Gibbs’ “elected leader” gaffe
niac
05-Aug-2009 (4 comments)

For an administration that has taken pains not to take sides in Iran’s election dispute, this obviously wasn’t one of Gibbs’ best moments. The statement was quickly picked up by Iran’s state media.In the absence of confirmation by other White House officials, this should be interpreted as a poorly constructed statement — not administration policy. The administration has been walking a tightrope, condemning the human rights abuses in Iran while allowing Iranians to sort out their own election dispute.President Obama himself has been the main driver behind the American approach to Iran, and he will have the final word.Update: Gibbs Clarifies StatementSpeaking to reporters on Air Force One, Gibbs walked back his statement about Ahmadinejad:“Let me correct a little bit of what I said yesterday. I denoted that Mr. Ahmadinejad was the elected leader of Iran. I would say that’s not for me to pass judgment on,” Gibbs said.“He’s been inaugurated. That’s a fact. Whether any election was fair, obviously the Iranian people still have questions about that, and we’ll let them decide about that.” >>>

rosie is roxy is roshan

NIAC agrees: it was just plain DUMB

by rosie is roxy is roshan on

What I mean is that NIAC agrees with me. They wrote the first part before the clarification came out. People think I am politically naive. They are right. It is my strong suit.


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rosie is roxy is roshan

I'm sure...

by rosie is roxy is roshan on


che khabar e

ostaad

by che khabar e on

I think I agree with you.  :-)  I hold Rosie in complete respect, I really do.  But I absolutely positively disagree with you on this issue.  And I mean 100%.  I am very disturbed by comments indicating that Obama is not supporting Iranians or the movement.  He is on thin ice trying to balance more important issues on his plate and the crisis in Iran.  People keep talking about how his priority is the US, like that's a bad thing or like he's not supposed to.  People.  what don't you get?  He is the President of the US.  Not the UN.  Not Iran.  Regardless of what word Gibbs used or didn't use, Obama has absolutely no right or reason to make major political comments regarding AN's legitimacy.  He WAS elected.  Fairly or legally, obviously not.  But if you're wanting to dissect words right and left,  he was elected.  Period.  This is so unfair.


Ostaad

There was no gaffe...

by Ostaad on

what you heard was a public airing of the "real" message(s) that have been going back and forth between the US and Iran.  Do I have a copy of those right here in front of me? No, nah, nakheyr.

IRI, I bet is hoping something will happen that will save them from sitting face-to-face with Obama. Look at IRI. These guys are at the most pathetic stage of their entire rule. Does anyone think IRI is in the "position of strengh" that they were boasting not too long ago? No, nah, nakheyr, jounam.

Obama has got them by their Eslamic revolutionary balls while they're squimring to delay the day that is exceedingly resembling what we call, "roozeh ghyaamat" (the judgment day). These guys have nothing to show for as far as the economy and public opinion are concerned. This is a golden opportunity to rub their noses in their own velayat feces, and Obama is just the person to do it.

BTW, I had no idea the WH uses adjectives in its communiques!