In first press conference of the year with White House reporters Tuesday, President tackles his critics on Iran, suggesting they are willing to “play politics” with foreign policy.
POTUS: “Those folks don’t have a lot of responsibilities. They are not commander-in-chief…. When I see the casualness with which some of these folks talk about war, I’m reminded of the costs war…. If they want to launch a war, they should say so. Everything else is just talk.”
Adds unilateral action against Syria would be a mistake.
President opens press conference by announcing new measures to help military families impacted by the housing crisis.
Obama: “I am not one of those people who think we should sit by until the housing market hits rock bottom.”
On Iran, says U.S. will “not countenance Iran getting a nuclear weapon” and/but insists there is “a window” for diplomacy.
Asked by Fox News’ Ed Henry about GOP assertion he wants higher gas prices, POTUS replies: “Do you think a president of the United States going into re-election wants gas prices higher?”
On Limbaugh/Fluke controversy: “I don’t know what’s in Rush Limbaugh’s heart so I’m not going to comment on the sincerity of his apology.”
On immigration: “Every American should want immigration reform. We’ve got a system that’s broken.”
Asked about Super Tuesday and if he has anything to say to Romney, Obama: “Good luck tonight.”
