Are We Getting Four Years of Obama Tardiness?

President-Elect Barack Obama has developed a habit of keeping the media waiting for his news conferences.

In our news room, we have a speaker that gives us updates from CBS and CNN about live events and pictures that are coming into those sources that we use daily. The words "we're told President-Elect Obama is running late" have become as common as "what are you getting for lunch" around here.

I just heard it again on this Friday morning.

Obama didn't make his scheduled time for a vital Thursday speech on the economy that was aired live by the broadcast networks as well as the cable channels.

We got an email alert from CBS News Thursday morning that said "We are told President Elect Obama is running LATE....and isn't expected to arrive for his speech on the economy for another 5 or 10 minutes."

Did he lose his watch during the transition?

This doesn't appear to be a new phenomenon, judging by this collection of clips from his days in the United States Senate posted on YouTube.

Actually, you may not mind if he keeps reporters waiting and network controllers with their finger on the button to yank Drew Carey off the air during the Showcase Showdown on The Price Is Right to deliver his live remarks.

However, I must bring in veteran character actor Ray Walston and these words from his unforgettable role as Mister Hand in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

Ray Walston (1914-2001) photo courtesy Associated Press

Mr. Hand: What is this fascination with truancy? What is it that gets inside of your heads? There are some teachers at this school who look the other way at truants. It's a little game you both play. They pretend they don't see you, and you pretend you don't ditch! Now, in the end, who pays the price? YOU!

Mr. Hand: What's the reason for your truancy?
Jeff Spicoli: Just couldn't make it on time.
Mr. Hand: You mean you couldn't or wouldn't?
Spicoli: See, there was a full crowd at the food lines.
Mr. Hand: Food will be eaten on your time. Why are you continuously late for this class, Mr. Spicoli? Why must you shamelessly waste my time like this?
Spicoli: I don't know.
Mr. Hand: I like that. Hmm Hmm. "I don't know," that's nice. 'Mr. Hand, will I pass this class?' 'Gee Mr. Spicoli, I don't know.' That's nice, I really like that. You know what I'm gonna do? I'm going to leave your words on my board for all my classes to enjoy, giving you full credit of course, Mr. Spicoli.
Spicoli: All right!

(Thanks Wikipedia for the text!)

Again, maybe I'm pointing out something you could care less about, but on August 4 when then President Obama turns 48, I have an idea of what someone should get him for his birthday.