Obama says fatherhood trumps schmoozing

CNN ^ | Sun September 2, 2012 | Jessica Yellin

[jyro]

Charlotte, North Carolina (CNN) -- President Barack Obama dismissed criticism he doesn't spend enough time developing relationships with Washington deal-makers who can help push his agenda forward.

In an exclusive interview with CNN chief White House correspondent Jessica Yellin, Obama said he is determined to make time for his family.

"Sometimes Michelle and I not doing the circuit and going out to dinners with folks is perceived as us being cool," Obama said. "It actually really has more to do with us being parents."

The president has been criticized from all sides for failing to achieve more bipartisanship, especially given his 2008 campaign pledge to bridge partisan and ideological divides once in office.

Obama: I try to be a hands-on dad

Some of the president's frustrated allies have complained that a seeming reluctance to build relationships with more members of Congress and Washington insiders has made it difficult for him to get business done.

In the interview, which will air as part of the documentary "Obama Revealed: The Man, The President," Obama suggested he is willing to build those relationships, but often turns down social engagements because he prioritizes time at home with his children.

"Sometimes on the weekends, we may turn down the invitation to this or that or the other just because we're trying to carve out family time," Obama said. "And I think that's sometimes interpreted as me not wanting to be out there slapping backs and wheeling and dealing. That really has more to do with just the stage we are in our lives."

[jyro]

the President didn't have time to deal with gridlock in congress. He had to have dinner with his family every night. He promises to do better next time.

[MNJohnnie]

Oh please. Could CNN be any more of a Democrat Party whore?

This guy has spent more time in the last 4 years fund raising and golfing then he has with his daughters

[rusty schucklefurd]

So all those hours spent on the golf course was really “family time”.

[mnehring]

Did he say this the same day he was hanging with Jay-Z?

[DesertRhino]

He’s just a fraud. He knows everyone there would see that he’s nothing but an empty suit with a line of BS. So he hides away.
His whole presidency is summed up by that Osama mission photo. He’s sitting in he corner, shrunken shoulders, looking like a kid some dad took to work that day.

And he uses his kids as the scapegoat for his personality disorder based behavior.

[happyhomemaker]

I agree. No good father of young children spends 1000s of hours on a golf course. Every candid picture I see of his daughters have them looking down with sad faces. Obama is only concerned with himself. I have actually started to feel sorry for Michelle because I realize that he has zero interest in anyone else other than himself.

[svcw]

So he took his daughters with him all the times he played golf or went to those fund raising dinners or those parties he is having at the White House where celebrities are orgasmic over him.

[fella]

The only time he has to be with his kids is when he’s not out grubbing for money or playing golf but then they are usually oof on a vacation with Mommy. So the only time he seems to have to be with them is for a photo shoot. But isn’t that schmoozing or is that pandering?

[D1X1E]

Not impressed with the perfect father routine ( this from a man who referred to babies as punishment) Even if true, what has this to do with qualifications as president?

[Psycho_Bunny]

I wonder how long ago he started believing his own bullsh!t.

[Shimmer1]

He always did. Narcissistic personality disorder

[Andrei Bulba]

Gee let me think, President of the United States not doing his job because he’d rather spend time with his kids. Sure, that makes sense. After all it’s only the presidency.;