"Idiot" teleprompter blamed for Obama’s woes

Former Carter VP Walter Mondale believes President Barack Obama relies too heavily on “idiot” teleprompters, and thus has difficulty speaking directly to the average American. 

“[Obama] has got to connect with the American people…I’ve seen places where he’s done it. The Milwaukee speech, I thought was terrific. I think some of these backyard events are terrific,” Mondale said during a CNN interview with Wolf Blitzer which was transcribed by the Washington Examiner.

“[Yes], I think he – he’s very bright – as a matter of fact, brilliant.

“[Still], I think he tends to – and he uses these idiot boards to read speeches on television and I think he loses the connection that he needs emotionally with American voters.”

Mondale added that Obama clearly needs to change his approach, which has thus far proved largely ineffective.

“You know if you’re looking at the teleprompter, you’re here, you’re here, you’re here, and your audience is right there…And I think he needs to do more of that.”