Well now that we are getting the line that the “distraction” caused by Obama’s remarks are “regretted” (not the remarks themselves nor that they were ill-informed), we should pay special attention to the remarks themselves.

Let’s consider that we are all accustomed to a Barack Obama who, when off script, tends to inject a lot of “umms” and “ahhhs” in his speech. A great many give him crap about that, but let’s consider the behavior in a generous light. Let’s assume that he is searching for the best words - being cautious not to over commit, offend or misstate.

When he spoke about Gates, there was very little in the way of umms and ahhs. Obama was direct in his speech. He stated that he did not have all the facts but then stated that the Cambridge Police acted stupidly (he apparently felt he had enough facts to make that assertion). He also stated facts abou racial profiling, which was a cause of his in the Illinois Senate and a subject he has spoken on many times (in a small irony it turns out that the stupid cop himself is a trained counselor on racial profiling).

Obama’s words were direct, clear and unclouded with the hesitation that comes with “umms” and “ahhs”.

He pre-judged the situation. He admitted he was doing it. Then he went on to paint the cops involved as stupid and monologued on racial profiling. Without pause.

Sorry Mr. President, but if you are looking for prejudice and bigotry in government, look in the mirror.