Critics of Obama way off base on this one
Yes — the not-so-bright, would-be terrorist from Nigeria got though international and domestic security mechanisms supposed to have stopped him long before the jerk lit his underwear afire before landing in Detroit. And yes — the incident happened during the administration of President Barack Obama. But the sniping at the president by Republicans, including former Vice President Cheney, and by conservative radio and TV commentators, borders on — if not passing into — asinine.
The criticism has included such childishness as blasting Obama for waiting a few days before making a national speech on the incident. For heaven’s sake, the president was briefed on the incident from the moment it occured; he made statements almost immediately indicating his concern and that he was being regularly briefed; he took time to gather the facts and meet with his national security team; and then he appeared publicly to give a rational, measured, but hard-hitting response. And for this, a former vice president criticizes him.
Partisanship truly has pervasively infected our political system when a reasonable, measured, factual, timely and substantive response by a president to a single security incident — the roots of which clearly indicate long-simmering problems that predated his tenure in office — is publicly blasted as irresponsible. In point of fact, those levelling such counterproductive attacks are the ones engaging in irresponsible behavior.
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822 comments Add your comment
ConservativeAnchor
January 7th, 2010
3:40 pm
Obozo is an idiot regardless. He deserves any criticism including he has huge ears. If he’s not careful he will fly away when Marine Corps One starts its engines.
Bruno
January 7th, 2010
3:40 pm
For someone criticising others as “childish”, Mr Barr sure went to the term “asinine” really quickly. How about saying “they’re wrong” or “they’re mistaken” or “it’s unfair” instead?
I certainly hope Mr Barr is not yet another politician trying to use “bipartisanship” as a lever to gain power for himself in the middle. My impression is that the Obama administration is more concerned with being PC than keeping things safe. No, they don’t want a disaster (that’s bad for getting reelected!) but they are willing to compromise safety for political correctness it seems. Why is ANYONE from this region getting on a US bound plane w/o an interview (ala the Israeli security system). Since when is travel to the US by foreign nationals a “right”?
ConservativeAnchor
January 7th, 2010
3:42 pm
btw … I was at the meeting when Bob Barr also supported the Northern Arc. Bob Barr is a Repubic … a Socialist Republican … a RINO. Glad he is gone from the Republican Party and can no longer ruin with legislation in Washington DC.
Robert
January 7th, 2010
3:42 pm
Bob Barr writes that the president “made statements almost immediately indicating his concern and that he was being regularly briefed; he took time to gather the facts and meet with his national security team; and then he appeared publicly to give a rational, measured, but hard-hitting response”. Bob Barr DOES NOT mention the President invited all this criticism by ALSO asserting “this was an ISOLATED incident” (the attempted downing of the plane on Christmas day), as well as calling the perpetrator an “alleged bomber”, or something to that effect.
Jeff S
January 7th, 2010
3:42 pm
I largely agree with Mr. Barr on this one point. I think it is not a good thing when former leaders get involved and try to meddle with current administrations and policy. It’s not their place and I believe it degrades their stature. Carter’s views are irrelevant, Clinton’s views are irrelevant, and Cheney’s views are irrelevant. They’d all be more stately if they’d just go about doing their work for charities or personal fortunes or other causes.
That said, who cares how long it takes for a POTUS to respond? What matters is what they say, and I found Obama’s response horrible. The first message we heard from a cabinet member: “the system worked.” Ok. Now we learnd that the head of the NCTC, our #1 counter terrorism agency, decided to stay on his ski vacation instead of head back to work.
It took Obama 6 days to conclude, despite everyone else knowing, that the bomber has ties to Al Qaeda. His first response was that the bomber acted completely alone. Umm, OK. Why are we sending troops to Yemen, then?
In the end, whether it took Obama 3 minutes, 3 hours, or 3 days to respond is irrelevant. It’s the response that matters. So now the undie-bomber has tax-payer funded lawyers and has been read his miranda rights. I guess we’ll all just move along, nothing to see here.
Conservative.
January 7th, 2010
3:43 pm
After reading this I think to myself.. “Who said free speech was a good thing”.. Its a joke people but still, stay on point here!
I see Bob’s point in this and agree that there is no need for sharp criticism for things of this minor nature. I also applaud his lack of blatant liberal bias but.. my problem is that for Bush’s two terms the fair treatment Bob speaks of was not there but instead Bush faced the exact opposite and it was amplified.
My Point: It is ok to point out flaws even if its in your own party.. you do not have to demonize the other side when you know well how your party has engaged in or even excelled at the practise.
If you think the public’s perception of your party is more important than its actual character, you are going to be on the opposite side of the table from me.
John
January 7th, 2010
3:43 pm
NCTC director Michael Leiter remained on ski slopes after Christmas Day airline bombing attempt, lets hit the slopes, who the hell cares. It’s business as usual among the politicians. Maybe not Obama but at least the officials he hired should be first in line.
Chicago
January 7th, 2010
3:44 pm
In the eyes of terrorists Obama is weak and you know it Bob. Who cares how fast Obama released a statement. The lapses in “security” are growing and that is what the American people are concerned about. The bomber got on a plane almost as easy as it is to get a seat at an Obama dinner…
Evangeline Brabant
January 7th, 2010
3:44 pm
We have a president who can barely acknowledge that we are are at war with his fellow Muslims, and we are not supposed to criticise?
We have his Secretary of Homeland Security who announced that “the system worked” when of course, a heroic passenger saved the lives of those 300 people – Christians on Chirstmas day.
We have the results of the investigation of the horrible massacre at Ft. Hood (remember Obama told us not to jump to conclusions about it being a Muslim Jihadist) hidden so that Congressional Intelligence committess cannot see it.
We have a president who told us again last week, that he is planning to reduce our nuclear weapons, while Iran tells us almost daily how they are building their weapons capability and how they need even more nuclear sites. As Americans we should not be sleeping well.
This same president had eliminated production of our only modern fighter plane, cut the agenst at the border by almost 500, has three Navy Seals awaiting trial because in arresting the Islamist TERRORIST who lead the massacre and disembowelment of the Blackwater operatives, received a split lip while resisting capture.
We have a president who has hidden all ofo his past, and I would bet those hidden, sealed records would tell us a lot about the agenda and plans of this man for the United States as he systematical destroys, disarms, and denigrates the United States – a country he neither likes nor understands.
You are right Mr. Barr, we should not criticize him; Obama has made it clear that he does not like criticism, and in fact takes steps to intimidate those who do it. Future generations will regard people like you as part of one of the biggest betrayals ever of the American people – the refusal of journalists to do their job.
JJ O'Neil
January 7th, 2010
3:45 pm
Watch MSLSD tonight and see if any one of those dolts says a thing about it. Don’t hold your breath.
kozac
January 7th, 2010
3:45 pm
didn’t 9/11 happen under the watchful eye of W, Cheney and other vigilant republicans ?? by Scott
Scott didnt Timothy McVee and Oklahoma City happen under the watchful eye of Bill, Al, and Janet Reno’s FBI. What utter NON-SENSE! No wonder our politics is so screwed up!
Tom
January 7th, 2010
3:46 pm
Why does it matter if he has been read his miranda rights? He doesn’t have any; he’s not an american citizen, so why are you guys all being pussies and stating he’s protected when he quite clearly is not.
Fargo Dakota
January 7th, 2010
3:46 pm
Old Sailor: “Who is the BARR guy. I can tell he thinks that Barry and Mooshell can walk on water but I just don’t think that is at all possible”
Yes Sir, Mr. Sailor sir it is indeedy the same Bob Barr, a full time horse’s rear quarters who has always been mostly about Bob Barr. But Bobbie likes be COOL (on yeahhhhh like a “libertarian” don’t cha’ know?) But when GW Bush was popular and in his hey day? Oh well THEN old Bobbie B was a conservative — anyone see a pattern here? He is what ever it takes to get a little recognition and a little ink. Oh he is soooooooo intellectual and soooo “contraversial”!! Awe gimme gimme a little attention guys! Bob Barr has his head so far up his own dark and damp that no one should waste time on him.
Miguel Saavadera
January 7th, 2010
3:46 pm
The President of the United States has one (1) and one responsibility only … foreign relations in respect to the defense of the US and general welfare and safety of the American people.
This was a personnel and systemic failure, after this President who has held that office 11 months. It is his responsibility, not the guy before, or before that or … he owns it and is responsible for it. Like Bart Simpson saying, “I didn’t do it” it is NOT taking responsibility for checking, testing, and tweaking the personnel and system from the start on 20 January 2009. It is why we run test ops on things “Looking for weaknesses” – one must assume that there are weaknesses, and test that system. If he fails in his ‘primary’ duty, what else will the govt fail us on? State failed (to top that they ‘just’ canceled this terrorists multiple entry visa in January), CIA, TSA, FBI, FAA, and … dare I say it HSS head JN. Are they serious? Make a few heads roll… put the Air Carriers in charge of individual person security, and feed the information into them …
tom casey
January 7th, 2010
3:47 pm
Bob Barr whining about partinsinship?? Well I’ll be …
You youngsters need to recognize that Newt Gingrich was the first breath of real conservatism the house had seen after 40 yrs of a Democratically controlled house. The left leaning press and the Democrats did everything they could to destroy Newt since they couldn’t argue with his ideas. If you actually listen to Newt, he tears apart his opponents ideas. Once true conservatives were driven from Washington, we have all seen the result. Both parties spending us into oblivion, transgender appointments and the advancement of socialism. Bob Barr is and was regularly mocked by the folks he is giving fodder to today. Nice work Bob!
MrC.
January 7th, 2010
3:49 pm
This from a man who was one of the most vicious Republican partisans of all time. I usually agree with a his positions but he got this one wrong. The attitude of “stepping down” from war footing that came from the white house filtered through the ranks. Investigations of those who would keep us safe by his Attorney General further promoted a CYA attitude.
2009 has had more terror attacks and attempts than any other year since 2001. Why would that be? Hmmmm. I wonder. Worse than Carter already.
GranB
January 7th, 2010
3:49 pm
GOOD LORD, people speaking about anything obama does for 7 yrs, (HAHA) will be wrong to .
to the right wing. WOW every day of George Bush he was blasted, people wished he was dead, and much much worse EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!! It was hammered, the hate hate hate of George Bush. WELL HOW ABOUT THIS .
I WILL TREAT YOUR PRESIDENT LIKE YOU TREATED MINE
KEVIN B
January 7th, 2010
3:51 pm
HEY BOB!! YOUR VILLAGE CALLED>>THEIR IDIOT HAS WALKED AWAY FROM SPECIAL ED WITHOUT HIS HELMET!! THEY WANT YOU TO COME BACK AND PUT IT ON FOOL!!!
Steve
January 7th, 2010
3:52 pm
What a joke. For eight years anything W did was racist, wrong, idiotic and cowboyish. Now some criticism comes the other way and it is irresponsible? Obama and his groupies have looked weak and unsure of themselves since the attack. They have doubled back a number of times.
Bob, you know better.
Reason
January 7th, 2010
3:53 pm
Oh, please….when will your whining cease, Bob. This has to be one of the most infantile opinions written by you.
B
January 7th, 2010
3:54 pm
President Obama does not understand the terrorism facing our country thus he does not make it as important as it needs to be….thus…neither does his administration. The President was slow to respond to this incident initially and remained on vacation instead of returning to Washington to investigate the situation further. Vice President Cheney is exactly right. Wake up Bob and America before it is too late. This administration is incompetent.
Chris
January 7th, 2010
3:54 pm
Striking how similar this story is to the “time wasted” whilst Bush got back to Washington on 911.
Are you kidding me?
How fast did the criticism come from the same writer(sec)?
Winston Smith
January 7th, 2010
3:55 pm
He did take a few days and detailed review of the intelligence to develop his well though out “isolated extremist” who “allegedly” attempted to blow up the plane with explosives in his underpants. Being fair, there were a lot of passengers in that restroom once the underpants failed to explode, so “allegedly” is reasonable. Wouldn’t the real bomber knowing he was caught deftly exchange his underwear with one of the people apprehending him? Who would notice? This will be a wonderful defense since we are trying him in civilian court.
mase
January 7th, 2010
3:55 pm
Bob…you are an idiot.
heihammy
January 7th, 2010
3:55 pm
Barr libertarians just have sour grapes because they’re of no political consequence in any of the ideological and partisan bickering.
Brett Ralston
January 7th, 2010
3:56 pm
Spoken like a “True” wishy washy..not sure which side of the fence I’m on “fence sitter” . Where are the Jerimiah’s of today?
Tim
January 7th, 2010
3:57 pm
County hospitals is the universal care we have had. Both parties have raped these local funds and sent them to Washington. Re-invest in County Hospitals.
Muddy Waters
January 7th, 2010
3:57 pm
“he took time to gather the facts and meet with his national security team; and then he appeared publicly to give a rational, measured, but hard-hitting response” ????? Give me a break Mr Barr. He took his time to give the best “polical response” to the situation. Keeping power always trumps national securtiy with this administration. I can not believe you are this naive!! Like Mr. Rogers used to say….”can you spell focus group?”
Tom L.
January 7th, 2010
3:58 pm
When 9/11 happened how much hollering was done about Pres. Bush not jumping right up and leaving the kids rather than finishing for another couple of minutes? Calm for the kids sake.
Chris
January 7th, 2010
3:58 pm
I’d love it if someone set up a site that took every single criticism that was levied at Bush and simply changed the name to Obama. Ideally you could do it with an example of how Obama is acting o rhas acted exactly like the evil Bush. OOOOOHHH The OUTRAGE of the left if they had to swallow their own medicine? You can’t say Obama is stupid (yet he doesn’t speak well unscripted),, you can’t say he is slow to react, even when he is clearly so, and you can’t say he is a MARXIST pig with a power grabbing agenda because it hits too close to the truth. IF YOU ARE NOT OUTRAGED YOU AREN’T PAYING ATTENTION. Remember that bumper sticker? How true it is today. Hail to the liar in chief, he deserves all his critics remarks and more.
Kevin Wilson
January 7th, 2010
4:00 pm
Bob. The points you raised can be argued either way. The point you missed is the fact that this person, Mr. Underwear Bomber was allowed to “lawyer up”. He is a member of an organization that has declared war on us and this person is not a US citizen. He should be given to the CIA and interrogated to find out everything he knows about our enemy. This decision rested exclusively with Obama.
curtisjmoose
January 7th, 2010
4:01 pm
Oh, I see. Bush must know, oversee and be aware of every little detail of what happens during his administration, but Obama gets a pass. I’ll try to remember that.
If we don’t keep our government’s feet to the fire and hold them accountable for everything that they can prevent, but fail to, there will be more “screw-ups” to come, my friend.
You’re making excuses for a failing administration.
By the way, in the same sentence you minimize the terrorist as “not-so-bright”, you made a spelling error.
Larry
January 7th, 2010
4:01 pm
The whole sorry mess might have been prevented if Mr. Carter had bombed the US Embassy in Tehran in 1979 instead of capitulating to his moral objections to the judicious use of force. Something in the half a megaton range would have done nicely. Mom always said the road to hell was paved with good intentions. History will prove she was right.
Derf in AZ
January 7th, 2010
4:02 pm
So, it’s ok with you that Obama calls out the Camden Police Dept within 24 hrs of that incident with them and his racial friend but we’re not to criticize him for not immediately addressing the terrorist actions upon that plane. Also, Bush is still being blamed for the economy, Bush gets the blame for 9-11, next he will be blamed for Global Warming. Bush wasn’t perfect however our problems with the economy drastically increased with the Democratic takeover of the Senate and House in 06. Obama’s rhetoric about Cap & Trade and HCR has continued to cripple our economy and you would have us sit quietly by and take it? Ain’t happening!
Vlad Dragule
January 7th, 2010
4:02 pm
Bobbie Barr, you are a bust-your-butt full-of-cow-plop — FOOL! An Utter Fool!
Saddie
January 7th, 2010
4:03 pm
Did Obama promise to bring both parties together in a bi-partisan way? Didn’t he promise to televise the Health Care debates? Sorry but Obama IS NOT a leader he is only adding to the polarization of this country and making it worse. It doesn’t matter what Obama does this point forward, he has lost too much respect for any conservative to trust him so they will tear him apart for any thing he does, not matter how large or small, they very same way the left did to GW. Bush. If Bush said black, the left would scream “White”. Now that Obama has done nothing to help bring the parties together other then blow smoke, he has created the monster that has been unleashed upon him. I do not feel sorry for him! For 8 years everything that happened in this country or the world (even when people stubbed their toes) it was GW Bush’s fault, now and it will continue to be Obama’s fault. He is not enough of a leader to turn that around. He’s a lying sack of dog poo!
knpatriot
January 7th, 2010
4:04 pm
Tea,
Appreciate your comments but I have to point out that our Constitution was founded on individual freedom not government involvement. The amount the government gives/promises/controls has a direct influence on the amount of individual freedom we enjoy. Another direct affect on freedom is the faith individuals have. With basic morality we can govern most aspects of our lives without government intrusion. Our constitution calls for currency provisions, police provisions and judicial not all the millions of other things we have today. I do not know your circumstances but I have not had it easy in my life. However, I do not want the government providing my needs. I will somehow make it on my own even tho it might not be the easy way. I value my freedom more than I value the little bits and pieces my government wants to give me. So many really good books to read but I highly recommend Jim DeMints “Saving Freedom”. Very good common sense, history and hope for bringing our nation back to it’s founding principles. Good luck!
Vishnu
January 7th, 2010
4:07 pm
While I agree that Obama shouldn’t be criticized for taking time to evaluate and make a measured response, Napolitano and Gibbs went immediately to the airwaves to inform the American people that the system worked well. Are they not longer part of the administration?
Bob also seems to have forgotten that this incident came on the heels of Fort Hood. And quiet predictably, the administration went immediately to the “blame Bush” tactic to avoid criticism without even knowing what it was.
Nope. Nothing to criticize there.
I will admit that Obama’s statements and intolerance for the incompetence leading to the event, for the first time in his administration (that I recall), was the right one and a greater display than we ever had from Bush. Good for him.
Mike
January 7th, 2010
4:07 pm
So why did Obama first come out and say that the guy acted alone? Obama doesn’t want to admit that we are in a WAR against a determined opponent who hates us purely due to their ideology. The happen to be muslims as well. Add it up, folks. This man is a disaster like NONE other to hit Washington. God help us.
Butch
January 7th, 2010
4:08 pm
What the heck happened to Bob Barr? Has he gone deaf and blind? And stupid?
Greg
January 7th, 2010
4:09 pm
ShayneInDallas….Thanks for letting us know that how tired America is of the Democrats. It’s good to get a perspective from the minority point of view.
matt rush
January 7th, 2010
4:09 pm
Never trust a man with a moustache.
CATHERINE
January 7th, 2010
4:10 pm
WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN BARR, COME ON, DON’T REMEMBER YOU COMING OUT AND STOPPING THE HATE THAT SPEWED ON BUSH KEEPING US SAFE………
BUSH AND CHENEY HAD A 100% SUCCESS RATE, (NO BOMBINGS AFTER THE SECOND ATTACK BY THE SAME PEOPLE ON THE SAME LOCATION THAT SLICK LEFT-9 MONTHS)
HE AND CHENEY DID THE HEAVY LIFTING TO KEEP AMERICANS SAFE, THAT OBJECTIVE IS ABOUT NUMBER 50 DOWN ON THE DEMOCRAT WISH LIST AND AMERICANS ARE BEGINNING TO SEE THAT, THEY MADE SO MUCH FUN OF BUSH CAUSE THE LEFT WAS ON THE TERRORISTS SIDE, NOW WE SEE THAT.
100% SUCCESS RATE BY BUSH AND CHENEY AND THEN THE MEDIA AND DEMOCRATS SOLD THE IDIOTS IN THE NATION THAT THEY WERE GOING TO DO IT SMARTER AND BETTER, AHAHAHAHAHA BETTER THAN 100% SUCCESS RATE, AND THE LEFTIES AND MEDIA BASHED HIM 24/7 AND NOW WE SEE THE CLOWN THEY DREAMED UP IN THEIR HEAD, HE HAS NO SKILLS AND IT SHOWS, HE IS SO BAD AT PROTECTING THE NATION HE COULD BE WORKING FOR THE OTHER SIDE, DON’T CHA THINK?.
YOU CAN’T LIE TO US ANYMORE WE HAVE BEEN PAYING ATTENTION……………THE LEFT NOW HAS WHINEY LIBERAL SYNDROME, LEAVE NOBAMA ALONE…………..WA WA WA
HEY YOU GUYS TAUGHT US JUST HOW TO TREAT A COMMANDER IN CHIEF, WE DON’T CARE THAT YOU WORRY FOR NOBAMA AND THE HARD JOB HE HAS. YOU WANTED TO KILL BUSH AND CHENEY AND PUT THEM IN JAIL…….WE JUST WANT THIS GUY TO TAKE OUR SECURITY SERIOUSLY, I DON’T WANT HIM HARMED LIKE THE DEMOCRATS WANTED BUSH HARMED………………………….
HE APPOINTS CRAP LIKE JANET TO PROTECT US AND THE TERRORISTS LAUGH THEIR ASSES OFF AS THEY PLAN TO MURDER US..
IMAGINE BUSH ON 9/11, YOU GUYS BASHED AND HE KEPT US SAFE, WITH NOBAMA, YOUR GUY WE HAVE HAD 3 TERRORIST ATTACKS IN 12 MONTHS………….WE ARE WATCHING…………
SORRY YOU WERE SOMEONE I REALLY RESPECTED BUT YOU WENT SILENT WHEN THE IRRATIONAL BUSH HATRED SWEPT THE LAND WITH THE LEFTIES AND MEDIA, GO AWAY NOW.
Don
January 7th, 2010
4:10 pm
Where were you when Bush was blamed for everything, even the weather was his fault!
Don
January 7th, 2010
4:11 pm
Enter your comments here
me
January 7th, 2010
4:11 pm
You reap what you sow. Your lefty groups had no problems attacking when the president was a republican, and when we do get again and we all know we will it will not be like last time you bunch off traders are going to get the blame you deserve. fool us once shame on us fool us twice H*LL NO
Joe
January 7th, 2010
4:14 pm
Please Bob the fact is the Pres and his admin. has been more interested in being PC than anything else when it comes to those that wish to kill us, “man casued event” or what ever and “the system worked” This is just one aspect of it that is part of a pattern. Like when Harry Reid said “the war is lost”. What would have happened if during the early stages of WWII and we were losing thousands our Sen Maj Leader said that? He wou;ld have been thrown out of office or jailed for aiding the Nazis. This is no game as a American Arab I understand the war we are in but too many like you do not!
Harry
January 7th, 2010
4:15 pm
Bob
As a former CIA officer, you should know better than this. The Justice Department attonneys, FBI agents, Homeland Security incompotents and John Brennan have failed on this case and the Ft. Hood murders,
The Prez was on vacation in his native Hawaill (?) and did not even fly the US flags at half staff except at CIA for the terrorist murder of alleged CIA officers at Chapman base in Afghanistan. A few heads will roll in the blame game but nothing to protect us till sanity returns to Washington olicymakers unleash CIA abd the Intelligence Commubnity from political correctness and flawed security.
teeeww
January 7th, 2010
4:15 pm
You know what kind of crap Bush would have gotten if he’d went back to his golf game.. and waited a few days….Conservatives are right with this one….WE have the biggest loser of all time in office now…We need to eliminate the Democratic Party… What morons
Dan
January 7th, 2010
4:16 pm
Arnold……..Take off your blinders and have a sip of some more koolaid