Obama taken for a prankster

[Goldeneye]

AP news

Ros-Lehtinen hangs up on Obama. Twice.

Is Ileana Ros-Lehtinen a little paranoid?

Maybe.

On Wednesday, the Republican congresswoman got a call from President-elect Barack Obama, didn't believe it was him, and hung up on him. Twice.

According to Ros-Lehtinen's flack Alex Cruz, the congresswoman received the call on her cell phone from a Chicago-based number and an aide informed her that Obama wanted to speak to her. When Obama introduced himself, Ros-Lehtinen cut him off and said, "I'm sorry but I think this is a joke from one of the South Florida radio stations known for these pranks." Then she hung up.

Moments later, Obama tried again, this time through his soon-to-be chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel.

"Ileana, I cannot believe you hung up on the President-Elect," Emanuel said. And then--yes, you know what's coming--she hung up on Emanuel saying she "didn't believe the call was legitimate."

A short time later, Ros-Lehtinen received an urgent call from Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, who informed her that she indeed hung up on Obama.

So, Obama tried again and this time he was successful. (Phew!)

[Kristatos]

I can't blame her for being suspicious, after Sarah Palin getting caught out by those two Canadian DJs. But Palin was too dim to spot obvious giveaways like references to "my American advisor Johnny Hallyday". Usually prank callers put things like that in, so I think the Congresswoman should have taken the call but been on the lookout for those sorts of clues.

[Dr. No]

I would have assumed it was a prank too. It would be like Craig calling ME to ask my advice on something.

[retrokitty]

That was really dumb. Seriously, take the call, get some information and call them back. Or tell the rep to tell him that she will call back to ensure it's not a prank. The president would understand that. But to hang up is rude. And if even if it was a prank, she would come across humourless and not very clever.

[Trust Me]

True, Kits, but having said that, how many people expect a call from Obama?

[katied]

On a related note, did anyone see Jamie Foxx doing his impression of Obama on one of the preinauguration specials?It was spot on