(5/28/09) Obama Makes Light of Prop 8 Protestors at Fundraiser (HuffPo)

[VotingHillary]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/28/obama-makes-light-of-prop_n_208786.html

Well, another day, another California fundraiser, another occasion for President Barack Obama to say some idiot nonsense about his constituents. The only difference is that instead of Mayhill Fowler, it's the New York Times' Jeff Zeleny chronicling the remarks for posterity:

A gaggle of sign-waving protesters milled around outside The Beverly Hilton, the sprawling hotel on Wilshire Boulevard. They must have caught the president's eye when he arrived at the hotel from an earlier stop in Las Vegas because he relayed one of their messages to the crowd.

"One of them said, "Obama keep your promise,' " the president said. "I thought that's fair. I don't know which promise he was talking about."

The people in the audience - who paid $30,400 per couple to attend - laughed as they ate a dinner of roasted tenderloin, grilled organic chicken and sun choke rosemary mashed potatoes.

Additional update at the link.

Thank you, Mr. President, for nothing. :-bd

[Spang]

Merge (http://www.hillaryclintonforum.net/discussion/showthread.php?t=46233)

[Ikasu]

Gay rights is above his pay grade.

[mack20]

The full quote:
There were some protesters out here. I could hear them-vaguely. I don't know what they were protesting. I think there was a group of them. But one of them started to chant "Obama, keep your promise" and I thought, that's fair. I don't know which promise that he was talking about. But I thought to myself, you know, I like that.

[Ikasu]

The full quote:

I'll actually let HuffPost respond.


UPDATE: People, people, people. If it helps you, psychologically, to embrace this interpretation of events, in which Obama is "happy to know people are pushing him to keep his promises," well, you go right ahead! Heck, maybe I am being oversensitive, with the White House stalling on "Don't Ask Don't Tell" and whatnot. But, I'll point out, again, that Obama's "I don't know what promise" quip drew "laughter" from the people at the fundraiser. Who do you think the White House feels an obligation to? The protesters outside that fill Obama's heart with such GOLLYDARNED happiness to be reminded of his obligations? Or the people who paid $30,400 to hear him josh about them? Good luck answering that question!

[sojourner]

There is a large selection of promises he didn’t deliver on to choose from.

[mack20]

I'll actually let HuffPost respond.

I was providing a larger quote to make a judgment on. I was actually just researching to try and find a full transcript somewhere but haven't had any luck yet. I think most of the time when we judge a singular quote without even reading the rest of the paragraph we do ourselves a disservice. Sometimes the remaining sentences bear out our original conclusion, sometimes they don't, but at least we were more informed in the interpretation.

[Spang]

There is a large selection of promises he didn’t deliver on to choose from.

He's not done yet.

[Ikasu]

I was providing a larger quote to make a judgment on. I was actually just researching to try and find a full transcript somewhere but haven't had any luck yet. I think most of the time when we judge a singular quote without even reading the rest of the paragraph we do ourselves a disservice. Sometimes the remaining sentences bear out our original conclusion, sometimes they don't, but at least we were more informed in the interpretation.

Okay, based on the quote you found, what is your interpretation?

[mack20]

Okay, based on the quote you found, what is your interpretation?


Based on that, and the video of the event, it's didn't seem like he was trying to attack the Prop 8 protesters or their cause. If we're going ahead with that HuffPost link and the subsequent link through, this information was on LAist:

One will address the war and the other, Prop 8. At 3:30 and until 5 p.m., activists from CODEPINK and ANSWER LA will protest troops in Afghanistan and war funding outside the Beverly Hilton, where President Obama is attending a Democratic National Committee fundraiser. Then at 6 p.m., the Courage Campaign is organizing one about Prop 8. "Let's take this opportunity, just one day after the CA Supreme Court makes its decision on Proposition 8, to show our President our support for his daring promise to our community and to highlight the growing movement towards FULL FEDERAL EQUALITY," their website says.

Perhaps we'd have a better idea if there was a full transcript, so I'll certainly keep looking for that as well.

[Ikasu]

Based on that, and the video of the event, it's didn't seem like he was trying to attack the Prop 8 protesters or their cause. If we're going ahead with that HuffPost link and the subsequent link through, this information was on LAist:


Attack is a strong word. More like ignore. He's ignoring the issue and its supporters.

[mack20]

And if you watch this video on youtube, the group chanting "Obama, keep your promise" was the Armenian Youth Federation regarding the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Although it's entirely possible that the Prop 8 protesters chanted the same thing (I haven't heard the "Obama, keep your promise" chant at any past Prop 8 protests though).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvOTxWiFdMU

[mack20]

Attack is a strong word. More like ignore. He's ignoring the issue and its supporters.

I'll agree with the fact that he's been silent on the issue. Part of me understands the political posturing of it and being an Obama supporter I'm sure I'm more likely to give it a bit more time than most of the rest of you. I have, however, been very disappointed that gay rights haven't been addressed thus far. And I will be very disappointed in and upset by Obama if they aren't addressed in the coming months.

[sojourner]

Based on that, and the video of the event, it's didn't seem like he was trying to attack the Prop 8 protesters or their cause. If we're going ahead with that HuffPost link and the subsequent link through, this information was on LAist:

Perhaps we'd have a better idea if there was a full transcript, so I'll certainly keep looking for that as well.

It is hard to tell from what has been posted here, but my first impression was that he was trying to be humorous and at his own expense.

[mack20]

It is hard to tell from what has been posted here, but my first impression was that he was trying to be humorous and at his own expense.

I agree with that.

[Jobu86]

I'll agree with the fact that he's been silent on the issue. Part of me understands the political posturing of it and being an Obama supporter I'm sure I'm more likely to give it a bit more time than most of the rest of you. I have, however, been very disappointed that gay rights haven't been addressed thus far. And I will be very disappointed in and upset by Obama if they aren't addressed in the coming months.

I'll agree with this. This issue has been my biggest disappointment from Obama so far and I definitely wish he would stop being silent on it.

[VotingHillary]

I'll agree with this. This issue has been my biggest disappointment from Obama so far and I definitely wish he would stop being silent on it.

And I feel he is going to continue to stay silent on it. Wish I worked at the State Department where a real leader has taken this issue head-on.

[Laura Cereta]

You know what? I'm really, really tired of people making excuses for Obama. I could read them in this thread but I'll post the very first comment on PuffPo:


Since when does Jason Linkins rely on the NYT reporter for accurate info? Obama wasn't taking a swipe at gay people at all -- he was talking about how many promises he still has to keep.


And then, of course, a few comments down... this:


Jason, this is a hyperbolic blog entry. Saying that Obama's making light of the protesters is a bit excessive. I have to wonder if we had a white dude for president would you be riding him as much as you're riding Obama after only four months in office.


"Obama meant... blah, blah, blah... and you're only questioning him because you're a racist."

Seriously. It's old. His comments were inappropriate. In combination with his actions, there is no evidence on which to base a rational conclusion that Obama gives a damn about gay rights. None.

[VotingHillary]

You know what? I'm really, really tired of people making excuses for Obama. I could read them in this thread but I'll post the very first comment on PuffPo:



And then, of course, a few comments down... this:



"Obama meant... blah, blah, blah... and you're only questioning him because you're a racist."

Seriously. It's old. His comments were inappropriate. In combination with his actions, there is no evidence on which to base a rational conclusion that Obama gives a damn about gay rights. None.

And note they are turning on the NYT...or as I like to call that purported newspaper...Obama central.

[mack20]

You know what? I'm really, really tired of people making excuses for Obama. I could read them in this thread but I'll post the very first comment on PuffPo:



And then, of course, a few comments down... this:



"Obama meant... blah, blah, blah... and you're only questioning him because you're a racist."

Seriously. It's old. His comments were inappropriate. In combination with his actions, there is no evidence on which to base a rational conclusion that Obama gives a damn about gay rights. None.

Saying he's being questioned because the author is racist is ridiculous. But it doesn't change the fact that it doesn't appear that the protesters Obama was referring to had anything to do with gay rights.

[Spang]

Seriously. It's old. His comments were inappropriate. In combination with his actions, there is no evidence on which to base a rational conclusion that Obama gives a damn about gay rights. None.

So, what are us Obama supporters supposed to do? Bend over and take it up the pooper? I'm going to continue to defend Obama. I'm sure if this were an anti-Hillary forum, or as anti-Hillary as this forum is anti-Obama, you'd be defending her, too. And how would you feel if when you defended her, someone came along and posted that they were really getting tired of people making excuses for Hillary?

[NativeSun]

Gay rights is above his pay grade.

Excellent!:thumbsup:

Once again, Obama could do (or say) the right thing but chooses not to. Does he not realize how passionate these people are about their cause? But I will give him credit: what promise did he actually make to gays?

[Suzan]

It's hard to believe he wasn't briefed about which protestors were there. His security people probably had their SS#s. But I don't think he was intentionally dissing the gay protest. I suspect he wanted to acknowledge the protest without getting into the politics of it, which in hindsight, was the wrong thing to do. Salt in the wound.

And Spang, of course you should defend Obama, maybe just not so ... reflexively? ;)

[Laura Cereta]

Saying he's being questioned because the author is racist is ridiculous. But it doesn't change the fact that it doesn't appear that the protesters Obama was referring to had anything to do with gay rights.

Fine, I'll amend my post: There is no credible evidence that Obama gives a damn about the LGBT community or the Armenian community.

And what are we saying-- that making jokes about breaking a promise to publicly recognize the Armenian Genocide is better???

[Laura Cereta]

So, what are us Obama supporters supposed to do? Bend over and take it up the pooper? I'm going to continue to defend Obama. I'm sure if this were an anti-Hillary forum, or as anti-Hillary as this forum is anti-Obama, you'd be defending her, too. And how would you feel if when you defended her, someone came along and posted that they were really getting tired of people making excuses for Hillary?

I like the saying, "If no wrong has been committed, then no defense is needed; if a wrong has been committed, then there is no defense."

I'd have to look at whether I was in fact making excuses for Hillary if that were the case. There are times I've been disappointed in Hillary's decisions and I've said as much. I'll use several examples: I never attempted to defend Hillary's exaggeration/lie about sniper fire. I was outspoken in my disagreement of Hillary putting human rights on the back burner in her first trip to China as SoS. I don't like all the selling/renting of her campaign e-mail list. I HATED all her campaigning for Obama after the primaries. I have always disagreed with her on universal healthcare. Those are just a few examples. Feel free to check the archives for verification.

[mack20]

Fine, I'll amend my post: There is no credible evidence that Obama gives a damn about the LGBT community or the Armenian community.

And what are we saying-- that making jokes about breaking a promise to publicly recognize the Armenian Genocide is better???

No. My entire point was that there were, by my count, at least 4 different groups protesting very different things outside the Beverly Hilton. The protester chanting "Obama, keep your promise" was chanting just that. Not "Obama, keep your promise to recognize the Armenian Genocide". He says in the speech that he heard the tag line but wasn't sure what they were protesting. How is he supposed to know which promise they were chanting about if he wasn't sure which cause they were protesting? He was saying that he agrees that a president should keep his promises. How did this even turn into a hate Obama free for all?

[Spang]

No. My entire point was that there were, by my count, at least 4 different groups protesting very different things outside the Beverly Hilton. The protester chanting "Obama, keep your promise" was chanting just that. Not "Obama, keep your promise to recognize the Armenian Genocide". He says in the speech that he heard the tag line but wasn't sure what they were protesting. How is he supposed to know which promise they were chanting about if he wasn't sure which cause they were protesting? He was saying that he agrees that a president should keep his promises. How did this even turn into a hate Obama free for all?

And we have a winner! :thumbsup:

[Laura Cereta]

No. My entire point was that there were, by my count, at least 4 different groups protesting very different things outside the Beverly Hilton. The protester chanting "Obama, keep your promise" was chanting just that. Not "Obama, keep your promise to recognize the Armenian Genocide". He says in the speech that he heard the tag line but wasn't sure what they were protesting. How is he supposed to know which promise they were chanting about if he wasn't sure which cause they were protesting? He was saying that he agrees that a president should keep his promises. How did this even turn into a hate Obama free for all?

I would guess because of the sensitive nature of the protest. Obama was obviously not making a studious observation; he was making a joke (or was the entire audience just laughing at an inappropriate time?). This was not Obama mentioning in serious reflection how important it was to keep his promises, even if it's completely true that he could not tell which promise was being referred to; this, again, was him making light of issues that have ripped people's hearts out.

This is not about hating Obama. I'm just calling it the way I see it. His comments, whether technically true or not, were not appropriate or sensitive. He messed up. It's not a terrible mistake that will ruin his legacy or anything, but that doesn't mean he wasn't wrong and there's just no excuse for it.

[mack20]

I would guess because of the sensitive nature of the protest. Obama was obviously not making a studious observation; he was making a joke (or was the entire audience just laughing at an inappropriate time?). This was not Obama mentioning in serious reflection how important it was to keep his promises, even if it's completely true that he could not tell which promise was being referred to; this, again, was him making light of issues that have ripped people's hearts out.

This is not about hating Obama. I'm just calling it the way I see it. His comments, whether technically true or not, were not appropriate or sensitive. He messed up. It's not a terrible mistake that will ruin his legacy or anything, but that doesn't mean he wasn't wrong and there's just no excuse for it.

We clearly disagree. I just rewatched the video and I still see nothing wrong with what he said.

http://www.politico.com/singletitlevideo.html?bcpid=1155201977&bctid=24514900001

I would love to see if this comment lead into a larger discussion on keeping promises, but I have not yet found any transcript of the event, unfortunately.

[Laura Cereta]

We clearly disagree. I just rewatched the video and I still see nothing wrong with what he said.

http://www.politico.com/singletitlevideo.html?bcpid=1155201977&bctid=24514900001

I would love to see if this comment lead into a larger discussion on keeping promises, but I have not yet found any transcript of the event, unfortunately.

Watching the actual footage, I see that the comment comes across more benign in video then it appeared in writing. I agree that we will have to agree to disagree on this, though. :) I still think the comment was in bad taste.

[CGP]

Well, it really is quite possible he didn't know who the group/s of protesters were or which "promises" they were referring to. He did make a lot of promises to many different people/groups so it's not surprising he has lost track of them all! So I don't think it's such a big deal.

On a general note, however, Obama's performance in relation to "gay rights" issues during his new presidency thus far gets a massive "fail". But his silence (as though gays don't exist) is far better than outspoken opposition (which is what you'd get if a Republican was in power right now).

It's all very depressing if you are gay and would like to live in a society where equality for gay people is a standard expectation and the norm. Ah, not in the USA!

[NativeSun]

Well, it really is quite possible he didn't know who the group/s of protesters were or which "promises" they were referring to. He did make a lot of promises to many different people/groups so it's not surprising he has lost track of them all! So I don't think it's such a big deal.

On a general note, however, Obama's performance in relation to "gay rights" issues during his new presidency thus far gets a massive "fail". But his silence (as though gays don't exist) is far better than outspoken opposition (which is what you'd get if a Republican was in power right now).

It's all very depressing if you are gay and would like to live in a society where equality for gay people is a standard expectation and the norm. Ah, not in the USA!

What evidence do you have that John McCain would treat gays worse than Obama? In fact, when AZ Rep. Kolbe came out of the closet, John McCain was one of the first persons to come to his defense. For that matter, what evidence do you have that Sarah Palin would be that way either. Remember, her best friend is gay. They do have them up in Alaska.