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Gibbs Isn't Afraid to Throw Verbal Punches

Obama spokesman lets Limbaugh & Co. dig their own holes

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 6, 2009 11:23 AM CST

(Newser) – Robert Gibbs has shown he’s not afraid to skewer the likes of Rush Limbaugh and cable-TV talking heads in his White House press briefings, but he also knows when the best tactic is standing aside. “If your enemies are fighting themselves, then don’t get in the way,” he tells Sam Youngman in the Hill, alluding to Sun Tzu’s The Art of War.

That doesn’t mean that the press secretary doesn’t relish a good verbal joust: He made waves recently by singling out and tearing down those who have openly criticized Obama. Gibbs challenged CNBC commentator Rick Santelli’s grasp of the facts (and his composure) and questioned Mad Money host Jim Cramer’s knowledge of the markets.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs takes a question during the daily press briefing, Feb. 25, 2009.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs takes a question during the daily press briefing, Feb. 25, 2009.   (AP Photo)
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs speak at the daily White House briefing Monday.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs speak at the daily White House briefing Monday.   (AP Photo)
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs listens to a question during the daily press briefing, Feb. 25, 2009.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs listens to a question during the daily press briefing, Feb. 25, 2009.   (AP Photo)
In this Feb. 9, 2009, file photo White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs listen to President Barack Obama during a news conference in the White House.
In this Feb. 9, 2009, file photo White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs listen to President Barack Obama during a news conference in the White House.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
sache
Mar 8, 2009 8:27 PM CDT
Wasn't to sure about Gibbs in the beginning but i think i'm turning into a fan .
BackAgain
Mar 7, 2009 6:27 AM CST
Can not say it any better "justthinkin". Throw them all out. So much for "hope and change".
woodyTX
Mar 6, 2009 3:43 AM CST
Cramer's an entertainer like Rush. Does anyone out there actually follow his advice ? If so step forward. Santelli apparently wants a talking heads role. It's better than being a sorry ass derivative trader at this point. I'm sure no one even wants to talk to them these days. May as well rant on camera if you can. So, let the hot air continue........

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