Obama Empathy: Tells NYers He Once Got Stuck in Traffic Even with Secret Service

Speaking at a United Nations luncheon Wednesday, President Obama thanked New Yorkers for their hospitality during the current meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, empathetically noting that even he once had to deal with the city's notorious traffic.

"In 2008, I had already won the nomination," the president recalled, "I was a month away from my election as president, and had full Secret Service and I still couldn’t get through the traffic and had to walk three blocks in order to get into the building!"

Excerpt: 

"I do think it’s appropriate to thank the incredible hospitality of the people of New York City.  Some of you know I lived in New York, went to school in New York.  Love New York, love the people.  But as somebody who has lived here as a civilian during UNGA, it is no fun. In fact, in 2008, I had already won the nomination, was a month away from my election as President, and had full Secret Service and I still couldn’t get through the traffic and had to walk three blocks in order to get into the building.  That’s how bad it was.  So it is tough."