Obama needs to reflect a little

[Joey Liberal]

I am an Obama supporter. I've spent a lot of time defending him. I live in a red state and defending Obama is a never ending battle. However, I feel that Obama needs to take a break and reflect on some things. For a President to go on Leno, which should have been nothing but positive, and to thoroughly blow it by making a hurtful comment about the Special Olympics is simply stunning. His cabinet choices and their tax issues was the first problem. The choice of Geithner at Treasury has become a huge problem. And now, my President, who I've supported since day one, chooses to make a derogatory statement about the Special Olympics on TV. I respectfully suggest that Obama should spend a weekend at Camp David to reflect on the mistakes that he's made. Maybe he'll learn from it and become a better person and a better President.

As for the Special Olympics. If you want to talk about courage, love, and bravery, go out to your local Special Olympics and watch these kids compete. Go out and meet the Special Olympians, their parents, teachers, coaches and friends. And then ask yourself what was President Obama thinking when he made that awful comment?

[Hello_Kitty]

1. He did great on Leno and he apologized for the comment

If Tim Shriver and Special Olympians who have weighed in on the comment are okay with it then so am I.

You sound an awful lot like a concern troll for someone with such a high post count.

[Name removed]

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[endersdragon34]

73. Next your going to tell me he did great when meeting with Gordon Brown

Despite the fact that most Brits think he insulted whats quite possibly our biggest ally.

[Joey Liberal]

88. Good one, endersdragon34

I noticed that the strange feline had no response:)................

[endersdragon34]

101. Yea, no real suprise there.

[LeftishBrit]

106. Most Brits don't think anything of the sort...

and most Brits are not that keen on Gordon Brown anyway (I wish they were a bit more so, as Cameron is worse).

Don't believe everything the right-wing press says!

[endersdragon34]

108. So giving a guy who hates movies,...

movies he can't even play is a good idea. A whole lot of thought went into that gift.

[LeftishBrit]

109. There are more important things in the US/UK relationship than what gifts people give!

How old do people think Gordon Brown is, six? I doubt that he cares that much. Nor do I think it's the leaders themselves who put whatever thought goes into the gifts. There are no doubt staff members who do that.

I'd be quite happy if the whole gift-giving between leaders stopped anyway; it's not as though they need the presents.

Most Brits would just be glad if the president doesn't call the PM "Yo Brown!" and treat him like his poodle; and if they don't join together to get us all into a war. We're hugely relieved to have seen Bush replaced by Obama!

[endersdragon34]

110. It adds up

First you hire Arne Duncan, a guy who is well known for not caring about special needs kids, to the highest education post in the country. Then you give a disabled guy a present he can't use that well because of his disability. Then you have a joke at the cost of special olympians... I don't know... it adds up.

[steelmania75]

2. If Obama doesn't start getting it together quick, we're screwed

[Goblinmonger]

5. It took 8 years

to bring this economy into the fucking toilet. Perhaps you could expand your attention span just a little bit and give the buy more than 3 months to turn it around.

And "quickly" is the adverbial form; quick is an adjective.

[Deja Q]

7. Like a drug addict, to stop cold turkey often has undesired consequences...

[Joey Liberal]

6. I agree

And I love the guy. But damn, he needs to get his shit together.

[CreekDog]

31. NO, you are setting a standard that no human being can attain

57 freakin days in office. :banghead:

[endersdragon34]

43. Actually every human should know how to...

not make dumb offensive comments.

[CreekDog]

45. Have you ever offended anyone with a comment?

and it was your fault?

ever?

i rest my case. people should try not to say offensive things, but people will even if they try. they should still try, but offense will happen.

[endersdragon34]

47. A few things

1) I have never made fun of a million Americans at once before, B) when I am speaking in front of the public, no, C) I am an aspie who with a tramatic brain injury who was about 2 MPH (hit by a car) faster from being a special olympian myself, soooooooooo. So I think its reasonable to say that one should never ever make fun of millions of Americans at once... is that a problem?

[tavalon]

60. No blonde or polish jokes from you, ever?

Damn, we should have made you President.

Sorry, rigid adherence to dogma, while a usual trait for those with Asperger's, does not a good President make.

[endersdragon34]

69. Not on television

Or even in front of an audience. And I love how you said that no Asperger's people should ever be President... I always take such a compliment of that...

[Joey Liberal]

84. Hey endersdragon34

Well put my friend, well put indeed.

[theophilus]

54. I find that comment offensive. n/t

[tavalon]

59. We pretty much all do but we all slip up occasionally

[endersdragon34]

70. Slipping up when talking to your mom is one thing

...slipping up when talking to Jay Leno on live television is another thing. I don't see how this is that much worse then a shock jock calling people "nappy headed hoes" or a television commenator suggesting that McNabb might get some more credit because hes black. Funny both of those people had everyone calling for their heads. Though I must admit Irvin got away with it, oh wait... hes a liberal African American... nah couldnt be..

[tavalon]

76. Have you ever been on national TV?

President Obama is extremely poised on TV. Would that you and I were so poised. You keep saying you're bothered that he said something foolish in front of millions of people. You've just said some foolish things in front of 134,000. Are we still talking matters of scale?

[endersdragon34]

102. National TV no, spoke in front of a few 100 yes

I have done a great amount of public speaking, other then one slip up when I was 15 (had a comment that insinuated some negative stuff about immigrants and "quick-e-marts"... no real huge deal when your 15). And I never insulted millions at once on here (unless the Obama Cult of Personality is that huge... God I hope not). Beyond that part of the reason that he is so posed is that he almost always has a Teleprompter (look it up any article will tell you that he even speaks with it at almost all town hall meetings) so his entire speech was prepared well in advance. Why is it that wrong to criticize someone for saying something incredibly offensive about people like me.

[tavalon]

117. I'm just saying that most of us with skin in the game aren't all that offended

My kiddo rides the short bus and he is on the same spectrum you are though much lower on the food chain (severely autistic) so it's not like my opinion doesn't count. It's not wrong to criticize this but he already apologized. What else would you like him to do to supplicate your hurt feelings.

[tavalon]

58. Yeah, no one ever mispeaks

Dubya never did. Oh, wait, scratch that.

[endersdragon34]

71. Comparing Obama to Bush will lose its appeal after a while

If thats all Democrats can do in 2012, they are screwed already. "But... but... at least hes not Bush"

[tavalon]

75. They?

It's way too early for you to tip your hand.

[TwilightGardener]

89. Ooopsie--you caught that too, huh? Why is this dude still here?

[endersdragon34]

104. Yes

A) I am independant, not Democrat, B) only the Queen (and Pope) is we.

[tavalon]

114. I'm a socialist, but I caucus with the democrats

and I do use "we" when discussing something related to this group. If I were to go over to freeperland, I would use the terms "you guys" and "they" because I'm not a member of the Republican party nor do I caucus with them, ever.

[Name removed]

115. Deleted message

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[Fire_Medic_Dave]

77. So that was a misspeak.

[cali]

3. Obama is living under unimaginable pressure. He isn't perfect.

He made a thoughtless gaffe and immediately apologized for it. And if you think he has the luxury of going off to reflect on his mistakes for a weekend, well, think again. Obama is clearly a thoughtfull, reflective individual, but he ain't perfect.

[Deja Q]

9. That is VERY true.

And with years, if not decades, of anti-worker and other measures put into place, it really can't all change overnight. There is way too much.

Still, the obvious stuff (e.g. giving tax breaks and other incentives to companies that offshore), why those wouldn't be targeted first... oh well. It's not like I work there and know what is going on or anything. :crazy:

[Uzybone]

28. Congress determines taxes

Obama cant just say "make this change" and voila! We have an entire system that is rotten from the roots up. It will take time. You and I think tax breaks to outsources is an obvious thing to change, but they have huge lobbyists and money on their side ready to fight change.

[Joey Liberal]

10. Hey, he clearly needs to chill out

That's what Camp David is for. If he can go on Leno and do his NCAA Basketball bracket on ESPN, he can take a break for a weekend to get his shit together. Otherwise, we'll have more fiasco's like the unfortunate comment on Leno. He insulted every Special Olympian, teacher, coach and volunteer with his comment. He needs to get his self together. Otherwise we are all in trouble.

[cali]

20. Going on Leno was part of a political strategy

and your assumption that this was a fiasco is ludicrous. He's human. He's going to make gaffes. And that's going to be true no matter what. Now get back to building that molehill of yours.

[tavalon]

61. Don't worry. Dubya already put us in a world of trouble

Obama is doing fine. Thanks for your concern, though.

[malletgirl02]

19. Camp David

Why do I get the feeling that if Obama does what the OP says, the OP will start saying Obama is lazy. Also If Obama were to take a break, the fall out in the media would be 10X worst than the fall out from the Special Olympics comment.

[Uzybone]

22. DING DING DING

you nailed it.

[Joey Liberal]

26. Okay

Then let Obama continue to make outrageous comments and make a fool out of himself. Bush was quite good at that and apparently Obama is too. If this is what we want for our Democratic Party, than have at it. As for me, any time anyone insults the Special Olympics, I will speak up. If you don't like that, too damned bad.

[cali]

29. your true colors are shining through, Joeypoo.

outrageous comments? What a pile of shit claim. He made one mildly offensive and mindless comment and apologized for it immediately, before it even aired. Now identify all the other "outrageous comments" he's made and all the times he's made a fool of himself.

[hlthe2b]

40. I have to agree with Cali... The OP's " sincerity" rings hollow...

"Outrageous comments"-- Indeed. :eyes:

[malletgirl02]

35. My Post

If you read my post, you would notice I didn't defend his comment. I just took issue with your Obama Camp David idea.

[Hello_Kitty]

36. According to him anyone who doesn't feel exactly the way he does is defending it.

I've never once defended the comment. Obama shouldn't have said it and he apologized immediately.

[Name removed]

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[tavalon]

62. You're wrong on this

I think it's time to let it go.

[Uzybone]

8. So easily disheartened

no wonder the GOP kicked our butts for so long.

he thoroughly blew it on the Tonight show huh? Wow.

[Joey Liberal]

15. no wonder the GOP kicked our butts for so long.

Good point. And if Obama keeps up with this stuff, they'll be kicking our butts again.

[Uzybone]

32. And you'll be vindicated won't you

[tavalon]

64. Yeah,

not so much.

[tavalon]

63. I know!

That's quite the distillation, isn't it? His appearance was very good and the one comment doesn't destroy it.

[No.23]

11. Reflective thinking is a rare commodity these days.

Or thinking about what you intend to do or say before doing/saying it.

Let's hope he acquires a renewed appreciation for reflective thinking soon.

[upi402]

12. He needs to come up with a media-changing executive order

The corporate media will destroy him. He is smart but incapable of seeing their evil for what it is.

No hope of change, sorry. It was our last chance and it's about over with. That comment will be seen as a non issue very shortly, even by the corporate media traitors.

[lunatica]

13. And how do you feel about the fact that he apologized before we heard about it?

I think you're idea about giving the President a 'time out' is downright offensive and pompous. He obviously thought about it and apologized directly to the Director of the Special Olympics as soon as he left the Leno show. He didn't need your or anyone else's finger wagging in his face to realize he needed to apologize.

[Joey Liberal]

18. LOL

I think you're idea about giving the President a 'time out' is downright offensive and pompous.
=====
Hey, he needs to quit insulting people (the what the republicans do - not us). He brought this upon himself.

[lunatica]

23. You're the one who needs to chill

You need to your room and get your shit together. Time out...

What a hysterical Prima Dona you are!

[tavalon]

66. Yeah, he meant to insult Special Olympians

:eyes: Not.

[Stinky The Clown]

14. Joey ......

....... the Special Olympics thing is a bullshit story. Feigned outrage from those least likely to see it as a meaningful comment worth recriminating. Even the Special Olympics is ready to move on. Only a total moron would see this as some huge failing of Obama's.

Let me say again the essential thought: The ones who seem to 'care' the most and who are bleating the loudest are the same people who, on every other social issue, are incapable of giving less of a shit than they do. They are bleating only because they see a chance forr some political hay to be made.

If you live in a red state, then your neighbors are the ones who vote to put that sort of mindset in office and they are just as ....... you know what I mean.

Anyway .......

It was a mistake.

He apologized.

End of story.

As for the need for him to off into the wilderness and reflect ....... come on. Next time he does something like Leno again you'll hear it in his voice. A little more clipped in his cadence and a little less 'loose' in his outlook. He's a smart man. He already figured it out.

Can we talk about stuff that matters?

[Name removed]

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[cali]

24. I suggest you follow your own advice:

First take a weekend off and go away to reflect on your mistakes. Then do what you told Stinky to do. Send pictures, dear.

[tavalon]

67. That's really good Cali!

I was able to figure out what he said, just by what you said. Send pictures! Snort!

[Joey Liberal]

82. You are easily amused, eh?

LOL.

[tavalon]

112. Yes, and I want to continue to be easily amused

Laughter is good for the soul.

[Hello_Kitty]

33. Most DUers would realize Stinky was talking about conservatives when he said that.

But then, you're not like most DUers.

[lib_wit_it]

34. So exactly correct, I can add no more. Thanks for composing and posting this response.

[TahitiNut]

38. While I agree, it seems obvious that "some people" need the cover of ...

... Holy Compassion in order to engage in vicious attacks on others. It's really quite ironic to see the hypocrisy of the (conveniently self-proclaimed) Defenders Of The Special Olympians as they engage is some of the most vicious and despicable attacks on others seen on DU ... all under the "protection" of being Holier Than Thou. Wow.

"All of the animals are equal but some are more equal than others."

[DeeDeeNY]

51. Exactly

As the mother of a mentally retarded son, I have absolutely no problem with what the President said. We really do need to move on. There's too much of importance to worry about.

[tavalon]

68. Another mother of a "special" kid

This really is a tempest in a teapot, isn't it?

[DeeDeeNY]

80. I honestly wouldn't have even taken much note of it without all the ridiculous fake outrage

I've already seen 3 letters to the editor in my local paper from Republicans on this. The same type of people who don't hesitate to go out and protest whenever a group home for developmentally disabled people is proposed for anywhere near their neighborhood.

:hi:

[tavalon]

118. Yes the fauxrage is annoying

It was amusing but it's gotten old so quickly, especially when one thinks about what is not being talked about while this mindless game is being played.

[islandmkl]

16. i would argue that perceptions/perspectives about the Leno appearance vary greatly...

"...and to thoroughly blow it..." does NOT seem to be a consensus of anything I have read or heard or seen...

the gaffe was a singular moment, has been addressed and responded to, and, should one peruse most forms of msm, blogosphere, etc....the gaffe is not registering as the 'event' of his appearance....

in fact, the appearance itself is getting praise for Obama finding an avenue to address a great many Americans...

the gaffe (it was a stupid remark, and has been acknowledged as such) had so little to do at the time with the content of his appearance that the general population, which we can all admit is a broader 'base' than us folks at DU, and most press outlets (sans drudge and his clones) saw this as a good moment for Obama...

on edit: any mention of the Final Four brackets and the Leno Show smack of rightwing talking points...."he's not being Presidential"..."we have huge problems, and he's taking time out for this?"...etc....the comments of the most-hacked of the rightwing hacks....

[CJCRANE]

17. So did you have to defend all of Bush's gaffes

off-color jokes and stupid comments?

Of course not, it would have been a full-time job.

[Hello_Kitty]

25. Yet for some reason I think the OP did.

"Joey Liberal" seems awfully concerned about things. So concerned that he's about too...oh I don't know...crawl under a bridge or something.

[lunatica]

27. How do you possibly survive with such delicate sensibilities?

[Name removed]

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[sandnsea]

39. Sarah Palin is outraged while she cuts funding

That's your answer.

PERSPECTIVE PLEASE.

[endersdragon34]

44. Is this refering to the 40% cut a couple years ago

That was really just creating a new budget item that was 40% of the budget.

[sandnsea]

74. No, it's referring to the rejection of stimulus funds n/t

[Name removed]

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[marshall]

41. He's on spring break this weei

He's going to Chicago and possibly Hawaii, so he will have a week to ten days to relax, regroup, reflect, and come back refreshed.

[Mrs. Overall]

42. You need to do your homework Joey "Liberal"--Obama has often been called "monkish" by his friends

because he would hole up and read for days--both literature and philosophy AND he, himself, is a writer of both poetry and prose. He is probably the most reflective and well-read president that we have had in years and years.

A true "Liberal" would not have written your post.

[Joey Liberal]

83. A true "Liberal" would not have written your post.

LOL. Well, I guess you aren't perfect after all, because I am a liberal and I wrote the post. You'll just have to deal with it. Maybe you can watch Faux News or something to help you get over it.

[Mrs. Overall]

87. No, you need to stop watching Fox News. Obviously you are as "outraged" as they are over the comment

[Joey Liberal]

92. I reserve the right to be outraged

Even if Mrs. Overall doen't like it.

[Mrs. Overall]

94. But Mrs. Overall is always right.

Really, she is.

[Joey Liberal]

98. Scary thought:).............. nt

[ShortnFiery]

46. Oh DAMN, Not this shit AGAIN!

:crazy:

[Mike 03]

48. President Obama needs to ignore advice like this and keep moving forward in the

amazing way he is, being the most responsive and amazing president in my lifetime.

[960]

49. K&R. The extent to which some will enable and excuse boggles the mind.

[Mrs. Overall]

50. Can you please explain further what you mean?

[960]

52. Yes, all of the Obama cheerleaders insisting his Special Olympics comment was

harmless and that anyone questioning it is expressing "faux outrage" or "poutrage".

All of the posters, not to name names, but one is a EuropeanFeline who accuses anyone who doesn't worship Obama and bow to his majestic perfection a traitor.

Obama is not above reproach, and he has indeed made some questionable choices and mistakes. Discussing them does not mean that we don't support his presidency. It means we haven't thrown out our critical thinking skills.

[Skittles]

53. CORRECT

[cali]

79. Except very, very, very few people here did that.

And going hysterical over a verbal gaffe for which he immediately apologized is hardly "cheerleading", genius.

[Joey Liberal]

85. Thank you, 960!

Great post!

[cali]

78. yes, yes. because stating that Obama made a gaffe, apologized for

it, and that it's hardly a huge deal, is enabling.

dog, I hate stupid.

[960]

100. Either you haven't read much of DU lately, or you're being disingenuous.

[SpartanDem]

55. How is it that

the rest of the world has moved on yet some on DU are still crying about it? He made in insensitive remark, he apologized and the rest of world moved on. Hell, the rest of the world for the most part really didn't give a flying fuck about the comment even today's gotcha media really didn't give damn. This just shows how out of touch this place can be a times.

[BlooInBloo]

56. I know! I mean look how COMPLETELY out of touch he is!!!!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/21/obama-plans-sweeping-new_n_177670.html




Pathetic idiotic concern fucking noted.

[tavalon]

57. The echo machine wants you to believe he blew it

He didn't.

BTW, special olympic kids are just kids, not brave, courageous whatevers. Well, they can be, but not always, any more than any other kid. It makes it hard for the families when people are too busy demonizing or deifying our children. Yes, our children. Not an accidental phrasing.

[mudesi]

65. Jesus. Grow Up.

[kentuck]

72. I think the OP makes a good point.

He doesn't have to be on the TV every day. I want him to devote more time to study and reflection. First of all, I would want him to reflect on whether or not he should replace Summers and Geithner now or later. Because it will have to be done sooner or later. Of course, he would need someone to replace both of them. Can he find anyone with as much experience with this crisis, as say, Tim Geithner?

[Joey Liberal]

81. Thanks

Glad that someone around here has some common sense:)................

[TwilightGardener]

86. What utter bullshit. Try this: Stop obsessively watching every move he makes,

analyzing every word that comes out of his mouth, judging him and everyone around him on a daily basis--Jesus Christ himself couldn't stand up to that sort of daily obsessive scrutiny. I swear to God, this whole forum needs a fucking Valium. Everyday is a new round of judgment--"Thumbs up! Best President EVAH!!" "Thumbs down--WE'RE SCREWED, it's a DISASTER, OH NOOOEESSS!!!!!" I paid little daily attention to Bush and Clinton, I judged them on their overall performance over months and years--It's ridiculous to make any pronouncements when the guy's been in office 8 weeks. Get a fucking grip.

[Joey Liberal]

90. Whoa

I simply suggested that President Obama take some time to reflect. There were no mentions of "Thumbs down--WE'RE SCREWED, it's a DISASTER, OH NOOOEESSS!!!!!" from me. So please do get a fucking grip, TwilightGardener.

[TwilightGardener]

91. No, YOU need to get a fucking grip. He's hard at work trying to stop the

fucking Titanic from sinking, give him some fucking time, and don't make mountains out of molehills. Jesus. BTW--Your profile reads a little "phony".

[Joey Liberal]

93. BTW--Your profile reads a little "phony".

LOL:).......... Now that was funny:).............. You really do need to get a grip.

[TwilightGardener]

95. Well, it does, to me. Something smells funny about you.

[Joey Liberal]

96. LOL

You are nuts, but in an amusing sort of way:)........................

[TwilightGardener]

97. LOL all you want, but I think I have you figured out, Mr. "Liberal".

[Joey Liberal]

99. Well, isn't that nice

TwilightGardener, you really need to get a life.

[Stephanie]

103. Concern duly noted.

[tavalon]

113. This was actually the first thread where I really got the term

Concern Troll. Not saying that this is necessarily an example but if he is a troll, he's definitely a concern troll.

[treestar]

105. Every one who knows what Obama should do please send

your resume to him so he can hire you for your informed advice.

[roody]

107. This will turn out very well for Special Olympics.

They will get a lot of presidential attention and a higher profile all the way around.

[dysfunctional press]

116. A LOT of people have made similar joking comments...

that's not to say that it's okay for the president to do so- but it's very difficult for someone to be completely on guard at all time about what effect a seemingly innocuous comment can have on each and every segment of the population.

[dkf]

119. I'm sure you've never done a thing like this in your entire life.

Yeah sure.

He said it, he apologized. Sheesh.