Obama to McCain on Iran: 'I'm the president'

The Hill, Washington, DC ^ | 2009-06-23 | Sam Youngman

[rabscuttle385]

In a wide-ranging midday press conference, President Obama took on Republican critics of his stance on Iran, directly targeting former rival Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and saying, "I am the president of the United States."

Obama, who has been accused by McCain and other Republicans of being too timid throughout the unrest following Iran's presidential elections, has gradually taken a firmer stance in the days following the election.

. . . . .

"The Iranian people can speak for themselves," Obama said in the James S. Brady Briefing Room. "That is precisely what has happened these last few days. In 2009, no iron fist is strong enough to shut off the world from bearing witness to the peaceful pursuit of justice. Despite the Iranian government’s efforts to expel journalists and isolate itself, powerful images and poignant words have made their way to us through cell phones and computers, and so we have watched what the Iranian people are doing."

When asked if his tougher talk was influenced by critics like McCain and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Obama smiled and said, "What do you think?

"I think John McCain has genuine passion about many of these international issues," Obama said, adding that they share a desire to see free speech respected. "But only I'm the president of the United States.

"Members of Congress, they've got their constitutional duties, and I'm sure they'll carry them out in a way they think is appropriate," Obama said. "I'm the president of the United States, and I'll carry out my responsibilities the way I think is appropriate."

[NoGrayZone]

I won!

[upcountryhorseman]

What about the 50 million voters that voted against
Obama’s bs? The President is supposed to represent
ALL the People!

[klimeckg]

"Let me make myself perfectly clear, I am the President"

This guy is a waste of space! His kingdom is crumbling around him in less than 6 months! He is a WHIMP and all the other out of control nations know it, which is why they are using this opportunity to grab power. Iran, Honduras, it's just a matter of time before we get hit on our soil once again and then EG0bama will wait to see "How it pans out"

[klimeckg]

When a general has to point to his collar and to make the lesser aware of their rank, it’s a huge problem. This man is NO LEADER other than a leader of his OWN EGO!

[calex59]

How many Presidents can anyone recall who ever used this line before. I don't remember any of them saying this, and they may have said it in private when arguing with an opponent or adviser over a certain point, but can't recall one ever doing so in public. I can't remember one saying, "I won", or "I am President". Being President doesn't give someone dictator rights.

If someone can remember a former Pres saying this(can't even recall Clinton using that Line)please refresh my memory.