Putting "Kick Ass" in Context

Steven Benen prints the question and the response:

LAUER: Critics are now talking about your style, which is the first time I've heard that in a long time. They're saying here is a guy who likes to be known as cool and calm and collected, and this isn't the time for cool, calm and collected. This is not the time to meet with experts and advisers; this is a time to spend more time in the Gulf and -- I never thought I'd say this to a president -- but kick some butt. And I don't mean it to be funny.

OBAMA: No, and I understand. And here's what -- I'm going to push back hard on this. Because I think that this is a -- just an idea that got in folks heads, and the media's run with it. I was down there a month ago, before most of these talking heads were even paying attention to the Gulf. A month ago I was meeting with fishermen down there, standing in the rain talking about what a potential crisis this could be. And I don't sit around just talking to experts because this is a college seminar. We talk to these folks because they potentially have the best answers so I know whose ass to kick.

I wouldn't call that a chest bumping, cowboy diplomacy moment for Obama. In fact it isn't even a Rock moment. Seems like another measured response to a question, who the heck did we elect here...the Dali Lama? Personally I would like my president to respond with Ezekiel 25:17.

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message