Obama Wants Some Space
The months leading up to the 2012 election are not an ideal time for President Barack Obama to be caught in a "hot mic" situation. But that's exactly what happened in South Korea following a 90-minute meeting with Russian president Dmitri Medvedev. As the leaders huddled together to quietly discuss the content of their talk, journalists overheard Obama telling Medvedev to give him "space" on missile defense, saying, "This is my last election ... After my election I have more flexibility." Medvedev responded, "I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir [Putin]," who will retake the presidency in May. The hush-hush conversation was reportedly in regard to the planned anti-ballistic shield system that has been the subject of debate between the countries for years. While the Obama administration was quick to point out that the comment was not a departure from the Administration's stance on the issue, his Republican rival Mitt Romney has already said the statement shows the president will "cave to Russia on missile defense."