CBS News White House Correspondent Major Garrett became the story Wednesday during President Obama’s Iran press conference when the Commander-in-Chief called his question “nonsense,” and Bill Maher took it a step further Thursday.
“#MajorGarrett is a huge asshole. If U wanna “strike a nerve” with POTUS, why not just scream the N word? That shld get his attention,” Maher tweeted.
Garrett asked Obama to explain why he was “content” with the exclusion from the Iran nuclear deal of the return of four Americans imprisoned in the Islamic Republic. The president was angered by the question, answering sharply that it’s nonsense to suggest he is content with Americans remaining imprisoned in Iran and that Garrett “should know better.”
The tense moment received coverage across cable news in primetime; Garrett said he wouldn’t change his question if given the opportunity, saying he was trying to be provocative.
CNN’s Dana Bash criticized Garrett Wednesday, claiming he crossed the line with the phrasing of the question. Don Lemon, Gloria Borger and MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell also criticized Garrett.