"I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
ABC News' Jake Tapper writes about an exchange between the Russian and U.S. Presidents picked up on a hot mic:
SEOUL, South Korea — At the tail end of his 90 minute meeting with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev Monday, President Obama said that he would have “more flexibility” to deal with controversial issues such as missile defense, but incoming Russian President Vladimir Putin needs to give him “space.”
The exchange was picked up by microphones as reporters were let into the room for remarks by the two leaders.
The exchange:
President Obama: On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this, this can be solved but it’s important for him to give me space.
President Medvedev: Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you…
President Obama: This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility.
President Medvedev: I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir.
Jim Geraghty notes how nice it is that Vlad Putin is getting assurances about policies to come in Obama's second term. He wonders if American voters are getting assurances, too.
One message to the voters at home, an entirely different message to leaders abroad… from a president who declared in 2008 that his true rival in the presidential race was cynicism itself.
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Comments:
Feb '12
Re: "I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
Could someone please fill in the blanks here? What policy has Obama represented to Americans on missile defense, and is he insinuating to Medvedev that, once reelected (and unfettered,) he would pursue a different policy on missile defense that would be more to the liking of Putin and less to the liking of Americans?
Re: "I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
Maureen,
I think it just shows that Obama wants to move toward greater American disarmament without have to be held responsible by American voters.
Although it seems that only Jake Tapper and conservative outlets are interested in this story.
Re: "I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
James Pethokoukis writes:
Jan '11
Re: "I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
It means that Obama is going to accept defense policies that would be massively unpopular, should the American public discover what he's up to.
I can only imagine what technology isn't made public yet.
This guy pushed through Obamacare and the stimulus while he was up for re-election, both of which were unpopular. But if he has other policies that even he won't dare advance until after he's shielded from public opinion, we can be certain they're going to be deeply unpopular.
Jun '10
Re: "I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
The bluebird sings at midnight. Tell Vladimir I couldn't make it to the drop site.
Jan '11
Re: "I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
Oh the hot mic. What's the big deal, isn't it the same as when Reagan said that we'll start bombing Russia in 5 minutes?
hmmm - maybe it's not the same.
Aug '10
Re: "I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
This is the single most chilling statement to come from the POTUS since Jan 09.
Too bad the media will shovel into a memory hole.
Nov '10
Re: "I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
The administration already proposes unwise cuts in missile defense technology, which is important not only against the Russians but also against the Iranians, the Koreans and Chinese, and Venezuela, but also against any Near Eastern or other Moslem regime bent upon our destruction. It also is important to our allies such as Israel and Taiwan.
I am firmly persuaded that this President is embarrassed by our current superiority and intends to limit our military options to adventures approved in advance by the United Nations and our military capabilities to those that reduce us to levels comparable with other powers that he considers our "equals".
This is "One World-ism" at its worst. He and Mrs. Clinton are practitioners of "Talkee-Talkee" in world affairs, not in the "speak softly [and firmly] but carry a big stick [and be willing to use it without hesitation]" way of acting that I think appropriate for us and best for the world.
May '11
Re: "I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
I guess we just need to elect him to find out what is in him!
Dec '10
Re: "I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
Fasten your seat belts - it's going to be a bumpy world.
May '11
Re: "I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
Does this fall under high crimes and misdemeanors or is it better classified as treason?
Mar '11
Re: "I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
This is why he won the Nobel Peace Prize - for disarming America.
Peace in our time!
Jul '10
Re: "I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
This bit of wink-wink diplomacy is necessary to pull the wool over the eyes of undecided voters. In Russia that sort of subterfuge is unnecessary.
May '11
Re: "I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
Writing assignment for today. Compare and contrast the selling of a seat in the US Senate with the selling of a disarmament treaty.
Sep '10
Re: "I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
But Obama got Bin Laden, so his handling of foreign affairs and national defense is beyond reproach.
Sep '10
Re: "I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
It's almost as if he's a socialist who wants to weaken America. Nah, couldn't be.
Re: "I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
Sounds like somebody stole the Etch-A-Sketch.
Jun '10
Re: "I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
Pure genius, Dave.
Aug '10
Re: "I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
If I worked on Romney's or Santorum's campaign, I'd be saving this gem of a quote for an ad in the general campaign. It would be the sequel to Hilary's "3am phone call" ad.
Aug '11
Re: "I Will Transmit This Information To Vladimir"
flownover: This is the single most chilling statement to come from the POTUS since Jan 09.
Too bad the media will shovel into a memory hole. · 7 hours ago
A friend of mine suggested this could easily become a meme. "I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir." I'm planning to casually drop it into conversations. Share and enjoy!