I can't seem to understand why Obama is treated like such a brilliant orator. Sure, he can read a teleprompter like a champ, but he can't answer basic questions without rambling.
Last night's Obama press conference was a snooze fest. He'd get asked a question, never answer the question, and then ramble for 10 minutes. Let's Review
Q: With the flu outbreak spreading and worsening, can you talk about whether you think it's time to close the border with Mexico and whether — under what conditions you might consider quarantining, when that might be appropriate?
A: No to border closing. Never answered quaranting question, 583 word response.
Q: President. On the domestic auto industry, have you determined that bankruptcy is the only option to restructure Chrysler? And do you believe that the deep cuts in plant closings that were outlined this week by General Motors are sufficient?
A: Not sure yet on either issue. 499 words.
Q: You've said in the past that waterboarding, in your opinion, is torture. Torture is a violation of international law and the Geneva Conventions. Do you believe that the previous administration sanctioned torture?
A: Waterboarding is bad. Didn't answer question. 413 words.
Q: Thank you, sir. Let me follow up, if I may, on Jake's question. Did you read the documents recently referred to by former Vice President Cheney and others saying that the use of so-called enhanced interrogation techniques not only protected the nation but saved lives?
And if part of the United States were under imminent threat, could you envision yourself ever authorizing the use of those enhanced interrogation techniques?
A: I'll get the info without waterboarding. 242 words.
Q: I want to move to Pakistan. Pakistan appears to be at war with the Taliban inside their own country. Can you reassure the American people that if necessary America could secure Pakistan's nuclear arsenal and keep it from getting into the Taliban's hands or, worst case scenario, even al-Qaida's hands?
A: We're confident nukes won't get in terrorist hands. 282 words.
Q: One of the biggest changes you've made in the first 100 days regarding foreign policy has had to do with Iraq. But do the large-scale — there's large-scale violence there right now. Does that affect the U.S. strategy at all for withdrawal? And could it affect the timetable that you've set out for troops?
A: Work to be done, blah, blah, blah. 290 words.
Q: On Senator Specter's switch to the Democratic Party, you said you were thrilled; I guess nobody should be surprised about that. But how big a deal is this, really? Some Republicans say it is huge. They believe it's a game-changer. They say that, if you get the 60 votes in the Senate, that you will be able to ride roughshod over any opposition, and that we're on the verge of, as one Republican put it, one-party rule. Do you see it that way? And, also, what do you think his switch says about the state of the Republican Party?
A: Blah, Blah, blah. A whopping 590 words
Q: Thank you, Mr. President. In a couple of weeks, you're going to be giving the commencement at Notre Dame. And, as you know, this has caused a lot of controversy among Catholics who are opposed to your position on abortion.
As a candidate, you vowed that one of the very things you wanted to do was sign the Freedom of Choice Act, which, as you know, would eliminate federal, state and local restrictions on abortion. And at one point in the campaign when asked about abortion and life, you said that it was above — quote, above my pay grade.
Now that you've been president for 100 days, obviously, your pay grade is a little higher than when you were a senator.
Do you still hope that Congress quickly sends you the Freedom of Choice Act so you can sign it?
A: I will continue to try to play both sides as much as possible. FOCA is not a high priority. 327 words
Q: During these first 100 days, what has surprised you the most about this office? Enchanted you the most from serving in this office? Humbled you the most? And troubled you the most? (This waste of time question, came from the NY Times).
A: Blah blah blah. 659 words.
Q: .... Going forward, my question is, what is your strategy to try to have immigration reform? And are you still on the same timetable to have it accomplished in the first year of your presidency?....
A: Probably. 567 words.
Q: The black unemployment rate, as you know, is in the double digits. And in New York City, for example, the black unemployment rate for men is near 50 percent. My question to you tonight is given this unique and desperate circumstance, what specific policies can you point to that will target these communities and what's the timetable for us to see tangible results?
A: My plan will work. 240 words.
Q: During the campaign, you criticized President Bush's use of the state secrets privilege, but U.S. attorneys have continued to argue the Bush position in three cases in court. How exactly does your view of state secrets differ from President Bush's? And do you believe presidents should be able to derail entire lawsuits about warrantless wiretapping or rendition if classified information is involved?
A: Sometimes. 195 words.
Q: You are currently the chief shareholder of a couple of very large mortgage giants. You're about to become the chief shareholder of a car company, probably two.
And I'm wondering, what kind of shareholder are you going to be? What is the government's role as the keeper of public — public trust and bonds in — in soon-to-be public companies again? Thank you.
A: I don't want to own the companies. 694 words.
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