'Jedi mind-meld': Obama's nerd knowledge disappoints during sequester speech

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Barack Obama may be a constitutional lawyer and leader of the free world, but how could the force be with the president if he can't keep his science fictional universes straight?

While addressing reporters on Washington's looming spending crisis, Obama explained Republican posturing with an off-hand pop culture comment -- a mash-up of "Star Wars" and "Star Trek" references -- that sent the Twitterverse into a collective nerd-groan.

Here's the President's comment in context:

"Star Trek" and "Star Wars" fans, who are often very particular about the separation of their two universes, will know that a "Jedi mind trick" is used by Jedi Knights as a coercion tactic. "Star Trek's" Vulcans use "mind-meld" to communicate thoughts and memories.

Here's what Twitter users, including "Star Trek" producer Damon Lindelof, had to say about the mix-up:

Obama just confused Star Trek and Star Wars by saying Jedi Mind Meld. I think it's time to impeach.

— Darth Vader (@DepressedDarth) March 1, 2013

Obama just said "Jedi Mindmeld."That sound you heard was Picard face-palming.

— Damon Lindelof (@DamonLindelof) March 1, 2013

Obama just said "Jedi mindmeld." What's next, Klingon lightsabers? #Shame #Impeach

— rob delaney (@robdelaney) March 1, 2013

Obama illustrating why it’s irresponsible for the same director to handle Star Wars and Star Trek.

— Matt Yglesias (@mattyglesias) March 1, 2013

"I can't just get in the Tardis and go get unobtanium from Pandora"

— daveweigel (@daveweigel) March 1, 2013

Jedi mind TRICK, not meld. Impeach this clown.

— daveweigel (@daveweigel) March 1, 2013

"Jedi Mind Meld"?? No reaction from GOP, but Obama is banned for life by Comic Con.

— Paul Myers (@pulmyears) March 1, 2013

But the president -- who has made the Vulcan symbol and wielded a lightsaber -- could have created #Jedimindmeld to build a diplomatic bridge between American sci-fi fans. The White House latched onto the unity idea after the speech, tweeting out what could be the nerdiest political statement ever issued from the highest office in the land.

We must bring balance to the Force. #Sequester #JediMindMeld twitter.com/whitehouse/sta…

— The White House (@whitehouse) March 1, 2013