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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsObama Challenges Romney To “Read The Transcript” — And Here It Is
Obama Challenges Romney To Read The Transcript And Here It IsA tense moment at tonight's debate about Obama's Rose Garden comments after the killing of a U.S. ambassador.
As Romney went on the offensive during the second presidential debate over the death of Ambassador Chris Stevens, he hammered Obama, questioning why he took so long to call the attack that took his life a terrorist attack.
But in the midst of his attack, which has become a winning line for Republicans in recent weeks, Obama piped up: "Read the transcript," referring to his Rose Garden speech shortly after the attack.
Moderator Candy Crowley concurred, telling Romney, "He did, sir."
Obama: "Can you repeat that, Candy?"
Looking at the transcript, in the Rose Garden on Sept. 12, 2012, Obama said, "No acts of terror will ever shake the resolve of this great nation, alter that character, or eclipse the light of the values that we stand for."
Here's the full transcript:
Yesterday, four of these extraordinary Americans were killed in an attack on our diplomatic post in Benghazi. Among those killed was our Ambassador, Chris Stevens, as well as Foreign Service OfficerSean Smith. We are still notifying the families of the others who were killed. And today, the American people stand united in holding the families of the four Americans in our thoughts and in our prayers.
The United States condemns in the strongest terms this outrageous and shocking attack. We're working with the government of Libya to secure our diplomats. I've also directed my administration to increase our security at diplomatic posts around the world. And make no mistake, we will work with the Libyan government to bring to justice the killers who attacked our people.
Since our founding, the United States has been a nation that respects all faiths. We reject all efforts to denigrate the religious beliefs of others. But there is absolutely no justification to this type of senseless violence. None. The world must stand together to unequivocally reject these brutal acts.
Already, many Libyans have joined us in doing so, and this attack will not break the bonds between the United States and Libya. Libyan security personnel fought back against the attackers alongside Americans. Libyans helped some of our diplomats find safety, and they carried Ambassador Stevenss body to the hospital, where we tragically learned that he had died.
It's especially tragic that Chris Stevens died in Benghazi because it is a city that he helped to save. At the height of the Libyan revolution, Chris led our diplomatic post in Benghazi. With characteristic skill, courage, and resolve, he built partnerships with Libyan revolutionaries, and helped them as they planned to build a new Libya. When the Qaddafi regime came to an end, Chris was there to serve as our ambassador to the new Libya, and he worked tirelessly to support this young democracy, and I think both Secretary Clinton and I relied deeply on his knowledge of the situation on the ground there. He was a role model to all who worked with him and to the young diplomats who aspire to walk in his footsteps.
Along with his colleagues, Chris died in a country that is still striving to emerge from the recent experience of war. Today, the loss of these four Americans is fresh, but our memories of them linger on. I have no doubt that their legacy will live on through the work that they did far from our shores and in the hearts of those who love them back home.
Of course, yesterday was already a painful day for our nation as we marked the solemn memory of the 9/11 attacks. We mourned with the families who were lost on that day. I visited the graves of troops who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan at the hallowed grounds of Arlington Cemetery, and had the opportunity to say thank you and visit some of our wounded warriors at Walter Reed. And then last night, we learned the news of this attack in Benghazi.
As Americans, let us never, ever forget that our freedom is only sustained because there are people who are willing to fight for it, to stand up for it, and in some cases, lay down their lives for it. Our country is only as strong as the character of our people and the service of those both civilian and military who represent us around the globe.
No acts of terror will ever shake the resolve of this great nation, alter that character, or eclipse the light of the values that we stand for. Today we mourn four more Americans who represent the very best of the United States of America. We will not waver in our commitment to see that justice is done for this terrible act. And make no mistake, justice will be done.
But we also know that the lives these Americans led stand in stark contrast to those of their attackers. These four Americans stood up for freedom and human dignity. They should give every American great pride in the country that they served, and the hope that our flag represents to people around the globe who also yearn to live in freedom and with dignity.
We grieve with their families, but let us carry on their memory, and let us continue their work of seeking a stronger America and a better world for all of our children.
Thank you. May God bless the memory of those we lost and may God bless the United States of America.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/chrisgeidner/in-heated-libya-exchange-obama-challenges-romney
Politicalboi
(15,189 posts)Before he said "Terror". Obama should have started it out by saying "Terror Terror Terror". Let the Crusade begin.
GaYellowDawg
(4,449 posts)Conservatives tried to then say he was referring to 9/11/2001. I then said, why the hell would he even mention 9/11/2001 if he wasn't talking about terrorism? Would have been completely out of context.
I swear, conservatives tie themselves into the most Gordian of fucking knots.
Common Sense Party
(14,139 posts)Up2Late
(17,797 posts)I'm going to hold my breath till Mitt apologizes.
Or maybe not.
MissNostalgia
(159 posts)That respectful "please proceed", followed by Robme's stammering was so damaging. Obama came off assertive and firm, I have chills.
Historic NY
(37,453 posts)our people deserved that answer.
Overseas
(12,121 posts)Change has come
(2,372 posts)as usual.
Bolo Boffin
(23,796 posts)So I wanted to begin tonight by just saying a few words about a tough day that we had today. We lost four Americans last night, who were killed when they were attacked at a diplomatic post in Libya. And they were serving overseas on our behalf, despite the dangers, despite the risks, to help one of the worlds youngest democracies get on its feet. They were working to advance the interests and the values that we hold dear as Americans. And as Americans, we stand united - all of us - in gratitude for their service, and we are mindful of their sacrifice, and we want to send out heartfelt prayers to their loved ones who grieve today. (Applause.)
Its a reminder that the freedoms we enjoy - sometimes even the freedoms we take for granted - theyre only sustained because there are people like those who were killed, who are willing to stand up for those freedoms; who are willing to fight for those freedoms; in some cases, to lay down their lives for those freedoms. So tonight, lets think of them and thank them.
As for the ones we lost last night: I want to assure you, we will bring their killers to justice. (Applause.) And we want to send a message all around the world -- anybody who would do us harm: No act of terror will dim the light of the values that we proudly shine on the rest of the world, and no act of violence will shake the resolve of the United States of America. (Applause.)
We will not be deterred. We will keep going. We will keep going because the world needs us. We are the one indispensable power in the world. And if we are going to see peace and security for our children and our grandchildren, then that means that this generation of Americans has to lead. Were going to have to keep doing the work -- no matter how hard it seems sometimes.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/09/13/remarks-president-campaign-event-las-vegas-nv
Wounded Bear
(58,721 posts)"No acts of terror...." is indirect. He didn't directly call the attack in Libya an "act of terror." He just kind of lumped it in.
Whatever. Meanwhile, he owned responsibility, set the investigation in motion, and acted quickly to safeguard other diplomats around the world.
Most important, he didn't grandstand for political gain.
Romney's wrong.