Politics

GOP Lawmaker Calls on Obama to Apologize to Netanyahu for Disparaging Live Mic Comments

 

Republican Congressman Michael Grimm Calls on Obama to Apologize to Benjamin NetanyahuOn Monday The Blaze reported on President Obama’s not-so-private conversation with French President Nicolas Sarkozy where the two men were overheard on an open mic making disparaging comments about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.  Today, a freshman House Republican called on President Obama to formally apologize for these exceedingly critical comments.

“I find President Obama’s criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu highly offensive and call on him to issue a formal apology on behalf of the American people,” Rep. Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.) said in a statement Tuesday.  “Whether the microphones are on or off, the message to our allies in Israel should always remain the same: ‘We stand with you.’”

In the conversation between the two heads of state, Sarkozy told Obama that he “cannot stand Netanyahu; he’s a liar.” To which Obama replied, “you’re fed up with him, but I have to deal with him every day!”

Grimm characterized Obama’s comments as “disgraceful and inappropriate coming from someone who holds the highest office in the United States.”  He added that “they provide a poor and inaccurate reflection of the American people he was elected to represent, and they must be rescinded.”

Meanwhile, the White House has declined to comment on the incident.  When asked about the exchange, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters at Tuesday’s daily briefing: “I don’t have any comment on the specific conversation.”  Carney then equivocally added in broader terms that:

“This president’s position has been quite clear on the issue of efforts by the Palestinians to achieve through the United Nations what can only be achieved effectively through direct negotiations. And the President believes very firmly that both sides, the Israelis and the Palestinians, need to take those steps that bring them closer together to direct negotiations and not ones that make it harder to have that happen.”

Not surprisingly for its part, France voted last week to support Palestinian membership in UNESCO despite intense efforts by the U.S. to urge a “no” vote on the move.

The incident perhaps not only betrays Obama’s true feelings about Netanyahu, but certainly casts much doubt on his ability to remain an impartial broker in dealing with the entire Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Undoubtedly, this incident will only increase the number of lawmakers who continue to voice concern about Obama’s stance on Israel.

(h/t: HillBlog)

Comments (196)

1 2 3 ... 6
  • littleQueenie
    Posted on November 9, 2011 at 12:01am

    Narcissists never apologize.

    Report Post »  
    • AhLeahIris
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 12:25am

      True! While they’re at it, they should ask him to apologize for this: http://wp.me/p1HGwx-1s2

      Report Post » AhLeahIris  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 12:50am

      Indeed, and they should not only demand the appology, they also need to demand for his resignation.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 1:09am

      If someone has to be coerced to apologize then it doesn’t mean anything anyways.

      Report Post »  
    • Cosmos102
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 1:10am

      Rep Michael Grimm is a hero in my book. Narcissists DON’T apologize, it’s true…but the fact is the MSM is not reporting on this story and Rep Michael Grimm’s actions have just drawn attention to to it. Let this be a lesson to every GOP member! Fight back against the media’s propaganda machine. Stop sitting on your hands and doing nothing. You were elected for a reason…to serve the people. Not to take pay offs from lobbyists and enjoy rewards that only YOU get to have. Start doing something selfless and represent the people! And People, start being more discerning about the people you elect to represent you. We need REAL leaders.

      Report Post » Cosmos102  
    • survivorseed
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 4:04am

      Good to see those republican law makers tackling the big issues again..can somebody remind me what the motto is again

      Report Post »  
    • cableguy03
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 4:53am

      This POS can go around the world and apologize for the US but he can’t apologize for himself!!!!!!

      Report Post » cableguy03  
    • loriann12
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 6:51am

      Actually, with narcissists, you get the apology with an excuse. They‘ll apologize in the form of it wasn’t their fault, you took it wrong, etc.

      Report Post »  
    • Mil-Dot
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 7:08am

      What is with this “demanding an apology” crap? Why would anybody want a person to apologize for something that was clearly meant in their hearts? I don’t get that one. Do you think the person that was the target of such would “ feel better” or that you as a sleazy politician-dirt-bag will garner votes from more jews? The goons said what they said, now get over it. All “forced” apologies are phoney.

      Report Post »  
    • jkjk
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 8:09am

      I can’t wait until worthless in chief and all of his idiot companions are tossed out. What these incompetent a holes are getting away with is truly disgusting.

      Report Post » jkjk  
    • MarylandPatriot
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 8:14am

      When is Glenn or Somebody else going to put some good reporters in the white house press, I’m sick of the Carney up there saying he has no comment. THEY WORK FOR US!! sense when do we not have to answer to our bosses? That needs to be asked. We need to start taking away the “right” any politician thinks he/she has to say crap like that and we need to pull together and vote out the ones that still refuse to answer to us, whether they are republican, democrat or a damn unicorn………ahh i feel better….

      Report Post »  
  • SFsuper49er
    Posted on November 9, 2011 at 12:00am

    What happened here is no surprise to smart Americans that know this stuff was going on anyway but this seals it publicly with a nice and tight lid…

     
    • ShamanWorld
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 7:08am

      Smart Americans know that Israel has attacked us more than once and lied about it(USS Liberty/9-11). And we know they steal our state/military secrets and sell them to the highest bidder(China)We know the Israeli lobby(AIPAC) has bought off our Congress and blackmails our leaders(Clinton/Nixon etc.), which they admit(remember Jack Abramoff?*see his 20/20 interview). Smart Americans know who really killed JFK also(he tried to stop the Israeli nuke program and end AIPAC= foreign govts. buying off our politicians). Smart Americans know these things and see that a “friend” wouldn’t do that.

      ShamanWorld  
    • unequivocally_right
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 9:34am

      @ SHAMANWORLD stop hijacking this thread

      Report Post » unequivocally_right  
    • db321
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 10:16am

      ShamanWorld – your not the judge – The Blaze is not the Judge – I am not the Judge – God made it clear – what you do to Isreal he will do to you – I Pray for the peice of Isreal Period – The Bible does not tell me that I have to get run over by a Jewish Businessman or dine with them – He does however tell us to pray for the peice of the Jewish people and for Isreal – God Bless Isreal!

      Report Post » db321  
    • Bill in Texas
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 11:41am

      ShamanWorld all I can say is you’re a dumbass. Shut the hell up with your BS lies!

      Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 12:48pm

      Oh please he was talking to a head of state who made the comment. His response was in that context and reflected a frustration in working with him. I’m sure Presidents have said much worse about leaders, including of Israel, over the years. Let’s get a little more sophisticated then this. Israel is not always right and our standing with them has always referred to defending them militarily. Israel makes it clear that it always looks out for its best interest first. So why shouldn’t other countries including France and the US do the same. Enough with the good and bad, black and white religious view of the situation and the world. Other than Egypt, Israel has rarely taken action that would lead to peace in the middle east. Negotiation requires compromise.

      Report Post »  
    • dorightfearnothing
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 1:00pm

      @SHAMANWORLD you are an idiot, pathetic, propagandist. Go back to your mosque and get on your knees, but don’t do it in the United States…

      Report Post »  
    • glassbeadlady
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 1:47pm

      ShamanWorld, Israel is our closest friend, those who bless Israel shall be blessed in return. Maybe that is why we are in the trouble we are in as our leaders do not support Israel. obama and his merry band are nothing more then domestic terrorist

      Report Post » glassbeadlady  
    • proudinfidel54
      Posted on November 10, 2011 at 4:21pm

      Shamanworld, what a blithering idiot you are to think you can totally revese the truth and get people to believe it. You cannot Pi88 down my neck and tell me it is raining, Israel is is our only true ally in the Middle East, not to mention, if you want to point the finger at someone that sold out American Secrets to China perhaps you should point it at Bill Clinton who gave China our Long Range Guidence Systems for missiles, you know the ones that are now theatening our national security.

      Report Post » proudinfidel54  
  • trueblueday
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:58pm

    Can we just send Obo out of the country until November 2012?

    Report Post »  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 1:04am

      I’m sure he will take advantage of every vacation, party, and freebie he is entitled to, and more for his extended family, while he is still in office. They might want to inventory the items at the White House before Obumbler moves out. Bush had to re-stock after the sticky-finger Clintons moved out, probably fumigated the place, too.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • nonamesleft
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 10:31am

      @Anonymous T. Irrelevant –
      You sly dog. Putting Clinton and Sticky fingers in the same sentence…. That was clever…..
      I think the dress was more sticky…

      Report Post »  
    • beebacksoon
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 1:25pm

      trueblueday
      “Can we just send Obo out of the country until November 2012?”
      And take Michelle with him (on the SAME PLANE!)

      To: prez obama:
      You’ve never listened to We The People before, so don’t speak for US now! The majority of Americans have always considered Israel our ally and have supported the country, until you came along.
      Apologize on behalf of Americans! Otherwise, we will see, between Palistine and Israel, who you truly support.

      Report Post »  
  • phillipwgirard
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:52pm

    Do you think he will apologize? I don’t…

    Report Post » phillipwgirard  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 8:12am

      Neither man is sorry for what he said, just sorry we heard it.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • CLEttinger
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 9:13am

      He’s an idiot, but I think he’s done enough apologizing. As embarrassed as we are of him, he is the “President” and he shouldnt be apologizeing to anyone. A quick statement that he “regrets” the statement and done.

      Report Post » CLEttinger  
    • Brizz
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 11:35am

      BHO is just tired of Netanyahu making him look bad, even though he does it all by himself.

      Report Post » Brizz  
    • db321
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 3:01pm

      Obama will not apologies and Natanyahu does not expect it – he know what will happen to Obama and all those that curse the Jews.

      Report Post » db321  
  • SHOWMESTATEGUY
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:50pm

    Muslims don’t apologize to Jews for anything. End of story!!!!

    Report Post »  
    • Ohello
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 12:00am

      Once a Muslim always a Muslim. It is either that or a Fatwah for infidel-ity. No Fatwah means never converted to Christianity. He was definitely a Muslim by birth, trained in a Madras in Indonesia, never recanted Islam publicly did not swear in to the presidency on a Bible, prays in Mosques, hung out for 20 years in a Marxist church, states the USA is a Muslim nation. Favors destruction of the family by support for GLBT agenda, subverts the Constitution, destroys private businesses, and US economy. What more do you need?

      Sad thing is that Republicans do the same only at a slower pace.

      Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 6:56am

      I find it interesting that Obummer insisted no one use his middle name during the campaign, but then insisted they use it for the swearing in, over the Quar’an.

      Report Post »  
    • republitarian
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 10:22am

      He didn’t swear in on the koran. That was a congressman. He did use his full name for the first time though.

      Report Post » republitarian  
  • Realist4U
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:47pm

    Oops! I almost forgot Carney. Throw him in the same cell as Obama and the rest of his administration.

    Report Post »  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:47pm

    They acted stupidly….

    Report Post » The-Monk  
  • pwatkins
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:47pm

    I wish congress would call for him to resign. His apologies would be more on the line of Eric Holders to the family of the officer killed by the Fast and Furious gun..(.I regret he was killed)…..wow what an apology. I hope the victim’s family takes him to court for an unlawful death suit when all of this is over. Obama and Holder are not sorry…they are proud of all the damage they have caused the American people and Israel.

    Report Post »  
  • freedoc
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:46pm

    Disgusting. Amateurish at best. Obama actually telling folks what he really believes.

    And you doubt that all his other actions don’t reflect precisely what the thinks?

    Healthcare? Doctors?

    Unions?

    Wealth Redistribution?

    The Military?

    Marxist, communist, American hating, racist,elitist, corrupt thug.

    Fairly clear, I would say.

    Report Post »  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:44pm

    Obama apologize? Never gonna happen.

    Report Post » The-Monk  
    • Shasta
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 1:13am

      He has never admitted his fault in anything. The narcissist-in-chief is to wonderful to make a mistake, like the mistake our country made in electing him.

      Report Post » Shasta  
    • mficentral
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 12:02pm

      Did you forget about his “Apology Tour right after he became president? We are such an nasty country he felt the need to apologize. He sould make that tour again, only to Israel.

      Report Post »  
  • TheVoice1
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:43pm

    Frankly I could care less about what Netanyahu thinks about an apology, we the people of America need to hear the apology to Israel. Unfortunately when Obama speaks in a gathering of nations, mics on or mics off, it is the voice of America to those other nations and the world, and the world now has heard it. Can’t blame it on the mics being the bad guy, can’t blame it on Bush, or anyone or anything else for that matter, he said it and shamed America AGAIN as well as Israel…

    Few people are aware of the fact that Friday through executive order Obama by passed the House and the Senate concerning the “Dream Act”, which was rejected by the complete congress twice, and went directly through ICE to begin implementation. Hats off to the Blaze once again on that report.

    As an American I want the see an apology….. Stand strong America and vote for America

    Report Post » TheVoice1  
    • BIBLESnGUNS
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 6:38am

      Definition of Character: Doing the right thing, even if no one is watching.

      THIS MAN HAS NO CHARACTER!!! Don’t look for an apology any time soon. Personally, he reminds
      me of a used-car salesman. Think you have it bad, I have to deal with this guy on a daily basis! Makes me think he is just trying to one-up Sarkozky, show him what a REAL world leader(not) he is.
      This jacka$$ has to go.

      Report Post »  
    • ShamanWorld
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 7:00am

      He doesn’t owe that LIAR and murderer Netanyahu any sort of apology. I’m sure Yahu has said many disparaging things about Obama that will ever see the light of day. This whole “gaffe” on Obamas part was a setup by the French/Jew Sarkozy who works for the Israeli/Mossad

      Report Post » ShamanWorld  
    • cosette
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 10:43am

      @Shaman…Is that you in the avatar? Where’s your keffiyeh?

      Report Post »  
  • Grandmadar
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:41pm

    My bet is that he knew his mic was on. Sarkosy should apologize also. It is sad that this is the person who represents us as the American People.
    My city had elections today. Out of over 250,000 people only about 40,000 voted. The current democrat mayor won by 1700 votes. This is a red area and has been for years but we always have Democratic Mayors and it makes no sense. Now that he is in again he is giving himself another raise. Currently he already makes more than our Governor.

    Report Post »  
    • Soundman1984
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 1:19am

      Or he is just stupid. If there is a microphone anywhere near you, consider it to be ON or, at the very least, assume that the sound guy is listening (it’s one button press away from a pair of headphones). You would think that politicians would know this by now.

      Report Post »  
  • Blitz
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:40pm

    If Obummer gives an opology it should be for Netanyahu having to sit in the same room with him. Netanyahu is a real leader and not a loud mouth from chi town. Anyone who thinks Obummer can roll with the real leaders of the world has spent too much time on the southside with the glass pipe.

    Report Post »  
  • docmd
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:36pm

    As far as I’m concerned if we go against Israel we are going against __GOD__……..It’s too bad we have a fool for a president…..We must stand with Israel , especially now that we know that Iran is tryng to build a nuclear bomb……..

    Report Post »  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 10:00am

      We go against God? And you call yourself an american? You sound more like a muslim fanatic.Hypocrite.Of course the muslim fanatics are really defending themselves from israeli and american agression.

      Report Post »  
    • dutchy
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 11:55am

      @DOCMD I’m with you!
      Don’t listen to the ignorance written above

      Report Post »  
  • welloddyfriggindah
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:29pm

    We are what we do when we think no one is watching or listening

    Report Post » welloddyfriggindah  
  • BelowAverageJoe
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:28pm

    Their pictures shouldn’t even be shown side by side. It is a disgrace to the American electorate that this man represents our foreign interests.

    Report Post » BelowAverageJoe  
    • decendentof56
      Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:56pm

      If this anti-American and racist, along with the racist heading the DOJ (and its obvious racial policies) are re-elected in 2012, Israel will be in trouble, along with us.

      Watch for the 2012 election to go to Obama. The Civil Rights Div. of the Injustice Dept. will use dead and ineligible voters, which have deliberately not been purged, to make this happen. The Voting rights section of the DOJ is filled with radical leftists.

      Did you know….that the Constitution gives States authority over elections?
      Also…..sec 5 of the Voting Rights Act requires Fed Gov to approve every law affecting voting in 9 states, and parts of 7 others.

      Even former SC justice J Paul Stevens said the voting-rights sec of the DOJ is an “encroachment on state sovereignity, and significant and undenieable.”

      This Pres must go in Nov 2012.

      Report Post »  
  • pamela kay
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:28pm

    At least the GOP has taken a stand. As for the apology from Obama, to late and there isn’t a teleprompter in the world that could help him with that. I have to even wonder if he in fact knew that it was on and purposely made a statement for the world to hear and make it clear where he stands.

    Report Post » pamela kay  
  • AJAYW
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:27pm

    Obama would bomb Israel off the map if he thought he could get by with it.

    Report Post »  
    • DSN397
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 12:33pm

      AHAYW Why on earth would Obama want to bomb Isreal, he can wait, which is what he’s doing, and enable, which is what he’s doing, for Iran to produce an atomic weapon, which they are doing, and upon it’s completion, drop it on Isreal, which they will as soon as it’s prefected.

      I am not Jewish, but I feel they have a right to exist, be left alone and survive peacefully. I have great
      admiration for BiBi. Unlike Obama, who’s a lightweight, BiBi made his bones years ago, knows what life in the real world really is, however unlike Obama with the U.S., BiBi has Isreal’s best interest at heart.

      BiBi will strike soon, Obama and the U.S. will be suprsied, as they should be, but Obama’s hand will be forced and the public outcry will force him, to reluctntly have to back Isreal of which I’m estatic.

      Hit ‘em BiBi, Hit ‘em.

      Report Post »  
  • ustabhip
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:26pm

    Obama should apologize. Not acting very presidential, and while Americans know what an a$$ he is, we would rather he not let our allies see that. Also, all members of the press that swore to keep this quiet should be brought up on charges! There is not another human being on earth they would hush this up for except him. I am so tired of he double standard!

    Report Post » ustabhip  
  • hersey10
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:25pm

    I wish Bibi could run for President against this dunce .

    Report Post » hersey10  
    • CatB
      Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:28pm

      Oh God .. me too .. but Israel needs him … I love to listen to Netanyahu speak.. so refreshing after YEARS of Obama reading a teleprompter!

      Report Post »  
  • possom
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:25pm

    The american didn’t do it so leave us out of it, King obie the failure did this on his own! King obie also need’s to apologize to the american people for trying to destroy our way of life and turning us into a welfare state!

    Report Post » possom  
  • geonj
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:25pm

    when is the white house press corps push jay carney to answer questions.

    Report Post » geonj  
  • BOGOTSTOGO
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:24pm

    He’s still way over his head. What do you expect from a community organizer

    Report Post » BOGOTSTOGO  
  • concealled9mms
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:19pm

    this fool shouldnt run a grammer school board meeting. he is a idiot wow what a statesman, and the liberals say our candidates arent ready for prime time well i beg to differ.

    Report Post »  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:29pm

      I love Natanyahu…but this time…and I can’t believe thatI am going to say this..but the French guy was the instigator..Obama was just playing kiss up as usual and he didn’t really say anything that bad about BiBi.. I am sure that it was embarrassing for him but he didn’t trash Natanyahu. He was placed in a precarious position.. and for not knowing that the mics were on..I think he handled it with a a lot more diplomacy than I would have expected…the media made way too big a deal out of it..not for the Frenchie..but for Obama.

      Report Post »  
    • scout n ambush
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 12:16am

      ashes to ashes All baracck would have had to say was what do you mean what did he lie about, he would have had a easy out Sarcozy just told netanyahu recently the whole idea of a jewish state was silly Obama knew what sarkozy thought before meeting with him like he knew the muslimbrotherhood was not secular, the arab spring was gonna turn deadly, lybia’s missles were going to be stolen by terrorist and the atf was selling guns to drug dealers.

      Report Post » scout n ambush  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 12:48am

      Scout N Ambush…yeah..but you know he’s not about to say something like that. Can you believe it.? the trashing of the world’s economy on 9/11..then a total takeover and infiltration of our government just 8 yrs later. They are all a bunch of criminals..But you know what’s funny..is SarKozy saying something like that when France has had an infiltration of them..only at least they are not running France’s government..but then again..maybe they are..

      Report Post »  
    • Oldphoto678
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 8:37am

      @ashestoashes

      I can’t believe you said it either, but thanks for showing at least a small glimmer of common sence in this sea of nonsense that is the blaze.

      Report Post »  
    • SUEB
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 6:30pm

      Are you kidding me….Stop making excuses for the Prez…..he is an idiot…..IF YOU HAVE NOTHING NICE TO SAY…DON’T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL. He (the Prez) represents a NATION….he should know better…He is an IDIOT.

      Report Post »  
  • amerbur
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:19pm

    I am sure Netanyahu could care less if he gets an opology from Obama. Who wants a phony apology?

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:26pm

      I agree ….. we know where Obama stands and so does Netanyahu.. Who wants to hear him READ anyway .. TOTUS!

      Report Post »  
    • moonlight on the bay
      Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:29pm

      Agreed, Amerbur. I guess the only thing Obama could sincerely apologize for is neglecting to make sure the mic was off.

      Report Post »  
    • welloddyfriggindah
      Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:31pm

      We are what we do when we think no one is watching or listening…

      Report Post » welloddyfriggindah  
    • king jack rabbit
      Posted on November 9, 2011 at 7:46am

      a men on that one

      Report Post »  
  • Grandmadar
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 11:48pm

    no doubt. And it won’t be long and that Time Magazine with her and hubby with their uniforms on in the oval office will be true!

    Report Post »  
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