Today, President Obama played down his hot mic moment with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev that set-off a firestorm yesterday.

“On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this, this can be solved but it’s important for him to give me space,” Obama, taking part in what he thought was a private conversation, told the Russian yesterday. Then, the president said, “This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility.” Many were concerned by what the president was suggesting.