President Obama has tried really hard to stay out of the 2016 race for his job, except when it comes to one person: Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker.
First, Obama ripped Walker last month for signing into law a right-to-work bill. Then, in an interview with NPR published Tuesday, the president said Walker needed to “bone up on foreign policy” after suggesting he would undo any nuclear pact with Iran were he to win control of the White House.
Yet, the White House insists that Obama isn’t going out of his way to rip Walker.
“It’s nothing personal,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest said, when asked if Obama had anything against Walker.
Walker has become Public Enemy Number One to organized labor. In 2012, after a showdown between Walker and the Badger State’s government employee unions, labor organizers from all over the United States launched a a recall campaign against him — which failed spectacularly, as the people of Wisconsin re-elected Walker with a higher percentage and a higher vote total than he had won in his original 2010 election.
Lately, Walker has attempted to showcase his foreign policy chops, apparently drawing the ire of the White House.
“It would be a foolish approach to take,” Obama told NPR, “and perhaps Mr. Walker — after he’s taken some time to bone up on foreign policy — will feel the same way.”
For his part, Walker eagerly welcomed the debate with Obama.
“President Obama’s failed leadership has put him at odds with many across the country, including members of his own party, and key allies around the world,” the Wisconsin governor said Tuesday. “Americans would be better served by a president who spent more time working with governors and members of Congress rather than attacking them. Whether it is cutting a bad deal with Iran, calling ISIS the JV squad, or touting Yemen as a success story, Obama’s lack of leadership has hurt America’s safety and standing in the world.”
