Nev. Gov. Jim Gibbons vs Obama: Episode IV "The Missing Handshake"

Of course, everyone remembers several episodes of economic outrage ago when Democratic President Barack Obama was so outraged that TARPed bankers would think they could go to Las Vegas on taxpayer money.

And Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman got all angry in a civic booster kind of how-dare-you-way. And so did Nevada's Gov. Jim Gibbons. Who's a Republican, btw.

And then when it came out recently that Obama was going to Las Vegas himself on the taxpayer's Air Force One to raise millions in private campaign money for amicability-challenged fellow Democrat Harry Reid, Gibbons asked for a meeting with the president to plead the gambling state's citizen tourism case.

And the White House scheduler could simply not find any room for the two to meet, even though Obama is staying overnight on the Strip. And the governor, who has his other troubles, said Hmmphh.

No, actually, he said Hmmphh!

Well, it turns out, as noted by ubiquitous Nevada journalist Jon Ralston, the White House has now offered Gibbons a place in the row of dignitaries offering Obama obeissance and welcoming handshakes at the Las Vegas airport Tuesday afternoon.

And now the governor, who says he wants an apology and a retraction of the TARP comment, can't find room in his schedule for such a useless gesture amid the taxiing jetliners in the hot desert winds.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY, GOVERNOR?"

"I SAID, 'WE REALLY NEED THE TOURISM BUSINESS HERE IN NEVADA, MR. PRESIDENT!'"

"WHAT?"

-- Andrew Malcolm

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Photo: Getty Images (Nevada).

Comments

[Chet Huntley]

Gov Gibbons has every right to be peeved at Obama. Obama's arrogance is bordering narcissism.

[Greg]

Lets see, Nevada Gov Jim Gibbons asks to see the president, the presidents people said "sorry, but you are not important enough to visit even though we are staying overnight in your state" and you want Gibbons to say what?

Then there is the "Who's a Republican, btw." comment. Get over it Dem's. I personally wish that Gibbons would have spat on the person who told him that he wasn't important enough to meet with.

If this writer knew anything, they would be writing about why the president spends millions flying around the country to hold press conferences, speeches, etc... All on "The Taxpayer Dime". If he wants to fly to Nevada to raise money for Harry Reid, then he should fly Southwest on his own dime, and rent out private security, on his own dime. This trip has nothing to do with what the president should be doing. So, why are we paying for it?

Then this writer goes on about polls? What are the favorable poll numbers for our senate? our house of representatives? How about for Harry Reid?

If you want to start blasting people with information, then make the information accurate and non-biased. Isn't that the job of the News?

To all of the readers out there:
When you take words like these, and make them your own opinion by simply reciting what morons like this have to say, why would any of you expect any "change"?

[Shirley]

Dear Gov. Gibbons:
I am so proud of you for standing up to your values and fighting for the people of Nevada. obama doesn't have a clue how to work with people when they object to his decisions. I just hope more political heads of government will take the stand you are taking now. Who needs to stand in line with the likes of obama.
Hurray for you.

[cynthia]

One of the party's requirements, Repub Presidents do it too.
Just so folks realize - Vegas was already something like 11% down in tourism business from Jan. '08 to Jan. '09 before President Obama was sworn into office. The gov. made it sound like it was Obama's fault. Pleeeesssse.

When companies that were bankrupt of their own money and already had received bucket loads from Pres. Bush were giving out huge bonuses, business booster trips to their employees to Vegas, golfing in Scotland, tickets to the Super Bowl, etc., Pres. Obama was right to call them out.

He wasn't talking about other companies that 'hadn't' received Tarp on their company trips. DUH, Gov. Gibbons.

Who cares if he doesn't want to shake the Pres. hand?

.