Robert Gibbs’ Fury With Indian Security Triggers Physical Confrontation
- Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:09am by
Scott Baker
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Robert Gibbs has done it again. Remember when he flipped out in Copenhagen over restrictions on U.S. reporters? Look for that video at the bottom of this post. Today’s encounter takes us to India where a similar scenario had Gibbs apoplectic.
When Indian officials refused to back down, Gibbs intervened, announcing on the steps of the Hyderabad House, the main venue at the Indian equivalent of Camp David, that he would pull Obama out of his bilateral meeting with Singh unless “the White House 8” were allowed inside.
At one point, according to Wilson’s pool report, Gibbs had his foot lodged in the door to the meeting as Indian security officials pushed hard to shut it. In an angry shouting match, Gibbs asked the officials if they were going to break his foot as he repeated his threat to pull Obama.
Only then did officials take him seriously and allow all eight reporters inside.
The incident follows repeated confrontations between Indian security and the White House press corps since Obama arrived in the country on Saturday.
Here’s a first look at some video of part of the encounter — I‘m sure we’ll be getting additional perspectives (and perhaps the foot-in-the-door moment) very soon.
Here a CNN reporter describes the “pushing & shoving” and explains how all of this cost him his lip balm:
This quickly became a hot topic on Morning Joe:
And here is your Copenhagen flashback (bonus — Rick Sanchez!):
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Comments (250)
jrcess
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 11:11amIt would suit me if India told Obama , Gibbs to get out of the country and send back some professionals.
Report Post »CruzerDog
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 4:00pmI assume your talking about getting OBAMA out of India and get somebody in there that can dance better than Elaine!
Report Post »lizaz
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 11:10amAdd your comments
Report Post »heavyduty
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 11:04amCan you believe it we are having an International incident and this reporter is worried about his lip balm. What a story. Gibbs is the man, telling those boys how the cow ate the cabbage. Man if I was there I would have dropped to the floor and threw a tantrum. Way to go Gibby standing up for the press like you did.
Report Post »ozz
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 11:01amBoy, this ditch just keeps getting deeper. Ron Paul has the tow truck and Palin has the keys 2012!
Report Post »charliego
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 11:00amThe extreme pressure India must be under! I can recall a few faux pas this American administration committed. The Indians have many problems in their country, but are a gracious country-people. Very intelligent, as well. Granted they need to rid themselves of the caste system- clean up the Ganges etc. I’m sorry, I appreciate Gibbs’ intention, but he is an arrogant person. thank you, sir, for propagating American values, courtesy and respect. Just my opinion.
Report Post »be heard
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:56amSecurity is there to protect the Prez. and should be first and for most. Gibbs should use his communication skills to explain the situation to security and not throw a fit. Oh that‘s right he doesn’t have any communication “skills”. No class, but we already know that about Gibbs.
Report Post »warner
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:53amuh-oh! Someone forgot to pack their meds!
Report Post »walkwithme1966
Posted on November 9, 2010 at 12:03amMust have left his Xanax at home – too bad!!! http://maboulette.wordpress.com
Report Post »Jezreel
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:48amGibbs is probaby so used to behaving and acting like a bully etc in the USA that he forgot that he was in a country that would not put up with his crappy unprofessional behavior.
Report Post »psst
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 12:07pmApparently they DID put up w/ his crap.
Report Post »Indian security official/s should be fired by their government.
It made them looked weak..
What da hey.. This is THEIR county, isn’t it?
Maybe not. Gibbs got his way.
Pat Alexander
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:47am“We have met the enemy and he is us.” – Pogo – (Walt Kelly)
These guys all need to take a LONG look in the mirror……
Report Post »SecretPolice
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:44amI feel the respect and appreciation for America growing throughout the international community.
Oh, no, no, what I mean is the respect & appreciation for the Tea party patriots whom will be most responsible for dumping this current administration in two years and restoring honor which Obama and his crew clearly have little use for – both here and abroad.
Report Post »coachlowe
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:44amAmazing! The media is making Gibbs out to be a hero. A Republican would be massacred.
Report Post »vennoye
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 3:18pmThat’s because Republicans are so angry and hateful and bigoted!!! They would say the only reason there was yelling involved was because the people were Indian rather than white!!!
Don’t you just get tired of these clueless liberals?????
Report Post »starman70
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 7:14pmOnce a commie, always a commie!
Report Post »NickDeringer
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:41amMost people don’t know that GIbbs was a successful fighter in high school. And some of those girls were bigger than him.
Report Post »SecretPolice
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:48amI truly did LOL – thanks.
Report Post »25R624
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 12:05pmBorrowing that. Thanks.
Report Post »adifftake
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:41amA knucklehead so full of himself he actually thinks he runs the show. Like he could actually pull the President out? C’mon. You can’t be serious.
Report Post »JohnnyJT
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:37amHe is a Toad.
Report Post »HippoNips
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:35amOh good plan, go to India and piss them off.
Report Post »Brilliant!
LadyLiberty
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:47amThat was my reaction as well. There are a lot of terror concerns surrounding Obama & the Indian PM being in one location. Limiting Media is prudent and Gibbs just made an ass of himself.
Report Post »DE OPPRESSO LIBER
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:35amGibbs is a clown. He should be fired over an international incident such as this. However it seems they are going to make him out to be the fighter for the free press. I got an idea how about letting our security leads know what the white house position is on who goes to cover what event. Our Secret Service lead should be the one dealing with Indian security. Is Robert Phibbs some kind of security micro manager. I can’t wait for this circus to leave the White House.
Report Post »NWalters78
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:33amWhat a lameass.
Report Post »Danglinbags
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:30amBwahaha. Obama’s knight in shining armor. I bet he smells like ketchup and shame.
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 1:31pmGood one Danglinbags
Report Post »ConservativeFeminist
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:28amReally? Could Obama’s administration be any worse?
Report Post »neverending
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:45amNo – it really is impossible for it to get much worse. everyone in barry’s admin act the same. Like a bunch of flaming a@@holes. They disgust me to no end.
Report Post »what4
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 6:19pmIt amazes me that any of them were actually let into that country! Boat load if idiots!
Report Post »KenInIL
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:28amDid Gibbs give something away when he said he would pull the pResident out of that meeting? Does Gibbs wield much more power than one would think of a press secretary?
Report Post »janddjohnson
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 11:35amThat is what I was thinking. How much power does Gibbs think he has? That is scary.
Report Post »psst
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 12:02pmThinking same thoughts.
Report Post »Soo!! Gibbs has the authoity to tell Hussein get yer arse out of these meetings . Or else.
Mebbe Gibbs is Hussein’s president.
The Indians should not have backed down and show this incompetent nincomPOOP liar how to eat curried crow w/ his fingers.
JJ Coolay
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 4:31pmNope… Gibbs was bluffing and India called his bluff…. so a man without power on a called bluff resorted to childish tactics like sticking his foot in the door.
Report Post »spendthrift
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:28amNow that is showing repsect for other foreign leaders……
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 1:02pmI wonder how the Obama staff would respond if visiting forign dignities treated our security like that. Shoe would be on the other foot, right Gibbsy?
Report Post »jerryod1627
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:25amNone of these countries have any respect for anyone in this adminstration! We have to throw them all out and start rebuilding our relations with these countries!
Report Post »sickofitall
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:24amGibbs is nothing but a sideshow clown. Listening to him is as much a waste of time as listening to Obama. Spins, twists, and lies. I change the channel anytime either of those buffoons begin to open their mouths. It’s always the same thing. I call it mental masturbation.
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:53amBuffoon, that is exactly the word I was thinking the whole time I was watching. He looks like the pasty flabby bullies in eighth grade, not very impressive. I find myself a little embarassed by the way he handled this.
Report Post »starman70
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 6:49pmWell, he was right to insist that the pre-negotiated press corps be allowed in. He, however, went about it the wrong way. Lout talk, finger pointing and putting your foot in the door is not the way to win friends and influence people.
Of course, he was probably insisting that all the far left reporters from MSNBC, CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC and of course the NY Times along with a reporter from the Huffington Post be admitted so they could slant everything the way George “Spooky Dude” Soros wants it reported. ANY BETS?
Report Post »hkyfan36
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:19amNo audio or video of Gibbs? It looks like he is saying that he dosn’t want carrots in his happy meal.
Report Post »WestTexasCountryBoy
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 11:11amhkyfan36 that is very very funny and hits the ‘nail’ right on the head.
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:16amGibbs. totally unprofessional and just like Us, they have NO respect for him.
Report Post »anOpinion
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:21amGibbs did the right thing, good for him.
There is no reason why if they let 5 press in, that they shouldn’t allow the 8 they had agreed to.
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:28amMr Gibbs just started another international incident with the government of India. He feels that as he works for the President of America that he takes priority over the concerns for security of the PM of India. I have wondered now how is Mr Obama going to make an apology to the Indian government, will he just give them massive amounts of our money? Transfer vital defense technology for free? Or will he just give up our sovreign lands to them?
Mr Gibbs comes across as another whining administrative figure that only wants to put his own spin on the events – look good to America no matter how much you have to lie.
http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm
john seven eighteen
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:37amEither way you look at it this is just another stain on the perception other countries have of the U.S. We are just the nieghborhood bullies to them and this serves only to strenghten their argument. However, I just don‘t give a rat’s fat @$$ anymore what other countries think of us. It can’t be any worse than my opinion of them!!
Report Post »neverending
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 10:47amMr. lame brain.
Report Post »Rogue
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 11:36amNice job, Gibbs. Show the world how arrogant the USA is. I am utterly embarassed by this entire administration. We are guests in India, and obviously are not very gracious ones. Such a lack of respect to throw a temper tantrum in public. I understand he was upset at them not allowing the number of reporters they said they would initially, but really, is that the way to resolve the issue? Take your Indian counterpart somewhere away from the media and work it out like adults. What a douche.
Report Post »docvet
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 11:57amC’mon folks. Gibbs does something right and we still jump on him. This has nothing to do with American arrogance, just conformance with an agreement. I’m in favor of having as many reporters as possible in a meeting. It increases the possibility that the truth will be told about what was said there.
I’m just wondering why India, where the average income is just over $1000/year, is targeted to increase purchasing American goods. Is it that Obama wants to get back some of the money from U.S. companies that moved over there so he can send more of our tax money to other countries rather than reduce our national debt?
Report Post »TNT1
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 12:03pmThe Chicago way. What is Sanchez doing back at CNN
Report Post »JJ Coolay
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 12:05pmAnOpinion—-he did the right thing?
Report Post »No he didn’t.
This type of action continually shows the world how arrogant we are. You have to respect another countries security detail and why is it that Gibbs threatens to pull Obama from a meeting and instead wedges his foot in the door?? They called his bluff. Making him look even more idiotic. If you don’t have the clout to exit the meeting, don’t threaten to and then use your foot to keep a door open—how immature and how weak when the threat doesn’t work.
JJ Coolay
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 12:06pmDocvet… standing up for a previous agreement is fine, but the way he went about it was not.
Report Post »BlazingPatriot
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 12:07pm“Don’t you know who I am? … I said, Don’t you people know who I am ??
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 12:09pm@DOCVET
Report Post »I don’t think there is a problem with What he is doing as much as HOW he is doing it. He seems to behaving a little childishly, there must be a more dignified and adult way to handle that situation.
BSdetector
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 1:10pmExactly, I’d be the first person to hold somebody accountable for an agreement we had reached, but you don’t throw a temper tantrum like a 6 yr old who had his toy stolen on the swingset.
Report Post »free2bme1961
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 1:45pmSomething’s up with all the hoopla.They could have many reporters and media present there, and we still wouldn’t know the truth about this meeting. If any truth-seeking reporters were there, Gibbs wouldn’t have been so persistent to have them in that meeting. Mr.Gibbs, was a step away, from blowing a gasket!
Report Post »Kisha
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 2:06pmI don’t know… I dont like Gibbs but the American press has a right to sit in on a meeting that is allowing the other country’s press at the same time. It’s common, fair, ground. So he’s right to insist.
Report Post »jzs
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 2:28pmTea Party opinions for dummies. Rule 1: if the President, his wife, staff or any Democrat does anything whatsoever, it is bad, wrong and harmful to America. That is axiomatic, something you assume is true. With that axiom, everything else is easy and follows naturally.
Example. If the First Lady dances a traditional Indian dance with orphans, endearing herself to the entire country of India, it’s shameful, a disgrace to the United States, and why are we spending tax dollars on that? If Obama bows to the Saudi Arabian king, he showing his weakness (even though Bush diplomatically followed the same custom, even kissing his cheek). If Gibbs stands up for American reporters to give them access to a press conference, it’s weakness, no strike that, it’s, uh, arrogance! He’s crazy, it’s shameful! Indians are going to think we’re an arrogant country, not because we invade or threaten to invade or attack sovereign countries without provocation. But we want our want the agreed access to a press conference.
See how simple it is? Just assume everything the administration does is wrong, and everything else follows. You don’t have a worry about the brain drain of having to make an independent judgement on anything.
Rule #2: Vote like you are told, even if you are supporting the wealthy against your own self-interest.
Dan
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 3:24pmYou left out the liberal progressivism for dummies post: Rule #1 – lie, lie, lie – period. And if anyone calls you on the carpet for it then blame the conservatives for doing it first. If they press the issue then make up facts and make sure you somehow refer back to Bush. For example, Bush bowed too, etc.
Rule #2: Demonize America’s exceptionalism, because after, it got there by destroying indigenous peoples, destroying the climate (remember rule #1 on this one and the secret handshake), stealing from the poor, allowing religion to be intrusive on society, being racist (except liberals – again, rule #1), and anything else you can come up with that you can slip in on the argument while yelling over the opponent.
Report Post »jamesctheman
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 3:42pmWhat a tough guy. Gibbs is a bad mamajamma. Getting in that guys face with all those Secret Servicemen near him. He better not go walking off by himself or that little Indian security guy is going to pounce on him. Headline “Gibbs not talking tough with broken jaw”.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 4:33pmGibbs = ugly American … way to go A-hole
Report Post »UPSETVET
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 4:49pmI disagree, I think for once Gibbs was very professional and actually went to bat for the American reporters. Give the guy a break. Try to imagine how hard of a time the guy has just trying to do damage control for his boss (BHO ). You couldn’t pay me enough to take his job, no way. Most of the time Gibbs is a jerk, but this time he did the right thing.
Report Post »thecommish58
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 5:15pmResearch has uncovered that he was upset that he ran out of Vitalis and had to use excessive amounts of lard instead – his statement of “I want my case of Vitalis now – before any newsy stuff starts” indicated how serious he was in need of more grease for his filthy limp hairdo.
Report Post »SheriS
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 6:42pmI’m shocked Sanchez can ever say “kerfuffle”! That’s an awfully big word for this peon! Gibby obviously has never been out in public before at high security events!
Report Post »finwe
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 7:00pmAnyone else think Gibbs looks like a bird?
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 7:14pmGibbs just wants to make sure he’s one up on the Indians and that our reporters spin things in a way that makes Obama appear to know what he is doing. They ought to throw them all out and make Obama fend for himself – now that would be interesting.
Report Post »Franklin_5000
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 8:37pmI think you guys are missing the bigger point as to why this might actually be a big slap in the face to the US.
I’m no Gibbs fan, to say the least, but if India agreed to the 8 then that’s what we should expect or is the worlds number one super power now taking insults from India lying down.
Perhaps what makes me the most angry about this situation is Obama is going around telling everyone how unimportant the US of A is on the world stage. Now that his administration is experiencing that first hand they are getting upset about it.
Report Post »Blazergirl
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 8:54pmYou’d think that for $200 million+, Obama’s paussies and The Secret Service would have worked out all the details concerning press privilages. But I guess that what happens when you have to leave town in such a hurry. Details get looked over, like the detail that OUR COUNTRY IS IN ECONOMIC RUIN!!! As usual when there’s a crisis our president is out and about just doing his own thing. Thanks to our very competent Federal Reserve Bank, what’s another trillion? It’s just paper anyway. Right Mr. Bernake?
Report Post »paleoconservatarian
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 9:38pmI‘m glad to see the American president’s press secretary standing up for our corespondents. This is low level stuff, really, but the US can‘t be inconvenienced by a staffer’s oversight – because you can never be sure when the oversight is intentional.
Report Post »jzs
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 11:53pmLie (n) A false statement deliberately presented as being true.
Tea Party Opinions for Dummies. Rule #3: If someone disagrees with you, say they are lying. Better yet, decide that anyone who disagrees with you is a liar. Instead of thinking about what they say, reflexively use the word “lie.” That saves you the trouble of having to evaluate the truth of what they say, and especially the effort of finding independent facts that verify or disprove of what they say. Example, If everyone in the TP agrees that that democrats are lying, we all reinforce each other beliefs. They say something, it’s a lie. QED (quod erat demonstrandum), end of story, no need to think further. Counter example. If Glenn Beck says the government is setting up FEMA concentration camps for TP members, we all agree that’s true. Problem solved.
Report Post »southerncross
Posted on November 9, 2010 at 2:27amGibbs is a joke, and Obama is a usurper…………Jakarta is “welcoming home’ barry!
‘The US president, known to former schoolmates here as “Barry”, postponed his trip to Indonesia ”
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/11/09/%E2%80%98barry%E2%80%99-return-home.html
Report Post »rebel
Posted on November 9, 2010 at 7:49ami think these two events show very clearly that mr. gibbs should resign and become security detail for the press corp!
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on November 9, 2010 at 8:36amA foot in the door is a real change for Gibbs, it’s usually in his mouth.
Report Post »angelnfamily
Posted on November 10, 2010 at 1:15amThey left the press out because he is rallying the Muslamics. They have even said they will fly their flag over the white house. Obama is one of them. Not one of Us!
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