WHITE HOUSE

Obama, Arizona Gov. Brewer Have Tense Exchange in Phoenix

Updated: January 25, 2012 | 7:00 p.m.
January 25, 2012 | 6:39 p.m.

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer clashes with President Obama after he arrived at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

President Obama and Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer had a tense exchange over the governor's book when the president touched down in Phoenix on Wednesday, according to pool reports. 

It began when Obama stepped off Air Force One and greeted Brewer, a Republican. Brewer handed Obama an envelope that, the White House said, contained an invitation to meet. During their conversation, according to a pool report, Brewer pointed her finger at the president. 

"He was a little disturbed about my book, Scorpions for Breakfast. I said to him that I have all the respect in the world for the office of the president. The book is what the book is. I asked him if he read the book. He said he read the excerpt. So," Brewer said, according to the report. 

The governor said that Obama disagreed with the way the book treated him. 

"I said I was sorry he felt that way, but I didn't get my sentence finished. Anyway, we're glad he's here. I'll regroup," she said, according to the report.

A White House official said that Obama felt that Brewer had inaccurately described their Oval Office meeting in her book. 

 

 

Get the latest news and analysis delivered to your inbox. Sign up for National Journal's morning alert, Wake-Up Call, and afternoon newsletter, The Edge. Subscribe here.


Leave A Comment
The National Journal Group has the right (but not the obligation) to monitor the comments and to remove any materials it deems inappropriate.
Comments powered by Disqus
Follow National Journal
Expert Opinions
Transportation Experts

Oops! Judge Slams Local Public-Private Deal

May 17, 2013

Latest Response by Robert L. Darbelnet: Public Scrutiny Essential

Energy Experts

Should Washington Go Small on Energy and Climate Policy?

May 17, 2013

Latest Response by Jack Gerard: Minor Policies, Major Consequences

Energy Experts

Should Washington Go Small on Energy and Climate Policy?

May 16, 2013

Latest Response by Jonathan Silver: Woefully Little, Better Than Nothing

More Expert Opinions »
Columns
Charlie Cook: The Cook Report

Republicans Should Go Easy on Obama, At Least in Public

May 16, 2013
As a tactical matter, a subterranean campaign will score more direct hits on the president.
Ronald Brownstein: Political Connections

How the White House Scandals Could Hurt Republicans, Too

May 16, 2013
By enraging the base and strengthening the faction least willing to compromise with Obama, the IRS and Benghazi affairs could hurt a GOP shot at the presidency.
Norm Ornstein: Washington Inside Out

Eric Cantor’s Caucus Thwarts His Push for an Alternative Agenda

May 16, 2013
Cantor has learned that the tea-party movement he helped foster won’t fall in line behind his efforts to push an alternative conservative agenda.
More Columns »