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At presser, Fox News' Garrett adopts conservative attack over Iran in question to Obama 

June 23, 2009 1:43 pm ET

From the June 23 edition of CNN Newsroom:

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Previously:

Fox's Rosen falsely suggested GOP lawmakers generally agree with McCain on Iran

Schieffer provided McCain with accountability-free platform to criticize Obama on Iran

Some conservative media figures defend Obama's response to events in Iran


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    • Author by worrierking (June 23, 2009 1:51 pm ET)
      13 4
      Fox needs to be marginalized. When they become a true news organization allow them to ask questions.

      Give them "The Helen Thomas Treatment".

      And if the president gets the urge to take a Fox non-reporter's question, let Helen ask a question.
      Report Abuse
      • Author by jimgordon (June 23, 2009 1:56 pm ET)
        3 21
        Its hard to "marginalize" the NUMBER ONE name in cable news for over TEN YEARS.

        Besides- I didn't read where you actually took issue with the question. Why DID it take Barry so long to respond?
        Report Abuse
        • Author by Barry Bonds (June 23, 2009 4:17 pm ET)
          13 3
          I guess you didn't hear all of his other statements before this last one. Conservatives are so insane. They hated Obama when he said he wanted to engage Iran and negotiate with them and now they are upset that he isn't "saying more". Wow.
          Report Abuse
        • Author by harley (June 23, 2009 4:42 pm ET)
          12 1
          Its hard to "marginalize" the NUMBER ONE name in cable news for over TEN YEARS.


          President Obama has been doing a great job of marginalizing of them so far. Oops.
          Report Abuse
          • Author by Victor Colorado (June 23, 2009 4:57 pm ET)
            12 1
            It's both hilarious and sad when the Fox News folks are the only ones not in on the joke that is Fox News. Just look at Major Garrett scrolling through his notes trying to look like a real reporter, completely oblivious to the fact that he's being looked down on by everyone in the room. But he did get to ask his "tough" question, so, in truth, the real joke is the state of journalism in America.
            Report Abuse
            • Author by princeofwheels (June 23, 2009 5:38 pm ET)
              6  
              I just love how they say they always add "cable news" when talking of Fox News...Doesn't that put them in the low minor leagues by their own admission?

              Besides, who on Fox News could intelligently debate this President or even ask thoughful queestions..all Fox can do is ask GOTCHA questions just as any minor league news organization would.
              Report Abuse
            • Author by teabaggers ♥ [wing]NUTS (June 23, 2009 8:09 pm ET)
              3  
              oh, dont worry, VC, that "jimgordon" guy is a buffoon. ive seen him on the tvnewser website, and hes always on there bragging about fox news' super duper high ratings with all of his pro-fox news buddies. they are completely obsessed with msnbc too. they all make ridiculous claims about msnbc and their bottom dwelling ratings (even though cnn is doing worse) that are just ming-boggling.

              "MSNBC is (by far) the most hateful cesspool on television.
              And thier ratings prove this every night."

              -jimgordon

              that unsubstantiated claim is interesting because its obvious fox news is the most hateful "news" channel. the more hate propaganda they spew, the better ratings the network gets, and that is proven in their high ratings. and how is MSNBC so hateful when there are fox news personalities inciting murders, fear mongering and pushing republican propaganda? most idiots only consider msnbc "hateful" because they expose the far-right for its hypocrisy, and fox news proves that hypocrisy.
              Report Abuse
          • Author by c21marybisig5844 (June 23, 2009 5:06 pm ET)
            1 3
            It is sad that people can't see both sides...why all the hatred...
            Report Abuse
          • Author by MatthewTexas (June 23, 2009 6:47 pm ET)
            1  
            Fox News is just like the WWE ..Democrats watch it KNOWING it's fake. Republicans are the only stupid people who still believe Fox News is REAL....
            Report Abuse
        • Author by mjh (June 23, 2009 5:13 pm ET)
          5  
          "Its hard to "marginalize" the NUMBER ONE name in cable news for over TEN YEARS." - jimgordon


          No it's not -- just compare their numbers to SpongeBob SquarePants; watch how marginal they become . . .

          As for why it took "Barry" so long to respond, just recall his response to Ed Henry back in March: "I like to know what I'm talking about before I speak."

          I realize that may be difficult for you to understand, seeing that its a reversal of Bush admin policy and all . . .
          Report Abuse
        • Author by rwmacdonald2091 (June 23, 2009 6:10 pm ET)
          4  
          The Fox network may have the number one cable channel, but to call it "News", isn't that going a bit to far?
          Report Abuse
        • Author by worrierking (June 23, 2009 7:03 pm ET)
          5  
          To quote one of your sides heroes. "there you go again".

          Did you listen to the president's response?

          What else could he have said or done so as not to appear to be interfering in internal Iranian affairs? Or are you one of the bedwetters who'd like "regime change"?
          Report Abuse
        • Author by sodium (June 23, 2009 7:28 pm ET)
          2  
          Jim Gordon said: "Its hard to "marginalize" the NUMBER ONE name in cable news for over TEN YEARS. Besides- I didn't read where you actually took issue with the question. Why DID it take Barry so long to respond?"
          ---------------------------
          Jim, two things.

          1. As far as I can see Fox doesn't deal in news per se, it deals in opinion. And since Nov 08 the main presenters spend every waking minute degrading and abusing the President in a way we never saw when Bush was pres. Why do you think that is?

          2. It is intellectually dishonest to claim that "Barry" took "so long" to respond. Fact is he's been across the Iranian issue since day one. And if you care to look, you'll see Kissinger himself backed up Obama recently saying that the President was playing his hand exactly right in not setting himself and America up as scapegoats to be used as a foil by the Iranian dictators.

          So please, if you're going to try to be an agitator in here at least try to veer away from the easily debunked Faux news nonsense.

          Best,
          na
          Report Abuse
        • Author by jcovales (June 23, 2009 7:58 pm ET)
          1  
          May I suggest you listen to the reply? And/or read the statements President Obama has issued since the elections? How exactly dodes one answer a question based on a false premise? For example: when, exactly, did you stop beating your wife, and why did not you stop sooner?
          Report Abuse
        • Author by teabaggers ♥ [wing]NUTS (June 23, 2009 8:13 pm ET)
          5  
          Besides- I didn't read where you actually took issue with the question. Why DID it take Barry so long to respond?


          because its a baseless lie made up by the conservatives in congress. the truth is, obama was very early in responding to the protests and violence in iran, but conservatives dont want to admit it, and people like you eat up their lies.
          Report Abuse
        • Author by fairliberal (June 24, 2009 6:07 pm ET)
            2
          It took a while because they had to cue up the teleprompter.
          Report Abuse
        • Author by fairliberal (June 24, 2009 6:09 pm ET)
            2
          It took a while because they had to cue up the teleprompter.
          Report Abuse
    • Author by wesley (June 23, 2009 1:57 pm ET)
      1 11
      Conservative attack?

      Garrett just tossed Pres.Obama a huge neon-glow softball.
      Report Abuse
      • Author by IRONY 101 (June 23, 2009 2:01 pm ET)
        7 1
        TRhat's not how FOX will spin it...they will say that Garrett was the only one who asked the President a tough question. That fits into their ongoing story line that they are the only network with the courage to criticize Obama. It's all bull manure...FOX is all bull manure.
        Report Abuse
      • Author by Victor Colorado (June 23, 2009 2:07 pm ET)
        8  
        "Mr. President, what took you so long?" may be easy for Obama to knock out of the park, since Garrett knows full well that Obama spoke out immediately against the Iranian government's acts of violence towards its people, but that's not really the point. The question itself was, in fact, a conservative talking point and not a legitimate question.
        Report Abuse
      • Author by pete592 (June 23, 2009 2:46 pm ET)
        6  
        Since when are the two always antithetical?

        It was an easy question for Obama to expose and smack down, but it still contained a prevailing right-wing professional lair meme.
        Report Abuse
      • Author by seeryer (June 23, 2009 3:33 pm ET)
        5  
        The conservative attack is that Obama has been weak and has not spoken out "forcefully enough" in regards to what is going on in Iran. Garrett used that whole premise in his question. Understand? If Garrett had said, "what do you say to the people who have said you have fallen short in your rhetoric supporting the movement in Iran". Only a partisan hack Republican and their cheerleaders at Fox feel this way about Obama's response thus far.
        Report Abuse
        • Author by Barry Bonds (June 23, 2009 4:19 pm ET)
          5  
          It's easy to be "strong" with other peoples lives. I guess you think George Bush is a tough guy while thousands of kids are risking their lives and he's going to dinners and giving speeches. You've probably never been in the military so you don't know the fear of going to war or being in war so you can go ahead and talk tough from your computer. Bravo.
          Report Abuse
          • Author by seeryer (June 23, 2009 5:00 pm ET)
            6  
            Are you talking to me? You must have misunderstood my post. I have neither been in the military nor in a war. I did not suggest Obama should handle this like Bush might have. I do not embrace anything about any Bush family member.
            Report Abuse
    • Author by IRONY 101 (June 23, 2009 1:58 pm ET)
      7  
      Screw FOX, and their right wing moron viewers, too...they are just upset that the United States hasn't carpet bombed Iran. Then they get to chant USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!...
      Report Abuse
      • Author by jimgordon (June 23, 2009 2:02 pm ET)
        1 8
        "Screw FOX"
        "right wing"
        "moron"

        Nice. I just registered, is THIS the level of discourse I can expect from the Liberal side of the blogosphere?

        Seriously, it was a legitimate question.
        Report Abuse
        • Author by Victor Colorado (June 23, 2009 4:07 pm ET)
          5  
          is THIS the level of discourse I can expect from the Liberal side of the blogosphere?


          Who's Barry?
          Report Abuse
        • Author by harley (June 23, 2009 4:45 pm ET)
          6  

          Why are you teabag terrorist anti-Americans so offended when someone dares criticize Faux?

          Report Abuse
        • Author by mjh (June 23, 2009 5:18 pm ET)
          5  
          "Nice. I just registered, is THIS the level of discourse I can expect from the Liberal side of the blogosphere?"

          AWWWWWWWW . . . somebody got their poor widdle feelings hurt . . .

          Hey jim, it's called FREEDOM OF SPEECH. You know, the same thing you righties constantly whine is under attack whenever Hannity or Limpballs gets called out for saying something stupid, which is often.

          If you're upset about the "level of discourse" here, feel free to go to the FoxNation.com -- trust me, you'll see much worse . . .
          Report Abuse
          • Author by mrhebert74 (June 23, 2009 11:18 pm ET)
            2  
            Oh don't worry about him. He just registered. He'll get used to the idea that people can be both sarcastic and smart at the same time. It's just that he's never been to the liberal side of the blogosphere before.
            Report Abuse
        • Author by worrierking (June 23, 2009 7:07 pm ET)
          5  
          Right.

          You're disappointed that your talking points and cute wingnut name for the president didn't get the serious response that it deserves.

          If you don't like the responses you've received so far, try to use your own words and drop the insults.
          Report Abuse
        • Author by sodium (June 23, 2009 7:33 pm ET)
          2  
          jimgordon whined:" Nice. I just registered, is THIS the level of discourse I can expect from the Liberal side of the blogosphere? Seriously, it was a legitimate question."

          ---
          Nonsense, jim. It wasnt a "legitimate question" by any stretch of the imagination. It was a troll.

          Please do us all a favor and go back to the glen beck/sean callamity forums where you'll feel more at home.

          Sheesh.
          Report Abuse
        • Author by teabaggers ♥ [wing]NUTS (June 23, 2009 8:16 pm ET)
          4  
          better than any of the discourse you see on tvnewser with you and your fox news buddies roaming around there taking over the whole site complaining about the EEEVIL "liberal media" all the time.
          Report Abuse
        • Author by Tbone Slickens (June 24, 2009 9:58 am ET)
            2
          is THIS the level of discourse I can expect from the Liberal side of the blogosphere?


          In short YES! If you're not in lockstep within this echo chamber get prepared for the most vile things being said about you and your beliefs. I was even told in a thread I wasn't welcome anymore!

          There was good honest debate here, but that left years ago.

          Welcome to the left side, from a person on the right side. There aren't many of us here.
          Report Abuse
        • Author by fairliberal (June 24, 2009 6:11 pm ET)
            2
          Yes, and that is the intelligent level, it does get much worse at times.
          Report Abuse
    • Author by pros2pros2940 (June 23, 2009 2:55 pm ET)
      5  
      So.....a "news" org that spent years spinning in favor a Dubya is now a "serious" one by asking "tough" questions.

      Yeah...right.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by Jim Rockford (June 23, 2009 3:01 pm ET)
      4  
      I think Obama handled it in the best way -- a low key sort of response, rather than getting in a high profile argument with Fox.

      But I would love to have seen him say something like - "You are asserting as fact a far right talking point that has no basis in reality, which is what your network does all the time, so I'm not surprised. Now, you assert that my response is "so late". I don't know what you are talking about. Please back up your assertion right now with facts and explain to me what the heck you are talking about."

      And then put Garrett under pressure - force him to talk. The more he would say, the more he would make a fool of himself, especially under a high-pressure situation like that. Obama could rip apart everything he said and damage Fox.
      Report Abuse
      • Author by Whispers (June 24, 2009 2:06 am ET)
        2  
        No, Obama did it correctly.

        He cannot address Garrett as an equal. He cannot stoop to that level.

        When Obama is short with people, he does so quickly and succintly. It's very effective.

        And by no means let Garrett talk more. If the camera is on Garrett for 5 seconds and on Obama for 60, that's what Obama wants.
        Report Abuse
    • Author by cmanptown02 (June 23, 2009 3:15 pm ET)
      6  
      Obama: "What do you mean, Major?"
      Major: "Uhhhhh Ummmmmm When the Ummmmm....."
      Obama: "Next Question!"
      Report Abuse
    • Author by toddriale (June 23, 2009 3:16 pm ET)
      6  
      It is so wonderful to have a president who is in command of the facts. So unlike Bush. so refreshing. Makes me feel good about being a citizen of the U.S.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by wolf kotenberg (June 23, 2009 3:25 pm ET)
      6  
      I have heard this " what took you so long " drumbeat for a while now. John McCain sang " bomb, bomb, bomb Iran " and when confronted he said it was just a joke. Now he is actually in favor of military action. pres Obama is cautious, understands the history of that country, understands the mullahs will turn any action into a religious war ( we all know how well that went for the US under Bush's governance. When you understand the issue, you can make rational decisions for the country. pres Obama is doing just that. And slapping the GOP talking machine in the personage of major garrett. When sen Obama voted against the war, he was a lot wiser than anyone had given him credit for. Perhaps, given his life history and personal experiences have given him a great sense of justice and great level of understanding.
      Report Abuse
      • Author by pete592 (June 23, 2009 4:01 pm ET)
        5  
        "Axis of Evil" was the perfect propaganda piece for Iran's hardliners to shove aside the moderates.
        Report Abuse
      • Author by NdlovukaziThor (June 24, 2009 12:58 am ET)
        2  
        "Perhaps, given his life history and personal experiences have given him a great sense of justice and great level of understanding."

        Whoa whoa, don't get all Sotomayor on us!

        You're right, though. There's a lot to be said for actually putting careful thought and consideration into words and actions.
        Report Abuse
    • Author by Bad News (June 23, 2009 3:28 pm ET)
      5  
      The World Wrestling Federation changed their name to World Wrestling Entertainment.

      Maybe it's time for Fox News to change their name to Fox Entertainment.

      Or per Paul Begala The Fox Comedy Hour.


      Mr. News
      Report Abuse
    • Author by eyerah (June 23, 2009 4:08 pm ET)
      5  
      why does Obama even entertain these clowns? it was a softball question because The Sly Fox doesn't have any legit right wing talking points to attack him with. that's the point about right wingers nowadays. they just make sh!t up and try to pass it as truth, so when someone with actual intelligence is posed with that garbage, it's easy to refute.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by smarshall1432997 (June 23, 2009 5:54 pm ET)
      3  
      Hooray for Major Garret and FoxNews Channel sticking it to Pres. Obama for their viewers (Republicans & Conservatives) who just "LOVE" Major's so-called 'tough' questions to Pres. Obama. Major will get alot of kudos from Conservatives & Republicans for his in your face while calling out an American President just because the President is "NOT" a Conservative or Republican. Why is this so? Because, FoxNews Channel "HATES" President Obama and the Democrats.

      Ratings, Bonuses & Political Loyalty helps Reporters to go after an American President (Pres. Obama) with "NO" shame at FoxNews Channel. Major got "ALL" three today, LOL.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by jamilsmith6381 (June 23, 2009 5:57 pm ET)
      2  
      It was bush league. No pun intended.
      Report Abuse
      • Author by fishergirlusmc (June 23, 2009 6:36 pm ET)
          6
        It's too bad that not one media outlet asked our President why in light of the violence against their own citizens in Iran and the fact that Iran killed countless American soldiers in Iraq why he would still consider sitting down with these monsters.
        Report Abuse
        • Author by solon (June 23, 2009 7:06 pm ET)
          7 1
          Someone should ask YOU how you got so brainwashed. How in the WORLD do you regurgitate such inane talking points. Got some evidence that Iran killed 'countless' Americans in Iraq? Of course you dont. Such evidence doesnt exist. It is what you were TOLD to think by a Rush like screechmonkey. Only the terminally gullible buy such tripe. We overthrew their democratic government in 53 and installed one of the worlds more brutal dictators. We dont have any credibility there. The BEST thing we can do for the protesters is to NOT allow their opponents to discredit them as vassels for the US. In the same way the right in the US always tried to discredit anything the left said here by calling them communists. You REALLY ought to give reality a try someday. I havent seen a scintilla of reality in any post you have ever made.
          Report Abuse
        • Author by worrierking (June 23, 2009 7:20 pm ET)
          5  
          And it's always so helpful to describe your political opponents and enemies as monsters.

          Are you suggesting we allow countless more Americans to give their lives in Iran?
          Report Abuse
        • Author by dimes (June 23, 2009 7:30 pm ET)
          4  
          Suspected U.S. Strike Kills at Least 60 in Pakistan
          ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — A suspected United States drone strike killed at least 60 people at a funeral gathering in South Waziristan on Tuesday, residents of the area and local news reports said.

          Details of the attack, which occurred in Makeen, remained sketchy but the reported death toll was exceptionally high and, if indeed accurate and carried out by a drone, would make the strike perhaps the deadliest since the United States began using the unmanned aircraft to fire remotely guided missiles at suspected Taliban and Qaeda members in Pakistan’s tribal areas.

          By your standards, fishergirl, doesn't that make the US "monsters" to the relatives of the people killed while attending a funeral?
          Report Abuse
    • Author by MatthewTexas (June 23, 2009 6:42 pm ET)
      1  
      I honestly don't see how "supporting" them helps them at all unless you plan on sending troops.

      I'm sure Fox News is in favor of sending troops to "support" the citizens and while we're there lets bomb their nuclear sites ...RIGHT FOX NEWS ??

      Fox News is a JOKE ..

      Obama shouldn't even acknowledge ANYONE from Fox News.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by roxsteady11180 (June 23, 2009 7:44 pm ET)
      1  
      I wish the President could have said something like this:
      Major Garrett? Wasn't your network accused of tipping off Senator Ensign that his mistress's husband hat sent them a letter about Ensign's affair? How do you respond to those charges? The President's response has been spot on with each progression of events in Iran. The idiots at fauxnews are still unable to accept the fact that we crushed their idiot party and have rejected their views on foreign policy. Deal with it! You lost and rather badly at that! It was nice watching Obama smackdown Garrett, Jake Tapper, Chip Reid and Chuck Todd. If the "reporters" are going to come with these stupid Republican talking points and not actual questions, we're not going to take any of them seriously. And they've all got their knicker in a twist because Nico Pitney of the huffington post was prompted by the President to ask one of the questions Nico has been getting on his blog from actualy Iranian citizens. I'm sure faux news is equally outraged about that as well but, you tell me, which was the better question, Garrett's or Nico's? There's no contest! Garrett's question was better suited for TMZ or Hardcopy. Real low level, lightweight, tabloid, garbage!
      Report Abuse
    • Author by skippersmom (June 24, 2009 6:49 am ET)
      1  
      Garrett didn't ask a question...he made an accusation. Why don't they just start sending Bill O'Reilly.
      Report Abuse