Gibbs: 'Professional Left' Should Be Drug-Tested

He bristles at criticism from progressives
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 10, 2010 3:40 PM CDT
Gibbs Blasts Criticism From 'Professional Left'
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs speaks with reporters Wednesday, July 21, 2010, at the White House.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

After catching flak for suggesting that Democrats might lose the House, Robert Gibbs isn't exactly shying away from controversial statements. In an interview with the Hill, the White House press chief called out the "professional left" for its withering criticism of President Obama. “I hear these people saying he’s like George Bush," he said. "Those people ought to be drug-tested. I mean, it’s crazy.”

Progressives aren't giving the administration enough credit, he said, citing health care, financial reform, and the Iraq drawdown. “They will be satisfied when we have Canadian health care and we’ve eliminated the Pentagon. That’s not reality.” Gibbs did not conduct the daily press briefing today ("sore throat"), but deputy Bill Burton didn't backtrack from the statements, notes the New York Times. So who's the professional left? “I think he was just talking about folks who mostly live in this town and talk on cable TV.” (More Robert Gibbs stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X