President Barack Obama responded angrily to a reporter from a conservative online publication who interrupted him Friday during remarks on immigration in the White House Rose Garden.
Obama was speaking about his plan to stop deporting younger illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. as children. Midway through the remarks on Friday, Neil Munro of the Daily Caller shouted to Obama, "Why do you favor foreigners over American workers?" Obama told Munro he would not answer questions while he was speaking.
Here is more of that exchange:
OBAMA: It is -- it is the right thing to do.
QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)
OBAMA: Excuse me, sir. It's not time for questions, sir.
QUESTION: Are you going to take questions?
OBAMA: Not while I'm speaking.
The president later addressed the reporter directly, saying the plan was the "right thing to do for the American people." Munro continued to shout questions.
Obama told Munro he was explaining the policy, not asking for an argument.
Here is more from the second exchange:
OBAMA: And I've seen the stories of Americans and schools and churches and communities across the country who stood up for it and rallied behind them and pushed us to give them a better path and freedom from fear, because we're a better nation than one that expels innocent young kids.
And the answer to your question, sir -- and the next time I'd prefer you let me finish my statements before you ask that question -- is this is the right thing to do for the American people.
(CROSSTALK)
OBAMA: I didn't -- I didn't ask for an argument. I'm answering your question.
QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)
OBAMA: It is the right thing to do for the American people, and here's why...
QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)
OBAMA: Here's the reason: because these young people are gonna make extraordinary contributions and are already making contributions to our society.
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Later the Daily Caller posted a statement from Munro their website:
"I always go to the White House prepared with questions for our president," Munro said in the statement. "I timed the question believing the president was closing his remarks, because naturally I have no intention of interrupting the President of the United States. I know he rarely takes questions before walking away from the podium. When I asked the question as he finished his speech, he turned his back on the many reporters, and walked away while I and at least one other reporter asked questions."
Tucker Carlson, who is editor-in-chief of the Daily Caller, said the publication was "proud of Neil Munro."
Publisher Neil Patel added: "The President today announced a very controversial policy and does not want to answer tough questions about it. Neil Munro is a veteran Washington reporter who today tried his best to time his question to be first as the President was wrapping up his remarks. He in no way meant to heckle the President of the United States."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
