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Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP
U.S. President Barack Obama, left, and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev stand together at the end of a bilateral meeting at the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 26, 2012.
Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP
U.S. President Barack Obama, left, chats with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev during a bilateral meeting at the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March, 26, 2012.
The leaders of the two super-powers and former Cold war foes met in South Korea to discuss the state of nuclear arms with other world leaders.
At the very beginning of the photo opportunity after the the bilateral meeting between them, the two leaders, seemingly unaware of a live microphone, had this hushed exchange about missile defense:
Obama: On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this, this can be solved but it's important for him to give me space.
Medvedev: Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you...
Obama: This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility
Medvedev: I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladmir.
White House spokesman Ben Rhodes responded to reporters' inquiries about the conversation saying:
Ben Rhodes: "The United States is committed to implementing our missile defense system, which we've repeatedly said is not aimed at Russia. However, given the longstanding difference between the US and Russia on this issue, it will take time and technical work before we can try to reach an agreement. Since 2012 is an election year in both countries, with an election and leadership transition in Russia and an election in the United States, it is clearly not a year in which we are going to achieve a breakthrough. Therefore, President Obama and President Medvedev agreed that it was best to instruct our technical experts to do the work of better understanding our respective positions, providing space for continued discussions on missile defense cooperation going forward."
Story: Obama says the U.S has a 'moral obligation' to lead efforts to reduce nuclear stockpiles
Story: Obama vows to pursue further nuclear cuts with Russia
Leave a Comment:
What a couple of daper looking communists!
Is communism just a word you heard on the HATE NETWORK or do you actually know what it means?
So does anybody wonder just what Obama will give away to Putin if he is re-elected? Perhaps somebody in the media will have the guts to ask the president directly to explain his comment. I think the American people have the right to know just what the heck he intends to do with this "flexibility" should he be re-elected.
Do you really believe the world is that simplistic? The world is complex. The President has proven himself to be a master political strategist who understands the reality of the context in which he governs filled with irrational fear, anger and hate from the right. I believe there are no accidents. That mike was opened on purpose. He can't speak these things publicly because wah folks have an extremely hard time with the TRUTH.
You won't get an haonest answer. Remenber he lies.
Realdeal. Get real. The only thing he has proven is that he is incompetent and should not be allowed on the ballot. You guys can't find one person to run against the most inept man in America?
Wow. What more proof do we need? Asking the Russian Pres to give him space? If reelected?
God help us if this happens, Obama the most inept President since the peanut farmer. Totally clueless.
I cannot believe Obama said to give him space until he is re-elected. What a pompous jack ass.
You cannot believe he said that? Why? Have you been paying attention to the HATE MONGERING and RACIST diatribe of the GOP? Yes. He can get more done once he's re-elected because he always have to consider other Dems and Pregressives downstream. Geez - try reading a book on politics.
What did he mean about giving him his space?? Confused on that since MSNBC is makeing a big story about Nuke arms today. The president must not be that concerned about it.
This is true Mr. President. You will have much more flexibility. This is why I love you because you have managed to develop strong relationships with leaders around the world. Most of the world wants you re-elected so we can get something done.
They want him reelected because he is a weak leader and they can run over him. PERIOD
realdeal-277302: i have been reading your posts for a while now and, I've come to the conclusion that you really don't know $hit about any thing and are really out of touch with what's going on in the world and a complete moron to boot, wake up from your dream and come back to reality and realize that the change that was promised never happened gumby would make a better president than Obuma
he should go back to his own country and run it , let his wife spend their money for jewlery and see if they can handle whatever it is he stands for. im worried about this country in his and congresses hands. so far he has proved to be just a complete ????????????
Try reading and getting informed instead of reacting.
I think you reacted by asking "Is communism just a word you heard on the HATE NETWORK or do you actually know what it means?" or was that your attempt at "getting informed" Just saying Practice what you preach!
well what do you people expect Obama is a Chicago politician remember his body blado doing time & msnbc is not going to comment much if any thing story most of news presenters their are bios they do a poor job informing people but they are good @ dividing people theirs only 1 news presenter is kind of neutral Dylan Ratigan the other ones should be ashamed of them self's for not reporting the truth to the American people
Basically the President is saying he has to keep up appearances to get re-elected, and then he can do whatever he wants. Sounds like another underhanded deal to me. The media does not have the balls to ask what the President meant by his comment and the administration would never let them get close enough to ask, because everyone knows what the answer to the question really is.
Excellent observation Bobby-2122611. And hopefully RealDeal won't be rude again. This is a discussion not a rant.
gee, i woder why the video doesnt work anymore. smh..
This actually smells a bit of Watergate. Any President that postpones a substantial national security issue in order to win favor or avoid political fall out seems a bit dishonest.
Are you serious? He likely wants to pursue a strategy the leans towards peace and disarmament. The GOP won't stand for that kind of anti-warmongering and Obama doesn't want to give them any campaign cannon fodder.
He has no plan. He is a community orgaizer and look at the communities he organized. What a wasted vote in 2008 and if you do it again your not a thinking person at all.