It’s been a while since President Obama had a “hot mike” moment. The normally all-spin, all-the-time President can be remarkably candid when he doesn’t think he’s being recorded.
Our new burst of profoundly embarrassing Presidential honesty came in Seoul, South Korea, when Obama was chatting with outgoing Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Here’s the exchange, as reported by Jake Tapper of ABC News:
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.
(Emphasis mine.) “Vladimir” would be Vladimir Putin, Medvedev’s successor, who also has lots of flexibility, thanks to his regimen of pilates training with overstuffed ballot boxes.
This gives Russia lots of reasons to hope for a second Obama term, but it’s unclear why American voters should be anything less than terrified by the prospect.
Obama 2012: Just Wait Until I’m Fully Limbered Up!
Obama 2012: We Can’t Wait… And Neither Can Putin
Obama 2012: Let the Transmissions to Vladimir Begin
Obama 2012: Peace Through Flexibility
