The Hiller Instinct: Oil Spill Kick A--

The Gulf oil spill is clearly making the most powerful man in the world feel powerless.

"We talk to these folks because they potentially had the best answers, so I know whose ass to kick. Right?" said President Obama.

Wrong. It may be what you think, but it shouldn't be what you say. Because from now on, any kid who's questioned for saying "ass to kick" or "kick ass" can simply say they're quoting the president.

More important: those words don't ring true, coming from someone who can be so eloquent. What they sound like to me is just a way to "prove" to your critics that you are deeply involved, and deeply concerned with the oil spill...and furious at the slow progress.

"I was down there a month ago, before most of these talkin' heads were even payin' attention to the Gulf. A month ago I was meeting with fishermen down there, standin' in the rain talkin' about what a potential crisis this could be," said the president.

And what's your complaint?

Obama said, "This is not theater."

Wrong again. Part of the presidency is exactly that... and all of your events that look like movies suggest you know it, too.

So please, spare us the second class language and self-pity.

"I don't always have time to perform -- for the benefit of the cable shows," said the president.

Well you performed for them today. And I hope it's a performance you won't repeat--publicly--because it's beneath both you and your office.

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