Obama not ‘hiding ball’ on Russia

Tue., March 27, 2012

SEOUL, South Korea – President Barack Obama said today he is not trying to “hide the ball” in negotiations with Russia over U.S. plans for a missile defense shield in Europe, expanding upon comments to Russia’s leader that were picked up by an open microphone and quickly drew the ire of Republicans.

Obama said he wants to spend the rest of this year working through technical issues with the Russians and said it was not surprising that a deal couldn’t be completed quickly.

Republicans pounced on Obama’s remarks to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, heard on an open microphone, that he would have more flexibility on the issue after the November presidential election. The conversation was picked up by a microphone without either leader apparently knowing.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Obama not ‘hiding ball’ on Russia

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

Supreme Court says state bans on ‘conversion therapy’ violate counselors’ free speech rights

Judge blocks Trump's $400 million White House ballroom plan for now

An award-winning U.S. journalist was kidnapped in Iraq. Here's what to know.