Obama: Russia is a “smaller and “weaker” country. “Their economy doesn’t produce anything that anybody wants to buy” https://t.co/rGuadW0PGL
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) December 16, 2016
On Friday, President Obama delivered his year-end press conference. Folks wondered how comprehensively he would address the Russian hacking of the U.S. election after vowing to take action. Well, Obama totally went there, and he did so in a very forthright manner. After claiming that he told Vladimir Putin to “cut it out” and stop the hacking (or “there will be consequences”), Obama actually trashed Russia as a “smaller and weaker” country that does not innovate or “produce anything that anyone wants to buy.”
Obama continued for quite some time. He expressed no worries about anything concerning Russia except the possibility of an undermined American political process. He did take Republicans to task for their growing support of Putin. “Ronald Reagan would roll over in his grave,” Obama declared, if he saw Americans supporting “the former head of the KGB.”
President Obama on attitudes toward Russia: “Ronald Reagan would roll over in his grave” https://t.co/HgDSrjmA1e https://t.co/lcyabIryLY
— CNN (@CNN) December 16, 2016
He also endorsed the conclusion of U.S. intelligence officials that claim Putin was personally involved in orchestrating the hacking: “Not much happens in Russia without Vladimir Putin.”
Obama: The intel I’ve seen gives me “great confidence” that “the Russians carried out” hack of DNC and John Podesta https://t.co/mcFVEDaF1I
— CNN (@CNN) December 16, 2016
Russia was the biggest subject of the presser, which lasted over an hour. Obama also addressed the Syrian civil war that climaxed in a catastrophic Aleppo situation. Obama admitted to feeling responsible for any tragedy (global or domestic), but he believes, “I’ve taken the best course I can.” Obama stressed that he tried to help end the conflict while protecting future U.S. national security, yet he doesn’t claim success on the matter.
Obama on Syria: I have “taken the best course that I can” https://t.co/brOqolX9yG https://t.co/OtFhJ3SGx1
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) December 16, 2016
You can watch the full press conference below, which is also available on our Facebook page.
(Via CNN)