Obama apologizes to Ch. 7 reporter for calling her 'sweetie'

[Paper Trail]

The Detroit News (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080514/METRO/805140470/1409/METRO)

STERLING HEIGHTS -- Barack Obama came to Michigan to make nice with the auto industry in the crucial swing state. He's leaving explaining what some on the Internet call his "sweetie problem."

For the second time in a month, the Illinois senator referred to a woman as a "sweetie." In April, it was a factory worker. Today, it was Peggy Agar, a persistent WXYZ-TV reporter who tried asking what he'd do to "help the American auto workers" as Obama toured the Chrysler Stamping Plant in Sterling Heights.

Obama's response -- "hold on one second there, sweetie" -- is already becoming something of an cyber-sensation, with video of the exchange attracting more than 9,000 hits in a few hours on YouTube and prompting debate on the New York Times Web site and political blogs such as Wonkette.

But Obama is already making amends, leaving a one-minute message on Agar's cellular phone voice mail, according to the station.

"Hi Peggy. This is Barack Obama. I'm calling to apologize on two fronts. One was you didn't get your question answered and I apologize. I thought that we had set up interviews with all the local stations. I guess we got it with your station but you weren't the reporter that got the interview. And so, I broke my word. I apologize for that and I will make up for it," according to a transcript on the station's Web site.

"Second apology is for using the word 'sweetie.' That's a bad habit of mine. I do it sometimes with all kinds of people. I mean no disrespect and so I am duly chastened on that front. Feel free to call me back. I expect that my press team will be happy to try to make it up to you whenever we are in Detroit next."

[Sigonfile]

I be worried if he said that to a male reporter.

[Chartsengrafs]

That is such an incredibly condescending, patronizing thing to call anyone... male or female. :frustrated:

[Scarlet Termite]

That is such an incredibly condescending, patronizing thing to call anyone... male or female. :frustrated:

Why?

I use it. For me, it's an endearment towards my students. I also use "sugar," "hon," and "doll." The last one is a tribute to a beloved aunt who called me "doll" all the time. She was the only one in my family that I recall ever using an endearment in referring to me.

Now, there is the matter of context. If the Dean of Student Affairs were in front of me I certainly wouldn't call her "sweetie." It's not professional. It's frustrating to me that every little slip this man makes is blown out of proportion. He uses that word habitually and I imagine if he weren't rushed and exhausted he wouldn't have committed the faux pas. It's human nature and contrary to Fox News, Barack Obama is a human being.

[Chartsengrafs]

It's unprofessional and demeaning. Plain and simple.
I've got no problem with you calling your niece "sweetums" or your dog "poochie-kins" but please keep that language out of the workplace and have a little respect for your colleagues.

[The Mockingbird]

Christ, he apologized. Get over it.

[!]

Now, there is the matter of context. If the Dean of Student Affairs were in front of me I certainly wouldn't call her "sweetie." It's not professional.

And you're okay with a Presidential candidate saying the same thing to a professional journalist?

[tater]

This isn't earth shattering, I mean it wasn't that deragatory of a term. This is the same as the hoopla that came up when the G.O.P. called him "That Boy". Not much of an issue in my eyes.

[Kace]

Wow, so, "Sweetie," is a bad thing now. Any other non-issues we can bash him over the head on?

[!]

This isn't earth shattering, I mean it wasn't that deragatory of a term.
It's dismissive.

And it would only be used with a woman.

If a reporter yelled to him, "Hey, boy..." a simple apology wouldn't get far.

[Ping-Pong Ball]

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/photoessay/top10-meltdowns/gfx/namath-joe-350.jpg

Maybe Obama needs to fire his Media Relations Consultant.

[Another side]

... to not like Obama; the misuse of "Sweetie" isn't one of them.

And I have a question for some of you people, particularly !: Do you people EVER unclench????

[!]

... to not like Obama; the misuse of "Sweetie" isn't one of them.

And I have a question for some of you people, particularly !: Do you people EVER unclench????
If I wanted a bail bondsman's opinion, I'd have asked you specifically.

[FD2BLK]

Is it more or less outrageous than refering to a reporter as an a-hole?

[commercial hack]

We are destroying our country with "Political Correctness". When people get bent on the word "sweetie", we're going in the wrong direction. Could you imagine the things Presidents said many years ago when PC wasn't so prevelant?
For more than 20 years, the sensitivity meter has gone from low to exceeding it's limits. You have to watch everything you say or some low-self esteem (p.c. for "whiner") moron complains that their "feeeeeelings" were hurt because you said the wrong word. People can't be themselves...humans, anymore.

[Murphy Brown 2003]

As one of the most vocal Obama bashers on this board, let me just say for the record, I'm not bothered by this. I don't think it was dismissive, though it was definitely disrespectful, but I think it was just habit and it probably slipped out. That happens sometimes. If he had intentionally called her sweetie, patted her on her head, and sent her on her way, I'd be outraged. More likely, he addressed her impulsively and just wasn't thinking and the word he probably uses as a term of endearment with people he knows, came out.

When I was a reporter, I was called much worse. LOL

[Mighty Dyckerson]

I prefer the term "sugar tits" myself.

[commercial hack]

... to not like Obama; the misuse of "Sweetie" isn't one of them.

And I have a question for some of you people, particularly !: Do you people EVER unclench????

How would we get our Diamonds then?

[Another side]

If I wanted a bail bondsman's opinion, I'd have asked you specifically.

You're Mr. Journalist, and in charge of who and who can't exercise their freedoms around here. My humble apologies for having the audacity to post on a thread in which you participated without first receiveing your permission.

You really need to get the stick out of your ass ... you aren't all THAT.

[!]

You're Mr. Journalist, and in charge of who and who can't exercise their freedoms around here. My humble apologies for having the audacity to post on a thread in which you participated without first receiveing your permission.

You really need to get the stick out of your ass ... you aren't all THAT.Nor are you, despite the fact that you enjoy passing judgment on other posters' opinions. Not to mention the fact that, although you aren't in "the media," you sure spend a lot of time hanging around on a media board to do it.

What, were you banned from the bail bondsmens' board?

[Another side]

How would we get our Diamonds then?

... Buy fakes; That's what I do. *smile*

[Another side]

Nor are you, despite the fact that you enjoy passing judgment on other posters' opinions. Not to mention that fact, although you aren't in "the media," you sure spend a lot of time hanging around on a media board to do it.

What, were you banned from the bail bondsmens' board?

Are you forbidding opinions on opinions, now?

Yeah, I know one of your peeves is the non-media participation is one of your (constant) complaints.

Left to your own devices, I guess what you would permit would be media-members only with no opinions on others' opinions and NO opinions on life in the US of A. Maybe you oughta run that by the moderators ... just for the hell of it.

[!]

Are you forbidding opinions on opinions, now?

Not at all.

I'm questioning why you spend your time here, insulting the posters, when you could be on a bailbondsmens' board, insulting them.

[Scarlet Termite]

And you're okay with a Presidential candidate saying the same thing to a professional journalist?


Did I say that? No. I said he made a mistake. My point was that using terms like "sweetie" aren't usually meant as demeaning by the person using them.

And I bet a lot of Presidents and/or presidential candidates have called female reporters sweetie. The problem is this time is a black man doing it. I think that Obama made a mistake in apologizing for doing it. He should have left it as apologizing for not answering her question if he even should have apologized for that.

[mothball]

Would this even be an issue if Hillary Clinton had said it, rather than Barack Obama? Would people give her a pass because in the South it's a common term of affection voiced primarily by women? I wonder.

Unless Obama was snippy about it, I see nothing wrong with the term of endearment.

[Sultanosurf]

Go to the XYZ site to view the original story, and you'll see how Agar made herself the focus of the story (Yikes!) and burned Obama because he brushed her off for a later avail.

http://www.wxyz.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=11793@wxyz.dayport.com

Hey, who cares about his trip to the car factory, the bruising the industry has been taking, etc. It's all about a pissed Detroit reporter.

Poor choice on Obama's part, even worse on Agar and her EP to run the story in such a self-serving way.

[Spike]

And you're okay with a Presidential candidate saying the same thing to a professional journalist?

Ha ha. "Professional journalist." That's funny.

He'd be my hero if he had said, "Shut up, you cow."

Otherwise, this is a non-story.

[Another side]

Not at all.

I'm questioning why you spend your time here, insulting the posters, when you could be on a bailbondsmens' board, insulting them.

So now you're the Great Defender of Fellow Posters, many of whom, at one time or another, you have criticized or ridiculed for failing to live up to your -- sniff-sniff -- high journalistic standards and the buzz-killing environment in which you believe the work should be conducted.

And I'm here -- primarily -- because there are people I enjoy reading. Deal with it.

[Louisa_Dobbs]

http://www.geocities.com/california_state_unfair2002/whole_world.gif

[Spike]

Hey look! It's another one of Tracy's unfunny photoshops!

[Kace]

Multiple Poster Personality Disorder. ;)

[Ralphie the buffalo]

Multiple Poster Personality Disorder. ;)

Nice name, pumpkin.

[Kace]

Thanks, *******. :hug:

[kneedinthegroin]

Wow, I wonder what would of happened if he had referred to her has "a major league *******"

[rootboyslim]

Personally, I never see Another Side insult posters. AS used to work in the media as many who post here. I think AS brings good and valid points even though we may not always agree on politics.

[Tippster]

I prefer the term "sugar tits" myself.Nah, they would have had to bleep that. Dumplin' would be good.

[Spike]

Personally, I never see Another Side insult posters.

Then you haven't been paying attention, because he has.

[!]

Go to the XYZ site to view the original story, and you'll see how Agar made herself the focus of the story (Yikes!) and burned Obama because he brushed her off for a later avail.
For the record, that's a bad decision, too.

[Produce man]

I don't know what's funnier...Obama being peeled like an onion, or the liberal apologists here saying this is no big deal.


Scratch that, it's the latter.


Obama and Rev. Wright? No big deal.

Obama and his lack of experience? No big deal. (BUT, he has a change we can believe in, you know)

Obama's wife hasn't been proud of America until her husband had a shot at POTUS? No big deal.

Obama, (a yankee, no less) is calling women "sweetie"? No big deal.

I'm loving it!

[Pro]

You see, in Produce's world, things like the economy, Iraq, Social Secruity, ect. don't matter. What DOES matter is the amount of "gotcha's" he can try to fling at someone he doesn't like.

[Murphy Brown 2003]

I don't know what's funnier...Obama being peeled like an onion, or the liberal apologists here saying this is no big deal.


Scratch that, it's the latter.


Obama and Rev. Wright? No big deal.

Obama and his lack of experience? No big deal. (BUT, he has a change we can believe in, you know)

Obama's wife hasn't been proud of America until her husband had a shot at POTUS? No big deal.

Obama, (a yankee, no less) is calling women "sweetie"? No big deal.

I'm loving it!

As a liberal apologist, the only thing of the above I think is no big deal is the "sweetie" thing.

[Pro]

The only thing that IS a concern - in the above list - is the lack of experience. But given John McCain's views on the real issues (if you can determine them), my choice is still clear.

[rootboyslim]

Then you haven't been paying attention, because he has.

Please point me in the right direction.

[jhans24]

The only thing that IS a concern - in the above list - is the lack of experience. But given John McCain's views on the real issues (if you can determine them), my choice is still clear.

We know your choice is clear. Until Obama or McCain change the R or the D next to their name, it doesn't matter what they say or do you will not change who you support.

[Produce man]

The only thing that IS a concern - in the above list - is the lack of experience. But given John McCain's views on the real issues (if you can determine them), my choice is still clear.Too bad his "plan" on the big issues isn't.

Stop being such a dreamer, Pro. Reality may suck in your view, but it's still reality.

[Pro]

We know your choice is clear. Until Obama or McCain change the R or the D next to their name, it doesn't matter what they say or do you will not change who you support.

No. If McCain came out for troops out of Iraq within a year, for universal health care, was pro-choice and pro-gay rights, pledged to fight efforts to make Social Security "private", opposed the death penalty and vowed to fight for social justice, then I'd support him. But there's not a whole hell of a lot of chance of him doing any of those things.

[Mighty Dyckerson]

Too bad hi "plan" on the big issues isn't.

Stop being such a dreamer, Pro. Reality may suck in your view, but it's dtill reality.

Oooh, let's count the typos, everybody!!

:moon:

[Another side]

Personally, I never see Another Side insult posters. AS used to work in the media as many who post here. I think AS brings good and valid points even though we may not always agree on politics.

... but it's true ... I have, indeed, offered constructive criticism to other posters -- which blowhards like Spike prefer to view as "insults." However, unlike Spike I don't start wars everywhere I go; I try and at least pick my spots in the interest of harmony and peace and tranquility.

And ! knows I was in the media; he was just struggling for a defense so he went with the bail-bond thing. It's OK with me ... he knows.

But thanks again for the kind words.

[Produce man]

No. If McCain came out for troops out of Iraq within a year, for universal health care, was pro-choice and pro-gay rights, pledged to fight efforts to make Social Security "private", opposed the death penalty and vowed to fight for social justice, then I'd support him. But there's not a whole hell of a lot of chance of him doing any of those things.That's because he's realistic.

[Kace]

I'm sure A-Side and I have had disagreements at some point, but I don't see him as particularly hateful or anything.

[Mr. Rugen]

Exactly how much "experience" is Hillary Clinton supposed to have over Obama? Two terms in Senate versus one? I don't see the big difference.

[Brain Cramp]

This "sweetie" thing reminds me of a play by William Shakespeare, "Much Ado About Nothing."

[Louisa_Dobbs]

Not Work Safe! Spikey Milkface (http://www.geocities.com/california_state_unfair2002/spikey_milkface.gif)

"...he may have given up Cigarettes? But that don't mean he gave up Smokin'!"

[Barnburner]

That is such an incredibly condescending, patronizing thing to call anyone... male or female. :frustrated:

Calm down, sweetie. It's just a name.

[Another side]

I'm sure A-Side and I have had disagreements at some point, but I don't see him as particularly hateful or anything.

... we have a couple small, tiny, tiny ones because sometimes your timing drives me nuts.

But I know and appreciate your value around here.

[Rambunctious]

And you're okay with a Presidential candidate saying the same thing to a professional journalist?

Wait... did he say this to a professional journalist or a t.v. reporter?

[Diplomat]

That's because he's realistic.

"Social justice" is, of course one of those cosmic terms that can mean everything or nothing. It depends on who you ask.

[!]

Please point me in the right direction.Just today, for one.

He said this in another thread:

"Awww...Did Little Dip get his feelings hurt?

Grow up."

That took about a minute to find.

... but it's true ... I have, indeed, offered constructive criticism to other posters -- which blowhards like Spike prefer to view as "insults." However, unlike Spike I don't start wars everywhere I go; I try and at least pick my spots in the interest of harmony and peace and tranquility.

Interesting definition of "constructive," there.

[Pro]

That's because he's realistic.

No, it's because he's wrong on those issues.

[Sultanosurf]

Wait... did he say this to a professional journalist or a t.v. reporter?

Hey, hey, hey...

We tried to decide if this gaffe was worth two days in the spin cycle. Next?

[ewink]

It's unprofessional and demeaning. Plain and simple.
I've got no problem with you calling your niece "sweetums" or your dog "poochie-kins" but please keep that language out of the workplace and have a little respect for your colleagues.

http://www.monkeysfly.net/kaistar/comedy/outrage.jpg

HANG BARAK HUSSAIN OBAMA!!!!

[Ralphie the buffalo]

As a liberal apologist, the only thing of the above I think is no big deal is the "sweetie" thing.

Unless it uis used on you, of course.
Huh, doll?

[The Mockingbird]

I really hate fake outrage.

[JoinUsForCake]

False Outrage! WAH!

[Produce man]

No, it's because he's wrong on those issues.To use your own words against you..."that's your opinion. Don't try to spin it as fact".:moon:

[Mighty Dyckerson]

To use your own words against you..."that's your opinion. Don't try to spin it as fact".:moon:


:rolleyes: http://openline.medialine.com/images/avatars/animals/021.gif :rolleyes:

[Sultanosurf]

How long can I survive without my lapel pin - er - star spangled avatar?
Course it would get washed out...

[Produce man]

How long can I survive without my lapel pin - er - star spangled avatar?
I don't know, why don't you take a shower, leave the basement and get out into the real world. We'll find out.

[Mighty Dyckerson]

Geez Douchey, what does it feel like to be hated by so many?

[ShakAttack]

He'd be my hero if he had said, "Shut up, you cow."

Otherwise, this is a non-story.

:worship: :worship: :worship:

[Angel's Hell]

... to not like Obama; the misuse of "Sweetie" isn't one of them.

And I have a question for some of you people, particularly !: Do you people EVER unclench????

AS, that's a great question!!! I never got the reflex reaction that makes people get completely upset using that type of word, sweetie, babe (my favorite) and honey. It's a language habit, not a derogatory comment. I suggest they try having someone call them, *****, ho, faggot, hocakes, dicksucker and the like to see what an insult really is!!!

[Angel's Hell]

I can't believe all of those made it through your editor!!!

[Brooklyn]

I can't believe you resurrected a 3+ months old thread just to add that... :shifty:

[Ralphie the buffalo]

I bet Brooklynn wouldn't believe I brought back a four-year old thread to use for recycled outrage.

[Kace]

Whatever happened to ShakAttack?

[wx or not]

Well, after Dyck was gone...

[Mom]

I can barely keep up with current threads.

[buckpasser]

I bet Brooklynn wouldn't believe I brought back a four-year old thread to use for recycled outrage.

Given your track record? Nobody should be surprised.

[New York'rr]

Speaking of Obama and reporters, the Most Transparent Administration Ever hasn't taken a question from the press in over SEVEN WEEKS. He will be spending his day today flying at taxpayer expense to Harvey Weinstein's mansion to collect a wad of ca$h at a fundraiser, but reporters have been forced to try to shout questions to the Downgraded President from afar, earning them the scorn and hatred from the Lefties.

[Ralphie the buffalo]

Buckie must be upset because he wasn't a part of the original thread.
He was probably in detox that month and missed posting on a thread that is like a piece of history.

[News Is Broken]

New York'rr posts in a four year old fake Obama outrage thread to complain that the President hasn't endured such tittilating questions from the media as "What's the capital of Israel" and "Are you a socialist?" in seven whole weeks.

When President Bush racked up 1,020 days of vacation while in office - totalling nearly THREE STRAIGHT YEARS worth of "paid time off" - New York'rr had nothing to say about that.

Not. One. Word.

Coincidence? I think not.

[News Is Broken]

Buckie must be upset because he wasn't a part of the original thread.
He was probably in detox that month and missed posting on a thread that is like a piece of history.

I filled in for him, since he's obviously busy plotting the overthrow of American freedom or something.

[Ralphie the buffalo]

I filled in for him, since he's obviously busy plotting the overthrow of American freedom or something.

So, you admit it? :p

[New York'rr]

New York'rr posts in a four year old fake Obama outrage thread to complain that the President hasn't endured such tittilating questions from the media as "What's the capital of Israel" and "Are you a socialist?" in seven whole weeks.

When President Bush racked up 1,020 days of vacation while in office - totalling nearly THREE STRAIGHT YEARS worth of "paid time off" - New York'rr had nothing to say about that.

Not. One. Word.

Coincidence? I think not.

That's a pretty weak defense of Obama's ongoing failure to allow questions from the press. But it has become something he is known for.

The only part of your rant that has any grain of truth is where you admit to not thinking.

Bush used to go to his ranch in Texas. He didn't play anywhere near as much golf as the Occupier-in-Chief, but vacation and golf are nothing in comparison to the fact that this administration has proven themselves once again to be dishonest and hypocritical when declaring their intention to be the Most Open and Transparent Ever and then proving to be not so. Laughably not so.

[wx or not]

He didn't play anywhere near as much golf as the Occupier-in-Chief, but vacation and golf are nothing in comparison...
Interesting. Which commanders-in-chief have played the most golf and received less than favorable reviews of their primary office? (current not included) I can only think of Coolidge and Eisenhower, but both were fairly well received.

[New York'rr]

Bush 43 decided to stop playing golf while he was President and there were wars being fought.

The reason the Downgraded Occupier-in-Chief has received criticism for playing many, many more rounds of golf than other presidents is the fact that things have gone so poorly during his presidency, while members of Congress from both parties have practically begged him to show some leadership. It runs contrary to the myth he attempts to create about himself working hard to solve the nation's problems. Just yesterday he did nothing whatsoever besides flying at taxpayer expense to a billionaire's mansion in Connecticut for a fundraiser.

[wx or not]

I'm a registered Republican, NY, but honestly, you use a lot of adjectives...

[News Is Broken]

Bush 43 decided to stop playing golf while he was President and there were wars being fought.

How noble. Thousands of young men killed as a result of the wars he started and his big sacrifice was to give up golf. What a hero. :rolleyes:


The reason the Downgraded Occupier-in-Chief has received criticism for playing many, many more rounds of golf than other presidents is the fact that things have gone so poorly during his presidency.

Right, that makes so much sense because things went so well during Bush's presidency after he made the big, big, awesomely heroic sacrifice of not playing golf anymore because hey, there's a war going on.

"Now, watch this drive."