Posted on 02/02/2013 1:52:56 PM PST by SeekAndFind
Barack Obama recently told the New Republic that he understands the concerns of gun owners, because “in fact, up at Camp David, we do skeet shooting all the time.” As critics chortled over both the notion that skeet shooting is what concerns gun owners and the idea that Obama shoots clay pigeons “all the time,” the White House has finally released a photo to back up its claim … and only one photo, dated August 12, 2012:
That led to a barrage of questions from journalists about whether the White House could offer proof that the president had gone shooting. It also led a Republican congresswoman to issue a challenge for a shoot-off. The White House has not responded to the challenge, but it has now uploaded this image[.]
And here it is:
Fox News reported earlier this week that there’s not likely to be more photos:
News of President Obama’s apparently long-secret fondness for skeet shooting came as a surprise to those who say they have witnessed the president’s “awkward” attempts at pinging the (clay) pigeons.
This has only happened with the president at Camp David, at most, a couple of times, according to a source who says he has been to the retreat on a half-dozen visits with Obama.
“The only time he shot skeet was for President’s Cup,” said the source, referring to a shooting competition tradition involving the presidential Marine guards. “I was there. He stayed for about five minutes, and couldn’t leave fast enough.”
Skeet shooting “is very hard,” said the source. “Especially for someone not used to guns … He couldn’t have been more uncomfortable.”
The source said a friend of his recalled Obama skeet shooting one other time at Camp David — very early on in his first term.
That didn’t stop Obama’s advisers from bragging about the photo this morning, though, and sneering at “skeeters” (via Twitchy and Weekly Standard):
For all the “skeeters”: POTUS shoots clay targets on the range at Camp David on Aug. 4, 2012. bit.ly/WlDMYG
— Dan Pfeiffer (@pfeiffer44) February 2, 2013
Attn skeet birthers. Make our day – let the photoshop conspiracies begin! m.flickr.com/photos/whiteho
— David Plouffe (@davidplouffe) February 2, 2013
I’ve done plenty of target shooting, but I’ve never gone skeet shooting. Nor is that the reason why most gun owners want their rights respected. The publication of the photo, and especially the defensive attitude of Obama’s advisers, speaks volumes about their insecurity on the gun-rights issue.
But this certainly makes for a great weekend Caption Contest. Have at it in the comments!
Apparently the White House also warned that nobody was supposed to photoshop the picture, alter it, or use it in any advertising.
I didnt think public officials could copyright their pictures.
If Obama was winning this debate, why is he releasing photos of himself shooting? Shouldn’t it be that Wany LaPierre would be releaseing photos of himself hiding underneath a desk with scissors?
President Obama making preperations to return home to Chicago.
President Barack Obama shoots clay targets on the range at Camp David, Md., Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
WOW, I didn’t realize they had color TV back then... :)
Sure they did! Haven’t you seen `WWII In Color’?
And I used to be an Japanese chick before I became a Chinese fighter pilot.
was that a racist comment?
The coolest thing about a tree is what you can do after you cut it down.. and that’s a NICE piece of walnut. Bet the little prick has no idea.
DOOYA SEE THAT PUFF OF SMOKE comin’ outta the top barrel???
Thaaas a muzzle brake for sure!
That means our Barry is a-shootin’ a damn ASSAULT WEAPON SHOTTYGUN THING!! Arrest he!!
Wow! He’s shooting skeet with a RIFLE! What a GREAT shot he must be!
The “President’s Cup”? What does he do, fire the shotgun from the crotch position like a gangbanger from “da ‘hood”?
Geez, what a fricking PHONY!!!!!
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