Obama Says He’s Not ‘Hiding The Ball’ On Russia [VIDEO]

President Barack Obama says he's not trying to "hide the ball" in negotiations with Russia over U.S. plans for a missile defense shield in Europe. The shield is opposed by Russia in its current form; new talks that might lead to U.S. concessions are opposed by Republican in Congress.

Speaking today in Seoul, South Korea, Obama says he wants to spend the rest of this year working through technical issue with the Russians. He says it's not surprising that a deal can't be done quickly.

Republicans had pounced on Obama's remarks to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, heard on an open microphone, that he would have more flexibility on the issue after the November presidential election.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)