CNN

I think that this was the best answer of the night. Short and to the point.

Ed henry sounded very angry and combative. Not just today but anytime he talks about Obama. He has to tone down and ask his questions in an unbiased way.

He really got owned.

i am always incredulous that we have to have a sound bite the minute the President utters a word. Please, please, let me have a President that thinks before he speaks – because you can be sure the media will make a meal of it if he doesn't – and it will echo and echo and echo for days and days and days. Isn't it enough we have Rush L. running off at the mouth?

Ah bull CNN, criticizing a man who likes to be prepared. You can take your bruised feelings and grow up.

Everyone I was watching the speech with had a similar reaction, CNN's question seemed idiotic after Obama answered it.

-np-

It may have been a tough answer, but at least you know he's thinking about it. Thank heavens we have leader of the free world who's willing to think before speaking. Don't you wish everyone did that?

Um, that's because the question WAS impertinent. All the damage control done by the "Best Political Team on Television" doesn't cover up the fact that it was a silly question deserving a dismissive response.

The President answered all questions that were asked by the Journalists. I appreciate him being straight-forward and honest with the American people (something we have not had in the past). He kept his composure and didn't break a sweat. Republicans all mad becuase they lost their way and nothing President Obama say or does will satisfy them. Get over it, go to work and give the American people some hope that you destoryed doing your time on Capital Hill.

That was funny. Sorry Ed. Sometimes reporters want a right now response but I've always thought it was smart to get all the facts and then make a statement. Especially from the President.

Don't dish it out Ed if you can't take it. You go President Obama! I'm tired of these stupid repetitive questions from prep school punks!

Ed Henry – What an idiotic question You walked right into Obama's smack down. And CNN – shame on you for defending him....

I thought the President was rather calm to me. I really think that Ed Henry thought he had a "gotcha question" but I think the President gave him an answer he wasn't expecting.

The answer did not imply that the question was impertinent, but it did make it clear how he might differ from journalists, opinion makers, bloggers, and Congress - he wants to know and understand the facts before he makes a public statement on a matter. If this is true, what a refreshing development.

And, the silly comment that he looked like he wanted to leave after Henry's question. Quite an absurd statement.

I think Ed Henry is to sensative! CNN is looking for an issue to be negative about the President. The President needs to think about the future. AIG is the last Presidents issue and is a TARP leftover. We need to look to the future and make sure the ecomony turns around. He's doing something, he's trying and needs our support!

That was the best question of the night (and deserved an answer, not the evasion it did), and the only one that got at the misconnect between Obama and the public over this financial fiasco. It highlighted that Obama really is way too beholden to Wall Street to do right by the American people.

I do think that the question was impertinent, and that President Obama responded appropriately. By now all of us, particularly those in the various media, should realize that this president is thoughtful and deliberate.

Let me see if I'm understanding this. A queston from CNN's Ed Henry totally withered President Obama to the point where the President just wanted to "go home." Bennett, are you serious? This President is trying to salvage 8 years of total mismanagement by Bennett's party, the crountry is in crisis, Obama is working literally around the clock, and Ed Henry's question is the "straw that broke the President's back" Is this the serious analysis that we expected from CNN's Bill Bennett? I applaud the remainder of the CNN panel who raised thoughtful, insightful questions. I never hear any ideas from Bennett, only vitriolic criticism. Is CNN under contract to hire a token right-wing hack in order to give equal time to idiotic contraion positions? If so, Bennett's your guy. No need to look further.

Bill Bennett is a Republican isn't he? Bill's cheap shot, I thought was an example of how desperately CNN is these days to MAKE news not report it. Remind Bill that there was laughter in the room following Obama's answer; my guess is they didn't mind seeing Ed put in his place. Perhaps it was Ed who wanted to go home. I wanted to cheer when he cut Ed off at the knees. Ed looked like he had swalloed a lemon when he stood. Tell him his skowl is really not very impressive.

I thought Obama answered the question well. Had Bill rather he made something up? I know that the White House press is not use to a President who thinks before he acts... or thinks at all.... Get use to it Ed.

Since nothing else of negative substance came from tonight, you guys can pound on this all day tomorrow.

The question was obnoxious. It was a question designed to make a point, rather than to ask a question, and those generally come off as impertinent.

I was appalled by Ed Henry's question. It is important for CNN to get some control of him. President Obama is the president and perhaps someone ought to tell Ed Henry that. I believe that Ed Henry often acts in a very partisan way. I have noted this during the election and after. I would be nice to think that such a person should not be able to attend these non political news conferences. I think he should take the Pressidents response to heart. Don't talk unless you are well informed and capable of asking tough questions without being impudent.

d Henry of CNN is a perfect example of how bad journalism has become. Screaming a stupid question, laden with hypotheticals, fishing for a blaring headline DOES NOT make it a good question. Listen to his questions today during The Presidential Press Conf.

He really deserved what he President did!

It always takes the Obama team several days to weigh the potential PR impact of any news before deciding on the desired way of handling the incident. We're still waiting for Obama to address how he intends to handle his acceptance of political contributions which came from AIG and other companies post-bailout. I imagine Obama will finally take a stand on that one in several weeks.

I do think Ed Henry's question was appropriate in content but impertinent in tone. The question, and more so the follow-up, came across as arrogant and disrespectful – a put-down given the comparison with a state's Attorney General. Perhaps Ed Henry is not aware that the AIG's compensation practices fall under the purview of the state of New York and perhaps also the state of Connecticut. Ed's approach seemed intent on provoking the President and on channeling attention to himself (Ed) and his network of "the best political team on Television". Well, for this viewer, the best political team just cracked and got a well-deserved sharp response from the President. Ed's attitude was "Bush-league", and those days are over.

Contrary to what CNN is reporting, the President did not DODGE the question. BTW, the question wasn't the best question. However, with that said, he said he likes to think – get the full context of the situation and information – before opening his mouth. Is the news media so accustomed to a level of incompetence and lack of precise strategic thinking, they have to jump on something so petty as this? It is refreshing to have someone in the White House who is a COMPETENT leader and who is not afraid to lead me out of a crisis. Come on CNN – I expect so much more of you than this.

yes that was an appropriate answer by the president,he does not need to jump out of the blue and address issues without proper analysis.ed henry must have been sponsored by the republicans,that do not want to invest in the country other than spend billions on war while the citizens suffer,where were all this folks when all that money was being spent by bush

Is that the best question Ed Henry and CNN could have asked the President? If it was, I have lost credibility in CNN's priorities concerning the important issues confronting this country and the President.

I'm not sure if Bill Bennett meant that President Obama wanted to go home or Ed Henry. Regardless, Ed Henry, the whole of CNN "best political team" and anchors have become increasingly strident in their criticism of the Obama administration. For all the claims of balanced journalism, it sure would be nice if they ALL walked their talk.

Maybe we should expect our leaders time to actually think about our problems instead of coming up with some canned answer in the first ten minutes after something happens. We cannot rush to judgement, and into decisions. Unfortunately this complete inane network has no real journalists who care more about asking informative questions and are more concerned with playing "gotcha"

What he means to say, is he needed to wait to have his teleprompter in front of him before he spoke.

More like Nobama needed to talk to his Democrat buddies Slobbering Barney Frank, Tim "Tax Cheat" Geithner, and Chris Dodd so they could all get their stories straight before blowing sunshine up our $#@%& during this presidential pep talk this evening.

Ed was insinuating that Obama is doing nothing and Cuomo is doing so much of a better job. Ed was not only impertinent, he was the only one who asked his questions in a tone with his preverbial "Leave it to Beaver" smirk on his face. Maybe you guys are really proud of Ed, but other commentators besides Bennett (on other networks...because we watched them) noted Ed Henry's in your face attitude. He was obviously out to score a few points for himself. His Republican agenda is obviously superceding his journalistic objectivity. Perhaps you at CNN are cheering Henry, but there are others of us out there who feel you should take the "Senior" away from his title and wait until he grows up a little more and learns to show some respect to the President of the United States.

That really was an amateurish question and it gave Obama a chance to broadside Henry back.

You guys have a real chip on your shoulders. Henry asked a legitimate question in a challenging tone. Obama gave him an appropriate answer. As for bill Bennett, what else can you expect from a radical Republican. CNN lets Bennett and those like him to go on air and spout their diatribe (Republican/ultra conservative) talking points. CNN is not performing real journalistic programs, but blather to keep – and beat to death – a given subject.

The question was ok as was the response.

Having heard reports by CNN that President Obama got angry with one of his questioners, I was eager to see what actually transpired. When I saw the exchange I thought "is this what all the fuss is about?" Come on CNN, you people are acting like Obama threw a temper tandrum or something. He merely gave Ed Henry a somewhat curt response. Big deal! Are you people so hard up for something to report that you have to blow something that small out of proportion? Jeez. Get a story!

Ed Henry deserved that response. His form of "gotcha" journalism is all too pervasive these days. That goes for most of CNNs commentators afterwards. One expects that crap from Fox, but CNN is buying in.

I think President Obama is completely justified to wait before expressing his opinions. He is, after all, the our nation's leader and his responses to any issue are going to significantly affect all of us. It is common sense that one should take time to consider an issue before speaking and President Obama has every right to do so.

Considering what we're up against as a nation, Ed Henry's question was not only impertinent but petty.

Ed Henry threw a cheap shot ball at Obama.

Then Obama put it in the CHEAP SEATS. Obama wasn't the one

who looked mad after that. It was Ed Henry. Ha! Ha! Ha! that's what

you get Ed. You know he's good at a snappy comeback.

Obama you did a good at that press conference tonight. I'm so

impressed with you. Please keep up the good work.

I saw the entire show and I thought Ed was a bit agressive with his questioning. While some may say that's his job, I call it belabouring the point. Yes, Wall Street did some very bad things, we are all outraged, now what? I think the President's reaction emphasized the need to move on; raging will not solve the problem or prevent the situation from happening again. I've noticed also that Ed seems to create a rockus from these press conference - makes you wonder about his motives??? career buillding???

"It seemed to imply the question was impertinent."

That's a matter of interpretation, and a drawn conclusion, not news reporting. I dislike it when I'm speaking, and someone draws their own conclusion, and hedges with "well, you seem to be implying". I think it's unfair to put this interpretation out there, and it's not fair to not take the President at face-value based on his words.

Maybe the press isn't used to a President who uses all of his faculties and resources to come to a conclusion about important matters. Imagine if Bush took the time necessary to really generate an evidenced-based conclusion instead slinging half-baked, immediate one-liners that leaves on scratching their head saying "Did he really say that"?

It's like those one-line "conclusion-leading headlines" in web news articles "Bush defends use of torture".... lazy editors? Such headlines should reads "Bush tries to defend torture"...

There is no doubt about it... We have a "tough" American President. I loved it. With so many worldwide and domestic issues it's understandable that he be given some patience before knowing all the facts and responding.

Reporters are now being so impatient. Dude, relax okay and cut our President some slack. He's only been on the job for just a little over 2 months. Would you rather have George Bush who stonewalled and close-lipped every issue or this President who takes actually takes responsibility and is open to debate and is willing to try to solve complicated matters. Enough said.

Actually, Obama "owned" Ed Henry, and then proceeded to answer every other question presented to him with authority and detail and due consideration.

It was an awesome press conference. I do not ever remember another President being willing or able to take on all questions/comers and answer with intelligence and respect.

I was surprised when I heard that question from CNN. Was not sure if CNN was trying to give him a out, but some CNN reporters are starting to surprise me with the reporting. Ie Dodd. Keep going CNN and be a good news agency. Now lose your greatest political team and mix it up with both sides. Not just what Paul B. and James want you to report.

the messiah shouldn't have to bother with questions at all! he won and so now we should just trust him to do the right thing and keep his promises.

if we need to know anything, he'll tell us on youtube.

I believe that President Barack Obama did a good job – handling the very tough questions.

His answer to CNN's Ed Henry may have been flippant; but, that is no indication that "he wanted to go home".

Given the enormously complext set of situations; the consequences of failure or corruption or weakness in dealing toughly with the companies and executives – who brought us all into this mess – are immense.

President Obama – really has to deliver on his policies and ideas; and perhaps needs to go back to the basics. "get it done" – don't put too much weight on garnering public support – by overexposing himself in the media.

Concrete results – read – economic improvements – would automatically buy him support from people from all walks of life.

I wish you the best; Mr. President.

I watched this portion of the broadcast and the question was a bit silly. As soon as Ed Henry asked it, I immediately thought: "Probably because he wanted to gather information before reacting."

That is what a deliberate, rational, intelligent person does. Perhaps Henry has been so battered by the Bush years, he no longer recognizes this approach to governing. Pretty sad when you are trained to ask your President why you didn't respond rashly.

Give me a break. American corporate news organizations think that's a tough question? No wonder there were so few reporters who asked Bush the questions that needed to be asked over the past eight years.

It is clear to see that Ed Henry is partisan. I told my wife before he even began to speak that I did not like how right of center Ed Henry is. Then he asked his question and my wife agreed. Who cares if he took 2 days to give a response... really? Well, apparently Ed Henry did. I have heard him in the past and I feel he covers the news in a partisan (republican) manner. I feel that your representative in the white house should be in the middle... or at the very least seem like he is.

CNN...We appreciate the efforts of this President to improve the lives of most Americans. CNN News does NOT reflect our views and presents us with political junkies OPINIONS.

Larry King does a great job...facts are not distorted, allowing us to decide for ourself on issues.

CNN deserved that and more. I've been a regular viewer since you launched. I used to admire you as a great new source. I'm saddened to say that now you're little more than a "video rag" - the cable equivalent of the stuff they sell at the supermarket checkout. You trade in manufactured controversy, sound bites and talking heads.

Shame on you CNN! Shame on Time Warner, your brain dead corporate parent (the real culprit I suspect).

I think Obama gave an appropriate answer. Look how long it took Bush to talk to the American people about the financial crisis and also to repond to Katrina. Obama is working hard on all issues. He can't work miracles in a few weeks.

I'm so sick of these hot shot reporters coming like an old west gunfighter just looking to add a notch to their gun. Henry's question was pointless.
These cable news networks are more hype than anything else

Uh, Duh! it's because he doesn't say anything until his handlers have analyized every possible political angle. The man is an fool without the teleprompter

Open and transparent? A new honesty in Washington? Please save us from what could quite possibly become the worst presidency ever.

He is making Pres Bush look better every day.

Bill Bennett is so far off base. Finally we have a President who isn't afraid too take questions, and he wants to go home? Shame on you Bill Bennett. Shame on you!!!

I guess CNN doesn't fawn and gush as much as MSNBC or some of the other stations etc. Gibbs does this with Henry too during Press briefings. It appears they don't like Ed's questions so my advice – keep up the good work Ed!

I thought the answer to Ed Henry's question is testimony to our President's fine intellect!

Well said Mr. President !
Some people see and would like us to see in this bold answer some kind of anger and impatience instead of wisdom.

I know they say no question is stupid, but in reality that one was. It takes time for a busy person like the president to get all the facts. I'm not sure what Mr Henry expected to hear but it was quite obvious what he was implying. All in all a very fitting answer imo.

President Obama's response was right on target - a knockout blow - I loved it! Keep up the great work Mr. President!

I absolutely loved President Obama’s response!
I believe this is what my teenage daughter is referring to when I she says, “oh….OUCH ,BURN!”

Bill Schneider needs to realize that his perception is just "his".
I would prefer a person that is trusted with the responsibility of President of the United States to take a few days to think before declaring something as trivial as outrage on national TV. We don't need another President making hasty decisions to declare war whether on Wall Street or abroad. Too many lives are involved & from our leader we the American people need a brain not someone flexing his or her brawn.

I thought the President gave an honest answer. It was the perfect answer.

Ed Henry should have been the one who wanted to go home for presenting with such an empty question!

GOBAMA!!!

No – not in the least did President Obama's rapier response to Ed Henry's querulous question imply that it was impertinent, merely irrelevant. The President had already given a considered answer to Ed's question moments before; Mr. Obama, with trenchant precision, was simply dispensing with the redundant "showboating" follow-up question. Why are the President's detractors so offended when he puts his keen and precise mind on display?

Oh, and by the way CNN contributor Bill Bennett – President Obama is already home; it's called The White House!

It's pretty sad and pathetic when things are happening in your administration that you have no clue about. It would be nice if we could get some real leaders to run for president. We've had enough losers for the past several years.

Yes, president Obama is a real leader, smarter than all distractors including Ed Henry's petty question When serious problems before him demands focus and wisdom to handle.

Dare to post, cnn

CNN seems a little miffed their own Ed Henry's question was treated as "impertinent" in their eyes. Perhaps because CNN itself knows that questions about appropriate-reaction-time-for-outrage are non-substantive. Maybe next time Henry can formulate a question that matters to the American people.

It will take time, it will take patience, and it will take an understanding that when we all work together... that's when we succeed. Unfortunately Ed seems not to get that!

The president looked uncharacteristically off color and irritable. Ed probably touched a raw nerve.

It's nice to see PBO not taking any crap from no one. He always has a good comeback. Made Ed look silly

Ed Henry asked the question in the body of the original question. When the President finished giving his answer Mr. Henry again asked the question. To my ears the same question the second time around had an impertinent tone to it. The President demonstrated patience in dealing with this while at the same time putting Mr. Henry in his place.

The question was legitimate, and so was it's answer.

In my opinion, Ed Henry's question was impertinent given The President's outrage with AIG, and Ed Henry should have wanted to go home after Mr. Obama's sharp reply.

Whenever Ed Henry is on CNN, I will quickly turn to MSNBC.

You're kidding, right? Did you hear the people in the room laughing?

Obama schooled the guy and anybody who doesn't see this is in denial.

Ed Henry got the Presidental smack down. He deserved it... How many times do you have to ask the same damm question and then try to be cocky and condescending about.

I think it was a good response and I don't believe that the President was trying to be "tough" on Ed Henry. It seemed that he was being very "matter-of-fact." I'm sure Ed felt bad with getting that answer, but for me, it was good to hear a President say that he wanted to get ALL the information before he made a comment on a particular situation. Good questions, Ed, and good responses Mr. President.

I thought it was an excellent reply to a sarcastic question.

It's proportional, Bush waited 10 minutes before acting when 3,000 Americans were murdered, Obama waited days before doing anything when millions of dollars of OUR money was squandered.

Now NO ONE can bring up that argument again.

Obama shut him up pretty good. Ed Henry was impertinent. It was embarrasing and sad at the same time. This poor Ed looked like he wanted to get the hell out of there. CNN, please don't send children to try to ask serious questions. I just saw his bio in the website. Can you ask the boy to grow a beard?

This shows America has elected a thoughtful man as President. He likes to have all the facts in before jumping on a conclusion. He realizes he doesn't know it all and he admits so, unlike what we had before. I'm impressed.

My President put Ed in his place! I was cracking up (along with the people in the audience)! Give 'em heck Obama! Don't let ANYONE try to punk you or America! I salute you!

The main problem that President Obama faces is not the economy, the foreign policy, or any of the other many issues that plague our country. Rather, it is the Republicans and those other individuals who would not particularly be pleased with success on his part, and would like to continue to sing that old familiar tune, "the way we were". The American public, at large, seem to be still willing to allow this educated, articulate, and prudent man the opportunity work toward solving our country's problem without being "critical". Mr. President, we are praying for you.

For the first time IN YEARS, I think CNN actually has a journalist employed. Way to go Ed Henry, a great question, and deplorable answer from the Messiah. I hope you can keep your job, but if not, great journalists have been MIA for years. Your career is safe.

POTUS answer was a non answer. Two days to think about a bonus? How long for a nuke strike?

Where was all of this outrage and advocacy during the past eight years?

Eh? I say, that was good for Ed!

I must say I found Ed's question tedious as well. Unfortunatley,unlike many of his colleagues at CNN, rather then asking what is really important and pertinent to all of us he seems to just try to make points for himself by trying to ask the question that will stump the President. In wanting to be the 'one' to ask the 'tough' question,Ed is missing the opportunities to ask the really important questions facing us today. These AIG bonus questions have been hashed and rehashed all week..enough already!! I suggest Ed Henry take some lessons from his more senior colleagues on how to report and ask the pertinent questions...forget about his satisfying his own ego for a change! Or perhaps,Ed doesnt have an adequate understanding of the really serious problems we are facing and thus can only try for some 'gotcha' questions.. Ed,show us you have more substance than this please!

I think it was a question that was asked in such a way that the only response to it was something like Obama answered.

Where were your questions about war, injustice, taking rights away and changing the laws of this country when Bush was in office CNN?

I love the way Obama shut Ed Henry up!! I'm tired of these geeks on the Crisis News Network parsing every word and analyzing every action of the administration. And to Bill Bennett: Obama did not look tired. He looked "warmed up" and ready to go. Bill, you look like you need to commune with the treadmill and you look a little tired.

John
Honolulu

Time to think? I don't think this guy has had an independant thought in his life. He had to wait for his trainers to formulate a comment for him.

President Obama answered Mr. Henry's question exactly as he should have. Our President has a plan–and it seems he's the only one that does. Why is the media so obsessed with the gotcha quesiton. This is serious folks!

Perhaps Obama's answer was "tough" because Henry could not mask a petulant, angry demeanor when phrasing the question. As if he knew this himself, Henry watered down his query by posing an unrelated question on top of it. His discomfort gave Obama an opening. The President, as any man would, took it and ran.

It should be pointed out that Ed Henry was behaving impertinently. It wasn't the question that was impertinent. The impertinence was in Ed Henry's attitude and tone of voice and the fact that the question was being asked a second time after having already been answered. If this is the best that CNN can do, they should should just call themselves Fox News.

I hope you cnn keep asking "impertinent" questions to Obama.
If he waited this long, it is becouse he did not have an ything to took about , The answer was he did not was outrage on the Aig bonuses, he is going to aswer according to what the public is outraged, he will act accordinly to what is outthere not what is importat.

The President didn't look like he wanted to go home to me! I liked his answer.
Anyway, he's already home!!!

I don't think he looked like he wanted to go home at all. From my perspective, I think that was the perfect answer and Ed Henry probably felt a little foolish and put in his place. I think Obama was done with his line of questioning and trying to make a story out of not much of one. Does anyone who opposes President Obama think this is easy stuff? Why don't his opponets present a plan that is more viable? Let's all put our big girl and boy pants on and just support the President in these extremely difficult times. He's not perfect. No one is. It's a little tiring and redundant to hear everyone jabbing at him all the time. Wouldn't it be nice to just be supportive. Still can have all our opinions but how about a little support?

Wanted to go home... Frankly he showed himself to be the commander in chief. Thoughtful and but given to flippet remarks.

"It seemed to imply the question was impertinent."

Oh CNN, with your hurt feelings...it wasn't Obama's fault that the entire press pool erupted in laughter at his response to your correspondent's poorly worded "gotcha" question.

Perhaps next time you will send someone who will ask a question of substance, rather than just try to score cheap points so you guys can have a clip to play over and over.

When the media will get serious, Obama will respond in kind. Ed Henry has continually taken the easy road by raising the issues that have been beaten to death for at least a week. Perhaps he's young or perhaps he's lazy but the media as a whole looked poorly prepared to discuss details about Obama's budget. It appears the media have grown as fat and lazy as Wall Street executives. Where are the investigative reporters, those who actually perform research and get educated about the issues to actually play their part for this country. We're all waiting.

When reporters ask stupid, impertinent questions, they should expect tough answers. Perhaps the members of the media should learn a lesson and start thinking about what they're talking about before they speak.

Where was Ed Henry in the run-up to the Iraq War with his "tough" questions? The AIG issue is now irrelevant-most of the bonuses have been returned. Why not a question about something relevant-that's called JOURNALISM!

So nice to have a president that stands his ground and not take crap from the right-wing news media. I watch President Obama press conferance and it did not look to me that the president was ready to go home after Ed Henery question. I really liked the presidents answer, shows someone with Intelligence is leading the country. Lead on Mr.President lead on.

He answered question as asked, It took tew days for his outrage to be public. Did he draft these bonuses? The whole truthj is yet to be told.He should think about answers before speaking.

I don't think it was such a tough answer. Ed Henry has already established a history of asking stupid questions, and maybe the President is tired of them. He answered it, he answered it fairly and it seems a reasonable answer. He probably is tired of the 'news' channels not doing a better job of explaining that businesses have contracts with upper level employees that generally have to be honored unless the business wants to be taken to court over contractual disputes.

Yes indeed, he better go home , straight ! after that. I hope he thought hard about it when he asked that question coz now you got a THINKING ! President, you got that !.

CNN loves to beat that horse don't they... Ed Henry knows that CNN has sketched out the reminder of the week about AIG so his mission was the beat the AIG horse...

loved president Obama's response...

move on CNN... yes the American people are outraged at AIG but you are reporting it from the wrong angle... stop attacking the president about AIG and start having responsible reporting about FIXING the problem for the future

Whatever CNN!

Ed Henry is such a rookie and it's so obvious. Even when he asks pertinent questions, he has that surprised glib look on his face.... as if he's thinking, "Hey. That WAS a good one."

And you quote Bill Bennett. Is that the best you have? He's such a rogue republican, everyone knows his opinion is slanted.

Wow bill bennet didn't think the president did a good job.Shocking!! How does it go unchallenged that Obama wanted to go home after Ed Henry's question. Obama actually speaks to the american people, and as one citizen I find it refreshing, but I must say, I can see why some presidents dont want to do press conferences when you have a media, according to an article in politico today, "war-gaming" their questions.

Whoa!! Serious violation of "don't make yourself the story" rule of reporting!! It was the umpteenth time he's been asked about his outrage over the AIG bonuses. At the end of the day, while it is an issue that causes a visceral reaction in the public, it is a tiny drop in the bucket of the greater financial mess.

To Bill Bennett and other frothing-at-the-mouth conservatives just aching to end Obama's popularity as soon as possible: you have a right to your opinions as to the issues. You must NOT, however, take shots aimed at scoring short-term political points at the risk of the country's greater well being. If Obama fails, we all fail. It would be an unhappy thing.

Ed Henry appeared more angry than questioning. His repeat questioning to President Obama about why he didn't show outrage over AIG sooner seemed more an accusation than a question. It was tiresome for me to hear, and I thought the President held his temper
rather well.
Mr. Henry was out for blood, not information.

I did not vote for Obama, however I am behind him. If I had known he was going to be this on point on the issues I would have voted for him. Thanks for the forum! Keep truckin' Obama team! Good work!

Bill Bennett observations of the president are always negative. What serious person pays any attention to what he has to say. I guess there are other nuts out there(enjoy him constantly bashing the president) trying to always score political points. Enough of him,send him back to the good old conservative junkyard.

The President gave honest, thoughful, and insightful answers to all the questions. He demonstrated that his goal has not deviated from his campaign promises of getting American economy out of the ditch. I see where some members of the media are patting themselves on the backk for asking him the tough questions. While I agree that this is what the media should be doing, however, where were all these media types and the pundits during the last administration? They all slept at the switch. They allowed the Bush/Cheney team to bowl them over into talking us to go to an unnecessary war.

I saw President Obama answer that question, and it was wonderful. Finally, a President who thinks before he speaks. Ed Henry, who petulant when he was asking the question, looked totally chastened when President Obama answered it. Good job, Mr. President!

Good on President Obama!
Unlike whats-his-name, who never thought about what he said, and probably didn't understand what he was saying anyway, and unlike ronnie who just read his cue cards, we finally have a President who thinks about what he is doing and what he wants to say.
As for little billy bennett, he just repeats the same old pap over and over and over again.
You tell 'em Mr. Obama! Right on!

How dare CNN question the Chosen One??? This was the only challenging question in the entire performance.

In an event devoid of questions that would even approach the difficult level, Obama was allowed to present his standard answers – unchallenged – in what was a boring and uninformative press conference.

Obama and his team set up the AIG mess by first arranging for the language permitting the bonuses to be added in the Dodd amendment to the Stimulus Bill. Then by putting their performance outrage in high gear over AIG, the President exposed his hypocrisy. How dare CNN point this out?

I thought that President Obama answered that question great! He said he wanted to know everything about AIG's bonus problems before putting out any information. In other words check facts first before spreading rumors to the public.

Is Ed upset because he didn't get the answer that he wanted? I believe it was a pretty straight forward answer. The NY AG has plenty of time to research that one situation. I'm sure the Whitehouse needed the time to investigate for itself and guage the depth of the problem before they could make an accurate statement about it. The Whitehouse has a few other situations that need attention also. Do they really need to make minute by minute statements of everything that they are currently doing? I think this president has been much more in touch with the people up to this point. Yet, Ed wants more.

I think he has a right to think first. I guess we have bigger things to worry about then then AIG bonus. The are an obstranction anyway. We talk about 1 trillion dollar and then he should worry about 160 million dollar?
Not that this is o.k. – it is just a minor, which politicians just dion't think about before the releases money which wasn't their own.
Actually I blame most of the financial issues on the media, becausee they overwhelm us with information, which – now proven – nobody understands.

Frankly i have found Ed Henry disrepectful in his role as White House Correspondent for. He always poses his questions in "gotcha" format. I am for tough questions, but with a little repect.
Disappointing CNN

So when there is an emergency and he doesn't have all the facts you can expect to wait a few days for him to say anything. So during 9/11 if he waas president you could have expected him to wait a few days to say much less do anything.

The President did an excellent job on his speech this evening he is very versatile and addresses each question with perfect knowledge and understanding that we The USA is in a very critical crisis at this moment we all should take a moment an reflect on where were we before Obama had been elected President No Need For The Blame Game let's just be patient buckle Up and Trust The Process Let Change Take Time To Change Mr President You Are Doing A Wonderful Job My wallet may be thin now ,but with patience I Know I will see the Change put back in my wallet Good Luck Mr President

I do agree with the way the president answered that question. It's true he took him time to think carefully before he speaks out. At the other hand I think the journalist was so rude toward the president. Please folks give the president a break. The journalist was insolent and ridiculous.

Bill Bennett may have wanted to go home, and Ed Henry certainly looked like he wanted to go home; Obama looked like he thought Ed Henry was an idiot, and for good reason. Gone are the Bush years when the President makes a decision from the gut immediately and refuses to change it no matter what information comes to light; Obama understands the concept of intelligent, informed decision-making.

"I like to know what I'm talking about before I speak" is what Obama said, Bill Schneider. Don't put quotation marks around something he didn't say just because he put Ed Henry in his place.

This News Conference could be called, "Gottcha". That's what all the questions asked him were trying to do. As usual, Obama knocked everyone of them out the park.

Don't read something into Obama's response that simply wasn't there. I don't think Obama thought that the question was impertinent at all. I think Obama simply responded truthfully.

Obama has often been criticized for not responding immediately. His response that he wants to get the facts before responding is frankly refreshing. There's no reason why our President should feel compelled to rush into an answer about an issue for which he needs to gather information.

It's more important for Obama to be RIGHT than for him to be QUICK on the draw!

Perhaps the president remembers the absence of questions about the Iraq war BEFORE the war, or maybe the fact that Dick Cheney went on "State of the Union" and basically spewed his propaganda and lies without being challenged, or maybe he thinks the better question would be what will you do so this kind of corporate theft doesn't happen again? CNN, we need to drop the small-minded paranoia and start focusing on the real, big picture issues.

The President gave Schneider the answer he deserved...It was direct, most effectively affectively, and intelligently correct!!!

I think Ed Henry was chasing an old controversy and Obama rightly didn't spend time giving the AIG bonuses any extra air.. The delay on pushing this forward may have some significance, but at this point, not much. Obama did very well tonight. Bill Bennett tried to make a case that Obama had done poorly. Not. Unfortunately, whenever I see Bill Bennett I'm reminded of his self-righteous tenure as the National Scold, then his outing as a compulsive gambler.

From my view, Ed Henry thought he was going to have an "I gotcha" moment and was being obnoxious. The President appeared to be "sick of the s...t " and responded thusly putting Ed Henry in his place. I also disagree with Bill Bennett that the President looked as though he wanted to go home after the verbal encounter. After the President responded to Ed Henry, there was light laughter in the audience and the President went on about the business of the press conference. The message was clear – do not mess with me.
Go OBAMA

It was impertinent andPres. Obam was to the point when he served Ed Henry. Who needs to please, oh please, stop asking 500 hundred things when one would do in the one question he gets. He wasted his question and the President time and mine.

The question was impertinent. The response was justified by the question.

Ed Henry ought to listen to the previous questions given. Why he chose to essentially repeat the first question asked was a waste of time.

Note to Ed Henry:

Of the hundreds of issues and problems to be dealt with, you could have found one alternative. You made a fool of yourself. Don't take my word for it. Listen to some of the other news services. You should feel lucky to be asked but you blew it.

I hope Bill Bennett meant that Ed Henry looked like he wanted to go home. Funny how each persons take their spin on what they think is important to them. I was pleased with the manner in which Mr. President responded to Henry. He (Henry) is constantly trying to make a name for himself at the president's expense. Next time, I hope he thinks before he speaks.

The implication by Schneider (and the loaded and obviously biased quote by Bennett) is that Obama was impertinent and quick to dismiss Ed Henry's question. I understand that the CNN folks want to protect their own, even in cases when their own reporters ask stupid questions.

Obama has answered the question before and he sounded calm before, during, and after the question. Time for CNN and Schneider to troll for complaints somewhere else.

Oh, Bill, find something important to bring forward as an issue. The President putting a cocky reporter in his place is fun, but not newsworthy.......

For the first time, Obama was asked a real question by the media. Incredible.

By the way: WE DON'T WANT YOUR BLOATED BUDGET!!!

Obama doesn't want to shoot himself in the foot! he says ready aim fire not fire ready aim! I rather like someone who can think some things through – not all questions or problems deserve a rapid response.

You deserved that. If there was nothing he could legally do about the bonuses it doesn't really matter when he knew about them. I suspect he kept his mouth shut because he was waiting to find out if he could do anything about them first.

Quit trying to score points; it demeans your profession.

If Ed Henry and others at CNN would have asked Dick Cheney and Bush the same type of questions, we would not have been in this mess in the first place. Let him fix the problem! Give the President time, he has a mess in his hands. Ed Henry's question was inapropriate, just as the silence of John King's during the Interview of Dick Cheney.

I disagree, I think the President is cautious.

This was a refreshingly pointed answer to the question. In the world of 24/7 news, taking time to think through an issue is seen as avoiding it. Not so. Bill Bennet is simply trying to frame the press conference in a negative light. We are in unprecedented times. What I find troubling is the time the press and critics spend on distractions rather than the mess at hand. We are still more entertained with the politics than the substance, and it will be our undoing. Thankfully the administration seems focused on our long term health.

The President did great he's the best we have had in along time he can only do so much with what he was left with if we are true American will get behind our President and help turn this Country around.

Ed Henry asks a stupid question and gets spanked. That's got to smart.

After 8 years of tossing softballs at Bush it must be easy to forget that this guy has brains.

I think it was Ed Henry that looked like he wanted to go home, not Obama. The laughter behind him was priceless.

He did not look like he wanted to go home. He looked like he wanted to move on to the next "relevant" question.

The president's reply implied that Henry's question was impertinent because the way the question was delivered made it so. I thought the president's response was honest and candid.

The question from Ed Henry served no purpose other than to try and cast a cloud on the actions of the President. Like always, the President calmly and professionally put the jerk in his place..Go Pres!

I think it was a pretty good

I was always taught to think before speaking, with such "sensitive" issues at hand, nobody wants a President or politician to jump the gun and have to retreat on his/her words later. No one knows the pressure of the Presidency, not even I, so I say Kudos to playing it like he has always shown....a deep thinker, a man of logical reasoning, and someone who plans out what he will say so that all points are observed and noted.

That will teach Mr Ed Henry to ask pertinent questions next time!
How I miss Jennings, Rather, et all!

So, CNN & Ed Henry did not like the answer the President provided with his answer, so you go along with the obviously partisan Bill Bennett and attack him PERSONALLY. Besides, what was up with his (Henry's) attitude? He acted like he was angry with the President in the way he asked his question. Do I detect a little frustration by the media that the President, voted in by a clear majority of the American people, is still able to relay his message to the American people and about what he is trying to accomplish for the American people despite your efforts to interfer with your constant and irrelevant spin and commentary? Hmmmmm ... I find it quite humorous and will encourage the Obama Administration to continue to speak directly to us ... the American people ... and not allow his message to be filtered through the trivial media filter. The media, who by the way in all formats (cable news, major networks and print), has consistently failed the American people.

Obama is a good guy and I think he wants to help the economy, education and healthcare....but we just can't keep borrowing huge amounts of money. Even if he plan works as well as he hopes, he would add more to our national debt in 4 years then Bush did in 8. We are making bad spending decisions. His plan is weak. Gietner is weak. The democratic leadership in congress is weak. The way that the administration is working, our economy may be in real trouble.

"'After Ed Henry, he looked like he wanted to go home,' conservative talk radio host and CNN Contributor Bill Bennett said."

Really??

I must have watched the wrong press conference, because I thought the Ed Henry ocnference had no effect on Obama.

But then again, this is the same Bill Bennett who thinks America is a "center-rght" nation, so his opinion on Obama might be a tad bit slanted.

its about time start calling this idiot president out. his policies are failing. wait 4 more years and you will see the deficits that we'll have! this is most incompetent president ever!!

Ed Henry framed his question in a hostile accusatory way implying there was wrongdoing. He could have framed in a more thoughtful way. I think Obama was justified in replying the way he did. I also think Bill Bennet should be taken off the air as a commentator on CNN. He is becoming increasingly partisan in his comments. I heard him say a few days ago that "Next thing Obama would take credit for spring coming" in response to another commentator saying there were some signs of improvement in the economy. I found the comment nasty and inappropriate. When people have a public platform on TV they should be responsible and not inflammatory in their comments. Being subjected to nasty comments makes me turn off CNN and watch another station like PBS that is less biased. I want to hear thoughtful newscasts and comments not someone venting their ideology.

I'm sorry Mr. Bennett, President Obama was in his element and did not mind the questions. Simply, he felt that the question was answered. Now, I give much kudos to Ed Henry. It was a good question. It was answered. Is it possible the President wanted to close this issue and quickly? I believe so, and he did it with a smile. Can't be angry with that.

Ed Henry rightfully deserved that response, and I don't think that he looked like he was ready to go home- it looked like he officially put on his game face after that question and nailed all the other ones after it. Bravo President Obama, job well done and good response to Ed!

Obama just couldn't think of a way to lie his way out of the fact that it was his administration that told the Dems in Congress to allow the bonuses in the stimulus bill. How can you be outraged by something you caused?

I thought President Obama answered the question quite appropriately. It seemed to me that Ed Henry was looking to irritate The President and when he did get his answer Henry was shocked. President Obama is very intelligent and when pushed he will push back. I say good for him. Best answer of the night in my book. I do not know what Bill Bennett saw; I think The President, as usual, was cool, calm, and doing what he does best - giving us the truth.

Ed Henry deserved the reply he got from the president. He wasn't respectful in his tone or in the way he spit out the question. I thought the president did a masterful job of explaining and answering the questions thrown at him. Think back to the previous president's news conferences and the difference is astounding. CNN's group of nay sayers of the president's news conference should look themselves in the mirrow (particularly Mr. Blitzer ) and ask "What answers do I have to our nations many difficult problems?" From my viewpoint they don't have ANY answers just negativisms!!!!!!!

It is very sad to see that a newspaper of this stature would even pose a question like this when the country is facing such grave issues like economy and war on terrorism. We the general public would want to hear and get answers to issues that we are facing everyday.

It seems to say that he new his Administration screwed up and was hoping it would just all blow over.

I love our President.
He is super smart, but most pleasantly, I love the illuminating way he shares the hard facts he is basing on to make these important decisions.

I am so confident President Obama is going to get the job done. Thank you America for voting change that gets results.

Ed deserved it. The exchange really captured the tension between the 24/7 news world and actual governance.

You guys need to chill out. And smarten up.

since when does obama think before he speaks, boy please!!! He waited because he was getting the spin just right thinking how can I fan this flame to maximize MY benefit. Please obama, get over yourself and undeserved fame and try to be a president we can respect. You are undermining the office of the President of the United States of America with your arrogance.

Ever the coward that only cares about his popularity, Obama had to wait several days to see what was the safest reaction.

Get over it CNN. I thought it sounded like a pretty good answer.
And then the dig by Mr. Smugness himself? Jeez, sometimes you guys sound like Fox Not-News.

Obama said, "...because I like to KNOW what I'm talking about before I speak."

Ed Henry at least tried to ask a tough question of Obama, but the rest of the questioning was pure softball. It was a bit like pro wrestling. All acting and no fighting. Can't these people ask a tough question and follow up on it, really pinning Obama down when he skirts the issue. They need some courtroom lawyer training in how to grill a person.

Or is it possible their employers will fire them if they ask a really useful question?

The Question was impertinent!

Go Obama!

President Obama: "It took us a couple of days because I like to think about what I'm talking about before I speak."

BRILLIANT!!!

Who cares about the president's expressed level of outrage. We now know that nothing could be done about the bonuses. Those idiots who you think expressed a "high level of outrage" proposed the unconstitutional idea of taxing the bonuses. The presidents job requires level headedness. Just because he is not ranting and raving does not mean that he is not upset about this. The last president who went off, got us in a war that we can not get out of. The man has been president 60 days with the weight of the world's poor economic conditions on his back, and your concern is mearly his expressed outrage over bonuses.

Take more time before you speak, oh glorious leader. Did he say Republicans still act if they were in the good times of the early 90's? You remember the 90's...recession? Ring a bell?

Like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness monster, stories about Barry's super-intelligence abound. But they are all myths.

Ed Henry was trying to act smart, and he got the right answer from President Obama. He is not like Bush where he talks he makes sense.

Touché, Mr President or as the youngsters would say these days "Zing!"

That is the best thing American People could have ever witnessed!!

I want to know why there are not more Democrats out there stumping for the President's agenda... there certainly are enough Republicans trashing it. How quickly they forget – do any of those Democrats who aren't standing up in support of the President think they would be sitting in the cat bird seat right now if it weren't for Obama??? Do they think they will be able to hold onto the cat bird seat if Obama loses these first critical battles??? Now the pundits are saying he's overdoing the media thing – but who else is out there saying, go team!?!?

I don't care if the President knew about the bonuses 2 days ago or 4 days ago. I am more interested in how he plans to address the issue.
I think the President deserves more respect from the News Media than has been shown.
With respect to his travel. I find it refreshing to see the President travel around the county and stay in touch with the people that elected him instead of staying holed up in the White House. Give the guy a break and stop critizing everything he does.

bill bennet, he did wonna go home , he said what we have learn about him, don't open your mouth if you dont have constructive thing to say

Ed Henry was confrontational, and that was the second time. He is simply unable to conceal his right wing claws.
You can ask a question without challenging the person. The reporter that asked the most thoughtful question tonight was calm and non-confrontational. We expect everyone to respect our president, whatever the president's party, republican or democrat. We are Americans.

I'm watching more MSNBC. CNN is too conservative for me. I thought the president was believable and seemed sincere in his answer. AIG executives are crooks. The goal of the AIG bailout was not bonus payment. Your reporter is beating a dead horse!

This is news?

CNN correspondent Ed Henry, a member of the best political team on earth, a representative of America's premier news organization (CNN), and a carefully trained representative of CNN's premier journalism asks US government leader a tough, thoughtful, and no-holds-barred question. CNN's Wolf Blitzer will present fabulous analysis of the brilliance and cogence of the question asked by a CNN reporter. Ed Henry's biography can be seen tomorrow on CNN reports. The President's expression showed that he respected CNN far more than rival news networks.

Thank you Mr. President for finally putting one of CNN's hysterical so-called journalists in his place. These guys go way beyond reporting to actually inject their personal opinions in everything with the hope of creating public fevor over phony issues. Now we have to set Rick Sanchez and Don Lemon straight or send them back to J school!

This president showed outage when the people was outraged. Otherwise it would have been business as usual. His many lies are starting to add up.

Wonder how many days he took to think up that special olympics crack.

This was a stupid, loaded, attempted gotcha question, and Obama handled it well. Next time Ed Henry should try asking a real question that someone who is not a pundit would care about the answer to.

I think the president had a good night and I also know that conservatives will say anything to diminish the president.

These talking heads just have too much time on their hands.
Ed Henry got a well deserved smackdown

Ed Henry asked his question in a very rude way, why should the President show him any respect?

I don't know what press conference you were watching, but Obama's remarks about wanting to know what he's talking about before he speaks signified a key change in policy from the Bush administration when our former commander in chief would discuss issues he was clearly not informed about. I applaud Obama for wanting to understand the issues before he discusses them. An educated President gives me piece of mind that he has all the facts when making important decisions.

It was a stupid question and it got the attention it deserved. Obama didn't jump on the sensationalistic media bandwagon, and I respect him for that.

He answered the question...unlike Bush.
Or better yet...Cheney..."so"

Ed had it comming. Grow up Ed ... no responsible person will react immediately then and there.You need to find out exactly what happened and where you stand. I think what Ed liked was the good old days of Dubya attack first and defend later.

I don't think the President was ready to go home after Ed's question. I think the question was a stupid gottcha question that does not matter to people that are trying to feed their families and keep a roof over our their heads. This question keeps us talking about useless crap that has nothing to do with solving any problems.

Ed Henry was rude and impertinent; and the President rightly pushed back
A leader with so much on his plate should not be subjected to such childish attitude about the relatively 'small' by a media person with a tiny brain.

See, what the media could do is go after the greedy and thieving individuals who tank the US economy; and the President can focus on the Big Picture of American advancement.

However, the media reporters are too busy siding with unpatriotic business people.

"It took us a couple of days because I like to think about what I'm talking about before I speak," he said.

if President Bush had given that answer, you folks would have pounced upon him the minute the show was over

I think Obama didn't give too many answers all the way around, long winded and short on substance.

Obama was elected President to create a balanced budget and ease the national debt, not give the OK to the most pork-filled budget in American history, and triple (or worse) the national debt within his first term.

First term... ONLY term. How is it that we went from bad (Bush) to worse!!! Change? Someone should have made sure the change he was talking about was for better, not worse!

No wonder they were so determined to impeach Clinton, he actually IMPROVED the economy AND balanced the budget... I'm surprised those crooks running Washington did only that to him.

I thought President gave an *amazing* press conference
Sorry I do NOT agree with some of the pundits .What a difference between this President and Bush
He is so intelligent , so articulate
Its really sad the media and a lot of other people seem to really just want him to fail , I thought he covered a great deal and I must say this president really conveys a great deal of self confidence!!!
that in turn should make the American people feel confident IF they dont listen to the continuing negativity from the media heads and the republicans who CREATED this mess in the first place!!!!

I agree with Obama, it was a stupid question for the media to make such a big deal out of. What is great about President Obama is that he take's the time to understand the situation and doesn't rush to conclusions, so to make such a big deal about him dealing for a COUPLE OF DAYS GODFORBID to get a handle on the situation is rediculous!

How could anyone in their right mind think that was improper answer?
What do you expect of Obama, he is not superhuman, he is a smart person that happens to be president and I would rather a person take a little to find out what they are talking about than to give answer they do not know what they are talking about.

IF Ed Henry is miffed about that answer, then Ed Henry should get into a job where he does not have to ask questions or deal with people for he is way to sensitive to be asking questions and reporting on them.

Way to go Mr. Prez!! I'm glad you gave Ed Henry the answer you did because I'm sick and tired of reporters who try to act like they are smarter than you are or worst yet, try to put words in your mouth. CNN has taken such a negative tone towards any proposal you make..CNN must be run be Republicans! I suppose that's why MSNBC has left them behind in ratings!

I hope the republicans was listening to that answer since they seem to be shooting off at the mouth so much with no solutions

Ed Henry is obviusly a GOP hack reporter. I'd bet my last buck after his gig with CNN, like Major Garrett, he'll be headed to that "fair and balanced" down under Fox News! I have noticed he has a twisted version or misinformed nature. That is NOT getting to the Truth like good reporters do.

Loved the Ed Henry smackdown.Ed's question gets a D for relevancy and an F for substance. C'mon Ed –you can do better. Listen to the other questions!

Good answer and he should have added "now sit down". I think President Obama looked strong and gave good, well thought out answers. Maybe we're just not used to that after the last 8 years.

I thought he did a good job and I want this president to be given a chance to move forward. Between the media,the obstructionists in both the republican and democrat parties it appears they want our country to fail.

We are dealing with too many problems for the press to keep dragging this story along. I wanted to hear about the budget and how it will affect us...not some AIG old news. They are giving the bonuses back and the administration is putting in new regulations about executive pay...ENOUGH ALREADY! I am worried about my own job!

I think Obama's response to Ed Henry was quite appropriate and timely. Ed likes to draw attention to himself, and many times he (Ed Henry) speaks without thinking. CNN should rethink whether they want to keep Ed at the White House

What did he mean he wanted to know what he was talking about when he waited to speak? He still did not know what to say when he finally spoke. I can't say I'm proud of his first 60 days, let's hope the next 60 show us the leader we voted for.

Even Fox News' Garrett put some thought into the question he asked the president.

Yes, I voted for President Obama. Ask Bill Bennett what he would do differently re: the deficit. I know he's supposed to give the conservative spin, but I'm so tired of listening to criticism when this President who is articulate, smart, in command of multiple tasks, and pushes himself so he can talk to "real" people has done more in 60 days than Bush did in 8 years. He was absolutely right that most Americans are sacrificing or have sacrificed. He was correct about the lack of funding for returning veterans. Where were the Republicans then? They know how to send troops in, but after they're through with them? Hah! I still think Haliburton execs should be prosecuted for their greed in carrying out the war.

Obama wanted a couple of days to think about the AIG problem, but would not take a couple of days to think about the stimulus package that started all this. Kind of ironic . Isn't it

lol..good smack down mr president,that was sweeeeeeeet..lol

when bush took a couple days to address katrina he was slaughtered for it just like any conservative would've been attacked if they would've made the same "Special Olympics" comments...and the media treats Him like some saint. way to go.

when conservatives take time to think about it, they're attacked as fumblers and unable to make tough decisions off the cuff. when obama takes a couple days it's like...."oh mr. president, thats a brilliant idea, brilliant!" nice.

I think this would have been a good time to ask an intelligent question. I thought Obama answered the stupid question and went on to the next.

Bill Bennett still doesn't get it.

I think Obama was very effective with Ed Henry. Ed was really trying to get a rise out of the President and, in turn, made himself look foolish. I am tired of members of the media trying to play one person against the other. The President sat him down quite nicely.

This is a misquote. Obama said (paraphrasing) that he likes to KNOW what he's talking about before he speaks.

the president was cool. Ed Henry was trying to make him look like a liar

That was not a "tough" answer at all....what are you talking about. He just stated that instead of a knee-jerk reaction response, he waited until he knew all the facts.....can always depend on CNN to distort the truth!!!

I don't think this was meant for Ed Henry. I thought it was a brilliant answer! In the fast moving time of instant news and fast judgment, it is a pleasure to see someone think before he talks!

Ed Henry was again showvboating and was attempting to raise his own "stature".

Man was on national television. Why wasn't he surrounded with only his Apostles and given questions only from the so-called news people from NBC and MSNBC? And where was his teleprompter? Just wasn't fair.

Bennett can say what he wants about Obama's demeanor before and after Ed Henry's question but I say his answer resonated with me. It seems that when CNN doesn't have a focus group they don't know how answers are perceived by the American people.

President Obama: "It took us a couple of days because I like to think about what I'm talking about before I speak."

Ahhhh . . . Finally . . . . Intelligence in the Presidency; what a wonderful and fresh idea.

Mr Henry's question was, indeed, impertinent. I, for one, was ecstatic at the President's timely and befitting (of his office) response.

You ask an imbecilic question you should expect a hot response.

That was good!

No he waits to see hoiw the political winds are blowing.

I thought the answer was pretty good. He is good. I frankly am tired of hearing about these AIG bonuses. Majority of the people gave them back. The media needs to let this story go.. It has become tired.

That wasn't how it seemed to me. I thought his anger was directed not at the individual asking the question at that moment but at the idea, often expressed over the past week, that he should have 'performed' his outrage immediately. This is not a man who goes off the deep end or acts impulsively. Why would he rush before the cameras to express outrage? He'd take in the information, think about it and only comment when he was ready and if he thought a comment was needed. I'll bet any President sees and hears far more that's an outrage than we'll ever know.

You guys are reading too much into that. Seriously. Honestly, wouldn't you prefer the leader of the free world to prone to careful thought before he starts shooting from the hip?

speeches, speeches, speeches and speeches................
this is all he got.

sorry for wasting my vote. McCain is responsible for this. Had he not selected Palin, he would have got my vote.

"Tough" answer... you guys are such babies. How about this for an answer – it was a stupid question... who cares why it took him 2 days to "express outrage?"

It wasn't an answer, it was a brushoff. And, there are no impertinent questions to our elected public servents.

I thought the quote was "It took us a couple of days because I like to know what I'm talking about before I speak"

That was a "tough question"? Obama can't handle the softball CNN throws to him. Heaven help us when he meets foriegn leaders.

That is NOTwhat he said, he said, "I like to KNOW what I'm talking about before I speak". CNN quit trying to soften the blow for you boy Ed Henry. He got shut down on national television...lol.

No, he wanted to stay there and talk to me and get that annoying Ed Henry on my behalf. Today, justice was served!

He likes to "think" before he speaks?!? It took him DAYS to "think" about this? lol And this is the guy who is the Messiah the one who will save us ALL? lol Oh just keep spending money we don't have Mr President that should work lol.

Obama couldn't go public and talk about it until his statement had been writen for him and posted on a teleprompter.

I liked the answer. To most of americans fed up with the drama, it was quick and direct. I like Ed but come on, lets move forward.

Seems like a pretty impertinent question to me...

I think that was great answer, It is good for him to get the facts right and then take action because the matter was serious.

The question became impertinent when he hogged the floor to ask it three times in an acusatory manner.

President Obma is brilliant and it is sometimes diffcult to understand after failure from the past 8 years.

I know this is shocking for some people but intelligent people who have to deal with complex issues often have to think about how to proceed!

I wish many more would wait a few days.. think a few days without trying to beat the press to the headlines.. 98% of the time not having all the facts.. getting everyone in a bunch..

more people should think more.. talk less..

The other journalists asked good, thoughtful questions on important issues. Ed Henry seems to always ask questions that try to cause controversy. Why do they waste time allowing him to ask negative questions? There are important issues to discuss.

I was like darn it!

And it was....that was the BEST answer of the night...people must be use to having a President that speaks on things before getting all the facts...

LOL...."seemed to imply???" Sure....it was just an innocent question.

That's a "tough" answer?

If you go back and look, the President said that, "I like to know what I'm talking about before I speak." Hardly impertinent, highly refreshing.

Should the quote have been "...I like to know what I'm talking about before I speak." ??

No, the delay was so he could try to figure out how to cover his behind since he knew and approved the AIG bonuses in his Spendulus package. I cannot believe how many sheeple are believing this guy and not listening to what he says or paying attention to what he is doing. I guess the sheeple are all waiting with their hands out. Well, pretty soon no one will be working then where will the hand out money come from????

And it was, we have just gotten out from under the old cowboy way of not knowing what your talking about, just mouth off and think later, it cost us 4500 soldiers, enough is enough of that.

Wow! A politician thinking before speaking? What the heck is he doing in Washington? That's not how it works! Politicians are required by the pundits of their party to parrot talking points without questioning or thinking! That's how it worked for the past decade at least!

I believe the answer to this question was the exact one that he SHOULD have given. Finally, a president that thinks before he speaks!

Why would you want the president to give a rushed answer to a question that didn't require an immediate response?

Best answer of the night.

RE Ed Henry's question:
Indeed, the question was not worthy of CNN...rather the scent of tabloid journalism wafted about with Henry's insistence on repeating the inflamatory tag. And he was duly shut down with a pointed rebuke!
Obama is so intelligent and articulate that I stand amazed...and grateful for this man at this time.

Great answer. Shows knee jerk reactions, especially when on the attack should be carefully weighed.

Yeah, or in other words "Sit down and shut up!"

Go Barack!

Wasn't that what he said as Russia was invading Georgia- I think we may want a little quicker cognitive ability here.

Well said, President Obama.

I am sorry, that is stupid reporting. He is obviously not implying that there is anything wrong with the question or questioner. He is stating very clearly that he did not want to jump to alarm or conclusions about the bonus' until he had adequate facts.

The media has GOT to stop pressing people for immediate and thoughtless answers. This is a time when any rash comment can cost billions of dollars and thousands of jobs. Bravo for Mr. Obama for stopping to think before making a comment.

Bill Schneider has got to listen to the both the question and the answer and think about it himself before commenting. I have lost much respect for his reporting from this simple and wrong inference.

"It took us a couple of days because I like to think about what I'm talking about before I speak," this guy is not in touch with the past and how often he speaks, uh, I hope he was speaking w/o thinking the umpteen gaffes uttered; otherwise, it speaks volumes about his noodle. this is outrageous that he supposedly needed so long. it did not take anyone else that long to process foul and tragic. here we go.

I did not like Ed's tone. He should be polite but firm

The media and the opposition party have been pick, pick, picking apart every word or move by Obama since Day 1. I can see where he might think that was a stupid question. It's so refreshing to have a President who thinks, period.

Wow! Someone who likes to know what he is speaking about before he actually speaks – such a novel idea. Maybe the folks at CNN should try this approach. Stop the "gotcha," alarmist journalism and actually practice real, meaningful journalism. I do hope that CNN replays the brief Obama/Ed Henry exchage over and over and over and over and over and over again until we are all delirious over the next several days. One up for President Obama.

Impertinent? Naw – Ed Henry was just looking to:
1) Pick a fight
2) Get more air time
3) Appear more credible than Ann Coulter
4) ALL of the above!

The question was impertinent.

Thank GOD a prez who thinks!

ya, because it was a impertinent and rude/stupid question. I hate when reporters do that.

There was no doubt the question was impertinent. It was also delivered in an arrogant and condescending fashion.

I understand Mr. Henry is relatively young and trying to make his name with a major news outlet, but he needs to do so with insightful questions and thoughtful analysis. Not with these sort of "gotcha" jabs.

He was rightfully put in his place and I cheered when your President did it.

Peace and love from the north

Actually he said that he likes to know what he's talking about before he speaks.

This President...knew that Dodd and Geithner inserted the authorization for the bonuses to be given out. The whole sham of grilling Mr. Liddy was heinous and orchestrated....and could endanger peoples lives. Obama was not outraged....I think it was just ploy ...to now try to grab more power for the Treasury....However this Treasury Power Grab is unconstitutional... Truman tried it and it was overturned .

These guys are really good about not upholding the Constitution... speech, guns, tax laws...etc

We voted for judgment, vision and patience.

It was a stupid question. Ed Henry deserved that response.

The reporter asked such a dumb question. I am glad the President set him straight in such an effective, direct respectful manner.

Um... no Bill, it means we have a thoughful, discerning President. It's easy for the rest of us to spout off every uninformed opinion that pops into our heads. I prefer a President who does his homework, thank you. I'm really sick of everyone promoting their outrage as if the only thing that matters is its vindication. Yeah, we're outraged...now how do we solve the problem? Or do we still want to wallow in it?

I hope Ed Henry is remove from the front row seat from the daily conference in the White House and I hope they don't call on him for any more question. I don't might him asking a question but he was trying to put my President on the spot.

"Tough answers" AFTER questions were given to him so he would look knowlegeable infront of cameras. Please don't kid a kidder. Reporters themselves exposed Obamachimp hypocrisy, they have to submit their questions. All they have to do is wait for that monkey to call their name so they can ask the SAME question they've submitted to him and his staff. Obama is smart? Obama is intelligent? NOPE! HE'S A FAKE!

Impertinent?
Obama's G.W. Bushlike qualities are starting to show What an arrogant gas bag!

I thought the Prez gave a great answer and I like the fact that he doesn't just want to talk out of anger, but rather understand all the facts before speaking.

speak the truth, have some integrity instead of smoke blowing, you knew about thie bonuses 2 weeks prior.

"Impertinent" and plain stupid. I guess Ed Henry is somehow trying to relive is glory days when he interviewed Bill Clinton the same day the Monica Lewinsky broke.

Keep trying Ed, I'm sure you will find something "sensational" that will keep your career going.

Yes I heard that and I thought it was great.......at least this President likes to give a lot of thought to what he says and know what he is talking about before he speaks........not like our last President, at least this President uses words that makes sense.......I used to like Ed Henry but lately when he reports he sounds like he putting the President down.......he needs to just report the news but of late his republican side is coming out and it shows.........

Because it was. Americans don't care how long he delayed with his response. All that matters is that he did respnd, and that him and this Administration is doing all they can to put this nation back on track.

"I like to know what I'm talking about before I speak,"

Could have fooled me, Obama.

there should have been a follow up question – are you saying that cuomo didn't know what he was talking about (which we know is not true) OR are you saying that it takes the white house 3-4 days longer to get information?

it was a good question – he didn't like it because he and his team looked bad.

President Obama's response was GREAT. It is so refreshing to have a President who makes sure that he has the facts before running off at the mouth.

good for him......don't let silly reporter try to stick it to you

Ed Henry came off belligerent in his very first question. Mr. Obama put him in his place. Right on.

If you havent observed his personality and know him by now, you are TRULY lost in the wilderness. Obama is a typical man. Men tends to take time to form opinions while women tend to jump right into an opinion. I see a lot of that in my parents. He's a man. Most men take the time to analyze their situations first before committing to a marriage. Head comes first before the heart.

Still being the cheerleader for Mr. "I need to be the center of attention" Obama. We have a growing chorus of Obama apologists who can't seem to bring themselves to eat crow over Obama's all talk, little to show for it, Presidency. This guy cannot function without an audience – it's just yap, yap, yap. I turn it off.

Ed Henry deserved that response. He was verging on disrespectful as was evident by his facial expressions.

Such a liar – obama and tiny timmie tax cheat and 2/3 of the demmies knew this provision was in the Aig bailout and as dodd said the administration wanted to make sure it was in there.

Impertinent, no? Thoughtful, yes! He's the President. Let him take his time to get the right information instead of speaking without facts.

Dang, that answer was two snaps and twirl.

I love it! Don't buckle under to the pundits:)

BAM! (In Emeril's voice...)