Berkley to Obama on House floor: ‘Watch what you say’

By Lisa Mascaro

Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010 | 1:07 p.m.

Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley, never one to shy from expressing how she really feels, offered President Barack Obama unsolicited advice today after his impolitic remarks on Las Vegas.

"Mr. President, words matter," Berkley said in a speech on the House floor. "You need to watch what you say."

In the House, when one thinks of Las Vegas, one thinks of Berkley. The congresswoman routinely singles out colleagues who make disparaging remarks about her beloved city. She has been known to corner colleagues in elevators, holding court as the floors ding by.

After the president's remarks on Tuesday, Berkley brought her case to the House floor -- giant portrait of Las Vegas in tow.

"We rely on our tourism to fuel our economy as our major industry," Berkley said. "When the president singled out Las Vegas again by saying, 'When times are tough, you tighten your belts, you don't blow cash in Las Vegas,' he's hurting the people I represent badly."

It's not the first time Berkley has taken the president to task. The congresswoman had complained to the White House last year when Obama singled out Vegas as the place that banks that took bailout funds should avoid.

Today, she offered Obama some new talking points.

"What he should have said is that Las Vegas is the most amazing place to vacation," Berkley said. "It's a bargain right now and everyone should go and enjoy our wholesome family entertainment, our great hotels, our fabulous shows, great restaurants, shopping, convention space, gaming, our great weather."

Look for that on the teleprompter.