Update2: Is This Obama's Pet Goat Moment?

Update 2: Elevated from comments - So, Obama needed a teleprompter because he was intro-ing a program that paves the way for a Federal curriculum? Hmm. Not so funny, anymore.

What is even more disturbing than the need to whip TOTUS out to talk to school kids is the purpose of Obama's visit to that school. He was announcing his desire to put billions more into his program "Race to the Top" (RttT in Obamaland cutespeak) and also create a means for school districts to bypass the authority of their State Boards of Education in order to apply for federal RttT funds. What is so disturbing about this? One of the requirements of winning this federal grant money is that local school districts must contractually agree to adopt federal curriculum guidelines, even those that have not yet been defined by the Obama Administration. Yup....the federal core curriculum issue rears its ugly head again.
Obama created the local school district bypass to these federal dollars in response to Rick Perry's decision for Texas to opt out. Obama can't stand Perry and the State of Texas....and was not about yield the chess board.
Posted by: riograndevalleygirl | Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 10:41 PM

Update: No way, not a teleprompter for 6th graders??

Gateway Pundit and William Jacobson posted, as well.

Given that everyone, Right, Left, Middle and everyone in between has somehow decided to dump on Obama today - this couldn't come at a better, or worse, time - depending on one's perspective.

From an email tip to a cached photo, please let this be a photoshop!

"Class, let's all take out our Reading Helpers and begin." Or maybe, "If you can afford one of these, you too can become President one day." heh!

Comments

[Steven Den Beste]

What are those three black things on the floor in front of him supposed to be? Speakers?

[crosspatch]

Probably the teleprompter computer/controller in the middle one and the projectors in the other two. I am with Dan on this one, I hope this is a photoshop because if it isn't ... then this man is too stupid to be President.

[Nina]

Its not a photo shop. Check out Gateway Pundit for the whole story and the link to all the rest of the pictures!!

[w3bgrrl]

Pathetic.

[riograndevalleygirl]

don'tcha know? Mr. Roboto thinks "we all need control...."

[JWF]

It's for real. I posted it about four hours ago.

http://jammiewearingfool.blogspot.com/2010/01/pitiful-obama-needs-teleprompter-to.html

[Ozwitch]

I thought it was a fake too, but it isn't. There simply isn't going to be enough popcorn to go round this year . . .

[riograndevalleygirl]

What is even more disturbing than the need to whip TOTUS out to talk to school kids is the purpose of Obama's visit to that school. He was announcing his desire to put billions more into his program "Race to the Top" (RttT in Obamaland cutespeak) and also create a means for school districts to bypass the authority of their State Boards of Education in order to apply for federal RttT funds. What is so disturbing about this? One of the requirements of winning this federal grant money is that local school districts must contractually agree to adopt federal curriculum guidelines, even those that have not yet been defined by the Obama Administration. Yup....the federal core curriculum issue rears its ugly head again.

Obama created the local school district bypass to these federal dollars in response to Rick Perry's decision for Texas to opt out. Obama can't stand Perry and the State of Texas....and was not about yield the chess board.

[w3bgrrl]

I disagree, riograndevalleygirl. What is even more disturbing is that all TOTUS was just telling him was, "Look down, hold for one count. Look up to the right. Look down, hold for one count, look up to the left. Repeat."

Okay I don't really disagree. What you point out is disturbing as well.

[riograndevalleygirl]

Have to agree w3bgrrl....I find his cranial version of Atari Pong pretty disturbing as well.

[Teresa in Fort Worth, TX]

You can find it on the WhiteHouse.gov website as well - the video of the entire (boring) speech.

URGENT!!!! The Dems might be planning to pass Obamacare through the House:
http://newsmax.com/Headline/pelosi-reid-healthcare-obama/2010/01/24/id/347820

[Gary B]

Much as what I do not like that is being taught in schools these days. I also do not like the idea of a Federal Curriculum because either party can abuse this to their own self indulgent ends.

[riograndevalleygirl]

And do you know where this scheme is coming from Teresa in FWTX? Andy Stern/SEIU. The day after Scott Brown was elected, Stern said the following (which has been picked up by several leftwing bloggers...):

"Step one: The House should pass the Senate's health insurance reform bill - with an agreement that it will be fixed, fixed right, and fixed right away through a parallel process."

Stern has set up shop in the White House and he's runnin' the show. That he (and Pelosi, Reid, Obama) blatantly talks of a "parallel process" that circumvents our ELECTED government reveals how much Progressives and those who have hijacked the Democratic Party despise democracy.

btw...you can see the above quote in Stern's editorial for Huffpo. I won't sully Dan's site with a link.

[PA]

Apparently this pic, and a couple others like it from slightly different angles originate from Getty Images which suggests they were taken by the press.

THAT is the real story here.

[Neo]

The claim is that it was for a presser after the meeting with the 6th graders, but still .. he needs a teleprompter for a presser .. well of course he does .. when you're a "empty suit" you need all the help you can get.

[unseen]

is bypassing the state school boards even consitutional? I don't seem to remember seeing one of the Federal powers listed to be deciding what our children are taught. the school board is one of the last powerful defense of federalism. Bush's no child left behind was a major mistake but this takes that mistake and times it by 1000.

[Gary Ogletree]

All that hardware to speak to some brats. Unprecedented.

[Kevin R. C. O'Brien]

The legacy media meme has been that this guy is a genius. If he were, we'd have seen some sign of it by now.

His school transcripts still haven't been released, or his SATs -- unlike, say, Bush or Kerry (who were both C students as undergrads). I've always suspected that he has a room-temperature IQ and has simply coasted on a certain verbal glibness and neutral affect, which is taken by many as pleasant personality.

Leadership isn't necessarily a province for the brightest (consider the brightest Presidents: Wilson, Nixon, Carter. Disasters all, for different reasons). But it's no place for a fool, either. This is our opportunity to understand that there's a real cost to putting our thumb on the academic scale for social reasons.

[Stephanie]

The TOTUS set-up is Obama's version of the Pope-mobile.

[IOpian]

Actually the classroom and children are just ready-made props for his speech. I suppose his handlers want to create the perception that by using children, as mere props, shows how much he cares about them.

[Michael Haz]

There were no children in the room where Obama delivered his speech to the children. The room was for the press, the President, the TOTUS and the WH staffers. But no children. No biggie; it wasn't about them anyway. It was only about HIM.

[Peg C.]

unseen, when has the Constitution been an impediment to these people??? From one of Obowmao's speeches of a few years ago, we know that his raison d'etre is SUBVERTING the Constitution!

As for Texas, my dream is to move there. I only wish they'd secede! I'd go the next day.

[monkeyfan]

Someone aught to get the CRU hacker on the 0bama transcripts job right away.

[Moog Rogue]

Why does he need a TelePrompTer when he is literally surrounded by reference material for his infantile, unconstrained worldview?

[Baby M]

I swear, if some prankster put the lyrics to "I Am The Walrus" in that teleprompter, he'd read them off without thinking.

Not that I would be suggesting they actually do any such thing, of course.

[Daize]

Peg C -- You're far too clever for the rest of us. Please, go, move to Texas. Do you need bus fare? I'll pack your lunch. Do you like Twinkies? Olive loaf?

[Rev. Dr. E. Buzz Biden-Miller, M.D., D.O]

I can see this nice guy striking up a good friendship with Joe Stalin, maybe even Jong Il.

he's such a nice man. Saddam would be alive today if he was our President for life.

[Jim]

The fact that this chump holds any office is proof that the takers outnumber the makers. Damn the sheep that put this embarrassing puppet of Soros in the White House.

The tipping point has been reached. "A Republic, Madam, if you can keep it". Well, we kept it for over 200 years -- but it's gone now. We're well on the way to a permanent voting majority of takers.

[LIz]

I think it's time President Obama considered joining Toastmasters. Toastmasters motto? "Become the speaker and leader you want to be."

http://www.toastmasters.org/

[cj]

Actually, here is the photo of him talking to the kids.

http://www.daylife.com/photo/03kb64e4A47dF

The photo you have and the video is a speech he delivered before taking questions from reporters.

[William Teach]

I'm surprised the media isn't ripping him apart for needing TOTUS to talk to the media.

[A.W.]

Okay, it does appear to be verified by an AP photo:

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//100119/480/c8709043a6a54ce2b29225ec421e39a9/

But are we certain that it still isn't altered? I seem to remember Charles Johnson uncovering doctored phots back when he wasn't nuts, so its possible for a big news service to be duped.

As for the claim, it was for the press. well, still, its a bit much with the press too. there is no way that this doesn't seem like a bit much. Barrack Obama acts as though he has George W. Bush's press, not the press given to every liberal president. Their idea of a hostile question is "how come you haven't declared the people's revolution yet?"

[2x4]

You don't get it. It is the TOTUS that needs Obama!

[Jones]

I understand the schoolkids were handpicked, and given talking points for the q and a

[Landru]

It's a diorama, a small box with an Obama Doll from Toys R Us in there. $29.95. Teleprompter platform accessory kit sold separately for $19.95.

[kathy in ct]

I've never been on a site like this before, where truth seems to not matter at all. You just apparently write whatever you want to say, and wait to be called a liar?

Reporters who WERE THERE and photos are clear that the teleprompter was in another room, for a presentation he made to media. It was not used with the kids.

But then you don’t really care about whether you are all big fat liars, do you?

As long as you can preach and teach hate.

[Tara Dahl]

I am posting a link that proves the point yet again that President Obama is an intellectual man and doesn't use the teleprompters for the children but instead for another room that was full of press that he did a formal speech for. Take a look at the different color floors. Research the facts before you go on a crazy rampage.

[riograndevalleygirl]

Come on Marxists...why all the angst? Sheesh...such a humorless bunch of statists. But...you do have admit.... Mr. Roboto is as addicted to the TOTUS as you all are to the Kool-Aid.

Peg C...Texas welcomes you anytime. But no need to resort to daize's shiny olive loaf...we'll have a plate of bbq brisket waiting for ya when you hit the state line.

[Peggy]

More lying BS from conservatives! Can they ever, ever tell the truth. Oh, I know..........you tell only the truth, because you claim to be religious! The conservative right-wing radicals of this country taken the word "religious" down the crapper, since Reagan days. And you God Bush.......flush it! Shame on the whole damn bunch of you.
OBAMA DID NOT.........DID NOT USE A TELEPROMPTER.

[Peggy]

Jan. 25) -- President Barack Obama needs a teleprompter even when he's talking to children.

Conservative bloggers are gleefully spreading this story, saying photos prove their claim that Obama always needs a script.

A few examples:

Gateway Pundit: Sad: Obama Brings Teleprompter to Speak to 6th Grade Class

Moonbattery: What Kind of Idiot Needs a Teleprompter to Talk to Sixth Graders?

Riehl World View: Is This Obama's Pet Goat Moment?

It's red meat for the president's critics. The only problem is, it's not true.

Here's what is true. Obama did bring teleprompters along for his Jan. 19 visit to Graham Road Elementary School in Falls Church, Va. They were set up in a classroom where the president made a statement to reporters about expanding his Race to the Top program to improve schools. That happened after he chatted with the sixth-graders in a separate classroom -- with no teleprompters.

Kristoffer Tripplaar, Pool/Getty Images
President Barack Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan visited students in Falls Church, Va., Jan. 19 ... The White House Press Office told AOL News on Monday -- and photos confirm -- that there were two separate events in different rooms. Here's how The Financial Times' Anna Fifield described the visit in her pool report:

The President and Secretary Duncan spent about 20 minutes taking questions from the children (out of pool's earshot). ... They then came into the brightly-decorated -- "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Look at the letters we know in this room!" -- classroom next door to make remarks on Race to the Top.

"You guys look really cute in those chairs," the president said when he entered the room to find the news photographers sitting in chairs meant for very small children.

Kristoffer Tripplaar, Pool/Getty Images
... then the president went to a separate classroom at Graham Road Elementary School, where teleprompters were set up, to make a statement to reports.Video posted on sites such as Right Pundits as evidence of Obama's alleged teleprompter dependence actually shows the journalists, not students, in those little chairs. Another piece of official White House video shows the president entering a different room and meeting with children. (Click to watch)

Some bloggers posted updates backing off the original story slightly, but still ridiculed the president for using the teleprompter to make brief remarks to the media.

"We're talking about giving a prepared statement and answering a few questions here, not the Gettysburg Address," said a post on Ace of Spades HQ.

JammieWearing Fool, one of the blogs that helped spread the misleading picture, grudgingly acknowledged in an update that Obama used the teleprompter to speak to reporters, not kids -- but took this parting shot:

"What's the difference between a bunch of sixth-graders and his adoring White House press corps? Answer: Sixth-graders have more credibility."

[Danie]

And this is not the same from "No Child Left Behind", that Pres bush was pushing. In his first speech in VB, AR, at Butterfield Jr High, there were military helicopters whirling around, on arrival the lead jumbo plane arrived with all the vehicles, the town was in shut down mode so he could motorcade his little butt to Butterfield Jr High, and give his grand and glorious speech. My point is, Kettle, quit calling the pot black. You republicans and the snarliest, most nasty group of Americans I know. I only associate with you on a HAVE TO basis..

[Moright]

Peggy. Peggy, dear, take a breath. Be assured that we really are focused on the content of TOTUS's presentation. Moreover, we get that he wants to "reward" those states who play his game and buy into a federal curriculum with our very own tax dollars. Sweetie, don't worry -we see that Obama likely said a couple words to the props, uh children. No problem -whatever! We're just enjoying another daily laugh. Don't worry, sweetie, we get it.

[riograndevalleygirl]

Ellie is that you?

I'd like to know which is worse....accusing Obama of not having the mental horsepower to handle a bunch of 6th graders or accusing conservative bloggers of serious injury to the Presidential image?

Virtually every blog I've seen has made light of what is very obviously nothing more than a visual joke that even Jon Stewart wouldn't pass up. And at this blog, the giggle about a silly picture is tempered by discussion of the serious issue of the renewed RttT grab at a federal core curriculum.

Perhaps the fact that the obvious visual joke is supported, in the most unfortunate way, by a truly abysmal performance by our President during his first in office is just more than Democrats can take.

[John]

The teleprompter was there for a speech given to reporters – not to speak to the children – why can’t people bash for real reasons instead of this crap. I am a Republican who is sick of the negativism of my party.

[Jamie]

I love this: "I am posting a link that proves the point yet again that President Obama is an intellectual man and doesn't use the teleprompters for the children but instead for another room that was full of press that he did a formal speech for." This sentence brilliantly illustrates the phrase, "damning with faint praise." Sadly it's unintentional.

Danie, you obviously don't HAVE TO "associate" with me, but I'd like you to consider how many times the Obamas have put areas into "shut down mode" so they could, oh, go get ice cream (which, last I checked, is readily available in grocery stores and can even be made at home - I misdoubt the White House is missing ANY small appliance you could name). Which is perhaps a tu quoque, depending on how important a policy each President was announcing at each event, but what the heck.

[Cheese_and_Whine]

Go be president yourself then if you can do better!

[ConservativesAreRetarded]

BWAHAHAHA! CONSERVATIVES--GET A FREAKING LIFE!!!!! You guys are SUCH a waste of space & time---LOL!!!!! Truly hilarious... Well, you'd ALMOST be funny if it weren't for the fact that you've spent the last 8 years screwing up the country...

[Joe]

Hey conservativesareretarded im glad you like paying for all those scum-bag illegal immigrants and useless welfare cases just sucking off the system like a bunch of leaches. Oh wait a minute you must be one of them so you like a who is running this country into the ground cause you keep getting your free ride. Why dont you get off your lazy A$S and get a job and support yourself!!!!!!!!!!

[Jenny]

Ooops! Wrong… tsk tsk tsk. Everyone is always trying to find ways to bash on the President, and of course most of you all who first thought this story was true was so quick to believe everything they hear… especially coming from a blogger.

"We're quick to judge the behavior of others and point out their error."

[Scott Larkin]

After eight years of the most moronic President in US history, who left us just one year ago embroiled in two wars and the worse economy in sixty years and you folks have to manufacture this nonsense?