I think Obama was just 'fogging' Medvedev. You know when you want to not deal with somebody

[applegrove]

and their issues you make an excuse and you can then move on & away.


for a transcript of the recorded exchange:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002473595


for the definition of fogging:

http://hwebbjr.typepad.com/openloops/2008/03/fogging-one-com.html

"SNIP...................

Fogging is an assertiveness skill that is aptly named for the dense mist that has often confused many travelers. In a fog, we lose our bearings, miss important landmarks and find ourselves off the road in a ditch that we failed to see. The assertive communication technique of fogging works the same way by confusing the verbal bully, who expects his victims to get angry and defend themselves, entering into a fight that the bully knows all too well how to win. Fogging works because the technique presents to the bully a tactic they don't expect: agreement.

Fogging, in essence, is agreeing with the offending statement, agreeing with a small portion of the statement that happens to be true, agreeing with the general principle behind the offending statement, or agreeing with any possible truth in the statement. Sweet in simplicity, here are some examples:

...................SNIP"

[Schema Thing]

1. gorpglockgoop

[applegrove]

2. ?

[Cosmocat]

3. Sadly BO lacks the fantastical ability to look in his eyes

and get a sense of his soul ...

[FSogol]

4. Also known as diplomacy. 'We'll deal with you later."

Repubs just don't get diplomacy.