March 16, 2009
Posted: March 16th, 2009 04:02 PM ET

From
President Obama talked whiz with Marco Lentini, right.
President Obama talked whiz with Marco Lentini, right.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – During a long presidential run that featured countless campaign stops in eastern Pennsylvania, Barack Obama consumed his fair share of cheesesteaks.

And unlike former presidential candidate John Kerry, who once committed the cardinal sin of ordering the sandwich with Swiss cheese at Pat’s King of Steaks in Philadelphia, the president has apparently learned a truism of campaigning: a real cheesesteak is served not with Swiss, provolone or cheddar … but with whiz.

During a Monday press conference, Obama went out of his way to demonstrate this knowledge after meeting with small business owners from around the country, including Marco Lentini, who owns an organic restaurant in Philadelphia.

“I asked him, what was the equivalent at his shop of a cheese steak,” Obama said of the meeting. “And he described to me, what was it? A chicken ... ?”

Lentini interrupted, drawing laughter from the president and the press corps.

“A chicken Italiano,” he explained eagerly. “A chicken cutlet, spinach Florentine, sharp provolone, all on Italian ciabatta bread.”

“Right,” Obama said. “So, I wanted to know if there was whiz on that. And he said no.”

During the campaign, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell said the future president could use a daily cheesesteak ration. "Perhaps the only thing I don't like about him is, he's too thin," he said.

Obama was quick to point out the perils of too much Pat’s. "A cheesesteak, once a day," he mused, "and I will have the pleasure of looking like Ed Rendell."

Filed under: Ed Rendell • President Obama


WhoCares?   March 16th, 2009 5:50 pm ET

"Typical left wing love fest. No matter what this guys says or does it is the greatest.

You folks need to get out more if all you can do is idol worship"

Typical right wing hate fest. No matter what this guy says or does it is the absolute worst.

You folks need to get out more if all you can do is whine, moan and spew hate 24/7.

I'll take the good-natured loving person over the hateful, bittter one all day long.

Lynn West Bloomfield, Michigan   March 16th, 2009 5:49 pm ET

xoxoxoxo Mr. President!!!

Just a thought   March 16th, 2009 5:47 pm ET

sheeple

WhoCares?   March 16th, 2009 5:45 pm ET

Kevin,

How are you enjoying your "Bitterness Cheesesteak?"

kevin   March 16th, 2009 5:42 pm ET

“A chicken Italiano,” he explained eagerly. “A chicken cutlet, spinach Florentine, sharp provolone, all on Italian ciabatta bread.”

“Right,” Obama said. “So, I wanted to know if there was whiz on that. And he said no.”

this this part here. what you think this is funny???? this sounds like your president is asking did someone go to the bathroom on a slice of bread. I mean thats thats really funny people ? good god, america is in much much worse shape than i thought it was if you people think that a president asking such things is funny

legal   March 16th, 2009 5:42 pm ET

Typical left wing love fest. No matter what this guys says or does it is the greatest.

You folks need to get out more if all you can do is idol worship.

SOUTHERN HOTTIE   March 16th, 2009 5:41 pm ET

I love Barack Obama!

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   March 16th, 2009 5:40 pm ET

The President spent enough time in Pennsylavnia campaigning to know every type of cheesesteak there is. But he gets an A + since he knows whiz goes on a real Philly Cheesesteak.

kevin   March 16th, 2009 5:38 pm ET

wait wait in all seriousness, this is not funny. this is not funny at all. he is not funny. you people say that he is wonderful and funny and etc, for real, are you all beaded eyes like saps? Little geeks. No no for real, i challenge all those who think this is really really funny to once again read the article. There's truly nothing funny about it. I would really recommend to you who think its so funny, that you quickly get a sound mental checkup

strong   March 16th, 2009 5:36 pm ET

We are heading into a depression or are already in one .... and here we're talking about cheesesteaks. Just more news for the sheeple.

kevin   March 16th, 2009 5:33 pm ET

David March 16th, 2009 4:44 pm ET

:This guy has done more in 50 days than President Bush did in 8 years. I am amazed at everything he has done in such a short amount of time. I think that it is great that he can maintain his humor in these stressful times and do all the things he has done." Done what david? what the hell are you talking about. He doesn't even have all his advisors yet. What planet are you on? this is disgusting, this man has done nothing. His teleprompter has done more than he has

lee,sarasota   March 16th, 2009 5:33 pm ET

For those of you complaining about the article concerning Megan McCain, I bet you are eating up the Obama cheesesteak. That is real newsworthy. The love affair by some of the Obamaites is ad nauseaum. They should put plain paper above each magazine that has the Obamas on the cover so that we can take our groceries home and eat in peace without retching.

WhoCares?   March 16th, 2009 5:33 pm ET

"Now a black is an expert on Phillie's! Give me a freakin' break and give him some turnips greens and fatback!"

There you go...That's the true Republican shining through. They can only keep it bottled up for awhile before it has to blow.

meh   March 16th, 2009 5:32 pm ET

Griff> Are you on crack? No really. I don't understand your posts!

Also, people need to chill out! Oh no! The president has a sense of humor!

TCM> How are *you* qualified to determine who is qualified? Also, do you plan on whining for 8 years?

Linda B   March 16th, 2009 5:31 pm ET

This is so not news. I long for the day that news-ertainment dies and we can get back to actual investigative reporting.

I want everyone, and especially CNN, to stop hiring commentators and hire newscasters. Report, don't comment.

WhoCares?   March 16th, 2009 5:31 pm ET

Good Lord.

Do these Republicans posting in here smack their children when they laugh and have some fun?

Maybe he was dead-on with the "Bitterness and Guns" comment after all.

kevin   March 16th, 2009 5:28 pm ET

hello what??????????????? hello? were in a deep financial straits and this clown prince of an idiot chooses to talk cheese steak. that it needs whiz cheese on it? What a clown, what a jerk. CNN, please group up

Independent   March 16th, 2009 5:28 pm ET

And this is news?

Linda in MS   March 16th, 2009 5:27 pm ET

I love this guy. Being a native-born New Orleanian, I can appreciate any one who loves good food. I would love to take him out to eat in N.O., get him a crispy fried soft-shell crab po-boy, or some crawfish etoufee, a fine gumbo ya-ya from Mr. B's on Royal St., anything from Dookie Chase. Please, Mr. Obama, come eat in New Orleans!

arithmetic is liberal   March 16th, 2009 5:23 pm ET

Gotta love the new Republican talking point meme about the teleprompter.

As if Obama is the first person EVAR to use one...
You exicted that you have a new four syllable word to practice spelling, Republicans?

I like that my president is smart enough to read a teleprompter and doesn't have to have a box stuffed under his jacket to feed him the State of the Union like ol' Bushie Boy did in 2003.

Ellie   March 16th, 2009 5:23 pm ET

I LOVE President Obama's sense of humor! The mere fact that our President has his hands on the "pulse" of America is truly refreshing!

Let all the HATERS find something to complain about yet AGAIN!!!
They have no sense of humor, I guess that's to be expected coming from a bunch of miserable folks.

Lighten up people!!

Stu in Las Vegas   March 16th, 2009 5:22 pm ET

Nothing dumber than republican without a clue or a sense of humor

Griff............... on The Truth...   March 16th, 2009 5:20 pm ET

Didn't like that Griff! Why don't you praise this Idiot obama.

Hey BIG Spender   March 16th, 2009 5:20 pm ET

Hey BIG media- Thanks for the cute story but how about back to the REAL NEWS??? We know you are IN LOVE but when does the HONEYMOON end and the real NEWS coverage begin??

Mari   March 16th, 2009 5:20 pm ET

@ "Griff.... on The Truth"............... its more like "Griff the hater."

You sound a bit........ racist.

Griff............... on The Truth...   March 16th, 2009 5:19 pm ET

Many a tear as to fall, but it's all in the game.. AIG! All in a game.
But Borack Obama's Flit around an indoor-Pin-Ball. Lost in the Gutter. Must be the, Best Miss-Direction for America....

walleye   March 16th, 2009 5:19 pm ET

That was cheesey, but Obama is the man.

Hey BIG Spender   March 16th, 2009 5:18 pm ET

Hey BIG media- Thanks for the cute story but how about back to the REAL NEWS???? We know you are IN LOVE but when does the HONEYMOON end and the real NEWS coverage begin??

Pepou   March 16th, 2009 5:11 pm ET

I love everything about President Obama. And those of you on this blog who are spiteful, sorry for you. You're jealous ?

Angie in PA   March 16th, 2009 5:10 pm ET

He has a Great sense Of Humor!

karuna   March 16th, 2009 5:10 pm ET

It is just great to see and listen to him – he is just a normal one of us!!

Dan, TX   March 16th, 2009 5:10 pm ET

I'm glad I voted for Obama. I look forward to helping to re-elect him.

bj, Texas   March 16th, 2009 5:08 pm ET

President blah-blah talks a mean chessesteak. Too bad he's clueless on the economy.

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia in CA   March 16th, 2009 5:08 pm ET

Too funny. Our President is special!!

"Is there whiz on it?" lolololol

James   March 16th, 2009 5:05 pm ET

Crush March 16th, 2009 4:07 pm ET
I absolutely LOVE President Obama.
-------------------------------–
They say "Love is blind" and can be painfull.

Steph   March 16th, 2009 5:03 pm ET

It was a nice funny moment during an otherwise very serious press conference. I love our president!

Mel of Alexandria, Virginia   March 16th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

Thanks CNN. We need light moments and humor to help to break the tension and stress which the economic down turn has caused.

Thanks for laughter.

Peter (CA)   March 16th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

Usual cast of bleating right wing know nothings on here getting all foamed up over a simple story.

Thank you Anonymous @4:49 for showing your side's true colors.

Willy Brown   March 16th, 2009 4:59 pm ET

#44 is not the change we can believe in.

James   March 16th, 2009 4:56 pm ET

I wonder how many advisors it took to find that little nugget. This guys is so artificial I wonder if he had the teleprompter on or an earpiece advising him what to say?

karen-Phoenix   March 16th, 2009 4:56 pm ET

Love you President Obama and your humor and your high intellegence. You will get us out of this mess!!!

Jean   March 16th, 2009 4:50 pm ET

Now we know what he is good at.

ObeTheTelepromper is clueless when it comes to the economy.

Anonymous   March 16th, 2009 4:49 pm ET

For the love of whoever!! Is there anything this elite snob isn't an expert on (except the economy and jobs and unemployment and,and, and infinitum)! Now a black is an expert on Phillie's! Give me a freakin' break and give him some turnips greens and fatback!

Little too late????   March 16th, 2009 4:49 pm ET

COME ON CNN!!!!! First, tagging single mothers breaking up with the father of their child...NOW BO on Philly Cheese Steak Sandwitches???

I am hanging on EVERY word and cannot wait for the NEXT 'news breaker'...what will that be??? MAYBE "The Obama Puppy Starts Potty Training..."???

CNN, great job...get real.

arithmetic is liberal   March 16th, 2009 4:49 pm ET

Griff – put down the sunshine acid tabs and back away slowly.

arithmetic is liberal   March 16th, 2009 4:47 pm ET

Boy, Ray Fisher, you said it!!

There is nothing as satisfying as a Mennonite meal.

TJJ   March 16th, 2009 4:46 pm ET

Hey...Obama didn't say the same thing as McCain. Obama said that if we focus on the fundamentally sound aspects of our economy, we'll be just fine. McCain said "the fundamentals of our economy our strong". What Obama said implicitly acknowledges that there are aspects of our economy that aren't fundamentally sound, while trying to be optimistic about the aspects that are. McCain never seemed to acknowledge that perhaps there were some aspects of our economy that weren't fundamentally sound.

Earl Ashman   March 16th, 2009 4:46 pm ET

I would say " let them have the AIG bonuses'. Have IRS tax the receiver of the bonuses 90%. Sure bet the government will be on the road to recoup some of the money. The rest when AIG stock goes up.

johnny   March 16th, 2009 4:45 pm ET

republicans are vermin.

David   March 16th, 2009 4:44 pm ET

This guy has done more in 50 days than President Bush did in 8 years. I am amazed at everything he has done in such a short amount of time. I think that it is great that he can maintain his humor in these stressful times and do all the things he has done.

mike in ohio   March 16th, 2009 4:41 pm ET

obama understands how to talk to people.

republicans are know-nothings.

Ray Fisher   March 16th, 2009 4:40 pm ET

Cheesesteaks are a politicians penchant for photo-ops but the true delicasy of Pennsylvania are their Amish and Mennonite communities with all natural food, homemade crafts, quality weaving and great wonderful people!!! I have never visted the East Coast without visiting the Lancaster Valley, MeadowBrook Farmer's Market, the Reading Dutchmaid clothing outlets and filling up with homemade birchbeer and Lebanon Bolgna... They make cheesesteak pale by comparison!!!

Shooky   March 16th, 2009 4:39 pm ET

So far on the ticker we have a story about Presidential sandwich knowledge, a story about McCain's daughter's rear, and a Viagra slam on a Republican.

Also, I don't really see America's youth bursting out their front doors inspired by Obama. At best, they had a Rah Rah moment after the election and again at the inauguration, but seriously there is no difference with our youth post-election as we were told there would be.

Eileen   March 16th, 2009 4:37 pm ET

People...lighten up for Pete's sake. Yes, the economy is in bad shape, yes, people are out of work.

Guess what, we aren't the only ones and if you want to walk around without allowing some levity into your life you may as well go buy the "big box" cause that's where your stress is taking you.

Fitz in Texas   March 16th, 2009 4:33 pm ET

Yep, CNN and the liberal media sure is in bed with Obama while Rome burns.

UNBELIEVABLE with everything going on in the world CNN feels a need to report something as stupid as this.

geecee   March 16th, 2009 4:33 pm ET

President Obama spoke today to small businessman to give them a pep talk about helping them succeed in these hard economic times. This was just some side talk that was slightly amusing and it was reported on by CNN. Why are you all so cynical? Can't he even laugh a little and joke with the people he is speaking to in order to take our minds off the horrible economy just for even a moment? Is that so bad that news networks can't even report a bit of comical banter between the President and an American citizen that you have to slam him for it?

Anita   March 16th, 2009 4:32 pm ET

B O R I N G.........................

I thought this was a news network not the FOOD network.

Watchful Cowboy   March 16th, 2009 4:32 pm ET

A self proclaimed expert on everything! Wonder if he knows how to eat a tamale correctly? Does he like hot salsa or mild? And just who cares?

Paul   March 16th, 2009 4:31 pm ET

Holy crap, people. Let the guy blow off some steam. ZOMG, HE'S JOKING ABOUT A SANDWICH WHILE PEOPLE ARE OUT OF WORK!!!! Get a grip.

Beverly, NYC   March 16th, 2009 4:30 pm ET

Griff............... on The Truth... March 16th, 2009 4:08 pm E:

What the hell are you trying to say. Please take your meds before typing.

Kurt C.   March 16th, 2009 4:30 pm ET

That's about the only thing he has knowledge of. Milk it for all it's worth, Obama.

TCM   March 16th, 2009 4:28 pm ET

That's about the extent of Obama's expertise; a Sandwich Artist...

It's amazing how libs voted in a guy that's so unqualified, that if he were to work at Subway, he'd have to work his way up to management....absolutely no experience...AND IT SHOWS!!

buckeye   March 16th, 2009 4:27 pm ET

Barack Obama has proven that you don't have to be overweight and unhealthy to get elected in a nation that is overweight and unhealthy.

All the news ths is fit to omit   March 16th, 2009 4:25 pm ET

This is news, but his now saying EXACTLY what John McCain said about the FUNDAMENTALS of the economy being strong and the chosen one scoffed at him?

How about him now NOT taking off the table (again the McCain idea) of taxing Health care for individuals at a certain rate, again the chosen one scoffed at it NOT LONG ago, but not "everything is on the table".

Keep with the fluff pieces as that is all he empty media and even emptier President is good at.

Tommorow Bristol Palin's baby grows a tooth and bites Sarah Palin, story one, page one.

Uh, uh, uh, uh, the fundamentals of the economy are uh, uh, uh strong so what if uh, uh, uh McCain said the same thing and GOT HAMMERED, this is the chosen one.

I'll save you apologists the trouble, I hate Rush and hated Bush more, so I must just be a uh, uh hater................

Deb   March 16th, 2009 4:25 pm ET

I love our new President. He just gets it!

wooot   March 16th, 2009 4:24 pm ET

I'm glad he at least knows one thing.

Majik   March 16th, 2009 4:21 pm ET

Maybe he should show as much interest in solving the economy issues.

Naked Awareness   March 16th, 2009 4:19 pm ET

I am not sure if displaying one's knowledge of whiz is actually a good thing.

jaye   March 16th, 2009 4:18 pm ET

That was too cute!!
I love our President!!!

april   March 16th, 2009 4:12 pm ET

What would really be impressive would be if Obama could figure out if a newly unemployed family on food stamps, could ever afford to split one of those cheesesteaks, how about the peole living in the tent cities?

Mari   March 16th, 2009 4:12 pm ET

Obama is wonderful! His sense of humor is refreshing.

God bless you & guide you Mr. President!

Jon   March 16th, 2009 4:11 pm ET

This is not newsworthy!

TerryT   March 16th, 2009 4:11 pm ET

I wish he knew as much about business and the economy as he does about attacking his political opponents and cheesecakes.

Brian Crooks   March 16th, 2009 4:08 pm ET

And they say President Obama is a hoity-toity elitist that can't relate to regular people. HA!

fred   March 16th, 2009 4:08 pm ET

OK CNN........what the heck???? Are you serious???? I don't even know what to say to this.

CNN, do you know if those cheesesteaks were republicans or democrats? Were those cheesesteaks having a debate?? Seriously, I'm sure this article has something to do with politics......I'm just not sure what.

Griff............... on The Truth...   March 16th, 2009 4:08 pm ET

Smell's a little, to me. He want's the Cream for doing nothing. But! Having "Black Skin"... "Black- Cream"?????

Jackie in Dallas   March 16th, 2009 4:07 pm ET

No, President Obama...please keep your athletic self svelte and toned! Heaven knows we need a President that can inspire our youth to get off their behinds and get some exercise, eat right, and avoid such things as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure!

Things like cheesesteak or cheesecake should be eaten in moderation as a special treat!

Crush   March 16th, 2009 4:07 pm ET

I absolutely LOVE President Obama.

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