President Obama is almost certainly angry on a daily basis — angry at Congress, at the media, at his own political impotence, at Bashar al-Assad, at … there really is no limit to the things with the potential to make him angry. Mostly, Obama keeps this anger to himself and maintains a façade of calmness and control.
But there are certain times when it becomes very important for Obama to communicate his anger to America. The IRS scandal is apparently one of them. “It’s inexcusable, and Americans are right to be angry about it, and I am angry about it,” Obama said at a press conference yesterday. Here are four other instances when Obama made sure to let the American people know just how angry he was.
The Wall Street Bailout
“Understandably, people are frustrated and they’re angry that Wall Street’s mistakes have put their tax-dollars at risk. And they should be. I’m angry and frustrated too.” —October 1, 2008.
The AIG Bonus Scandal
“I don’t want to quell anger. I think people are right to be angry. I’m angry. What I want us to do, though, is channel our anger in a constructive way.” —March 18, 2009.
“I’m as angry as anybody about those bonuses that went to some of the very same individuals who brought our financial system to its knees.” —March 24, 2009.
The BP Oil Spill
“I know that doesn’t lessen the enormous sense of anger and frustration felt by people on the Gulf and so many Americans. Every day I see this leak continue I am angry and frustrated as well.” —May 27, 2010.
The Secret Service Prostitution Scandal
“If it turns out that some of the allegations that have been made in the press are confirmed, then of course I’ll be angry.” —April 15, 2012.
