MSNBC's Martin Bashir: Obama Didn't Walk Out of Debt Talks, 'Childish' Cantor 'Had a Tax Tantrum'
It has been widely reported that President Barack Obama walked out of Wednesday night's debt limit meeting, but MSNBC's Martin Bashir on Thursday was in complete denial that the Democratic president, who's merely "exasperated by Republicans playing this dangerous game," would conduct himself in such a way.
During his daily "Clear the Air" segment, Bashir offered mounds of incredulity but not a shred of evidence to contradict numerous reports of Obama abruptly and prematurely terminating the meeting:
Hmm, I'm not so sure about that...The president losing his temper, abruptly, and rudely cutting short the conversation? Running from a room inside the White House? Does that sound the like president that we've gotten to know during the last two and a half years? Or is that the kind of behavior we've now come to expect from Eric Cantor over the last few weeks?
Video follows break
Politico, Reuters, and even the Huffington Post, among others, all reported that Obama "abruptly" ended the "tense" meeting by walking out, yet all Bashir could muster to refute the copious reporting was disbelief that this commander-in-chief would resort to tactics he called Republicans "childish" for engaging in.
Reminding viewers that House Majority Leader Eric Cantor "petulantly" walked out of debt negotiations with Vice President Joe Biden last month, the former ABC "Nightline" anchor excused the president for reportedly behaving similarly last night.
Bashir is making a hobby out of attacking Republicans: on June 17, he smeared Mitt Romney as "insensitive" and Tim Pawlenty as a "coward." Most recently, he wondered aloud whether Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was "suffering some kind of mild dementia."
Just to "clear the air," Democrats dispute the account, claiming Cantor's repeated interruptions prompted Obama to end the negotiation early. Was that so hard, Martin? That's called the full picture.
A transcript of Thursday's "Clear the Air" segment can be found below:
MSNBC
Martin Bashir
July 14, 2011
3:57 p.m. ET
MARTIN BASHIR: It's time now to Clear the Air. And although the protracted and heated discussions about raising the debt ceiling are provoking anxiety in the markets and fears for the American economy globally, these meetings have provided us with an interesting insight into the character of certain participants. In particular, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. First, you'll remember that Mr. Cantor petulantly walked out of the Biden talks last month because he says Democrats continued suggesting that in order to achieve a balanced budget, there had to be some forms of revenue raising. Mr. Cantor didn't like it, and so he stormed off. Then earlier this week, when John Boehner and the president got really close to an agreement, well Cantor stamped his feet again and all their efforts were dashed. And then, last night, Mr. Cantor came out of the fourth and most contentious meeting so far and he suggested the president had lost temper before abruptly leaving the meeting.
Hmm, I'm not so sure about that. Of course the president is exasperated by Republicans playing this dangerous game with the nation's economic standing. Of course he's frustrated that at one moment he seems to have a deal with Speaker John Boehner, only to find that Eric Cantor doesn't like it and Mitch McConnell wants to stop talking completely. But the president losing his temper, abruptly, and rudely cutting short the conversation? Running from a room inside the White House? Does that sound the like president that we've gotten to know during the last two and a half years? Or is that the kind of behavior we've now come to expect from Eric Cantor over the last few weeks?
It seems like, having failed to win the argument, Mr. Cantor had a tax tantrum, and is now reduced to smearing and deriding the president's behavior and conduct. But it's a cheap and disingenuous shot. And I think Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had it about right when he opened the Senate this morning by describing Mr. Cantor as "childish." And Mr. Reid may be more accurate than he realizes. Eric Cantor's high school yearbook contained the following line written in his own fair hand: "I want what I want when I want it." Seems like not much has changed in the life and times of Eric Cantor. Thanks very much for watching, Dylan's here, fired up, and ready to take us forward. Good afternoon, Dylan.
--Alex Fitzsimmons is a News Analysis intern at the Media Research Center. Click here to follow him on Twitter.
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Comments
These are not the droids
Submitted by bkeyser on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 6:16pm.
These are not the droids you're looking for.
Bashir's on a roll. He's the
Submitted by JPTSO3 on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 6:26pm.
Bashir's on a roll. He's the new Rick Sanchez with a tan, Madcow with better hair, Olbermann with an accent
Money question
Submitted by jon_torlin on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 6:22pm.
Oh this is rich. The great money question:
"Does that sound like the president that we've gotten to know in the last two and a half years?"
In a word: YES!
-Jon
To paraphrase Der
Submitted by killa37 on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 7:17pm.
To paraphrase Der Schlickmeister - it depends on the what the meaning of 'we' and 'know' is....................any of us that have done our homework and paid attenton to this immature, spoiled, and petulant little prick KNOWS that is part of his personality......I've NEVER bought into that 'no drama Obama' BS............but the guy is such a bore that you have to pay attention to see when he is getting animated.........and a lot of his immaturity and adolescent behaivior is somewhat 'under the radar', but it has been there the whole time. I think he's just having a hard time keeping it subtle these days, because he's having his balls busted (well, if he has any) on a ever-increasing basis, and even though he would NEVER admit it, it's got to be frustrating him and making him agitated and irritated.
Too bad, Barry Boy..............I 'hope' that it just keeps coming on like a load of coal........dirty, filthy, EVIL coal!!!!
Obama needed a cigarette
Submitted by TexasMom0517 on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 10:22pm.
Our narcissist in chief long ago DECREED that no one may question him (because he doesn't know the answers in the first place) and no one should expect him to be specific or abide by whatever they "think" he's agreed to (who are you going to believe, what I tell you or your lying eyes?).
Obama can't focus on these complex matters without a cigarette (no, I do NOT believe the guy has quit smoking), so he gets testy after a few hours. Of course, he can't understand the complexities of the budget even when he has a pack of Marlboros on the table with him either, but that's another matter.
Just occurred to me
Submitted by TexasMom0517 on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 10:28pm.
The real problem for the GOP is that they think that they are negotiating with OBAMA, but in reality, he's just doing what he's been told to do. Thus, he'll mislead the GOP leadership, with no intention of keeping his word, and then check with whoever is orchestrating his behavior and do whatever they tell him. He is not an independent actor and his word is no good- ever.
Martin needs a chill pill.
Submitted by syvyn11 on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 6:26pm.
The man is totally devoid of facts.
Which makes him MSNBC employee of the month.
Martin, I've raised my hand ...
Submitted by Hunter12 on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 6:29pm.
Q. Does that sound the like president that we've gotten to know during the last two and a half years?
A. Yes, it does. This is one of thee most arrogant men in a class of men who have to be so to even consider themselves worthy to seek the office.
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill
It is exactly.....
Submitted by almostacowboy on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 6:36pm.
the man we've come to know and love these short 2 1/2 years. My, my. How time flies when you're having fun.How I shall miss him when he's gone. [sarc key off]
Seriously, have you considered that he's just turning 50? You know what a PITA Jimmy Carter is? Imagine, we're going to have Barack sticking his Marxist beak into everything for the next 25-30 years!
Yep!
Submitted by Mr. Mike on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 6:45pm.
Once he is forced to evict the WH in 2013 he will become the go to moron for a "serious" critique of the new Republican administration.
I'm sure there will be those in the msm that will treat him like he's still the sitting president of the US and the new guy is a fraud and charlatan!
Should we expect anything less from
Submitted by Mr. Mike on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 6:40pm.
PMSNBC? This is what they all do on that network. I'm sure there's a staff meeting every morning on how they'll prop up the naked emperor again today.
Notice how it's all Cantor's fault? That's the DNC talking points being blindly repeated as some kernal of truth. Pathetic!
Does this sound like...
Submitted by retrocon on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 6:42pm.
"Running from a room inside the White House? Does that sound the like president that we've gotten to know during the last two and a half years?"
No.
It sounds like the president "behind the curtains" of the MSM, though. Few have "gotten to know him" since the truth about him is totally shielded from average, non-news addicted regular folks.
Makes perfect sense to a leftist
Submitted by LSBeene on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 6:43pm.
Part of the ideology of the left has always been that "A person's actions are not their fault if they are in [racial group / gender group / are a leftist], but rather are a 'normal' response to our 'heteronomalized, nativist, oppressive, imperial, sexist and racist culture'."
It's entirely fitting with their narative.
Now, lol, had Cantor walked out - well, he's not a minority, a woman, gay, a muslim, or a [victim-identity-group-member], and would be labled childish. But, for the very same actions, BHO is ENTITLED to do this.
That's the main difference I keep coming back to as to why I am a conservative: A SINGLE standard is to be applied to all - and situational ethics are not fair. But that is exactly what leftists believe: double standards, and situational ethics.
So - that the press is backing BHO's play .... surprises anyone?
Steven
The president I know?
Submitted by Simplicity101 on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 6:44pm.
Um...yeah...?
It fits the bill perfectly.
Our president is so narcissistic, naive, and thin-skinned that I do believe he would do something like this.
Danger, Will Robinson!
Submitted by retrocon on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 6:47pm.
Danger, Danger.
As we get closer to the elections, this scenario will become more pervasive.
Reid, Obama, or Durbin will say something stupid about a republican, like calling Cantor "childish." It will be the mantra in the MSM for at least a week.
No matter what intelligent comments any republican has, it won't make it to the "general" public through any MSM outlet.
we are fighting an up-hill battle.
Martin-you were in the room and you witnessed-
Submitted by JIMMY1660 on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 7:17pm.
all the activity you claim. I think when Bernie Madoff told his clients everything was okay-he did not lie.
Roger Clemons did not shoot steroids-he said he did not.
so we believe everything you say, but were not there.
I know, i am a racist and bigot and homophobe-all true today-and you sir are a liar
and a Liberal Saboteur a danger to America.
all three of those who watch your program are trolls.
"Does that sound the like
Submitted by tcm14 on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 7:20pm.
"The president losing his temper, abruptly, and rudely cutting short the conversation? Does that sound the like president that we've gotten to know during the last two and a half years?"
Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar say yes.
This man bears a striking resemblance to Tom Arnold
Submitted by Immortal Fish on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 8:03pm.
The voice throws it all off, of course, but whenever I see this man in a still picture, my mind associates him as Rosie's ex with a crew cut. Ends up he's just as bright.
he really is an odd one. I
Submitted by jkwtrading on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 8:32pm.
he really is an odd one. I too cannot get over this guy looking Muslim , sounding Brit and dumber than a box of rocks. arrogant too boot..
YES, former Muslim with death hanging over his head . . .
Submitted by ConservaSerb on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 8:26pm.
Because that is what the Q'uran suggests as a penalty for you faith-traitors . . . it sounds EXACTLY like the pusillanimous Communist Kenyan.
A wise & frugal government, which shall leave men free 2 regulate their own pursuits of industry & improvement, & shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government. T. Jefferson
Bashir, a little history
Submitted by jkwtrading on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 8:30pm.
Bashir, a little history lesson...the last time the Brits got so uppity here they got bayonets stuck in them..
The uppity British
Submitted by David R. on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 9:55pm.
Actually, you're the one that needs a history lesson. The last time the British got "uppity" was in 1812. When they invaded, they burned Washington DC.
How'd that turn out?
Submitted by Blonde on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 12:58am.
Oh.....riiiight.
We had to bail them out of a couple of World Wars. Why don't you read a bit of history....Churchill was a fan of FDR, not the other way around.
No offense, Mr. Bauer, but that is the truth of the matter.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
FDR was also a fan of Churchill.
Submitted by Jer on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 1:17am.
From 1941 when they first met until FDR's death in 1945, Roosevelt and Churchill sustained a close personal and professional relationship. Playwright Robert Sherwood later wrote, "It would be an exaggeration to say that Roosevelt and Churchill became chums at this conference. . . . They established an easy intimacy, a joking informality and moratorium on pomposity and cant, -- and also a degree of frankness in intercourse which, if not quite complete, was remarkably close to it." Roosevelt cabled Churchill after the meeting, "It is fun to be in the same decade with you." Churchill later wrote, "I felt I was in contact with a very great man who was also a warm-hearted friend and the foremost champion of the high causes which we served."
source.
Jer
Have it your own way, as liberals always do
Submitted by Blonde on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 1:23am.
You're wrong of course.
The relationship was far more one sided than that. Do a bit more than surface reading and you'll recognize that fact. Whatever, I'm over your peevishness and absolute liberal blather tonight.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Then I suggest a good night's
Submitted by Jer on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 1:29am.
Then I suggest a good night's sleep and a better disposition tomorrow. And take a history book to bed with you.
Jer
acting like a toddler throwing a temper tantrum
Submitted by ohio granny on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 9:29pm.
the man-child who resides in the white house throwing a temper tantrum just like a toddler that does not get their way. wahwahwahwah. having a fit because he is told he cannot have candy before dinner. imagine someone telling this big baby no. how dare they.
obama, grow up, you are acting like a spoiled brat and the whole world is watching.
Obama hissy fit
Submitted by David R. on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 9:45pm.
From what I've been reading over the last year or so, Obama throws a tantrum every time he gets bad news re. the economy, unemployment etc.
.
This is the man with his finger on the big red button.
bashir must be run out of town....
Submitted by jmigyanka@msn.com on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 9:53pm.
....he should take his camel and ride back to the middle east with his terrorist friends. All muslims deceive infidels ... so reads the corann (sic on purpose).
"But the president losing his temper,
Submitted by rickbren on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 11:47pm.
abruptly, and rudely cutting short the conversation? Running from a room inside the White House? Does that sound the like president that we've gotten to know during the last two and a half years?"
YES!!!
He has a bit of a habit of running off like that.....
Submitted by Blonde on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 1:00am.
Remember him leaving Bill Clinton all by his lonesome behind the WH podium?
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
That's cause der
Submitted by killa37 on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 1:46am.
That's cause der Schickmeister was WAY more 'Presidential' than Boy Barry,and could also speak extemporaneously and off the cuff with ease and conviction and believablilty (even though he's a pathalogical liar!!)...................something that Boy Blah-Blah is incapable of doing.
Oh the irony here
Submitted by chronic on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 12:21am.
It is hard to say what is more ironic:
- Being upset about Cantor being called childish and then calling Obama a toddler, big baby, tantrum throwing man-child,
- Overlooking that Cantor caused the meeting to end by showing no respect at a meeting. He would have been fired at a business meeting.
- What would the story read like if Bush was still in office, when speaking against the President was not allowed.
- Everyone upset becasue Bashir wasn't there to see it go down, yet it was all Obama's fault and all of newsbusters were witnesses.
You're kidding, right?
Submitted by UpNorth on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 12:56am.
when you make the asinine statement, "What would the story read like if Bush was still in office, when speaking against the President was not allowed".
As for respect, it's earned, not given, at least among adults. 0 doesn't deserve any, see the thread about lying about his mother's insurance coverage, for just one example. See the link for yet another reason not to believe anything that comes out of the White House. I suppose we could file an FOIA for the notes of the meeting recently past, but who wants to wait 18 months while the WH stonewalls, yet again?
As for what went on, as we know now that the White House will lie about anything, why should we believe anything they say, for a second?
Alas, UpNorth
Submitted by Blonde on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 1:02am.
...'tis yet another sto'bought seminar troll....and not a very bright one.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Bluffing?
Submitted by HardRightTurn on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 6:57am.
By challenging Cantor not to call his bluff, Obama announces that he is bluffing. Fine, don't call his bluff. Don't raise the debt limit.
______________________________________________________________________________
To more fully comprehend the Left, one must read “Leftism As Psychopathy” by John Ray, M.A., Ph.D. Caution, it might scare you a little bit.
http://jonjayray.tripod.com/psycho.html
Oh no, the TOTUS didn't walk out.
Submitted by hbnolikeee on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 8:39am.
He moonwalked out. He SWAGGERED out. But walk out, nope.
I prefer
Submitted by Boudin on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 8:57am.
"Slithered" out
Harry Reid -- now THERE'S a credible source
Submitted by Galvanic on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 9:38am.
M. BASHIR: "And I think Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had it about right when he opened the Senate this morning by describing Mr. Cantor as "childish." And Mr. Reid may be more accurate than he realizes. . . "
Among Harry Reid's many errors and lies is his statement several years ago that the war in Iraq was lost.
The Weasel is an equal to Boy
Submitted by killa37 on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 12:57pm.
The Weasel is an equal to Boy Barry when it comes to being a sickening, snivelling, sanctemonious liar............
Bashir
Submitted by jessieH on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 11:11am.
Even with video, they still can't see anything. Obama is a punk. He's more suited to be in a gang than being President.
Even if Boy Barry was in a
Submitted by killa37 on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 4:22pm.
Even if Boy Barry was in a gang, he'd be the guy with the mouth that instigates things............but he sure as hell wouldn't be one of the guys who was 'taking care of the problem'............he's too much of a yellow-bellied little queebie-assed petulant prick. And watch out when the gang finally figures it out............
Wrong Senate Leader
Submitted by VengeanceIsMine on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 2:26pm.
'Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was "suffering some kind of mild dementia.'"
That's a description of Harry "Cowboy Poetry" Reid, if I've ever heard one.
"The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, but Illusion of knowledge." Stephen Hawking
reduce, reuse, recycle
Submitted by scrubjay on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 4:52pm.
"Some thoughts on those angry voters. Ask parents of any two-year-old and they can tell you about those temper tantrums: the stomping feet, the rolling eyes, the screaming. It's clear that the anger controls the child and not the other way around. It's the job of the parent to teach the child to control the anger and channel it in a positive way. Imagine a nation full of uncontrolled two-year-old rage. The voters had a temper tantrum last week....Parenting and governing don't have to be dirty words: the nation can't be run by an angry two-year-old."
-- ABC World News Tonight anchor Peter Jennings in his daily ABC Radio commentary, November 14, 1994.