Robert Gibbs, Press Secretary
I really liked Gibbs on the campaign trail, one of the few Obama spokespersons who actually could dish it out. However, I'd only give him a C+ on his first press conference today. He obviously weaseled out of several questions and obfuscated unnecessarily on a few others.
Memo to Gibbs: If you don't know the answer, say so and move on. Blathering just makes you look like one of Bush's lackeys. For example: admit that you should have allowed the second swearing in to be filmed and move on. Admit that the Raytheon lobbyist appointment does present a problem and move on. Do not obfuscate when asked about Gitmo leftovers. Say the commission will report back and that until they do, you have nothing further to say on it.
Respond to rhetorical questions (which are most of them anyway) with something like "Really???, huh, well, we don't see it that way". Just because a reporter asks a question doesn't mean it is legitimate. (In response to the Faux News Reporter: "Yes. We have no intention of torturing Osama Bin Laden if we capture him".) You looked like you were actually apologizing for the "No Torture Policy". President Obama and the United States Government do not have to apologize for complying with the Geneva Conventions.
If you stick to facts, stand firmly behind principle, admit obvious mistakes, and say "I don't know" when you obviously don't know or care, you'll do yourself and your boss and the country a big favor.
Memo to Gibbs: If you don't know the answer, say so and move on. Blathering just makes you look like one of Bush's lackeys. For example: admit that you should have allowed the second swearing in to be filmed and move on. Admit that the Raytheon lobbyist appointment does present a problem and move on. Do not obfuscate when asked about Gitmo leftovers. Say the commission will report back and that until they do, you have nothing further to say on it.
Respond to rhetorical questions (which are most of them anyway) with something like "Really???, huh, well, we don't see it that way". Just because a reporter asks a question doesn't mean it is legitimate. (In response to the Faux News Reporter: "Yes. We have no intention of torturing Osama Bin Laden if we capture him".) You looked like you were actually apologizing for the "No Torture Policy". President Obama and the United States Government do not have to apologize for complying with the Geneva Conventions.
If you stick to facts, stand firmly behind principle, admit obvious mistakes, and say "I don't know" when you obviously don't know or care, you'll do yourself and your boss and the country a big favor.
