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May 2nd, 2011
09:20 PM ET
Obama says country is united over Osama bin Laden's deathWASHINGTON (CNN) Barack Obama hosted a bipartisan group of Congressional leaders at a dinner Monday evening, where spoke in front of cameras for just about 3 minutes. When the president cited the news of Osama bin Laden's death, the room burst into a sustained standing ovation for some 30 seconds. "We were reminded again that there is a pride in what this nation stands for, and what we can achieve, that runs far deeper than party, far deeper than politics," he said before thanking the military and counter-terrorism professionals who made the mission successful. To the Republicans and Democrats in the room, Obama then expressed his hope for dealing with future political debates. "And so tonight, it is my fervent hope that we can harness some of that unity and some of that pride to confront the many challenges that we still face," he said. "And please have a little bit of fun. All right?" he added. The press was then escorted out of the East Room. Below is the full transcript, as released by the White House.
On behalf of Michelle and myself, I just want to welcome everybody to the White House. We scheduled this dinner a few weeks ago because I thought it would be a good opportunity for leaders of both parties and their spouses to spend some time together outside of politics. And tonight seems like an especially fitting occasion to do this. Obviously we’ve all had disagreements and differences in the past. I suspect we’ll have them again in the future. But last night, as Americans learned that the United States had carried out an operation that resulted in the capture and death of Osama bin Laden, we - (applause) - you know, I think we experienced the same sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11. We were reminded again that there is a pride in what this nation stands for, and what we can achieve, that runs far deeper than party, far deeper than politics. I want to again recognize the heroes who carried out this incredibly dangerous mission, as well as all the military and counter-terrorism professionals who made the mission possible. I also want to thank the members of Congress from both parties who have given extraordinary support to our military and our intelligence officials. Without your support, they could not do what they do. I know that that unity that we felt on 9/11 has frayed a little bit over the years, and I have no illusions about the difficulties of the debates that we’ll have to be engaged in, in the weeks and months to come. But I also know there have been several moments like this during the course of this year that have brought us together as an American family, whether it was the tragedy in Tucson or, most recently, our unified response to the terrible storms that have taken place in the South. Last night was one of those moments. And so tonight, it is my fervent hope that we can harness some of that unity and some of that pride to confront the many challenges that we still face. But to all of you here tonight, we are joyful that you could join us. And please have a little bit of fun. All right? Thank you very much, everybody. |
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Hell yea seals!!!
CONGRATULATIONS Mr President! Wishful thinking though, President Obama. They are trying to steal your accomplishment, as usual. You did it! Keep looking up. 'You just keep going on up the road bearing to the right', as my grandmother used to tell me. We're watching you and God is too.
OBAMA 2012!
The men and women that actually conducted this operation are the heroes, not Barry. They are the ones with courage. Barry simply followed procedures that were outlined by President Bush. All the top persons involved were appointed by President Bush. Barry is acting like a typical Liberal, he takes a hand out then claims 'he' did the job.
Liberals say that Barry is calling all the shots. That it is his smarts that won the day. If that is so then answer me this. If OBL was in Pakistan why did Barry added over 100,000 solders to Afghanistan? Why has he lost so many lives? You all wanted to blame President Bush for the wars, yet Barry has escalated death and destruction.
I'm a fellow NC-inian, Jay...you are embarrassing yourself with your ignorant and racist comment. Please grow up.
Press Secretary Jay Carney said today: - the operation was run from the ground, or certainly not from the White House. ... the folks in the Situation Room were observers and listeners to an operation that obviously had been carefully thought out, meticulously prepared for.
Barry was just an observer, or do you also think Jay Carney is a racist for making that comment?
This is called "downplaying", Jay. Apparently, the administration wants to downplay their part in attempt to gain points. ALL politicians do it. GWB did it like crazy. If GWB ordered the attack him, you guys would be celebrating like a bunch of nuts. GWB wasn't even remotely responsible and you guys want to give him some credit.
Honestly Jay. You really need to realize a statement or a word can have two meanings. Its obvious in the second part of the statement:
"the folks in the Situation Room were observers and listeners to an operation that obviously had been carefully thought out, meticulously prepared for." Basically translates to...it wasn't US...it was the well prepared, honorable military specialists. We just sat back and watched them work! Doing this makes politicians or administrations LOOK better and they ALL do it.
But giving credit where credit is due.
Military specialists? Yes...definitely. If they didn't do it, it wouldn't get done. They put their lives on the line and deserve much credit and kudos!
Obama administration? Yes...definitely. His advisors ADVISE him, giving him the pros and cons to the decision. Obama makes the decision, putting HIS administration and HIS credibility on the line if the mission fails. If he says "NO", the military action does not get played out. This military action wasn't done at a moment's decision. They got intelligence over a few months with, I'm sure included many players, CIA, informants, military specialists...etc. The administration bought their time, had the specialist train for the action, and when the time was right; the order is given.
CNN is continuing to pass off the LIE that "enhanced" (i.e. water boarding) techniques were used to obtain the name of the courier that led to OBL. THIS IS A LIE. The administration and the military personnel involved in this operation have stated over and over again that NO ENHANCED TECHNIQUES WERE USED. Shame on you Wolf Blitzer...Stop regurgitating the Bushie's talking points. TELL THE TRUTH CNN!!!
GREAT JOB MR. PRESIDENT,THERE WILL ALWAYS BE PEOPLE THAT WON,T GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE,LOOK OVER THEM AND KEEP DOING WHAT YOU WERE HIRED TO DO,AND THAT IS BEING THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.GOD BLESS
Right VAFred. Those are the steps that I was always under the impression that've been taken by every other PRESIDENT who was faced with such a mission. Candidate OBAMA said he was going to get Bin Laden, and President OBAMA did! Again, it's strange how everytime there's a probability that ANY action this president takes on anything is going to be viewed as a positive, folks configure avenues by which to give BUSH some if not all the credit. Had the mission failed, OBAMA would've had to take all the credit!
Nobody would be proclaiming 'OBAMA didn't do that'! 'He's not guilty'! 'It's not his fault'; 'the fault belongs to his advisors'! You know, the ones he kept on his team from the previous administration; you know BUSH'S people! 'They failed!' Not Obama! One person even said he kept THEM because he couldn't find any qualified liberals to do the job! All I'm saying is had this been a failed mission, all OBAMA's 'credit'; since it was successful, credit goes to BUSH and 'his people'! You flip-flopping founders!