I nearly missed this as I tend to save up the White House Presser Videos for the weekend.
So, after coming out to give some brief remarks in the Rose Garden about The Senate's passing of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, he took one question on the Iranian elections.
The guy's running up the steps to the Oval Office when a reporter shouts out:
Q: How closely are you watching the Iranians' elections? How critical is it to "Change"?
He jogs back down to the podium, collects himself like he does and delivers a great off-the-cuff response like he's preparing for a bigger statement later (which we know he did.)
The transcript can be found over the fold.
President Obama:
"We are excited to see what appears to be a robust debate taking place in Iran.
"And obviously after the speech that I made in Cairo, we tried to send a clear message that we think there's the possibility of Change; and... you know... ultimately, the elections are for the Iranians to decide. But just has been true in Lebanon what can be true in Iran as well, what you're seeing... people looking at new possibilities.
"And whoever ends up winning the election in Iran, the fact that there's been a robust debate will help advance our ability to engage them in new ways.
"Alright? Thank you, Guys."
Possibly, he was taking the opportunity to try out some wording to see how they went over with the Press. This is nothing new for political figures, but it's certainly a catch since the video was part of an official podcast and nearly missed.
Compare it with some of the wording he used while seated with Italy's Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, just a few hours later.
Well spoken, both times.