President Obama was interrupted today by a persistent heckler as he delivered a speech during a reception celebrating LGBT Pride Month in the East Room.
Speaking for 15 minutes the president told the reception of about 200 people that whatever the decision handed down by the court, the country had come a long way. “We are now awaiting the Supreme Court’s ruling on whether same-sex couples nationwide have the equal right to marry,” he said to loud cheers after listing other recent gay rights achievements.
As Gutiérrez repeatedly shouted out “Not one more deportation” the president, reportedly less patient than usual, asked the heckler to leave.
“Hold on a sec,” said Obama. “OK. You know what. Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah. No, no, no, no. Hey, listen, you are in my house,” he added, to cheers from the audience.
“You know know what?” continued the president. “It’s not respectful when you get invited to somebody’s house. You are not going to get a good response from me by interrupting me like this. Shame on you, you shouldn’t be doing this.”
As the crowd became impatient with the heckler the president had the woman removed.
Following the incident national grassroots social justice organization Get Equal issued a press release identifying Gutiérrez as the heckler.
“The White House gets to make the decision whether it keeps us safe, “explained Gutiérrez in the release. “There is no pride in how LGBTQ and transgender immigrants are treated in this country. If the president wants to celebrate with us, he should release the LGBTQ immigrants locked up in detention centers immediately.”
After the heckler was removed the president told the crowd, “As a general rule, I am just fine with a few hecklers but not when I am up in the house. If you are eating the hors d’oeuvres, know what I’m sayin’?, and drinking the booze…”
Obama was introduced by Megan Smith, US Chief Technology Officer, and was also accompanied by Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi.
Jennicet will be at the mock ‘die-in’ during Pride parade in San Diego.
Let’s hope someone shoves a bar of soap down HIS throat!
Remind me never to order the lobster should I dine with Mr. President…Lord knows what kind of compliance would be in order then.
I comprehend how you not only interacted with a simple intruder but also spoke without knowing anything accept he/she was loud and rude, while you were making a speech in your house. (Mr. President, you were also so quick in both facts and responses. You knew how to handle that situation so well.)
In conclusion, everybody has issues but not during your Speeches in your home. Thank you Mr. President for your time.
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