Obama: I Don't Endorse - or Not Endorse - Arizona Boycott

AP

At his press conference today, President Obama was asked if he endorses boycotts of Arizona by cities and others that object to the state's controversial immigration law.

"I'm the president of the United States, I don't endorse boycotts or not endorse boycotts," he replied. "That's something that private citizens can make a decision about."

The president reiterated his disapproval of the Arizona measure, which was signed into law last month and goes into effect in July. It requires immigrants in the state to carry documents verifying their immigration status and requires police officers to question a person about his or her immigration status during a "lawful stop" if there is "reasonable suspicion" that person may be in the country illegally.

Mr. Obama reiterated his disapproval of the measure at this press conference, complaining about potential risks to civil liberties as well as the potential the measure has to help create a "patchwork of 50 different immigration laws around the country in an area that is inherently the job of the federal government."

He also again called for a "comprehensive approach" to immigration reform, one that includes a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants who learn English, pay a fine and "get in the back of the line" when it comes to attaining legal status.

The president said his decision to deploy up to 1,200 National Guard troops to the southern border was "not simply a response to the Arizona law," saying the plan had first been drawn up last year. He said the troops will be able to help with intelligence, deal with both drug and human trafficking, and relieve border guards who will be able to then focus on enforcement.

He also urged Republicans to meet him not even halfway on crafting reform, but merely "a quarter of the way." He said he could bring most Democrats on board for a reform effort but that the rules of the Senate mean that he must also have GOP support.

In a CBS News poll released Tuesday, 52 percent of Americans said the Arizona law was "about right" in its approach to illegal immigration.

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[fantumx]

WOW! When did this jackass start being presidential?

Just a day or so ago both he and Calderon were baggin' on AZ.

Socialist Barack Obama and Liberal Congressional Democrats joined Mexican President Felipe Calderon to attack the Arizona Immigration Law. Obama and Liberal Democrats are putting Mexican concerns ABOVE AMERICANS THEY HAVE TAKEN AN OATH TO PROTECT!

One more time...

OBAMA AND LIBERAL DEMOCRATS ARE PUTTING MEXICAN CONCERNS ABOVE THE VERY AMERICANS THEY HAVE TAKEN AN OATH TO PROTECT!

OBAMA IS A TRAITOR!
CONGRESS IS CHOCK FULL OF TRAITORS!

KICK ALL THE ANTI-AMERICAN TRAITORS OF OFFICE!

[RestoreFairness]

SB1070 is a dangerous bill that will inevitably lead to racial profiling and drive a wedge between communities. It basically says - if you happen to look foreign, you need to prove your citizenship. It goes against the civil rights and fundamental values that America was founded upon. What we need is to fix our broken immigration system through workable solutions that unite us together - and reform that respects due process and fairness allows us to celebrate the values that we hold dear - fairness, opportunity and due process. When we deny due process to some people, ultimately it will affect all of us. To take action go to www.restorefairness.org.

[ipost7]

Most Americans support a path to citizenship for current immigrants, along with border security.

AZ neo-nazis behind this law want an ethnic cleansing.

Boycott the n(AZ)i state!

[JGbooster]

Just came across the amazing site which highlights the whole situation about Arizona. Comments are worth seeing. Guys, jump on a bandwagon - cast your vote at http://immigration.civiltalks.com/

[bacocktease]

What a shameful display for a United States President not to denounce a boycott against any state in the Union.

United we stand, divided we fall. Ever heard that?

Great leadership, as usual, Barry.

[liberalme]

Ever notice Canada does a better job with it's boarder than we do with Mexico?
Could it be their politicians aren't promoting the profits of their corporations?

[AZ LEGAL VOTER]

Not denouncing the Boycott of AZ IS SHAMEFUL! BUT NOT AS SHAMEFUL as standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Mexican President on "my" front steps and agreeing with the slams against Arizonans. AND having the US House Rep, Senate, Eric Holder, Janet Napolitano and others give a STANDING OVATION to these slams against one of the UNUTED States! THAT's shameful!!!

[antioblamaimpeacher]

Of course he disapproves of the Arizona law. It would effect his kin Ya'll. I say kick them all out and ban them for life. if the come back they can pave our roads and make our license plates for three bread and water meals a day, some pink undies, pink jump suits, a cot, and a tent... Maybe a blanket. Do it legally and you can move in next to me. Heck I'll even have ya over for BBQ.

[antioblamaimpeacher]

Of course he disapproves of the Arizona law. It would effect his kin Ya'll. I say kick them all out and ban them for life. if the come back they can pave our roads and make our license plates for three bread and water meals a day, some pink undies, pink jump suits, a cot, and a tent... Maybe a blanket. Do it legally and you can move in next to me. Heck I'll even have ya over for BBQ.

[swami96]

He doesn't endorse or not endorse...

Is there a third option between those two? The English Language would really like to know.

[treshuebos]

Mr. Obama's "comprehensive" approach to illegal immigration is to get them all declared "legal" citizens so that they can vote for him in 2012. That's why he wants to meet the repubs halfway.. What he and all the previous polititians don't realize is that our country has been invaded by a FOREIGN POWER. This "POWER" hasn't attacked us with bombs or guns, but with a silent sapping of our national wealth from within. Calderon knows this. That's why he grins every time Obama agrees with him. Every American who employs an illegal is, in effect, a traitor and should be proscecuted as such. The same with companies who outsource offshore.. Every immigrant who has come to America legally should be applauded for being honest and congratulated. By not taking a position on the boycotting issue, our president is showing that his "handlers'" advice is finally getting through to him. If we want to stop these drug cartels from spilling over the border then all we have to do is make marijuana legal. Let the hippies grow all they want.... Obama has done more damage to our country than Usama Bin Laden ever did... Hope the ribs this memorial day are worth it... Impeach now. Semper Fi.

[barbaram99]

The President is a birthright..His mother..Her father a brisish subjuct..The president born in HI and is a state..He has an Aunt that is here illegally in Boston..I read the story on CBS. I can't go to any nation I wish as the papers and lack of money to live there plus I am American of American parents..The American Indians are not happy we are still here. The president knows this is a hot issue and may not deal with it. With the oil problem and the wars..I am 55 nd sp needs..