7:08 PM PT (Joan McCarter): While we're waiting....
Don't forget that McCulloch allowed the assailant Darren Wilson to testify to the grand jury--highly irregular deviation in favor of Wilson.
— @GarySegura
7:11 PM PT (Joan McCarter): President Obama on "how we might move forward." We are a nation built on the rule of law, and this decision was the grand jury's to make. Joins with Michael Brown's family in asking that protests be peaceful. "Michael Brown's parents have lost more than anyone. We should respect their wishes."
7:11 PM PT (Joan McCarter): Also calls for restraint from cops, "they need to work with the community, not against the community," to make sure that those who just want their voices heard can do so.
7:13 PM PT (Joan McCarter): The situation in Ferguson speaks to the ongoing issues we face as a nation. "This is tragic, because nobody needs policing more than poor communities with high crime rates." Has tasked Holder to work with law enforcement to make sure their ranks are reflective of the communities they serve, and to work within communities and with them.
7:15 PM PT (Joan McCarter): "There are still problems, and communities of color just aren't making these problems up." Progress "won't be done by throwing bottles . . . smashing car windows . . . vandalizing property." "Channel your concerns constructively . . ."
7:16 PM PT (Joan McCarter):
Looks like tear gas being lobbed at Ferguson protestors, while Obama speaks.
— @petersuderman
7:17 PM PT (Joan McCarter): Taking questions: Will wait and see about going to Ferguson or sending Holder there.
7:19 PM PT (Joan McCarter): This was not the most productive statement he could have made tonight. It's restrained, constrained, milktoast, "both sides," and I don't think it provided what the nation needed to hear tonight.