The Washington Free Beacon has obtained an exclusive transcript of President Obama’s brief phone conversation with Russian president Vladimir Putin regarding the Malaysian Airline plane reportedly shot down in eastern Ukraine. The president ate lunch at the Charcoal Pit ahead of an infrastructure speech in Wilmington, Delaware.
BARACK OBAMA: Hello!
VLADIMIR PUTIN: It's Vlad.
BO: [Sigh] Can you make it quick? Got lunch in five, tight schedule.
VP: What are you having?
BO: We're here at the Charcoal Pit. Gonna try the Famous Pit Chili Nachos.
VP: I heard about your new sanctions.
BO: Yeah, well I'm very concerned about—
VP: Did you hear about that plane in Ukraine?
BO: Yeah, yeah, I just found out on Twitter. Listen, can we—
VP: A real shame about that plane.
BO: Yep, real shame. Gotta go, Vlad. Talk soon!
[Unidentified voice: "The bear is loose!"]
[Sound of high fives being given]
UPDATE: After lunch, Obama told a crowd of supporters that the plane crash "looks like it may be a terrible tragedy." He added: "God Bless you, let’s build some bridges, let’s build some roads!"