Obama news conference: 'What do you think?'
In one of the sharpest exchanges during his news conference, Fox News Channel’s Major Garret noted that President Obama said he was appalled by the violence in Iran and bluntly asked, “What took you so long?” to use the type of tough language the president used today on Iran.
Obama defended his new harsh phrasing but insisted he hadn’t really changed his position.
"We have been entirely consistent," he said and outlined his previous statements that included language favoring the protesters’ rights for dissent while insisting that it was up to Iran to solve its own problems.
The U.S. concern remains stopping Iran’s nuclear program, which Obama called a core issue.
Later, he was asked if harsh comments by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) on Iran inspired him to make similar remarks.
He smiled. “What do you think?” he said, prompting laughs from the press corps.
-– Michael Muskal
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Photo: Karin Cooper / Associated Press
Exacto, Iran can take care of Iran...
Posted by: El Guapo | June 23, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Obama, did the right thing.and at the right moment. But the world also needs to follow Obama's comments about Iran.
Posted by: Bad Planning | June 23, 2009 at 10:59 AM
We need more Anti-food laws instead of Anti-Smoking laws, Foods kill more Americans, more addictive, and more unhealthy than cigarettes will ever be.
Posted by: Glen | June 23, 2009 at 11:33 AM
The media-Obama love affair is starting to be over.
Even the slobbering left wing main media are starting to see that the Emperor has no clothes.
His strategy on foreign affairs? Speak softly, and if challenged, speak softer. Lose the big stick.
His strategy on domestic affairs? Big government is the answer to all your problems, and don't worry who is going to pay for it - it will be someone else, not you. They can afford it.
Problems and Honeymoon enders: America does not want to "Change" itself into the failed concept of European socialism and an accelerating decline of the Achievement orientation. Keynesian economics never have worked anywhere. Obama's policies are in many cases different than what he promised.
When will the LA Times begin to be more objective about this President?
During the week of its last issue before going down into the dust bin of newspaper history ...
Mirabile Dictu.
Posted by: Robert | June 23, 2009 at 11:44 AM
The reason Obama didn't have a response sooner was his teleprompter was down for about a week.
Posted by: Dissentery | June 23, 2009 at 04:46 PM