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Update: Iowa Newspaper Allowed to Publish ‘Off-the-Record’ Interview With Obama After WH Initially Refuses

Oct. 24, 2012 10:17am Erica Ritz

Des Moines Register Upset Obama Wont Go on the Record, Meet

(AP File Photo)

The editor for the Des Moines Register yesterday penned an article blasting President Obama for refusing to go on the record during his 30-minute interview with the influential Iowa newspaper. But now, after the issue garnered significant publicity, the Obama campaign has relented and allowed a transcript of the interview to be published.

The editor Rick Green wrote in a blog post yesterday:

Just two weeks before Election Day, the discussion, I believe, would have been valuable to all voters, but especially those in Iowa and around the country who have yet to decide between the incumbent Democrat and his Republican opponent.

[...]

[But] it was a “personal call” to the Register’s publisher and editor, we were told. The specifics of the conversation could not be shared because it was off-the-record.

Of course, we immediately lobbied his campaign staff in Des Moines for a formal, on-the-record call. We were told it was not their decision; it came from the White House. We requested that the White House be asked to reverse course so whatever the president shared with us could be reviewed by voters and our readers.

No reason was given for the unusual condition of keeping it private. [Emphasis added]

“What the President shared with us this morning — and the manner, depth and quality of his presentation – would have been well-received by not only his base, but also undecideds. From a voter standpoint, keeping it off-the-record was a disservice,” he added.

RNC spokesman Tim Miller contributed at the time: “President Obama is telling Iowans that if they want to hear him answer some tough [questions] before Election Day, they’ll have to hope for a rerun of The View.”

But now, readers can see the entire transcript of the interview at the Des Moines Register.

The Register’s official endorsement is expected this weekend, but even before the administration relented, they said it would be “petty and ridiculous” for the issue to play a factor in their endorsement.

Read the entire transcript from President Obama’s interview with the Des Moines Register here.

This story has been updated to reflect new information.

–

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Comments (76)

RaydocX
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:57am
the paper was trying to endorse him, but even their conscience would not be right after getting such a blatant run around…

it shocks me that the race is so tight that they are talking about Biden casting the deciding vote…
what will the history books say about us in another century… the most gullible clueless uneducated generation? No, the textbooks the Left will produce will only paint the glory of the Sharia State of America’s contributing to the downfall of the Zionist state and the return to Allah…

not that the Left want that, but given who they are happily in bed with, one morning the stormtroopers will come knocking on their doors and they will be left thinking ‘how did this happen?’

it would almost be worth being around to see the ‘journalists” outrage, but i’d rather we put a stop to it here and now as a nation and try to rebuild.

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- JRook
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 11:27am
  With candidates like Christine O’Donnell, Sharon Angle, Todd Akin, M. Bachmann, Sarah Palin and this Murdoch idiot from NY your gonna make a statement about the lack of intelligence of the voter. If God had intended us to vote he would provide us with real candidates. We have the best candidates that money can buy on both sides of the isle and it is the wealthy and large corporations that can afford to buy them. So take a break from the conspiracy nonsense and start focusing on why the “owners” want voters to spend their time on stupid parlor games. If you want to vote against the PRESIDENT fine, but please don’t assert that Romney is an individual of high character, ethics or integrity. Its not just that he says whatever he feels the audience wants to hear, but the basis for all of his multiple positions on an issue are lies. And we have now come to realize that Ryan is cut from the same cloth.
  
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- Stone Cold Truth
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 12:20pm
  Romney is twice the person you’ll ever be. You have 0 credibility.
  
  Report this comment
- sillyfreshness
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 1:47pm
  Nothing like the “free press”.
  
  Report this comment
- dsd13130
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 2:43pm
  JROOK>>>You might want to check where the Mourdock idiot is TRULY from, You Idiot! And then you have the nerve to call others ignorant!
  
  Report this comment
- CrismaFire
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 4:26pm
  JROOK you just listed some of the greatest candidates we have, I am glad you don’t like them cause trash wouldn’t, OBAMA is history, and will go down as one of the worse leaders in modern history. Romney is OK but still weak. I wish Gov. Palin had ran she would have won the Republican vote hands down.
  
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bgotts27
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:52am
It wouldn’t be at all “petty and ridiculous” to factor in a President’s reluctance to go on the record. The only thing that could hurt President Obama is if he is trying to hide something.

Which he is.

Many somethings.

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- JRook
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 11:29am
  How about erica do a review of the 10+ times Romney has made a statement, many in the debates, which his campaign has come out and reversed within 24 hours. Geez the guy can’t even lie consistently.
  
  Report this comment
- Taquoshi
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 1:03pm
  You mean like, oh, let’s say….. his birth certificate, his real social security number (if he actually does have one), his college transcripts, his passport, uh, let’s see….oh yeah… and his real name?
  
  Report this comment
- remanlove
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 2:10pm
  I personally challenge any left wing liberal to show me at least ten times that Mitt Romney’s campaign has come out within 24 hours making corrections to supposed flip flops by Mitt. For that matter, I challenge them to come up with just one time that has occurred. If they can’t do it they need to shut up and start studying the truth of all matters. Get the hint there jrook…???
  
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- remanlove
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 2:19pm
  In response to jrook, I challenge you or any other loud mouthed no brain liberal to demonstrate in writing with references on where the material is obtained from, the “at least ten times” that the Romney campaign has reversed Mitt’s speeches from the day before that you refer to. If you are unable to do so then I would say you owe not only the people that read your comments an apology, you owe yourself one as well for being a brainwashed mantra repeating Obamaite. Wake up and seek the truth. Or are you afraid it might actually require you to remove your rose colored glasses and actually see it for what it is before it bites you in the ****?
  
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Man-On-A-Mission
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:51am
What every….Romney went on record with them saying his Presidency does not have any agenda to take away birth control or abortion rights for women….the next day the RNC had to clarify that is was not Romney’s real stance on the issue and that he would defund Planned Parenthood or overturn Roe v Wade…….so why don’t you get on flip – flop Romney going on the Record???????

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- mountainbiker
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 11:02am
  The economy is in a shambles, we have 4 dead Americans that we can’t get answers about, 16 trillion $ in debt, Al Quaida on the rise and you are worried about whether the government should play a role in your right to choose? I think you might want to take a “bigger picture” view of things.
  
  Report this comment
- cessna152
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 11:03am
  Obama’s lies:
  http://obamalies.net/list-of-lies (to many to list on here).
  
  First off Obama lies about everything he claims to be true. He lies blatantly and without remorse.
  
  Let me ask you this, have you EVER changed a position on something in your life? If you say you NEVER have then you’re a liar. I used to be Pro choice for example. Then realized, where is the choice of the child to live? Realizing, I changed my stance.
  The difference:
  1) Obama lies on purpose misleading
  2) Show me where Romney said this in VIDEO (because I have read transcripts..he did not flip flop) and realize changing a stance is not blatantly lying to mislead like oblamo.
  
  Report this comment
- ohiograndma
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 11:09am
  I don’t believe any Romney supporter has concerns about him repealing Roe vs. Wade (although it was unconstitutional) or de-funding Planned Parenthood (which gets 1/3 of its funds from the government and nearly all patients through Medicaide).Romney will begin to fix the economy and strengthen America’s role of peace in the world. I could never support Obama’s policies.
  
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IMO888
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:50am
This story is all part of the political game. The DMR was going to endorse him anyway. This is only a story because of the report that O “refused to go on the record”. Now everybody’s going to want to see what’s in it once it’s released. How many people would have actually known about and read the interview if it were not for this story? It’s like free advertising to the O campaign. Don’t be duped by a dope!

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- dsd13130
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 2:46pm
  You are absolutely correct! He plays the media all the time. I could care less what he has to say since he has lied for the last 4 years. These would just be new lies.
  
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80mesh
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:49am
hey … farmers of Iowa obammy’s really lookin out for you

Farm Dust Regulations: EPA has been regulating farm dust for decades and may tighten the standards as part its review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for coarse particulate matter (PM10). Tightening the PM10 NAAQS would have widespread implications for rural America, as it could be below the amount of dust created during normal farming operations, and therefore be impossible to meet. If the standard is tightened, the only option for farmers to comply will be to curb everyday farm activities, which could mean cutting down on numbers of livestock or the tilling of fields, or they may have to shrink or even end their businesses altogether. (In other words, Soylent Green really MAY be made out of people! In any event, food prices will “necessarily skyrocket” right along with energy prices, just like Dumbo said they would.

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dadsrootbeer
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:48am
So Mr. Transparency is refusing to be transparent. Just waiting for all the corruption to be exposed when the socialist is out.

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Nevermind
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:48am
The interview is available to read. Also i find it interesting that this is news on the blaze yet there has never been a story on this site about the Salt LAke Tribune endorsing Obama over Romney. He is losing in MA. where he was GOv. and now in his morman stronghold they dont even trust him.

I thought the truth had no agenda? Seems to be one on this site to make the morman look good , then again Beck is a morman so it makes sense

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- ohiograndma
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 11:04am
  Yes,it’s true the Salt Lake City paper endorsed Romney. However, according to another poll, 74% of Utah residents will vote for Romney. Polls, newspapers…. we’ll find out, won’t we?
  
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- RIGS
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 11:11am
  HASNOMIND you are a perfect exsample of a left wing marxist who only dwells on demeaning people for there belief because its no theirs.
  
  Report this comment
- RobertSailing
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 5:36pm
  @Nevermind:
  The Salt Lake Tribune is the competing anti-Mormon paper in Utah. They would endorse anyone but Romney, even the devil. Do you research before you say stupid things.
  
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Female
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:46am
“He also emphasized that it would be “petty and ridiculous” for them to factor in President Obama’s reluctance to go on the record with his second term agenda when making their final decision on whom to endorse this weeke

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ds7
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:46am
worst. president. ever.

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AvengerK
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:44am
“Chicago”…is that “dog whistle” for “racist”?

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- Cosmo 1976
  Posted on October 25, 2012 at 10:12am
  Chicago people are trying…..we have bin trying for 10 yrs to change with no luck dont count us out never give up…..and our harets are broken for the HEROS who gave there all in Libya God bless ands rest there sols
  
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piper60
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:42am
This is typical of Mr. Obama. If anybody in the government DARES to criticize him, either he or his minions go after said employee.

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Duey2000
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:42am
It’s because he wanted to make it look like the paper endorsed him without provocation from the White House.

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JohnTwoFeathers
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:42am
Now the regime says it can be aired…….right after we edit the important slanderous parts that would prove Oblamos second term would devistate the economy and hobble our military. Why can’t this Obamanation tell the truth? Every day I watch a speach by this clown I expect him to burst into flames.

Semper Fi
Romney/Ryan
2012

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ronwagn
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:40am
http://ecclesia.org/truth/lying.html

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bandi9
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:38am
every person in iowa should see this; as conservative a state as i would believe iowa to be, how can this man have a chance there? or anywhere for that matter.

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- no_more_harkin
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 1:00pm
  Iowa is a fairly conservative state when in comes to fiscal policy, however those farmers love government handouts. You’ve also got one of the most liberal Senators in “Harkin”. So while Iowa is conservative moreso than our neighbors Minn, Wis, IL, we’ve have far too many progressives that erode our once great character.
  
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ronwagn
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:38am
The man is a liar. What does it say in the bible about liars? I know it says thou shalt not lie.

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- Jezreel
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:50am
  The ten commandments says “you should not bear false witness against your neighbor”, not you should not lie. The bible says, “let God be true and every man be a liar”. All men lie, some men are filled with lies and have no truth in them at all. Bearing false witness is a very serious sin.
  
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BlackCrow
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:33am
Dear Leader couldn’t lead water down a hill.

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BODYBAG
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:31am
So much for The One, Mr Transparency, Mr Fundamental Transformation Of America
You’re toast Barry —- Its all over but the shouting — We’ve come to take what’s ours.

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- bgotts27
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:54am
  but the shouting …. and the rioting that will follow.
  
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pirate052
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:30am
Obama is scared, just plain and simple

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Brem
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:29am
How can Obama even get 5% of the vote?

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- Gonzo
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:40am
  I can see 20%, but neck and neck is shameful. This country deserves what it gets if Obama gets another 4 years.
  
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pirate052
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:29am
Reason for it obama does not want his ass handed to him. People are waking up. Obama knows this.

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Detroit paperboy
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:29am
Iowa has become an agricultural WELFARE state, not too much different than Detroit …..if they vote this traitor in again, then SHAME ON THEM, now go see if your ethanol welfare check has arrived….

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- Don
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 11:10am
  You are correct. As an Iowan, there are a lot of two faced republicans out here who have the extra mailbox at the end of the driveway for the governemnt checks. Any form of long term welfare is wrong and this is no different. Ethanol, wind subsidies, farm bill,…. all have Iowa politiicans names on them and unfortunately some are Republican. But the name Detroit Paperboy, I am sure you know what welfare is really like.
  
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Gary_K
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:25am
If I was the editor of that paper I would now endorse Romney/Ryan. Screw barry.

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Stelex
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:25am
Obama is so transparent I can’t see a thing………watajagov

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Gonzo
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:23am
“The most transparent administration ever.”

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- gyro
  Posted on October 24, 2012 at 10:39am
  yay
  
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