**********BARACK OBAMA GROUP****President Obama did a GREAT job at his press conference

[steve2470]

ETA for those who don't know:

Statement of Purpose

A safe haven for members of Democratic Underground who support the president and his policies.

He controlled his frustration.

He was pragmatic and diplomatic.

He wants workable, bipartisan (if possible) policies.

He is willing to use his EO pen if he has to.

He dodged the obvious gotcha questions.

He made me proud that he is the POTUS and the leader of our party.

Following last night's results, it was the best press conference possible. Attached to reality but not despairing, not defiant, not belligerent, very reasonable. He wants to
work with the other side, but I saw no hint of "capitulation" or "excessive compromise".

Now we need to support him until January 2017 against the tsunami of negativity that will be coming his way, even moreso than before.

[atreides1]

1. Excuse me?

But hasn't he always been pretty much how you just described him? And what exactly has he gotten for his "Kumbaya" attitude?

[steve2470]

2. ok, I'll play

Tell me exactly what he should have said.

I'm waiting. Thanks.

[Aristus]

4. Thank you.

It's not a kum-bah-yah attitude, as he said above. It's called 'being the adult'. Thank you for recognizing that. Muad-Dib up there didn't get his rainbows and unicorns...

[steve2470]

7. He has to be the President of everyone, not just we Democrats

Yea, he could have gone all Alan Grayson on their ass. Imagine the headlines in the corporate media. It would have been a disaster.

Alan Grayson does his thing well in Congress, but he's not the President.

[mazzarro]

54. Disaster to what - if I might ask?

The election is done. Will the so-called "disaster" be carried over to the 2016 election?

Obama being the adult has not gotten him anywhere with the RW nuts and Tea Baggers since he became president. What else does he have to fear from them?

[steve2470]

56. The corporate media, IMHO, would have portrayed any other press conference as....

unhinged, angry, defiant, defensive, "disconnected from reality", or some other very unflattering terms. The RW nutjobs and teabaggers aren't amenable to any response whatsoever, so PBO has to aim for the "mushy middle". He knows the hardcore Republicans aren't going to work with him and he knows we loyal Democrats have his back. "Independents" are where it's at in terms of getting things done.

If our national media was truly "fair and balanced", PBO could have given a different press conference. The way the corporate media is, being Americans' lens on Washington, he has to take their bias into account. It sucks but it's the way it is.

The RW and the hardcore Republicans will diss him no matter what he said. We Democrats have his back. The "mushy middle" was who he was aiming his message at. I think he played it very well, considering the bad results we got.

[BP2]

36. Easy. He could have flat-out said "NO" to the Keystone pipeline. eom

[steve2470]

40. I think he had other things on his mind and not ready to declare a final statement

BTW, I'm sure you either missed the BOG statement on the thread, or don't know the group purpose. GD is there for your pleasure.

[Major Hogwash]

44. Not only that, but at the time that it was beginning to first be discussed, Obama wasn't sure . . .

. . . how it was going to effect those states that depend on oil revenue.

President Obama has been very careful not to offend many of the self-righteous Republicans that dominate the public offices in those states, while trying to help the Democrats that have to live in those states under Republican polices.

I remember when the Love Canal was in the news, and the Keystone XL pipeline is nowhere near as toxic as the horrendous stories that came out of that area.
Skinner, EarlG, and some others that post here, aren't old enough to remember what it was like back when the news of the Love Canal toxic dump area broke out in the news media.
They weren't here, walking on this earth at that time, when corporations would routinely just roll their 55-gallon drum of sludge over to the edge of the river and pour the toxic contents in to it on a daily basis.

Those days are long gone.
Thanks to the Democrats in the Democratic party back in the 70s who made it one of their highest priorities to reconcile!

So, President Obama has had his hands full dealing with issues like the Keystone XL pipeline, while dealing with a few other international issues, that I don't need to mention here, at the same time.

[1StrongBlackMan]

53. Why? ...

Why poke a hornet's nest, when you know that it's going to die on the branch?

[steve2470]

5. by the way, this is the BOG, just making sure you know that

My bad for not making that painfully obvious.

[Zambero]

43. I didn't notice the "Kumbaya"

He was very pointed in saying there would be actions taken on immigration reform, with or without help from Congress. And Obamacare? Hands off. He waved a few red flags today. Should be a fascinating lame duck session.

[1StrongBlackMan]

52. Here's a homework assignment ...

Tomorrow, go into work.

Find that person that you hate; but, have to work with.

Tell them (preferably in the company's front lobby at 8:00 a.m. or 5:00 p.m., so everyone can witness it), "F@#% you, you a$$hole. Kiss my a$$. That project that we are suppose to work on ... f@$% you!"

Let me know how that works for you.

[Hoyt]

3. I agree. Further, we better support him, rather than abandon him, or it will be a lot worse.

[BeyondGeography]

6. Many Americans should feel like asses for the way they've responded to him

It was that kind of presser.

Rec'd.

[steve2470]

8. agreed ! nt

[Cha]

25. A smidgeon in tweets, BG..

TheObamaDiary.com @TheObamaDiary
Follow
WHPC getting really angry now about the President not being downbeat
11:06 AM - 5 Nov 2014 76 Retweets 52 favorites

sfpelosi @sfpelosi
Follow
PBO so cool he doesn't even eyeroll Q about why he didn't work harder to bond with GOP who vowed INAUGURATION NIGHT to make him a 1 termer.
10:27 AM - 5 Nov 2014 103 Retweets 50 favorites


TheObamaDiary.com @TheObamaDiary
Follow
Now Jim Acosta is losing his mind over the President being so upbeat.

The President is totally trolling them.

Epic

10:59 AM - 5 Nov 2014 109 Retweets 73 favorites

http://theobamadiary.com/2014/11/05/chat-away-460/

TheObamaDiary.com @TheObamaDiary
Follow
Ed Henry: "You're doubling down on the same policies and approach!"

The ones that got him elected President twice, Ed?
10:36 AM - 5 Nov 2014 76 Retweets 40 favorites

Jon Favreau @jonfavs
Follow
I'm proud of my president, and grateful for him.
11:10 AM - 5 Nov 2014 265 Retweets 366 favorites

http://theobamadiary.com/2014/11/05/the-press-conference-a-tweet-or-two/

I have his Back!

~

[BeyondGeography]

30. It was a great performance under the circumstances

because he wasn't performing. Remarkable human being.

[Cha]

33. Really! You know he's feeling disappointment about all of this but he's able to be strong and

focused.. Like a Leader!

[Ineeda]

51. A remarkable man.

Always keeps his cool and you can see his sense of humor when he's asked a stupid question and doesn't take the bait. Can you imagine Chris Christie at such a presser? Angry, petulant, sarcastic. Thank heavens it will never happen!

[Cha]

59. I hear ya, Ineeda.. too bad for some

on DU that think Pres Obama wanted these election results because he seemed so happy at the presser.

It's totally unreal how some people just don't get it.

Oh yeah.. Christie.. "Sit and STFU!" and yeah, he'll never get his chance at the WHPC.. much to their dismay. rofl

[SleeplessinSoCal]

37. Cha, your info gathering ability blows my mind.

Thanks again for all that you do.

[Cha]

41. I have a Good Source for many years, SleeplessinSoCal!

http://theobamadiary.com/2014/11/05/the-press-conference-a-tweet-or-two/

The owner of the site is in Dublin.. she use to post on DU back in the day but couldn't stand the hate in '09 and left to start her own site.. and it's brilliant!

Mahalo~ For all you do, too!

[TexasTowelie]

57. I saw your sig line Cha and I want to say

I got baby back, baby back, baby back ribs at Chile's!

[Cha]

60. Now you're making me hungry and I'm

vegan, TexasT!

[sheshe2]

46. I love your new sig line Cha!

[Cha]

48. Thanks she!

I was quite smacking proud of that myself when I went to bed at 4am(early night for me)!

[sheshe2]

49. Well,

I have been known to go to bed as the sun is rising~

You should be proud, those are awesome pictures Cha!

[Cha]

55. Gotta have something

to cheer us UP!

Now, we have people on here saying this is what Obama wanted all along.. and he was so cheerful it's obvious it made him happy. Paraphrasing here.

I'm about to go post to them how very much like the WHPC they are.. boo hoo.

she

[global1]

9. I Was Really Bummed Last Night With The Results - Didn't Sleep Well And Listening To The President..

just now lifted my spirits. His handling of this press conference gave me a way to accept what happened last night and as long as the President can deal with this defeat - so can I. In a way it was inspirational - but then again every time I listen to this man I am inspired.

[steve2470]

10. I liked the way he dodged the "shellacking" question

Of course, that was the answer desired. He did as well as he could. I would have, undoubtedly, gotten frustrated and said BULLSHIT a few times. That's why I'm not President.

[Cha]

34. Thanks for that, global!

[mountain grammy]

11. I'm depressed and pessimistic, but the President always makes me feel better.

He's our leader, and he's a damn fine human being. My son posted on his FB page: the next person who calls Obama a Muslim or terrorist on my page will be gone from my contacts, and that includes family. To which his right wing step mother commented, even family? to which my son said yes, even family. I'm not listening to that bullshit anymore. Grow up! Behave with the intelligence and dignity we see in our president every day.

Amen, son.

[steve2470]

12. I think the President does as well as he can with the "hand" he's been given

Last edited Wed Nov 5, 2014, 06:46 PM - Edit history (1)

1- Racist (the base, for sure)Republicans

2- Koch-financed opposition aka libertarianism and anti-science on steroids

3- Apathy and ignorance of most of the electorate

4- Can I say racist Republicans again ?

eta: Amen son, indeed.

[BeyondGeography]

13. Amen, son, indeed

That's an OP in and of itself, mountain grammy. Cheers to both of you.

[classof56]

14. And again I say--Amen!

Thanks, mountain grammy, and thanks, steve2470 for the excellent post. I watched the presser, felt my spirits lift, and gave thanks for our President. He's there when we need him--let's be there for him when he needs us to be.

Cheers!

[jaysunb]

26. WOW ! Outstanding young man. n/t

[sheshe2]

15. Thanks Steve,

I will go find a link to the video, I was working.

I like this~

" He controlled his frustration.

He was pragmatic and diplomatic.

He wants workable, bipartisan (if possible) policies.

He is willing to use his EO pen if he has to."

I am proud of him too~

[steve2470]

16. my pleasure :) nt

[Hekate]

17. I've got to find that in its entirety. I've tried both YouTube and WhiteHouse.Gov...

...and can't get it to play back. Help!

[steve2470]

18. transcript, looking for video now

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/transcript-president-obamas-remarks-on-midterm-election-results/2014/11/05/491a02b2-6524-11e4-9fdc-d43b053ecb4d_story.html

[steve2470]

19. video

http://www.c-span.org/video/?322574-1/president-obama-postelection-news-conference

[Hekate]

22. Thanks! I'll try post-dinner. nt

[Hekate]

47. So glad I finally listened to it in its entirety. He dealt w/ all comers just fine....

....and I feel better about our prospects.

[mcar]

20. I can't stand the WHPC

and they were at their smarmiest today. I am always impressed with how PO handles them.

[bigwillq]

21. I thought it was a good speech (nt)

[Cha]

23. Damn did he ever! He got the WHPC.. hopping MAD! mahalo steve.. sorry it took so long for me

to find this!


TheObamaDiary.com @TheObamaDiary
Follow
WHPC getting really angry now about the President not being downbeat
11:06 AM - 5 Nov 2014 76 Retweets 52 favorites

sfpelosi @sfpelosi
Follow
PBO so cool he doesn't even eyeroll Q about why he didn't work harder to bond with GOP who vowed INAUGURATION NIGHT to make himhttp://aattp.org/a-retired-navy-officers-message-to-liberals-on-the-eve-of-the-gops-big-mid-term-win/ a 1 termer.
10:27 AM - 5 Nov 2014 103 Retweets 50 favorites


TheObamaDiary.com @TheObamaDiary
Follow
Now Jim Acosta is losing his mind over the President being so upbeat.

The President is totally trolling them.

Epic

10:59 AM - 5 Nov 2014 109 Retweets 73 favorites

http://theobamadiary.com/2014/11/05/chat-away-460/

Jon Favreau @jonfavs
Follow
I'm proud of my president, and grateful for him.
11:10 AM - 5 Nov 2014 265 Retweets 366 favorites

http://theobamadiary.com/2014/11/05/the-press-conference-a-tweet-or-two/

I have his Back, steve!

~

[steve2470]

24. mahalo Cha !

LIke I said up-thread, I get the WHPC can't ask softball questions. However, too many of them go over the line.

**** the Faux News guy and Ed Henry. I have his back too !

[Cha]

27. Oh, yeah.. ask the tough questions like they asked bush.. then there's the way the WHPC

disrespects President Obama.. "shorter press conference"..

Steve Weinstein @steveweinstein
Follow
Shorter Press Conference: Nearly every Reporter proud to act like a total dick. Then Pres Obama replies with calm, generous dignity.
11:01 AM - 5 Nov 2014 180 Retweets 101 favorites

TheObamaDiary.com @TheObamaDiary
Follow
Ed Henry: "You're doubling down on the same policies and approach!"

The ones that got him elected President twice, Ed?
10:36 AM - 5 Nov 2014 76 Retweets 40 favorites

I know you have the President's back, steve and I thank you for that!

And, I'd like to know which reporter Did treat PBO with respect?!

[steve2470]

28. tough questions for Bush, ha ha

Somehow I don't remember any, I really don't. They all seemed pretty damn respectful of Bush.

[Cha]

29. Yeah, I just thought maybe from that one tweet but, yeah.ask those tough questions like they asked

bush. LOL!

[steve2470]

32. best wishes to you and your family in Hawai'i ! nt

[Cha]

35. Mahalo steve and to you and yours. My son called me today to see how I was faring.. he gets it!

[madamesilverspurs]

31. After last night,

today's presser was exactly the tonic that was needed. PBO delivers with class and aplomb, much to the press corp's frustration. The ruder they are, the more he shines. Must drive them nuts, but they are the ones who refuse to learn, yes?

Glad I decided to watch.

[Cha]

39. Glad you did, too, madamesilverspurs~

Colorado~ but, at least you got Gov Hickenlooper!

Here's some tweet reactions to the hard core butthead press corp..

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1102&pid=26398

[SleeplessinSoCal]

38. I really hope he forces the climate change issue as common ground.

It sure as hell isn't abortion.

[cilla4progress]

42. Who knows? Maybe this will be his time to shine.

His time to be the sole face of the Democratic party.

I've seen it before when there is either a silver lining to an otherwise seemingly dark situation, or a huge crash after what appears to be an unequivocal win.

I'm still hoping.

And I'm proud he is our President. He is full of grace and conscience.

BECAUSE HE'S SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE REST OF THEM!

[hopemountain]

45. yes! our president's sense of dignity and respect

for all americans are what he stands upon. he has the gift of reason unlike the maniacs who demonize him and his family.

his eyes are on the higher prize of a true democracy. as steve posts above - he is the president of an entire nation and he does not forget this charge. he is committed to a greater vison for democratic social justice for every american. he is above stooping to the level of these mean spirited and hard hearted f***ers. whereas, i am not.

[sheshe2]

50. Kicking to take you to 50 replies, Steve!

[steve2470]

58. thanks !