CNN

[...] spirit of Lucille Perk lives on in the Steelers' James Harrison: Linebacker James Harrison told reporters earlier this week he'd be a no-show at the White [...]

[...] Steelers' James Harrison followed through on his vow to skip the traditional victory salute at the White House on [...]

OMG what a jag !

harrison is NO class...My son has been a steelers fan since he was 14, he is now 40 and says find harrison another place to be a dummy...

don't go

and get back to work Obama

is good. we even don't care about you. sorry

James Harrison is a moron.

No James, your not a devil worshiper, just another big headed fool.

Bull – who care what this thick neck fool thinks! That's the problem with pro sports, strong like bull, mind weak like chicken!

It's very simple. This was a "winner's trip". There was no room for losers. James did the right thing by staying home. He doesn't belong at the White House because he doesn't know how to act.

The White House finally has a winner living there, and losers should not take a picture with our beloved president.

Someday his great-great grandkids are going to say, "What a fool great-great grand-daddy must have been".

I'm just sayin'...

Mr Harrison – who cares what you think? Not me – or anybody that I know. Your just a spoiled brat making way too much money and because of people like you, I have stopped watching football!

So he's not going. Big deal. Let him stay home. I think his head is too big to get on a plane anyway.

Let the president invite me, I'd be there in a heartbeat.

Obama 2012

Steelers visit Stealers. WOW!

Somebody needs more padding inside his helmet, though it may be too late.

What a narcissistic jerk this guy is.

I hope he reads these posts and gets a good picture of who he really is.

He is also ungrateful for the blessings he has.

Peter, I agree. This is a non-issue and unfortunately those who dislike Obama or disagree with his policies or ideology will use this story as a platform to demonize him.

He is a rascist. That is why he doesn't want to meet the President.

I wouldn't waste my time visiting a zero either.

This is a free country . e may look like a jerk but it is his choice . At least he is consistant

I heard him when he made his statement......You know the saying about having others think you're a fool.........He opened his mouth....

God's hands are off, this White House.

He is just a kid who was not taught what level the united states president is from all people.....

Don't go if you don't want to go but at least be informed of what's actually going on. It's been a tradition that the winners of the championships of all the sports get invited to the White House. They don't invite the losers because they're losers. They only have time for the winners. Is this guy an idiot?

ok, although I do not agree with him at least he did it before and to a different political party. Maybe the President should take heed and next year when the Steeler's don't win the Super Bowl, he should be invited.

Peace

Harrison is just attention hungry. He is creating more publicty for himself, for an event that nobody really cared about anyway. Superbowl champions visiting White House? Nobody really cared, it's just normal. Harrison just wanted to put his name in headlines. Way to show your 'I' in yout team spirit!

Sounds like Harrison has a big enough ego to run for office himself someday. This is his loss, having the opportunity to meet a President, any President is a one in a life time opportunity.

His logic doesn't make any sense...but at least he is consistent.

pittsburg steelers are my favorite team too, James you're idiot

James' attitude is silly! He obviously invited the "WINNERS"! So what! If Arizona had won, then they would have been invited. Big deal! Don't go. Stay your silly butt at home!

No, he's not a devil worshiper, but he does act ike Cheney's first name!

His lost.

He doesn't want to meet the Pittsburgh Steelers....he wants to meet the Super Bowl Champions.

Why does it always have to be a racial thing with the readers of CNN? I thought you were supposed to be compassionate or something like that. At least that's what I keep reading.

A president is a president. He didn't want to meet the last one, he doesn't want to meet this one.

Harrison is in real DEEP DOO DOO now. No one, but NO ONE dare deny the messiah!

I blame Bush for this not Harrison

"if you want to see the Pittsburgh Steelers, invite us when we don't win the Super Bowl"

Ok, then invite ME, when I'm not a professional sports player at all.

What is wrong with this guy? A chance to go to the White House and meet the President of the United States? What an ego! He needs to get over himself.

He should do it for all the slaves you never saw civilisation or the whitehouse and not for his over-inflated ego.

Go James Harrison! Here is a man who is his own man. So little of this type of person around anymore. He's doesn't care what political party is in power, he doesn't want to go. And I respect that – a lot. People who are down on him for sticking to his guns on this – go jump in a lake!

This is just plain stupid on Harrison's part......he'll lose lots of fans and give the Steelers a black eye.

This guy is just plain DUMB!

Who cares if he decided not to go? Is this really news does it affect anyone if this guy didn't want to me another guy. At the end of the day its just two people. I'm glad he wasn't star struck.

I wouldn't go either but then again....do you care?

I was not a Bush fan, however I would have never given up on the opportunity to spend time with the most powerful man in the world. I would have shaken President Bush's hand gleefully and respectfully. This guy is stubborn and does not understand the word "opportunity."

THIS IS NEWS? ARE YOU FREAKIN SERIOUS? ITS CALLED "THE TRADITIONAL WINNER'S TRIP TO THE WHITE HOUSE" NOT THE LOSERS TRIP. Why do these morons get paid so much? And why do these other morons get paid to write this drivel? Give me a break.

First of all, this is not news worhy.

Second of all, this is another instance showing that the media works in conjunction with the powers that be to create any diversions to occupy the minds of the masses (sheep) in order to divert attention from the true problems of this world....and sadly it works...

Third of all, in the USA the president is nothing more than a man equal to every other citizen in our country. He is not a God, King, or any other type of annointed being. He is simply elected by the majority of the electorate. It is no different than refusing to go to a neighbors house who is given to pomp and circumstance....unless of course you somehow are in awe of this man.

Why do we care whether he goes or not?

Not everybody likes Obama. Ever think about that?

Oh give it up! Please! You are nothing special! You won. GO to the white house

So he didn't want to go to the White House, no big deal. Next time, though, she should just say that he doesn't feel like it and leave it at that. The more the guy talks, the more stupid he sounds. His logic is idiotic and he cements it with: "Hey, James ain't changed." Genius.

I am a huge Steeler fan. I am a little embarassed about why James Harrison did not attend the White House. This is a tradition. A sports team wins or an Olympian wins a medal he or she is invited to the White House. I do not see Obama calling me to go to the White House. I did not do anything "special" like win the Super Bowl. Harrison need to get off his high horse and be proud to have been invited to the White House because he is a Super Bowl Champion! Oh and by the way, Arizona would have been invited if they would have won and so will the next Super Bowl Champions!

What's wrong with this story is that it's reported as a story.

Harrison has every right to decide not to go or go as he wishes. It's a free country.

He has passed on attending in the past and is continuing to do so.

Give the guy a break.

(I wish I always had the guts to say "I just don't wanna go", when I don't wanna go. I'd have many less rubber chicken dinners in my life.

If Arizona won, they would have been invited instead? You think? Harrison should give back his superbowl ring, too. After all, if Arizona won, they would have been offered the rings instead.

CNN.............with Repub State of the Union John and Bias with Bull Brown....you forgot to put in the title he did the same when Bush was there!!!!!!!!!!!

**I am from Pittsburgh, this guy supported President Obama. Saw him at a rally.

How 'bout this, James.......if you want to see me at a Steelers game, you give me tickets instead of paying for it. Nobody called you ANYTHING except selfish.. IT'S A TRADITION, STUPID! You made it into what it is! If you don't talk, things don't get printed.

Who at CNN is picking these stories? This is not news.

I would not go either even as a tourist. Until people who are living in poverty are educated and there is real equality for all including gender equality I will have to choose to boycott visiting the White House.

CNN-

Non-story here.
All it does is give the same right wing whack jobs a chance to spew.

I don't quite follow the rational Harrison used for his not showing up for the White House invitation. I will say that his statements show that repeated concussions do effect your cognitive functioning. At least it's an excuse we can understand.

Hey, if the man wants to go through life based on idiotic logic, then that's his prerogative. I mean seriously, "if you want to see the Pittsburgh Steelers, invite us when we don't win the Super Bowl"? Really? Okay dude. Enjoy life in dumb-ville....

If the football player was white it would be racism.

I'm a Dallas Cowboys fan and I was pulling for Arizona, so I could careless that that guy didn't go to the White House. I was so hoping that the not miss guy and his team would lose. I don't think it bother the President that he didn't show up. One thing I agree with this guy, what's his name? Why make a big deal out of it. It's not like it was Kobe Bryant or Lebron James.

He's really showing how stupid he is. He needs to look at the bigger picture, he has a chance to meet the first Black President and he turns it down. This is something he could have told his kids, on second thought hopefully someone that stupid won't have kids and pass those traits on to them.

Why are we even concerned with who is visiting the White House. I could care less whether or not key players did not attend. Many of them don't attend. And the point is......

Who gives a --? It's like when you throw a party-you invite people but don't MAKE them show up.

You mean he didn't goto the Messiah's party!!! Behead him!!! Please, I would of showed up just so I could have told Obama what I thought of him, then the cops would have had to drag me off.

Here's a quarter sports fans, call someone who cares!

Not much of a football fan, but James Harrison sounds like an arrogant jerk.

Um. Who cares? He didn't see Bush, he doesn't want to see Obama. Big deal.

The Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers made the traditional winner's trip to the White House Thursday.......

As far as I'm concerned, he would've invited Arizona if they had won.....

well dauhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

"phoenix86" He said it wasn't politcal. You twit. READ the article.

He turn down Bush as well so why is it a big deal Repnuts?

Its a free country , he can do what he wants.

Mr. Harrison the reason it's a "big thing" now, is because it's Obama you're not going to see. God forbid, you treat him the same as any other past president.

Who cares? Give me a break. Let's move on.

The President and First Lady have made it very clear that they want the White House to be the people's house. Lots of different people get invited: school children, activists, musicians, athletes, regular folk who are lucky. If Harrison doesn't want to go, let someone else go in his place!

Not going is rude and speaking to the press about is is even worse.

a Mut! Is a type of Dog.

Harrison just proves what most of us already knew... The bad guys won that super bowl.

@MD – you just go ahead and go but keep you bad English to yourself – I don't blame the man as I wouldn't go either! And I believe the proper term is "sitting". I wouldn't think of Obama as a "place setting" of dinnerware. He is a "sitting" President of the .....

obaaaaaaaaaaaama...come on sheeple, he isn't the change we've been asking for. his campaign made a lot of promises but just do a little research and watch the obama deception to see what he's actually done

The American Situation? Is there realy "room" for conflict. Who is drunk with power? You assume too much CNN, and know so very little.

what a jerk. 'nuff said.

This is just moronic.

How is this news?

Why is this relevent?

I guess he's not getting the attention he needs from football......

Very strange! He just a total lack of respect for the Pres of the United States. This guy can really play football but he is not very intelligent.

Harrison was stupid for not going BOTH times. 99.9% of the American people don't get invited to the White House EVER. Let alone twice by 2 setting Presidents. What an idiot...

Now there is change: Winners in the white house. Nyuck Nyuck. Have a nice long weekend! Rest up and do some grilling. Your homework assignment is to not get on the CNN website and trash talk. Get outdoors and have fun instead. That goes for Liberals too. See y'all Tuesday.

This guy is a hero.I love a man that can beat his girlfriend or wife senseless.Quit picking on my on my wife , Phoenix86,she is a wonderful person and posts comments all day for free,here in our trailor.

This is not news, but I respect his decision.

I disagree with Obama a lot, I didn't vote for him. BUT James Harrison is a moron! The Prez always invites the Super Bowl winners and it should be an honor to be invited.

We had the fortune of visiting the West Wing when Bush was in office, and got to shake his hand at the Marine One landing the next day. Now I'm not a fan of Bush by any means, but I still think that was one of the coolest things I have ever done. I shook the hand of the leader of the free world!

Point is when the president invites you to celebrate the fact that you won the super bowl, you attend. If he invites you to come over for a hot dog, you go.

Petty to think that he should be invited outside of winning the super bowl as if he is extraordinary because he plays football.

Who wrote Borack Obama's speach. How lond did it take (AFTER THE THE FACT).... Obama is an Idiot. How do I catch Fish. "I use bait on an empty hook".... Is there such a thing?????

This guy sounds like a moron. Why is the media giving him so much press about it?

Good for Harrison to at least say the truth about Obama.

Can you imagine? One of the most historically important presidents in U.S. history and this dolt gives up the opportunity to meet him for stupid person reasons. This makes sense, though, I'm betting Harrison never advanced much beyond a 6th grade education.

James is a freakin' idiot!

why is this news ? who cares ? dont we have much more important things to talk aboet ?

Good for you James Harrison!

I respect the fact that you are being consistent....you didn't go when Bush was there and now you aren't going when Obama is at the White House.

You seem to be standing on principle and have not wavered for political reasons.

Good for you!

Who cares if he didn't go?! Is this really news? It is his lost oportunity. Why does the rest of us have to know about it?

Who gives a darn hoot to see Ob ama ,I could care less if I ever see the idiot.

No, Harrison isn't a devil worshipper........he's just a freakin' idiot!

debsup::: you're probably rite there as well

James Harrison has snubbed two Presidents, so clearly his motivation is not political, but based on some personal values. Then again maybe he is just an idiot.

I would never pay the big bucks for a ticket to one of the steelers game, and they lose, just how do you think your fans feel when you lose? I know? I will never buy another ticket. Some people are just plain oh dumb, no class, etc Its an honor to be invited to the white house; the president of the United States especially the first black president.

Mr. President I would be more than happy to show in Harrison's place as many others do.

More power to the man! Obama has far more important things to do than suck up to, or be sucked up to by , NFL players.

He's got good sense.

The money that photo opp cost could've saved someone from foreclosure or helped pay down the MASSIVE debt.

I think I would have had more respect for Harrison if he'd not gone because he disagreed with Obama's politics. But, to not go because he was ONLY invited because they won the Super Bowl...makes him a super idiot.

I'm glad the rest of the team had a good time.

Sounds like he has no pains.Or brains. Its a tradition to be invited.He took it as an insult.

Hey Cowboy, that's the reason he didn't go last time.

listen to all the lefty's on this junk news site. if you want to get a lefty point of view come here or go to MSNBC,CBS,ABC…always pointing the finger. the reason he don't want to go is because he dosen't want to be seen with a loser like obamy and his moron accompanyment and moron wife…HAHAHAHAAAAAAAA

Wow, lots of wing-nut sore losers here!

Ya'll are just going to have to put up with grownups in charge, probably for about the next 25 years.

'Course, you can always emigrate; Mexico sounds like a sporty destination. Or, hell, just secede. Yeah, that's gonna happen.

I am a die-hard Steeler fan, but Harrison, I dunno. I'll bet when they were handing out brains, he thought they said "trains" and yelled, "I'll take the next one."

Mr.Harrison
Although im not a steelers fan, I respect any man who follow his own heart and true to his beliefs, whats the big deal anyway his job is playing football and he is a great player and the Steller Nation loves him because he wins ,not for sucking up to the pressure of other people . The President is only a man .So much for Freedom of choice

"As a steeler fan...When harrison and his agent kept coming out with different excuses that even my 7 year old wont make... thats the reason this gained [the] publicity it did..."
I agree. All he had to say was 'I didn't go last time, either'. End of story. Who would turn down an invitation to the White House, though? That's an honor and a privilege as an American.

Hines Ward looks like he is having a good time too!

I understand Harrison's feelings, but it's been a tradition for many many years to meet the president of the FREE WORLD after winning the Super Bowl. this is sad to say but its kind of a pissy fit that he's throwing here. "why should I go, if the cardinals won they woulda been invited" that’s just it Harrison! The cardinals didn't win! YOU DID. So swallow your pride and humbly accept the honor and privilege of meeting the president of the US.

Harrison is an example of what can happen to you if you play football without a helmet.

If he doesn't want to go that's his prerogative. The MSM is just making a big deal about it because he's African-American turning down a visit with the first African-American president. Who cares!

listen to all the lefty's on this junk news site. if you want to get a lefty point of view come here or go to MSNBC,CBS,ABC...always pointing the finger. the reason he don't want to go is because he dosen't want to be seen with a loser like obamy and his moron accompanyment and fat ass wife...HAHAHAHAAAAAAAA

Oh PLEASE CNN, why are you making this such a big deal...it is NOTHING!!!!!!! He didn't show when Bush was there, so why is it so important now!!!!

I know it isn't a slow news day, heaven forbid, you have already torn the Presidents speech apart....

@Paul, CA May 21st, 2009 4:43 pm ET
YOU GUYS MUST BE RELATED (idiots) he ignored both President Bush and President Obama

May he is afraid of BO? I don't know!

Put the politics aside you morons who are bashing Obama. ALL PRESIDENTS invite the winners of the SB, WS etc to visit the White Houese. Bush did the same thing. So get a clue please.

I can't believe how stupid some of the comments on here are. Where were you guys when he turned down the invitation when Bush was President? It wasn't a big thing then and it isn't a big thing now. Does he not have the right to make the decision? Oh wait, I forgot...if you don't goose step with the Democrat's, you're evil. Give the guy a break...He not supporting the Republicans or dissing the Democrats. He's exercising his God given and constitutional right to do what he wants. You guys do remember the constitution?

Oh and– who care's if he didn't take the invite and go to the White House? WHO CARES? Just because "everyone else is" he should? Or because it's an "honor"? An honor would be getting a heroic metal from the president. Asking to come look at the White House and meet the President isn't an honor. People tour the White House EVERY DAY! I mean, if I were invited I would go just to say I did... but heck, just because some one didn't go doesn't mean that person should be called names or be judged.

he has a RIGHT do as he sees fit ...it's funny how INTOLLERANT the obot nation can be. but they can remind everyone else how they should act...

Rather than have 60 guys travel from Pittsburgh to DC why not have one guy Obama travel from DC to the Steelers Camp. I would not have gone either

guess I am again shut out of posting while paid posters like mike and phoenix86 get to spew hate unscathed...

I went to school with James.....he was a jerk back them......I see he graduated to a BIGGER jerkl!!

dumb

What a idiot! He should respect President and White House, President can't invite every body. Stupid, non sense reasoning....

Big fish in a small pond ... who is he and who cares who he is anyway?

To those of you who searched and FOUND a way to turn this into yet another opportunity to say something nasty about OUR current president...

YOU are the reason this country is in the shape it is in.

I wish none of them would go. It's about time we stop worshipping professional sports figures and have our public officials dedicate themselves to important matters like their actual jobs: governing.

Of course he doesn't have to go, but he still makes no sense and sounds like a 3 year old. I might have had trouble not attacking Bush on sight and woul dprobably refused to shake his hand, but I still would've accepted an invitation to meet him.

What a idiot on both counts, Bush and Obama!!!! Let's move on!

Maybe Harrison should be checked for a concussion.

10 bucks says the GOP makes him the next "Joe the Plumber"... call him "James the Dumber".

@Denise
So you don't think this guy deserves a ring just for hard work and being part of the winning team? So Obama has you and many people on this board believing that you don't deserve anything unless you comply with his wishes?

He really has you people well programed. Wake up and see it.

Ok – I don't care if he doesn't wanna go. But can I have his invitation? I wanna go! Obama is awesome!!

He is a product of a student who attended class in "the portables", rode the "short" bus and HAD to play ball cause all else would not work. All that glitters AIN'T gold. He is intimidated by BOOK smart folks. It ain't all about the ball James. Expand and mingle with history.

Steroids makes you say and do stupid things. He doesn't have to go, but his reason makes no sense. Only winners in team sports get the chance to be acknowledged by the President, regardless who is the President at the time. The reason it didn't get any play from the media when Bush was President, who really knew him at that time, this year was a breakout year for this clown.

This guy is a putz. As much as I loathed President Bush, had he invited me to the White House, I would have gone and considered it a life achievement.

I wouldn't be surprised if he had "bad blood" with some people that live in the area and wants to avoid a conflict.

I really think he's just racist. haha!

Maybe Linebacker James Harrison just has something better to do. Something Obama should think about doing........ like doing a better job running this country.

Hahaha Mike... lol! Funny- I was thinking the same thing. Its like the White House is "The Hills" these days!

And we care why? really I'm sure the President doesn't care and next time invite everyone but him and then you will not have to waste an invitation on wasteful things.

We have always had celebrities go through the White House. This is not a new thing with President Obama. The Presidents' schedules have always been really tight, so the amount of time they usually spend with celebrities is minute in their busy schedules each day. We need a little levity each day too. So no one should begrudge the moments that make the President smile each day. Most of us would never want that 24-7 each day job.

Classless is all I can think off.

Regardless of political affiliation, when one is invited to the meet the President, you go out of respect for the office.

I was never a W fan, but if he invited me, I would go and be respectful.

You're all acting like Harrison said , "its a free world, I dont want to go."
When actually he thinks he deserves to be invited when the Super Bowl isnt in the picture. Bottom line, all that should be said is, if you win the Super Bowl you meet the President, there is no downgrade in that. For some reason his ego is bigger then his helmet can fit.

Even though I think Harrison is a tool...it is his right to be an idiot and refuse to go in his childlike manner.
I wonder if they have to beg him to play each NFL game!!....."Hey man, invite me to play a game after we lose!!"...... What a jamoke.

Good, one less person taking up space and air in THE PEOPLE'S White House.

It is an honor and a priviledge to be invited to the Whitehouse and meet the President of the United States. James Harrison is ignorant and hopefully he will not be viewed as a role model for anyone.

you already reported on this days ago.

The leader of the free world extends an invite and you decline with nothing short of a ridiculous rationale. You, sir, are a moron.

This idiot should have accepted BOTH invitations, regardless of the host. As an American, is it not too much to ask to show respect for a society where a guy who can "run fast" makes more $$ than a paramedic or doctor who saves lives every day..... Shut- up and be thankful for our land of opportunity!!!

So what if he doesn't want to go, isn't it his choice?

So he doesn't want to go. Neither would I. So lets all us Democrats, and I am one, attach a bunch of senseless stereotypes to those who don't worship every word our self-appointed savior decides to express. Sorry but most of us are waiting for the real Messiah!

This is so stupid. What's Harrison's point? [sarcasm]I'm sure the Prez is going to loose alot of sleep over this.[/sarcasm]

Is it just me, or are others out there having a hard time understanding what the heck he is talking about?

Good for James Harrison, he has a right not to go if he doesn't want to. I don't remember hearing about it when he didn't go to the White House for President Bush.

What an ego! You should be honored to be invited to the White House.

If it were me, Id see a trip to the White House an additional perk along side that beautiful Lombardi Trophy. Not to mention, if I were black, I would love to meet the FIRST black President face-to-face.

What an idiot..... stupid ignorant dumb idiot.... hope his career gets over next year from an injury... idiot.

The president needs to start working and get the economy on track instead of this nonsense meeting.

What an idiot! I hate when sports FIGURES get these ignorant heads. He should be ashamed of himslf, andkids should NOT look up to this moron. Even when he didnt go when bush was there. He acts like he should have gotten an invite for just being him??? Whatever, he just lost ALL respect as far I am concerned. loser!

What has Obama done during his first presidential term besides meet with celebrities and propose flawed regulation. His inauguration was like a rerun of Star Search. I'm sure glad Obama is meeting with the Steelers instead of helping to resolve our country's current economic predicament. Nice choice democrats!

Good for him. He is right. No one made a big deal before, so why make a big deal now.

@Scott H-
I believe its been said several times over that the media failed to make it a big enough deal when Bush was turned down. Back then, it was never posted on the ticker to allow folks to then comment. But nice way to bring "move-on" and libruls into this. Limbaugh must be done for the day otherwise we wouldn't have been blessed with your comments.

Hey Harrison.......It's not about you ....OK

Actually I wonder how he would feel had he never won a super bowl – strange how ego warps the mind

How dare he say no to Obama. I thought that was actually a law or amendment to the constitution now that you could not disagree or disappoint the chosen one.

CNN...try freedom of speech once and a while and post something that isn't just fawning over obama's emperor's new clothes.

Robin's Comment

Wow, what's with all these celebrities parading through the White House?

Did we elect a president or a movie star?
_____________>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Well Robin, Ronald Reagan was elected as President and he WAS a movie star! You betcha!

No matter how hard I try, no matter how closely I concentrate, I just can't get myself to care what James Harrison does with his free time.

No one care....harrison is a thug anyways. Obama is the man

note to harrison: i don' t think obama particualrly wanted to see the steelers be cause he is a chicago bears fan.[ the visit is just a tradition.

Chris Jacke didnt go to the White House when the Pack won the SuperBowl in '96, where is the story about that???

Although I appreciate his consistency, his argument is mute. An invite to the White House is one of several perks for being national champs...just like the money...the trophy...the ring...and the bragging rights. Losers don't get those things. Futhermore, Obama openly rooted for the Steelers so it's not like he's a fair weather fan.

SUCH AN IDIOT!
Of course if Arizona won they would have been
invited to the White House!!!

That's part of what the winners get....

Wonder how he memorizes a playbook with such a basic knowledge of how the world works???

A true example of bipartisanship: he ignored both President Bush and President Obama ...

Who cares. Anyone who calls him a moron for not going is a self absorbed moron themselves. I wouldnt go either.

Why is this news?

oh, wow ! really sounds kinda goofy . give a good answer the next time you are invited somewhere dude! steeler's fans i won't hold this one against you guys, but is this guy really that silly in the locker room?

nice logic there, Spock

way to go

Its fine, who really cares if he shows or not.
I love Obama but I wouldnt want to go to white house

Who cares if he goes or not? I don't.

What a jerk. His loss.

A professional linebacker who is also a pantwetter? Dude's a walking oxymoron.

Not to mention the fact that they were there to put care pkgs together for the troops, Jerk.

Sounds like a sore winner. There are those also. Very un American. When the POTUS calls you to the White House, then you go.

OMG people just because he doesn't want to go to the White House you people are ready to have him drawn and quartered . This is still a free country, if he doesn't want to go then he doesn't want to go. It's as simple as that. I understand that for many on this board going to the White house and basking in the reflected glory of the president is your life ambition but this man has made his own glory and doesn't need the reflected version.

Hey James, I hope your helmet fails!

This is a man who hit his babymama because she wouldn't have their baby baptized in the Catholic church. Another holy hypocrite.

I think he'd be more comfortable in the Palin house.

When he skipped the trip while Bush was president the media reported it with a wink and a smile. Now that he has skipped the trip to see Barry Hussein, the media is outraged.

It's been said over and over again in this section in different ways, he doesn't have to go if he doesn't want to and it makes no difference to you people, Is this country no longer free? Is there no longer freedom of expression in this country?

let it go who cares...

Dear Obamunists,
Where was this "disrespecting the office" venom when this same player declined the Bush invitation from the 2006 SB win? Think about it. How was it not even a REPORTED story then, and now, since this in some way offends the Leftimedia, its an outrage?

This Move.On.Org flavored Liberalism is about standing on one's head and telling the world it is upside down. If it wasn't for Lou Dobbs, CNN would be an absolute rag.

Would the Steelers have had time to visit the White House between January 20th and the Super Bowl? This guy is a diva!

Not news.

Congrat's U Steelers! That LB is NOT a man, he a boy!

This is just an Ignorant who He wants to play important. Plase not attention to him.

Nobody really cares. He's just a football player. I'm certain that Obama noticed - Not.

As a steeler fan, i didnt think harrison not going to the wihte house was an issue, All he had to say was i dont feel like going to the white house then end of question. i mean who cares. But when harrison and his agent kept coming out with different excuses that even my 7 year old wont make, then thats the reason this gained more publicity than it did. but new media need to let it go, because harrison might not be the sharpest tool in the yard, but as long as he runs down running backs and quaterback for steeler wins, then i dont really care what he says.

Obummer. I get it. Way to go Obama Victim! Have you visited the Obama Victim's CRisis Center yet? It's nice. Lot's of old people watching Matlock, sucking pepermints, going on about how "the ol' days were. Really nice. I suggest you check it out.

blah blah blah...blah blah blah..blah?? blah blah blah??
oh...i'm sorry, i had my "who cares" text enabled. was there actually a point to any of this??

this dude is a bum. how about we do this, kick him off the team and see him try to get a real job with the rest of us.....yeah right.
Dude, just shut up

He just wants attention. Its so obv.

Yawn...

Why do I love this President, even though I hate football with a passion, he acts like an American plain and simple.

aaahhh poor baby. whatsa mattah James is your diaper dirty? Sounds just like something a juvenile or better yet a toddler would do.

Here is a man with a back bone, most people would jello to the white if invited and asked to be there by 3:00am.

I think it's high time to just dump the asinine "tradition" of inviting pro sports "winners" to the White house. What actual national significance is there to a professional athlete's accomplishments? Answer: None, beyond some mindless entertainment and a means of generating advertising revenue for big corporations.

This is a non-issue....can we just PLEASE give a few more Billon to Bank of America???.....we haven't seen anything given away in a few days....c'mon with the photo op....give the White House to Citigroup.....

This illustrates that Harrison is a loser. What a jerk! Cut him!

Okay.why invite a team that did not win the Superbowl.............. harrison is up for trade anyone want him????

I can understand him turning down Bush.....but turning down President Barack Obama? This guy should be thrown out of the NFL.

Oh snap! I agree with him. Period.

So, this guy (as someone predicts) is going to be in jail within the next ten years. That should get him a Cabinet nomination. He's holding out for a bigger invite. And, he'd be bringing a wealth of experience to the White House, a refreshing change. I wonder how quickly he can spend my grandchildren's money?

What an idiot its a tradition to invite the winning team. Someone thinks awfully highly of themself!

The media didn't even make this big of a deal when we was arrested for beating up his girlfriend last year during the offseason... This guy must be dull

No one cares that he declined to go. His reasoning was rather stupid though. The WINNERS have always gone to the White House. Why would the losers go?

Slow news day? C'mon! Who cares? "Cheesus" would be more newsworthy than this.

James you ain't missing anything special there, just a guy in a suit too big for him.

Everyone is talking about this because of the reason he gave for not going otherwise, it would have been a none story. Some of you should watch ESPN more.

It's a tradition, moron. I think you've been hit too many times. Might want to consider an MRI...

What's the big deal? Why is this political? Who cares if a private citizen doesn't want to go to the White House to meet the president?

Welcome to a new low in the right wing paranoia about liberal bias in the media

I didn't know black people were allowed to be against Obama????

I'm confused?? Didn't they vote for him like 95%?

James Harrison hasn't been drinking his Kool-Aid!!!!

Who cares if he stayed home.I just want to see Cheney get what Mussolini got.

I don't care if he goes..His choice for sure.

His reasoning was that of a 4 year old though.

Decline an invitation to the White House and suddenly you're a "jerk" or a "moron" or a "crass and arrogant guy." Oh, brother. What disturbs me is that too many of us Americans regard elected officials as celebrities or even royalty. Generally speaking, they work for us, not the other way around.

I think the issue is he was disrespectful to Dan Rooney by not going since Dan Rooney has such important ties to the president. It wasn't an issue with bush becase the owner of the steelers wasn't personally involved with Bush like he is Obama.

If my boss asked me to represent my company in this sort of public recognition I would be expected to participate.

I always thought the adult and well mannered thing to do was to accept an invitation to the White House when asked. He should have accepted when President Bush invited him as well.
Grow up – you play a game and you are invited to meet the President of the United States. Perhaps you would like to quit playing and work for a living!

Never heard of him.

Gosh! You think we can have more stories on something really important like FORECLOSURES AND HOW CONGRESS HAS ONCE AGAIN SCREWED US BY PANDERING TO THE BANKS???

Why aren't you talking about the collusion between the banks and government officials which has caused many honest hardworking people to lose their jobs, homes and retirements?

Instead, this is what we have to comment on? I am glad we have MSNBC....

this non-story reeks.

I can't believe there isn't anything else more significant to report on. Who cares if a football player does not want to go to the white house. Why didn't anyone make a huge deal out of it when he refused last time? Besides, maybe Obama should be spending time creating policies that will fix the economic problems that Bill Clinton created instead of meeting with football players. (Clinton created policies which allowed people with low credit to obtain mortgages, not Bush).

Harrison seems to think it's a privilege for the White House that he should show up, Super Bowl winner or not. The point is that it's the team being granted special privileges for being the national champions, not the other way around – and not him in particular. This just shows what a self-centered moron he is.

Thank You Harrison, the Steelers did a wonderful thing today for our troops! No one cares if you stayed at home.

Who cares anyway!!!!! And by the way "The Broker" you are an a%^h*&^

The Broker. May 21st, 2009 3:29 pm ET

More Borack Obama's. Steal the White House. Just because they are Black?

...as he did with Bush meeting. big deal CNN...this is much ado about nothing and a waste of space reporting.

no wonder the political ticker is full of junk...with non-news event like this!!!

Support for CNN's version of barack Obama. There is a big difference out ther, as CNN will learn eventually.

Just a thought – he might just be a Jehovah's Witness – they do not support secular governments and they won't participate in the military. They believe that at the end of the world, God will supplant all secular governments and rule directly. They equate what they call nationalism with racism.

He doesn't have to go if he doesn't want to – who gives a rat's?

so he doesn't want to go, so what!! i would stay away from that neighborhood of crooks my self. by the way, the left right paradigm doesn't exist, become an infowarrior

ONE LEMMING decides not to go over the cliff, makes a U-turn. Yes, liblings he is definitely a moron, an idiot a jerk!

Why is this a story?
And why do people insist on politicizing it?
He's afraid to fly. This trip isn't part of his job. Why should he go?

The guy's "not comfortable flying" but travels to road games every other week? The right wingers in Pittsburgh know otherwise. Why would he want to visit the White House when he can stay home and lisen to Rush Limbaugh fuel the hatred for those he represents?

How many jobs does Obama hanging out with celebrities every day produce?

Someday he'll be able to say to his grandchildren, "I had the opportunity to meet the first African American President of the United States but I chose not to because I'm a jerk".

This story belongs on Fox. It's not really news, and they could surely spin this into an interesting conspiracy of some sort.

Harrison certainly isn't the brightest bulb in the chandelier when it comes to his decision. It's called the "Winner's invitation" for a reason. The White House has historically hosted winning teams from virtually all sports venues as a symbolic gesture of the nations support of your victory. If I were the coach, I'd double check the padding in his helmet and schedule him for a CAT scan to see if he's clinically messed up in the head or just mental.

Congratulations Pittsburgh Steelers on your victory, and maybe some day before my grandchildren that aren't born yet grow old and die the Detroit Lions can make that trip.

""Let me ask you a question," he said Wednesday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Why is it a big issue now that I'm not going if it wasn't a big issue the last time?"

Well, Mr. Harrison, last time your snub was received as a "ha! ha!" that the partisans on the CNN blog relished. However, when they learned that you weren't a partisan hack, and just a principled oddball, it became an issue for them because you weren't going to pay homage to their anointed one (and, at the same time, hadn't been tossing a particular political jab at the one they hated).

Bet he gets audited.

Lots of comments from folks who don't understand the game of football. It's comical.

I think the man is old enough to decide whether to go or not. It wasn't an order, it was an invitation.

1. Why do football players get invited to the White House for winning a child's game? What about scholars, musicians - you know, people who actually work?

2. Why make a big deal about someone that doesn't want to go to the White House? I am amazed that anyone has a problem with his decision.

3. Why has some airhead mentioned Dick Cheney in this thread?

4. Why is this news?

John Donaldson –

I think the title is like the President: Once you've been President (or Vice-President), you're always supposed to be referred to as "President [name]" or "Vice-President [name], even after office.

Maybe you were being sarcastic, but if you weren't – there's your answer.

Since we're talking NFL let's visit Vick. Why doesn't the Commish police all the bad boys? Who is monitoring child support payments?
Didn't Mike Tyson box again after his rape convictions? How many chances do the druggers get? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE animals and was broken hearted for months about my Lab died several years ago. However, it is an ANIMAL not a human being. Come on Commish, reset your moral compass, or get out of the game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've gone to WH photo op events. It's as exciting as watching grass grow. I decided that I would not do others if invited. Now Harrison refuses the invite for the 2nd time, but since The One is now president, the left decides he must be a moron, republican, or both.

Could it be he just doesn't want to do it? Or is it his patriotic duty to make The One look good? (we already know where Chris "Man Crush" Mathews comes down on this question.)

Like school on Memorial Day...No class! What a crass and arrongant guy. You're right not to go Harrison. Yes. stick to Football, clearly diplomacy and statemanship is not your forte.

I am hearing all day FORMER Vice President Dick Cheney being referred to as the Vice President. Please address him as former. Thank you John Donaldson, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Why is this even a story???
Come on people and CNN . . . get your head out of your butts.

I don't believe you can be forced to go to the White House. At any rate Harrioson's job performance is better than current occupant.

Everyone is suppose to bow down to Obama; where have you been.

So what is the problem . . . this just happens to be a person of some intelligence and has no need to be an rear-end kisser . . . my, my, what a great story (ha ha).

he's an adult...if he doesn't want to go to the ursurper's residence, so be it.

This is why his job is running fast and catching a ball. Get him outside that box and he starts thinking for himself....which seems to not be such a good idea. NO you wouldn't be invited to the White House as the Super Bowl loser, NO you wouldn't get a Super Bowl ring if your team lost, NO you wouldn't get a million dollar contact if you don't run fast and catch footballs, and YES everyone thinks you are an idot.

Re: Broker

Your comment is so raciest....Your one of the morons in the Repukblican party...Big deal that the guy didn't want to attend..I see a great deal of BLACK Repuklicans who hate President Obama. It just amazes me that the black people in this country keep complaining about being treated unfairly, but yet they criticize the President.

I just want to know-who cares, and what has Harrison done with his life........oh yeah, he is a football star. I forgot how important that is.

Who is what's his name?

That's got to be one of the most rediculous reasons that I've ever heard. If you want to make a stand be a man and get behind it.

Good point. If you snub a republican president, the media is just fine with it. But let someone DARE to NOT show up to kiss the messiah's ring and WATCH OUT!!

Good going, James! Thank you for having a mind of your own and seeing through these opportunistic phonies.

Wow, talk about tiptoeing around the subject.... Just come out and say it, the shocking thing is he wouldn't want to visit with a black president.... that he isn't a huge fan. Because, he himself is black. Black, black, blackety black LOL

Wow, a football player doesn't want to be entangled in politics, declines an INVITATION from a Republican and a Democrat, and suddenly he's "ignorant," a "lug head," and a "self-absorbed moron?" I'd say he understands his role quite well. He's an athlete, not a puppet to be used for political photo opportunities. Besides, the last time I checked, the President can't compel the presence of a private citizen. Kudos to James Harrison for exercising his constitutional right TO BE LEFT ALONE.

Why didn’t the commissioner ever discipline this idiot for stomping his cleat into an opposing player after the play in the super bowl? This guy is just a thug; don’t really care what he does. I will bet anyone on here this guy is in prison within 10 years of his playing career ending.

He is a DUMMY!!!

Simple as that

Why didn't the media make a big deal out of this when he didn't go when President Bush was in office. The media is constantly trying to stir up mess.

Too many games without a helmet???

This guy isn't too bright. Geez!!!!

Funny – when the guy doesn't want to visit the White House under Bush ... no biggie.

But when he refuses Obama... BLASPHEMY!!! The media creates a firestorm and O'bot's slam the guy.

Just goes to show how delusional and dangerous the media and Obama supporters really are!

why on earth would you libs care if a football star chooses not to go to the white house? This guy has accomplished more and worked harder than Obama to get where he is–give me a break.

It's Harrison's loss, to not attend a ceremony honoring his team is a shame. Maybe the Steelers Coach might honor him with a BENCH seat for a couple of games....

Maybe he was worried he's faint and never regain consciousness by being in the presence of Almighty Obama.

That, or he's worried that Obama would take more of his money.

Keep up the english lessons "broker", I can see you almost getting coherent.

Harrison, it is really simple. When you don't win Super Bowls you are a no-body, when you win Super Bowls you are a celeb.

People are interested in celebs and not interested in no-bodys.

Be thankful that you were on a winning team or no one would be interested in meeting you.

You are just not that important of a person actually.

Wow...he's a little stupid. Of course they were invited because they won. That's sort of the point....

Just had a thought, visitors to meet Obama have to go through a security check, I wonder what Harrison is afraid of?

Who cares?

Who cares? Why is this a story? So a football player didn't want to go to the White House to meet the president. Hard-hitting reporting.

Ok so the winning team was invited to the White House and one player declined the invite...end of story?

Wow, what's with all these celebrities parading through the White House?

Did we elect a president or a movie star?
________________________________________________________
Robin you do realize that all presidents, not just Obama, have invited the champions of leagues to the White House.

James – the world doesn't revolve around you. Sorry to point that out.

Ha ha! I can't stop laughing when I hear his LAME excuse!

"He would've invited the Cardinals had they won"........Yes he would have. That's the tradition!

Why doesn't he just come out and admit he is afraid of airplanes. Sheesh!

I don't like flying either.

This dude is a headcase.

Who cares. If someone doesn't want to go, they don't want to go. Obviously a "super reporter from CNN" has nothing else in this world to report on.

He skipped out on meeting Bush once also. He's annoyed that Obama is meeting with the winners Who else would he meet with you fool, the losers?

He gives new meaning to the term "dumb jock"

The Steelers really ought to have a CT done on this guy's brain. Way too much football!

OMG big news here. Harrison never went to the White House during Bush's term either.

This has NOTHING TO DO WITH OBAMA..he skipped the White House invite when BUSH WAS PRESIDENT TOO...he said he didn't want to go...move on...

Robin, all SuperBowl champs visit the White House..just like the NBA Champs, the NCAA Champs, etc....that has ALWAYS been the case....

@Obama Victim...I'm sure you'll NEVER be invited anyway so you have nothing to worry about....

More Borack Obama's. Steal the White House. Just because they are Black?

It looks like he missed a wonderful time. Too bad.

well so much for that Limbaugh myth that ALL Black people support and worship Obama,,,,,,

Mike Steele and Judge Thomas don't count!

"This is how I feel — if you want to see the Pittsburgh Steelers, invite us when we don't win the Super Bowl. As far as I'm concerned, he would've invited Arizona if they had won," said Harrison.

*
yeah, the winner of the Super Bowl gets invited tot he White House...did anybody explain this to him? The exposure of ignorance is saddening.

RealityKing needs to stop drinking the FAUX News Kool Aid.

I would avoid Obummer too

Wow, what's with all these celebrities parading through the White House?

Did we elect a president or a movie star?

The Steelers rule!!

Harrison can do what he wants. I wouldn't go to the White House, either. Regardless of who it was or what party.

That guy Harrison is a moron. I don't believe he has to go to the White House but his arguement for not going would be an insult to a 5 year old. Its a good thing he can play football becasue his reasoning ability would have him sweeping streets if this is indicative of how his brain works.

Okay, so you don't need a ring either.....the only reason why they are giving you a ring is because you won?! Seeing the President is part of the package along with the ring. Stupid! You wonder why people think jocks are lug heads!

The difference now is that the progressive media is run by the state. And that makes any embrassment to the state, personal to the progressive media. Notice that its only they who protest your decision..

Harrison has always been a jerk. Now that he caught a ball and ran 100 yards, and signed a big contract worth millions he has advanced to the self absorbed morons club.