LAist: Obama Apologizes for 'Sweetie' Comment

timmay

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:02:25 -0800

is it ok for a woman to call a man "sweetie" in a professional setting?

Elise Thompson

Thu, 15 May 2008 14:52:56 -0800

So did he answer her question when he called? Imagine him calling a female head of state "sweetie" during a summit. Although I'm sure Clinton has called people worse - actually, both Clintons.

Andy Sternberg

Thu, 15 May 2008 13:15:47 -0800

Actually, PinLA, it's not clear whether or not the press picked up on this until AFTER Obama left the apology. God for bid he should call a male reporter "dude" or "man" in passing! Save that for VP Lebowski!

tristen

Thu, 15 May 2008 11:54:49 -0800

I don't see how the word "sweetie" is a bad thing. He could have said something worse you know?

Jessica Pauline

Thu, 15 May 2008 11:46:08 -0800

timmay, sweetie might not be bad from a parent to a child, say, or a kindergarten teacher to a student, but from a man to a woman in a professional setting, it's sexist - it's condescending, gender-specific and dismissive. he would not have called a male reporter "sweetie."

PinLA

Thu, 15 May 2008 11:25:19 -0800

"However, He just got my backing for taking the time to personally apologize to her afterwards. That scream volumes about his character." or that he was outed by the press/TMZ/whatever that he used the remark/didn't answer

Steve Ruiz

Thu, 15 May 2008 11:09:31 -0800

If a future presidential candidate called me sweetie, I would be pretty pissed. It's both condescending and unprofessional; however, He just got my backing for taking the time to personally apologize to her afterwards. That scream volumes about his character. Maybe there really is hope for the future.

timmay

Thu, 15 May 2008 10:52:51 -0800

the word "sweetie" is bad? since when? oh dear.