Obama's Weird Apology to Police? - 07-24-09

WASHINGTON -- Addressing the tempest created by his response earlier this week to the arrest of Harvard University professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., President Barack Obama said he could have "calibrated" his comments differently and expressed hope that the matter can become a "teachable moment."

In a surprise appearance in the White House briefing room, Mr. Obama said he called the arresting officer, Sgt. James Crowley, who he characterized as "an outstanding officer and a good man." (Read the transcript of the president's remarks.)

The police arrested Mr. Gates after responding to a call July 16 about a suspected break-in at his Cambridge, Mass., house. The disorderly conduct charge that resulted was later dropped.

Mr. Obama said Wednesday that he didn't know all of the facts of Mr. Gates's arrest at his home last week, but criticized the Cambridge police department for acting "stupidly." That triggered a fierce debate over racial profiling and complaints from law-enforcement groups that Mr. Obama was ill-informed.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Mr. Obama hasn't contacted Mr. Gates.

Mr. Obama said the fact that the issue has become so controversial is an indication race remains a troubling aspect of American society.

At a separate news conference Friday, police union leaders said Sgt. Crowley acted appropriately when he arrested the scholar for disorderly conduct. Police said Mr. Gates flew into a rage when officers responding to a report of a burglary asked him to show identification.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• president
• Obama's
• Weird
• Apology
• to
• Police
• 07-24-09

[AlexandarTheGreat]

This guy is the biggest mistake for America.

[telomerase1978]

I voted Obama and now I cannot wait for 2012 to against him. Weak, lame duck president.

[afrika16]

Obama is Awesome. Bless the World and all life in it. Smile

[killerdudez1]

what the fuck is america?

[killerdudez1]

what the fuck is America?

[MrIownzall]

Obama must have over thought his act to become the president because now it seems like he doesn't know what he's doing.

[amasuEnd]

@AlexandarTheGreat racist.

[wattstarr911]

Get your facts straight before making judgement

[JohnMartinsonII]

@telomerase1978 We're you dumb and racist enough to vote for him because he is Black, thinking that it'd "create a change in America" or did you vote for him purely based upon his policies?

[MrAstroboy1997]

How soon can 2012 get here? This guy has got to go!!!

[sarahgittel]

your sense is a little late and after the fact. Should have used sense before you reacted, mr. obama. Did not apologize. and you had no business stepping in. Therefore, your face is full of mud

[Flayprime]

So we had Legislation that impacted our Culture. Why not take it one step further? Eliminate the divisions of anything to do with "race" in our society? Passing legislation to completely eliminate the mention of white, black, asian, latino, gay, etc etc etc from our workplaces, political campaigns, and from market places?