Responding to GOP criticisms of “spiking the football" on the anniversary of Osama bin Laden’s death, President Obama said Monday there hasn't been "any excessive celebration" by his administration.
Speaking to reporters a day before the one-year anniversary, Obama took issue with the notion that his administration has tried to politicize the issue.
"I hardly think you’ve seen any excessive celebration taking place here," Obama said at a press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda.
"I think the American people remember rightly what we as a country accomplished in bringing to justice someone who killed 3,000 of our citizens."
Obama said the anniversary would mark a time for “some reflection to give thanks to those who participated,” which he said was “entirely appropriate, and that’s what’s taken place."
In the last few days, critics have accused Obama of politicizing the death of bin Laden, particularly through a video released by his campaign that suggested the presumptive GOP presidential nominee would not have ordered the mission. The campaign video asked: "Which path would Mitt Romney have taken?"
Speaking in New Hampshire on Monday, Romney said "of course" he would have ordered an operation to kill bin Laden.
For more on Obama's remarks, click here.
