Good Campaign Move? Obama Jokes at Women's Forum: 'I Wasn't Going to Come Over Here Until You Women Settled Down'

Addressing a forum on women and the economy Friday, President Obama attempted a stab at humor when he told the audience that he wasn't going "to come over here [podium] until you women settled down." He went on to joke that the women present were "creating havoc." Whether he intended the quips to infer the ladies' excitement was due to being in such close proximity to the president, is unclear, but he softened the cheekiness by announcing he felt "right at home to be surrounded by so many accomplished women."

Obama's remarks follow a White House release of a 65-page report on the same issue. Playing on the current administration narrative that the GOP is waging a "war on women," Obama used the platform to explain why Congress would be far more productive if there were more women legislators.

After announcing that only three percent of Fortune 500 CEOs are women, the president reminded that "fewer than 20 percent of the seats in Congress are occupied by women." He went on to ask, "Is it possible that Congress would get more done if there were more women in congress?”

“I think it’s fair to say: That is almost guaranteed.”

Some critics might argue that the administration sees its 65-page report and Obama's subsequent remarks as a way to court women voters in the 2012 election. The White House could then argue that while the GOP has been waging its "war against women," President Obama has instead recognized the accomplishments of women across the country and encouraged them to seek higher office.

Below are President Obama's opening remarks in which he quipped that the women present should "settle down":

The rest of the presidents remarks follow below:

(h/t: B.tv)