Government

President Obama on Why He Didn’t Campaign in Wisconsin Recall Election: ‘I’ve Got a Lot of Responsibilities’

Although President Obama declined to comment on the recall election between Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett during last Friday’s news conference, he didn’t mind talking about it yesterday with a reporter from ABC’s Green Bay, Wis., affiliate WBAY.

“I‘d like to ask you about Wisconsin’s recall election. There are a lot of Democrats that are upset you didn’t campaign for Tom Barrett,” reporter Matt Smith asked in reference to the fact that the only piece of endorsement Barrett received from the president was a 112-character Tweet.

“The truth of the matter is that as President of The United States, I’ve got a lot of responsibilities,” President Obama responded.

“I was supportive of Tom and have been supportive of Tom. Obviously, I would have loved to see a different result. But the broader principle is that we want an economy that is not focused on a few at the top but is a broad-based economy that invests in our future, that makes sure we’ve got a strong education system that is thinking about workers and their ability to pay their bills, is something in everything I do,” he added.

See the WBAY interview here [starts at the 0:46 mark]:

Did he just say he was too busy to campaign for Barrett?

“[W]e’re going to be fighting very hard in Wisconsin, just like we have in the past, to make sure that’s the kind of government people get,” the president added.

Smith asked the obvious question: what, if any, are the political implications of Gov. Walker’s 7 point victory over the union-backed Barrett?

“Do the results [of the recall election], when you think policy-wise, have broader implications going beyond Wisconsin going into the election?” Smith asked.

“I don’t think so. I think probably you’ve got specific circumstances in Wisconsin. Keep in mind, it is a bit unusual when a governor gets this much attention in the middle of his term. My suspicion is all across this country, governors who are dealing with tough budgets have to make tough decisions. But one of the lessons learned is that it is better to make them with people than against people,” President Obama responded.

“My goal, if we can bring parties together, there are ways we can manage through tough fiscal decision whether at the federal or state level. But everybody’s a part of it, everyone is doing their fair share and nobody’s bearing the entire burden of sacrifice. I think that’s what the American people are looking for: Balanced approaches that take everyone into account,” he added.

Comments (144)

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  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:32am

    Watching this again, it is still just as funny as watching it on Fox last night. Too busy my hind rectum! Wasn‘t he fund raising for himself on Wisconsin’s election day?

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:49am

      Yes , president FUNDRAISING was right across the border from where he got spanked. president FOODSTAMP, president DEVALUATION, president APOLOGY, president NO DRILLING, and president GAY were with him.

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • Detroit paperboy
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:54am

      Even Obama can’t stand to hear Obama anymore……….nobody is buying your line of crap this time around……

      Report Post »  
    • Detroit paperboy
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 11:00am

      I think this was his “”" I did not have sex with that woman, and now I’ve got to get back to work for the American people “” MOMENT…..

      Report Post »  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 11:21am

      He’s officially crossed over the “Now-I’m-a-Cartoon-version-of-myself” barrier.

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
    • Mutiny
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 11:43am

      Love be stuck with the choice between a turd sandwich and a giant douche.

      Thanks GOP sheep.

      Report Post » Mutiny  
    • Ethereal
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 12:41pm

      Yes he was in Illinois at the time and actually flew over WI on his way to Minnesota. Haha. Nice try BO.

      Report Post » Ethereal  
    • cessna152
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 1:07pm

      Obama’s list of responsibilities:
      1) Cook for Michelle responsibly
      2) Play golf…responsibly
      3) Drink and drive responsibly
      4) Destroy America…responsibly.

      Report Post » cessna152  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 2:28pm

      Didn’t stop cause there was no money to be had as it was all spent on the recall “Point is if you haven‘t got money for me you don’t matter”.

      Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 2:32pm

      We could have nominate Rep Earmark. I voted against the earmarks before My district cashed the Taxpayers checks. Is Ron the turd or the douche??

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • cbrown
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 2:48pm

      Thank God, Romney was man enough to campaign for Gov Walker. He took time off from his busy schedule to make some great stump speeches for Gov Scott Walker. I hope some you will post those videos for lazy liberals to watch.

      Report Post » cbrown  
    • DisgruntledInClinton
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 4:52pm

      He’s right. He’s too busy. He has a tough schedule. This guy is why a stereotype exists about lazy black people.

      1. Raise taxes; spend more, hire more.
      2. Fundraise
      3. Golf more.
      4. Vacation more.
      5. Sing on lightweight talk shows
      6. Avoid all Fox networks.
      7. Practise newest lies in front of mirror.
      8. Hang with Hollywood pals
      9. Shout outs to other “cool” people
      10. Kiss wife‘s hiney so she doesn’t divorce me like when I lost that initial election.

      Report Post »  
    • alcarfl
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 5:20pm

      If you knew your 57 states, you’d know that Minnesota and Illinois are no where near Winconsin.

      Report Post »  
    • poorrichard09
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 7:45am

      Translation from 0bamaspeak: responsibilities=fundraisers.

      Report Post »  
    • turkey13
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 3:59pm

      Why go thru the motions when you know the public don’t support union workers that are overpaid and have twice the benefits you do. Walker also has started to turn the state around. Some states actually want to make money and bring in business. I just read where Bloomburg is going to mandate all clothing stores to not sell any pants with a waist larger than a 38″. Womans store can’t sell a dress larger than a size 12.

      Report Post »  
  • Constructionist
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:32am

    “The truth of the matter is that as President of The United States, I’ve got a lot of responsibilities.”

    And those responsibilities include not having my *ss handed to me on national television.

    Report Post » Constructionist  
    • Zipit
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 1:06pm

      Of all my responsibilities , the toughest by far is that of keeping the unemployment rate on a level with my golf handicap!!! O.

      Report Post »  
    • drbage
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 1:18pm

      Could that mean that you might have gleaned a tiny bit of insight from 2010–that every where you campaigned for a Dem that candidate lost?
      Or let me put a Pinocchio Carney spin on it–The President was showing his support for Dems in WI by imitating them and fleeing to Corruptinois while an important vote was going on.

      Report Post »  
  • theblazerunner
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:31am

    not fast and furious…voter regestration

    Report Post » theblazerunner  
  • OneTermPresident
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:30am

    The Great Divider said… “My goal, if we can bring parties together”…. LMAO!

    Report Post » OneTermPresident  
    • GrandmaNRichmondTX
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:41am

      And, that is definitely a great big IF! If he wasn’t so partisan and such a teller of tall tales, maybe the other side would work with him. Since he is neither, I don’t see anything being accomplished as long as he remains in office.

      Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:56am

      “make them with people, instead of against them”. …. while the majority of Americans are against almost everything you have done and are doing … TOTAL bs!

      Report Post »  
  • tanner379
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:30am

    the reason he did not campaign in Wis. is clear. His popularity is the toilet and it would not have made a difference at all. It would have been another humiliating blow to his already bruised ego.

    Report Post »  
  • Broncobuster
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:30am

    Yeah,sure,he was too busy. He was just across the border in Minneapolis ,I have the pictures to prove it. My second cousin is an Air Force Reserve photographer and he covered Obama’s arrival and departure with Air Force One the weekend before the recall election. I‘m glad the dufus didn’t campaign for Barrett and am very happy with the outcome of the recall .

    Report Post »  
  • theblazerunner
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:28am

    fast and furious on cspan now….

    he should be hanged …treason(?) and sedition.

    Report Post » theblazerunner  
  • barber2
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:27am

    ” my goal , if we can bring the parties together..” What a joke. Have a sneaking suspicion that referring to his colleagues as a “ do nothing congress” and then demonizing the SCOTUS over their decisions which do not go in his favor ( like HE is the highest law of the land ! ) is NOT aimed to “bring the parties together !” Everything this man does divides and polarizes this country. He is a two-faced , double speaking , manipulator. If it were not for the Lefty Lap Dog media, his credibility would have been exposed during the 2008 campaign.

    Report Post »  
    • jdtanker
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:37am

      Yeah, kinda like that Health Care bill? The one that America was “behind”? That one sure brought us together! No, it pissed us off! But none of the Democrats cared, they just jammed it down our throat and told us to enjoy it. Scott Walker saved Wisconsin from their debt and he’s labeled an extremist.

      Report Post » jdtanker  
    • barber2
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 11:16am

      JD: And don’t forget that healthcare bill was called “ The Affordable Health ”…ho, ho… lkie the “ Affordable Housing Act ” which ruined our economy ! You can’r make up this stuff. Too bad the Lap Dog Media isn’t interested in EXPOSING this stuff !

      Report Post »  
    • The Blue Collar Man
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:12pm

      The “Main Manure Stream Media” was well aware of things being said against Poison obumbler, that were coming down the pike, in 2007-8.
      For awhile, the standing joke among the MMSM, was that they got him elected, in spite of all the negative info that was known at that time. Everything was “White Washed” by those sterling people.

      Report Post »  
  • eaglesview
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:26am

    Mr. President,
    Don’t need to worry about being too busy with lots of responsibilities come November.
    You just didn’t want to be associated with the a– kicking we put on the unions.
    Yours is coming in November via the voting booth.
    Party hearty, cuz the gravy train is about to come to a screeching halt.
    Good riddance.

    Report Post »  
  • RightPolitically
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:23am

    Does he really believe WE ARE THAT STUPID to buy his excuse? Apparently, yes, he does think that.

    Report Post » RightPolitically  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:30am

      He’s just about half right too. If Romney wins, it will be with barely over 50% of the vote.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • broper
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:44am

      Obama holds the American public in contempt. He believes himself to be superior to all, and he believes that he can say anything and it will be accepted as fact… after all, it is “my White House”. His ego has blinded him to the fact that Americans are wide awake and understand that he is not who he said he was. Even liberals are squirming. He is finally having trouble concealling his lack of experience, and his miserable leadership skills, and all he knows to do now is to blame others, ignore the truth about the enconomy, and raise money for his re-election. The Obama experiment has severely wounded the American dream. We can’t allow him to kill it off in a second term.

      Report Post » broper  
  • cookcountypatriot
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:22am

    nothing but a lying amatuer

    Report Post » cookcountypatriot  
  • Nasado
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:22am

    Ahh, I love it. Yes, he does have a lot of resposabilities as president…. like all the fundraisers he has to do to get millions of dollars. That does take a lot of time. He wants the burden to be shared? How about you dont have only 50% of the people paying 100% of the federal income tax. But naw, that would make too much common sense. What am I thinking.

    Report Post »  
  • TheLeftMadeMeRight
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:21am

    It sounds like he is reading from a years worth of talking points that was dropped, blown around in the wind, and then handed to him.

    Report Post » TheLeftMadeMeRight  
  • 3katmomma
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:21am

    Of course he didn’t have time to campaign in Wisconsin. He was too busy having $40,000 plate dinners to raise money for his campaign.
    Unfortunately, like all whiners, our president will never take responsibility for his mis-steps. It is never his fault. It‘s always someone else’s.
    Dear Mr. President.
    If you can’t accept responsibility for your mistakes, you shouldn’t take it for your successes.
    I feel like I should ask, “Would you like some cheese with that whine?”

    Report Post »  
  • Shenandoahvalleypatriot
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:19am

    “My suspicion is all across this country, governors who are dealing with tough budgets have to make tough decisions. But one of the lessons learned is that it is better to make them with people than against people,” President Obama responded”.

    Make decisions with the people than against the people? What a lying hypocrite!!! What about the Obama Care you rammed through without the people involved?

    Report Post » Shenandoahvalleypatriot  
  • RLTW
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:18am

    Old saying, “The best way to avoid responsibility is to say you already have responsibility.” In Barry’s case it’s imagined.

    Report Post »  
  • Cleats4Feets
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:18am

    What a Liar. He had plenty of time to fund raise! Liar! Romney 2012.

    Report Post » Cleats4Feets  
  • cloudsofwar
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:18am

    lol, BO was too busy.

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:18am

    “as President of The United States, I’ve got a lot of responsibilities,” there are fund raisers to attend, tee times that have to be met, late night talk show appearances, the Stanley Cup winners are stopping by, Jay Z and Beyonce are coming over Friday night, I’m already started on next years NCAA basketball bracket and, oh yea, there’s the whole leader of the free world thing too. Man, I’m busy!

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • TheLeftMadeMeRight
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:22am

      you forgot golfing….

      Report Post » TheLeftMadeMeRight  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:23am

      Is there little wonder that he thanked W. for that Cable or Dish Sports Package at the unveiling of the Bush’s portraits. Probably the most sincere thing that he uttered that day. The WH insiders say that he is so busy often watching TV sports that he can’t be bothered.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:28am

      Tee times are golf.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • T-2
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 12:31pm

      the head winds mush have gotten in the way

      Report Post »  
  • BlackCrow
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:17am

    Yes Dear Leader is busy, raising money with lavish Hollywood parties, and blaming everyone from George Washington to geology for his failings.

    Report Post » BlackCrow  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:16am

    His main reason for not being there in Wisconsin is his narcisstic insanity will not allow him to admit he has lost; and his delusional view of the world, combined with his radical ideology, demanded that the win of Walker be rewritten and thus make Obama ‘above the whole matter.’

    History rewritten once again by the radical leftist.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • h20sue
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:15am

    BHO is too busy flying around the country trying to be impressive. If he’s not flying, he’s playing golf twice a week, or planning another “get together” with rappers and lefties at the WH. He continues to spend our tax dollars. Why not just give the man a China Visa and China Mastercard? We’re already owned by the Arabs and China. Thanks Obama. Wisconsin? He doesn‘t go where he knows good and well he’s defeated…He avoids confrontation, because he can’t handle it.

    Report Post »  
  • Watchyer6
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:15am

    “The truth of the matter is that as President of The United States, I’ve got a lot of responsibilities,” President Obama responded.”
    Oh, that’s funny! It hasn’t seemed to bother him before, as he jets around the country in Air Force One, attending fundraisers. All he’s been doing is campaigning. All of a sudden he’s too busy being president?

    Report Post » Watchyer6  
  • poster
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:12am

    Landslide in November. Register to vote now.

    Report Post »  
  • GeorgeWashingtonslept here
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:11am

    Oh, thanks for clearing that up for us Obama. Everyone was wondering……………..NOT.

    Report Post »  
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