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Obama's First News Conference

By Jeralyn, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 06:21:47 PM EST
Tags: Barack Obama, Economy (all tags)
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The transcript is here. Did any of you watch it? I just saw a clip on the local news and his face was so shiny. I guess the first thing he discontinued after the election is his makeup artist. He needs powder.

As for content, he proposed a new economic stimulus plan. A new report is out that the U.S. lost 240,000 jobs in October and unemployment is at 6.5%, its highest since 1994.

More than 10 million people are now jobless, actively seeking work but unable to find it, a number that has spiked by 2.8 million over the past year.

President Bush also had a statement today, telling people to be patient, relief will take time.

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    Obama's First News Conference | 48 comments (48 topical)

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    I Am Very Excited (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by squeaky on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 06:32:19 PM EST
    Not sure why as I never expect much from Pols, but this time around I am truly excited to have Obama as Prez...

    I saw it and, like Squeaky, was truly excited (5.00 / 0) (#4)
    by barryluda on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 06:35:28 PM EST
    It's so refreshing to listen to a President (OK, a President-Elect) who clearly has a deep understanding of the issues and a first class  mind.

    That's good. (5.00 / 1) (#13)
    by robert72 on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 08:00:56 PM EST
    See Obama's new website.
    I am happy that you no longer care about universal health care.
    http://change.gov/agenda/healthcare
    No bargaining with the drug companies for lower drug costs.
    Tax credits. As if that will help people without coverage.

    Parent
    This actually looks closer to (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by BrianJ on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 10:28:51 PM EST
    John McCain's stated health care plan.

    I honestly wonder if the thought process in Obamaland is UHC = Clinton idea =  Kill it with fire?  If so, blind anti-Clintonism will wipe out the next four years the way it did the last eight.

    Parent

    Here's something that I'm starting to see (none / 0) (#31)
    by ding7777 on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 11:35:46 PM EST
    where I live. A local(?) health provider is also a predominant employer of doctors/hospitals, so with each new hospital acqusition, more and more doctors do not accept competitive insurance.

    You can still use the doctor "you of choice" but you must pay all fees up front and then try to get your insurance to pay a lower prevailing fee/out-of-network cost.

     So after paying up front fees and deductables, you're lucky if you get anywhere near 40% reimbursed.

    Parent

    My comment was about intelligence and knowledge (none / 0) (#15)
    by barryluda on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 09:48:53 PM EST
    Both of which, I think, have been lacking in our President for the last eight years.  Your point, about policy, and healthcase in particular, is true and disappointing but I think outweighed by Obama's positives.

    I disagree with Bush's policies, and find Obama's much better, albeit not perfect.  We'll have to wait and see if Obama is a total disappointment to progressives, but compared to what we could have gotten in McCain/Palin, I'm relieved.  No, I'm thrilled.

    Parent

    Agree about the face thing (5.00 / 0) (#5)
    by Lil on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 06:39:32 PM EST
    but oh, what a relief to see him up there speaking. Somenoe who is intelligent and curious and sober. Loved him referring to himself as a mutt; at first I gasped a little and then thought whu the heck not? The world's depending on him.

    Many people refer to ourselves as mutts (none / 0) (#9)
    by nycstray on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 07:01:40 PM EST
    me, I have 4 nationalities in my background. Been referring to myself as a mutt since forever.

    Parent
    Me too.... (none / 0) (#45)
    by kdog on Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 09:45:13 AM EST
    standard breed American mutt.

    You're the animal expert stray...don't mutts tend to be healthier than pure breeds?...:)

    Parent

    Depends (none / 0) (#47)
    by nycstray on Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 10:10:16 PM EST
    if the genetics are bad, they're just bad. You see lab mixes and such with the same hip problems, deaf Dal mixes etc. Then those mixes pass it on down. Also, when comparing pures to mutts, it depends on which purebred pool you're looking at. Puppymills and Backyard breeder produced dogs are more likely to have genetic issues vs those that show and work their dogs. Those breeders care about the breed and test etc upfront. They say Dal deafness is anywhere from about 5% up to 20%. Educated guess would put the 5% with the ethical/responsible breeders and the 20% with the others. Cancer prone breeds generally have the breeders participating in studies (and only breeding tested dog lines). Same with other prominent breed health issues in breeds. For Dals it's not just hearing, but stone forming. They just announced that they have isolated the gene mutation that causes Dals to form stones (they are all born stone formers), and this was just one of 3 active studies that I'm aware of the Dal club is participating in/following. Some never develop stones (but the majority have crystals/grit) and others can be controlled by diet. Then there's the group that are aggressive formers. More of a problem with males, but as they age, equal opportunity kidney issues. Testing will be available Dec 1st {happy dance!} so breeders will have a test to help when pairing breedings. I'll test my shelter Dal as I have no history on her and I would love to know where she falls in the pattern. Most of the Dal owners I know of feed as if our dogs are stone formers. And worry as they get older about their kidneys etc. My girl may have some mix in her, so she could turn out to be a non-issue :)

    Ok, more info than you wanted! I'm excited about the UC Davis release this week  :) Bottom line, a well bred dog with a history is a good bet, and a shelter mutt could also be a good bet (dilution of certain issues). I'm the either crap shoot with a shelter dog, or find an excellent breeder type of person. Both are good options. Pet store and BYB (money maker)dogs, generally asking for issues. Same with cats. I have a desire to raise one puppy. That will prob end up being from a breeder, but otherwise, you'll just see me with shelters and strays (and a feral cat or 2, lol!~)  ;)

    Parent

    I was impressed (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by Carolyn in Baltimore on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 07:11:22 PM EST
    Not only can he talk and explain the issues and what needs doing. He actually answered real questions and didn't have to lie.
    I'm just not used to this.
    My first reaction: he's not Predzidential. Thank the Goddess!

    I don't think he has to fly one in (none / 0) (#2)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 06:29:02 PM EST
    Every city has them -- at a fraction of what McCain and Palin's cost.

    He should have his own makeup by now (none / 0) (#8)
    by nycstray on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 06:58:53 PM EST
    the guys I knew who went in front of cameras often did  ;)

    And from what I saw of the costs, not outrageous.

    Parent

    is that so hard to do? (none / 0) (#6)
    by wasabi on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 06:53:12 PM EST
    I'd loan him my compact.

    Saw It and Was Impressed By... (none / 0) (#7)
    by santarita on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 06:56:40 PM EST
    how he handled questions.  He can actually form a complete sentence unlike the current resident of the White House.

    But other than trotting out his economic advisors, I wasn't sure why he called the presser.  He didn't really have anything new or exciting to say other than that the economy is in deep trouble and it will take a long time to fix.

    Obama is now representing the United States (none / 0) (#11)
    by ding7777 on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 07:23:21 PM EST
    not just himself; and in that capacity he should have refrained from the Nancy Reagan bit (just imagine some future President dissing Michelle).

    But like most folks here, it was actually a pleasure to hear him speak whole sentences that made sense.

    The questioner asked (none / 0) (#12)
    by samtaylor2 on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 07:45:44 PM EST
    Which live presidents has he talked to.  I think he got a little cute with the answer, and then realized it was a mistake.

    He apologized.  I think it opened up dialogue between him and her so he can get her valuable advice on drug policy.

    Parent

    Good that he apologized to her (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by ding7777 on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 11:15:00 PM EST
    insult humor is not wit

    Parent
    How many times (none / 0) (#35)
    by Natal on Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 12:18:32 AM EST
    has Obama apologized to someone for something he said in the past year?  There's a bit of nastiness there. I don't know if this personality trait is indicative of some deeper level issue but I hope not. I'm starting to get nervous whenever I hear him doing off-the-cuff speaking.

    Parent
    Per AP, Obama called Nancy (none / 0) (#16)
    by oculus on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 09:51:45 PM EST
    Reagan to apologize.  Then the same article went off on Hillary Clinton, who some biographer sd. used an intermediary to "talk" to Eleanor Roosevelt.  

    Parent
    Heh, it was described here as (none / 0) (#17)
    by nycstray on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 10:06:06 PM EST
    "and then he put his foot in his mouth".

    Parent
    Actually... (none / 0) (#40)
    by lentinel on Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 07:07:52 AM EST
    I think that it was Hillary Clinton that spoke of having imaginary conversations with Eleanor Roosevelt.

    As I understand it, Nancy Reagan just believed in astrology, not communing with the departed.

    Parent

    Now... where have I heard that before...? (none / 0) (#14)
    by lentinel on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 09:33:29 PM EST
    Obama at today's press conference:

    "Iran's development of a nuclear weapon I believe is unacceptable. And we have to mount a international effort to prevent that from happening.

    Iran's support of terrorist organizations I think is something that has to cease".

    Or - was that McCain's press conference?

    This probably won't help your frame of (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by oculus on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 10:25:03 PM EST
    mind, although it is labeled as "speculative."  Why not just keep Bush or put in McCain?

    AP

    Parent

    I hope (none / 0) (#39)
    by lentinel on Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 07:05:51 AM EST
    I hope that the answer to your question is that there will be a difference once Obama is sworn in.

    That's what everyone has been hoping as Obama said and did things during the campaign that were as reactionary as the opposition. We all just wanted Bush and his successor out.

    But we need a break and some fresh air.

    Also - the "left" blogosphere has been saying all along - as Obama voted for FISA and the like -  that once he was elected we need to apply pressure. I hope that once the euphoria has subsided and the reality sets in that we will start to apply that pressure.

    Blogs have been taking credit for Obama's win.

    "We" won - they say.
    I will admit that I am not so sure.
    All those millions for his campaign didn't come from Moms' and Pops' piggy banks as they would have us believe.

    But we will find out.
    If "we" in fact had the power to elect him, then "we" should have the power to see that he starts to abandon the mantras of the Bush years and begins to act as a progressive.

    Parent

    I hope also. (none / 0) (#49)
    by oculus on Mon Nov 10, 2008 at 10:26:40 AM EST
    But my hope is shaken by possible Sec'y of Defense Gates, possible Sec'y of State Kerry, and actual FBI Chief Mueller. I'm also bummed by Feinstein as Sen. Intelligence Committee chair, as I very much disagreed with her vote on FISA.  

    Parent
    Once upon a time (none / 0) (#30)
    by Steve M on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 11:29:40 PM EST
    it made a difference whether people talked about military action or simply diplomatic pressure.  I get the sense we're not doing that sort of nuance any more.

    Obama is also not the President yet and it seemed like he was being very careful not to signal any shift in US foreign policy that he's not yet in a position to decree.  But either way, working collectively with the international community to pressure Iran is not the same thing as singing about bombing them.

    Parent

    Will one of Obama's advisors please (none / 0) (#18)
    by Radiowalla on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 10:21:02 PM EST
    tell him to watch his grammar?  Obama said he was pleased that President Bush had invited "Michelle and I to the White House."
    OK, I'm a grouch, but after so many years of listening to Bush mangle the English language, it would be nice to hear good grammar for a change.

    Did you like the front of the (none / 0) (#20)
    by oculus on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 10:26:02 PM EST
    podium:  Office of President Elect

    Parent
    Seriously, what's with (none / 0) (#42)
    by Spamlet on Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 09:22:52 AM EST
    that "Office of the President-Elect" thingy? Didn't they learn their lesson with the rollout last summer of the Great Opossum Seal? Makes him look like a wanker. He needs to lose it. We all know who he is.

    Parent
    My thoughts also (none / 0) (#48)
    by oculus on Sun Nov 09, 2008 at 07:47:40 PM EST


    Parent
    Lol. The guy was a Constitutional law prof (none / 0) (#21)
    by Joelarama on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 10:26:43 PM EST
    at U. of Chicago.  I'm sure he would never have made that mistake in a considered, written statement.

    We've both had our reservations about Obama, but I have unreserved faith that he will be a far better steward of the language, not to mention the Constitution, than George W. Bush!

    Ironically, Obama's "and I" mistake is usually a pitfall of someone who is making an effort to use proper language, but comes up short (here, I'm sure it's unusual).  Bush, on the other hand, seems purposeful about mangling it.

    Parent

    Oh, yes (none / 0) (#26)
    by Radiowalla on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 11:16:09 PM EST
    Obama is friggin' Shakespeare compared to GWB!  Obama speaks beautiful English and actually expresses coherent thoughts.  What a relief it is to have a president who can string two sentences together without tripping on his tongue.

    Bush has been downright proud of his ignorance, purposefully mispronouncing NUKULAR so that we can all understand that he is the boss and doesn't give a crap.  

    My comment about Obama's grammar mistake was a mere quibble.

    Parent

    I know. I was tickled that you noticed it. nt (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by Joelarama on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 11:17:51 PM EST


    Parent
    This has been argued about before, but, no, he was (none / 0) (#28)
    by magnetics on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 11:23:02 PM EST
    not a professor of Constitutional Law at U. of Chicago; he was a professorial lecturer, and anyone who graduated from Chicago knows that makes a real difference.  I did my graduate work in the Biosiciences division there, and when we had guest lectures, the affiliations of the speakers were noted with attention, as in 'Professor of Chemistry, Northwestern University", or (case in point)  "Abbott Labs, and Professorial Lecturer in Chemistry, U. of Chicago."  The latter designation is emphatically not that of a professor.

    That said, Obama is manifestly a smart guy, and I have hopes.  I was/am a strong Hillary supporter, and almost PUMA, who planned to sit out this election; but Palin scared me so badly I voted for Obama in the end (as I have the Democratic ticket in every presidential election since McGovern.)

    I still visit a major PUMA site (riverdaughter), but they have made themselves ludicrous in defending the indefensible (Palin), and claiming she's actually qualified to lead this country.  Whew!  The company one keeps, sometimes....

    I will say this, on the downside.  I have never, until this presidential election, conceived a visceral dislike for the Democratic contender; but I am now in the mode of hopefully waiting to see.

    Parent

    Yes, covered ground (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by KeysDan on Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 01:47:19 PM EST
    but Mr. Obama was Lecturer (full-time) from 1992 to 1996. After elected to the Illinois State Senate he was Senior Lecturer (fractional-time) until elected U.S .Senator in 2004.  Senior Lecturer is a prestigious, often voluntary, appointment usually given to distinguished members of the profession (at that time, for example, Federal Judge Richard Posner was among Senior Lecturers.)   However, neither appointment is that of a (full) professor.

    Parent
    All right. I went to Cornell Law School. (none / 0) (#29)
    by Joelarama on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 11:26:25 PM EST
    We don't have lecturers, or didn't when I was there, in non-clinical courses.

    I assumed that when he "taught" ConLaw he was a professor of some kind.

    But the point still stands:  he's an intelligent fellow.

    Parent

    Agreed; and that is my hope. (none / 0) (#37)
    by magnetics on Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 02:26:17 AM EST


    Parent
    I used to visit pro-Hillary sites (none / 0) (#32)
    by Radiowalla on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 11:35:47 PM EST
    and am still outraged at the behavior of the DNC.  But Riverdaughter is beyond the pale.   Palin was and is unqualified to be anywhere near the levers of power.  To call her qualified is pure delusion.   At one time I had a certain camaraderie with pro-Clinton activists but I have never had a stomach for tearing down Obama or celebrating Sarah Palin.   So I stay away from those sites now even though I miss some of the posters.

    Parent
    Me too (5.00 / 2) (#43)
    by Spamlet on Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 09:28:14 AM EST
    My issue with the PUMA sites, and specifically with RD's blog, is the hatred. Somebody could write a diary about the extinction of the dodo, and the comment thread would instantly become a rantfest against Obama. It's nutty.

    Parent
    Ditto. nt (none / 0) (#33)
    by Joelarama on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 11:40:40 PM EST


    Parent
    How do we get the current occupant in the WH (none / 0) (#23)
    by thereyougo on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 10:29:52 PM EST
    to vacate the premisses ASAP?

    I know, wishful thinking.

    GW has lowered the bar so low,its  like a breath of fresh air to hear the new prez. say he read Lincolns speeches for inspiration. Unlike GWB who joked that he doesn't read books/or anything it seems.

    I saw the whole presser. I view P-E Obama as a vessel to take us through troubled waters ahead, because of the team he surrounds himself with wants the best for the nation, unlike GWB who wants the best for the GOP, but says otherwise.

    He'll put us back in the good graces of he world,I think. I know he won't get to ALL the mess, he's just one man, but, if he can inspire millions to work for his election for free as has been reported,he's got my confidence that he can begin to make ground for the American people.

    Of course, he'll need help, and we as Americans can and will do it, because he inspires the best in us.

    I'm not even sure if its just relief that he's the new prez, or that GWB's term is finally finally over! What a friggin' nightmare. I hope he knows it. I envision him having nightmares, he can't have good memories about his tenure in office.

    We'll be in the world's 'good graces' (none / 0) (#24)
    by BrianJ on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 10:40:47 PM EST
    For the five minutes or so it takes Obama and other world leaders to determine that their national priorities don't align any better than they did last year.  Then we'll be out of the world's 'good graces' again.  This always struck me as a poor argument for his election.

    Parent
    What's wrong with a shiny face? (none / 0) (#34)
    by gentlyweepingguitar on Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 11:56:10 PM EST
    A shiny face is a clean face. Soapy washed. Smells good. Vibrant. Radiant. Alive. Real. Not covered over, pretending to be something else, other than the face upon the person it belongs to.

    John McCain's press conference (none / 0) (#36)
    by Ellis on Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 02:12:28 AM EST
    At Mr. President-reject John McCain's press conference today he declared that "our economic fundamentals are strong," but he is still going to suspend his campaign so he can tail Bill Ayers full time.

    Also (none / 0) (#38)
    by robrecht on Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 05:55:07 AM EST
    He's taking up OJ's search for the real killer.

    Parent
    Obama's Chief of Staff (none / 0) (#41)
    by Tim3255 on Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 09:15:52 AM EST
    Rahm Israel Emanuel officially accepted his appointment by Obama as Chief of Staff on November 6 2008. The Israeli press & media were beside themselves with applause and cheers.
    Rahm Emanuel is a former investment banker who made millions on Wall Street. Emanuel's sponsor is the Zionist , Bruce Wasserstein, who is now the head of Lazard Banking.
    Rahm Israel Emanuel is the son of an Israeli physician who was a gun runner for the Irgun, an Israeli terrorist group that murdered Arab civilians in Palestine between 1931 and 1948. Upon his son's appointment as Obama's Chief of Staff, Dr. Benjamin Emanuel ("Auerbach" was his original surname) had some choice slanderous words for the Arabs:

    In an interview with Ma'ariv: "Obviously he will influence the president to be pro-Israel," he was quoted as saying. "Why wouldn't he be? What is he, an Arab? He's not going to clean the floors of the White House."
    The Ma'ariv article also quoted Dr. Emanuel as saying that his son spends most summers visiting in Tel Aviv, and that he speaks Hebrew, but not fluently
    more:
    http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull&cid=1225910047157

    Emanuel, Clinton & Mossad:
    http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=emanuel%2C+clinton%2Cmossad

    http://www.prisonplanet.com/obamas-choice-for-chief-of-staff-puts-israels-man-in-white-house.html
    http://www.infowars.net/articles/november2008/071108CFR.htm

    OK, Rahm Israel Emanuel (none / 0) (#44)
    by Spamlet on Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 09:30:44 AM EST
    is a big Jew. Got it. Would you like to add anything about Barack Hussein Obama?

    Parent
    Obama's First News Conference | 48 comments (48 topical)

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