Obama Gets Into Verbal Tussle With Reporter
At a campaign event in South Carolina today, Barack Obama got into a bit of a row with a reporter after being asked: "Are you allowing President Clinton to get in your head?"
It took Obama three tries to answer the question, in what turned into a testy exchange with the New York Times' Jeff Zeleny following a campaign event in Greenwood, South Carolina."I am trying to make sure that his statements by him are answered. Don't you think that's important?" Obama shot back, while walking away.
When Zeleny yelled a follow up question suggesting the Illinois senator had not answered the question, Obama fired back angrily, "Don't try cheap stunts like that."
Obama then returned to the reporter:
"I will answer your question, though off the record. Would you like to talk off the record?" Obama asked, to which Zeleny motioned toward the gaggle of TV cameras gathered around him, demonstrating that it was impossible to answer off the record right then.
After commingling with supporters a bit more and shaking some more hands, Obama then concluded to the reporter: "My suspicion is that the other side must be rattled if they’re continuing saying false things about us."
It's not clear what this account means when it says that it "took Obama three tries" to answer the question, and the query seems like a pretty inane one to begin with. Maybe video will surface of the moment so we can see whether this was really as bad as it was made to sound here.
Late Update: Okay, this is really bad. As I said above, we would need to see video to see if this was really as bad as ABC said it was. The video is here.
Very clearly, ABC badly mischaracterized what happened here. ABC said that this was a "testy exchange," characterized Obama has having "shot back" to the reporter, and even said that he "fired back angrily."
Obviously, the tone of the exchange wasn't anything like this. Our headline was based on ABC's reporting, and as a result, it too mischaracterized what happened.
We'll be bringing you a longer post on this with embedded video shortly.
Late Late Update: Our new post on this, with video, is right here.

Lifelong Democrat
Last night's debate finalized my vote for next November.
The Bush-Clinton era must be ended.
I will never vote for Hillary
If she is the nominee, I will vote Republican for the first time in my life or a third party.
If it is Obama or Edwards then I will vote Democrat.
One last thing, if Hillary is the nominee I will also change my registration to Independent and drop my membership in the local Democratic party.
I urge like minded Democrats to follow me, and punish the Democratic party if they nominate that women.
January 22, 2008 6:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ugh.
Here we go......
January 22, 2008 6:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Describing it as "took 3 times" is silly and unfair. Here are the 3 times:
1. "I am trying to make sure that his statements by him are answered. Don't you think that's important?" Obama shot back, while walking away.
2. When Zeleny yelled a follow up question suggesting the Illinois senator had not answered the question, Obama fired back angrily, "Don't try cheap stunts like that."
3. Obama then returned to the reporter:
"I will answer your question, though off the record. Would you like to talk off the record?" Obama asked, to which Zeleny motioned toward the gaggle of TV cameras gathered around him, demonstrating that it was impossible to answer off the record right then.
A bit later, Obama concluded: "My suspicion is that the other side must be rattled if they’re continuing saying false things about us."
January 22, 2008 7:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
You failed to point out that Jeff Zeleny was being extremely rude by interrupting Obama at his campaign event, where Obama was trying to greet and talk to actual South Carolina voters, not New York Times reporters.
January 22, 2008 7:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
It’s 2 minutes to midnight for Obama. Black voters might help him win the upcoming South Carolina primary. But the clock is running out on this slimy pol.
Good riddance.
January 22, 2008 7:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
agreed. it seems silly.
January 22, 2008 7:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Umm...I don't get it.
Why do I care?
January 22, 2008 7:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
anonymous, I wasn't there. I can only go by the ABC account.
January 22, 2008 7:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Pretty stupid question, actually. And Obama answered it, sort of. Wanting to go 'off the record' was a bit odd, though.
January 22, 2008 7:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Meanwhile, Hillary cackles. She must be loving it. Defiant, pulling no punches, and schooling all takers. You go, girl!
January 22, 2008 7:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
I thought the same thing!
Two weeks ago, when all this swiftboating began, I actually had a nightmare about it. In fact it was the day Charles Rangel said Obama was 'stupid', or some nonsense. In the beginning I thought I could live with either Hillary or Obama or Edwards, but in fact now I see that if Hillary gets the nomination, I may vote Republican as well. I use to love the Democratic party too.
January 22, 2008 7:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama is coming unglued and it is a joy to watch. He should exit the race before he loses what's left of his reputation.
He has alienated the rank and file of the Democratic Party and he will not win a single closed primary. He may be popular with independents and moderate Republicans but to the progressive left he is as popular as Ronald Reagan.
January 22, 2008 7:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sounds like the going is getting tuff for Obama....and seems like he doesn't do well under pressure. Not good credentials for a presidential contender.
January 22, 2008 7:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
just clarified that he was meeting with supporters at the time. it is an important detail.
January 22, 2008 7:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Picking are slim! It seems your readers are getting fewer! Soon, the choir will preach to itself! ABC has reported at least one other non stories today. Also, the selective rendering of the State newspaper article. Editorial discretion is a great idea but TPM's approach is getting to be a bit too much!!!
January 22, 2008 7:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's really sad how these pundits and news organizations hover and pick every non-position info-bite and grow it into hurricane.
I voted for Clinton, twice. Unfortunately, his wife is a Washington hack who hides behind her husband and hopefully will lose to the Republican challenger.
I really hope Obama or Edwards has something up his sleeve - like Bill's further infidelities or Hillary's hidden agenda. But it looks like Edwards is beginning to brown nose Billary already.
I hope the world prays for our soul - we will need it.
January 22, 2008 7:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Big deal.
At worst a tired frazzled Obama snapped at a NYT reporter.
And really, one can understand his wanting the campaign to be all about him and his suggestion that his supporters might bolt the party if he's denied.
Tick Tock Hussein!
Hope that you've enjoyed your five minutes.
January 22, 2008 7:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
What is Bill doing in SC
Going to a Black coffee shop and cry.
Clintons - what liars and cheap slimy politicians
January 22, 2008 7:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Gotta keep the cat fight going at all cost.
January 22, 2008 7:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
"It’s 2 minutes to midnight for Obama. Black voters might help him win the upcoming South Carolina primary. But the clock is running out on this slimy pol."
..that sounds like wishful thinking from a product of inbreeding.
January 22, 2008 7:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Tapper
Hillary probably cant win with us
But without us, she will be trounced.
I am going to enjoy that, as much as anything I have seen in politics.
The end of the corrupt Clintons
January 22, 2008 7:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Again I say smell the bacon frying in the Clinton kitchen...it's Obama bacon.
January 22, 2008 7:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Tick Tock Hussein!
Hope that you've enjoyed your five minutes."
..all these premature ejaculatory celebrations just point to peoples desperation - that looks good for Obama.
January 22, 2008 7:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Again I say smell the bacon frying in the Clinton kitchen...it's Obama bacon."
Again.. *Yawn*
January 22, 2008 7:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ah yes, from the people who brought us Bushit:
"Hillary probably cant win with us
But without us, she will be trounced".
More Obaidiot arse wipe.
January 22, 2008 7:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
What's funny is no one is thinking about Jeff's original question. I mean he might as well had said, "are you letting President Clinton punk you?". Is that what's passing for legitimate questions these days?
What did he think the answer would be? Yes? If folks want to know what irks folks about media coverage it's this crap. And the fact that it's being spread around the internets just insures we'll have more of this bullshit in the future.
January 22, 2008 7:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
HRC Supporters-
Some of you guys disgust me. Realize that your antics (just like some Obama supporters antics) only drive people away from your candidate.
January 22, 2008 7:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Tapper, people who make fun of other people's names are third-grade level morons.
January 22, 2008 7:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama losing it...from the sounds of the ABC reporter..
Everyone has their low points, Hillary had hers in Iowa.
People saying they would vote Republican... Sure, if you want another 8 years of Iraq war, tax cuts for the rich, no decent healthcare..you go for it!
January 22, 2008 7:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
pacc, the slimy politicians in this race are Bill and Hillary Clinton.
January 22, 2008 7:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Tapper
You are the biggest asshole here
Nothing lower in the world than a shill for Bill and Hill
We will have the last laugh
I can guarantee that
January 22, 2008 7:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
If Clintons lips were a zipper,
he'd need to close it before he makes a great big mess.
"I did not have sex with that woman"
while wagging his finger.
Lets see a reporter with any balls go after him on that and try to finally get an answer.
This is the zipper - I mean mouthpiece of the Hill Bill y campaign.
Bill Clinton is disgusting
And anyone who doesn't mind being lied to like that has no self respect.
And all you award winning spellers out there - go screw yourselves.
January 22, 2008 7:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
All this venom against Clinton when it is really Obamba on the spot and showing a rather uncool side. Sure sounds like a lot of folks are already planning to scoop up their marbles and slink home if Clinton beats Obama, as is increasingly likely. Events like this today show further why he isn't a suitable candidate. Now, for these party quiters, what if Huckabee ecks out a win and your choice is between Clinton and Huckabee? Are you going to vote for Huckabee? Maybe McCain, or Romney? And if you fail to support the Democratic candidate, say it is Clinton, what role do you think you'll have in the party's near-term future? Maybe you can start a third party called the Anybody But Clinton Party.
January 22, 2008 7:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
facta, actually, you are wrong. I am a very progressive Democrat, and I love Obama, as does every progressive Democrat I know. See, the issue here is, there are educated Democrats, who are smart enough to research candidates, use facts, and think critically (for instance, smart people are actually able to understand Obama's comments in their proper context, and not in the simplistic kneejerk framing that the Clintons like to try to spread), and then there are dumbass Democrats who follow blindly, can't understand simple conceptual arguments that intellectuals make, don't pay any attention to facts, don't know their own candidate or the people they attack, and thus come off as raving hypocrites/idiots.
Basically your facts are, as usual for Hillbots, fallacious. Obama's reputation isn't sinking faster than the Titanic, Hillary and Bill's are if anyones. You can made believe that it is reversed, but that isn't going to make it any more true. If you actually consider yourself a progressive Democrat, it gives me even more reason to switch my identification to Independent (left of Democrats), because that would mean that even the best portion of the party is contaminated with unthinking automatons. Anyone who thinks Hillary is truly progressive is not progressive. Anyone who thinks that Hillary is running to the left of Obama, is not intelligent.
January 22, 2008 7:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Gee anonymous, I'm not making fun of Hussein, I'm making fun of his servitors and lackeys.
You know, Obaidiots and Rethugicans like you.
January 22, 2008 7:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
I liked it when Bill lied to me because
I am a spelling robot
January 22, 2008 7:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
tym, last laugh?
Are you a progressive democrat or not? There is almost no difference between hillary and Obama on policy.
Obama is well behind in key states for Super-Tuesday, he's sliding to defeat.
January 22, 2008 7:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Barack Obama is Asked an Inane Question and Responds as Most People Would.
wow, this is really newsworthy. thanks Greg, for bringing this to our attention.
January 22, 2008 7:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here is the quote of the day:
"I kinda like seeing Barack and Hillary fight," [Bill] Clinton non-chalantly admitted to the crowd at one point.
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/01/bill-clinton-im.html
Someone also asked Bill a great question, one that I have definitely thought about, although not in these exact terms, to which Bill basically gave a non-answer:
"You know, you're often called the first Black president," Busby began. "And I wanted to ask, a lot of us believe that Senator Obama eventually will be the first black president. Are you gonna be okay with having stood in his way? And do you think that will affect your legacy amongst the blacks here in South Carolina?"
January 22, 2008 7:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
This site becomes more ridiculous by the moment. You so called Obama supporters who won't vote for Hillary if she is the nominee....well I assume you are enjoying the Bush years....and want more of them. It is ironic because a lot of the people on this site are informed...they have the information...but just interpret it in a crazy way. It is unfortunate because this country needs a smart, experienced president...who will really make change. We all know who that is ....even if you don't like her personality. So get real and support Hillary!!!!
January 22, 2008 7:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bushit, Obaidiots and Rethugicans, oh my!
That's what 1,000 monkeys with 1,000 typewriters will get you. Take a bow, Tapper. You're the lowest common denominator.
January 22, 2008 7:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Jaz you are committing the gravest sin in the cult of Obamania, you are talking facts.
The way things are going the Obabots will turn out to be the very last brave band of Bushit supporters. So sad.
January 22, 2008 7:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, Tapper, you are referring to Sen. Obama by his middle name in a silly, childish, and perhaps racist attempt to put off people from a candidate based on his name and background.
Do you refer to Bill as Jefferson or Hillary as Rodham or whatever she did with her original middle name once Bill finally convinced her to take his name to help his political career? Obviously not.
January 22, 2008 7:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
I am just trying to get to the bottom of all the foolishness.
I admit I am not the brightest person in the world as is evident by my postings -
but I just can't bring myself to support
one of those.
January 22, 2008 7:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
"People saying they would vote Republican... Sure, if you want another 8 years of Iraq war, tax cuts for the rich, no decent healthcare..you go for it!"
I am another lifelong Dem who will vote for McCain over Hillary. That stunt in Nevada lost them my support forever. The Democratic Party has always been about expanding the vote and for protecting the right of all voters to have access to polling places. The Clinton argument came straight out the DOJ/ voter ID playbook. I was ashamed to have them represent my party, even more than the whole time I had to defend his office BJ's and her suddenly "finding" her old file boxes of legal papers.
Let's be clear- those tax cuts, bankrupcy bill and the Iraq war all occured with HRC's support in the Senate. As for healthcare- the one candidate the Republicans know how to beat on healthcare is HRC. So why do you think she would be able to pass it this time? The difference between Obama and HRC- as she admitted in her debate last night- is that he got healthcare legislation passed in his state.
January 22, 2008 7:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
some one is pretending that I read the newspaper.
Not fair
I am proud to be from the south and have replaced Bills cigar with the republican flag
And I'm prroud of it (sic)
And it makes me feel good
liek Strom Thurmond (sic) should
January 22, 2008 7:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
The tone was rather different here.(http://embeds.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/01/22/obamas-ropeline-question/)
>
January 22, 2008 7:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Jenny
Please understand a simple fact
WE dont like the slimy corrupt politics of the Clintons.
And never will vote for them
If the idiotic Democratic party wants to nominate a sure loser
It is not my fault
January 22, 2008 7:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Greg Sargent is shameless. Neither that statement or this "tussle" are news.
If you don't have anything to report, Greg, don't report.
This is the most important presidential election in decades. Don't continue to trivialize it.
January 22, 2008 7:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Tapper
you sound like a goddamn fool
January 22, 2008 7:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
As if I did not know ya'll thought that.
I'm having an identity (sic) crises I tell ya.
January 22, 2008 7:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
cminmd => Actually. The whole Caucus event is undemocratic. Forcing people to disclose who they choose is not democratic. Period. That's not Hillary's fault but the the DNC's fault.
Worse still, was the attempt to make some votes have "more value" than others --> As is the case in Nevada.
Sorry, but if you were really a democrat, in the politicial, non-party sense, you would understand why primaries would make ALL these issue null and void.
There is not much difference in the senate records of hillary and obama --> go do the research.
There is a big difference between hillary/obama and McCain..and big one.
So I'm absolutely 100% sure that there are many "empty threats" going around.
January 22, 2008 7:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Anyone else think Tapper is Rush Limbaugh playing a joke on us? Pretty damned funny, Rush. Well done.
January 22, 2008 7:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Tym...
Who is WE???? I know one thing...this country is in a mess after the Bush era...and we need to get the best possible person into the White House. Get informed and figure out who that person is...and who will win in 2008. The rest of this stuff is garbage....and will (and is) sinking this country into the world sewer. I think the person is Hillary...if you don't give me some real substantive reasons why...
January 22, 2008 7:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
We match our candidates.
Ragy debate = ragy post mortem the next day. Perhaps HRC and BHO will come out and call for peace again.
Not bloody likely.
Let the purge of the trivially different begin!!!
January 22, 2008 7:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Vote for Monica Lewinsy's boyfriend's wife.
Modern feminist First woman -blah blah
With a husband guilty in a 850,000 dollar sexual harassment suit
Will somebody tell me how the above fit together. I just cant put the pieces together
January 22, 2008 7:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Jenny
The absolutely last thing I ever want to see is the corrupt Clintons in the White House again.
Guess Hillary would have to prohibit the intern program, if she won
January 22, 2008 7:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Jenny, idiots who are trying to make Hillary our nominee when McCain is going to be the Republican nominee are the ones who must love Republican rule, because it will be Hillary being our nominee, not some disgusted Democrats staying home, that hands the election to the Republicans.
Last poll: McCain 51%, Hillary 39%
Also, do you know why all the red state Dems are endorsing Obama? It isn't because he is moderate or Republican, it is because THEY KNOW IF HILLARY IS ON THE BALLOT ALL DEMOCRATS RUNNING IN THEIR STATES ARE SCREWED!!!
WAKE THE HELL UP PEOPLE!!!
January 22, 2008 7:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
tym - My sentiments exactly! My son and I will not vote for Hillary Clinton. I will return to being an Independent and I will not vote for any Democratic candidates on the PA ballor.
January 22, 2008 7:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Tym...
This is so ridiculous and irrelevant...I think you should vote for Huckabee...he sounds more like your candidate. I feel bad that I am the one to break this to you...but Obama has lots of questionable issues in his closet...and the Republicans are going to make mincemeat out of him.
January 22, 2008 7:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
grover_rover and Alex
Lot of us out there
No wonder McCain leads Billary 51-39
January 22, 2008 8:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
colonwowwow wrote on January 22, 2008 7:29 PM:
"I liked it when Bill lied to me because
I am a spelling robot"
That's c-o-l-o-n-p-o-w-w-o-w.
January 22, 2008 8:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
It could obama's four pollsters showed him the internal polling for SC. Maybe mr. inevitable isn't. Or maybe the poor little rich kid has had enough of not getting his way and is headed for a public full blown tantrum. Ah well. Just guessing.
January 22, 2008 8:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Jenny
I might vote for McCain but never Huckabee
He is from Arkansas like the corrupt Clintons
January 22, 2008 8:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
If I were Barack, I'd be pretty mad at reporters right now too. His record and words are being twisted by the Clinton campaign while the media dotes on Bill's words like they're unquestionable.
January 22, 2008 8:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Jenny, I am in full agreement.
Everyone knows the Clinton record. It's a none issue now. The media are even bored.
Obama, has alot of stories that can "blow up" in his face. Rezko being one of them.
A better question is... If Obama has problems with 2 Clintons... just how will he fair against the ENTIRE republican party I have no clue.
What's worse is his present voting could come across as indecisiveness.
If you want a morale correct leader, you vote for Huckabee, however, praying to God isn't gonna save the American economy, or bring the troops home.
January 22, 2008 8:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
The full video is right in the FoxNews page
Obama seems maybe slightly pissed, but he isn't losing his cool at all. Seems like a completely manufactured incident
January 22, 2008 8:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's pretty obvious what's happening here, vis a vis the media coverage.
The Clintons have told the MSM that if they attack Hillary in any way, they will receive no access during her term.
Let's follow along:
1. Attack Obama with half-truths and outright lies until he hits back.
2. Follow with an accusation that Obama is "frustrated."
3. Get a reporter to ask Obama such an inane question that he gets pissed, thus seeming "frustrated."
And, of course, the MSM bites hook, line and sinker. Is there any larger group of star f---ers than political journalists?
January 22, 2008 8:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm so beyond sick of the constant slime we've had to put up with over the last 15 years. There are legitimate issues to use against Obama. He doesn't have much experience. But I liked the hope message and I despise with all my heart and soul the gutter politics of the Clintons and their counterparts in the Republican Party.
I'll find a third party on the ballot. Couldn't be worse for the country.