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  Code Pink founder Medea Benjamin heckles Obama repeatedly
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ContributorJed 
Last EditedJed  May 24, 2013 08:07am
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CategoryNews
AuthorAaron Blake
MediaNewspaper - Washington Post
News DateFriday, May 24, 2013 02:05:00 PM UTC0:0
DescriptionThrough three separate episodes, the president traded words with the woman, asking her to let him finish and succeeding — at least momentarily — twice.

“Why don’t you sit down, and I will tell you exactly what I’m going to do,” Obama said, ending their first exchange. “Thank you, ma’am.”

But soon, Benjamin was back, apparently not happy with Obama’s comments about sending detainees to other countries, pleading with him to “release them today.” She was again quieted, and Obama even acknowledged her opinion was valid.

“Part of free speech is you being able to speak, but also you listening and me being able to speak,” Obama said, adding: “I’m willing to cut the young lady who interrupted me some slack, because it’s worth being passionate about. Is this who we are? Is that something our founders foresaw?”

Shortly thereafter, though, she spoke up again.

“You are commander in chief! You can close Guantanamo today!” Benjamin shouted. “You can release those 86 prisoners!”

“It’s been 11 years!” she said.

“Let me finish,” Obama pleaded with her.

“I love my country. I love the rule of law!” she said as she was finally removed by security. “Abide by the rule of law. You’re a constitutional lawyer!”
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