Obama Talks Terror with Jay Leno

[BiffSplitkins]

(CNN) – The decision to close a broad swath of American embassies and diplomatic posts across the Middle East in response to a terror threat was not an overreaction, President Barack Obama said Tuesday in his first remarks on the new security precautions.

The U.S. security posture throughout the Middle East, and especially in Yemen, was heightened after officials intercepted a message from al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri to a top ally in Yemen telling him to "do something." A worldwide travel alert was issued, along with the slate of embassy and consulate closings.

The latest threat, Obama said, was a reminder that violent extremism still exists in the world. He stressed the importance of using caution and common sense while traveling abroad.

"The odds of dying in a terrorist attack are a lot lower than they are of dying in a car accident, unfortunately," Obama said.

The president spoke on NBC's "Tonight Show" with Jay Leno, which was taped in California and was to air later Tuesday evening. General notes about Obama's remarks were distributed by a pool of journalists traveling with the president.

Asked about Edward Snowden, who admitted to leaking details of U.S. classified surveillance programs, Obama said he was disappointed Russia had granted asylum to the former government contractor

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Everyone knows that whe you are the President of the United States that this is the most professional way to convey information to the world.

I mean a Presidential Address for something like this would just be silly right?

I bet Putin is probably trying to figure out how he can get on Leno too.

[Skep B]

It seems more likely he was asked questions in the interview and he gave vague but reassuring responses to them

[Sweetpumper]

Everyone knows that whe you are the President of the United States that this is the most professional way to convey information to the world.

I mean a Presidential Address for something like this would just be silly right?

As per usual, he's catering to the low information citizens.

[spartan max2]

This is how you win elections in the modern world sadly...

[BiffSplitkins]

As per usual, he's catering to the low information citizens.

No kidding, all this wagging doesn't seem to be distracting everyone though. He might have to give away some more Obamaphones and Obamacash soon to throw them off.

[BiffSplitkins]

This is how you win elections in the modern world sadly...

What election could he possibly want to win at this point though?

[spartan max2]

What election could he possibly want to win at this point though?

Everything he does/doesn't do haves an affect on how people view the democrat party, Affect future elections.

Plus acting like a celebrity helped him win the first two elections.

Edited August 7, 2013 by spartan max2

[Funky Poacher]

... On the other hand, Putin and his homophobic country deserve absolutely no respect whatsoever, so

[Skep B]

Well, Putin's effectiveness is something to be admired

[Myles]

... On the other hand, Putin and his homophobic country deserve absolutely no respect whatsoever, so

So you dislike the whole country based off of the leader? I think there is a majority of good Russians.

[Funky Poacher]

No, I clearly said 'his homophobic country', not 'his homophobic "ideals"'. But how people's rights are treated over there is pretty appalling.

[spartan max2]

No, I clearly said 'his homophobic country', not 'his homophobic "ideals"'. But how people's rights are treated over there is pretty appalling.

Way to be tolerant and understanding..

We talk to countries that do FAR worse then that. But I guess if Russia does one bad thing then it makes the whole country evil.

Plus Russia has came a long way since The United Socialist States of Russia.

But I guess we should isolate them...

Edited August 9, 2013 by spartan max2

[Funky Poacher]

Those who repress the rights of others aren't warrented tolerance or understanding. I mean, if they're not going to dish it out, they don't really deserve it, either. Incidentally, I didn't called them evil because that's a nonsensical construct of the sort of people who usually think gay-bashing is alright. It's a very medieval mind-set from a country that's come such a long way.

And I didn't mention isolation, either, but if you think it's such a good idea...

[spartan max2]

I am sorry we don't all share you hypocritical sense of moral superiority.

[No Censorship]

Those who repress the rights of others aren't warrented tolerance or understanding. I mean, if they're not going to dish it out, they don't really deserve it, either. Incidentally, I didn't called them evil because that's a nonsensical construct of the sort of people who usually think gay-bashing is alright. It's a very medieval mind-set from a country that's come such a long way.

And I didn't mention isolation, either, but if you think it's such a good idea...

Count your blessings. At least, they don't stone them.