November 14, 2009
Posted: November 14th, 2009 06:00 AM ET

From


WASHINGTON (CNN) – President Barack Obama cautioned members of Congress Saturday not to politicize questions surrounding the November 5 shootings at the Fort Hood military base in Texas.

"I know there will also be inquiries by Congress, and there should," Obama said in his weekly radio and Web address. "But all of us should resist the temptation to turn this tragic event into the political theater that sometimes dominates the discussion here in Washington. The stakes are far too high."

Obama has already ordered leaders of the military and intelligence community to complete a full review of the incident, and offer recommendations on ways military security might be improved.

"If there was a failure to take appropriate action before the shootings, there must be accountability," Obama said Saturday. "Beyond that – and most importantly – we must quickly and thoroughly evaluate and address any flaws in the system, so that we can prevent a similar breach from happening again."

Next Thursday, the Senate's Homeland Security Committee will hold a hearing to assess the events leading up to Major Nidal Malik Hasan's shooting rampage that killed 13 people.

Filed under: President Obama


Larry from Texas   November 14th, 2009 9:14 am ET

As a 30 year-plus Soldier still on active duty I'm pleased to have a Commander In Chief with maturity, integrity and wisdom. However, the useless members of Congress, the wing-nuts, and an opposition Party deeply in bed with Corporate America make the task all but impossible.

Chris   November 14th, 2009 9:12 am ET

Too late. Palin has already scheduled a visit to Ft. Hood as part of her tour to promote her book. Where I'm sure she'll use the opportunity as a civilian on an army base to bad mouth their Commander in Chief.

Bob Murray   November 14th, 2009 9:05 am ET

The first thing to do is allow the soldiers to be armed at all times. Our military is trained in the use of weapons and the conditions that allow their use. No one can protect the soldiers better than the soldiers themselves.

Artemisios   November 14th, 2009 9:04 am ET

There would be no problem if the 24-7 "news" acted at all responsibly. As it is, they have too much incentive to milk such controversies for all they're worth - at the cost of the Republic. After all, asking a Senator to shoot of his/her mouth is a lot cheaper than trying to cover world news.

Obama - NOPE   November 14th, 2009 9:04 am ET

Obama has to hope, that the long years of freedom from terrorism under Bush, are not now at an end, and that terrorism may be returning under Obama's watch. He's be the cause of it. Obama's indecision, and tepidness, may encourage a new wave of terrorist activity.

Black Viper   November 14th, 2009 8:50 am ET

Too bad Mr President the GOP of today is like a flok of voltures waiting for any caracass (opportunity) to jump over the meal.
They have no constructive ideas. They are full of hate and ready to spew that hate on any occasion even if their arguments doesn't make sense.
There were a lot of domestic american born terrorists who killed much more people than major Hassan unfortunate and deplorable shooting before but because Major Hassan happened to be a muslim the GOP will always find the link to Al-quaeda through a relative or friend to score a political point even if there is none.
Fearmongering is the only weapon they have left and they use it all the time on the american people because it works for them.

sam   November 14th, 2009 8:50 am ET

i you kidding me !
this is what president OBAMA wants to do with the killers of 3000 americans give them a forum to turn that trial in a political theater
against the policy of the Bush adm.

indiana voter   November 14th, 2009 8:49 am ET

This coming from the leader of the party who politicized 9/11, hurricane Katrina, and the war on terrorism. This President is so afraid to call the Fort Hood incident an act of terror, which is what it was. He is so afraid of offending muslims that he has to lie to the American people about what actually happened at Ft. Hood.

Allergictoliberals   November 14th, 2009 8:48 am ET

IS HE SERIOUS???? What in the world does he call what 's just been arranged for the 9/11 terrorists? If that's not the ULTIMATE political theatre than I don't know what is. You democrats are unreal. I'll I can say is T-minus 11+ months and counting to getting our country back!

Lloyd   November 14th, 2009 8:48 am ET

Cheney was correct in saying that Al Qaeda would attack Americans on US soil and Hussein is not the individual for the job due to his inexperience. Sad but True, but then again, so is all the bad light being shed by individuals when it is pointed out that The Hussein has no Clothes. Do the research and be prepared to be scared.

Willy Brown   November 14th, 2009 8:45 am ET

You already did buddy.

Donkey Party   November 14th, 2009 8:44 am ET

Sorry Mr. President, too late. The righties are running rampant claiming this to be a terrorist act on American soil. The GOPPERS new mantra is, "lying, it's not just for politics anymore".

Michele   November 14th, 2009 8:43 am ET

What a reasonable and intelligent approach. Bet the right will twist this into weakness, as they have already used it for political purposes, blaming Obama's "love of Muslims" as the reason it happened. I really pray that the right grows up and begins to act reasonably as citizens of this great country instead of stirring up hatred and fear at every opportunity.

Monica Cassano   November 14th, 2009 8:41 am ET

What kind of statement is that to Congress....political theater? He should be OUTRAGED THAT THIS HAPPENED....is he on medication?!!! He speaks so flatly about this as if the guy stole a pack of gum from the General. I am enraged with the lack of emotion this President shows me about this atrocity. It is simply UN American for this president...from the 1st press conference he held regarding the shootings........he seems to be simply going thru the motions! Hope he changes his tune......

uhav2bkiddinme   November 14th, 2009 8:38 am ET

oh sure....don't turn this into poliotical theater because Obama sure doesn't want to be on the receiving end of the criticism this time....it was real fun for Obama and other democrats to throw around accusations and criticism at Bush over everything from 9/11, Katrina etc.....sorry Obama if you can't handle it.. do us all a favor and either quit being a wimp or leave DC

Jim, Williamsburg, VA   November 14th, 2009 8:31 am ET

The most important determination to be made is the Muslim / Islam connection. We need to root out all elements of domestic terrorism in this country. They are at the root of all evil in this country.

Greg, MN   November 14th, 2009 8:30 am ET

Then call him an Islamic terrorist and figure out what idiots left him in the Army with all the obvious signs he was a liability. Heck what the main stream media reports now should have been enough. And we know the media doesn't research very hard.

hulamama51   November 14th, 2009 8:29 am ET

"tragic event " – NO – terrorist attack

why don't you call it what it is !!!

JK Ashburn, VA   November 14th, 2009 8:25 am ET

Oh great. This is unlike what the circus trials in NY City of the clowns from Gitmo will be. This guy just does not get it. I guess he doesn't want Congresscreatures to politicize Ft. Hood so he can do it himself.

Worst of all time   November 14th, 2009 8:25 am ET

A terrorist act happens on obama's watch and he does'nt want it to be political huh? Sorry pal, just like Katrina this happened on your watch and was carried out by a jihadist. The military should and will start investigating all Muslims within and respond accordingly with the ones who are on the fringe. obama's pc attitude is killing American's and the sooner we start profiling as a nation the safer we all will be. BTW, when will there ever be a hate crime against a caucasian?

Happy, Bellaire, Texas   November 14th, 2009 8:16 am ET

Obama and the media don't get it. This was not a "trajedy" any more than 9/11 or Oklahoma City. This was a terrorist attack.

Ann   November 14th, 2009 8:02 am ET

Gee, that's mature.I do have some public safety concerns, though, about this crowd playing with fire. If they're as good at that has they were running the country the last 2 terms, I wouldn't get too close.

Tom in Delaware   November 14th, 2009 7:58 am ET

Why's that Barry, want to hog the stage for yourself?

He's an idea...keep YOUR mouth shut and stop 'Acting Stupidly'.

BTW- Great way to punt the question about Hiroshima and Nuclear Weapons....and great Non-Coverage by CNN, as usual.

EZ   November 14th, 2009 7:37 am ET

TOO late Mr. President, the American media and the GOP have turned it into a theatrical dizzy political spin circus.

Americans are their own worst enemies. They don't know when to quit and respect the dead from a horrific crime. Americans ALWAYS find ways to self-destructed for selfish and political reasons. It's just in their materialistic nature. POLITICAL GREED and POWER is the root of American living.

America, the land of the GREEDY and POLITICAL HYPOCRISY!!

Americans are so quick to JUDGE and ATTACK other countries, but they NEVER look in the mirror.

Majority of Americans are

1. MISERABLE WITH THEIR LIVES

2. HATE THEIR JOBS/EMPLOYER

3. ARE SERIOUSLY OBESE, BUT YET THEY LOVE OVER-EATING
America has more buffets and fast foods than any other country in
the world and yet Americans wonder WHY they are UNHEALTHY.
Americans constantly complain about BEING FAT and SICK.

America has the HIGHEST OBESITY POPULATION than the
entire other countries. WHY IS THAT?

4. DON'T WANT THEIR OWN PRESIDENT TO SUCCEED. How stupid is this. Americans are known for being divisive, racists and hypocrites. Instead of supporting their President, they attack and hinder their own country's success. It's no wonder the rest of the world looks at Americans with such distastes and utter disgrace.

5. AMERICA'S MEDIA are nothing but gossip mongers. They don't report accurate NEWS, they distort, spin and twists the NEWS for boost ratings. It's no longer about accurate news reporting. The media in America is laughable. Other countries wonder HOW Americans are even well informed when it comes to their own country with so much garbage being spewed out the the American media giants.

Every time a horrific disaster occurs in America it's played out by the MEDIA in such a bias POLITICAL MANNER.

If you are terrorist, a murderer a serial killer, etc. ALL you have to do is watch American TV and you can GET first hand information on what to do and not do by American politicians, law enforcement, the media and journalists themselves. Unbelievable.

rick   November 14th, 2009 7:35 am ET

Thats to smart mister president!

Sue   November 14th, 2009 7:23 am ET

Did you HEAR this republicans?????......this should not be political theater.....shame on you for making it so....a very serious thing happened at Fort Hood....and making it into a political football is disgusting. Lets ALL work together to find out why and then correct.

MustBeKidding   November 14th, 2009 7:07 am ET

If it weren't so tragic, Obama's hypocrisy would be comical.

Everything he does is based on a poltiical calculation. Yet he admonishes Congress against "political theatre."

Give me a break.

2013 can't come fast enough, when we will no longer be subject to the images of this cold, smug President and his superior attitude.

Barack Hussein Speaks   November 14th, 2009 7:02 am ET

Obama once again jumps to defend the muslim terrorist – he seems more concerned with the rights of terrorists than with protecting American lives. Mr President, if you are going to be biased or sympatetic,, then perhaps you could lean more towards your own country and citizens once in a while. Don't worry so much about whether the Guantanamo prisoners are getting flu shots; whether Muslims like us or not; or if the Fort Hood terrorist is going to be shot; or whether Asia and Europe like usl Show some loyalty to the home folks for a change - and by the way, we are 97% Christian – that is your majority of citiziens -

Doc in Virginia   November 14th, 2009 7:01 am ET

Total common sense that the GOP will ignore and create a poiticized drama over. Just as they ignore the facts that Hasan made his overseas calls under Bush's watch as president, with Gonzalez as the AG and Negroponte as intel czar...where were these bloodhounds of justice when this was going on? When Hasan was starting to disintegrate into a radicalized muslim first-American last problem?
Just waiting for Boehner or that idiot grandstander Hoekstra (who let it leak publicly that Hasan's calls were being monitored) to start making innuendos about terrorists allowed to operate in the armed forces as a result of Obama being elected.
Bush & Cheney helped create this guy. He was in the army the entire time they were in office; this American born terrorist. Put that in your pipes...

Spider   November 14th, 2009 6:48 am ET

The man is an empty suit.

He makes statements that are merely reflections of the obvious. Of course, if there were mistakes made, those making them must be held responsible. Of course, we must figure out what happened and how we can guarantee it doesn't happen again. Hey, maybe you should have mentioned that we should wash up all the blood stains.

Thanks for the input, Mr. President. Now, why don't you fly off somewhere and apologize? Let the big boys do their job.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

twitter
@KuhnCNN: Great meeting @JackGrayCNN today and seeing @sinderbrandrcnn in NYC! AC Rock Stars! :-)
Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:07:10 -0800
@KuhnCNN: Posted today: Clinton foreign trip first on Twitter. http://bit.ly/9Axuh9 /via @PoliticalTicker
Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:36:14 -0800
@KuhnCNN: RT @octavianasrCNN: MUST-READ// Coaching tomorrow's world leaders, through social networking -- http://bit.ly/9tmW6x
Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:32:51 -0800
@AWMooneyCNN: Metro finally comes and then stops at station for 20 minutes #snoverkill
Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:46:27 -0800
@psteinhauserCNN: I just shoveled two feet of snow off the roof. That was fun!
Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:14:34 -0800
Categories
Powered by WordPress.com VIP