"Obama and Putin Clash At U.N. Over Syrian Crisis," read the headline of the New York Times' top story on Tuesday, making it seem like the two world leaders actually came to blows.
"After circling each other for the past year," the article began, Obama and Putin "squared off on Monday at the United Nations in dueling speeches." Later, Obama was credited for his "forceful defense of diplomacy." The speeches were referred to as "verbal jousting."
The New York Times wasn't alone. ABC's George Stephanopoulos described Monday's events as "showdown" between Obama and Putin, with the two world leaders "facing off at the U.N." USA Today, Haaretz, and the Associated Press all also referred to it as a "clash." Reuters said it was a "spar."
Some spar. The speeches actually started two hours apart—and nothing about Obama's speech was "forceful."
While Obama lamented at length the many problems facing the world, he stood by his current policies and put little pressure on Putin to change his ways.
On Syria, Obama said that a "managed transition away from Assad" is needed, but made clear that he has no plan of taking action to make that happen. He said he was open to working with Russia to resolve the conflict in Syria, and has called for a diplomatic summit.
Pow! Right in Putin's kisser! I'm sure he's still smarting from the blow.
Meanwhile, Putin has orchestrated a military build-up in support of Assad and formed an anti-Islamic State intelligence compact with Iran, Syria, and Iraq that excludes the United States.
On Ukraine, Obama said that he recognizes the "deep and complex history between Russia and Ukraine" and that while the United States "cannot stand by when the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a nation is flagrantly violated," he has no "desire to return to a Cold War."
The extent of the Obama's support for Ukraine to this point has been the hashtag #UnitedForUkraine.
Obama's criticism of Iran's "death to America" chants? They won't "create jobs."
After the speeches, Obama and Putin sat together at a lunch hosted by the U.N.
The Times notes that they exchanged "steely" looks over the lunch.
It's the president's trump card: He doesn't need to be tough because the media will pretend he is.