Obama: Not so sweet(ie)

Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2008 8:56 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: 2008, Obama

The New York Daily News reports on Obama apologizing for calling a Detroit TV reporter “sweetie.” “ ‘Hold on one second, sweetie. We're going to do -- we'll do a press avail," Obama told inquisitive WXYZ reporter Peggy Agar. Agar ended her segment with the news that ‘This sweetie never got an answer to that question,’ and footage of Obama walking away.

“First, he said he was sorry she hadn't gotten her question answered. ‘Second apology is for using the word 'sweetie,'’ Obama continued on the voice mail, which can be heard at wxyz.com. ‘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,’ he said.”

The New York Times writes about Obama’s flag pin, which he’s now wearing. “It showed up on Monday, right there on his lapel, as he addressed veterans in West Virginia… There it was again on Tuesday, in Missouri, as he spoke to workers at a garment factory. And it was there Wednesday as he toured a Chrysler plant in Sterling Heights, Mich., near here in the Detroit suburbs.”

“Seven months ago, Senator Barack Obama said he did not feel compelled to wear a flag pin, saying he would prove his patriotism in deed, not apparel. What gives?”

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Comments

The flag-pin again? Really? Come on guys - you are better than this. What's next, are you going to dig up that photo of Obama in Somali garb again?

Look, I understand that you have to fill this blog with reporting - but I would expect this kind of garbage from Fox News.

Report on REAL issues - not right-wing talking points.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:03 AM)

David Axelrod is a political mastermind!!! Obama 08!!

http://www.politivine.com/2008/05/14/why-david-axelrod-is-simply-brilliant/

Cory (SC) (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:04 AM)

as important as this seems, why not cover real news like the military analyst program?
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/5/14/201014/764

forthebirds, fl (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:06 AM)

This is important why?. Ridiculous!!!. This is why the MSM is no longer relevant.

True American (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:06 AM)

Who cares about a frickin' flag pin?

Am I less American because I don't wear one?

If Bin Laden showed up on a video wearing one would we suddenly believe he's on our side?

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:06 AM)

What give s is that people did not care about his deeds and policies because he didn't have a flag pin on. Some how that makes him unamerican...never mind that NONE of the candidates wear flag pins all the time.

Our politics have gotten so idiotic that now a person can't even run for president without wearing flag pins or going over the edge to prove that they love this country. forget the fact that they live, work, and pay taxes here. Forget the fact that they give their life to the political process, that all means nothing if you don't wear a flag pin.
john Adams and Thomas jefferson would be flipping in their graves if they could see the situation that our politics have become!

ACS (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:06 AM)

Once again, Obama looks down over his snobby nose at the common folk. In a way Obama is Kennedy-eque. He (Obama) too looks at himself as being royality. Obama has some fairly high self-esteem of himself considering he hasn't done anything worthy in his life.

E. Hill, Scranton PA (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:07 AM)

Why are Clinton and McCain not wearing flag pins?
And the "Sweetie" thing is silly, my botfriend calls all women sweetie, because he can't remember thier names! LOL

Anne/Ohio (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:11 AM)

Come on! Give the guy a break. Maybe he should continue the race not speaking at all. But then he would get critized for ignoring everyone. The news media needs to grow up and focus on real stories as there are so many tragic events happening in the world today. By the way, I also have the habit of calling people sweets or sweetie. It's a lot better than calling them other names I could think of.

carol burlington (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:11 AM)

This lady is just making an issue out of it to get some attention. She's probably a Hillary supporter hoping this will be the miracle Hillary has been waiting for - sorry not even close!

Jamil - Dearborn, MI (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:12 AM)

"What gives?" 20 minutes of interrogation on his patriotism at the ABC debate taught Obama to pay attention to that particular symbol. Another way Obama is different from Bush: he learns. PS I'm still boycotting ABC News. I never want to see Charlie Gibson's face again. The lack of an apology to its viewers after that debacle was very Bush league.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:12 AM)

Hillary will try to make something out of "sweetie". The reality is Hillary is no "sweetie", but a sore loser, who has no ethical standards, and her supporters are racists. Just quoting SNL.

Ron Indiana (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:12 AM)

WOW...calling some one sweetie...there must be a secret meaning that looks like there must be a problem...single tone news reporting again....
Wasn't there...did you see the other things going on around...was the body guards rushing people thru?...did Obama really want to see this reporter?...wasn't there, can't tell what the heck was going on...honey...ooops ....friend...ooops
WHAT EVER!!!!!!!!!!

BJ, CA (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:16 AM)

Are you bored? Fear for your job if you don't post enough blogs regardless of their subject matter?

Susan, NC via LA (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:16 AM)

Thousands dead in China, Myanmar, and Iraq... And space is given to this issue?

Enough! The public is smarter than this.

David Kolva, MD Oswego/Syracuse, NY (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:16 AM)

Does the MSM have a clue how silly it looks these days? Are they even conscious to any degree how foolish these issues are?

"Today the candidate ate corn flakes for breakfast. This runs in contrast to previous comments about ethanol and farm subsidies for corn farmers. What gives?"

Fontapa, Portland, ME (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:16 AM)

Non-issues...move on.

Expelliarmus, OH (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:17 AM)

Flag pin..no flag pin..get over it. HRC does not wear a flag pin, Mr. Impeached President does not wear a flag pin, and none of the MSNBC folks wear one either, now what? I noticed that some of the MSNBC married desk jockies do not wear a wedding band so one should assume they are not faithful to their wives. There are 2 wars being fought, people are starving and the economy in the tank and all you care about is a flag pin. Does jewelry define a person?

Bob, Chicago

Bob, Chicago (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:17 AM)

WE ALL SEE WHAT GOING HERE SOME PEOPLE ARE NOT HAPPY THAT SEN OBAMA IS THE ONE AND NOT HILLARY SO ALL YOU WILL HEAR IS HIS NAME ON ALL CABLE CHANNELS AND RADIO OR ANY WHERE THERE IS MEDIA . HANNITY, MORNING JOE ,GLENN AND NOW PRESIDENT BUSH .THESE FOOLS ARE LOSING THEIR MINDS CNN REPORTERS WHO WERE KOOL ARE ALSO LOSING IT. THEIR TRUE COLORS ARE COMING AND GUESS WHAT ELSE IS RACISM AND HATE FOR SEN OBAMA AND ANY BODY WHO STAND WITH HIM.

SANDRA (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:20 AM)

It's for those of you morons who think you can only show patriotism IF you wear a stupid pin. So, if Osama Bin Laden wore one, he, too, would be patriotic. Give me a break. Actions speak louder than a stupid pin. Bush wears one and has killed over 4,000 young Americans......out of patiotism.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:21 AM)

There is nothing bad about either of the subjects.
I call people sweetie all the time and also get called sweetie all the time. It is a term of endearment and politeness and nothing more. As far as Obama wearing his lapel pin. Why do they insist it shows your patriotism. I have seen more patriotism in this man than I have Bush. Anyone can wear a pin, that does not prove they are partiotic. How many people do you know that wears a lapel pin ever time they are in the public eye???

Obama 08 PA (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:21 AM)

Maybe he got tired of all the pundits on the right whining about it. Maybe he should have the flag tatooed on his forehead to proves he's "more aptriotic than thou" to shut the damn pundits up!

Class Warrior, D.C. (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:21 AM)

I shouldn't comment on this because this is really news about nothing!!! OMG!!!
The media will report on stuff that is really not important!!!

Johnson, DC, Washington (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:23 AM)

A flag pin, come on MSNBC! We haven't seen patriotism from our leaders in 10 years, what gives?

Patriotism is who you are and what you stand for, not putting on a lapel pin. Okay he is wearing one, so maybe people will shut up about it. Either way, he is not going to capture votes for wearing a pin; let's get real here.

Sweetie, heck he can call me sweetie any day! Hospitality from a real gentleman. Endearing word indeed, but nothing here screams sexual harrassment...I don't know wait until the spin begins!

Michelle Zee (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:24 AM)

Why is the media obsessing over the flag pin? It doesn't prove anything whether it is ON or OFF. Got it?

P.S. It was sweet of Senator Obama to apologize for the sweetie comment . . . in my neck of the woods that's not uncommon, but I can also understand why a grown woman (like myself) might not like it. That may definitely be a habit that Senator Obama will want to break - should be easy after quitting smoking, right? :)

(Of course, he can call ME sweetie anytime! lol lol lol)

Nashville_fan (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:24 AM)

Hey Sen Obama, you can call me sweetie any time.

What is wrong with you guys, dont you have better things to do than report such nonsence? He has a wife and two daughters for goodness sake, of course, he's going to use the word sweetie often. And now your faulting him for wearing a flag pin. Can he do anything right in your eyes?

Can you nitpick over Hillary's lies and make a big deal over them or John McCain's senior moments (much more serious if he's to run the country.)

Your reporting on Sen Obama is getting more and more negative, you never seem to let the slightest move pass I'm left wondering is there any more objectivity left in your work concerning him.

You are not to make the news, just be FAIR and BALANCED in reporting, we can make our own opinions.

gmhussein, jupiter, fl (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:25 AM)

Man, you guys are never happy. He doesn't wear the pin - it's a story. He wears the pin - it's a story. (Insert scream of frustration here!) Are there not more important issues (and sweetie-gate ain't one of them) for the American electorate to discuss here on First Read?

Brenda, Mesquite TX (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:27 AM)

Suddenly the patriotism is shining through,
but most likely is the realization that the flag pin being present takes the wind out of critics and puts people of all backgrounds at ease.
Even the native american tribes had patriotism in becoming "Codetalkers" for a war in which they had little to win except self respect. and awards were given to certain tribes that signed treaties early on with the US and coalesced in the Civil War between
North and South, they were either neutral or sided with the North.
Maybe staffs and silver studded flag pins should be awarded to the West Virginians if they come over to the Obama camp.

gene eagle-bear, tombstone Az (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:28 AM)

As a woman, I can tell you that I would not appreciate any man, especially in a professional setting, addressing me as "sweetie." I think it is highly offensive and somehow just accepted as "good ole boy" speak in this country. Men just can't seem to understand why any woman wouldn't take it as a compliment that he called her "sweetie." I do think it reveals much about any man who feels free to use that term when addressing a perfect stranger. The fact that Ms. Agar was acting in her professional capacity and the fact that the Senator was obviously avoiding the question, just screams sexism! He may as well have said...."Now wait your turn, little lady." Maybe men don't understand this concept. However, my husband, father, brothers, and male friends have never referred to perfect strangers as "sweetie, honey" and the like. They were taught that it is condescending and degrading. Can you imagine if Ms. Agar started her question by saying...Honey, what do you plan to do for the auto workers?

I can't help but think that this type of attitude on the part of men, is why Hillary Clinton can't win. For some reason, a totally unknown (Obama) went for almost a year without any type of scrutiny at all! On the other hand, Hillary has been beat up constantly and even called a racist! I guess the "powers that be" in Washington are still male dominated and just don't have room for a strong, intelligent, opinionated, outspoken, dare I say......Sweetie!

Karen (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:29 AM)

Is it fair for the press to monitor the frequency of Obama's wearing of the flag pin and not Clinton's or McCain? Please put an end to this stupidity and stop reporting this or report a running tally of *ALL* the candidates.

Ed30041 - Cumming, GA (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:31 AM)

“Seven months ago, Senator Barack Obama said he did not feel compelled to wear a flag pin, saying he would prove his patriotism in deed, not apparel. What gives?”

I think 45 minutes of hammering on it from George Hippopotamus would be enough to make anyone wear an American flag lapel pin. Possibly even Osama bin Laden.

The NYT's quality has, in my mind, diminished after this story, as it proves to me that they do not have enough focus on the true issues. A topic as important as this should have AT LEAST six supporting locations - this story only provided three. I no longer believe the NYT is worth the painful walk to the end of the driveway I have to endure every morning.

OMGBANANA (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:32 AM)

First off, I think Obama appologized for calling the reporter "sweetie." If you have ever worked retail or a location or job where you interacted with a lot of people, it takes a lot of dicipline to remember to call everyone by Miss, Ms., Mr. or anything resembling that. It is ashame that Obama didn't get a chance to answer all the question, but I am sure that happens no matter who is holding the rally or press conference.

As for the flag pin, I suspect that is to shut up people who questioned his patriotism in the first place. It sounds like a Republican thing to question anyone's patriotism. I would only question it if someone has threatened to destroy or kill Americans and symbols of America.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:32 AM)

and the "sweetie" news is because.....?

jerry/corpus christii texas (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:33 AM)

He probably got sick of hearing the media harp on the flag pin and having something so stupid detract from his positions. Perhasp he figured if he gave in and started wearing the thing you'd all put your focus on more important issues. Apparantly not.

Who cares about the REAL issues? (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:35 AM)

“Seven months ago, Senator Barack Obama said he did not feel compelled to wear a flag pin, saying he would prove his patriotism in deed, not apparel. What gives?”

What gives is that there are too many moronic voters who judge a candidate's patriotism by such tokens.

Those of us who have half a brain know it's actions, not a pin, that makes you a patriot. Unfortunately, we're not the only ones who vote.

Lisa T, Columbia, MO (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:39 AM)

Oh good grief. More "gotcha!" politics. Oh please let this end soon.

"Sweetie" is NOT demeaning, although I agree he shouldn't have said it, as some could take offense. I have called men and women "hon" (as in "honey") and have never meant any disrespect - it's just a term. Some don't care, others seem offended, so I do try to use some discretion - although I've let it slip sometimes. :-)

This goes right in line with the moron - er, I mean concerned viewer - that wrote in to "Morning Joe" today talking about the "good ole' boys club". Oh, cry me a river.

As a female in my mid-30s, I agree that there is a glass ceiling still in existence in certain places. However, my advice is to GET OVER IT. Women, for all the fight for equality, are NOT MEN. We're different for a reason. We're not to be exactly the same. To whine about it makes you look weaker than you are.

Should you fight the "good ole' boys" network? Sure you should, if necessary. However, I don't see that playing here. If Edwards would have backed HRC, there would be some saying it was the "good ole' whites" network. It's all in your point of view.

I feel that women of the "feminist" movement who spout off these sentiments sound so bitter and shallow. I understand you feel slighted because your girl is not in the lead; but you should blame HER and HER ADVISORS for that.

Thank you for burning your bras in support of my generations and the generations to come. That does NOT mean that you are OWED the presidency. It still has to be EARNED.

MI Chick (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:40 AM)

oh sharrup you media people are so stupid. Go report on the flip floping of McCain

nolawi (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:41 AM)

Give me a break- I've been called heckuva lot worse than "sweetie"!!! I'll take "sweetie" any day especially when it's coming from the next POTUS :)

OBAMA, 2008!!!

KJ, Dallas, TX (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:44 AM)

I can't believe everyone is still talking about the flag pin!!! Why is this so hard to comprehend??? After 9/11, everyone pulled out their flags, understandably so. But since that time, there have been flags EVERYWHERE and they almost get to the point they become not as meaningful. I think Barack's point was they became part of a uniform, or something expected, rather than significant. I believe he is so patriotic and loves his country so much, he wanted to wear one when it was really meaningful. When was the last time you saw Hillary or McCain wear one? Geez... please get over it!

TexanForObama (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:46 AM)

What gives?

Because the morons who think that jewelry equates to patriotism sometimes vote, and wearing said jewelry is a small price to pay to assuage their sensibilities.

Now BHO has to figure out how to win over the morons who said "I can't vote for someone from a different race, I'm afraid of that race. " and my favorite "I've had enough of men named Hussein, I could never vote for someone with that name".

However, the cretin award goes to those who still maintain that he's a Muslim, in spite of all the over whelming evidence to the contrary.

Three examples of why our educational system is failing us and proof that "Johnny can't read".

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:46 AM)

I see nothing wrong with the word 'sweetie' I call women sweetie alot as I am one of those people who will forget someones name about 5-6 seconds after you tell me. It is a general term for women, like dude or buddy is for a guy.

Norman E. Hussein Harvey, Sr. VA (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:53 AM)

So what, I am often called sweetie, hun, or darlin by people I don't even know (especially elderly gentlemen)while out shopping or whatever. It isn't ment to be rude, it is out of habit. Just depends on how you are raised. Women need to get that chip off their shoulders and just relax. Is it sooooo bad to be referred to as a sweetie? I don't think so, much better than being referred to as a harda** isn't it.

Amy NY (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:53 AM)

"What gives?" Maybe he's just figured out that it isn't worth the effort to try and hold to a principle when huge portion of the American public simply doesn't get nuance. Every second taken to explain that you can love your country without wearing a flag pin is a second that can't be taken to explain how the McCain positiony re: Iraq is a treadmill, not an exit strategy.

You'll probably see more pics of Obama in churches (not his own) this summer and fall too, since that's one way to help dispel the Muslim thing from all but the 10% of rural whites who refuse to believe that he's NOT a terrorist (oh, I meant a Muslim, but for those folks, there's no distinction).

Sean, Seattle (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:54 AM)

uummm it's simple

You are forgetting that in March, a Vietnam Veteran gave OBAMA a flag pin. Do you remember?

OBAMA also stated that he will wear a lapel flag pin on special occassions such as big speeches, veteran's gathering.

The lapel flag pin has MORE meaning since a veteran actually gave it to him.

PATRIOTIC ACTIONS SPEAKS VOLUME THAN SYMBOLIC WORDS quote SSG Berry Disabled Desert Storm Vet 1991

Paul-Atlanta (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:54 AM)

She's not a sweetie, she's a TART. Who cares about the flag pin? Geourge Bush doesn't wear one. Does that make him more patriotic, ecspecially sense he's sent our son's over to Iraq to die so that he can get his greedy, gruby hands on their oil? Hillary nor MCBush wears one either, so why is it so critical that Obama wears one. Oh, I guess to show that America has finally excepted black people as US citzens and not slaves? Get over it.

NT, MN (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:57 AM)

Obama underestimated the stupidity of the press who made this an issue and a distraction. He thought the nonsense silly attacks would be ignored by the press. When they were not, he had to eliminate the issue by donning the pin occasionally. A smart move under the circumstances. His patriotism should not pivot on a flag pin any more than anyone else's does!

Wendy Roberts, Portland OREGON (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:57 AM)

No disrespect given ........hopefully none taken. On with the campaign.

ID,GA (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:57 AM)

watch for another 2 months of over-reaction. guess what? i say things some people may find objectionable over time too. but when i apologize, and mean it, all is forgotten. i am not saying obama is best for the job, but i don't think this non-incident should be the deciding factor. these people are human, you know.

Dave (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:58 AM)

"Sweetie" vs. "Major League A~~hole"

What's the probelm here?

Go Obama, Big Time!

Man Sized Safe, Corpus Christi, Texas (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:59 AM)

Sweetie gate! Don't you people have anything else to dig up today? how about them superdelegates hahaha

John Doe, Seattle Washington (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 10:00 AM)

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