President Obama met with Democrats on the Hill today, and besides his praise of Larry Summers, this is what came out of the meeting:
Washington (CNN) – During a question and answer session Wednesday with Democrats on Capitol Hill, President Barack Obama offered what Democratic sources said was a testy response to a question about a federal loan guarantee program, with one source in the room calling it "rude and dismissive."
It's beyond the pale, to me, that something like this would be thought, let alone said out loud and leaked. Apparently they expect the President, of their own party, to be polite and servile in their presence?
But the reaction from some Democrats is reflective of long-simmering tension between the president and fellow Democrats on Capitol Hill, many of whom don't feel included or respected by Obama.
OMG! Call the waaaaambulance!
Freshman representative Sean Patrick Maloney (D) asked the President about a loan for Taylor Biomass in New York state that would create 300 jobs, and the President said yes, he should have discussed it with staff.
Another Democratic source in the room – a veteran lawmaker – said Obama then said in a testy way to Maloney that at least now he can go back and tell his constituents he stood up to the president for them.
Oh My! Testy!
Both these Democratic sources have attended previous meetings between presidents and lawmakers on Capitol Hill, independently said Obama was unnecessarily unkind when responding to Maloney's question. Another Democrat in the room, however disputed the suggestion the exchange was testy.
Testy? Not testy? This is a source of dispute? Just imagine if this was say, Bush, who had spoken that way. He would be praised for his strength and no-nonsense style, I'm sure. There is always a double standard placed on President Obama's presidency, and I'm sure he is a master of self control in some of his public appearances and dealing with Republicans.
Frankly I am glad to see Obama has it in him. Now he just needs to talk to Republicans this way.