E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
Carolyn Kaster / AP
President Barack Obama talks with David Letterman on the set of the "Late Show With David Letterman" at the Ed Sullivan Theater, Tuesday, Sept. 18, in New York.
President Barack Obama slammed Mitt Romney on Tuesday for "writing off a big chunk of the country" after a secretly made video showed the Republican presidential nominee dismissing Obama supporters as victims who are dependent on the government.
"One of the things I've learned as president is you represent the entire country," Obama said on CBS's "Late Show With David Letterman."
"My expectation is if you want to be president, you've got to work for everybody, not just for some," he said to applause from the studio audience.
In the video, the first part of which was published on Monday by the liberal Mother Jones magazine, Romney told donors that 47 percent of Americans would back Obama no matter what and "my job is not to worry about those people."
Romney said they did not pay income taxes and were people "who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them."
Obama said he tried to reach out to people who did not support him after his victory four years ago.
"When I won in 2008, 47 percent of people who voted, voted for John McCain. They didn't vote for me," Obama said.
"And what I said on election night was, even though you didn't vote for me, I hear your voices and I'm going to work as hard as I can to be your president."
Related content:
- Romney stands his ground on fundraiser comments
- The 47 percent: Here's who pays no federal income tax
- Full video and transcript of leaked Romney fundraiser remarks
Obama, who as a candidate in 2008 made a damaging gaffe of his own that white rural voters clung to guns or religion, indicated he thought Romney should admit his remarks were a mistake.
"When you run for president, you are under a microscope all the time. All of us make mistakes. That incident in 2008, I immediately said, 'I regret this,'" Obama said.
"What I think people want to make sure of is you're not writing off a big chunk of the country."
Despite the focus on the video that was shaking up the presidential campaign, Obama's appearance was not wholly serious in tone. Upon arriving on stage, Obama told the comedian that he looked sharp.
"You haven't seen me naked," Letterman replied.
"We're going to keep it that way," Obama retorted.
Letterman opened his show, which airs later on Tuesday, by poking fun at an incident at the Republican National Convention in which film star Clint Eastwood delivered a diatribe addressed to an imaginary Obama in an empty chair.
"I want to know before we get started if you want to say something to the empty chair," Letterman said. Obama smiled.
"Late Show With David Letterman" airs at 11:35 p.m. on CBS.
Copyright 2013 Thomson Reuters. Click for restrictions.
Leave a Comment:
I'm not gonna claim Romney is perfect, but he still knows a hell a lot more than Obama! I'll vote for dirt before I bend over for Obama. If the media isn't biased, why is Obama always the one on the shows?
He knows a hell of a lot more? What gave you that indication, the color of his skin? Because thus far all he's done is screw up. The man flat out refuses to tell the Country of his intentions..... are you reading his mind.
Elatt do you know why no one is responding to you? Because your a plant and make no sense at all. Find something else to do you Su_ck at this.
Elatt - are you really going to throw out the race card. What a bigot you are!
The color of his skin has nothing to do with this....I would vote for Big Bird who is yellow by the way - before I would vote for Obama.
Elatt, you do know that continuing to just print money is the plan of an complete idiot.
Now just suppose Obama is re-elected ------ who will he blame for the mess he inherits this time?
Obama thinks we are all stupid as dog crap. Romney is right. As Obama leads us toward his government controlling vision he continues to use the media like a superstar. If god forbid he is elected again we may see our own flag replaced in front of the white house. He probably would have to go to perform at the Apollo theater after that to sing his victory song in arabic. He is not an Americn at heart.
Why does hollywood follow him? Oh yeah, he's a performer.
Four More for The Community Organizer!!
Four More for The Golf Fanatic!!
Four More for The Kenyan King!!
Four More for The Dude Who Paid A Million Dollars to Have His Records SEALED!!
Four More for The Vacation Planner!!
Four More for Dreams of My Father!!
Four More In Memory of Frank Marshall Davis!!
Four More for The Fifty Seven States' Man!!
Four More for The Man Who Has NEVER, NEVER, NEVER Held a Real Job In His Life!!
Four More for The Man Who Wants to Transform America!!
Four More for "I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction". {Quote: The Audacity of Hope}
Four More for The Solyndrian Socialist!!
Four More!! Four More!! Four More!! Four More for Barry Borrock Soetoro Hussein Osama!!
Osama / Ayers 2012 .... and beyond!!
As Obama says he doesn't just represent 47% of USA he represents all 57 states!
Holy Crap! Harley Chic has a husband???
When is the President going to actually do the job he was elected to do ? Seems like all he's done for the last 4 years is campaign to get re-elected . Stop hanging out with the rich and famous and DO YOUR JOB !!!! This country is going down hill at rapid speed !
obama has cost be alot,he is a itty and a fag
Romney said that he would probably never get that 47% percent...he didn't say wouldn't try...there is a difference
he should not get 1 vote people cant be that dumb to vote for him again
Oh yes they can! Believe me.
daaaaaaaaaa
It's amazing how the media gives this guy free airtime to promote his campaign. I don't care who you are, that just isn't right.
All is fair in Love and Politics. And what about all the free time Romney gets and you? You're getting free time here.
Chris A.
It's amazing how the media gives this guy free airtime to promote his campaign. I don't care who you are, that just isn't right.
As opposed to Citizens United PAC money, the Koch Bros, Sheldon Adelson and right wing corporate interests buying time for Robme and Lyan Ryan? That is okay with you Chris? At least the media gives both candidates a chance to speak to the public. I have watched Romney on many talk shows as you well know. So if Obama gets an equal amount of air time he is somehow getting special treatment? The fact the Congress is now bought by right wing corporate interests, who are writing the legislation for them now should bother most decent Americans who value their rights, but right wingers do not seem to see it that way.
Hey "6 Dogs" Remember: Obama said he used to eat Dogs in Africa with his daddy. If he is elected again you will suffer along with the rest of us! God forbid because I really love and have always been proud of America.
He is an actor. Please don't make a quick judgement.
No matter if you are Reublican or Democrat- you have to sense and know that something is wrong!
The announcement of ENDLESS QE3 has now changed the world! The Fed now currently holds 61% of our debt. Where is the Fed getting this kind of money? By printing more money into the system. The dollar is being systematically devalued. It will continue to be worth less.
Some would say they are better off because the stock market is up and their 401ks are doing better. Really? How good is that money if it is worth less and you get taxed more to draw it out???
Household income is down $4000. Then to pay for the increase in Food,Gas and Energy you are out another $6000 plus. That's over $10,000 a year the average family is now out because of the dollar devaluation and the cost of inflation!
Sorry ml5657.....I don't think many get it! People are actually listening to a guy that has failed them economically as well as diplomatically for 4 years....and they still don't get it! Always remember what Uncle Pincho says.....If they believe this guy, (prez,) I've got beachfront property in colorado I'd love to sell them!
People haven't figured out yet that printing all this money, the only way to pay it back eventually is to have inflation go through the roof. That is the ONLY way to pay it back when you have the printing presses running 24/7. You think this is bad? This is just the beginning, it will compare to the Great Depression once all is said and done. Democrats you tell me how we are paying back this money we are printing continuously? You think some fairy Godmother will swoop in with her magic wand? Inflation is the only recourse.
The United States of America fell to another terrorist attack a few days ago in Libya. Our ambassdor was murdered as several others in the attack. What does our President do, make the rounds on television late night shows, cozy up to Jay Z and Beyonnce and campaign at ritzy $40,000 a piece dinners! And nothing is done. Shut down our embassies, shut down the foreign aid to these countries. Leave the television walk on's to actors....oh, I forgot they were your only credentials to run.....that beloved SAG card! And what an 'act' you've put on!
When you get a little older you will realize this happens every12 years or so and it has been going on for about 60 years. It usually settles down in a bit and things still go on with there uneasy ways for another 12 years. I'd say it will happen again in2024. What else is new?
I pray that our country has the strength to survive till 2024!
Barry said he realized it is his job to listen to all Americans. So when does he start. So far he only listens to the 17% who identify themselves as liberal or socialist, plus the 30% on the dole (either food stamps, Section 8 housing, Medicaid, AFDC, WIC, or a combination of the above). If you can't afford to support your own children, stop having them! 60% of government expenses (I would say taxes, but taxes fall far short of paying the outlandish bills) go to support the children of those who concieved the children knowing they had no means, other than government (OUR) funds to support them. LISTEN TO THE OTHER 53%!!!!!
obama why dont you worrie about the problems going on overseas, and not trying to go on tv with your bs you are a joke for the people
The joke stoped being funny 3+ years ago!
obama doing what obama does best.........slams the other candidate! Romney spoke the truth about our country. He proved to me that he is fully awhere of what is wrong. obama hasn't fixed a thing. The prez policy is to do nothing. He's running the country like the guy who is driving his car with a slow leak in a tire. He keeps using hot air to re-inflate the tire rather than getting it fixed. What a dumb a$$.......come to think of it...so are the people that are falling for it..........AGAIN! By the way, don't believe the polls.....obama's goons in the DOJ have been pressuring the pollsters to sway the precentages in his direction. He's pulled out all the stops. Nothing is off-limits for this guy.
Romney spoke the truth about himself and how he feels about YOU as a voter, citizen, American, as a sucker. He said 50% of the people that includes Republicans as well.
Obama hasn't done crap for you in 4 years....6dogs......HOW DOES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL?
I was surprized to the extent Letterman teed up
the soft ball questions, fawned and kissed ass.
That was discussting.
Romney and his wife were on the View Yeaterday and I'm not complaining. He was asked softball questions to. So what's your point? You are aware they appear on these shows for free and basically just get exposure from them? I don't have a problem with it and your having a Kanipsion Fit?
Romney has that latitude where obama doesn't......he should be meeting with the Israeli prime minister and acting like a president......not as a comic!
I watched this last night and I have to say if the election came down to the people voting for a President on the basis of personality and overall cool attitude (Obama) over an uptight stuffed shirt whose stiff mannerisms and fake laughs make people feel uncomfortable (Romney) Obama would win hands down..
Yeah boy............the guy with the personality will definitely be better fit to run the country...........So far, he's run the country deeper in a hole! I'm anxious to see how much further he can take us into the abyss before his loving supporter's will be silenced!
Cool, but who in the H E double LL
is going to make the trains run on time.
America is on track to be the next Hati.
I feel all our President has to do is continue to be exhibit patience..which Obama does well....Romney will continue to show us who he is..
People may not always remember what you say..but they will remember how you made them feel..
Sadie, I too am from Missouri. We have seen what your idol is and we dont like him.
Obama- proof that Affirmative Action doesn't work.
We hired him solely because he is black.
We will fire him solely because he SUCKS!
I didn't get to see the President. I don't watch Letterman, the biggest smartazz on T.V. Has no talent, aspires to be Johnny Carson but would not make a pimple on Carsons azz. Pathetic T.V. no one to watch not a decent movie or sitcom on since Seinfeld.
AMEN to that!
Obviously you have a love of Jewish comedians..
Why is it not one democrat will voice their opinion on the scenario....Say Obama gets assassinated (not like it hasn't happened before) or say he has a heart attack, his plane crashes etc. How do the democrats feel about Old Joe being in office?So Obama is sooo smart yet he didn't get a better vp to run with? They keep basement locked in the basement most of the time b/c he can't even do a simple photo shoot without almost grabbing a womans breast.Why is it you never see Biden doing these talk shows? I actually am looking forward more to the vp debate then the presidential debate. Ought to be great comedy, it really will be like Ryan talking to an empty chair.
If you recall Bin Laden's statement.......He wanted joe to take over.......That should tell you something!
P.S- Be careful how you word things. Look what happened to Ted Nuggent! (Big brother is always watching!)
@Wendy, Now that's a Halloween Thought, Romney assainated and Ryan in charge. Be really careful what you wish for.
In the final analysis, his charm isn't going to erase his destructive policies and 16 Trillion ( and growing ) debt.
I don't find anything that Romney said to be untrue. We do have about 1/2 the country not paying taxes. If that's not bad enough, they also drain the economy because they are probably laying on the asses at home watching Liberal TV, instead of going out and getting a job.
As an example of how Obummer likes to give our money away... I was on Craigslist for Chicago yesterday. There is a part time job at in there asking for people to solicit low income and indigent people for cell phones. Yes I said solicit. Not only are we giving them a phone (probably an IPhone, because the drug dealers and welfare mamas should only have the best), but we're not even letting them take the initiative to come and ask for it themselves. We are soliciting them.
Don't believe me... well here's the Ad...
FREE GOVERNMENT CELLULAR PHONE DISTRIBUTOR
(WESTERN SUBURBS)
Date: 2012-09-16, 4:26PM
CDT
Reply to this
postReply to: mailto:pf5hx-3276143130@job.craigslist.org?subject=FREE%20GOVERNMENT%20CELLULAR%20PHONE%20DISTRIBUTOR%20(WESTERN%20SUBURBS)&body=%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fchicago.craigslist.org%2Fwcl%2Fsls%2F3276143130.html%0A
[Errors when replying to ads?]
National Phone Company is actively
searching for a few motivated Sales Associates interested in earning $500-$900
per week with no experience. Our Sales Associates distribute the free government
cellular phone to those whom may qualify. This is a brand new market for our
firm so the income potential can be very lucrative for the right
persons.
This is a full time position for those looking to work
independently in the area while earning an exceptional income. No experience is
necessary. Professional training and some of the equipment needed are provided.
Upon completion of our brief sales training program you will immediately begin
applying your skills in the field.
To qualify for an interview,
applicants must possess excellent customer service skills, be at least 18 years
old and have a valid driver's license. Qualified applicants may be offered
employment immediately pending the successful completion of a background check
(no felonies in past 7 years you will be responsible for the cellular phones
provided). These positions fill very quickly so be sure to apply ASAP.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Ain't America wonderful. We are now coaching people to take advantage of government programs.
I remember a time when we were asked to donate our old cell phones for use by the elderly and abused women. Who's idea was it to start giving away new phones .. plus we are paying for the usage on that also as part of the govt program.
Obummer is the welfare daddy of all time.
Romney / Ryan 2012 ... and GOD BLESS AMERICA
You need to learn something, I phone 5 is already out dated and yet people are waiting to get an outdated phone. You will pay over $200 to get a $20 phone. Go figure.
Just because Obama is a Looser, dosnt give him the right to take the Nation with him.
Obama's Classmate tells The truth!
The Perfect Marxist scheme using the Cloward and Piven Plan
www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/overwhelm.asp
With a name like Snopes.com you think I'm going to waste my time?
Why didn't this guy meet with the Israeli prime minister rather than doing stand up comedy. I guess he felt the need to tell jokes rather than lead the country. Be where......it's only going to get worse! If you vote for him.....YOU MIGHT BE THE SUBJECT OF HIS NEXT JOKE!
He could not meet with him because he did not know whether to shake hands or bow.
Thanks...I needed someone to give me something to smile about!
Heck they talk on the phone everyday what BS point are you trying to make? I bet you wife wishes you would talk to her as often.