Netanyahu Tells NBC's Gregory 'You're Trying to Throw Me Under the Bus of American Politics'
NBC's David Gregory on Sunday did his darnedest to get Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to say Israel has had no better friend in the White House than President Obama.
As the "Meet the Press" host continued to force the issue, Netanyahu finally said, "David, you're trying to throw me under the bus of American politics. And guess what, I'm not going to be thrown there" (video follows with transcript and commentary):
DAVID GREGORY, HOST: Back in 2002, you said Israel has had no better friend in the White House than George W. Bush. Would you say the same about President Obama?
ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU: They've all been great friends of Israel. You know why?
MR. GREGORY: You said, "No better friend in the White House than George W. Bush."
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: When did I say that?
MR. GREGORY: 2002 on this program.
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: OK. Well, they keep moving. They keep adding new people to--you know, that's the peculiar thing about our system, the leaders, the leaders keep changing.
MR. GREGORY: So George W. Bush and President Obama are equivalent in your mind.
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: God, I'm not going...
MR. GREGORY: I'm asking--no, but I'm asking you a serious question.
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: I'm not going to start ranking. I'll tell you what, they're all...
MR. GREGORY: You did rank. But, Prime Minister, you did rank. And you said that America was behind you; and, in fact, this has been a frosty relationship between this administration and your administration. And the reality is that there's politics in this country and a presidential campaign. Just this week, you had Mitt Romney, a Republican, say of Obama that he threw Israel under the bus. Rick Perry described Obama's Middle East policy as naive, arrogant, misguided and dangerous. Do you disagree with those statements?
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: David, you're trying to throw me under the bus of American politics. And guess what, I'm not going to be thrown there. So I'll tell you what...
MR. GREGORY: You didn't mind disagreeing with President Clinton's analysis this week about the Middle East.
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Sure.
MR. GREGORY: Do you disagree with these Republican candidates?
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PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: I think the important thing to understand is this, and, and this is the truth about America, Israel enjoys tremendous bipartisan support, tremendous. And, and, and, you know, you just have to walk around the breadth and length of this country, it's--or fly, it's a big country--and everywhere you go, you see this tremendous, tremendous sympathy and affinity for Israel. This is what, I think, is one of the great blessings that Israel has in the, in the 21st century. So--and I think that bipartisan support is expressed by any person who happens to be the president of the United States...
MR. GREGORY: Are you concerned that partisanship is being injected into this?
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: ...including President Obama. Every one of the U.S. presidents represents and acts on the tremendous innate friendship of the American people to Israel. And by the way, a piece of news, Israel is the one country in which everyone is pro-American, opposition and coalition alike. And I represent the entire people of Israel who say, "Thank you, America." And we're friends of America, and we're the only reliable allies of America in the Middle East.
Indeed.
So why did Gregory think it was important to act as the Obama administration's emissary to improve relations between the White House and one of America's strongest allies?
Is it possible he's concerned that Jewish support for Obama is plummeting, and he felt he needed to get Netanyahu on the record as saying something positive about the President that could reverse this?
As NewsBusters previously reported, Gregory told GOP strategist Alex Castellanos last Sunday, "Republicans have been talking about the Jewish vote going Republican for a long time. It never happens."
Was Gregory a week later trying to help make that a self-fulfilling prophecy?
You have to admit that irrespective of his declining poll numbers, it must be a great comfort for Obama to know that he's got friends like the host of "Meet the Press" always looking out for him.
- Noel Sheppard's blog
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Comments
Talking Back
Submitted by HardRightTurn on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 4:04pm.
I love it! More and more hard right politicians standing up to libbot talking points. No more taking it laying down. Talk back!
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
The interview came across as
Submitted by TerryWest on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 4:17pm.
The interview came across as amateurish and desperate, like a guy trying to convince his best buddy to like his new obnoxious girlfriend as much as he dose.
Gregory wasn't interviewing Netanyahu . . . .
Submitted by Gat New York on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 6:59pm.
Gregory was cross-examining him.
So Obama is
Submitted by Radical1979 on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 8:19pm.
the new obnoxious girlfriend? Love the analogy.
Thanks Noel for doing the job
Submitted by d1carter on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 4:15pm.
Thanks Noel for doing the job (watching MTP) that I will not do...
Bebe N and Gregory the media idiot
Submitted by GLondon on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 4:18pm.
David Gregory, pathetic, weak liberal progressive that he is should not be taken seriously by anyone with any sort of mind...he is completely worthless as a media representative, ALWAYS slanted and dishonest.
Netanyahu had to be polite to him, as he is in view of the American public, but surely he thought "what an idiot" when he was being interviewed.
OBummer is no friend of anyone save his next donor, and is far too stupid to even comprehend that he's just sealed his fate by alienating the Jews in the USA from the comments he made during Netanyahu's last visit to the present.
I spent two years training Israeli pilots back in the 70s, and can think of no more warm, polite, engaging people anywhere. I gladly gave my time to do this, and I support Israel across the board. Having also spent time in the company of many Palestinians, I can tell you that there is no greater gulf than what exists between these two peoples.
I found the Palestinians to be back-stabbing, dishonest, treahcerous dark and worthless people who do not deserve to even shine the shoes of the Jews. Of course, I did not meet each and every Palestinian, but those In did meet did not serve their people in any helpful or positive way.
Israel will keep both eyes on these bums, and will not give in to the scheme that Abbas is trying to pull off.
When the Ps get off their asses and present something other than "erase the Jews" as their watchword...maybe their people will improve their lot. Until then, the Jews can push all of them into the sea, for all I care.
Juan Williams said today,
Submitted by ThisnThat on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 4:21pm.
Juan Williams said today, "the base wants him [o'bama] to fight." Dave Gregory has heard the call, and has responded.
__________
“Didn't win the Medal of Honor? Didn't even serve? Then lie about it. We'll support you." — 9th Circuit Court
DAVID GREGORY, OVER-HOST
Submitted by upcountrywater on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 4:27pm.
What a buzzzzzzing wastrel.
You Didn't Build That.
LOL, upc
Submitted by Blonde on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 4:45pm.
I was going to call him a whiney b****.
Such a petulant child in comparison to Netanyahu. Just wow.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Maybe
Submitted by grammajane on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 4:40pm.
Gregory will resign after 2012. It would be a great win for the American people to see/ hear him gone. His agenda has no place on TV as he gets worse every Sunday!!!!
Oh My Gosh!!
Submitted by cobokat on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 4:41pm.
Is anyone watching these idiot hikers??!! Wow-what a bunch of bozos!!! They can barely speak a coherent sentence. They are making a political statement right now!! Now attacking Guantanamo Bay and attacking the US-unreal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They attacked America
Submitted by Chaitealover on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 5:23pm.
as soon as they reached the tarmac in Oman:
"Two years in prison is too long," said Bauer, who is from Minnesota, "and we sincerely hope for the freedom of other political prisoners and other unjustly imprisoned people in America and Iran." (Emphasis mine)
This statement gives credence to the story that Sean Penn and his Venezuelan pal Hugo Chavez were responsible for their release.
I'm sure they are going to be
Submitted by ThisnThat on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 6:08pm.
I'm sure they are going to be media darlings, now, invited on numerous MSM shows to give their opinions about American politics, and to compare Iran's compassion against Conservative beastalities.
I need to understand -- why were they hiking the Iraq/Iran border to begin with? Has anyone ever figured that out? I'd bet that the answer explains a lot of things about these people.
__________
“Didn't win the Medal of Honor? Didn't even serve? Then lie about it. We'll support you." — 9th Circuit Court
I have been asking that question for two years, TnT
Submitted by Blonde on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 6:16pm.
Anyone stupid enough to go hiking in that area doesn't deserve a shot at continuing in the human gene pool, IMO.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Agreed
Submitted by Radical1979 on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 8:22pm.
That was also my thinking with the reporters who were jailed in North Korea. I get annoyed that we expend political capital to get them released.
The world is a big place. Why can't people stay clear of rogue states like Korea and Iran?
Why
Submitted by ant on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 11:55pm.
Successful indoctrination by pony-tailed men and angry-fem college professors. You have to go to college to become as stupid as these hikers.
What were those fools doing there in the first place?
Submitted by Thalpy on Mon, 09/26/2011 - 7:52am.
Two years in prison may not have been long enough for them. I suggest that they hike near North Korea next time so if they're ever released they can sell their imprisonment equivalency bs to the world then.
Naah.
Submitted by almostacowboy on Mon, 09/26/2011 - 11:35am.
Slick Willie will just bring them back like he did the last dumba$$es.
D.Gregory acing under Obama begging: "LOVE ME!!!"
Submitted by Slyrr on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 4:49pm.
Obama went before his supporters, begging, pleading, grovelling at their feet and screaming, 'Love me! If you love me, pass my jobs bill! Prove that you love me! Love me! LOOOOOVE MEEEEEE!!!!!!!'
It was the most pathetic, snivelling display from a US President ever. But as one of Obama's media slaves, D. Gregory took it as a command from his 'sort of god who stands above us all'. And now he's acting as Obama's vassal, taking every guest and hammering them with the same pathetic plea.
'Don't you LOVE Obama? Come on - don't you love him? Say it! Say it now! Say how much you love Obama! I command you to love him now! Now now now now now!!!'
Obama and all his media slaves remind me of Veruca Salt from the 1970s Willie Wonka movie. Wicked, manipulative brats who demand everything they want, and demand that it be instantly given. 'I want the world! I want the whole world! I want to lock it all up in my pocket it's MY bar of chocolate! Give it to me! Give it to me NOW! Don't care how - I want it NOW!'
Fish for compliments, much?
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 4:58pm.
Gregory is nothing short of shameless with his writhing enraptured lustful swoon.
As for little David Gregory...."There you go again."
Submitted by Herbster on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 5:04pm.
Poor little David. Better stick to conversing with the likes of Shalalah and the Schriver twerp. When you interview a REAL world leader and try to tie him to the present occupant of the White House you're going to lose every time...in spite of your interruptions, petulant looks, foot stomping and turning blue by holding your breath. No wonder Meet the Press continues to sink in the ratings. Mr. Gregory is a democratic talking points enabler - and a poor one at that. He's about as subtle as a double hernia. It's the same every week....interrupt the Conservative or Republican.....let the liberal or democrat just prattle on after giving them a softball question.
Netanyahu is a strong world leader who does what's best for his country. The present occupant of the White House does just the opposite.......a pandering weakling who changes his speech delivery and "Accent" depending on the makeup of the audience. Last point.....does anyone believe mr. abbas would be sticking his finger in the eye of a Reagan or "W" the way he is rolling the present occupant? What an embarrassment for our country. Not to worry......The Goebbelsized media will not report anything that could harm "The One." I call it, "Propaganda by omission." Just look at the Solyndra story.
We live in dangerous times with a single-minded (Leftist) media doing the bidding of a leftist government.
1930's, anyone?
David Gregory is so one
Submitted by jessieH on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 5:05pm.
David Gregory is so one sided, It's no wonder he works for No Brains Channel. NBC has become the laughingstock of American television, along with ABC, CBS and the two taxpayer funded PBS & NPR. They don't report, anymore. They tell you what they want you to know...............I stand with Israel!
The Dear Ruler was on the verge of throwing Israel under the bus
Submitted by Dave. on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 5:09pm.
...for real - only reversing himself once Weiner's seat was won by a republican.
I'm pretty sure Mr. Netanyahu knows full well that Obama is no friend of Israel's.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
Yeah, but he's STILL giving
Submitted by killa37 on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 6:01pm.
Yeah, but he's STILL giving the finger to Israel................but now he's also giving the Palestinians the run-around with his worthless and useless speeches, designed to make it sound like he actually knows something, or cares about anything. I don't think anyone in the UN last week could take a word of Boy BlahBlah's seriously...........
Gregory
Submitted by Curly on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 5:32pm.
Gregory is the PRAVDA (aka lame stream media) stooge! Netanyahu should have told him to shove where the sun shines not!! Obama is the WORST prez in the history of the Republic and Israel!
Well, Baboonface - your Boy
Submitted by killa37 on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 5:57pm.
Well, Baboonface - your Boy Barry threw me out the back door - with the trash - the last time I was in the White House,and couldn't spare any of his precious time.................and now you want to throw me under the bus with your own lame political agenda???
Gregory couldn't shine Netenyahu's shoes.................
King David
Submitted by acumen on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 6:06pm.
...you did rank, but you did rank.....
Few talking heads can claim to have made more rank statements than David Gregory.
Another proud Liberal
Submitted by Thoreau on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 7:01pm.
Another proud Liberal Jewish-American moment. You guys might want to start packing for your new shovel ready jobs train ride. That is if you aren't too busy marrying muslims and taking pictures of your genitals.
Don't you wish we could have
Submitted by Gat New York on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 7:02pm.
Don't you wish we could have a President like Bibi Netanyahu?
I do.
Submitted by almostacowboy on Mon, 09/26/2011 - 11:36am.
.
I do.
Submitted by almostacowboy on Mon, 09/26/2011 - 11:35am.
.
I can daydream...
Submitted by bigdaddy on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 7:26pm.
...during a commercial, Bebe uses his commando training and when they return to the air David's head is completely twisted around and facing away from the table...Oh Yeah...that's good...I need a ciggie....
Oh yeah, Pause, rewind,
Submitted by Name on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 10:15pm.
Oh yeah,
Pause, rewind, play, over and over and over.I'm sure you are channeling Bebe's thoughts.
Thanks!
I mentioned this in the OT earlier today;
Submitted by bkeyser on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 8:55pm.
Gregory was disgraceful with Bibi. But what really stood out for me was the prodding it took for Netanyahu to say the politically correct thing because Gregory had to ask him on multiple occasions just to get Bibi to put Obama on par with past presidents. Gregory may have thought he was helping the White House, but I think it backfired on him.
Netanyahu was pretty much assisting that liberal dip by implying
Submitted by gmaniac1 on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 9:19pm.
"hey idiot, I've answered your question(s) and you don't like the answer, so quit acting like a typical three-year old and move on... get it "Move On," as in take you own dumbass advice."
M.S.N.B.C.and N.B.C. are propaganda operatives.
Submitted by greatj on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 11:16pm.
Gregory like all of M.S.N.B.C.and N.B.C. works for Obama and the Democratic party as propaganda operatives . Their job is to worship Obama and attack all Republicans and Conservatives.Never think for a moment that they are a news network.
Still longing for the days. . .
Submitted by rickbren on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 11:40pm.
. . . of Tim Russert!
Nah...
Submitted by falcon on Mon, 09/26/2011 - 2:08pm.
How about Lawrence Spivak? (That goes a loooooong way back.)
“I will not stand by and watch this great country destroy itself under mediocre leadership, that drifts from one crisis to the next, eroding our national will and purpose.” – Ronald Reagan, July 17, 1980.
David Gregory
Submitted by Bill Brasky on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 11:50pm.
Makes a bigger ass out of himself every week. Desperation time for the Obama lovers in the media.
Is this Obama's boyfriend's
Submitted by ant on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 11:57pm.
Is this Obama's boyfriend's Sam Kinison impression? " Say it!....say it!!!".
David Gregory Pathetic
Submitted by The Conservativ... on Mon, 09/26/2011 - 2:57am.
David Gregory was hoping to get a soundbite for the next Obama campaign ad. PM Netanyahu saying that "Israel has had no greater friend than President Obama". Thank you PM Netanyahu for not falling for this trick. Gregory is a Democrat hack.
Gregory
Submitted by Granite on Mon, 09/26/2011 - 9:36am.
Gregory worked hard to get Bibi to claim Obama was a great friend. Wish he would work just as hard to get news about Fast and Furious, Solyndragate, Obamacare, no budget produced to date by Senate and other pressing matters out to the American public.
David Gregory
Submitted by Tex Expatriate on Mon, 09/26/2011 - 2:00pm.
I love it when leftist (read Marxist, Fascist, or Useful Idiot) fools get theirs on television. Who better than to do it that Netanyahu. Here's what I say: run for U.S. President, Ben.