He is not a jerk. He explained his point clearly, concisely and respectfully, without wasting the time of the next person with a question. Making people into jerks because you don't like their answers, you find yourself surrounded by jerks. Then who's really the jerk?
He explains, "People have not figured out how to automate picking data structures optimally relative to their use in a program". In other words, the guy asked for something impossible. Bjarne was as diplomatic as was possible while still answering the question accurately.
"I think I understand what you are trying to say and I think that you are wrong."
The giveaway is the hoots and razzes from the crowd. No word above needed saying. It clarified nothing. It is pure assholery. (And he may not have even intended it. Clearly lots of c++ people have no issue with just how unpleasant community interaction is compsred other communities. It's also pretty obvious that many do see it plainly).
He explains, "People have not figured out how to automate picking data structures optimally relative to their use in a program". In other words, the guy asked for something impossible. Bjarne was as diplomatic as was possible while still answering the question accurately.