Prez: Bob Woodward sends his regrets

[bigtree]

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tweeted by, Chernynkaya ‏@Chernynkaya

PBO at Gridiron: Some people couldn't make it. "It's been noted that Bob Woodward sends his regrets, which Gene Sperling predicted.



text of president Obama's remarks at last night's Gridiron dinner:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/03/10/remarks-president-gridiron-dinner


President Obama walks with Chief of Staff Denis McDonough as they leave the Gridiron Dinner at a hotel in Washington, March 9 (TOD)

[tularetom]

1. Finally a Democrat is making this asshole an object of ridicule

Kudos to the President for doing it.

[ewagner]

2. Pretty good speech

funny too.

[annabanana]

3. The Man can deliver a line.. . . .n/t

[UTUSN]

4. Bwah-ha-HAH!1 n/t

[Cha]

5. Wow, I almost missed this! thanks

bigtree

Gene Sperling.. the big bad Obama Enforcer..

[namaste2]

6. Thanks for posting this! I wish there had been cameras. He is really good! n/t

[pacalo]

7. I understand no taping was allowed -- too bad!

These are my favorites:

I also want to recognize David Corn. He's here from Mother Jones magazine. He brought his iPhone. So Bobby Jindal, if you thought your remarks were off the record, ask Mitt Romney about that. (Applause.)


Of course as I begin my second term, our country is still facing enormous challenges. We have a lot of work to do -- that, Marco Rubio, is how you take a sip of water. (Laughter and applause.)


Of course, maintaining credibility in this cynical atmosphere is harder than ever -- incredibly challenging. My administration recently put out a photo of me skeet shooting and even that wasn't enough for some people. Next week, we're releasing a photo of me clinging to religion. (Laughter and applause.)


I'm also doing what I can to smooth things over with Republicans in Congress. In fact, these days John McCain and I are spending so much time together that he told me we were becoming friends. I said, “John, stop. Chuck Hagel warned me how this ends up.” (Laughter.)


With all these new faces, it's hard to keep track of who is in, who is out. And I know it's difficult for you guys as reporters. But I can offer you an easy way of remembering the new team. If Ted Cruz calls somebody a communist, then you know they're in my cabinet. (Laughter.)


Jack Lew is getting started on his new role as Treasury Secretary. Jack is so low key, he makes Tim Geithner look like Tom Cruise. (Laughter.) Don't worry, everybody, Jack signed off on that joke or a five year old drew a slinky. (Laughter.) I don't know which. (Applause.)


And, finally, this is my favorite :


Another big change has been at the State Department. Everybody has noticed that obviously. And let's face it -- Hillary is a tough act to follow. But John Kerry is doing great so far. He is doing everything he can to ensure continuity. Frankly, though, I think it's time for him to stop showing up at work in pantsuits. (Laughter.) It's a disturbing image. (Laughter.) It really is. (Laughter.) I don't know where he buys them. He is a tall guy. (Laughter.)

[bbgrunt]

8. thanks. those are pretty funny.

[Whisp]

9. thanks, those are great.

[forestpath]

10. Making fun of furloughed workers is the lowest of the low.

[DevonRex]

11. My husband will be furloughed. Obama wasn't making fun of furloughed workers.

And we'll have to borrow from his pension plan to live on and then pay it back with interest while trying to save for the next furlough. The same pension plan that Cantor wants to decrease in value, too. So the furlough will hurt. And I still realize Obama wasn't making fun of furloughed workers. Jesus Christ. You'll just take any opportunity for a low blow, that's all and it's so transparent it's laughable.

[forestpath]

12. So...if he wasn't making fun of furloughed workers, he wasn't making fun of WOODWARD, either.

Since he used them both for laughs. There is no way to spin it otherwise.

Only difference being the next time Woodward goes sniffing around the White House, Obama will probably still talk to him.

[DevonRex]

13. Seriously, dude...

that is just weird.

[forestpath]

14. Yes, it's very weird that Obama would make furloughed workers the object of fun

And I am not a dude.

[DevonRex]

15. Dudette then, your posts are too weird for me. I'm out. nt

[forestpath]

18. I'm so wounded. Not.

[pacalo]

16. Bringing up furloughs was meant as a sting to the Republicans;

the sequester is their doing.

[forestpath]

17. Obama should be attacking Republicans on a daily basis in defense of furloughed workers.

Mentioning them in this context is not exactly framing it as a sting.

[pacalo]

19. This event is traditionally a lighthearted "roast" for all political stripes

but the joking is still on the square.

I'd like Obama to be more out in front with daily attacks against the Republicans' chicanery. One thing I find amusing is that the Republicans seem to think that this sequester makes Obama look bad, as though the idea that a president would intentionally cause a critical economic disturbance would have legs. The Republicans have made it crystal clear that their mission is to hurt Obama's presidency; it should be obvious to anyone which side is responsible for the sequester.