President Obama Pays White House Press Corps a Surprise Visit
EmailBetween 5:45 and 6 pm ET this evening, President Obama paid the White House press corps a surprise visit.
"I just want to thank everybody for not just completely ripping up Gibbs," the President said in reference to White House press secretary Robert Gibbs’ first press briefing. "We were all watching on TV with anticipation of, you know, some flop sweat, but he handled it and I’m very proud of him."
Of the press area, he said, "It’s smaller than I thought."
Politico’s Jonathan Martin tried to grill the President on the fact that his nominee for deputy Defense Secretary, William Lynn, was until recently a lobbyist for defense contractor Raytheon and thus a complete violation of the President’s much-heralded anti-lobbying rules. Mr. Obama refused to answer substantive questions, saying he was not there to take questions, but rather to say hi.
In the basement of the press area, someone asked how his daughters were.
"They’re doing great," he said. "Although they’ve been a little sleepy, actually."
Is he sleepy?
"Yeah," he said, adding that "we got a lot to do."
"So nice to see you," he said over and over.
"I just wanted to say hello to everybody," he said.
At another point: "We will try to have a relationship that’s successful and you guys feel like you’re actually getting answers."
He said of Gibbs again, "I’m very proud of him today. He got a fist bump from me."
As he ascended from the basement, he asked, "When was it renovated? Looks pretty new."
"You guys got a party room back there?" he joked.
Asked about his basketball hobby, the President said that "we installed a new basketball net on the tennis court."
He said he had worked out, but had not played basketball outside because it’s too cold.
Asked about the news that he would be keeping his Blackberry despite lawyers’ advice, he said, "I won the fight but I don’t think it’s actually up and running yet."
"Alright guys," he said, leaving.
– Jake Tapper and Sunlen Miller
Santorum Clarifies Concerns on Women in Combat 
Gulf of Mexico to Become Gulf of America?
Since Obama won’t address violations of his own anti-lobbying standards, do you press “guys feel like you’re actually getting answers”? Har har.
Posted by: RWWacko | January 22, 2009, 7:03 pm 7:03 pm
The criticism of President Obama’s closing of the torture camps is partisan politics as usual. Since when can a Federal Military prison warden tell the Commander of all the Armed Forces where he can put war prisoners?
Levinworth is under whose authority?
Posted by: Alfonso Newton | January 22, 2009, 7:08 pm 7:08 pm
This will be the “Wasn’t Me” presidency.
Obama has been refusing to answer meaningful questions all along. The press is afraid to follow up and actually ask for an answer from now President Obama. The MSM abetted his arrogant behavior by being so meek and mild during the primaries and the general election. Why would anyone be surprised now that he won’t answer a good question?
Posted by: Shaggy | January 22, 2009, 7:19 pm 7:19 pm
To those of you on the right suggesting the press is going easy on Obama…where have you been the past 8 years? The MSM has gone easier on Republicans for the last 20 years in response to their ever ready whine about how unfair the press is to them. You people are such victims! The media served as Bush’s cheerleaders for almost 6 years. It wasn’t until polls started showing that the public wasn’t quite so enamored of our former Prez that the MSM then began to ask a few questions. And yet, when they interviewed him or his admin., even at the end, it was all buddy buddy. I have lost all respect for the MSM and now pick and choose who I watch and read. For the most part, they’re all in the right’s pocket now as you people own them all!
Posted by: Miz | January 22, 2009, 7:30 pm 7:30 pm
you guys need to wake up and be ready for change well over due.
Posted by: killer | January 22, 2009, 7:32 pm 7:32 pm
Shaggy says Obama refused “to answer meaningful questions all along”. Do you actually believe this stuff or are you simply parroting conservative talk rants?
Posted by: Dawkins | January 22, 2009, 7:35 pm 7:35 pm
jpt writes:
“Mr. Obama refused to answer substantive questions, saying he was not there to take questions, but rather to say hi.”
Just dropping by to see if anybody was STILL dazzled, after Gibbs claimed (of The One’s private oath re-do) “We think we did it in a way that was upfront and transparent,” and maybe to try to schmooze away some of His own flop sweat:
“Despite the repeated promise to be more open and transparent, the Obama administration conducted its first briefing for reporters Thursday with the condition that noone identify
who was talking.” (McClatchy)
The oath “video” advertised on the networks is really audio, run over the ONE still foto released by the Up-Tight House.
“No drama Obama”?! Bwahaha. No NOTHING Obama, maybe.
Posted by: Belle Starr | January 22, 2009, 7:37 pm 7:37 pm
Evening news reported Obama tripped over a vending machine today. Does he need glasses? I mean, you know, he’s suppose to be “up & running.” Uh, um, well, like Obama said,1st thing, Ugh, he’s going to do some bold things to get the economy turned around. So Like- What, Where, & When? Maybe between the snacks, on Obama’s next “hello”, you reporters could get some answeres!
Posted by: Georgie | January 22, 2009, 7:38 pm 7:38 pm
“Do you actually believe this stuff or are you simply parroting conservative talk rants?”
The sad truth is that it is likely a yes answer to both.
Posted by: Ryan C | January 22, 2009, 7:42 pm 7:42 pm
Bush gave the fewest interviews of any president yet you right wingnuts weren’t whining then. Stop being the hypocrites you are. Obama is a great guy despite what you wish were true.
Posted by: Hege! | January 22, 2009, 7:43 pm 7:43 pm
Miz you and I have not been watching and reading the same news reports . They never had any thing good to say about Bush and now Obama can do no wrong. Hell he got elected with some of the thoughts he has. It is a sad sad time in the USA because of the slaughter of Bush and the republicans by the press..
Posted by: Kathy in Houston | January 22, 2009, 7:47 pm 7:47 pm
“Bush gave the fewest interviews of any president yet you right wingnuts weren’t whining then.”
His 1st term he gave 4 press conferences per year.
Posted by: Ryan C | January 22, 2009, 7:50 pm 7:50 pm
For all of you carpers, can we have a reality check here?
THE MAN HAS HAD THE JOB FOR TWO(2) DAYS
Get off the Bitter Bus.
Posted by: For crying out loud | January 22, 2009, 7:54 pm 7:54 pm
Sound like the same complaining whinners, without any appreciation for anyone. We too are proud of Gibbs. Congratulations Mr. President Obama. Tutus hanai you as ohana. Homeless Hawaiians in Hawaii,have more class than the hateful attitudes that are written here. Aloha Aunty Zee.
Posted by: Aunty Zee | January 22, 2009, 8:01 pm 8:01 pm
It didn’t take long for the White House Press Corp to again show that they think we have a government of the media, by the media, and for the media.
Specifically, would someone tell Bill Plante that he is not the final arbiter of the first amendment. Today was the low point of his career.
Posted by: B. Bear | January 22, 2009, 8:04 pm 8:04 pm
Well, what happened to the articulate Obama that fooled so many voters? Anyway, “flop sweat.” That’s a great bit of vernacular coming from the leader of the free world.
Posted by: Lisa Again | January 22, 2009, 8:12 pm 8:12 pm
“Evening news reported Obama tripped over a vending machine today.”
Looking for change in all the wrong places, as usual …
Posted by: Belle Starr | January 22, 2009, 8:14 pm 8:14 pm
When will he give out his BlackBerry email address (sarcasm…)? Bet the press would love to get their hands on that…
Posted by: matt | January 22, 2009, 8:15 pm 8:15 pm
CORRECTION:
He said: “We will try to have a relationship that’s RESPECTFUL..”
not “successful”
Posted by: correction | January 22, 2009, 8:16 pm 8:16 pm
Our new pres makes a gesture of friendliness to the press pool, and just listen to the nastiness of some of these posts!
I love it that he can be playful and casual once in awhile; and I’m glad he knows the “vernacular”. We don’t need a stuffed shirt in the White House. He’s smart, tough, but also seems like a pretty cool customer and a pretty good guy.
Have you never tripped over anything in your life?
Posted by: Phoenix lady | January 22, 2009, 8:37 pm 8:37 pm
Fellow Americans I think we can help temper their whining about lack of transparency in an administration that’s proven to be quite tranparent.
Here’s what you do. Contact local and national news organizations and ask them what time their editorial and staff meetings happen. Tell them you would like to participate because transparency is important. In particular, you want to participate in meetings with the executive team, listen in on their phone calls, and videotape them on the way to the bathroom. If they refused, be persistent. Follow the example of the White House reporters. You’ll need to learn how to express outrage even when there’s no legitimate reason for outrage. You’ll have to learn how to ask really stupid questions over and over again.
Posted by: DealWithIt | January 22, 2009, 8:39 pm 8:39 pm
Martin made a great point about putting Raytheon directly in charge of the defense department. Why not just put AIG in control of the treasury? Oh, wait….
Posted by: Hart | January 22, 2009, 8:45 pm 8:45 pm
Did the Whitehouse press corps get Obama’s shoes clean, how did they taste. Did George Stephonoplis cry some more. Where are the tough questions about his cabinate picks. What a bunch of candy boys.
Posted by: Philip V. | January 22, 2009, 9:50 pm 9:50 pm
My fellow Republicans,
Give him a chance.
Posted by: Iraq Vet | January 22, 2009, 10:22 pm 10:22 pm
That is nice that President Obama came to the Press Corps…
Posted by: DENNIS JUNIOR | January 22, 2009, 10:52 pm 10:52 pm
This was an example of transparency or better yet, reflexivity, I would say. First, we have Gibbs talking for Obama. And at the same time, Obama is watching behind the scenes. Then, later, Obama comes from behind the scenes to reveal himself and, also, comment on the fact that he was watching (from behind), his press secretary, Gibbs, talking for him. Obama’s act of referring to his own watching of Gibbs, in effect changes everything, including the thing—that is, Gibbs’s presentation—that he was referring to.
Posted by: Jeffrey Guterman | January 22, 2009, 11:17 pm 11:17 pm
I love reading the Republican whining after the election.
You lost.
I love saying that.
Posted by: Happy Snappy | January 22, 2009, 11:37 pm 11:37 pm
Why doesn’t Obama make up patronizing names for people like Bush? Oh, that’s right… Obama isn’t an insecure man-child in way over his head.
Posted by: garywill | January 22, 2009, 11:40 pm 11:40 pm
“Obama isn’t an insecure man-child in way over his head”
Right, keep worshipping.
Posted by: Joe | January 23, 2009, 12:26 am 12:26 am
Tsk tsk. We’re all Americans. Yet, if disagree with Obama or an Obamite or with Obaminomics I am a racist or dumb as a rock. The fact is you Obama worshippers got your prayers answered. So let’s just watch and see. He can do no wrong. Buyers remorse comes to mind especially with regards to foreign policy. If this is any indication we’re all in for bumpy ride. You can go ahead screetch how I’m a fear monger.
Posted by: Joe | January 23, 2009, 12:36 am 12:36 am
Happy Snappy, we ALL lost.
Posted by: America | January 23, 2009, 12:39 am 12:39 am
“As reported by The Hill, lobbyists who pay a $25,000 fee will get to mingle with House Republicans at their annual winter retreat next weekend:
The lobbyists are board members or sit on the private sector advisory committee for the Congressional Institute, a nonprofit organization that arranges conferences and lunches for both parties. Lobbyists attending the event will have no part in the closed-door caucus planning session, but lawmakers and lobbyists alike said business does come up informally.
The lobbyists in question work for General Motors, JP Morgan Chase, HSBC, United Healthcare, UPS, and Altria, among other places.”
Posted by: pefros | January 23, 2009, 12:41 am 12:41 am
Looks like nothing has changed for the Republican ‘process’.
Posted by: pefros | January 23, 2009, 12:44 am 12:44 am
“Obama isn’t an insecure man-child in way over his head”
Right, keep worshipping.
Okay
Posted by: FOM | January 23, 2009, 12:45 am 12:45 am
Obama will appoint former lobbyists to his administration so long as their activity was not in an area of direct influence.
I hope the bitter right wingers posting here understand that their griping just makes me smile.
Posted by: Maezeppa | January 23, 2009, 2:48 am 2:48 am
BHO is already tired. 2+ workdays in a row must be a step up from community organizing.
Posted by: worker man | January 23, 2009, 3:15 am 3:15 am
I have to go to bed now. My BHO alarm clock told me to dress into my BHO pajamas. First I have brush my teeth with my BHO toothbrush/paste set.
I am a liberal sheep and could think for myself before BHO gave his speeches.
Posted by: pefros | January 23, 2009, 3:17 am 3:17 am
Hmmmm! I thought he didn’t like to talk to the news reporters.
Posted by: anonymous | January 23, 2009, 4:18 am 4:18 am
@worker man
You try doing a few full days at a new job in a location you are not intimately familiar with after a day that probably started at 6AM and ended almost 24 hours later after dancing for hours upon hours. Then he had to wake up somewhat early to go to a prayer service.
I know presidents don’t get very much sleep in general, but the first few days has to be just brutal.
Posted by: Nick | January 23, 2009, 5:59 am 5:59 am
Hey Repubs – this is our President and you are not showing him proper respect. Why are you so unAmerican ? Do you hate this great country of ours ? If you don’t like it – leave !
Posted by: spiderbucket | January 23, 2009, 8:03 am 8:03 am
Miz said: “The media served as Bush’s cheerleaders for almost 6 years.”
LOL!!!
Posted by: Jennie | January 23, 2009, 8:17 am 8:17 am
President Obama and his administration are to be commended. They really all hit the ground running.
Do you not realize that our President had gotten more done in less than three days on the job than Mr. Bush did in the first three years in office?!
Furthermore,
I can only imagine how mind boggling it was for all the staff to arrive on their first day and find such antiquated hardware in their offices.
I’m sure before the week is out, a huge, make that two huge vans, will be pulling up to the White House filled with top of the line PCs and laptops.
Thank you and God speed to all who serve this great country.
Posted by: G. Crisalli | January 23, 2009, 9:33 am 9:33 am
Why don’t they talk about Obama putting his hand on the shoulder of the reporter and staring at him because he dared ask him a hard question. You liberals are still drinking the Kool-aid
Posted by: Illinois | January 23, 2009, 9:53 am 9:53 am
More details from Politico:
“”Ahh, see,” he said, “I came down here to visit. See this is what happens. I can’t end up visiting with you guys and shaking hands if I’m going to get grilled every time I come down here.”
Pressed further by the Politico reporter about his Pentagon nominee, William J. Lynn III, Obama turned more serious, putting his hand on the reporter’s shoulder and staring him in the eye.
“Alright, come on” he said, with obvious irritation in his voice. “We will be having a press conference at which time you can feel free to [ask] questions. Right now, I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself to you guys – that’s all I was trying to do.”
”
Uh oh, at least one reporter is not going to be getting his walking around money this week!
Fortunately a toady member of the press core saves an embarassing situation by indicating his neutrality:
“The president was quickly saved by a cameraman in the room who called out: “I’d like to say it one more time: ‘Mr. President.’ ””
Posted by: BertieW | January 23, 2009, 10:00 am 10:00 am
“I’m sure before the week is out, a huge, make that two huge vans, will be pulling up to the White House filled with top of the line PCs and laptops.”
Good grief. The current machines are completely adequate for the actual jobs. However his staff wants macs and higher powered machines so they can go on Facebook and gin up viral videos.
Apparently the staff was used to mac from their previous lives of lounging around coffee shops.
It would be a cruel irony if workers’ pay gets frozen so that they can dump a bunch of cash chasing the latest electronic gear.
Posted by: BertieW | January 23, 2009, 10:04 am 10:04 am
Isn’t it funny how Republicans think Liberals are whiney people…. but the only whining I hear is coming from the right.
Republicans: Stand up, brush yourself off, wipe your tears, and get your party back together so us liberals can beat you again in 2012.
Right now republicans sound like a bunch of, as they put it, whining liberals that did not get their way. The liberals actually sound like the only grown-ups around here.
Wah, wah, my candidate didn’t win.
Wah wah, I am going to start criticizing Obama before he even gets a chance to do his job.
Wah, wah we have to live in a world where we actually have to consider how our actions affect the rest of the world.
Give me a break.
Posted by: Debi | January 23, 2009, 10:12 am 10:12 am
“Wah wah, I am going to start criticizing Obama before he even gets a chance to do his job. ”
Can you ‘progressives’ get your story straight?
Has he not even started yet (and no one is allowed to any questions) or as Crisalli just said:
“Do you not realize that our President had gotten more done in less than three days on the job than Mr. Bush did in the first three years in office?!”
So which is it- he hasnt done anything or he has done more than everyone since Lincoln?
Posted by: BertieW | January 23, 2009, 10:22 am 10:22 am
BertieW: Thank you got calling me a progressive.
Progressive: –adjective 1. favoring or advocating progress, change, improvement, or reform, as opposed to wishing to maintain things as they are, esp. in political matters: a progressive mayor.
2. making progress toward better conditions; employing or advocating more enlightened or liberal ideas, new or experimental methods, etc.: a progressive community.
It let’s me know I am not stuck in the past. Our forefathers (Washington, Adams etc) were progressives. I am glad to be put on the same pedestal as these fine men.
To get my story straight for you: Republicans have been whining and criticizing since the election, which happened long before Obama had a chance to start doing his job.
Posted by: Debi | January 23, 2009, 10:59 am 10:59 am
‘progressive’: New speak remarketing of the discredit ‘liberal’ brand.
Whining really would be defined as what the Democrats did after the 2004 elections. Feinstein went so far as to vote against certifying the election in a fit of pique.
If you admit that Obama is doing something now then we should be allowed to critique it. Dissent is patriotic.
Posted by: BertieW | January 23, 2009, 11:37 am 11:37 am
“Isn’t it funny how Republicans think Liberals are whiney people…. but the only whining I hear is coming from the right.”
They are also claim to be the party of personal responsibility yet consider themselves to have done no wrong and blame others for problems.
They are also claim to be the party of family values while they embrace hate based upon race, religion or sexual orientation to say nothing of the outright hypocrites.
Posted by: Ryan C | January 23, 2009, 2:10 pm 2:10 pm
If I don’t won’t to answer your questions, I’ll just try intimidation. Not the first time – remember Joe the Plumber???
Posted by: Darlene | January 23, 2009, 4:10 pm 4:10 pm
i’m an independent and i wish the Right would just. shut. up.
Posted by: independent | January 23, 2009, 4:21 pm 4:21 pm
BertieW: It does not matter to me what your “new speak” definition means.
I am educated and use literal definitions of words when I want to get my point across.
No wonder our children are lacking the rest of the developed world in education. Even adults think that using slang to define what they mean is an acceptable part of grammar. – So thanks again for calling me progressive. Makes me a person that thinks for myself.
Also, no matter how Bush tries to rewrite history, there was good reason in 2000 and 2004 to not certify the election. Both election cycles were close and suspicious. The 2008 election was won beyond a reasonable doubt.
Posted by: Debi | January 23, 2009, 4:32 pm 4:32 pm
Turns out the politics of hope and change are really the Politics of Hypocrisy
Posted by: Kyle | January 23, 2009, 5:43 pm 5:43 pm
P.S. I’m interested to see what his answer to Jonathan’s question will be, too. Hopefully we’ll have more press conferences than in years past. I know that just might not have been a Bush admin priority, but I like them.
Posted by: Allyn | January 23, 2009, 6:48 pm 6:48 pm