I think that Obama didn't address them as much as dismiss them. He didn't suggest their arguments had any merit but rather suggested their popularity is a natural outgrowth of rough times. I actually think its smart politics. BHO suggests the arguments have no credence, but are rather just another thing thoughtful Americans have to put up with. I think it works, it is what he has always done, co-opted his opponents by simply defusing their most powerful arguments. in fact, he can point to the lack of fireworks during this round of town hall meetings as proof that as the economy improves, anger declines and Beck and Limbaugh lose what little influence they have.

Suggesting arguments have no credence by tossing out some names and saying speaking in generalities is hardly "dismissing" an argument. It's a typical President Obama use of language - a low idea to word ratio.

If Obama were any more thin skinned, his head would have a reservoir tip.

KGE,
As CY indicates, if you hold a superior position, you never, ever acknowledge the opposition. By doing so, even dismissing them, you empower them. As to the lack of Firworks, try the fact that he only talks to audiences that are screened. Yet even with this, he was stabed with a question he could not answer and is critical to our future.

The reason that Americans are feeling anxious about the economy is not that we are in one of the worse depressions in our nation's history. It is because we have a president who doesn't even know what an economy is much less how to read the play book on getting the country out. Americans are not that stupid and do realize that the actions this nut is taking will worsen the finicial pain and reduce our wealth and prosperity. In fact, the major leaders in the Democratic party have readily acknowledged the desire to take our wealth and give it to less productive people, here and around the world. That is not the government we signed up with. If the elections don't change things, then other methods will be used.

KGE - What Democrat Congress people have been brave enough to hold town hall meetings over the Easter recess? Can you provide any examples?

Well, there's Phil Hare. More please.

Every day reveals more clearly that P.Obama believes himself to be a ruler, above criticism, not above crushing private citizen opposition with the power and position of the office of President of the United States of America. P.Obama attacking Limbaugh, Beck, or any individual American is like the parent who runs onto the Little League field and attacks the 11 year old pitcher who just struck out his son. Remember the Chicago treatment Joe the Plumber got for his innocent question? Obama's behaviour belittles his office, shames the nation, and demonstrates, again, the stupidity of the people who elected this affirmative action strutting thug president. Hail, Barry! In the famous words of Bugs Bunny: "What a maroon, what an ignoranimus!".

"Well, I think that when you listen to Rush Limbaugh or Glenn Beck ...

When do you suppose he ever did that ?

Those guys have huge bully pulpits and use them to spread foolish, vitriolic misinformation to millions of people. Their core message is always the same - Obama's a traitor who wants to destroy America - and it's incorrect. Why shouldn't the Prez point that out? I like it.

PS No one needs to give Beck and Limbaugh the "chance" to portray themselves as victims of the Great and Treasonous Liberal Conspiracy. They do that no matter what's going on. That's what they are - professional victims - constantly, unstoppably whining.

Not at all like the whining pos who is presently inhabiting the white house. Or the rest of the whinig socialists he has surrounded himself with, no, not at all. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

KGE: Well said. It's very refreshing to read a thoughtful and factual response to a "vindictive and petty White House" critic.

Neo: I rather doubt that President Obama wastes much of his valuable time listening to drama queens like Limbaugh and Beck.

They are, as someone else pointed out, professional victims. They're making a very good living selling their snake oil. The fact that they enjoy such popularity adds no credibility to their message. The fact that nearly 2/3 of American citizens can't name the three branches of the Federal Government should tell us that we're not dealing with a bright electorate.

twolaneflash: You referring to the people who "elected" President Obama as stupid, reminds me of the old saying: "The pot calling the kettle black".

The President wasn't attacking Limbaugh and Beck. Rather, he was simply pointing out the fact that they are what they are; hate mongers (my words, not his).

Dude should rename himself as "rube."

Let us restate that principal again: Never punch down, and never mention the name of an opponent. Barry failed on both counts.

Me, I think Rush is a loudmouth, and Beck is a shock-jock who's jockeying (heh) for a lead spot in the conservative radio market. Not impressed with the latter at all.

Either way, President Barry is a fool to accord them respect by mentioning them by name. In fact, when one objectively examines Rush's political influence (look up his pathetic attempt Operation Chaos), Obama seems to be reacting to a gerbil as if it were a wolverine. No offense intended to Mr. Limbaugh in this case. :)

The real calculus is this: far more people listen to Rush, and (God help us) Beck than to the President of the United States. Check the ratings. Let us leave the wisdom of that choice to a later date. Right now the fact is that the President of the most powerful nation on earth is dancing to the tune of a couple of fracking radio entertainers, while complaining about their comments. My apologies to my conservative friends out there. :)

And Rube (er, sorry, Dude): hand me a six-pack, and I can spend all sorts of time bit**ing about Rush and Beck (the latter more so). Sue me, I'm an independent. Point is that I am no fan of either man, but there is no sane, objective way you can call either one a "hate monger," unless your standards are hideously twisted. In fact, one would have trouble taking the charge seriously.

The Obama administration, on the other hand, has been dealing the race & hatred cards from day one, up to and including the incessant "you're just saying that because I'm black" knee-jerk defense. Try Google or Nexus for terms such as "tea bagger," "racist," or "bitter clinger." Not to mention "fly-over country."