CHICAGO–President Obama ribbed chief of staff and friend Rahm Emanuel Saturday at the Alfalfa Dinner. These dinners are marked by speeches that often are marked by self mockery and mockery of those around you. Obama’s quips about Emanuel made note of his well known use of profanity.
Obama’s zingers, as provided by excepts from the White House:
“Now, this hasn’t been reported yet, but it was actually Rahm’s idea to do the
swearing-in ceremony again. Of course, for Rahm, every day is a swearing-in
ceremony.
“But don’t believe what you read. Rahm Emanuel is a real sweetheart.
No, it’s true. Every week the guy takes a little time away to give back to the
community. Just last week he was at a local school, teaching profanity to poor
children.”
click below for more
below, excerpts from Obama Alfalfa speech from the White House
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release January 31, 2009
Excerpts from the Remarks of President Barack Obama
Alfalfa Dinner
Saturday, January 31st, 2009
Washington, DC
I am seriously glad to be here tonight at the annual Alfalfa dinner. I know
that many you are aware that this dinner began almost one hundred years ago as a
way to celebrate the birthday of General Robert E. Lee. If he were here with us
tonight, the General would be 202 years old. And very confused.
Now, this hasnt been reported yet, but it was actually Rahms idea to do the
swearing-in ceremony again. Of course, for Rahm, every day is a swearing-in
ceremony.
But don’t believe what you read. Rahm Emanuel is a real sweetheart.
No, it’s true. Every week the guy takes a little time away to give back to the
community. Just last week he was at a local school, teaching profanity to poor
children.
But these are the kind of negotiations you have to deal with as President. In
just the first few weeks, Ive had to engage in some of the toughest diplomacy
of my life. And that was just to keep my Blackberry. I finally agreed to limit
the number of people who could email me. Its a very exclusive list. How
exclusive?
Everyone look at the person sitting on your left Now look at the person
sitting on your right None of you have my email address.
##