As Twitchy reported, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told the press on Monday he wasn’t aware of any planned photo ops of President Obama chugging down filtered water during his visit to Flint, Mich., Wednesday to prove that it’s safe to drink.
Earnest apparently didn’t want to spoil the master showman’s best moment, because the president managed to work up a mighty thirst during his campaign-style speech to the townspeople.
"Hello, Flint," says @POTUS starting address to town residents. Campaign style, no suit jacket, rolled-up sleeves. pic.twitter.com/s7RKcE3Vji
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) May 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/SkyNewsAmerica/status/727944584987328513
Obama coughs during speech: "Can I get some water?" he asks, drawing cheers in Flint.
— David Nakamura (@DavidNakamura) May 4, 2016
"Can I get a glass of water?" says the president to cheers as he tries to clear his throat. "I want a glass of water. It'll be filtered."
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) May 4, 2016
We’re pretty certain the more savvy reporters in the White House press pool have long since programmed a keyboard shortcut for “says the president to cheers.” Unfortunately, Michael Moore’s thirst for justice went unsatisfied, as the worst Gov. Rick Snyder suffered was boos from the crowd.
By the way, stopping mid-speech to ask for a glass of water wasn’t a stunt. We know this to be true because President Obama said convincingly, “This is not a stunt.”
"I really did need a glass of water. This is not a stunt." @POTUS says in Flint pic.twitter.com/4axQ2xx6r8
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) May 4, 2016
In other words, it was a stunt.
EPA ignored it. WH ignored it. Obama was 15 miles from Flint 6 weeks ago. Skipped it. But he has his jacket off now https://t.co/byMrM1QFYZ
— Stephen Miller (@redsteeze) May 4, 2016
i don't do stunts https://t.co/BV1L26H6pU @redsteeze says the man who has been a stunt double for pres. ash carter @WhiteHouse @POTUS #flint
— Hillaryemailsecurity (@MartyLeft) May 4, 2016
The water might have been filtered, but there must have been something powerful in it, as it caused the president to place the responsibility for Flint’s recovery on everyone … else. He being President of the United States will do what he can.
“Flint’s recovery is everyone’s responsibility. And I will do all I can to make sure that responsibility is met.” —@POTUS in #Flint
— White House Archived (@ObamaWhiteHouse) May 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/shampoodan/status/727972690376548352
@WhiteHouse @POTUS Actually the responsibility was your employee's fail, leaving our aquifers completely polluted, so now your job is #fixit
— Anthony (@AnthonyBudwizer) May 4, 2016
@WhiteHouse @POTUS I disagree. Flint is the responsibility of Flint. LA is the responsibility of LA.
— ConspiracyArchitect (@cganiere) May 4, 2016
"It’s not enough just to fix the water. We've got to fix the mindset of neglect." —@POTUS in #Flint
— White House Archived (@ObamaWhiteHouse) May 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/MikeChipperson/status/727970660861939712
Meanwhile, President Obama continues to lead from behind.
“I’ve also come here to tell you that I’ve got your back.” —@POTUS to the community members of #Flint: https://t.co/y89tceYcFR
— White House Archived (@ObamaWhiteHouse) May 4, 2016
Never fear — the EPA is here to help, just as it was there after it released millions of gallons of toxic wastewater into the Animas River. EPA Gina McCarthy visited the scene of the spill personally, only to declare that “this river is restoring itself.” Unfortunately, Flint’s lead pipes aren’t going to replace themselves, a process which could take more than two years.
Everyone’s responsibility?
https://twitter.com/Skaarj_Elite/status/727959174601187328
The community organizer-in-chief wrapped up his speech with one more sip and yet another caution that the buck stops somewhere else.
"I know how to stir folks up," the pres tells the people of Flint about their tainted water, "but that’s not gonna solve the problem."
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) May 4, 2016
"I cant fix every problem on my own," the pres tells the people of Flint. Ends speech. Takes another sip of water. pic.twitter.com/L7Nce7kTSF
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) May 4, 2016
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with additional tweets.
Related:
FIFY! Obama’s blame for Flint ‘disaster’ gets reassigned (and he won’t like it)
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