adult and with respect, not as a misbehaving child.

[davepc]

56. The President already went through a round of worthless attacks about his Nancy Regan seance quip

He knows its a distraction from the business at hand.

[lumberjack_jeff]

57. It's Obama's band. Play his tunes. n/t

[bemildred]

59. Total horseshit issue.

Nobody cares except Fox News.

[rufus dog]

64. Biden seemed a bit pissy in the clip I saw

Everyone has to admit that he can be a bit verbose. Read the fucking oath and move on Joe, get it done.

Also Obama is going to take a very high road and he and everyone working for him needs to get that. I found it interesting that he went out of his way to single out Sean Hannity a few times during the campaign. IMO he is looking to pick a fight with Hannity and publicly humiliate the guy. He doesn't need anyone on his team playing the same game. And making fun of opponents mistake is not helpful.

Think about it, fighting with Rush doesn't have the same impact, if he humiliates Hannity he humiliates Fox News.

[Joe Fields]

66. I think it's a non story, after viewing the video.

[IsItJustMe]

67. Both men were acting out of their individual personality traits. Biden is more of a jokester and

Obama is more conscientious. Neither is right or wrong, and people act out of habit, which very rarely changes. Expect to see more of this. It is what it is.

[firedupdem]

71. I didn't think he checked him....it was more like okay let's get on

with this. There would have been a major story had Obama laughed at his joke. The same people running around saying he wasn't president etc. would have been discussing that. He's going to be held to a higher standard. He did the right thing. Let Joe be Joe and Barack be Barack.