KHH1

**Obama did not "tear" into no one.....he is a cool, calm guy...he looked kind of amazed (subtly) that the guy would even ask such a question. He answered the question. He also did what no other President has been known to do...even asked/almost dared for additional questions.....also said that he wishes anyone out in the politcal realm would come forward with alternatives.....and if they think war is the alternative, man-up and be honest, and then the dialogue would continue. This article insinuates that "angry black man" right-wing stereotype....watch the press conference....and you'll see the difference between that and this article.....'sigh'


Obama tears into reporter for asking about Americans imprisoned in Iran

By T. Becket Adams•7/15/15 3:00 PM
President Obama was displeased Wednesday afternoon when a reporter asked him how the White House could celebrate its nuclear deal with Tehran when four Americans are languishing in Iranian captivity.

CBS News' Major Garrett questioned the president during a scheduled White House press briefing on the Obama administration's recently announced nuclear deal with Iran.

"As you well know there are four Americans in Iran. Three held on trumped-up charges, according to your administration, and one whereabouts unknown," he said, referring to Christian pastor Saeed Abedini, retired U.S. Marine Amir Hekmati, Washington Post Tehran bureau chief Jason Rezaian and former FBI agent Robert Levinson, who went missing in Iran years ago.

Garrett continued, "Can you tell the country, sir, why you are content with all the fanfare around this deal to leave the conscience of this nation, the strength of this nation, unaccounted for in relation to these four Americans?"


The president at first seemed at a loss for words, but eventually responded to the CBS News reporter with criticism.

"I got to give you credit, Major, for how you craft those questions. The notion that I am content as I celebrate with American citizens languishing in Iranian jails — Major, that's nonsense and you should know better," Obama said.

"I've met with the families of some of those folks. Nobody's content," he added.

Garret responded to the president's criticism after the briefing, explaining that he intended to be "provocative."

"Sometimes you have to take a scolding from a president to get to an answer," he said during a CBS News live report. "That's part of my job."

"Politics, especially those elected as president, are very adept at creating straw men … that's exactly what the president did," he added. "Clearly it struck a nerve. That was my intention. Was it provocative? Yes. Was it intended to be as such? Absolutely."

Garrett added that he found it odd that the White House agreed to a deal that does nothing for the four imprisoned Americans, even as the administration has said repeatedly that it's not "content" with leaving them behind.

The deal struck between the United States and Iran, the product of some 20 months of negotiations, has the United States agreeing to ease economic sanctions in return for guarantees that the state sponsor of terrorism will pursue nuclear power for peaceful purposes only.

The agreement does not, however, do anything for the four imprisoned Americans.

Secretary of State Jon Kerry conceded as much this week when he said in reference to the deal announced Tuesday, "[W]e continue to call on Iran to immediately release the detained U.S. citizens. These Americans have remained in our thoughts throughout this negotiation, and we will continue to work for their safe and their swift return. And we urge Iran to bring our missing Americans home as well."

Super Dave Loc: Realville, USA

You're right.

I don't think he 'tore into him' either.

He was just his usual smug smartass self, just like any other time someone dares to disagree with him.

working class stiff Loc: N. Carolina

Isn't that typical of anyone who has to make decisions? Once the options have been weighed, and decisions made very few of us project self doubt about those decisions.

That's what makes 'the decider'.

Super Dave Loc: Realville, USA

No, it's not typical.

You never need to be a smart ass if you in the right.

The Obama admin announced weeks ago that they would not even attempt to link the freedom of the American hostages with a deal that will give Iran about $Billions of dollars.

That's right. They wouldn't even try.

Obama was a smart-ass because he couldn't give a sensible answer.

nwtk2007 Loc: Texas

All the conservative commentators were bloviating all over themselves. Exaggerate is a kind word for their i***tic comments. I wonder if they know how stupid they sound. Limbaugh too. They have ZERO honesty.

nwtk2007 Loc: Texas

Its exactly what drove enough v**ers away from both Romney and McCain and virtually handed Obama the e******n.

Super Dave Loc: Realville, USA

You mean unlike Obama?

Please...

nwtk2007 Loc: Texas

Obama was calm as a cucumber dude.

Please, insert hand up ass, grasp hair, pull head out of ass.

no propaganda please Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: you are SO Right :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

JMHO Loc: Utah

Bingo!

Super Dave Loc: Realville, USA

I didn't say he wasn't a calm smartass, I just said he was a smartass.


Dude?

JMHO Loc: Utah

I think you need a new pair of knee pads, pal...you keep servicing Obama so much. Only a moron like yourself would state Obama was as cool as a cucumber in that exchange...you either didn't see the exchange, or you were too busy putting your knee pads back on.

oldroy Loc: Western Kansas (No longer in hiding)

I didn't notice how cool Obama was but maybe I just don't like him. YEAH.

I did some looking around and soon found this support for Garrett and it is from CNN, that place you seldom find support for people like Major. Have a ball, y'all.

http://www.mediaite.com/tv/cnns-acosta-defends-major-garrett-slamming-reporters-wont-solve-obama-deals-weakness/

JMHO Loc: Utah

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: Kibbles and ntwk2007 won't like that. :D

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

I think you're right Oldroy. Most opinions have only to do with people's partisan likes or dislikes of the politician involved in any news story. I clearly remember Dan Rather or Sam Donaldson, among others, catching the same criticism whenever they challenged presidents with questions. The fact that Major Garret worked for FOX years before going to CBS garnered him some support for this incident. Personally, I want and expect the press to challenge any president...that's their job. It was, BTW, one of the longest press conferences in recent memory.

Historically speaking, most presidents could have walked across the Atlantic to the eastern seaboard only to have his critics scream 'the S.O.B. can't even swim!' As Harry Truman used to repeat, 'If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.' Call him calm or arrogant...President Obama handled himself well at this particular conference. Americans are entitled to agree or disagree with his answers/explanations as they choose. :wink: