# Obama says cops acted stupidly in Gates incident **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 23, 2009, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995 "2009-07-23T14:37:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 24
**Author:** ![Martin\_Hyde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/47e85d/32.png) [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2009, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995/461 "2009-07-31T22:13:50Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > His only mistake was backing down. He was correct in what he said. The known facts support the characterization that the cops acted “stupidly.” If anything, he was too kind. He could have mentioned that Crowley falsified the police report, but chose not to. It’s actually probably actionable to make the claim that someone committed a crime based on no evidence, as in Obama could have been sued. It’s one thing for you, a complete nobody on the internet who the world by and large pays no attention to whatsoever (and I put myself in the same category) to make asinine comments based on no evidence whatsoever; for a public figure of the magnitude of the U.S. President to make such a claim would have been disastrous and any aides who allowed him to do it should lose their jobs. However Obama seems to want to keep his job and also seems to have good aides, so I doubt you’ll see him saying anything as stupid as “Officer Crowley falsified a police report” when he has no evidence to prove such a claim. ---
**Author:** ![Martin\_Hyde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/47e85d/32.png) [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2009, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995/462 "2009-07-31T22:14:51Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > This one had no consequences. Obama was not hurt by this whatsoever. All I can say is this thread is continuing education on why “Joe Sixpack” shouldn’t be in the inner circle of politicians. ---
**Author:** ![begbert2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/begbert2/32/3357_2.png) [@begbert2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/begbert2)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2009, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995/463 "2009-07-31T22:21:02Z")
> [@magellan01](#): > > Just wonderful. A President that will take a friend’s side even when he is wrong. Cite that he’s wrong? It’s hardly proven. > [@magellan01](#): > > Well, your demigod’s subsequent actions and Clintonesque apology lamenting the poor “calibration” of his words indicates that you are at odds with the object of your affection. And didn’t he, when he first commented, indicate that he did NOT have all the facts? He didn’t have facts enough to comment about **whether the cop was racist**. Which was probably why he **didn’t** assert that. He had plenty enough to conclude that the arrest was stupid. > [@magellan01](#): > > The fact that he heard about the flap and immediately jumped to conclusions and took his friend’s side that racism was at play. He didn’t say that racism was at play. You’re pulling this out of your ass. In fact there seems to be little relation at _all_ between your opinion and what has actually happened. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2009, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995/464 "2009-07-31T22:22:18Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > Since I’m not the only person who read what you wrote and interpreted it this way (and there really is no other way it can be interpreted), I would say that it is you who is full of fail. Full of something, at any rate. Well, since the only other poster that commented on what I wrote did not NOT jump to the conclusion you did, I think there’s a word for what you just wrote above. Of course, you could simply be mistaken. And just to save a post, **Dio’s** asking for a cite where the President said something racist is the only thing that even comes close, but that is not what you were doing. I hope you see that, and your mistake. I am not optimistic. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2009, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995/465 "2009-07-31T22:35:38Z")
> [@begbert2](#): > > Cite that he’s wrong? It’s hardly proven. He “apologized”. Obama’s own actions and Clintonesque apology indicate that even he knew he blew it. > [@begbert2](#): > > He didn’t have facts enough to comment about **whether the cop was racist**. Which was probably why he **didn’t** assert that. He had plenty enough to conclude that the arrest was stupid. Oh, please. He didn’t have all the facts. If the cops acted stupidly, then Gates’ behavior is in the clear. Gates was the one who injected race into this. Obama did not have an appreciation for that fact until afterwards, which is why he, ahem, lamented the calibration of his words.:rolleyes: > [@begbert2](#): > > He didn’t say that racism was at play. You’re pulling this out of your ass. And I never said he SAID racism was at play. Try reading what is on the screen and is not up my ass. We have a black professor whose whole career was based on the subject of race getting into a flap with a white cop who he accused of racism, and Obama takes his side. All while admitting he didn’t yet have all the facts. And due to Gates’ actions, the cop did NOT act stupidly. Even Obama seems to agree with that now, as he regretted the “calibration” of his words. > [@begbert2](#): > > In fact there seems to be little relation at _all_ between your opinion and what has actually happened. In your mind, I’m sure that’s true. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2009, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995/466 "2009-07-31T22:42:04Z")
> [@magellan01](#): > > Well, since the only other poster that commented on what I wrote did not NOT jump to the conclusion you did, I think there’s a word for what you just wrote above. Of course, you could simply be mistaken. And just to save a post, **Dio’s** asking for a cite where the President said something racist is the only thing that even comes close, but that is not what you were doing. I hope you see that, and your mistake. I am not optimistic. Going by your posts in this thread, there’s more that you’re not than just not optimistic. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2009, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995/467 "2009-07-31T22:52:29Z")
> [@magellan01](#): > > …And due to Gates’ actions, the cop did NOT act stupidly… Actions? Were you not paying attention? There were no “actions”, there were words. Words spoken within the confines of one’s own home. What “action” does that constitute? If you wish to suggest that Mr. Gates was a threat to the community or to himself, hence the arrest was justified, please advance some evidence thereof. Failing that, a nice cuppa. You seem to hope that inference and innuendo will somehow suffice for facts and evidence. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2009, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995/468 "2009-07-31T22:57:23Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Actions? Were you not paying attention? There were no “actions”, there were words. Words spoken within the confines of one’s own home. What “action” does that constitute? If you wish to suggest that Mr. Gates was a threat to the community or to himself, hence the arrest was justified, please advance some evidence thereof. Failing that, a nice cuppa. > > You seem to hope that inference and innuendo will somehow suffice for facts and evidence. Ah, substance from you, FINALLY! I was referring both what he said and the belligerence and imbecility with which he evidently said it and then caused a scene outside his home for which he was rightfully arrested. And if you don’t like that, Yo Momma! ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2009, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995/469 "2009-07-31T23:19:37Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > Going by your posts in this thread, there’s more that you’re not than just not optimistic. Well, that’s a safe thing to say. Do you think it insightful? Artful? Clever? But just to show that you’re right about something, I am not: a fish, unkind to children, a fan of liver, a rabbi, an albino, a canasta player, a 92 year old woman, a bone marrow donor, a member of the LA Dodgers, an IRS auditor, a carney, a librarian, a potter, Johnny Drama, an iron worker, underweight, red-haired, a yo-yo champion, Yo Yo Ma, a yo-yo, a peregrine falcon, an ex-President of the United States, a good singer, standing atop the Empire State Building, Beckham, an ocelot, a barista, at the gym, …sheeze I could go on and on. You really nailed it, **Snoboarder Bo**!!! You’re a regular Kreskin. In fact, you may _be_ Kreskin. :eek: Because that is one more thing I am not. Damn, you’re good. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2009, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995/470 "2009-08-01T00:00:47Z")
> [@magellan01](#): > > Well, that’s a safe thing to say. Do you think it insightful? Artful? Clever? But just to show that you’re right about something, I am not: a fish, unkind to children, a fan of liver, a rabbi, an albino, a canasta player, a 92 year old woman, a bone marrow donor, a member of the LA Dodgers, an IRS auditor, a carney, a librarian, a potter, Johnny Drama, an iron worker, underweight, red-haired, a yo-yo champion, Yo Yo Ma, a yo-yo, a peregrine falcon, an ex-President of the United States, a good singer, standing atop the Empire State Building, Beckham, an ocelot, a barista, at the gym, …sheeze I could go on and on. You really nailed it, **Snoboarder Bo**!!! You’re a regular Kreskin. In fact, you may _be_ Kreskin. :eek: Because that is one more thing I am not. > > Damn, you’re good. Yes, I am good. Damn good. And that’s just one more thing that you are not, in addition to not cogent, not paying attention, and not dealing with reality well. There’s more that you’re not, but I don’t have the rest of my life available to list them all. ---
**Author:** ![begbert2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/begbert2/32/3357_2.png) [@begbert2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/begbert2)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2009, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995/471 "2009-08-01T00:12:27Z")
> [@magellan01](#): > > He “apologized”. Obama’s own actions and Clintonesque apology indicate that even he knew he blew it. He apologized to try and shut the fools up. An impossible goal, of course, but you can’t blame him for trying. > [@magellan01](#): > > Oh, please. He didn’t have all the facts. If the cops acted stupidly, then Gates’ behavior is in the clear. Gates was the one who injected race into this. Obama did not have an appreciation for that fact until afterwards, which is why he, ahem, lamented the calibration of his words.:rolleyes: The charges against Gates were dropped. By your logic, the cops acted stupidly. And you don’t know why Obama did what he did, regardless of your wild rampant speculation. > [@magellan01](#): > > And I never said he SAID racism was at play. Try reading what is on the screen and is not up my ass. We have a black professor whose whole career was based on the subject of race getting into a flap with a white cop who he accused of racism, and Obama takes his side. All while admitting he didn’t yet have all the facts. And due to Gates’ actions, the cop did NOT act stupidly. Even Obama seems to agree with that now, as he regretted the “calibration” of his words. You said “The fact that he heard about the flap and immediately jumped to conclusions and took his friend’s side that racism was at play.” It looks like what you put on the screen IS what is up your ass. > [@magellan01](#): > > In your mind, I’m sure that’s true. You prove it more with every post. > [@magellan01](#): > > Ah, substance from you, FINALLY! I was referring both what he said and the belligerence and imbecility with which he evidently said it and then caused a scene outside his home for which he was rightfully arrested. And if you don’t like that, Yo Momma! Everything you refer to was lying bullshit made up by the cop to justify the arrest. This theory is supported by all the evidence. Your theory conflicts with everything except for the discredited police report. More and more, with _every_ post. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2009, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995/472 "2009-08-01T00:17:02Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > Yes, I am good. Damn good. > > And that’s just one more thing that you are not, in addition to not cogent, not paying attention, and not dealing with reality well. There’s more that you’re not, but I don’t have the rest of my life available to list them all. Yawn. I am also not impressed. Or sufficiently riled to give you much more. You may now go back to not reading the words on the page and not applying logic to the few you do manage to digest. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2009, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995/473 "2009-08-01T00:38:15Z")
> [@begbert2](#): > > He apologized to try and shut the fools up. An impossible goal, of course, but you can’t blame him for trying. Well, he didn’t actually apologize, did he. I mean, he didn’t use one of those two words that true apologies manage to contain, did he? But I’ll grant you that he did, in Clintonesque fashion. But wait, do you think he meant it or not? Did he realize he made a mistake and apologize? Or did he lie, apologizing when he thinks he did nothing wrong? So, which is it? > [@begbert2](#): > > The charges against Gates were dropped. By your logic, the cops acted stupidly. No, by the logic that runs the universe, and me, the cops chose to let him go after he cooled off and was taught a lesson. Kinda like Otis in Mayberry. I think he was thrown in jail just about every episode he was in. And Sheriff Griffith had the wisdom of Solomon. > [@begbert2](#): > > And you don’t know why Obama did what he did, regardless of your wild rampant speculation. Well, either he believes that 1) every time his friend Gates is involved in flap with a white person and his friend cries racsim that that person must be a racist, 2) every time a black professor is involved in flap with a white person and that professor cries racism that the white person must be a racist, or 3) every time a black person involved in flap with a white person and that black person cries racism that the white person must be a racist. > [@begbert2](#): > > You said “The fact that he heard about the flap and immediately jumped to conclusions and took his friend’s side that racism was at play.” Ys, that is what I said. That is what happened. Even Obama’s own words an actions seem to support that. > [@begbert2](#): > > Everything you refer to was lying bullshit made up by the cop to justify the arrest. This theory is supported by all the evidence. Your theory conflicts with everything except for the discredited police report. How about the second cop that showed up? How about the black cop that showed up? How about the officer’s record? The only evidence on your side is the word of a racist professor who was so bereft of poise to yell “Yo momma”. You’re not dealing with reality on this one, **beggy**. Newsflash! Obama is human. He is capable of making mistakes. That is no longer just a theory. Oh, and can you provide a cite proving what those lies you reference to be “lies”. And also one for the police report being discredited. Thanks. > [@begbert2](#): > > More and more, with _every_ post. The more you don’t understand my posts the more comfortable I am. ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2009, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995/474 "2009-08-01T00:53:06Z")
What gives a cop a right to teach people a lesson? I thought they were out preventing crime. But showing citizens their power must be a part of the job too. Crowley was a punk cop. He got childishly pissed off when his badge was not kissed by the black professor. See my gun, my badge, my uniform,my nightstick ,my mace, fear me. If you don’t give me the deference I demand, I will arrest you. ---
**Author:** ![aldiboronti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc348/32.png) [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2009, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995/475 "2009-08-01T00:57:10Z")
It’s quite clear that Obama can do no wrong in the eyes of some here, even when it’s quite evident that Obama himself regrets his words. Oh, but he apologized just to “shut the fools up.” But what then of his fabled honesty that some of you have been trumpeting? Go ahead, guys, tie yourself in knots rather than admit that Obama is human and put his Presidential foot in his Presidential mouth. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2009, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995/476 "2009-08-01T01:05:15Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > What gives a cop a right to teach people a lesson? I thought they were out preventing crime. But showing citizens their power must be a part of the job too. Crowley was a punk cop. He got childishly pissed off when his badge was not kissed by the black professor. See my gun, my badge, my uniform,my nightstick ,my mace, fear me. If you don’t give me the deference I demand, I will arrest you. Professor Gates, is that you? Seriously, neither Crowley’s record nor his actions in this incident support your take on things. You’re simply starting from some cartoonish characterization of “the power-happy cop” and applying it to the incident. There is a point that if you cause too much of a scene with a cop you will get arrested. And I’m speaking from experience: white me/white cops/white others. On our front lawn. And I was nothing but super-respectful to the cops, trying to explain what had happened between others. I don’t think I should have been arrested—not in the least. But I understand why it happened, and I hold no ill will toward the cop. Part of his job is keeping order. Seems pretty simple. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2009, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995/477 "2009-08-01T01:09:32Z")
> [@aldiboronti](#): > > It’s quite clear that Obama can do no wrong in the eyes of some here, even when it’s quite evident that Obama himself regrets his words. Oh, but he apologized just to “shut the fools up.” But what then of his fabled honesty that some of you have been trumpeting? Still waiting for **beggy’s** answer as to which it is. > [@aldiboronti](#): > > Go ahead, guys, tie yourself in knots rather than admit that Obama is human and put his Presidential foot in his Presidential mouth. Yes, it’s quite the show. And it’s free! ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2009, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995/478 "2009-08-01T01:11:13Z")
> [@aldiboronti](#): > > It’s quite clear that Obama can do no wrong in the eyes of some here, even when it’s quite evident that Obama himself regrets his words. Oh, but he apologized just to “shut the fools up.” But what then of his fabled honesty that some of you have been trumpeting? > > Go ahead, guys, tie yourself in knots rather than admit that Obama is human and put his Presidential foot in his Presidential mouth. I don’t think he does. His advisers made it clear that some people who are not very bright would try to make hay out of his harmless remark. They have very little to bitch about so unimportant crap is getting a lot of attention. I think he regrets giving potential ammunition to those who are looking for silly things to bray about. But I am sure he thinks the cop acted stupidly. That is evident, he did. The desperation of the right is palpable. How can anyone make a big deal out of this case without knowing he is embarrassing himself. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2009, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995/479 "2009-08-01T01:20:37Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > I don’t think he does. Your opinion. > [@gonzomax](#): > > His advisers made it clear that some people who are not very bright would try to make hay out of his harmless remark. Cite. Both to they thinking some people are not very bright and them making this clear. > [@gonzomax](#): > > I think he regrets giving potential ammunition to those who are looking for silly things to bray about. Please provide your mind reading certificate. > [@gonzomax](#): > > But I am sure he thinks the cop acted stupidly. See above. > [@gonzomax](#): > > That is evident, he did. Again, just your opinion. Contrary to the weight of evidence, but one you’re entitled to nonetheless. > [@gonzomax](#): > > The desperation of the right is palpable. How can anyone make a big deal out of this case without knowing he is embarrassing himself. Because they/we see 1) the Gates acted as a racist, and then as a pompous ass by trying to through his weight around, 2) what appears to be a good man and a good cop was unfairly maligned, 3) the President, who is incredibly smart and political savvy made a huge dumb-fuck mistake, and 4) it’s quite entertaining watching people like you try to minimize this and call Obama a liar in the process. ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2009, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995/480 "2009-08-01T01:57:18Z")
> [@magellan01](#): > > Your opinion. > > Cite. Both to they thinking some people are not very bright and them making this clear. > > Please provide your mind reading certificate. > > See above. > > Again, just your opinion. Contrary to the weight of evidence, but one you’re entitled to nonetheless. > Because they/we see 1) the Gates acted as a racist, and then as a pompous ass by trying to through his weight around, 2) what appears to be a good man and a good cop was unfairly maligned, 3) the President, who is incredibly smart and political savvy made a huge dumb-fuck mistake, and 4) it’s quite entertaining watching people like you try to minimize this and call Obama a liar in the process. Good man ,good cop??? Your opinion. The evidence shows he was too stupid to leave when he found out Gates lived there. His job; find out if the place was being robbed. When he found out it was not. Then he should have left. That is so simple to follow. That was his job. teaching civilians lessons is not. Causing a lot of needless crap was not. He was way out of base. But you think he has a license to be a prick when his feelings are hurt. Tell your vaunted officer to grow up. He is an adult now. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995.md?page=23) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-cops-acted-stupidly-in-gates-incident/503995.md?page=25)