And so our level of national decorum slips a bit more: A reporter for Tucker Carlson's Daily Caller interrupted President Obama mid-speech Friday to heckle him about immigration — and received a presidential scolding.
The entire exchange — notable for the extreme breach of etiquette on Munro's part — appeared on live television.
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Obama was talking about a policy that would allow children of illegal immigrants, in some circumstances, to avoid deportation. The Daily Caller's Neil Munro decided his question just couldn't wait until the Q&A period after the speech.
"Why’d you favor foreigners over Americans?” Munro shouted, according to Politico's transcript. (His question was inaudible on television.)
“Excuse me, sir, but it’s not time for questions," Obama responded.
“Are you going to take questions?” Munro asked.
“Not while I’m speaking.” Obama said.
Something about immigration brings out inappropriately timed heckling of Obama. He was also talking about the issue in a 2009 address to Congress when South Carolina Republican Rep. Joe Wilson shouted "You lie!"
Munro says on Twitter that he was "born Irish," which may explain why he doesn't understand that in America, only congressmen get to heckle the president.
Story continues after the video:
Obama returned to Munro's question after the speech.
"The answer to your question, sir — and next time I'd prefer that you let me finish my statements before you ask that question — is this is the right thing to do for the American people," Obama said.
Munro tried to respond, and Obama answered, "I didn't ask for an argument. I'm answering your question."
Munro's Twitter feed includes several critiques of Obama, including the recent tweets, "Obama's almost all-white campaign staff clashes with civil rights law and his 'play by the same rules' rhetoric," and "Michelle Obama (rhetorically) evicts her Mom from the White House to boost middle-class support."