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By Dave Toplikar (contact) 
Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 | 12:32 p.m.
Reader poll
Sun Coverage
Related Document (.pdf)
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman says he hasn't changed his mind: He won't meet with President Obama Thursday or Friday unless the president will "straighten the record out" about what he said about people not spending money in Las Vegas.
"If and when he gives us a proper explanation that he won't make references to Las Vegas in a derogatory manner, then I would definitely change my position," Goodman told reporters outside the Las Vegas City Council chambers this morning.
"Until I hear that, I feel that my word has to be my bond," said the mayor, who has taken that stand since the president made a statement about Las Vegas during a Feb. 2 speech in New Hampshire.
Obama said "You don't blow a bunch of cash on Vegas when you're trying to save for college. You prioritize. You make tough choices. It's time your government did the same."
After word got to the mayor about Obama's statement, Goodman called a press conference and verbally blasted the president. Others Nevada leaders also took issue with the president's statement, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Gov. Jim Gibbons.
Obama did send a note to Reid that same day saying he meant no ill will toward the city: "There is no place better to have fun than Vegas, one of our country's great destinations."
But last week Goodman called the note to Reid a "non-response."
And today, on the eve of the president's visit Thursday and Friday, Goodman says he's not backing down from asking Obama to reverse himself on that statement.
"I was very upset. I think it's hurting our economy. It's certainly not doing us any good. And I think we're entitled to it. So I will remain in my present posture," the mayor said.
It was the second time Obama had made a derogatory reference to Las Vegas within a year. Obama's comments last year that corporations using federal bailout money should stop visiting Las Vegas had drawn anger from Goodman at the time — and since then, many attributed the loss in meetings and conventions scheduled here to Obama's statement.
But last May, Obama made a trip to Las Vegas where his remark, "There's nothing like a quick trip to Vegas in the middle of the week," was obviously aimed at making up for that earlier remark.
Goodman has been invited this week to attend all the president's events in the city.
"If there was a meeting with the president where he would straighten out the record, I would have no problem whatsoever doing that," Goodman said.
"But I haven't had any indication from the White House, as I did the last time, when I decided that it was appropriate for me, as the mayor, to greet the president of the United States in the city. I felt very confident that there would be some rectification," Goodman said.
But this time, "I haven't heard a peep out of the White House. I'm going to keep my position firm. Until I hear such word, I'm not going to participate," he said
However, the mayor said he does expect to hear from the White House.
"I would hope so. I think it's the right thing for the president to do," Goodman said. "I don't want to be presumptuous -- he's the president of the United States. But I believe that his comments hurt our city and my job as the mayor is to protect our city. And I won't settle for anything less than that on a personal basis."
Goodman said he would also like to talk to the president about getting more federal dollars for Las Vegas, where tourist traffic is down, the jobless rate is among the highest in the country and foreclosures are rampant.
"But the first thing we have to do is we have to make sure that we're not going to have these comments, which cast aspersions upon the city, made in the future," Goodman said. "If I have that assurance, I'll feel very comfortable, because I'm sure the president is a man of his word or else he wouldn't be president of the United States."
The mayor said that he has been invited to meet with the president as his plane arrives Thursday night, as he did during last year's presidential visit.
"I did it last time," Goodman said. "But, how's old saying? 'The first time, shame on you. The second time, shame on me.' I'm not gonna let it happen."
President Obama said nothing about "spending money in Las Vegas," he said that people shouldn't "blow a bunch of cash on Vegas when you're trying to save for college." I see a big difference in the two. Mayor Goodman needs to get over his ego and realize that the President is right, no one should blow money in Vegas when saving for more important things.
Oscar is nuts! He is refusing to meet with the President of the United States because of a statement that he, Oscar, has misinterpreted. No matter if you like Obama or not - that is so low class what Oscar is doing. Doesn't he have the cajones to ask the President IN PERSON why he comes across as having a chip on his shoulder about Vegas? What a ditz.
And yes - the President's words could have been phrased different, like leaving out Vegas and maybe putting in another place or just say "don't go blowing a bunch of money on unnecessary trips and things when you're trying to save for college" (or pay your mortgage, buy food for your family, etc)
GET OVER IT ALREADY OSCAR!!!
seanfromvegas :
Stop being an Obama apologist. The crap the prez said sucks for us, and he should apologize when he comes here.
Why would Obama want to tarnish his image by hobnobbing with this guy. He would be better off going to a "Gin Blossoms" concert. Weird people with Hawaiian Shirts on talk radio, over the hill passe show girls and gin that no one drinks any more, not to mention mob lawyers, the whole milieu is back in the baggy "good-fellows" polyester pants leisure suit era.
hey oscar...
grow up pal...
i thought the little gibbons monkey sounded like a child...
now you do too...
what the hell is wrong with you idiots...
the president is coming to las vegas...
that in and of itself is enough...
with harry reid nevada has more power now than it ever has had...
and yet you you 2 children are trying to throw it all away...
GROW UP!!!
mred :
It's not "Good-fellows" it's goodfellas.. jeez at least get your pop culture references straight..
OSCAR IS A CHILD!!!
Mayor Goodman is again blowing things out of proportion. All Obama said was we need to be more fiscally conservative than perhaps we were in the past.
How does Goodman expect to petition Obama for much needed $$ for our city if he won't even meet with him??? Seems he needs to put his pride aside and do his job..since he cares for our beloved city so much.
hey oscar...
this is what i am hearing...
boo hoo hoo!!!
wah wah wah!!!
boo hoo hoo!!!
wah wah wah!!!
boo hoo hoo!!!
wah wah wah!!!
boo hoo hoo!!!
wah wah wah!!!
boo hoo hoo!!!
wah wah wah!!!
I don't think anyone, even the Mayor, thinks that people should spend the college savings account at the craps table. That wasn't the point of why people are angry. The point is that Obama is misusing the Las Vegas name by attaching it to a negative analogy. No matter what Obama's intent was, the negative association is in people's heads now. That is what an analogy is!! (Google it, folks) People should save their college dollars, but spend their vacation dollars wherever they want. As residents, we should be outraged. This is $$ out of our pockets.
Obama should not have said anything specific about any city....he should have just said something to the effect of "People shouldn't go out and blow a bunch of cash on vacations, etc. etc...."
By specifically using the name of a city, expecially for the second time, it just sounds like he is specifically pointing out that city...whether he intends to or not.
Even Harry Reid said to "lay off of Vegas"...or something to that effect.
Funny thing is: everyone assumes that Obama cares if he pisses people off or not. You can't be President of These United States and be sensitive to making people mad.....
With all the scrutiny on "Vegas trips" after Obama made his comments, large businesses have pulled conferences out of Las Vegas and moved them to other cities at higher costs. There is a stigma now that Vegas isn't a place for legit business meetings, when that can't be further from the truth. No other city caters to business trips like Las Vegas does.
Would any of these "red neck" people being complaining if either Bush said the same thing?
So what???
So what Obama has told the nation twice that it is unwise to spend money in Vegas.
What is the big deal?
I hope he gives a speech at the Ritz in Lake Las Vegas.
Something like how the "stimulus" keep the unemployment at or under 8% like he said it would.
Outstanding success.....LOL...ready it is sad...very sad.
I congratulate Goodman . He has Gulgones which Dingy Harry ( Where is the jobs ? ) never had and never will . Obama is a fraud and should be treated as so. Where is his college transcript ? I would like to ask Obama where are the 2M jobs created when we have lost 6M?
"With all the scrutiny on "Vegas trips" after Obama made his comments, large businesses have pulled conferences out of Las Vegas and moved them to other cities at higher costs. There is a stigma now that Vegas isn't a place for legit business meetings, when that can't be further from the truth. No other city caters to business trips like Las Vegas does."
Please present facts before posting "large businesses have pulled conferences out of Las Vegas..."
Which businesses and what cities did they move to?
As for "legit business meetings", I have read recently in this paper that there are quite a few conventions coming to town.
The porn industry convention still is in Vegas and that is a real legit business....with such a stellar reputation. What company would NOT want to use the same meeting space as Ron Jeremy? (Isn't that his name - that porn guy?)
Why did President Obama just say that instead of blowing cash gambling it is better to pay for college?
The President's statement regarding saving for college was and is as obvious as true.
Maybe the mayor thinks that playing craps is a great way to make money for college?
Det_Munch...love the handle btw. AIG and Lehman Brothers are two of the predominate ones. Not too sure what city they moved to but I am almost positive AIG went to So Cal. And to another poster your damn right President Bush would have received as much if not more backlash for making similar comments. It is unheard of for a President to single out the second most revenue generating aspect of a city, and make it into a negative connotation. Tourism is what drives our local economy and any hit to that is detrimental. So it's not a personal vendetta against the President; it's a why as President would you make these comments?
I hope Goodman take the stimulus money from Obama and shake hands.Money talks and ???? walks.
@ Det Munch.
I too know first hand of meetings and conventions that have pulled out of this town, only to go to other cities such as San Francisco, Phoenix, Denver and Dallas and pay even more than what they would have here. They have sent letters saying that they have to pull out of Las Vegas because of "economic pressures." Then I get the phone call which is off the record and they bluntly explain they can't come to Vegas because of what the president said. To make it even more real, look at the LVCVA's 2009 stats. Overall for the year, visitor volume was down JUST 3%. Conventions and meetings were down 24%. Daily traffic from California was UP 4%. All major highway traffic was UP 2.5%. Traffic via the airport was down 8%. Room rates down 22%. So now with all of that, consider this. Overall visitor volume not bad at just -3. But when you consider meetings were down 24% you have to acknowledge the domino effect that market had on room rates and airport traffic counts. Conventioneers fly into town and typically can absorb a higher room cost because guess what - the company is paying for it. You're silly to think I, or anyone, will give you specific names of the companies. Do you think we're that stupid to risk losing them forever? Do the math. Obama hurt us.
The President should be ashamed for blowing taxpayer's money on a trip to Las Vegas stumping for Harry Reid. Obama would have better odds on a VEGAS slot machine than getting Harry re-elected!
Zero dollars in Southern Nevada for the housing stimulus, State wide budget cuts affecting local government and education. More layoffs and increased unemployment thanks to our Majority Leader. The Pres. and Harry Reid should not be welcomed with open arms in Nevada.
"But the first thing we have to do is we have to make sure that we're not going to have these comments, which cast a dispersion upon the city, made in the future."
Cast a dispersion? Does he mean, "Cast aspersions?"
"You prioritize. You make tough choices. It's time your government did the same."
I wish Obama would practice what he preaches.
Let's get ready to rummmmmble!
The quest to "straighten out" presents "Duel in the Desert" -- "The Martini Mobster" vs. "The Tourism Terrorist".
:-p
Mr. Mayor,
Go have another martini and cool-out and then go tell the kids in school how you love to drink!!!
President Obama has enough to fix without your attention getting B.S..
I am so glad your term will be up so we can get a Mayor who will represent our city in a positive way.
You know President Obama wasn't trying to hurt Las Vegas but was just making a point about spending money foolishly.
How's that "change" working for everybody?
I would like to hear the Obama backers responses to the fact that he is coming here, and heading straight for a fund raiser at the Maloof mansion..
How much do you all think it costs to for the flight here alone? I can only imagine how expensive the operation cost is for AF1...
Also these speeches are written and edited by "top" speech writing talent... So I can bet that those statements were intended... Vegas being mentioned was calculated...
I have no problem with the prez preaching economic responsibility, but to then wing all over the place, on especially expensive vacay's, on the tax payer dime... Would make you a hypocrite in my opinion... And before you spout off about how it is being paid for, again I don't think he was flying southwest, and staying at the Holiday Inn...So the taxpayers were paying a good chunk of change for all that...
My point is how do you Obama defenders justify this?
By the way Det, nice attempt at trying to pretend you don't know anything about the porno industry... "What company would NOT want to use the same meeting space as Ron Jeremy? (Isn't that his name - that porn guy?)" ... Its ok to admit you use the net for things other then LV Sun posting... I can only imagine the revenue that thing generates... I am all for it... There is a reason we are an adult play ground...
I don't like either side of the aisle when is comes to politics, I think the whole concept of siding with a party and its officials just because that's what your voter registration form says is outdated... we really should demand much more out of our politicians then stupid grandstanding... But unfortunately until the populous stops falling for the same old political shtick, it will always be status quo...
Oh, Lord, the wailing and hand-wringing continues!
Harley, Good one!
gypc_dave,
Ain't that a HOOT!
Casting dispersions. HA!
I was casting a Zebco the other day. Didn't catch much, just a few aspersions. Didn't want to clean em', so I threw em' back.
dippy: Oscar don't need no stinkin bartender and Vegas don't need no stinkin pseudo president who's never worked a real job in his life.
sizzlean,
Sarah Palin called. She wants her mavericky one-liner back. Enjoy your tea. I'll enjoy my education.
Who gives a crap if oscar greets the president.......odds are oscar would show up with a bottle of gin and a show girl on his arm.
A real nice sight for the world to see!
All of these post are funny.
WE all moved into the sewer (Sin City, Las Vegas, Vegas) then complain about the smell.
You knew where you were moving when you came here.
Mayor of Las Vegas and ex-mob lawyer vs. President of the United States. In lawyer speak - NOLO CONTENDERE
Hooray for our Mayor.
There are plenty of people who have suffered from Obamas careless comments. Just ask any of the people who are responsible for getting conventioneers to come here. They will tell you how many cancellations they had after the comments were so carelessly made.
Hooray for our Mayor.
@ Harley 3:25
Epic Win!
Sewer is a bit strong... I actually must be alone in the fact that I like it here... But I guess that has something to do with the fact that I have lived here most my life (collectively 23+ years)...
And I have been all over the world, so please don't lump me in with the unfortunate locals who call a taking trip to Utah or Cali traveling... I have worked in just about every big city in the US, lived in Europe (military brat) parents decided this was great place to land post military... And truthfully the life style here is great... We are cleaner then most cities, have some of the best weather, 24 hour access to anythings, never lacking for entertainment, and then you even have Cali beaches 4 short hours away... All I am saying is everywhere has its problems, basically the grass is not greener, just a different shade..
I think so many people came here under false pretense, because of that one great vacation they had and thought living here would live up to that... But when they got here they found out there is a community beyond the neon lights... and has been for a lot of years...
Attention Koolaid drinkers:
1) If you or your friends or your family are dependent on the Las Vegas economy
and
2) If you think it is OK for a leader to discourage people from spending money in Las Vegas.
Then you are an idiot.
It does not matter if what Obama's says is logical or sensible.
He could have made his points with using the words "Las Vegas" or "Vegas".
If you believe that nobody listens to Obama then you might have a legit point.
Otherwise, whenever Mr. Teleprompter sticks his foot in his mouth then that may cause harm to you, your friends and your family and....God forbid...state/local tax revenue base that you are always whining about.
Also, saying that Las Vegas is a poor business destination for conferences and meetings for businesses is totally dumb, too.
Put down the koolaid and use the gray matter between your ears.
why is this still news? I guess Oscar is desperate to stay relevant, and "tough" fighter for vegas...bs...go drink some gin and defend the mafia.
"Put down the koolaid and use the gray matter between your ears."
Reminds me of the great Oingo Boingo song...Gray Matter!!
A round of applause for SgtRock!
Oscar I dare you to go to the airport and tell Obama to get back on his plane and go back to DC until he apologizes to all of Las Vegas
chickenlittle, c'mon.
EVERY PRESIDENT since the advent of FLIGHT has traveled, and traveled to campaign for their party members in election cycles.
Noindex says
"A round of applause for sgtRock!"
The Koolaid rhetoric still amuses you?
Alrighty then.
sgtrock is WAY OVER THE TOP here on his goofy criticism, and people with an ounce of common sense from either side of the isle realize it.
Do you suppose there are actually people outside your little egocentric Las Vegas circle of ranters that actually ADVOCATE coming here to blow their wad? I'm thinking not. Should we be upset about it? I'm thinking we shouldn't.
Gambling has been the ruination of thousands upon thousands of United States' citizens.
I'm not against it; Hey, I enjoy a little VP.
It's kind of like cheering for people to drink massive amounts of booze or take a bunch of drugs. They, like gambling, are often self-destructive vices with serious (and expensive) social consequences.
So, no. I don't think there is a ton of sympathy at play "out there" in the real world when the President of the United States is not a big advocate of our City of Vices.
I think we might just have to get over it. At least don't take it so damn seriously... maybe if people had had FUN with it, we could have gotten a lot of free POSITIVE miles out of it! Maybe even an ADVERTISING campaign.
aisle. I want to go to an isle.
The Mayor has the right idea, "O" must meet and say he won't trash LV again! Who is to say you have to save for your kids' college? Do it the old way, make them work summer jobs and save, get a student loan. Make them responsible for their own education. And yes, blow some money on a Vegas trip!
gamg....is your income or your family's income dependent on the Las Vegas economy?
Thank God...you are not in charge of the convention authority's ad money.
I can see GMAG's ads: "Thinking of coming to Vegas....STOP!!!!! We have gambling and booze and women that want to have sex with you. STOP!!! That is all bad! Stay home. What stays at home...stays at home SAVE YOUR CASH!!!!!"
If you, gmag, think Las Vegas is bad then
MOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I do not think you are that dumb....I think you just have OD on koolaid.
Just curious....do you think it is also bad for businesses to have conferences and conventions in Vegas, too, especially businesses that receive TARP money.
"Every Prez travels" that's it? That is the best Obama argument for hypocrisy so far.... PLEASE tell me someone else has something better... PLEASE!!!....
... Yeah OSCAR!?! WHAT-about-YOU reping MOBSTERS back in-la-1970's?!? HUH???
I'm reminded of the song by Tammy Wynette.... Stand by your Man!!!! No wonder Vegas is the tiolet bowl of Nevada. Obama kicks you in the teeth twice, and you guys criticize the mayor!! pitiful bunch.
Ifs funny to read all the riff-raff who read the Sun, defending Obama as he sinks the country in debt with record unemployment and business loss.
Don't hold your breath, Oscar.
Oh, "rock", calm down. I like Las Vegas. I just simply stated that we cannot expect to have people ENCOURAGED to come here and blow their life savings. If you Neo-Nuts disagree, that's fine. It's just opinions, nance.
The ad campaign would be a little more creative, there, Jim. Ad agencies would LOVE to get a crack at it, I assure you.
Goodman needs to give it a rest. I'm sure that Obama was talking about going anywhere to gamble away your house money or your family's food money is a bad thing to do.
MANABOUTTOWN,
The country was in debt due to your boy nitwit,Bush,Obama started in a hole and he's trying to dig us out. The same goes for the jobs, when he took over we were losing 600,000 to 700,000 jobs a month. It's now been cut down to 75,000.
Your mind is is full of poison by all that Rightwing Kool Aid and Tea you've been drinking.
Typical of liberals. Ignore the facts and spin it your way. Gmag - man, find something else to do for a change. You are nothing but a hard core left winger who was probably crushed when Air America went off the air so now you have NO life and NOTHING to do...
Let me guess Gmag - your favorite president was Jimmy Carter.
jke1717...
I guess only people who "think like you" should post comments.
You PROMISED you wouldn't comment on my comments, remember?
I musta got yer goat!!!
But, hey. since you broke your own promise, do tell;
WHAT AM I SPINNING?
And I would like to know if you bought the SUN newspaper and are asking me not to post. Is that correct? What does the rest of the group say to that?
Is the new rule that only right-wing Nutjobs like you can post comments?
And do you have ANYTHING TO SAY? I mean, besides trying to belittle me and acting like a petulant child?
jke1717 said:
"Then I get the phone call which is off the record and they bluntly explain they can't come to Vegas because of what the president said."
I call total BS on this crapola from jke.
jke1717 said;
"Let me guess Gmag - your favorite president was Jimmy Carter."
You may not agree with his politics, there, Mr. Nutjob, but
James Earl Carter was/is a good and decent fella who served his country honorably, both in the military and as POTUS. Deal with it, son.
gmag is probably right.
Nobody listens to that big bag of wind-Obama anyway.
jke1717 said;
"Gmag - man, find something else to do for a change. You are nothing but a hard core left winger who was probably crushed when Air America went off the air so now you have NO life and NOTHING to do..."
Easy, there, young fella. I'll put my schedule up against yours any day. This commenting thing, it's just a little bit of fun each day, unless you are a Nutjob and take life too seriously!
Air America? HA!
I do know Senator Frankenberry was on it, and it was a miserable failure. Political "talk Radio" is for losers that need to have an overpaid blowhard do their thinkin' for em. That's all I can tell you, kiddo.
Hey SgtRock, what if he is also RIGHT? Vegas is the epitomy of burning $$$$, especially the way Harrahs is taking the screws to gamblers.
When people tighten their belts, burning a couple grand getting ripped off by corporate casinos will be the first thing to go.
What's next, going to blame Obama for the LV housing market dropping through the floor?
Whine, whine and whine some more. Get over this. Obama owes nothing to Goodman or Las Vegas.
I'm surprised Oscar didn't threaten to beat Obama with a baseball bat like he did the reporter from the NY Times. Oscar should change his drink from Gin and Tonic to Vinegar and water because he really is a total d-bag
gmag totals:
28 posts today
1949 total
he wins for most posts again today. . .
who's the real nutjob?
and sorry, no bs on the phone calls canceling meetings. and again facts are facts, just some people refuse to acknowledge them.
good night sir. . .
Sleep tight, little one. Have your mom leave the night light on for ya.
For the past 10 years, my old college buddies and I have been meeting in either Lake Tahoe or Las Vegas for an annual get away. Due to Mayor Goodman's arrogant behavior toward the President, we are taking our money to the Bahamas. We will miss you Nevada until Mayor Goodman is out of office.
Why should I blow my money in LV or AC when I can blow it in the stock market? Getting that monthly statement was much more fun than gambling.
i hate the mayor. not because of his attitude toward obamao, but the fact he's making obama legitimate.
the only people that would REALLY not come here because stupid obamao said not to are dumb people that make $8 or $9 per hour and who cares if those people are here anyway?
they just clog up the restrooms and buffet lines for us "evil rich people".
nobody with money...or a brain...isn't going to stop coming to vegas. let obaby have his bottle and let's move on.
The MAYOR and the GOVERNOR are an embarrassement to the Las Vegas residents and the citizens of Nevada. How did these two win election to office? That's right, yes said it, by the sleep walking voters. Now with so many people out of work and losing their homes and processions, we now have many voters with added time to seek-out information on the internet and gather the facts.
The Mayor is a drunk who defended crooks and killers, how is the hell did he get elected?
I feel the mayor has the right to be angry with Obama. The city has had it's share of economic downfall. He does not need the leader of the country to bad mouth it. However I would meet with the president and use it as a opportunity to promote the city. The people out there bashing the mayor should be as proud of Vegas as he is.
jke1717, you are a liar. Prove it or lose it. Anyone can say "i have gotten calls cancelling their trips to Vegas, but I can't name who it was". That is rich. I challenge you or any other neoconservative liar on this board to prove your case - give us some quantifiable data that average citizens (who the comment was aimed at, not corps) are calling and cancelling their Vegas trips because of what Obama said. Heck, just give us one example. Surely you Fox News nutjobs can scrape the bottom of the barrel and come up with some teabagger that is using this excuse.
You won't because there aren't any. Want to know why? Nobody planning a trip to Vegas gives a rats ass what the president thinks of their travel plans. It's the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Yeah like someone is going to eat their NON-REFUNDABLE flight and hotel reservations, just because Obama told them not to go to Vegas.
Quit lying and come with some facts, Con. How old are you, like 12?
Obama and Reid are more than TWO idiots --- they're FOUR idiots!
Don't worry The Teaparty convention is going to be in Las Vegas and plenty of people will be spending money and booking hotels. They don't like when someone keeps stepping on those American People who work very hard in Las Vegas.
"By the way Det, nice attempt at trying to pretend you don't know anything about the porno industry... "What company would NOT want to use the same meeting space as Ron Jeremy? (Isn't that his name - that porn guy?)" ... Its ok to admit you use the net for things other then LV Sun posting"
LOLOLOL You're a jerk. I don't know anything about the porn industry but my ex does as do 99% of all men. Before moving there, my ex and I were staying at the Rio during the porn convention. A bunch of the porn actors and actresses came into the bar we were at. EVERY SINGLE MAN IN THE BAR KNEW ALL OF THESE PEOPLE!!! All of us women had no idea who these people were and could care less. Their behavior in public was amazing - in most bars in ANY other city in the U.S., they would have been arrested - but not in Vegas!! A bunch of no class sluts and pigs.
The President once again reverted to comming to Vegas in a derogatory way.You do not say negative things about any metropolitan city as a leader.You want to encourage people to travel.
Not only did obama's comment's hurt Las Vegas but it also hurt several other industries such as Arlines,Travel Agencies,Investors of the Strip Casino's.The President has a habit of sticking his foot in his mouth and I thought he had a staff who helped write his speeches.
People do not realize the importance Las Vegas has to the countries economy.Just about every Casino Resort's stock here in Vegas is traded on Wall Street and if their is growth here it encourages the rest of the country.People here in this country follow the trend and when they see a possitive they become positve.
For Obama to say anything in a derogatory way about any City is foolish and to do it twice The Mayor is right He is a sow learner and i support Oscar Goodman in his boycott of the President
commming to Las Vegas
"jke1717, you are a liar. Prove it or lose it. Anyone can say "i have gotten calls cancelling their trips to Vegas, but I can't name who it was". "
"That is rich. I challenge you or any other neoconservative liar on this board to prove your case - give us some quantifiable data that average citizens (who the comment was aimed at, not corps) are calling and cancelling their Vegas trips because of what Obama said. Heck, just give us one example."
It is the same with the person(s) who keeps saying all these conventions cancelled because of last year's comments from Obama but cannot come up with names of all the conventions that were cancelled!!!
I say put your money where your mouth is and name names and specifics when stating that such and such happened because of Obama's words - and DO NOT point to the dismal unemployment figures in Nevada because THAT started before he was President.
Munchy...
Exactly.
You know what I think?
I think jke1717 is another one of sgtrock's slew of aliases. I wish The SUN would crack down on multiple screen-name posters.
sgtnance32rockapplesslicesetcetc.
Maybe Oscar Goodman, you need to have a drink to clam your nerves down, and please stop parading your alcohol vodka martinis in front of our children, you look like a dam alcoholic..
I stayed in Ballys not long after it was redone after the MGM fire.I flew to Vegas 2 weeks after
9/11 out of Newark.I'm coming out end of April and dont care about Obama,The Teapartiers,Porn Stars or any other Left/Right Wing groups that happen to show up.
The Mayor needs to get over himself. He needs to meet with the President personally. He sounds like that idiotic Gov. Gibbons who said the the President needs to meet with him. I think he had it backwards. Last I looked, the President of the United States was more important than both the Mayor of Las Vegas and the Governor of Nevada put together.
I'd like "The Sun" to ask the Vegas City Council what they think of all this. Could be a revealing piece.
Nothing good comes from telling the Pres. of the U.S. to go screw himself as Goodman is doing. It's pointless and accomplishes nothing. He should know considering his past clientele, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." And he has decided that the President of the U.S. is an enemy. Wow - this is just a tantrum that Vegas cannot afford. If he feels the Pres. did something wrong he should meet him and talk about it. He'd not only look like the bigger of the two but he might actually get something accomplished.
Det, don't be offended, that was more just tongue and cheek than anything else... I actually just got a kick of how you worded that more then anything else...
Fact is this town is and will always be an adult playground... I will be the first one in line screaming for economic diversity, but until then we have to embrace what we do well... And that is to cater to this fantasy that most people have of this town... People come here to party like rockstars, and really I don't think there is anything wrong with that..If there is something to complain about complain about corporations treating our guests like another face in the crowd...
Really the bigger issue I am questioning, is the presidents need to lecture the middle class on how they spend their money, yet be willing to fork out billions of tax payer dollars to banks (keep in mind TARP was one of his last minute campaign items), take expensive vacations himself, and then have the nerve to come here after making these "don't go to Vegas comments"... So again I beg of the supporters to make a claim why these comments are justified? Do I think the guy has promise? Yeah.. Do I not agree with the way he is going about doing things? Yeah... You want to preach Fiscal responsibility, great I am all for it, but lets get to the business of creating jobs what I see as government fiscal responsibility... This country is in dire need of an infrastructure overhaul, you know how many millions of unemployed that will put to work... Please tell me about that...Please tell me how my government is going to get something of real value for my dollars... Not where I should spend my money...
Who cares what Obama says. Most of his true followers aren't likely to go to Vegas anyway. The slot machine bill acceptors don't take food stamps.
^^^Please do not put me in this group^^^
My question is genuine, in that I am trying to better understand getting behind a politician strictly because of party alignment... I have seen this happen a lot, and there never is any real justification... Just a lot of hate spewed from either side, the above is a perfect example...So those that truly back Obama, please tell me how you can back his fiscal policies, and activities, then turn around and back him in his preaching that people need to be more economically tight...Seems very contradictory to me...
Again I repeat, with the global appeal this guy started out with he had really great potential to do some good things, but the speeches are getting old.. I think people are really just calling for action now... Stop telling us things and roll up your sleeves and get to work...
Barack Hussein Obama the name says it all.I have been around the world and I never never heard of a man using the name Hussein that was not a Muslim have you? Barck Hussein Obama
HammerMC...
thy name is spelled I G N O R A N T.
Congratulations Mr. Mayor. I would want my mayor to defend the people (job seekers) of my city. These lefties are in denial about the shortfalls of their manboy
obamas comment using las vegas as the examle of what people should not do with their money was bad enough, but i think the most disturbing thing is that our prez sees the need to tell our citizens how to manage their money! this coming from a government that is totally reckless with our tax money! now he's spouting off about fiscal responsibility. the obama supporters are evidently people who need to be led around with a ring in their noses. who are the majority of obama supporters anyway? think about it people. i for one am tired of supporting these lazy low-lifes. i've had enough and somebody else can do it now!
The frustration in the president's visit is that it will disrupt our local economy further (as in, sightseeing companies not being able to do flights out of BC), not to mention how we were given nothing in that housing rescue funding. Add to that some misspoken comments about not blowing money here and it brings down his respect level.
Does Obama even know who Oscar Goodman is? I doubt it. even if he did why would he care? time to fade into obscurity Oscar.
You did the right thing, Mr. Mayor. The problem is, as long as he`s going to luxuriate in the White House (boo-hoo), we have to be ready for his non-sequiturs. Like hatching the Irking Balls panel to figure out how to reduce the deficit. Does he have a mind-freeze that HE`S the one spending+
Oscar Goodman, please stop drinking your nose is huge and your understanding is very poor. Your only intention is to get your mug on CNN, hopefully you move to NY after your term is over. NY has the stuff you need, brush up on your legal language you gotta a lotta work to do...you big dummy!!!!
During the "infomercial" Obama Presidential campaign blitz I kept hearing of the incredible intelligence of this man. However, I must question this assertion. How can a person of reasonable intelligence let alone incredible intelligence not learn from his mistakes. He has an uninterrupted record of faux pas, misspeaking, false assumptions and generally shooting himself in the foot (yes, the one planted firmly in his mouth) every time he strays from the prepared pablum being fed him by the telepromter/speech writers.
Mr. President. Please, get a clue. Your advisors/speech writers and keepers are not doing you any favors. Do not bad mouth any city or constituents. Please begin using the incredible intelligence you are attributed with...if it in fact exists.
rawthunder is raw stupidity personified.
In my humble opinion the GOOD Mayor is correct!! I believe that the President's first "negative" comment concerning LV was innocent. However, his most recent comment, for what-ever reason was intentional. Why, I have no idea except to say that our President has a 'Chicago Sized' ego and NO Mayor is going to call out the President of the United States with regard's to a proverbial "Slip of the Tongue". Why didn't Mr. Obama call out Atlantic City or how about the many US cities that have Riverboat Gambling or large concentration's of Native American Casino's. Something smell's rotten folk's.
For all those who support what the prez said and claim Goodman misunderstood what Obama said = Why did millions of $$ worth of conventions pull out of Vegas? We lost lots of tax revenue due to what he said... I understand what the Prez was trying to say BUT regardless, he represents the ENTIRE United States not only the markets or economies he wishes at the time... I am with Goodman, Obama should make it right! When the economy gets better, is Obama going to say "Now that were back to normal, go and 'blow' money in Vegas"... lets hope...
How funny is it that Goodman is the Mayor of a pretty large city and he acts like a school kid? Even though President O did a major disservice to the economy of NV not once, but twice, it's commical to watch how Reid does nothing and he's up close and personal with the President and Mr Martini acts unprofessional as well. All 3 of them are out of touch and not focussed on finding the solution... but, that's typical of most politicians. Sad but true.
He's a drunk embarassment.
THANK YOU OSCAR!!!
Why would anybody want to greet and meet with Obama? America has been forever changed by this idiot and hopefully our next president can fix what this idiot has done. I for one hope he is impeached and sent to prison where he belongs. Obama is a liar and he's being paid by us to screw us every chance he gets, they don't want people to work, they want Americans to become codependent and suck off the programs they've promoted to keep their lazy pathetic voting pool around. We're sick of giving our money to these people and the boiling point of many American's is nearing.
Just waiting for Obama's next statement. "Families need to make healthier choices and stop wasting their money on Big Macs at McDonald's". Same kind of statement he made about Vegas, but imagine the heat he'd take for THAT statement.
Our alcoholic Mayor wants the POTUS to act more like a Pit Boss than the President.
Hey Teabaggies. Maybe you could get your Dear Leader, Sarah Palin, to do a shout out to "Suckers everywhere! Come-on down and gamble your college money away in our COMMON SENSE CASINOS, right here in REAL America, Las Vegas!"
President Obama seems to criticize Vegas on one hand but the other, he sure seems to go there often enough. He needs to go where he is welcome because it sure is hell isn't here.
LVMD2020,
I knew that Obama was a closet-cigarette smoker, but I didnt know he was much of a drinker. Thanks for the info.
will at least he wasn't a alcoholic and a coke head like our last president
I'll be glad when his term is up, hopefully it will just be this one term and we can get someone in office who knows what he's doing, he's a wanna be MLK.
its2hot checks in with this doozy...
"I for one hope he is impeached and sent to prison where he belongs. Obama is a liar and he's being paid by us to screw us every chance he gets, they don't want people to work, they want Americans to become codependent and suck off the programs they've promoted to keep their lazy pathetic voting pool around."
This is no regular NutJob, our its2hot...
Hey Oscar good job!!
Obama is a butt hole. After Obama runs off the tourist, the state will be asking for stimulus. More people go to Vegas the more jobs will be needed. Vegas wake up.
Goodman should have accepted his invite --- and when he got close enough determine first hand if, Obama is a real live idiot or just an idiot cardboard cutout, devoid of content, made from delaminated corrugated paper.
its2hot is no doubt a Glenn Beck brainwashee
Whats done is done...Cant change it,, kinda like OBUMA change,,never happen... So Oscar should mix up a batch of martinis and go drink them with OBUMA...Then when hes all loosened up,, kick his stupid ass back to wherever he thinks he can BS the people....
hey mayor,are you going to boot the president back to washington ? cant wait to see it. dummy.
Just because you Las Vegas dolts don't want to save for college, don't talk badly of the people that do......My money will stay in the bank, not in a crooked slot machine. Find another way to make a living.
President Obama, should give goodman, yucca mountain back. That should shut that moron up.
***Reid Jobs Bill Gives Tax Breaks for Hiring Illegal Workers
The Federation for American Immigration
February 16, 2010
"Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) unveiled his jobs bill last week that proposes tax exemptions and tax credits for employers who hire and retain workers-----regardless of their immigration status."
Cont'd............
http://www.fairus.org/site/News2?page=Ne...
http://www.numbersusa.com
from the fingers of BIBIZGIL;
"Hey Oscar good job!!
Obama is a butt hole. After Obama runs off the tourist, the state will be asking for stimulus. More people go to Vegas the more jobs will be needed. Vegas wake up"
If I was threatened with waterboarding, or death by a thousand small cuts, I could not explain what the aforementioned means.
"Tax Breaks for Hiring Illegal Workers"
Oh what a joke of a talking point this is, folks.
The federal government already outlaws illegal immigrants, making this moot. You know what else this bill doesn't ban? Murder, rape and polygamy. Does that mean murder rape and polygamy are suddenly legal? No.
I like how much conversation there is on this particular forum... So lets take it a different direction... "I'll give you a topic"... :)
Let me start by simplifying since I cannot get a straight answer out of any of the zealots on either side...Everyone just seems to want to flame each other for being on the other side of the fence... With no real logic behind it...
One side Obama right, typical Obama backers, preaching that he is right in telling people to be economically responsible... I claim hypocrisy here, based on his own irresponsible actions... Just want to know why there is a blind alignment with him, because no one on here wants to argue facts... I agree with economic responsibility... But for the backers it is ok to call him on his BS you do not always have to blindly agree...
The other Obama wrong... And truthfully this group is just angry, well over half of these comments are just hate driven stupidity... I also agree that calling a city on its prime industry is irresponsible on behalf of our elected leader, I didn't hear San Diego, or Hawaii brought up in his save your money statement...I will say this side does have a few that are able to bring facts to the table about companies pulling out after the original statements... But really you have to agree this guy COULD do some good things with his ability to drive people like that on just a soundbite...
These 2 items have been stated countless times on this article alone... My question is why is everyone so blindly aligning with either side? Can someone please present an educated well thought out argument for either?... "Discuss".. :)
Your 15 minutes are up, Mr, Goodman, give it a rest. I mean, really, how much longer are you going to milk this? If people can afford to vacation in Las Vegas, they will. A comment by any president is not going to stop them.
Oscar, don't get short-changed make sure he brings you donuts with your coffee!
With all the clout, juice, and vig of a urinal-cleaning janitor (I was one once and there ain't much), Oscar continues to throw his "weight" around like his earth shaking opinion matters. Gibbons and Oscar need to realize they mean nothing to the poor and jobless, their words won't put food on the table. Doing their jobs will. Those jobs are circumventing the negative opinions of Nevada and Las Vegas and getting this state and town in the black again. Everybody has critics folks, even the Pope! Shut up and do your job!
"Why did millions of $$ worth of conventions pull out of Vegas?"
Again - put your money where your mouth is and SUPPLY US with all these sconventions that pulled out of Vegas!!! Back up these allegations with facts, please, and not just a post filled with nothing but "hot air"! PROVE IT.
"LVMD2020,
I knew that Obama was a closet-cigarette smoker, but I didnt know he was much of a drinker. Thanks for the info."
Manabouttown:
He is referring to OSCAR, not Obama!!!
I am SO proud of our mayor for standing up for us!! If you are in the hotel industry you know how Mr. Obamas comments hurt our city. In other words our pockets. He spoke irresponsibly and he needs to be called out for it. Go Oscar! We are still trying to catch up because of his lack of decorum. Mr. President go home....don't come to Vegas without an apology.
Det_Munch = are just these two quotes enough... You would have to be foolish if you dont think even more pulled out of Vegas after clinging to Obama's every word (sadly)
"Late Monday, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. said it had moved a three-day conference from the Las Vegas Strip to San Francisco amid what the bank called a broad review of its activities. Goldman Sachs has accepted $10 billion in federal bailout funds."
"Last week, Wells Fargo & Co., which received a $25 billion infusion, canceled a planned employee recognition conference in Las Vegas after an AP story reported on the trip and the bank received criticism from Capitol Hill that it was misusing the funds."
If OBAMA & OSCAR GOODMAN are running simultaneously for public offices in Las Vegas I will vote OBAMA for COUNCILMAN and OSCAR for MAYOR.