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Obama: 'We are not at war against Islam'
[Updated at 12:25 p.m.] President Obama was asked about his thoughts on the Islamic center being built near ground zero in New York.
"All men and women are created equal, they have certain inalienable rights, and one of those is to practice their religion freely," Obama said. "You can build a church on a site, you can build a synagogue on a site, if you could build a Hindu temple on a site, you should be able to build a mosque."
Obama said he recognized the sensitivity in the area because of the 9/11 attacks and acknowledges that family members are continuing to experience pain and anguish over their losses.
However, he urged people to remember who our real enemies are.
"We are not at war against Islam. We are at war against terrorist organizations that have distorted Islam or falsely used the banner of Islam," Obama said. "If we're going to deal with the problems Ed Henry was talking about - reducing the terrorist threat - we need all the allies we can get."
Obama pressed that in fact, the anti-Islam sentiment and a war between the West and Islam is exactly what terrorist organizations are hoping for.
"Al Qaeda, that's what they've been banking on," Obama said. "The overwhelming majority of Muslims are peace-loving - are interested in the same things that you and I are interested in."
Obama stressed it is important that Americans do not believe the entire religion of Islam is offensive.
iReport: Share your thoughts on controversy surrounding Islamic Center
For more on Obama's question-and-answer session and analysis check out CNN's Political Ticker.
[Updated at 12:17 p.m.] CNN's Ed Henry asked President Barack Obama whether he still agrees with his statement that it is crititical to capture Osama bin Laden and if he views it a failure that he hasn't been captured, despite Obama's promise to run a smarter war on terrorism than President Bush.
"I think capturing or killing bin Laden ... would be extremely important to national security," he said. "It doesn't solve all of our problems, but it is a high priority for our administration."
Obama touted success in forcing members of al Qaeda to retreat because of ramped up pressure on its leaders.
"They have been holed up in ways that have made it harder for them to operate - and part of what's happening is bin Laden has gone deeper underground," Obama said. "We have the best minds, the best intelligence officers, the best special forces who are thinking about this day and night, and they will continue to think about it day and night as long as I'm president."
[Updated at 12:07 p.m.] Obama said that although he has missed the deadline to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, "it is not for lack of trying."
"It's because of politics," he said.
He insisted that he believes the U.S. justice system is capable of handling procedures involving terrorist suspects and that military tribunals are not necessary.
"I am absolutely convinced that the American justice system is strong enough, that we should be able to convict people who murdered innocent Americans and that carried out terrorist attacks against us," he said. "We should be able to lock them up and make sure they don't see the light of day. We can do that, and we've done it before."
[Updated at 12:00 p.m.] Obama acknowledged that the looming expiration of Israel's moratorium on settlement construction is a "major bone of contention."
The internal politic pressures for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on this issue "are very difficult," Obama said.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Netanyahu have to figure out "how to help each other succeed," he added.
[Updated at 11:58 a.m.] Obama was asked about levels of corruption within the Afghanistan government and what is being done to curtail it.
"We are in the midst of a very difficult but very important project. I just want to remind people why we're there, the day before September 11. We're there because that was the place where al Qaeda launched an attack that killed 3,000 Americans. And we want to make sure we dismantle al Qaeda and that Afghanistan is never again used as a base for attacks against Americans and the American homeland."
Obama asked people to remember that Afghanistan is the second poorest country in the world and that change won't happen overnight, but his administration is working with Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
Obama criticized former President George W. Bush's administration for failing to provide adequate training of Afghan military forces.
"After seven years of policies in which we weren't even effectively training security forces, we're saying we're going to work with the Afghan government so they can be responsible for their own security. We're going to promote a political settlement in the region that can help to reduce the violence. We're going to encourage an Afghan government that can deliver services for its people."
He insisted that progress has been made in terms of rooting out corruption from the government in Kabul, but "we're a long way from where we need to be on that," he said.
The White House will continue to pressure Karzai on the issue of corruption, Obama said.
[Updated at 11:52 a.m.] Obama said that a proposed settlement for black farmers - who have historically been the target of racial discrimination by the federal government - is "fair" and "just."
The White House will continue to make funding of the settlement - now blocked in the Senate - "a priority," he said.
[Updated at 11:51 a.m.] Obama insisted Friday that skyrocketing medical costs will ultimately decline as more people are covered due to his administration's health care reform initiative.
[Updated at 11:44 a.m.] Obama was asked about Pastor Terry Jones in Florida, who had plans to burn Qurans on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, and whether he was concerned that by having the secretary of defense call him, it was actually elevating his platform.
"The idea that we would burn the sacred texts of someone else's religion is contrary to what this country stands for. It's contrary to what this nation was founded on. My hope is that this individual prays on it and refrains from doing it," Obama said. "But I'm also commander in chief, and we are seeing today riots in Kabul, riots in Afghanistan, that threaten our young men and women in uniform, and so we have an obligation to send a very clear message that this kind of behavior or threats of action put our men and women in danger."
Obama said he doesn't think his administration is what elevated this story, but "in the age of the internet, this is something that can cause us profound damage."
"It's also the best imaginable recruiting tool for al Qaeda," he said. "We don't start having a bunch of folks all across the country think this is how to get attention. This is a way of endangering our troops. You don't play games with that."
[Updated at 11:40 a.m.] Obama conceded Friday that there are "enormous hurdles" to the new Middle East peace talks. His administration understood that "it was a risk for us to promote these discussions, but it is a risk worth taking," he
said.
It is in the interests of America, the Israelis and the Palestinians to reach a comprehensive settlement, Obama said. The issue of Middle East peace must be dealt with if, among other things, Israel is to remain both Jewish and Democratic, Obama said. A settlement would also help the United States deal with Iran.
"If these talks break down, we're going to keep on trying," he said.
[Updated at 11:34 a.m.] Obama was asked about why he believes that nine years after the attacks on September 11, 2001, there is now a growing suspicion and resentment of Islam.
"I think that at a time when the country is anxious generally, and gone through a tough time, then you know fears can surface, suspicions, divisions can surface in a society, and so I think that plays a role," Obama said.
Obama then praised former President George W. Bush for his specific rhetoric on religion following the attacks.
"One of the things I most admired about President Bush was after 9/11, him being crystal clear about the fact that we were not at war with Islam, we were at war with terrorists and murderers who had perverted Islam ... to carry out their acts."
Obama said he was proud the country had rallied around the idea that we can't be divided because of religion or ethnicity - and hopes that is something that can continue.
"We are all Americans, we stand together," Obama said. "I think it is absolutely important now for majority of Americans to hang onto that thing that is best in us: a belief in religious tolerance. We have to make sure we don't start turning on each other."
"We are one nation under God. We may call that God different names, but we are one nation."
[Updated at 11:32 a.m.] Obama said Friday that one of the reasons he hasn't created a greater spirit of cooperation in Washington is because some GOP leaders decided when he took office that "we're going to sit on the sidelines and let the Democrats solve" the economic crisis.
Taking on tough issues with entrenched special interests creates "a lot of big fights," he said.
[Updated at 11:25 a.m.] Obama deflected a question Friday about whether his new economic plans should be referred to as another "stimulus" package. "Everything we've been trying to do is designed to stimulate growth," he said. "I have no problem with people saying the president is trying" to do that.
He was then asked about several pending Senate nominations - including judges and Homeland Security officials.
"I'm concerned about all Senate nominations these days," he said, noting he wasn't making a joke. "I've got people who have been waiting for six months to get confirmed that nobody has an official objection to ... and I can't get a vote on them."
Obama said it was frustrating when "you've got a determined minority" that is attempting to filibuster all of his nominations.
"They're just playing games," he said.
[Updated at 11:20 a.m.] President Obama was asked about why he waited so long to introduce his latest economic policies and if they are merely being used as a political weapon for the election season.
"We have this notion that we waited until now, but just on the small business issue alone, we have cut taxes for small businesses eight times," Obama said. "So we are hardly Johnny-come-latelys on this issue."
Obama touted a variety of policy successes as the reason the economy is better than it was when he took office.
"When you put all the things we did together, it made a difference," he said.
[Updated at 11:19 a.m.] Obama said there is room for discussion on competing tax plans.
"If the Republican leadership is prepared to get serious ... I would love to talk to them," he told reporters at the White House.
Obama insisted, however, that GOP plans to extend the Bush tax cuts for individuals earning over $250,000 are a bad idea.
[Updated at 11:13 a.m.] A reporter asked Obama about his assertion that Democrats wouldn't do well in the midterm elections in November if it would be a referendum on the economy.
"For 19 months we have steadily worked to avoid a depression, to take an economy that was contracting and making it grow again," Obama said. "But we're not there yet."
Obama acknowledged Americans' anger about the slow progress.
"And because I'm the president and the Democrats have controlled the House and the Senate, it's understandable that people are saying 'what have you done?' "
However, Obama said, the Republicans don't offer a better solution - in fact, their policies are worse.
"The Republicans' offers are exactly the ones that got us into this trouble," he said. "If you want the same kind of skewed policies that led us to these problems, the Republicans are ready to do that."
[Updated at 11:11 a.m.] Obama announced that Austan Goolsbee will be named chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers.
Goolsbee will replace Christina Romer, who stepped down this month as chair of the council, a panel of three White House officials who offer the president economic advice and help formulate policy.
[Updated at 11:08 a.m.] Obama on Friday once again urged the Senate to pass his small business jobs bill, arguing that it has been blocked by "a partisan (Republican) minority."
Obama praised Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, for announcing that he would not help GOP leaders block the bill.
[Updated at 11:02 a.m.] Obama said the goal of his latest proposals is to help jump-start an economy still dealing with the impact of the recession.
"Even though the economy is growing again ... the hole the recession left has been huge," Obama said.
"Millions of Americans are still looking for work."
He touted his administration's investments in infrastructure as a chance to remain competitive with other countries that are working on similar projects including high-speed rail.
[Posted at 10:50 a.m.] President Obama will hold a press conference at 11 a.m. Friday, his first full-scale question-and-answer session at the White House in nearly four months and his seventh full-scale news conference at the White House since he took office.
The last presser was back in May when the president answered questions mainly about the oil spill. This one is expected to focus on the economy.
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With a news conference at 11:00am EST it will be ready for streaming playback by the time everyone at the workplace hits their browsers at lunch today. Later this evening... it will will still be a top link on the various news oriented website's home pages... and more people will be able to view it. People might see it streamed to their phones. Pretty smart use of modern technologie(s).
@Ka...I'm an American Muslim and I agree with you. Its bad taste and disrespectful from the Imam to build the community center there. in fact I've been against it from day one.
I think the Imam is being disrespectful, not President Obama. I hope he is not voted out.
Religion is not compatible with the ideals of democracy and freedom. Democracy and freedom is tolerant of religion. You are in a war, not just with Islam, but with every group of insane lunatics who form intolerant organizations that try to tell you what is and is not morale through the use of force, coercion, indoctrination, fear and blatant lies.
I disagree with those who say it is disrespetful to build a mosque near ground zero, because I agree with the President that we are not at war with Islam. Where else are the Muslims of lower Manhattan supposed to pray?? I find it shocking that people will use any and all excuses to say a mosque shouldn't be there, while in the same breathe agree that we aren't at war with Islam. Imagine if you were Muslim, live in lower Manhattan and actually lost someone on 9/11, and you see people saying you can't have a mosque there, but hey a few strip joints are just fine.
Stop equating Al Qaeda with Islam. They are NOT the same, and frankly YOU do more to embolden Al Qaea when you do that, since you feed into their own narcissism and give them greater representation than they in fact deserve and have.
Imagine if some Christian group wanted to build a church near the Federal building in Oklahoma, or even better near one of those bombed out abortion clinics. So what if Pope J II said that a monestary shouldn't be built near Auschitz...it's irrelevant. Peaceful people of any religion anywhere should be able to pray whevever they want. All the furor over the mosque is just veiled equating of Islam and Al Qaeda, despite people saying otherwise.
Look deep down and ask yourself: Is Islam to blame for 9/11? If you say yes, I'll wager you're against the mosque, and it you say no, I'll wager you are for it. Maybe some exceptions on both sides, but by and large THAT IS THE CORE ISSUE HERE PEOPLE.
Amen Don!!! To everything you just said. Why should Americans have to be spineless? I'm sick of the spinelessness of the current administration.
THE OKLAHOMA CITY BOMBING WAS DONE BY A CHRISTIAN! THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCH BOMBING AND BURNINGS WERE ALSO DONE BY CHRISTIANS, BUT U DONT SEE PEOPLE PROTESTING CHURCHES! I JUST DONT GET IT! PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO FIND REASONS TO DENY MUSLIMS THEIR RIGHT TO BUILD. AND THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS, IS THAT THERE IS NO REASON TO DENY THEM! I FEEL SORRY FOR THE FAMILIES BUT ALL MUSLIMS DIDNT HARM YOUR LOVE ONES. WE LIVE IN AMERICA!! THE LAND OF THE FREE! IT KILLS ME TO SEE PEOPLE THAT STOLE THIS COUNTRY FROM OTHER PEOPLE, SLAUGHTER THEM, MISTREATED NOT ONLY THEM BUT ANY OTHER RACE THEY CAME IN CONTACT WITH, TRY TO FORCE THEIR BELIEFS AND RELEGION ON OTHERS AND NOW THAT ITS FINALLY TIME FOR CHANGE IN THIS NATION, THEY ARE TRYING TO STOP IT BY USING POLITICS AND EVERYTHING ELSE THEY CAN THINK OF. ITS SAD!
AND THOSE OF YOU WHO SAY WELL ALL PEOPLE OF A CERTAIN RACE ARENT THE SAME! WHY SHOULD IT APPLY TO YOU WHEN PEOPLE SAY IT SHOULDNT APPLY TO MUSLIMS!! THINK ABOUT IT! NOT TRYING TO BE MEAN OR HATEFUL, BUT ITS JUST SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT!
@Hunatic..... and what planet have you been on for the past 50 years??? Are you kidding me, the best president in 50 years..... he can do vacations very well but run a country – he hasn't a clue! He'll get another term but not because he is a great president – it will be because ALL HIS CHANGE DOESN'T GO THROUGH UNTIL AFTER THE 2012 ELECTION. And then all you stupid people will see what this great president has done for you. You'll be lucky if there is anything left in your paycheck (that is if you still have a job)! After reading your comment I thought for sure you were a YOUNG PERSON WHO DIDN'T KNOW ANY BETTER..... THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO HMMMM!!!
Al-Tabari's (d. 923) famous tafsir (exegesis of the Koran) is a standard and authoritative reference work in the entire Muslim world. Regarding 3:28, he writes: "If you [Muslims] are under their [infidels'] authority, fearing for yourselves, behave loyally to them, with your tongue, while harboring inner animosity for them. … Allah has forbidden believers from being friendly or on intimate terms with the infidels in place of believers — except when infidels are above them [in authority]. In such a scenario, let them act friendly towards them." Regarding 3:28, Ibn Kathir (d. 1373, second in authority only to Tabari) writes, "Whoever at any time or place fears their [infidels'] evil may protect himself through outward show." As proof of this, he quotes Muhammad's close companion, Abu Darda, who said, "Let us smile to the face of some people [non-Muslims] while our hearts curse them"
MAVENT
You're a moron....what do the republicans have to do with any of this mosque controversy. I'm a republican and I'm neither a racist nor hateful but I certainly don't think that this mosque should be built so close to ground zero. My children lost childhood friends in those towers on 9/11...childhood friends who came to my house after baseball practice...I know their parents...One of the mothers has been reduced to a shell of a person. The only people to blame for this nightmare are the muslims and their islam. Don't even try and tell me that the attacks were the sole work of 19 Saudi murderers. It took a whole lot of money, planning, and organization to execute these attacks. The muslim community in NYC has been accused of having known about these attacks and kept quiet about them.
As New Yorkers, we'll never get over 9/11 and we'll never forgive 9/11. We certainly don't want these miserable people building a mosque on the ground that is soaked with the blood of 3000 innocent souls. Muslims might as well get it through their heads...they're not welcome and they will never be welcome in this country. Even when they're born here, they find a way to betray this country and their fellow citizens.
@ Don: You really think the "vast majority of Muslim" are going to "throw down"? A vast majority be would something like 800,000,000 Muslims raising hell (80% say) . Lol. I don't think so. What will happen is maybe 10,000 (apprx. %.000001 of the Muslim population) will get up in arms about this. The vast majority – like 999,990,000 probably could care less and have families and business to take care of. Please stop catering to the tiny group of radicals who have completely swayed the direction of America into a bigotted short-cited mess of hysteria.
I can't wait until Muslims are at war with Canada. They watch p0rn and their women don't cover their hair. Oh, I forgot, Canada doesn't bomb their cities, sell nuclear weapons to their enemy, build pipe lines through their land, assinate their leaders, put people like Saddam in power, steal their oil, build military bases across the globe, or have carriers and destroyers in the Persian Gulf. Is that why they hate our freedom.
Obama doesn't beliee all men are created equal, or he would represent the rights off all of us, but he is extremely biased.
At some point while addressing the controversy about the so-called ground zero mosque the news media, journalists, politicians, and professional commentators are responsible for stating the obvious: Some people, including some families or family members who lost loved ones on 9/11 are against the Islamic Community Center because it represents Islam. I imagine a larger majority of the highly cited 71% against the building simply wish to support those families and family members but otherwise would not be offended by the building and probably would not have thought about it in one way or the other if they had not been push polled about it. Also within that 70% are many religious bigots and Islamophobes who find offense with everything Muslim, including the word they use for God. Nevertheless, the news media and most commentators contend that the issue is the Imam’s lack of sensitivity to those who oppose the Community Center. The 9/11 families, the religious bigots, and the Islamophobes who oppose the building do so because they find Islam and Muslims offensive and believe the building would desecrate the land it sits on and the surrounding area. If this is true, then we should expect that they also would think that every Muslim would desecrate the area if he or she should enter into it. Does this mean that those Muslims whose blood also was shed on 9/11 are likewise desecrating ground zero and are an offense to 71% of Americans? Can the news media and commentators not see that their claim that the building is an offense to Americans and/or a desecration to the area simply because it represents Islam is an unqualified insult to Muslims and shows a lack of respect and a lack of sensitivity for their faith and their feelings? And, so what if 71% of Americans are against the Imam’s decision. I posit that close to 71% of Americans opposed Barack Obama when he announced his candidacy for President. If he had been swayed by them or had compromised his beliefs and decision to favor them, then he would not be President today. Instead, he won the election by a landslide. What does this say about making value judgments and faith decisions based on polls?
"The overwhelming majority of Muslims are peace-loving – are interested in the same things that you and I are interested in."
That's true. On the other hand, try to wear a cross above clothes in Saudi Arabia. Islam as practiced in states where state and church are not separated is not tolerant. I don't agree with the Pastor or the Imam. They are both setting the fields on fire, but unless we acknowledge the problems of Islam as practiced abroad, we are not having an honest conversation, Mr. President and that inability to be honest is also feeding the fire. Personally, I plan to vote against any national leader that sides with extremists on any side. That is what I can do.
WE need to get past 911 and get some closure. We are extending Osama Bin Laden's intentions when beyond his imagination when we have so much discord and disagreement over 911 and Muslims. And, when we invaded Iraq and Afghanistan and when we kill Muslims and Arabs in Pakistan with drones. We act like recruiters for Al Quaeda. Forget about the mosques, forget about the fool preacher burning the Quran etc. The media feeds off of 911 for big returns. Bush way overeacted to 911 and Americans fear brought them along. Terrorism is the new communism designed to instill fear and justify why we fight. Osama Bin Laden must be proud of himself at our own expense.
i think i speak for many americans about the mosque topic, it is true that american muslims should not be persecuted for the actions of radicals, and i believe that they have every right to build a mosque, just not at ground zero, i thank the muslims who agree that although they are not responsible their fellow muslims are and they can understand that the mosque right at ground zero will be an insult to the people who died there. i understand that muslims also died in the twin towers but it was muslims who destroyed it, american muslims will have to bite the bullet and accept the rest of america's feelings, i ache for them too, and i appreciate their sensitivity to this problem, but if its true that muslims are religious and peaceful then the right action would be to move the mosque because the controversary will never die, the fact that the imam won't even consider it makes him a radical and supporter of al quida...
no one is saying don't build a mosque, they're just saying where not to build it, americans consider muslims responsible for the twin towers so muslims will have to make the effort to make those bad feelings go away...
Ward Fantroy – you;re an idiot!!!
saying people are religious bigots and islamaphobic because they're sensitive to what happened at the twin towers is retarded, yea i said it, retarded...
radical muslims destroyed the towers so people hate muslims because of that, they aren't phobic of muslims and it has nothing to do with their religion, they were muslims so now everybody hates muslims, good or bad, for what happened...
i love how you 30% of the country are showing your stupidity and insensitivity, maybe you should go live in a country thats all muslim, christ even real muslims moved out of there because they can't stand how their own kind is, i feel bad for american muslims, they know what its like here, they don't have to fear for their lives on a daily basis like the people do in their countries, they came to america and see they have the freedom to practice their religion without repercussion, but it was muslims who destroyed the towers and unfortunately for our american muslims they are going to have to deal with the fallout, one way they can make things better is to be supportive of moving the mosque, that will quell americans, but if they don't then what happens next, they brought on...
and for the idiot who thinks obama is the best president in 50 years, seriously, you shouldn't be on the internet while you're on drugs, you appear to be an idiot when its obvious you're a drug addict...
THE FREEDOM LIKING SOCIETIES AND COMMUNITIES OF OUR TIME MUST WORK TOGETHER AND FIGHT TO PREVENT THE SPREAD AND INFLUENCE OF ISLAMIC WAYS AND CULTURE BECAUSE THEIR ALTIMATE GOAL IS TO DESTROY THE FREEDOMS THE PEOPLE ENJOY AND ENFORCE THEIR OPPRESSIVE LAWS ON THEM.
More and More people need to become vividly aware of the wicked threat that the spread of Islam pose to the free, civilized and progressive communities of the planet.
THE FREEDOM LIKING SOCIETIES AND COMMUNITIES OF OUR TIME MUST WORK TOGETHER AND FIGHT TO PREVENT THE SPREAD AND INFLUENCE OF ISLAMIC WAYS AND CULTURE BECAUSE THEIR ALTIMATE GOAL IS TO DESTROY THE FREEDOMS THE PEOPLE ENJOY AND ENFORCE THEIR OPPRESSIVE LAWS ON THEM.
More and More people need to become informed and vividly aware of the wicked threat that the spread of Islam pose to the free, civilized and progressive communities of the planet.
Islam is the enemy and is of evil and its spread must not be tolerated. IT MAKES NO SENSE TO TOLERATE AND EXTEND RIGHTS TO A SEVENTH CENTURY BARBARIC ARAB WORLD VIEW, WHOSE AIM IS TO SUBMIT EVERY INFIDEL, THROUGH VIOLENCE AND THE USE OF THE SWORD TO THEIR OPPRESSIVE AND RESTRICTIVE WAYS OF LIFE.
I believe that all forms of earthly organized religions are of one and the same off-world paranormal influences playing with peoples minds for their own pass time.
We must not forget that freedom was not freely handed down but had to be fought for. Study and know your history.
Let not the sacrifices of the heroes past be forgotten.
I believe there is no difference between moderate and extreme Islam because they both have the same source of influence in their literatures.
I see Muslims as victims but it is only the individual who can determine and choose to set themselves free from such religious slavery.
I have no problem with any religion including muslims. Please ask the Imam of New York to define what an infidel is in the muslim koran. Maybe I have a miss understanding, and this is why I am opposed to a mosque at ground zero.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH8GaN8w–4&fs=1&hl=en_US]
The people who complain about Obama not getting enough done on one hand, but then complain in the same sentence about healthcare and the stimulus bill that saved your job and started adding more jobs instead of hemoraging them as we were under Bush should be ashamed of themselves. Should Obama have done more? Yes! He should have fought harder for a larger stimulus that would actually repair our crumbling infrastructure and passed a single payer healthcare bill for every American, pulled more troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan and reversed the empire building mentality of the Bush admin, and killed the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest 2% of Americans earlier and given more tax cuts for the middle class and increased taxes on the oil & gas industry and really start funding renewable energy.
But if he did all that, the rich and the ignorant would have a hissy fit & some whacko would probabaly take a pot shot at him. He is trying to go slow enough so that all the morons can understand him.
Obama is a fool who ignores history. The free world has been at war against Islam since Islam was formed.
About the Mosque issue.... c'mon. You can have the whole country to build a mosque and you pick a spot right near the 9/11 memorial! I mean really, it is just disrespectful. Stop over analyzing everything and saying oh poor Islam and oh we can't do that we are being racist..whaaaaa!!! Wake up America, stand up for your own country and have some respect for its people. When those planes crashed and killed thousands of Americans you dont think those men were shouting God is Great and the most merciful and other sayings from the Quran? Oh right they were just saying the ABC's. Someone who is not a Muslim cannot even step foot in Mecca, oh but because the Americans...I mean the normal ones.. feel that this is disrespecful and a slap in our face and want you to move it a block or two over...we are the bad ones and our people are horrible and our policy sucks and needs to be changed blah blah....seriously people....
does Obama ever shutup, my local news is covered with only things out of his mouth, they should make a section just for him, like weather, news, Obama, the guy must love to hear himself talk
Religion. Every single problem here is dirivitive of RELIGION.
RELIGION celbrates all of our differences yet what this world needs is for all of us to celebrate our similarities.
there should be absolutely no freedom of religion whatsoever...EVER.
USA not at war says a president but Islam is at war to all infidels or who does not follow Islam. Islam does not treat you as equal. Islam and American ideals is incompatible. Islam is submission. Do you want to submit to them or do you want to have freedom?
There should not be a mosque near the trade center at all! There should'nt be strip clubs either! There are christian churches taht can't rebuild and had to build smaller because it would block the site. But radical islamists attacked us not just al qaeda! Those men went to a mosque in Europe. The muslims that don't support the attacks should have enough respect to build somewhere else! We are at war with radical islamists all over the world! They are attacking and killing in almost every nation that they don't control. If you draw muhamed or threaten the koran they threaten violence and riot in the streets! I wish our "christian " president would speak as highly of the Holy Bible as he does the "holy koran". It's time for him to stop defending islam and muslims and start defending and protecting this nation and this people!
When 3/4ths of the congress have openly said that the the "Victory Mosque" is a bad idea, where is Obamas leadership skills and compassion for the American people! I truely beleive that Obama is not at war with Islam, "Hes at war with us!"! If you are going to lead then lead or else get out of the way and follow!
I don't believe a Mosque should be built on this site. And here is why.
I believe that the Islamic community around the world should be taking a stand against the terrorists who committed these atrocities. The Islamic world should be spearheading the capture of these perpetrators and condemning them. Instead what I see are Islamic nations supporting the hiding of these criminals. This should have been a perfect time to unite the Islamic world together. Instead we have a silent(in actions) Islamic community that by their lack of actions seem to be approving of what the terrorists have accomplish in the name of God. If they would have policed themselves, Americans would have never of been there in the first place.
So I cannot support a mosque being built on such a sacred site.
So, just when is a question going to be answered in this "press conference"?
Amazing. Obama was asked how he changed Washington, and he still found a way to bring it back around to bashing the Right. Oh, he talks about special interests like only the Republicans are bought and paid for. Who put him in office? Why have so many of his policies benefited big unions? Oh, he too is bought and paid for!!! You know a politician is lying because his lips are moving!
When you have enough intelligence to understand what he's saying. You're such a dummy!
Try listening.
People such as Devo are a perfect example why the dems are going down in November.
All he can contribute are insults
At least he's doing press conferences. GWB stopped doing them altogether because he couldn't put two words together. Obama's comments were right on target and 100% accurate.
People such as Steve are a great example of why Democrats currently control ALL THREE BRANCHES of government. But please, continue telling us of all the great things you're eventually going to get around to doing.
At least Mavent admitted that the democrats control the 3rd division of our government .. the judiciary. I guess Justice isn't that blind and neutral.
obama needs to put everyone to sleep first with his useless rhetoric
MILLIONS of regular Americans like me put him in office. And millions of people like me love and respect this President. To equate unions and "special interests" like big business and banks is just ridiculous. Unions are for regular working people. Wall Street and the Koch Brothers and their ilk are only out for themselves. I stand with the Presdient as he defends the rights of ALL Americans, regardless of race, religion, or status. And to all those who are listening to and repeating the words of the hate mongers, stop and think "what would Jesus do?"
Whoever your idiot comentator is: he is wrong. All of the senior citizens are NOT watching the price is right. This one in watching you & out stomping for a Democratic win. I think you are all way out of touch. Go Seniors!!
And this Sr. is too!
Fully comply. The thought that we are all just sitting in our rocking chairs oblivious to the degradation of this Nation is being "out of touch."
Ditto!!
Seniors vote . We will remember these elected people in November.Give them one term,then out they go .
So is this 50-year-old! God forbid we go back to the past 10 years.
There's that doggone teleprompter again! Doesn't this guy have one original idea in his head?
What is so wrong with a teleprompter, you totally think it implies he doesn't have his own ideas?. I'd like you to try to be clear and explain complex processes. Right now as he's answeing these questions, he's not using a teleprompter, he can synthesize ideas and expand and makes his case. When he has a prepared statement wouldn't you use a teleprompter? Please look at footage of our previous presidents..my goodness give this guy a break...is that all you got on him?
How is using a teleprompter suggesting that he doesn't have an original thought? He gave a speech before taking questions...whether he reads the speech off of a teleprompter or paper copy what does it matter? A speech is prepared remarks that are written down. Every President has used teleprompters since their invention. And why is this an argument. Who cares what he uses to conveys his speeches. Lets care about the economy and job creation, not on how Pres. Obama uses a electronic forum for his speeches.
Thank you Chris, you give me hope that the America I know, can be rational people. We need to hear more like this, it is disheartening that people (including myself) have to defend the use of a teleprompter.
chris +1
A teller prompter is a electronic version of a paper speech. It is just a guideline for the interview. Besides, being politically correct to all parties is very difficult. Almost anything can be taken out of context or perceived negatively. ASK FOX NEWS! That is another issue, how can a news source be so biased?
I think it's really funny when the Glenn Becks of the country attack Obama for using a teleprompter. In fact, I'm looking forward to the excuses that surface when Beck's vision gets so bad (he's going blind, for those who don't know) that he can't read his carefully lines, carefully scripted by a team of nutjob writers, on his own teleprompter.
He even uses a teleprompter when speaking to sixth grade students.
"it is disheartening that people (including myself) have to defend the use of a teleprompter." Yes, it really is... just not in the way that you mean.
I suppose he should just write notes down on his hand? When this is your biggest worry, things must be pretty good in your world
toray99, no he didn't that is a myth created by retarded rightwingers, Obama used the teleprompter to address reporters,
Watch Obama's responses to questions from the Republican leadership when he was at the RNC (sans teleprompter). He's eloquent to the point and intelligent.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvwEjxDtwWs
@Rocker77 "How can a news source be so biased?" Ask that same question about CNN oe MSNBC or ABC or CBS...Jesus! Can't we (conservatives) have just one news source to go up against all the others?
Yeah...why’s he got to use this teleprompter if he’s so smart and educated? Sports announcers don’t use them. And what’s up with the microphone? Pavarotti never really needed one to fill up a concert hall. And this thing where he is constantly reading info from various news sources, international sources, big books and then using this information to make decisions and judgments. Sarah Palin hasn’t seen any need to trick people into thinking she’s smart my studying and reading. You know, I’m wondering about that podium. Couldn’t he just use a clip board? He’s obviously standing behind the Presidential Seal Plaque to make him appear as though he’s really important. Another thing – after a recent speech I detected him bowing when he shook hands with an Asian American veteran in a wheel chair. I sure hope he hasn’t gotten into habit of bowing to all Asians – even the ones who aren’t emperors.
AMEN Miguel.....he does not......who side is he on....he is more worried about the precious KORAN than anythiong else....RISE UP AMERICA...never forget 9-11; no mosques on that site and do not forget they burn our flag, call us pigs and slaughter our citizens by be-heading them and showing the tape to brag later.....BURN THEIR DAMN BOOKS IF YOU WISH
teleprompter...seriously....why is that an issue? if there were no teleprompter people would probably find something else to complain about....
When you idiots complain about a teleprompter all you are saying is the President must be doing a wonderful job because with all your hate, your insistance on creating your own facts, your lieing fox news, your moronic talk radio, all you have to whine about is a teleprompter. After your VP "candidate" made a complete fool of herself for not being smart enough to use a telepromter, you would think you clowns would be smart enough to avoid the subject. You people have nothing new to offer, even when it comes to rediculous attacks. Even your hate is the same rehashed nonsense that did not work the first time either. Could you be more lost as a party? Bush got caught with the worked on his spelled out phonetically so he would understand them! ANything beyojnd "My Pet Goat" just stumped him!
IN response to"Yo". When a person truly has knowledge and passion, he can speak from the heart. Just like taking a test after a lecture, those who listened and learned pass. Those who sloughed off, need to cheat to get the answers. Bo fits the latter category. Thus, he uses a teleprompter.
BO is too dependant on the teleprompter. How would we know if he has an original thought? Other Presidents did not use it to the extent he does. Also, the U.S. is forced to police the Islamic/Arabic community because they do not police themselves. What has the Islamic/Arabic community done to stop terrorism? We are forced to stereotype them as a group because that is the only way we can keep ourselves safe. I agree we are not at war with Islam but we have to watch them as though we are.
Lies, Lies and more Lies. Construction workers are back to work? This is the worst economy my husband's company has been through. Continue to blame it on Bush when your policies are making everything worse, Obama
Blame Bush, that's all that ever comes out of his mouth!
Like the worst depression since the Great Depression is going to be fixed in 2 years; vote Republican, you'll be eating grass.
And NEVER be honest or accept responsibility for your mistakes, Republicans. NEVER.
Job creation doesn't happen overnight. It took us 10 years to get out of the Great Depression...we were not going to get out of this mess in just a few months. This process will take some time.
Guess it depends on where you live because my son works construction and he's working 10 hr days and 6 days a week. However, 3 years ago he was laid off for 3 months. I could very easily say Georgie boy was lousy with the economy. You dumb people keep forgetting this did not just happen? George started out with a surplus from Clinton and left us in the gutter!!!
@Chris M – It took us 10 years to get out of the Great Depression because the idiotic policies of the democrat president FDR KEPT PUTTING US BACK IN IT! Read your history, take an economics class; you're just looking at the broad overview of it as a 10 year span, try looking deeper than that. There were several times when the country started showing signs of coming out of the Depression, and then FDR would implement some moronic liberal policy that put us right back in it. They build monuments to this guy...
And now in 2010, here we have Obama, with idiotic liberal policies, continuing to put us back into recession after we have shown signs of recovery several times. History repeats itself. Obviously, Obama skipped his history and economics classes at his ivy league school...
If the Bush administration was, indeed, at fault for the financial mess that began over 2 years ago, then it remains to blame however many years later. Time does not alter culpability.
Is our economy better now than at the time of the 2008 elections? Decidedly so. Is it good? Decidedly not. Eight years of imbecilic policies of the magnitude that we endured is not going to evaporate overnight, nor in two years.
Sucks for your husband...maybe he should switch trades. Like all idiots, you're looking to blame one person. It wasn't Bush's fault entirely anymore than it's Obama's sole responsibility to fix. Makes me glad to be self employed and prospering! We've got so many new contracts from companies who laid off people and now outsource. Yay for us. i don't blame anyone.
@Dave
Actually, every economist and political analyst will tell you that it was political pressure from the right (GOP) that forced FDR to cut economic stimulus and gov't spending that prolonged the recession. Had FDR stuck to his original plan the depression would not have lasted 10 years.
Unemployment is going down because the unemployed have exhausted their benefits. They are not counted anymore.
The USA is not like Europe. Americans do not want to be ruled by elitists, such as democrats.
construction jobs have gotten better...where I am anyway. sorry about your situation, but that doesnt make Obama a lier
I like grass.... baaaa baaaaa
I'm in the construction business, I agree with u reba. I'm no politician nor have I takin any classes , but I've got questions that most Americans do....these "stimulus packages are a joke....when Obama first started the stimulus packages, he gave Americans each three or four hundred bucks....Wich most Americans couldn't even tell you what they spent it on. Things like that even I know doesn't help our economy or people....that just set our country back the dollar amount times everyone who worked that year...Obama needs to quit giving money we don't have to help other countries when we do not have it...he needs to quit rebuilding countries when we have a country who needs help!
@Reba : How ignorant are you? He is not blaming Bush. He is blaming the previous president and administration that happens to be Bush. If you start your job at a company that the previous CEO almost ran into the ground, are you going to take responsibility for things that happened before you got there?? Really!? We are talking about the biggest economy in the world, this isn't something that gets fixed in 2,4,6 years. It took a lot of years to get bad as the bubbles burst-ed and it will take a while to get it back.
Read about the Weimar Republic ,1929 Germany. This guy is using the same plan.
Because it IS TRUE. BUSH and his buddies ran this country into the ground and now we are all paying dearly for it. At the time all the economists said that the Bush tax cuts would lead to trillian dollar deficits. And...here we are...they account for to 50% of the current deficit. AND, whatever happened to the budget surplus Bush was handed when he took office?
Reba,
you are one of the many "clueless" people that voted the great GWB into power in the first place, if you can understand that he spent more money in his term then "ALL" the previous presidents combined, you will then understand that there is no magic wand to fix his mess in 2, 4 or even 8 years. GWB burried the US so deep down, it's going to take years to dig the country out, WAKE UP SWEET CHEEK's!
Bush has lots of blame for where we are today. He was handed a very healthy financial balance sheet. He spent it like a drunk sailor for eight years How his and the conservative leadership handed Obama with a hefty deficit and expect him to wave a "magic wand" and bring "paradise" is baffling to many
Now, we get a prepared list of questions! What a joke. This isn't a press conference it's a stump speech!
There was NO list of prepared questions. You didn't watch the entire pressser but feel you can just write lies. Sad.
was he playing in some glitter? He's got a sparkley underneath his right eye.
LOL i see that too
it's bugging the crap out of me!
We all know what his policies have achieved so far: no jobs, big government, more taxes!
My taxes have gone down so far while Obama has been president. If your taxes went up because you make over a quarter of a million dollars a year I don't feel bad for you.
The usual nonsense....Democrats have controlled both houses of Congress for four years, and the White House for almost two....and still can't acknowledge the failures of their policies. Blame someone who's been out of office for nearly two years, to hide the miserable performance of the Democratic Congress for four. November can't come soon enough.
Party of NO....has trashed or stood in the way of ANY good ideas...Has offered 0. zip, nada...Where the heck have you been?
Absolutely nothing wrong with being the party of no when the majority's policies have clearly caused hiring to cease, unemployment and poverty to rise in the US. A new record (41 million) Americans on food stamps, deficits at an all time high, and a complete fraud for a financial reform bill, hammered out by Democrats behind closed doors.
The Democratics have not had 60 votes in the Senate so they could not stop Republican fillabuster until they watered down they bill until they were almost nothing, WE need more Dems. to stand up. So we can move forward. I reminder what it was like right before Obama took office Wall Street was a mess the Auto industry was collapsing and some were willing to just let them die, but what would this counrty be like if we had?
Amen Sheila!!! I'll take the party of "no" any day.
Sheila. How soon have you forgoten that George Bush and the Republicans were spending 50Billion a year in Iraq where we know now that 10% of that money over the last 5 years has gone down the drain. What ever happened to the surplus which the Republican "conservative" party started with in 2000?
We all know that these 'billionaires' are really small business owners who won't hire more workers because thy have no idea what Obama is doing!
Man, where does this presidents information come from, does he not even own a televison or internet connection? "Job Growth is better now than from 2001 – 2008?
I get so lost listening to this guy. "Tax cuts were for the wealthy only"??? Man I enjoy those cuts and have never earned more then 105K combined with my wife in one year...
And the blame continues after 2 years of this administration, I bet when the first lady gets mad at him leaving his socks on the floor Bush W gets blamed for that too...
No Vet, she doesn't get mad at him for leaving his socks on the floor, she has one of her 22 aids pick them up!
the last two years of Bush Job loses have far out numbered the gains of his entire presidency and were much worse than anything under Obama – even with you precious tax cutsfor the rich. More jobs were shipped over seas and the divide between the rich and the shrinking middle class increased significantly under W's watch. It's nice things have been good for you in your bubble, but facts are facts.
lol
The last two years of Bush W belonged to the Democrats who owned Congress, and he was a lame duck. Bush W is also a progressive, one world order type, just like any liberal democrat. Same as Obama!
I shudder to think where we'd be with a Bush template, via McCain, in place. Are you forgetting when this economic mess started? Obama is smart, gutsy, and on the case. All Americans should give him a break.
He's neither smart nor gutsy, and even took credit for the surge in Iraq and Afghanistan, which was the REAL reason for the successful withdrawal of US troops and the end of the combat mission.
But then...he voted against the surge before he supported it.
Dems have controlled the house for 4 years now, Bush lost control of this Nation when they took over majority voting
Give him a break! The man is a total failure as President. The only thing he has done is to increase our health care costs, and put us into the deepest debt we ever seen! Oh he is great alright1! Wake up!
He hasn't taken credit for anything in Iraq or Afghanistan...thankfully, he is easing us out of both. The Iraq invasion was the dumbest foreign policy decision in our history, thanks to Dubya.
Quit acting like a bunch of angry care bears and get to work.....Quickly before the GOP suggest lowering the minimum wage again......Or Wall st. takes us into another war.....
Another liberal lie...in his speech announcing the withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq, he clearly stated he was withdrawing US troops as promised, and on time, from his campaign speeches. If that's not taking credit for Iraq, I don't know what is.
Liberals are in a world of denial...and I don't mean the river in Egypt.
He has every right to take credit for delivering on his campaign promise, which is different than taking credit for the surge. Throwing around generalities about liberals is just plain ignorant. If you knew anything at all about history, you'd recognize the progress we've made because of liberal policies. Proud to be one!
Right on!
Can't listen to another minute of Mr President. He really needs to get in touch with reality. Can't wait for the November elections!!!! Go Republicans!
Sheila – He had to pull troops out of Iraq. The Status of Forces Agreement between the United States and Iraq (signed by Bush) required withdrawal of all combat troops. The decision was made by Bush not Obama. Obama had to comply. Again, Obamam taking credit from Bush when it's convenient.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S.%E2%80%93Iraq_Status_of_Forces_Agreement
Obama is just following Cloward and Piven strategy, rules for radicals. Destroy the USA from within, chaos.
@ Time For Change....Amen brother! Let's rally the Republican troops and put some common sense back in charge in November. Then in 2012 let's send this guy back to Goofballistan, or wherever it is he's from. I just hope when we (republicans) get back in power that no one starts to put the blame for everything wrong on Obama, like the current administration is doing with Bush. It's time for both parties to stop that nonsense. It's just plain childish and stupid.
I believe you are right, when you say Obama is smart and gutsy, but he is too chummy with Muslims for my comfort. They are not his friend and if he is offering money, they will, of course welcome him with open arms until the money stops, which it should do – STOP THE MONEY flowing to muslim countries. They have more money on their own and they don't have to borrow it. I do think we are at war with islam and all of its people – it is what it is. They are very rude and disrespectful people. I do think that the mosque at the WTC is an act of war – marking victory for islam. President Obama, please please listen to the "AMERICAN" people.
Don't belittle the seniors, I haven't watched Price is Right in years. Maybe you should talk to your senior relatives about a social security increase and see what they think.
I'm surprised that he took time off from his busy vacation schedule to even hold this conf.! No doubt he will push the blame on his failure to revive the economy back on ole W..
YOu mean like Bush who took the whole month of August off during Katrina and while the FBI and CIA were sending out alerts to the whitehouse and others about the threat of al queda?
I think ole "W" took vacations as well if I remember correctly...but I could be wrong. Understand that when a President takes a vacation he still is in constant communication with his staff and other policy advisers. The President doesn't just pick up and leave...he goes on vacation with a "Mobile White House".
Maybe they both were/are wrong. The constant Obama excuse of 'Well, Bush did it' admits a lack of change that was promised. Both the current and previous presidents are far from our best...
I's surprised he took questions from reporters, usually dictators don't take questions.
The gig is up Obama! No one beleives the lies. Soon you will be looking for work. Oh, wait.....we have to pay you for the rest of your life. More government cheese down the drain.
I've got my violin out for you, Joe. All you down-trodden abused victims on the right have my sympathy.
Your incessant whining has achieved it's goal: I feel sorry for you.