Robert Gibbs Won’t Touch Tea-bagger Quote with a Ten Foot Pole

by Tommy Christopher | 6:08 pm, May 6th, 2010

» 10 comments

At today’s White House briefing, Press Secretary Robert Gibbs was asked, by CNSNews.com reporter Fred Lucas, to comment on President Obama‘s use of the term “tea-bagger” in an interview for Jonathan Alter‘s book. Gibbs replied that he hadn’t read it.

I followed up by asking Gibbs if he could find out if the President was aware of the controversy, or if he had any comment about his word choice. Short reply: Not a tea bag’s chance in hell.

Transcript:

Fred Lucas: Thanks, Robert. In Jonathan Alter’s new book, the President is quoted as using a vulgar term to describe the Tea Party movement. Is the quote accurate, and does the President –

MR. GIBBS: I have — I barely have enough time to read my briefing books, and what I have — I have — no offense to Jonathan, but I have not read his book.

April.

Chip Reid: But you’d only have to read one word to answer his question. (Laughter.)

MR. GIBBS: Chip, you go buy me Jonathan’s book so that he gets the royalty –

Chip Reid:   Deal, deal.

MR. GIBBS: — and I will be glad to read the word.

April.

Savannah Guthrie: You haven’t heard about this, though?

Fred Lucas:   So is the answer then that you don’t know?

MR. GIBBS: The answer is I haven’t read the book.

…MR. GIBBS: Tom.

Tommy Christopher: Thanks, Robert. I have two quick questions. But first, are you able to get an answer on Fred’s question about the tea-bagger quote, if the President is aware that people are offended and –

MR. GIBBS: Again, I’ve not seen the book. I can’t imagine I’m going to ask the President that. But I will entertain it.

Tommy Christopher:   if he has any comment on his word choice?

MR. GIBBS: I will check.

" "Tea Bagger, anderson cooper, David Shuster, Fred Lucas, Jake Tapper, Jonathan Alter, Maddow, President Obama, Rachel Maddow, Rick Santelli, Robert Gibbs, Tea Party, Tea Party Movement, Teabagger, Tommy Christopher

HanzoSword

Teabaggers referred to themselves as teabaggers in the beginning of their fake grassroots protests, so they have to live with the label they gave themselves.
the visionary

good questions tommy
SteveMG

Teabaggers referred to themselves as teabaggers in the beginning of their fake grassroots protests, so they have to live with the label they gave themselves

Sorry, that may be okay for critics like yourself. But this is the President of the United States.

He’s the head of the country, not the head of a fraternity.

Americans simply don’t want their President referring to millions of other American in such derogatory terms. Any President, any group of Americans. Especially a President who is lecturing us on the need for civility and comity.

That is, if the President knew the pejorative connotation of the phrase.
timzank

Nice try Tommy.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Chris-Kelly/720731075 Chris Kelly

What sort of odd alternative universe is this when Tommy Christopher gets to ask Gibbs a question? Instead of asking about something important, all he can do is ask about is something that in the greater scheme of things just isn’t that important.

Here’s an assignment: next time, ask about Obama lying about Arizona’s law and promoting very bad public policy.
johnrtorres

Look, we all know that when the current occupant in the WH whines about “civility” it’s just more BS.

I mean, when your chief of staff is Rahm Emanuel you obviously don’t give a **** about civility.

Thanks tommy!
jackypond

Administration officials recently responded to questions about its oversight of BP’s oil spill cleanup efforts with some.The White House Briefing Room received a jolt of energy on Monday when Press Secretary Robert Gibbs wouldn’t rule out the announcement this week of a Supreme Court nominee to replace the retiring Justice.
Rogue-Comic

if this gets legs . . . WOW!!!
lucyreddy

I had heard White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said he doesn’t “put a lot of stock” in the survey by Gallup, which has conducted presidential approval polls since 1938, longer than any other organization.
r4i gold
http://none pyrope

The weasel Gibbs is defending the indefensible. What’s new?