The “Open Microphone” has struck again — and this time, President Obama was on the other end.
CBS News reporter Mark Knoller overheard the president speaking with donors last week in Chicago, after other reporters had left the room. Apparently, Mr. Obama believed all microphones were off and he was open to speak freely. So he let his disdain for the GOP and their budget battle fly:
“I said, ‘You want to repeal health care? Go at it. We’ll have that debate. You’re not going to be able to do that by nickel-and-diming me in the budget. You think we’re stupid?'”
Mr. Obama then complained about GOP attempts to attach a bill to the resolution to fund the government that would defund women’s health services provider Planned Parenthood. The president said he told House Speaker John Boehner:
“Put it in a separate bill. We’ll call it up. And if you think you can overturn my veto, try it. But don’t try to sneak this through.”
The president also made clear he is no fan of Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), the GOP’s Budget Committee chairman:
“When Paul Ryan says his priority is to make sure, he’s just being America’s accountant … This is the same guy that voted for two wars that were unpaid for, voted for the Bush tax cuts that were unpaid for, voted for the prescription drug bill that cost as much as my health care bill–but wasn’t paid for.”
