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‘An Implicit Insult’: Why Are Some Turks Angry About This Photo of Obama?

Aug. 5, 2012 12:19pm Madeleine Morgenstern

An official White House photo of President Barack Obama generated some buzz last week, mostly because it invited more questions than answers.

Well, really just one question: what the heck was Obama doing with that baseball bat?

Image source: Official White House photo

The White House offered no information other than the simple caption, “President Barack Obama talks on the phone with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey in the Oval Office, July 30, 2012.”

When asked by reporters just what Obama was doing gripping a bat while speaking with a world leader, press secretary Jay Carney said he would look into it.

The Turks, for their part, had plenty to say. From Reuters:

“The photo reveals from whom our Prime Minister receives orders to rule the country,” Metin Lutfi Baydar, a lawmaker with Turkey’s main opposition party the Republican People’s Party (CHP), said in a statement.

CHP vice president Umut Oran asked through parliament if Erdogan had seen the picture and if he would take action against “an implicit insult to Turkey and its citizens”.

Some newspapers took a more lighthearted view, with columnist Ahmet Hakan of Hurriyet writing: “We need to do something – retaliation seems to be the most reasonable method.”

“Our prime minister needs to hold something in his hand as he’s calling Obama,” he added, suggesting as possible candidates a slipper, a belt or a rolling pin.

A White House spokeswoman responded to the photo inquiries on Friday and said the administration was aware of the international attention. Still, there was no answer to the bat question.

“We released the photo with only one purpose in mind, to highlight the President’s continuing close relationship with Prime Minister Erdogan and draw attention to the important conversation they had about the worsening situation in Syria,” spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said in a statement. “The President values his friendship and close partnership with Prime Minister Erdogan on a range of important issues on which the United States cooperates with Turkey.”

Erdogan on Sunday dismissed opposition criticism of the photo, telling Turkey’s A Haber news station that Obama is “a friend who never falls short of respect or politeness,” according to the Associated Press.

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Comments (252)

barber2
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 1:02pm
Two thoughts : One, the White House Re-Election Committee aka Republican Character Assassination Committee wants Obama to look strong, but they are forced to hold back on the LEAKS these days . Two, the Turks have that typical chip-on-the-shoulder attitude of insecure men. Always looking for an excuse to get angry and go off on some one . Always one step away from a fist fight.

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- dublinthewagons
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 3:12pm
  Voter intimidation for Turkeys votes. Aka new black panthers
  
  Report this comment
- kaydeebeau
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 3:14pm
  It is probably a subtle nudge to get folks to think BO is a strong leader and walks softly but carries a big stick.
  
  I suggest the Turks accept as many of us do – that any picture of BO is insulting and makes us angry
  
  Report this comment
- Living In NYC
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 3:49pm
  Prez Cool…isn’t cool just a fool….The world knows and Prez Un-Cool will know in November when his gets booted out of Washington and on to the “O” Network with Meeshell and her show “Living Under Meeshell Thumb”!
  
  I’m suprised the Whitehouse staff didn’t take a picture of him holding “the button” to show how “tuff” our bowing prez is! Yeppers, he loves to kiss most dictorators backsides.
  
  Prez Cool we are laughing you not with you!
  
  ‘Cause you’re nothing more than the middle school playground bully with your toatees until someone calls you on it….then you bend over!
  
  Report this comment
- NOT A CRAZY
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 3:57pm
  Dead Fish, Baseball Bats, Chicago Politics. End of Story.
  
  Report this comment
- hayesstephen
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 3:58pm
  How about Nobama thinking he’ll look like Teddy Roosevelt. Walk softly but carry a big stick. Man is there no one Nobama won’t copy? Nobama, walk softly on the green but carry a putter. Nobama voted out of office in 2012. Yahweh save our Nation, please do not turn your back on us.
  
  Report this comment
- muffythetuffy
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 4:02pm
  Barney the dog was barking and would not shut up. Barney the dog does not bark anymore.
  
  Report this comment
- Ray2447
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 4:25pm
  Photo Caption:
  
  “Dingbat holds bat.”
  
  Report this comment
- poorrichard09
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:23pm
  It’s because he doesn’t have a scepter-at least not yet.
  
  Report this comment
- Mil Mom
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:20pm
  Okay Mr Prime Minister, we won’t be interrupted by THOSE noisy white house staffers EVER AGAIN!
  
  Report this comment
- mwhaley
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:58pm
  This a$$ clown wears mama jeans and throws like a girl. I am not worried about his batting abilities. He was playing with a Barbie and staff quickly put this in his hand.
  
  Report this comment
- Cosmos102
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:58pm
  @ MuffytheTuffy.
  
  Thanks for making me laugh so hard I nearly wet myself.
  
  Report this comment
- Ohello
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 8:42pm
  Talk softly and carry a white hispanic black african bat.
  
  Report this comment
- rusooperman
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 10:43pm
  “After we disarm, I have a new global defense plan.”
  
  Report this comment
- Jaxx13
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 11:29pm
  Anyone remember him throwing a baseball? Someone get that bat away from him…….now.
  
  Report this comment
- VoteBushIn12
  Posted on August 6, 2012 at 12:46am
  @KAYDEEBEAU
  
  Speak for yourself.
  
  A REAL AMERICAN stands by his President, especially whilst his nation is at war. You don’t like our President? Then you can get out of my country!
  
  Report this comment
- loriann12
  Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:25am
  I think it’s a reminder that he’s from Chicago and very familiar with Mob tactics. “Listen to me, do what I say, or I break your knee caps.”
  
  Report this comment
- 4truth2all
  Posted on August 6, 2012 at 9:18am
  Yo Votebushin12:
  
  I don’t like this lying person who wants to change the fundamentals of this nation president either.
  IT”S NOT YOUR COUNTRY >>>>> IT”S OURS !!!!!!
  I don’t stand with liers … and THAT MAKES ME AMERICAN …
  also … I pray for people I don’t like … and that’s American too …. wippykiya …
  
  Report this comment
- Silversmith
  Posted on August 6, 2012 at 9:46am
  Deniro in Capone — “Enthusiasms, Enthusiasms, Enthusiasms”
  
  Silversmith
  
  Report this comment
- kaydeebeau
  Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:51pm
  @ Votein…missed the quantifying modified – “many of us” – did you? So that would make you the “some” who don’t then wouldn’t it.
  
  Report this comment
- NOT A CRAZY
  Posted on August 7, 2012 at 1:36am
  VotinBush…You get out and take your little Kenyan with you.
  
  Report this comment
Inlightofthings
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:55pm
POTUS has mocked every single aspect of the worlds’ population in some form or other. There is only one explanation for this behavior…

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- TheArbiter
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 2:37pm
  what’s the explanation?
  
  Report this comment
- madasblazes
  Posted on August 6, 2012 at 10:30pm
  The explanation is: He wasn’t TALKING to PM Takyip. It’s an old photo!
  P.S.
  Turks, he offends us everyday he sits there. Welcome to the club.
  
  Report this comment
KickinBack
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:53pm
Simple explanation. Our President is “batty”. I thought the Turks would’ve figured that out by now.

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- Too_Far_Gone
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 2:04pm
  It’s the “Chicago Way.”
  
  Report this comment
- Agnes
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 5:27pm
  The clown-in chief’s mind is far from where it should be; working for the United States. His “mind” is thinking about fundraisers, vacations, and whatever way to ruin our country. Perhaps he was exercising with the baseball bat!
  
  Report this comment
ltemp
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:51pm
What no halo?????????

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- GeorgieJo
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 4:44pm
  What no RAINBOW???????
  
  Report this comment
Stu D. Baker-Hawk
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:51pm
Anybody ever see the movie The Untouchables? My advice: Don’t ever attend a formal sit-down dinner with Barry when he’s holding a bat!

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- Walkabout
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 1:35pm
  Funny you mention the film. People from his church did up dead at an alarming rate. It might be simple coincidence since Chicago has a high crime rate.
  
  Then again…
  
  Report this comment
- strewth_cobber
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 10:27pm
  Elliot Ness got his man in the end for some type of fraud or evasion.
  
  Report this comment
13th Imam
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:49pm
Our So-Called NATO ally Turkey, didn’t let our troops stage thru them in the Gulf War. This caused our casualty count to rise. While Barry’s slender, manicured digits have no clue how to swing a Hillerich Bradsby, Turkey should just clam up.

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- Walkabout
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 1:19pm
  The Turkish “Justice and Development Party” won 2/3rds of the seats in the Turkish parliament or whatever. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was unable to be Prime Minister due to some injudicious remarks he had made. So Gül kept the seat warm for him until 2003.
  
  Whatever the reason, by not having a credible northern force it lengthened the Iraq War.
  
  Report this comment
- riseandshine
  Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:54am
  “Whatever the reason, by not having a credible northern force it lengthened the Iraq War”.
  
  How convenient.
  
  Report this comment
AMENDMENT
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:48pm
Man O Man, is there nothin Glenn gets wrong http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri4Hu14MDuU LMFAO The Chicago Way….

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- NancyBee
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 4:05pm
  ALL I can say is WOW!……He was right on!
  
  Report this comment
- Redwood Elf
  Posted on August 6, 2012 at 11:32am
  Most likely lots of those Turks are joking. I think the Prime Minister of Turkey should hold a pair of mink handcuffs and a riding crop when talking to Obama…
  
  Report this comment
dmerwin
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:47pm
Who cares what the Turks think. They have gone off the deep end and should be removed from NATO. We should stop immediately, sending spare parts, weapons and ammo.

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- pdw
  Posted on August 6, 2012 at 9:09am
  You want to put our weapons dealers out of work??
  
  Report this comment
- dmerwin
  Posted on August 6, 2012 at 10:49pm
  pdw
  We don’t want to arm the enemy. Turkey has turned from a secular nation that now is turning to more radical Islam. We can sell the surplus to Israel.
  
  Report this comment
copatriots
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:46pm
Who comes up with this crap?

“Hey……let’s say Romney is a bully and picked on a gay guy in school.” HUH…..that didn’t work and was discredited.

Okay…..

“Let’s call Romney a wimp then have a picture taken with him holding a bat in the Oval office.” Yeah…..that’ll work.

Seriously, what percentage of 0bama’s base aren’t fools?

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- barber2
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 1:06pm
  Is that that 1% number I keep hearing being repeated by those Lefty parrots ?
  
  Report this comment
- 13th Imam
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 1:08pm
  1/32 Percent
  
  Report this comment
- Goldi
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 3:13pm
  Zero %
  
  Report this comment
zman61
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:43pm
There is a message in everything that this jerk wad does. What he means by this I don’t know. Maybe he means ” listen here you Turks if you don’t listen to what I, the messiah, tell you then I am going to play strike three on your head” but no this president is more likely to bow to the lowest of the low. So more than likely what he means by it is “hey you Turks you know I like to bend over so when I do you can use this bat on me”

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Ampleforth
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:42pm
He can’t throw a baseball; why would anyone believe he could actually swing a baseball bat?

When I first saw this photo I sort of gasped because it is incongruous to see his girly hands around the handle of a ballbat. It comes across as a wimp trying to look tough. Then, when I read that he was on the phone to Prime Minister Erdogan, I was shocked. Sure, it’s not particularly offensive to any rational people, but I knew it was the wrong image to release from that conversation.

Does the administration believe that this intimidates Turkey, Erdogan, or anyone else in the Muslim world? The photo is actually pathetic. The real measure of Barack Obama’s foreign policy prowess came before he was even sworn into office. In December 2008 he delivered three different statements about Russia invading Georgia (the one in Asia). His first statement all but demanded that the Georgians cease fire in the interest of peace. The next two clarifications were almost as wimpy as the first.

Putin tested the incoming president and got a pretty good read on Obama six weeks before he was innaugurated.

Obama is pathetic, and this photo demonstrates just how pathetic he is. He can’t swing a bat, I’m sure. Swinging a bat well is far more difficult than throwing a baseball. My hunch, judging by his foreign policy, is that he’d step out of the batters box on every pitch.

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- copatriots
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 1:14pm
  Exactly correct, AMPLE. The only thing Dictators understand is force, dominance and power. 0bama can’t even get how to become a dictator right. Does anyone really think the Muslim Bros are afraid of a freggin’ baseball bat? They indoctrinate their own children to strap a bomb on themselves and die for the cause.
  
  It’s more likely 0bama was on the phone with Dingy Harry.
  
  Report this comment
- QuincySmith
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 2:26pm
  Co;
  
  Was dingy on the mound or did he have a catcher’s mitt?
  
  Report this comment
majasdad
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:41pm
Typical pointless Blaze article.

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- chips1
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:46pm
  Did the devil make you “left click”?
  
  Report this comment
- Want our country back
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:47pm
  Go away with your typical pointless comments.
  
  Report this comment
- bikerr
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:50pm
  And yet you read and commented. Brilliant just Brilliant.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Cabrito_Goat
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:50pm
  Besides Christmas, this is probably one of the slowest news weeks of the year.
  
  News is never fast paced in summer, and we’re directly in the middle of the “dog days” of it.
  
  Plus it’s a Sunday.
  
  But on topic, I think the Turks think too highly of themselves. Some people like to have something in their hands to handle while they talk, I’m guilty of it. I never know what to do with my arms in a standing conversation.
  
  It’s not demeaning if the other person feels awkward talking without having something to absord nervous energy in their hands, like say a stress ball.
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 1:32pm
  MajasDad
  Why do you torture yourself by coming here?
  ***
  Keep going… the better tea party idiots do, the better for the democrats.
  
  So keep doing what you’re doing morons.
  ***
  Gag me with a spoon :(
  
  Report this comment
- Gonzo
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 1:57pm
  Go back to Huffpo then. We won’t miss you.
  
  Report this comment
- 13th Imam
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 3:08pm
  Just imagine what maja is going to end up like. Poor little commie.
  
  Report this comment
- HorseDancer
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 4:22pm
  GONZO . . . I agree. These trolls should go back to HuffPo. Who needs em? I think we should sic THE NUGE!!! on em. That’ll teach em. He’s rough and tumble, you know? What am I saying, of course you know, because you love Uncle Ted just like I love Uncle Ted. He’s the keenest rock star of all. Been my teen idol forever. I always know when he’s headed my way for a concert, because I can smell him a mile away. What a man! What a patriot! What a good dad! And husband! Yes, he’s everything the Tea Party stands for – right down to that hardened crust of patriotic bio remnants.
  
  Thanks, Gonzo. It’s nice to have a friend on this board who really understand what it means to be a real man – like THE NUGE!!
  
  Report this comment
- Wango
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 5:46pm
  Yeah, go back to HuffPo then. We won’t miss you. We’re real men.
  
  Report this comment
- Zipit
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 10:02pm
  Really Horse! Run out of material so quickly! I hear your just like Obama! Not quite sure which end of your bat you should use! Or in your case, abuse!
  
  Report this comment
- HorseDancer
  Posted on August 6, 2012 at 11:23am
  ZIPPY THE PNHEAD . .. It’s so endearing to watch the bigots circle the wagons to protect their slice of American victimhood. The world could learn from you. After all, you can be a shining example or a horrible warning. Thanks for being the latter.
  
  Run out of material? Hardly. I’m just getting warmed up. And it will only get more exciting and visual and entertaining. Much like you offering your rather prissy vision of a man sinking a bat. How DO you come up with those ideas? I’m not sure Mr. Cathy would approve of such thinking. He’d prefer you to think of Jesus and his close-knit group of male supplicants and not men having sex with bats.
  
  Repent, Zippy. It’s not too late to know the Lord.
  
  Report this comment
- Zipit
  Posted on August 6, 2012 at 12:52pm
  Now that was funny! A little desperate maybe. But nonetheless funny! “prissy version of a man sinking a bat” WOW Horsey. I don’t have any personal experience, but that sounds like the type of language that one could only pick up in the darkest depths of real slimy man bar. We can now venture a guess as to what part of LGBT you fit into. Also, you should seek some help for your anger!
  
  Report this comment
- HorseDancer
  Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:20pm
  ZIPPITY . . . Draft off me, Z. It’s much easier than having ideas of your own.
  
  Report this comment
- Zipit
  Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:01pm
  Sorry there steed wannabe! Can’t ask my brain to operate at your level!!!! (at half throttle) DOO DA! DOO DA!
  
  Report this comment
QuincySmith
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:40pm
I would guess that oblama has such a hard time ‘pitching’ a baseball, he is working on his hitting.

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- Taquoshi
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:47pm
  Sigh! At least his feet aren’t on the desk.
  
  Geez, my parents were very strict about feet off the furniture and all the sports equipment in the front hall closet.
  
  Report this comment
MDECKER
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:39pm
President Obama just returned from the driving range.

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chips1
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:39pm
Any picture of Obama is an insult. Mostly to Americans.

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- pwatkins
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 1:33pm
  Amen to that!
  
  Report this comment
lel2007
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:38pm
The thought of obama sickens me, BUT the photo just shows berry having a LTJG Daniel Kaffee moment. There are more important issues to contest with the junior grade president.

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Tri-ox
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:35pm
What, haven’t Turks ever seen a typical Chicago thug wielding a baseball bat?

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- TheArbiter
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 2:36pm
  if he were a typical chicago thug he would have been holding a gun. You obviously are not from the area. it takes a special kind of thug to make it to DC.
  
  Report this comment
TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:34pm
The Obama policy.. speak Marxistly and carry a big Fungo Bat.

Screw the Turks too. They didn’t come through when we needed ‘em logstically, so they can bark at the moon…

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paperpushermj
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:34pm
Live by the Photo OP.
.
Die.
.
By the Photo OP

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- Twobyfour
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:32pm
  I’d love to see him swing.
  
  Report this comment
Tankertony
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:33pm
I bet he swings like a girl.

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- iampraying4u
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 5:54pm
  I bet he swings
  
  Report this comment
- Gums
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 10:33pm
  Hahahah!! He is definitely a little light in the loafers. How many gay males from his church died in the same month again? 3? What’s his face, said he used to do sexual acts with him too, Larry…. something. And let’s face it, Michelle wears the pants in that relationship.
  
  Report this comment
Apple Bite
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:32pm
No answer for the bat in hand? Sounds like everything else that goes on around D.C. No answer for anything at all. The man could be wearing panties on his head and have a clown nose on, and they wouldn’t have answer for that either.

D.C. is clueless.
“Like, whatever!”

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- whatthecrazy
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:36pm
  LOL agree
  
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- Too_Far_Gone
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 8:37pm
  “The man could be wearing panties on his head and have a clown nose on, ”
  
  I think he only does that with Rahm ..
  
  Report this comment
whatthecrazy
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:31pm
Im surprised he wasn’t holding that thing that the grim reaper carries in his hand all the time,at least it would look more natural.

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- dixie63
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:39pm
  LOL! Good one. :)
  
  Report this comment
Frodo RinosBane
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:30pm
Oh, I’m sure the photographer and WH staff had no idea he had a bat in his hand. Just forget about it.

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Zuitsuit
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:29pm
So a baseball bat is offensive to the Turks? Too bad they cant see e holding up both middle fingers to the whole Muslim world

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- Want our country back
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:50pm
  Those fingers are reserved for the American people…. remember when he did that to Hillary and again to John McCain…. classless
  
  Report this comment
lisalake
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:22pm
Screw oBozo and the Turks too.

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- whatthecrazy
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:34pm
  Amen sister friend.
  
  Report this comment
- G-WHIZ
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:35pm
  O’B-S ALWAYS does things ON PURPOSE!! eVERY THING HE DOES IS A SLAM AGAINST OUR FRIENDS !! …and a LEAKING-HELP TO OUR ENEMIES!!
  
  Report this comment
- TheArbiter
  Posted on August 5, 2012 at 2:54pm
  G-WHIZ : BLARG PARANOIA ALL CAPPPPPSSSS!!!!!!!!111111
  
  how about focusing on getting him out of office without all of the foaming at the mouth nonsense? just makes you look like the whining liberals during bush’s tenure.
  
  Report this comment

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