Sci-Fi Slip-Up: Obama Makes 'Jedi Mind Meld' Gaffe
WASHINGTON (CBS) – A sci-fi slip by President Obama during a sequester-related news conference blew up on the internet Friday, invoking the wrath of both Star Trek and Star Wars fans, and quickly becoming a sideshow.
When talking about Republican leaders, Obama said he couldn't do a "Jedi mind meld" to persuade them into a budget agreement.
Fans were quick to point out that the "Jedi mind trick" comes from Star Wars, while the Vulcan mind meld is a Star Trek reference.
Jedi Mind Melt quickly turned into a trending topic on Twitter. Some tweeters, including CBS White House correspondent Mark Knoller pointed out the obvious.
Pres Obama Mixed Metaphor of the Day: The "mind meld" is not a Jedi tool from Star Wars, but a Vulcan ability from Star Trek.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) March 1, 2013
Among others who weighed in on the gaffe was Boston-born Star Trek legend Leonard Nimoy.
Only a Vulcan mind meld will help with this congress. LLAP
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) March 1, 2013
Even the White House acknowledged the mix-up (sort of) in a tweet several hours later. Note the competing fonts:
We must bring balance to the Force. #Sequester #JediMindMeld twitter.com/whitehouse/sta…
— The White House (@whitehouse) March 1, 2013
Obama's comment came during a question and answer session from the media in the White House briefing room shortly after he met with congressional leaders.
