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Press Conference Notes

Obama better pick up the pace.  I'm about to fall asleep.  If he doesn't start bringing a little more pizazz to these things the networks are just going to pull their cameras and go home.

UPDATE: OK, this was good.  Ed Henry asked Obama why it took him a few days to respond to the AIG bonus scandal.  Answer: "It took me a couple of days because I like to know what I'm talking about before I say something."  Ba-da-bum!

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Obama Press Conference 3-24-09 - Boring

"Obama better pick up the pace. I'm about to fall asleep. If he doesn't start bringing a little more pizazz to these things the networks are just going to pull their cameras and go home."

Errrmmmm, Kevin, I watch Press Conferences to be informed, not entertained. Some of the entertainment value that IS present, however, are the often silly questions that are asked by our members of the fourth estates.

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Yes, Kevin. What's the

Yes, Kevin. What's the prob??? I was wowed by his honesty, his obvious intelligence, and his ability and ease at communicating his perspective on a host of issues, all tempered by a genuine sense of humility. I can only think your critique was tongue in cheek.

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It Was Boring But He Did Fine

It is more of the same. He claims he is certain that we cannot prosper without "investment" in education, health care and energy, just after telling us no one knows what things will look like five years from now.

I thought the race question was interesting. But Obama holds back on helping the country put our racial problems behind us. With a sentence or two, he could help in that regard.

The introduction was not good with him reading from the old fashioned teleprompter at the back of the room. I don't know why he needs the teleprompter. He could give good remarks extemporaneously, or at least without reading them, but he never does. I doubt that it is lack of confidence, so it must be to some extent just laziness. It has got to the point where it hurts him, because it has stuck. Most people now know he depends on a teleprompter.

Finally, he does no seem to interact much with the press. He is a charming guy and sometimes is pretty good as a regular guy. He should use some of those skills in the press conference. I remember maybe one smile and virtually no laughs. But maybe he was holding back after Leno and the Kroft interview where he was burned a bit with laughing and trying to be funny.

Overall, a B. No significant mistakes. Nothing memorably good. There may be less interest in the next one.

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Good Job

I liked his comment that we have to address health care to fix the economy. He obviously has clear vision on that issue.

And I'm glad to see the Administration making an effort to deal with the issue of give-aways to the bankers, by asking for more authority over institutions such as AIG. Let's hope that it's not just window dressing.

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He accomplished his goal

He accomplished his goal and used the time to explain what he is doing and what he is going to do to the American people> If you do not have a solution and can only say no please just get out of the way!

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Show biz it ain't. Thank

Show biz it ain't. Thank god.

Obama did a wonderful job tonight. He was engaged and engaging, could recite chapter and verse, and proved he isn't going to back away from not only repairing the economy but the big three: education, energy, health care.

I found him strong, reassuring, confident.

As for the CNN news "analysts" : they are a pitiful batch of ninnies.

If William Bennett is the face of the Republican Party, bring on his twin. He looks like road kill on the point of bursting from a buildup of gas. I just hope he doesn't get any big pieces on bystanders.

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Thoughts

His "It took me a couple of days" line was a dodge, but a good line.

Kevin, I hope you were joking with your comment about Obama picking up the pace. It came off as silly.

Most of the questions were decent but not great. Why is it so hard to come up with a good question? Also, can we put a rest to the idiotic right-wing meme that Obama can't speak without a teleprompter? Maybe the last right years is making Obama look extra intelligent, but he answered every question he was asked fully and with a lot of depth. His response on charitable giving was very well argued.

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I Agree He Does Not Need the Teleprompter

Why does he use it all the time?

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Deficit Chart that Could Hurt Obama and Democrats

The chart at this link is a problem for President Obama.

If the economy is not improving significantly by November 2010, this one chart will be enough to defeat numerous democrats.

http://www.powerlineblog.com/

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Um, BJF? Anything from

Um, BJF? Anything from Powerline is automatically suspect. While that chart looks official, Hindraker and his buddies there are perfectly capable of and willing to fudge one to make a Democrat look bad.

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Doesn't really matter how

Doesn't really matter how charming Obama is. His spending is a gamble that will either work or bankrupt the country.

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@Luther

The country is already bankrupt. Check out the most recent Frontline PBS program on the national debt.

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Obama's speech

Kevin, don't you feel a tad shallow for not being entertained for a whole hour? You remind me of my grandchild who, when she is not being the center of attention, says "I'm bored". It doesn't speak well for your 'grown-up-ness'.

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CNN does not have shock and awe to flog

CNN correspondents are the 'populists,' attempting to fan the flames of demagoguery to increase their ratings. If CNN does not have shock and awe to flog, they have to resort to asking why the president is not having a temper tantrum. Obama should ignore CNN's correspondents because they have no real questions to ask.

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Deficit Calculation

@BJF: "The chart at this link is a problem for President Obama."

Data from Hindraker is an oxymoron.

Just for starters, the Obama people are including costs that Bush hid, like the Iraq and Afghan wars. Of course, Hindrakers chart doesn't make note of this change in accounting. Second, most of the up front money Obama is spending is to fix problems left behind by Bush.

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