In the midst of his whirlwind $100 million tour of Africa, President Obama someone managed to make time (once again) to apologize for America’s past mistakes and even flex his authoritarian muscle when referring to ‘his press.’
“The president said some amazing things, amazing things over in Africa, and I don't know how he's getting away with it,” Glenn said on radio this morning. “When he went over to Africa, did anybody see some of the things that he actually said?”
During an event in which President Obama pledged $7 billion in support for energy development in sub-Saharan Africa, he offered this curious warning:
OBAMA: When we look at what other countries are doing in Africa, I think our only advice is make sure it’s a good deal for Africa. If somebody says they want to come build something here, are they hiring African workers? If somebody says that they want to help you develop your natural resources, how much of the money is staying in Africa? ... Don’t just assume that folks come here and they’re automatically benefiting Africans. And that includes the United States. Ask questions in terms of what we do.
“So he's telling people, ‘You can't even trust us,’” Glenn said. “Which, that's the most accurate thing he has said. But what president says that? ‘Don't even trust us.’”
Meanwhile, during an event with Senegalese President Macky Sall, President Obama bizarrely referred to the U.S. reporters as “my press.” This occurred after President Obama encouraged reporters to “behave yourselves” during a Saturday photo-op with South African President Jacob Zuma.
OBAMA: This is much more elegant than the White House pressroom. It's a big improvement… Sometimes my press — I notice yours just ask one question. We try to fit in three or four or five questions in there.
Interestingly, Pat explained that there is no audio or video to be found from that particular event – not “a single sound bite of that” Pat said.
“Excuse me? My press just better behave,” Glenn said disgusted. “And you see that they are behaving because you're not seeing that story anywhere. Since when does a president say something like that with cameras rolling and you don't have it reported anywhere?”
We have grown accustomed to President Obama receiving a pass from the press, but its not like anybody thinks President Obama is a god or has god-like powers or something. Oh, wait…
EVAN THOMAS: I mean, in a way Obama's standing above the country – above the world, he's sort of God.
Thomas, who is an editor at Newsweek, made the statement during a June appearance on MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews.
One has to wonder if Thomas would still express the same sentiments in the wake of President Obama’s condescending tone with the press. Sadly, the answer is probably yes.