Obama news conference: Releasing documents "The right thing to do"

[NoStateofMind]

Watching on CNBC now. He mentioned we shouldn't have done it but "it was the right thing to do". Still watching.

The bold part he may have been referring to releasing the documents.

Obama "I believe waterboarding is torture"

He mentioned that the question posed is not being answered. The question being "could we have gotten the same information without torture". They have moved on to Pakistan now though. I just caught the part of torture discussion, I'll look for a video later of it. If anyone finds it before I do please post it up. Thanks.

 

[jman19]

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon
Watching on CNBC now. He mentioned we shouldn't have done it but "it was the right thing to do". Still watching.

The bold part he may have been referring to releasing the documents.

Obama "I believe waterboarding is torture"

He mentioned that the question posed is not being answered. The question being "could we have gotten the same information without torture". They have moved on to Pakistan now though. I just caught the part of torture discussion, I'll look for a video later of it. If anyone finds it before I do please post it up. Thanks.

So, is that what he said, or is your title just inflammatory?

 

[NoStateofMind]

Originally posted by: jman19


So, is that what he said, or is your title just inflammatory?

Jump to Obama's defense much? Obviously thats what I got initially. Waiting for someone to upload a video to confirm.

 

[First]

You're wrong, no confirmation needed had you watched carefully.

 

[NoStateofMind]

Originally posted by: Evan
You're wrong, no confirmation needed had you watched carefully.

Since you know, what was it he said exactly?

This is what I found. It's not complete though, it only shows the latter part of the answer.

8:16: Third question on torture: Did the Bush administration sanction torture? ?What I have said, and what I will repeat is that water-boarding? is torture. ?And that?s why I put an end to these practices.? Obama says the U.S. could have gotten the same information by methods that are more morally consistent with ?who we are? as Americans. Cites Winston Churchill who opposed torture because it ?corrodes the character of a country.? Whatever ?legal rationales? that the previous administration used were ?a mistake.?

 

[DaveSimmons]

^ which shows he meant releasing the documents was the right thing to do, not torturing people.

... so you should fix the topic summary, it's incorrect.

 

[NoStateofMind]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
^ which shows he meant releasing the documents was the right thing to do, not torturing people.

... so you should fix the topic summary, it's incorrect.

Edited.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Pretty good Q&A for a politician

I could appreciate most of what he said. The one point that tick me off somewhat is when he was answering a question about the auto industry he said "If the japanese can make an affordable efficient hybrid, gosh darnit Americans should be able to make an affordable efficient hybrid"

I wanted to respond "The Japanese live on a freakin island hybrids may work for them, but here in the USA they are not practically or economically feasible for the masses in the foreseeable future" "If your answer to energy conservation is to mandate production of impractical vehicles that no one except wealthy symbolic evironmentalists want, then you will put the final nail in the coffin of the US auto industry"

Until the technology is available to make an affordable vehicle with sufficient size and weight to be safe and have a useable pass/cargo capacity and a range of at least 200mi and produce significantly better efficiancy than current vehicles, hybrids are a politicized talking point with no practical application. As witnessed by the current batch of quazi hybrids clogging up dealership lots.

 

[fskimospy]

Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
Pretty good Q&A for a politician

I could appreciate most of what he said. The one point that tick me off somewhat is when he was answering a question about the auto industry he said "If the japanese can make an affordable efficient hybrid, gosh darnit Americans should be able to make an affordable efficient hybrid"

I wanted to respond "The Japanese live on a freakin island hybrids may work for them, but here in the USA they are not practically or economically feasible for the masses in the foreseeable future" "If your answer to energy conservation is to mandate production of impractical vehicles that no one except wealthy symbolic evironmentalists want, then you will put the final nail in the coffin of the US auto industry"

Until the technology is available to make an affordable vehicle with sufficient size and weight to be safe and have a useable pass/cargo capacity and a range of at least 200mi and produce significantly better efficiancy than current vehicles, hybrids are a politicized talking point with no practical application. As witnessed by the current batch of quazi hybrids clogging up dealership lots.

Hybrids already have a range of more than 200 miles. Are you confusing electric cars with hybrids?

 

[trooper11]

i respect his position on this subject even if I dont completely agree with him on it, but there something strange in his answer.

He chose to use the UK as the example of a country that refuses to cross a certain line in the face of extreme circumstances, but he probably should have picked another example. their practices would be concidered much harsher then what we use even in our criminal justice system.


but this all comes down to the president's moral objection to a certain interrogation method as he himself said. He feels its wrong and stopped the practice. I cant fault him for having that objection, and as president, he should be allowed to make policy based on his beliefs since voters chose him to represent us. But, that question of the moral line is still up for debate, i still find myself wrestling with it.

 

[trooper11]

Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy


I wanted to respond "The Japanese live on a freakin island hybrids may work for them, but here in the USA they are not practically or economically feasible for the masses in the foreseeable future" "If your answer to energy conservation is to mandate production of impractical vehicles that no one except wealthy symbolic evironmentalists want, then you will put the final nail in the coffin of the US auto industry"

great point. thats a problem ive had with this whole rush to hybrids/electric cars. its obvious the president believes that whatever plan the automakers have, it must center around all electric or hybrid vehicles. now while that may be noble of him, how in the world is that feasible for a company to be mandated to do?

even the japanese automakers dont solely make hybrids or electic cars. they are still a minority portion of the market.

here is what still needs to happen:

1. prices need to fall (alot for mass adoption)

2. the range of vehicles needs to expand (hybrid/electric trucks, suvs, vans, etc)


give people cars that look and perform closely to what they drive now and they will naturally buy them as they make new purchases. trying to convince people with an argument about saving the planet is not going to lead to adoption.

so for now, yes, keep pushing the tech, but dont make it seem like us average joes that cant pony up for one are somehow second class citizens that deserve things like higher gas taxes. Forcing people into a choice wont solve anything (in fact it will only hinder progress)

 

[sportage]

Not to offpoint... But isn't it nice to listen to a president that speaks educated english for a refreshing change. Maybe THAT?S why Rush is so pissed.

 

[Andrew1990]

Originally posted by: sportage
Not to offpoint... But isn't it nice to listen to a president that speaks educated english for a refreshing change. Maybe THAT?S why Rush is so pissed.

I rather listen to bush as it was much more entertaining to listen to. Obama just used big words over and over again throwing the same thought out over and over. For gods sake, we know you want to invest in a health care system, so please stop talking Mmm'K Mr. President.

 

[sportage]

PS. Brilliant Obama's answer as to Specter in saying "he wanted the freedom to be independent". If that?s not an invite or suggestive little push to other republicans to follow suit, I don't know what is. Just might make a few of them think...

What an effective way for disgruntled republicans like Specter, not wishing to march to the Rush L. marching drum, to show their discontent at the current state of the republican party. Or should I say? its hijacking by the religious fundies and talk radio.

 

[trooper11]

Originally posted by: sportage
Not to offpoint... But isn't it nice to listen to a president that speaks educated english for a refreshing change. Maybe THAT?S why Rush is so pissed.

you know, you make a good point.

its something i notice with each one of these 'Q&A' sessions.

listening to him speak, its really easy to go along with what he says. I can understand the comparisons to Regan in that regard (im not talking about policies, blah blah, just communication skills). he is clear and can command an almost calming confidence in his delivery. in this particular environment, he really puts on a show.

its a great trait to have as a president. of course none of that really matters and it doesnt change my opinion of the substance of what he says (which is what really matters).


about the Q and A thing, its not really Q and A since the reporters dont get any follow ups (a couple tried, but it was obvious that was being frowned apon). there were some nagging issues I wish the reporters could have hashed out with him

 

[Xellos2099]

Specter has always sided with democrat in his voting record for god know how many years. He was only republican in name only.

 

[trooper11]

Originally posted by: sportage
PS. Brilliant Obama's answer as to Specter in saying "he wanted the freedom to be independent". If that?s not an invite or suggestive little push to other republicans to follow suit, I don't know what is. Just might make a few of them think...

What an effective way for disgruntled republicans like Specter, not wishing to march to the Rush L. marching drum, to show their discontent at the current state of the republican party. Or should I say? its hijacking by the religious fundies and talk radio.

im sorry but how can someone be independent by going to the democrats? Maybe Obama means they will have the freedom to vote for democrat policies? Fair enough, but thats not independence. If someone wants independence, they move to an (I), not a (D) or (R).

Of course Obama is going to revel in this, why wouldnt he? He is a democrat after all. He seemed to be gloating more then anything else lol.

As far as the so called 'hijacking', talk radio and religion have been in the party long before the problems the party faces now came to a head. blaming them is only a crutch for gop leaders. If they really feel a certain way, they will sell that to the voters and make it happen when they get elected. The excuse becomes that gop leaders have no backbone... not acceptable either. Time to get the leaders with true convictions.

 

[sportage]

im sorry but how can someone be independent by going to the democrats?

I just said it was a brilliant little jab, not if it was true or accurate.

 

[trooper11]

Originally posted by: sportage


I just said it was a brilliant little jab, not if it was true or accurate.

oh ok, id agree with you there. you could tell he was relaly enjoying rubbing that in to the republicans.

 

[fskimospy]

Originally posted by: Xellos2099
Specter has always sided with democrat in his voting record for god know how many years. He was only republican in name only.

So was he voting with the Democrats on...
the flag burning amendment?
On bankruptcy reform?
On school vouchers?
On drilling in ANWR?
On gun control?
On the Bush tax cuts?

I could go on. Specter is socially fairly liberal (with some very notable exceptions) but as has been mentioned here several times already, he was nowhere close to a Democrat. To say that is to lie.

 

[sportage]

You have to understand. Republicans (some republicans) have had enough. More than enough. The last election was the last straw. Not to mention the whole Sarah Palin thing.

Just don?t be surprised if Specter isn?t the only one to make this decision.
I won?t name names, but expect two other republicans to join Specter. And soon.
Specter just agreed to be the first to announce.

 

[trooper11]

Originally posted by: sportage
You have to understand. Republicans (some republicans) have had enough. More than enough. The last election was the last straw. Not to mention the whole Sarah Palin thing.

Just don?t be surprised if Specter isn?t the only one to make this decision.
I won?t name names, but expect two other republicans to join Specter. And soon.
Specter just agreed to be the first to announce.

actually most republicans have had enough. of course what they have had enough of is different depending on your point of view

 

[JEDIYoda]

never mind

 

[Craig234]

Originally posted by: trooper11

Originally posted by: sportage
You have to understand. Republicans (some republicans) have had enough. More than enough. The last election was the last straw. Not to mention the whole Sarah Palin thing.

Just don?t be surprised if Specter isn?t the only one to make this decision.
I won?t name names, but expect two other republicans to join Specter. And soon.
Specter just agreed to be the first to announce.

actually most republicans have had enough. of course what they have had enough of is different depending on your point of view

It all gets pretty simple when you view people as 'rage machines' and the main issue is how to keep them in rage (not rational) and giving them the targets for the rage.

Demagogues understand this well, and it's why demagogues are both seen as dangerous - and popular with their followers. Talk radio is just a great delivery means for it.

 

[Craig234]

Originally posted by: Andrew1990
I rather listen to bush as it was much more entertaining to listen to. Obama just used big words over and over again throwing the same thought out over and over. For gods sake, we know you want to invest in a health care system, so please stop talking Mmm'K Mr. President.

That's like saying your favorite day in New York was 9/11 because it was more exciting.

There's a very high price for your amusement by Bush's speech.