Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Dilemma

beatpanda — Fri, 16 May 2008 07:06:42 GMT

Gee, I wonder how they'll feel when McCain appoints more anti-abortion judges to the courts.

Ridiculous.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Dilemma

beatpanda — Fri, 16 May 2008 07:10:13 GMT

Also, to answer the reporter's question-

-Middle class tax cuts

-Investment in green collar jobs

-College money available through AmeriCorps to make it easier for kids to go to college

-Plan for immediate economic stimulus in case we do go into a recession

And more.

Props to the reporter for getting riled up over the word "sweetie" and letting her anger affect the editing process. WAY2JOURNALISM!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

JoseyJ — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:37:10 GMT

Everytime I buy gas for my car I remember Obama voted with Republicans for Bush's energy bill that gave HUGE tax breaks to the oil companies!

NObama!

And Obama was first out of the box to declare Hillary's gax tax suspension was a "gimmick"!!

$30 means a lot to some people - but Obama obeyed his Washington establishment handlers.

When was the last time the Washington establishment ran a newbie senator for the purpose of "changing" THEM??

Obama is a CON.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

JoseyJ — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:41:38 GMT

>>>>The organizers of a new group called "Clinton Supporters Count, Too" that plans to work actively against Obama in swing states this fall,

THANK YOU for this info!! We cannot elect another misogynist!

The Washington and media establishment propped up a newbie senator to run against the intelligent and knowledegeable Hillary.

Puppets are puppets - regardless of party affiliation. And we've been bashing on for the past 8 years.

NO puppet! NObama!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

catspaw — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:43:48 GMT

I work as an insurance agent for indepent Truck Drivers, if I got upset for everyone who called me sweetie, or hun, I could not do my job. I listen to the way Sen. Obama said it, he was not degrading in his tone, just like the truck drivers I deal w/ daily.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

smidgeon — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:50:16 GMT

It is nice to see the shoe on the other foot with this one and watch the righteous indignation from Obama supporters over a seemingly trivial misstep. Shades of S. Carolina.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

ali11 — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:51:27 GMT

andrew you lil biach go to school and call your mon a sweetie you biach

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

JoseyJ — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:52:28 GMT

>>>>The reason he said "sweetie" is less relevant than the reaction it produced, and the sense of marginalization it reinforced

Obviously this article was written by a MAN.

Disgusting!!

There's a reason Limbaugh and the GOP have bashed women with "femi-Nazis" - but the Washington establishment that supports Obama has never spoken out against it.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

kimmiekaz — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:57:39 GMT

Come on people, let's be realistic. Do you really think that as Hillary supporters it's wise to attack Obama in the general election. Where are your priorities?? It's just ridiculous. I'm an Obama supporter, but you know what, if the tables were turned I would vote for Hillary in the general. And what's wrong with being endearing towards one another. Has our society really gotten that cynical?? Shame if these insignificant issues that are essentially making mountains out of molehills and DISTRACTING from the pressing issues means we forego real change, or at least our best hope for it, for the next 4 years. Democrats, let's all pull behind our nominee and actually make it to the finish line this year and be strong to fight the GOP Attack Machine. We shouldn't be fighting amongst ourselves, that's pointless and non-productive.

Democrats '08

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

JoseyJ — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:58:55 GMT

Newsweek must be losing readers with their 24/7 Obama love fest - so they threw up a "sweetie" article. LOL

Obama LIES - but Newsweek doesn't cover those lies.

Obama LIED about his own father!! Obama went around the country telling audiences the Kennedys brought his father to America. It was all a LIE!!

The Washington Post exposed the LIE with tons of documentation!

Obama purposely LIED - and the Washington establishment that supports him - was silent.

http://www.talkleft.com/story/2008/3/30/13655/6958

You can imagine the outrage if Hillary had lied to obtain a key endorsement!

But with Obama - it's ignored.

NObama!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

D. Affiliated — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:11:49 GMT

This is total hogwash. There is nothing wrong with calling someone "sweetie". Women call me sweetie all the time and I don't get offended, and I know women that have ASKED me to call them sweetie, so obviously, the people who are getting offended don't speak for all women. Women need to stop thinking that they can speak for "women" and realize that each and every individual woman can only speak for herself.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Adora — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:20:11 GMT

It's time for you liberal women to get off your high horse and wise up. Obama is a Democrat and so is Hillary. We want a democrat in the White House. What is your point? It's too bad for the Hillary supporters that their candidate isn't going to win but she will be the first one to support and stand behind Obama and he would do the same for her. Get over your anger and support the party. We don't want four more years of George Bush!

Obama for president!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Judytruth — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:20:41 GMT

Obama is GOD, no one can criticize him. Anyone who criticize him wiil be in great trouble. This is the rule of the Democratic party. So be careful.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

kimmiekaz — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:24:18 GMT

Everytime someone posts a comment, there's a HIllary supporter who for whatever reason just has to fight back...IT'S OVER, SWALLOW THE FACT THAT IT WILL NOT BE HILLARY THIS TIME. SHE LOST, AND SHE SCREWED IT UP BIG TIME WITH HER "KITCHEN SINK" TACTIC. But seriously try to get rid of the anger and cynicism. It's not healthy.

Dems Unite!!

Obama '08 all you sweetie's!!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

kmcflash — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:27:15 GMT

Listen to the Obama's not when they are crafting words, but when they are speaking

spontaneously ... that is the true picture. This is a message to all you Nafta naysayers

who are proud for the first time in their adult lives and would not ordinarily turn to

their guns and bibles to crutch their bitterness, even while reminiscing about the

Kennedy-sponsored migration of a parent, ok sweetie ?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Lisa_Glen Burnie_MD — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:29:09 GMT

If words like "sweetie" or "baby" or "hun" bother you, particularly if you're a woman, that simply speaks to your individual ego and identity issues. If you want to call Senator Obama out for saying sweetie that's fine just don't turn it into a rant about how misogynystic he is. Confront him on it and move on- let's focus on the real issues, all the real issues, not just the issues that female Clinton supporters would like to focus on. As a woman, of course there are certain issues such as abortion rights that are more important to me but I'm not going to lose focus on the big picture and, yes, the better MAN.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

awlswll — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:31:37 GMT

As soon as he gets full of himself his true colors show...He's a sexist pig.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

dumasrl — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:34:29 GMT

Get real! If he had said "One second B***h", Then that would have been a story or something to be concerned about. Why does the media make mountains out of mole hills? This is store is not worthy of print. Focus on the issues and do what most Americans do when they are called "Sweetie", thank the person for giving you a compliment.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Factarereal — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:40:28 GMT

This should not be something to entertain in any academic or sensible discussions. Why should America entertain silly things like this in a debate or discussion and fails to tell the truth about things that are necessary to be addressed? What President Bush did in Israel is something that people should spend their energies on to debate; as it directly affects the reputation of Americans. It is like you allow a "silly" guy to lead your country. Why would Americans choose George Bush over Al Gore? That blunder will hunt this generation for long time.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

aleafirst — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:42:36 GMT

This is ridiculous. It was a kind and generous remark.... GET REAL.... This does not fly and smacks of people who are so hard they can't be human.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

DaveWK — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:43:06 GMT

Why does this fairly benign reference get so much play, and Mr. McCain calling his own wife a "trollop" and a "c**t" in front of five witnesses (as happened some time ago but only recently has been reported) get none? The latter, along with his numerous other, documented profane assaults speaks far louder about character and respect.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

peopleschoice — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:45:47 GMT

Is "sweetie" now considered a four letter word? How sad. I realize some may find words like "sweetie" offensive or interpret them as demeaning, but many, many others, see them simply as terms of kindness -- terms one would use with family, friends, or those we care for. So in the world of politics where ideas & policies matter -- I would be MUCH more concerned about a politician who uses words or ideas to divide, attack, misconstrue, and harm. Can't we find something more newsworthy and substantive? This feels more like fluff than news.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

the2thdoc — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:47:42 GMT

First, I would love for Sen. Obama to call me sweetie!!! If that makes me a sexist-sympathizer, so be it. But, if THIS is the standard by which people determine that a man is sexist, then the Clintons are DEFINITELY bigots, racists and liars, not to mention opportunists!!! I guess their true colors have come out too. The racism and sexism labels for what any of these candidates have said, these "gaffs," it's a ridiculous assessment. We have all said this that were improperly interpreted by others. His policies, his legislation, his actions and his wife are all proof that sexism in not in his core. He is not a sexist...just sexy!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Obama Drama — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:48:10 GMT

Don't worry everyone Obama will forget this comment like he forgot about saying he would meet with terrist organizations on national tv, that Wright ever said anything racist while he was in church, that he called white middle Americans racist, like he ever knew Resko was a theft, like he ever knew Ayers was a terrist on on on on on.

Remember - Obama can run down the street on Penn Ave butt naked yelling "I HATE WHITE PEOPLE AND WOMEN" and he will still the DEM canidate. Because the Dems can not afford to loose the Black vote but they can afford to loose the White House.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

DougK — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:49:18 GMT

ok, ok, I equate this exchange to him saying "...hang on a sec buddy..." would that be considered sexist if said to a male?? I have seen and heard of many Hillary Clintor supporters who have said that they have voted for her because "..I think it's time to have a woman in the white house." This is totally rediculous and the same as someone voting for Obama simply because he's a black man. How shallow are we when we hinge our voting preference on whether a canidate is male or female, black or white, drinks bud at a bowling alley or a latte at starbucks?? There are very very serious issues out there that NEED to be focused on...a mistaken and wasteful war in Iraq, an economy heading towards depression, a corrupt health care system that excludes millions and fails even those with coverage, rising unemployment and rampant outsourcing. Ok sweetie, make up your mind whether you can base your decision on which way to vote on substance or nonsence.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Obama Drama — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:51:10 GMT

I am sure that all the female leaders all over the world would love to be called "sweetie" when discussing foriegn policy and women's right. He is racist and sexist. He not a sexy man - he makes me sick to look at and listen to.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

dmspeech — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:55:11 GMT

Oh, yes, yes yes. This is an important issue that we must address. The use of the word sweetie. Thank God we don't have to talk about the thousands dead in Iraq, or, heaven forbid, the huge deficit, poverty in America, global warming, the mangling of the Constitution, etc, etc. Please media, just keep turning a blind eye to issues that affect our future and dwell on "sweetie", Clinton's pantsuits, Rev. Wright, flag pins, Hillary's hair, etc, etc.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

roch20 — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:01:44 GMT

Ok, people are too sensitive nowadays, we have a President who have no respect for human rights, (including gays, lesbians and transgender), his name is George W. Bush, but you people rather go against Obama for calling a reporter sweetie!!! Grow up America, this is why America it's so f*@# up! He has shown more respect for woman as whole, than most of the candidates and probably the people who's making comments here...! This feels like a kindergarden playground all over!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Yellow Rose — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:02:09 GMT

To Judy Truh: Obama is not God! No one is. Youuuu better be careful about making such statements. You don't play around with God. And as for the sweetie remark, that doesn't matter, what matters is that he didn't answer her question: "What are you going to do for auto works." That's because he doesn't have any plans, all he knows is: change, change.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

JDvandy — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:09:37 GMT

Making something out of nothing. It was an innocent remark that LOTS of people make. I am sure he wasn't trying to harmful. If HRC had made the same remark to a male reporter would anyone care? I am so tired of us v.s them. We are all democrats, but people aren't acting like it. The fact is HRC is losing. You don't have to like that fact, but she is. I am very tired of all the HRC supporters going on about how Obama is a sexist or racist - give me a break! You're sore losers and there nothing worse than a sore, bitter loser. Accept the loss and move towards putting a democrat into office. I AM A WOMAN AND I AM SICK OF ALL THE WOMEN OUT THERE SAYING WE HAVE TO HAVE A WOMAN IN THE WHITE WHOUSE. Peroiod. In the beginning I would have been fine with either candidate, but given how the HRC supporters have been acting, I wouldn't want to be in such poor company. You're saying that you would rather vote for Mc Cain - who's the racist now??? Even HRC has said it would be a BIG mistake for vote for Mccain in the general election. Ideally, we have have a joint ticket and everyone can stop their fighting. It would still be a FIRST for both candidates and the country.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

aintwegotfun — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:09:52 GMT

So O"Bama is coming to Florida to campaign. He also went to Michigan. I don't know how Michigan feels about him, obviously he knows that he needs these people in the general election. But so far as Florida, there is a group of people that have organized to fight getting their votes to count for the primary. They plan a huge protest in Tampa to greet him. I do not think he would win Florida if he becomes the presidential nominee. He has burnt his bridges behind him.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

maddieT — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:10:56 GMT

I wish he would call me Sweetie! Forget politics.. that man is fine! Lucky Michelle!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

josh22 — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:12:31 GMT

I think this is all funny if --"Clinton Supporters Count, Too"-- want to vote for McCain. They can file their protest vote if they want to. There was no conspiracy, a lot of people cannot stand Hillary, and it is not because she is a woman. She is one of those controversial figures that you either like her or hate her--strong feelings on both sides. If Clinton were to win a lot Obama's would probably feel the same way. Basically, she is losing the primary. I don't really think it is because she is a woman. I know some people that are not voting for Obama b/c he is black. Personally, I don't know anyone that is not voting for her b/c of her gender. I'm sure there are some. But most of society is pretty comfortable now with women in high positions.

Obama is winning fair and square. The Michigan and Florida issue is unfortunate, but the leaders of those two states are more to blame than anyone. Perhaps the Dems. should have done what the Republicans did and allow them to campaign and have their election, but only count 1/2 of each state's delegates. Some forget they violated republican commitee rules, too. But now they can't go back and do that and it is to late to revote. But that was not a Hillary conspiracy. Both the democratic and republican committees were filing protests and letting FL and MI know well before Jan., before any election was held. Before anyone really knew what would happen in this election. Ironically, FL and MI were doing a power play to make their states count more. I do feel sorry for the voters in those states. But what they should do is vote out the state leaders that got them into this mess.

But people can be mad if they want to. I have a hard time seeing McCain win the election. I thought when he won the nomination that Republicans don't have a chance. Well, maybe they do. Ironically, it may be Hillary supporters helping him get there. Go figure.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

50toni — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:13:49 GMT

I am 58 and have been a feminist for as long as I can remember. I am a GM for a company as well as a mother and grandmother. How any woman can actually chose not to vote for Obama simply because he is not Hillary is the most self defeating act that I can imagine. Women who forsake their own best interests for Hillary and Hillary only are indeed the antithesis of feminism. Human rights, peace, prosperity, freedom of choice all trump Hillary only. Militant women shoot themselves in the foot. The term sweetie is not a slam or degrading. Lighten up and try thinking Hillary is not losing because she is a woman, she is losing because her campaign has been mismanaged.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

jesse'smom — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:27:00 GMT

I'm a 40 year old college educated, upper middle class working mom, I don't mind being called sweetie, in fact I like it. I like being told I look good. I call people sweetie, I listen too and tell off color jokes - it's all part of being human. Feminism isn't about voting for a woman because she is a woman - feminism is about doing and expecting. I'm treated as an equal because I expect my male coworkers and customers to treat me as such. Feminism is more than equal pay - it's about bringing ourselves into our jobs.

Hillary is just another business as usual politician and voting for because of her gender is just as bad as not hiring a woman because she is a woman. Obama is the RIGHT PERSON for the job - and he's not corrupted by Washington politics.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Mattsumaru — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:30:57 GMT

I have a question: what are you supposed to call a woman if you don't know her name? Women below a certain age might take offense to being called "Ma'am". But women ABOVE a certain age, particularly professional women, might take offense at being called "Miss". These age groups overlap greatly; there is a wide of women in between who could be expected to take offense at either.

Anyone who is complaining about Obama's use of the term "sweetie" (which is innocuous at worst and complimentary at best) should suggest another term he should use that is not likely to offend anyone. If you can't come up with one, then this is a no-win situation for him, and therefore a non-issue.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

aintwegotfun — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:32:02 GMT

The reason I will not vote for O'Bama is plain & simple. I DO NOT TRUST HIM. O'Bama supporters are willing to over look everything, they are so mesmerized by his words. But from the get-go, he has not been honest, his affiliations have been with the wrong people, he has slandered Hillary from the very first debate, but when she fights back it is her that they say is wrong. Solutions have been put forth to count both Michigan & Florida's primary votes & he put a stop to it. WHEN HE COMES TO FLORIDA TO CAMPAIGN, THERE WILL BE A LARGE CROWD TO GREET HIM & LET HIM KNOW HOW THEY FEEL ABOUT HIM. On top of all that, there is no record to be found of his 8 years in the Illinois Senate other than how he did or did not vote. Only one actual working year in the US Senate & cannot even be there for the very important comitee that he is supposed to be chair of. O'Bama is a flim flam man. How arrogant he is to think that he can work in the US government with the Senate & House of Representatives. You voters have more control of that then he does as you are the ones that put those people in office.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

aintwegotfun — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:36:52 GMT

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Dmarkis — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:40:36 GMT

I think the undertones of that group are BLACK and WHITE, so those that try to disguise it for a movement for women and support of Hillary need to think again. The feeling in the air is very racial, not as much as sexist, because I believe that Michelle being a black intelligent women and Barack's wife wouldn't stand for it. This run for the primary and president is historical, but taking a black studies class last summer, it seems that history is repeating itself as it always does for eample: when the abolitionist were fighting for slaves rights/black men voting and women's suffrage was in the forefront. Many people showed their true colors when it came to the wire for the cause. It is about time we endend the anymosity for blacks an recognize possibility and progression.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Ratgurl — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:43:42 GMT

Most people (note that I said PEOPLE, and not MEN) who have in-depth conversations with their significant other are apt to fall into this type of behavior. Since MY S.O. & I talk regularly about a multitude of topics, I inevitably call someone else "honey" by force of habit, even if I don't mean it. I've caught myself calling my father & mother "honey" & once I even caught myself just before I called my boss "honey." It's a habit, like while Hillary says "you know" overe & over, or when teenagers add 15 "like"s to every sentence. Like, you know?

Obama's habit of calling someone "sweetie" or "honey" is just that - a habit. It's one he should definitely work to correct, but it's not offensive by any means, and anyone who's offended by it is just hypersensitive.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

tlily7716 — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:48:06 GMT

It constantly amazes me how short-sighted most people are. Democrats who would rather vote for McCain than Obama because their preferred candidate will not be the nominee are simply childish and selfish. You're going to take your toys and go play in another sandbox because you didn't get your way? Grow up! I am a woman, and very proud of it. The biggest problem I have with militant feminists such as these is that, in their quest for wanting to be treated equally as men, they have tried to become men. They don't want to be seen as inferior - but that's an inside job. I don't feel inferior to men when they call me sweetie, when they open a door for me - in fact, it's just the opposite. So if these women won't vote for Obama because he's not a WOMAN, they are the sexists, not him. We see the world not as it is, but as WE are.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

OldGamer007 — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:57:42 GMT

It was bad enough I thought I was reading an article (from Newsweek) from Sean Hannity (Fox news), But it's really hard to read an opinion peace (of crap like this one) when it is filled (to the rim) with thing's in brackets (Like these).... (Arg!)

Just my (nobody else's) two cents (as in change from a dollar)... Gesh...

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

nomoreshrub — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:02:53 GMT

50toni - Thank you for your very objective point of view. I'm delighted to see that there are female democrats out there who still see the big picture which is the general election. If this group of women who are going to actively work against Obama affects anyone's vote in the general then they should be barred from the Democratic party for life.

If Hillary Clinton had any scruples she would track these women (and others like them) down and set them straight. I completely understand the disappointment many women feel in regard to this election. I know that having a female president would be a good thing for this country at some time, but apparently this is not the time. If Hillary was the best candidate she would have won easily because she started with a huge lead, had both Bill and Chelsea campaigning for her, and has a load of money with which to work. The odds were vastly in her favor to begin, yet she is not coming through. I find it hard to believe she's best candidate, and like 50toni said, it has nothing to do with the fact that Hillary's a female. I'd vote for a woman in a heartbeat if she was the best candidate.

Although I am a strong Obama supporter, I would vote for Hillary if she won the nomination fairly. I don't care for her as a person, but her policies are almost a mirror image of Obama's. I'd be acting foolish and childish to vote for McCain out of spite for Hillary. I care about my country more than I care about Barack Obama, so I would do what is best for all of us. Putting McCain in the White House is not in our best interest.

Lastly, I just have to mention that Hillary's claims that everyone must vote and that all votes must count are disgustingly hypocritical. She was willing to disenfranchise Florida and Michigan back in January because she thought she had the nomination wrapped up. If Hillary really believed that popular vote was what mattered most then she would have opposed the entire delegate system from the start. She would have said, a long time ago, that all states should be allowed to vote and the winner would be the person who got the most votes. I never heard that come out of her camp. If the DNC had offered her the nomination after New Hampshire she would have gladly accpted and the rest of the voters never would have mattered. The constant hyprocrisy of her campaign is what's driving people like me away from her.

Regardless of how much disdain I have for her, I'd still vote for her because she shares my ideals for our country. I don't share much with her in regard to personal values, but I strongly oppose McCain's views on Roe v. Wade, the economy and foreign policy. I'd have to be ignorant to vote against what's right for the country.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

hite64 — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:11:39 GMT

You have got to be kidding? I am sure there are more important issues that define the candidate.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

meganodell — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:24:24 GMT

When I met my boyfriend it annoyed me that he didn't just call me sweetie. He called his neice, sister-in-law, cashier, girlfriends- all sweetie. I have since come to respect it. He is gentle in his approach with women and sees himself as a man as their protector, no matter who the woman is. Why does everyone always go to hate even after being called a 'sweetie'? Its sad, but I won't lose HOPE and FAITH that goodness and kindness will prevail through our next President of the United States Barack Obama!!!!!!!!!!!! Peace and Love~

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Skooly — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:26:39 GMT

I have always had a habit of doing the same thing. I would refer to people as "honey" when asking/answering a question. I do not pay any intention to this trivial matter.

skooly

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

jewelbox — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:33:03 GMT

Who cares! People are losing their homes and their livlihood and have no health insurance and we are in a war that we don't belong in. Surely these are more important things to worry about than using the word "sweetie" I call my husband, children and friends (male or female) that all the time. Let's stick to what is important in this election and try to turn this country around!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

mamakras — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:37:09 GMT

If these women in Columbus [where I live] will campaign against Obama because of this term, then they are clueless about the major issues of the day. I suggest they concentrate on two other words when considering the next administration: SUPREME COURT.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

SamsMom — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:40:00 GMT

This election is far too important to get side-tracked by something so silly! Who hasn't called someone sweetie, honey, m'dear, etc., meant as a respectful, affectionate way of acknowledging someone whose name you do or do not know. Heck, I've had the same habit my entire adult life. What about you, toots? It means nothing here.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

cweston — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:41:44 GMT

I personally don't like being called sweetie. HOWEVER, I'm from CA and currently live in OR. In OR it seems to be much more common, and more of a term of endearment.

But I occasionally accidentally call someone "Dude", or if I am startled, it is seriously the very first word to slip out, as in "Dude!." When my husband and I first met in grad school he came up to me and said "your presentation was really great, except you said "um" too much. I got a big grin and said, "really, so I didn't say "'like" at all!?"

The point is, these local ways of talking can come across wrong, but if thats how people talk where you are from, these habits are really hard to break. Yes, my first response to sweetie would be to feel offended... But I try to remember that whoever just said sweetie will probably think I'm an idiot for saying like and dude or will feel offended, or think I'm being disrespectful. Some people think "y'all" sounds silly, or whatever. So I try not to be too hard on people for their ways of speaking so hopefully if I don't sound like a perfect sound bite I too will be given the benefit of the doubt. He said he knows its a bad habit, its a stupid thing to judge over.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

speckelbelly — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:46:44 GMT

PLEASE GIVE ME A BREAK! I CAN THINK AF A MILLION OTHER WORDS THAT ARE WAY WORSE!! JUST MORE REPUBLICAN STIGMATA BECAUSE THEY HAVE MORE OF THE McSAME

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

NEW AMERICA — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:47:45 GMT

Oh my gosh what your reporters can not find something important to report. This proves that the media has become nothing more than glorified plagerists. They are not capable of writting an original story with substance. There are people dieing, starving all over the world. But to write about this you would be required to do your own research, and be original, todays media are ALL AIRHEADS.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

pebblesvi30 — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:50:17 GMT

I am sick to death of the increasing whining and pettiness that is surrounding this campaign. OBAMA has won the nomination. If by chance it is stolen from him like the current Presidency was stolen in the last two elections then where would we be in the swearing in in 2009. Hillary will not win the presisdency and we will have anothe Bush-like president. I am a woman. I don't care about being called sweetie. This man has two daughters and a loving wife. The reporter didn't take offense to it so why should the rest of this spoiled country. GET OVER YOURSELVES. It is just not that serious. Then they want to actively work against him in the fall? It's not because he said 'sweetie'. It's something different that I refuse to give voice to. I am apalled that someone even chose to waste space talking about this insignificant slip of tongue. GROW UP AMERICA!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

C. MacLean — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:52:11 GMT

There is nothing "challenging" about this. Bitter is bitter any way you slice it. If it wasn't "sweetie" it would be some other equally mundane and silly remark. There are women who are so enamored of Clinton and so ridiculously bitter they would hate Obama if he called them "Goddess."

These same women don't get that McCain is much more likely to marginalize women's issues than Obama, and that voting for McCain just to spite Obama gets them no where. (Notice I didn't say McCain will marginalize women - he isn't inherently sexist - just their issues).

If Obama is smart, he will not waste his time pandering to a small number of bitter and angry women he can't sway no matter what he does.

Obama is better served by concentrating on the issues; he doesn't have to prove that he isn't a sexist. The majority of us, Hilary included, already understand that.

The real "challenge" will be to get the media to stop focusing on this, and start focusing on the real issues, not the silliness.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

OBAMAGIRL — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:01:38 GMT

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

barbaraw60 — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:02:43 GMT

The worst part is he like many times before never answers the question.... demeaning women, but as usual never answering the question.... pandering to "angry" women? How dare you C. MacLean.... as far as I remember our votes count too... and we are angry with people like you in the world that marginalize and denigrate women as second class citizens.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

barbaraw60 — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:04:09 GMT

As so eloquently put by an angry woman about the NARAL endorsement:

By Mare on May 14, 2008 2:54 PM

Et tu Brute! That's quite a blow to your gender and delivered at a prime time in the campaign, too. The most rabid woman haters could not have done more damage.

It's not enough that I've endured months of witnessing "Hillary hate" in the media, on the Internet, etc., and had to listen to calls of "F----g whore" and "***" and "c---t" hurled at the candidate I support. Now, at a crucial moment in this tremendously important race, you choose to betray the interests of the women of America by endorsing a man who has inspired slogans like "Bros before Ho's" and who, in appearances made after his Pennsylvania debate with Clinton, "flipped off" his opponent and her whole gender. You expect him to defend our rights?

I very much doubt that your choice will win the presidency if he is the candidate. He is no match for McCain and Huckabee (the Republicans' probable vice presidential nominee). Unlike Hillary, your guy does not connect with and cannot win over the bulk of mainstream working people in America. Huckabee, who is rooted in the religious right and sees women as the "servants of men" is perceived as a "populist" who can "talk the talk" with everyday working people. We need Hillary, with her proven ability to connect with working Americans, in the race to avoid defeat in November.

Congratulate yourselves on helping the Democrats once again fulfill their historic mission by seizing defeat from the jaws of victory once again.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

barbaraw60 — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:16:02 GMT

Worse than anything... you all have overlooked the fact that as usual with Obama.... HE DIDN'T ANSWER THE QUESTION........ NEVER MIND ABOUT THE SWEETIE STUFF...

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

barbaraw60 — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:16:03 GMT

Worse than anything... you all have overlooked the fact that as usual with Obama.... HE DIDN'T ANSWER THE QUESTION........ NEVER MIND ABOUT THE SWEETIE STUFF...

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

BSHOMO — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:21:14 GMT

Obama has been given a lot of lead way. Clinton has been dumped on from day one. I believe she is the stronger candidate. I am an Black woman, who has doubts about voting for Obama if he is the nominee. Hillary has been called every name in the book. Now they say she should throw in the towel, why??? She has the right to go to the convention floor. The media killed her campaign from the beginning.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

griffin1944 — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:22:51 GMT

This is just one more remark Obama has made which displays his attitude towards women. At one of the debates, his comment to HIllary was, "People like you enough". The statement was made in a very condescending tone of voice, although he later apologized and said he meant no disrepect. Give me a break please! Obama and his male biased supporters and media have done everything they possibly could to stop Hillary from winning this nomination.

Wake up Fellas. If you think the women in this country are going to let these things slide by, watch the results in November. McCain is going to win his nomination over BHO, Also, let's stop walking on eggshells and report things like they are. He can count on the support from most of the Afro-American race and he can count on support from many biased white men and he can count on the support of many young Americans. However, he should not count on his support from the majority of the American women. This campaign has been a wake up call for all of us.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

jp6815 — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:24:42 GMT

Obama apologized because someone brought the remark to his attention. If he was talking to his daughters or wife and hush them by calling them 'sweetie ', daughter wouldn't understand and Michelle would and could say some thing about it. To say it to some one you do not know, is insulting and arrogant on his part. Obama let his elitism show! All through this campaign Obama supporters as well as the media has forgot the Hillary is a woman, and deserves a certain amount of respect , especially from men. That's if these men had any class. Regardless of what the reason, all women should be treated respectfully. More so ,if you do not especially like them or what they may stand for.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Hearwegoagain — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:30:18 GMT

So let me see if I have this right. The argument is that because of the perceived slights in the media and by Senator Obama these ladies are bound and determined to work against Senator Obama if he becomes the nominee. In fact a significant percentage are willing to vote for the person their preferred candidate has sworn to oppose. Now if I were to say that those responses were over emotional, whimsical, and inappropriate based upon the goals of preferred candidate would I be accused of being sexist or attempting to marginalize women's opinions? Frankly, this so typical that it is almost humorous. "If I cannot have it the way I want it then I don't want it anymore!" Amazing, truly amazing!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Chitta Nirmel — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:31:01 GMT

The problem with Obama is not that he is naive or particularly sexist. He just does not have enough experience of life to be a competent president: in short, he is not mature enough. These are days of very serious and mounting problems: Iran's nuclear ambitions, exploding oil prices, increasing weather disturbances probably related to man-made pollution, greed elevated to almost religious virtue by "The First Idiot" (Resident Dumbush), etc., etc., we need a grornup. Obama needs to grow up some more.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

kjb79 — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:33:32 GMT

It's not about the word 'sweetie" it's about the misogynistic and outright sexist treatment that Hillary Clinton has endured during this primary season and the sad passivity of the Democratic party elders to these actions. I won't go as far to say I'd vote for John McCain, but I'm not jumping for the opportunity to reward Obama either.

Just because it doesn't seem like a big issue to you, doesn't mean it's not a big issue. Someone like me is finally running for President and I'm seeing how she's treated and I'm disappointed because I'm noticing that my country isn't as progressive as I once thought it was.

If those ladies in Columbus want to vote for McCain, more power to them. It's their vote.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Moderate Mom — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:36:03 GMT

Hope to have the chance to vote for Hillary, but don't know if I'll vote for Obama if he's the nominee. As a practical matter, I question whether he's ready. It was not that long ago that he became our senator in IL because his Republican opponent (who was favored to win by a lot) went down in flames over a sex scandal. I'm a big fan of ideas and positive energy, but "sweetie" doesn't help him in my book.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

USA4life — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:37:05 GMT

Wow!! Thats it??!! really?? are you really searching high and low to make this a critical issue?? So what he called a woman sweetie.your dead set on trying to pick petty arguements.. cravin attention about every little thing. You weren't going to vote for him any damn way so why the hell should you care what he says???..need something to whine about?? the real issues is THE ECONOMY,FOREIGN POLICY,HEALTH CARE AND EDUCATION!!!! ...He said "bitter" he said "sweetie" oh please!! take a pill!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

JustAHumanBeing — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:48:01 GMT

Oh, c'mon, all it meant was that he wasn't being a hoity-toity, proper, uptight, politician -- he was just being down-to-earth and speaking as such. Give it a rest!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

JustAHumanBeing — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:49:34 GMT

...I'd much rather be called "sweetie" than "Ma'am" anyway!!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

whitney1027 — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:50:55 GMT

"It's not about the word 'sweetie" it's about the misogynistic and outright sexist treatment that Hillary Clinton has endured during this primary season and the sad passivity of the Democratic party elders to these actions. I won't go as far to say I'd vote for John McCain, but I'm not jumping for the opportunity to reward Obama either."

So let me make sure I--as a woman--have this right. You're angry about the use of the word "sweetie," you're angry about what YOU call misogynistic and sexist treatment that Hillary has "endured," you're angry about the "sad passivity" of the Democratic elders --and yet you're willing to withhold your vote for Obama so that a misogynistic, sexist Republican who is determined to overturn Roe v Wade is elected.

Yeah, you go, girl. When you're so blinded by your allegiance to one candidate that you can't understand how refusing to vote will disenfranchise millions of women, that's as sexist as it gets.

Real support for your sisters, girl. Thanks for nothing.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

vintner — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:56:55 GMT

BSHOMO, I was all set to comment and then read yours. I just erased mine because it would have looked like plagiarism. I am SO glad others see what I see. Thanks for speaking out and standing up.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

and3 — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:01:35 GMT

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

a14grumpy — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:11:27 GMT

Ladies, there is a progressive left ticket in the presidential race that is neither Democrat or Republican. A candidate who has a long history of fighting for equal rites for every citizen regardless of race, sex, creed, or sexual orientation.

His groups were instrumental in enacting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Air Act, Whistleblower Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Wholesome Meat Act, National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act and etc. His name is Ralph Nader.

Because of Mr. Nader, we breathe cleaner air, drink cleaner water, have safer workplaces, eat safer food, and have safer automobiles. He also founded many watch-dog groups that protect our rites as citizens. Don't waste your vote on a corporate owned and sponsored candidate who says one thing and his voting record says another. Mr. Nader has spent his life protecting your rites and health. Vote for someone who actually cares about this countries citizens. Vote Nader/Gonzalez 2008!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Mrs. J from NC — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:20:17 GMT

OBAMA CAN CALL ME SWEETIE ANYTIME. IT IS AMAZING THE SMALLEST THING IS BLOWN OUT OF PROPORTION, CALLING SOMEONE BROTHA, OR SISTAH, HONEY, DEAR, OR COMMON IN THE SOUTH "DAWLIN", BOY, GAL, NOONE SAYS ANYTHING, IT IS VIEWED THAT IS JUST HOW A PERSON TALK, WELL SWEETIE IS NOT UNCOMMON AND HOW MANY REFER TO SOMEONE LIKE THE OTHERS LISTED.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

mlbuie — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:23:05 GMT

Obama is a congenial type of guy that likes to put his arm around folks and speak to even confrontational individuals with a friendly tone (which was happening here); hence the term "sweetie". That's probably something he affectionately calls his female family members.

To pretend he meant it in a derogatory fashion is cynicism in the extreme.

"boy" to a black man is a term a racist uses to let him know he thinks he is less than a man. BIG difference!

Amazing!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

lillea — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:25:07 GMT

Obama's arrogance waa topping out when he called the reporter "Sweetie." Did you hear the men with him laughing.

It was RUDE!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

suzyku — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:26:23 GMT

Get over yourself! Big deal. As a woman who is liberated, I wouldn't take offense to Obama calling me sweetie. Stop the tabloid journalism. Concentrate on the lies of mcbush instead.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

mlbuie — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:26:27 GMT

All voting for Nader is going to accomplish is put McBush into office another 4 years.

I hope you are happy with your "Protest Vote" while our service men and women serve 100 years in Iraq, our homeless go hungry, our poor suffer, our econmy tanks and we poor billions per month into an overseas blunder.

Please ... think about what you are doing.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

stevo-stevo — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:31:06 GMT

Some of us outside the US are very dissappointed at some of the treatment Obama has edured during this campaign. I hate to say that with his charisma, energy and political wits, this guy would have won this nomination had he not had 50% of his genes from a black man. Quite sad that all this is being done in the name of Hillary Clinton whose husband was admired by the Africa American community and black people all over the world. They are good people but it does not look like this year is her turn. I really wanted to see her as the next President but the Lord had a different idea and this black man was brought on to the scene. I beleive that Hillary would certainly have her turn at the right and appropriate time - look at John McCain, but she should shun prejudice and hatred in any form in her campaign. We all thought America was leading the way once again in civilisation by being able to uproot prejudice. Sadly I have learnt by following the campaign trail that for some people it would take the coming of the Lord Jesus for them to realise that prejudice is a sin and such people would suffer damnation from the Lord. Senator Obama I salute you for your decency amidst the degree of hatred from certain quarters and strognly believe that you would be a fine President. For all those who would try to ruin your chances by poucing on such comments as 'Sweetie' my advice would be that they should not be blinded by prejudice and vote for you. I think you are well favoured to calm all these hatred politics we have witnessed this last decade. One thing that reassures me is that it is the Lord ONLY who makes kings and no amount of hatred or prejudice would prevent Obama from winning the Presidedncy if it is the doing of the Lord.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

shazomar — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:32:15 GMT

I am a working women, a physician who comes acorss people of all background and education level. I myself use this word at times and i do not think calling some one sweetie in a straight political environemnt is sexual in any way or sexist. unless someone is trying to flirt or making a pass or is in a bar or ALONE and in a suggestive way says sweetie (wink, wink) ..this is a way to be polite I think. I have seen men doctors call women sweeties and I do not think those women or those around them, think for a moment its sexist or sexual.... so for god sake mr. journalist find something better to write about!!! I will give you a suggestion.. Bush's stupid remark in Israel!!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Republican Girl — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:32:49 GMT

Let’s look at the use of the word “Sweetie” so many people are offended by. If it were used in a sarcastic manner then I could see being outraged. But the way Senator Obama used it was by no means meant with any disrespect.

I however am not a feminist and disagree with most of the privileges that movement has earned for me over the years. At one time I legally had the right to be a woman, act like one and enjoy the privileges that came with that station. I don’t mind being called “Honey” or “Sweetie” or Missy” if used in the right manner.

That movement earned women the right to open their own doors, put on their own coat, walk across the parking lot in the rain, get up and get ready for work at 5:00 am, work a job any man would regardless whether they are physically or mentally qualified, still for less pay than a man would receive, leave their children with a stranger who does only the minimum at best in providing care, and then come home tired from their days work outside the home and still do all the things women used to do to manage a home, get a divorce for no reason, and put a man in jail because he lost his job and can’t pay the outrageous sums needed now to run a household, and legally have the right to an abortion if I want it. I ask, “What did anyone in middleclass America gain by having women who want to be equal to men?”

I don’t know why any woman would vote for Senator Clinton just because she has worked for equal rights for women. In looking at the issues important to America at this point in time Senator McCain is a little out there but there is little difference in Senator Obama and Senator Clinton’s approach to solve them. What it really comes down to is who would best be able to put those policies into practice. Race or Gender isn’t the issue. The needs of the American people are.

I have always been a Republican; my father was Republican, and his father before him. In this election for the first time in my life I will be voting Democratic if Senator Obama becomes the Democratic nominee for President of this great nation. I believe he is the one who can make “Change”.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

carbil2 — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:33:06 GMT

Those who make this strictly a gender issue and speak to only how Hillary Clinton has been wronged because of gender fail to also see how Obama has been wronged because of race. We need to recognize how some people continue to view the world in gender and/or racial terms and realize that we need to get past these divisive labels. This is the 21st century and here we are in the "land of the free and the home of the brave" still carrying around this baggage. The media have been instrumental in jumping on this bandwagon and calling someone "sweetie" has become derivise. My mother and my mother-in-law both very often called someone "sweetie" and gender or race didn't enter into the picture. To my knowledge they were never called to task for it. If we can't progress beyond this silliness and focus our energies on the real issues we face then we won't be any better off four years from now. Grow up people. Surely we have the innate ability to discern the intent of a remark rather than interpreting everything as a major gaffe.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

mlbuie — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:36:30 GMT

I think they were laughing at someone trying to hold him up on a busy schedule and him tryin to move along. He's already answering those questions in larger forums. That he called her to apologize should tell you something. Do you see Bush or McCain making such a gesture?

The guy can't get a break from you people, can he?

I remember when I was in the Navy (served on three submarines, among other places), I had to perform MUCH higher than my peers to get the same grades and level of recognition. I guess it is going to turn out the same for Obama. He will be held to higher standards and ridiculous expectations and will never placate most bigots because they have decided they don't want a "nigra" as their leader. :(

So sad to see how little progress we have made socially in this country. When some people (not all) in West Virgina yelled racial epiteths at supporters and even told exit pollers race was a consideration in their vote, it's not surprising that it boils down to the older bigots and the less educated who display this trend. It's even sadder to see someone who can communicate with words take similar tack (but of course, without admitting their base motive).

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

mlbuie — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:39:20 GMT

I still open doors for women, help them with their coat, and stand aside for them to enter or leave the elevator, etd.

I want you to have the right to equality, but I can still be a gentleman towards you. :)

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

OldUncleTom — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:39:40 GMT

Note to disgruntled Hillary supporters who think a vote for McCain is a statement:

It will be YOUR children, and possibly grand-children that McOldGuy sends out to die for the sake of his geriatric ego. Maybe that is ok with you, but I happen to think there are more important issues in play than your petty little temper tantrums.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

talldrink — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:41:12 GMT

Is the news cycle so dull now that THIS is news? My God, please help us all!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Mrs. J from NC — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:41:49 GMT

MANY OF THE PEOPLE POSTING THEIR OPINION ON THIS SITE ARE TRULLY IN THE MIDST OF SELF PROBLEMS IF SOMETHING SO SMALL CAN MAKE THEM BLOW THEIR TOPS. IT IS AMAZING TO HERE THE MANY PEOPLE SPEAK ON OBAMA'S READINESS, HILLARY HAS NOT YET PROVIDED PROOF OF HER READINESS, I HAVE HEARD OF SO MANY THINGS SHE SAYS SHE HAS DONE, YET HOW MUCH IS ACTUALLY TRUE, PEOPLE NEED TO REMEMBER UNTRUTHS STARTED WITH HER, (CATTLE TRADE, WHITEWATER, AFFAIRS), PEOPLE KEEP SAYING THEY DON'T KNOW OBAMA, WELL WE REALLY DON'T KNOW CLINTON AS MUCH ABOUT HER HAS BEEN A LIE, MCCAIN, SO WHAT HE HAS MILITARY BACKGROUND, WE KNOW NOTHING ABOUT HIM AT ALL, HE HAS NO EXPERIENCE AS A COMMANDER AND CHIEF, BUSH NEVER HAD EXPERIENCE AND PEOPLE STILL HAVE NOT HAD ENOUGH OF HIS SATANIC TACTICS. WE CAN GO ON AND ON ABOUT PAST COMMANDERS AND CHIEFS, IF PEOPLE WERE TO BE HONEST WITH THEMSELVES. OBAMA HAS JUST AS MUCH RIGHT TO BE PRESIDENT AS ANYONE ELSE, THIS STUFF ABOUT HE IS NOT READY, WHICH ONE OF THE PRESIDENTS WERE? THIS IS NOT A WORLD WHERE GOD CREATED ONE RACE OF PEOPLE, AS A MATTER OF FACT IF PEOPLE LOOKED INTO THE HISTORY OF MAN THEY WOULD SEE WHO THE FIRST MAN WAS AND HIS RACE. IT IS UNFORTUNATE WE LIVE IN A WORLD WHERE PEOPLE FEEL THERE RACE IS THE DOMINATE RACE, WHAT IS EVEN FUNNY OBAMA CLEARLY HAS ONE WHITE PARENT AND ONE AFRICAN AMERICAN, SO YOU GET A LITTLE OF BOTH WORLDS, BUT LET US NOT FORGET THE MANY NATIONALITIES MANY OF US ANCESTRY WISE HAVE THAT WE DENY DAILY. GOD MADE US ALL EQUAL WHO AMONG YOU HAVE PROVEN TO BE GREATER, LET GOD BE THE JUDGE.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Moderate Mom — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:43:03 GMT

Although I enjoy it when my loved ones call me "sweetie" I wouldn't care for it from anyone else. My impression is that many of the posts are from educated women who would perceive "sweetie" as demeaning in their own professional exchanges. I'm not saying McCain is the better choice, but why the sell-out?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

RobW — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:45:50 GMT

Clinton Supporters Count, Too: I respect you and your cause. What I don't understand is your tactic. You would hand over your sons and yes, your daugthers to another 4 years of Mc-Bush. Men & Women Dems & Reps need to stand together to end this era of Bush. It is becoming more and more obvious that McCain is his clone.

If any Dem says I will not vote for Obama no matter what, understand what you say! I have closely followed these stories and comments throughout the Primary season. There have been arrogant, hateful and down right rude comments on both sides of the campaign and on these blogs. Essentially though, the policies of both are similiar. If you do not vote for Obama. your choice is to vote for McCain or stay home. Either is effectively a vote for McCain. This amounts to 4 more years of an escalating war. McCain says he can end the war in 4 years, he can leave Iraq with a functioning government. Over the last 6 years Bush has said he has a plan to end the war, leaving Irag with a functional government. Still, no end in sight. McCain shares Bush's economic consensus that the economy is not really in bad shape. McCain and Bush are mainly influenced by special interests and big business not the needs of the American people.

If you want 4 years from now to hear that out of respect of and in solidarity with suffering Americans and dying American soldiers, McCain is giving up Golf, then by all means stay home or vote McCain.

I am not a lifelong Dem. I became a registered Dem in the last election 4 years ago, because I realized then that Bush was dangerous. Whether you personally like Obama or not, right now Democrat must be the way to go, simply because the U.S. must have change.

Let's stop the foolishnees and let's stop Mc-Bush! Come together as a party and as a people!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

a14grumpy — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:48:01 GMT

mlbuie: If they refuse to vote for Obama, then a progressive like Nader is a logical choice. Would you rather have them vote for McCain or not at all? Besides a vote for a corporate owned and sponsored Democrat is no different than a corporate owned and sponsored Republican. The Democrats have the majority and Bush has not been impeached. The Democrats in office have been basically a push-over rubber stamp for this oppressive administration.

A vote for Nader is a vote for real change. A vote for a DEMOPUB is a vote for business as usual. Look at their voting records -- look at them!!!! RUBBER STAMP for BUSH. If enough people have the courage to vote their conscience instead of for the lesser of two evils, we could have a president who has the courage and the knowledge to fight for the changes we so desperately need.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

kmljal — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:48:26 GMT

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

shir — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:50:01 GMT

Why are some folks so upset with Senator Obama's slip "sweetie" when no one is screaming about McCain's calling his wife a "c***" in front of a bunch of reporters? I'd rather be called "sweetie" than "c***"--the double standard applied to Obama and McCain shows a deep disrespect for all women. Obama was raised by loving (white) mother and grandmother and is surrounded by a loving (African American) wife and mother-in-law, and he adores his two biracial daughters. He obviously loves women. How would we intepret the position of a husband who calls his wife a "c***" in public and before strangers? Why are we giving McCain a free pass?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

ckemp — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:55:51 GMT

"shir" makes the crucial point: I still cannot understand how people who manage for their own reasons to eke out a idea that Obama's success is the effect of sexism in the democratic party, the media, etc. can even entertain the idea of voting for a guy who calls his wife names like this anywhere, least of all in front of the press. Which is worse? "sweetie" or "c*nt"? and how is this hard to get your head around?!?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Moderate Mom — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:59:27 GMT

"C***" would be pretty unforgivable, I agree, but it sounds too far-fetched to be true. That would receive major press, I'd think.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

mmewalker — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:59:36 GMT

Barack Obama can call me "sweetie" anytime, anyplace. What's the big deal.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

democrattotheend — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:04:12 GMT

Saying "sweetie" is a bad habit that Obama needs to break, but I don't think he meant anything sexist by it. I also think that Clinton has at times been the victim of sexism, just as Obama has at times been a victim of racism. However, I believe that Clinton's failure in this campaign has been a result of a poorly run campaign, not sexism. It insults me as a feminist to hear people say that she is losing because she is a woman and has received disparate treatment. If anything, she has been propped up by her gender, making her (like Obama) a celebrity candidate who got more attention in the beginning than the other candidates and has been given more chances to bounce back. I know some Clinton supporters feel that she, as a woman, is being "passed over" for a "less qualified" male, but the bottom line is, more voters, knowing the resumes of both candidates, have voted for Obama over Clinton, even when you include Florida and Michigan. And if the primary were a resume contest, wouldn't Richardson, Biden or Dodd be the nominee?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

HopefulHannah — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:10:55 GMT

I'm a 55 year old woman and have had men AND women call me "sweetie" in the tone that Obama used with the reporter. I don't for the life of me see how it can be considered misogynistic. I've been a single Mom, I've traveled by myself all over the US and in Europe and I definitely consider myself "liberated". But it's this kind of nit-picky bull that has kept me from claiming to be a "feminist". Just relax a bit, OK? I just can't believe the petty things that are being used to criticize Obama when we have so many REAL issues to resolve.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

USA4life — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:12:07 GMT

it seems like the media and some people on this sight has to keep digging and finding every little thing wrong with this man...it just never ends! He owned up to all the litle garbage every one dug up..from his ex-preacher-to his bitter remarks--to sweetie..and he stood up like a man and took it like a man. Some say they are switching votes because of this.that or the other..ok thats fine..but trust that whoever is elected president of this country will definitly say something that upsets or offends others..and it won't be because one is sexist..racist..eliteist or any other "ist" you conjure up..it will simply mean they are HUMAN!! My goodness offended by being called "sweetie"..in America? somebody really needs a HUG!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

bookdfh — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:12:42 GMT

I am a woman of the 70's who lived women's liberation, I am not offended when a man or woman addresses me fondly. If a woman can use dear, honey etc.. why can't a male? Also, these 2 women who are actively campaigning against Obama- would they prefer a white Republican male? Don't understand this attitude!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

busby — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:13:01 GMT

We're missing a really important point here. I don't care who he calls sweetie, but I do want to know why in the hell he sent one of his advisors to meet with Hamas leaders in the US. Remember, they endorsed him. This doesn't come from me. I heard it on MSNBC, his media lackeys.

Busby

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

ceojuliej — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:17:03 GMT

I was VERY insulted by the Sweetie Remark... He might as well as said the N-word to me which is just as offensive. He is very condensending and has been that way even to Hillary... "They like you just fine." I do NOT want this man representing me in the white House. I will vote for McCain before I vote for Obama.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

besmith — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:17:18 GMT

This man is a walking disaster for Democrats. There is no justification for calling adult professional female strangers sweetie. Lets remeber the bitter voters, and the comment that did not get much press regarding his views on affirmative action. While he was at Harvard, on the law review, he said it was ok for black lawyers to be mediocore. His implication was that any one who did not go to Harvard is mediocre. I believe that is his opinon of us. As a small town womwn who only went to a state university, I have pause about voting for this man.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

kmljal — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:21:04 GMT

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. They reserve those words for their spouses/friends. 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!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Nashville_fan — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:27:12 GMT

*sigh*

Can't we all just get along?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

janetori — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:27:29 GMT

You said the reason he used "sweetie" is less relevant than the reaction it produced, and the sense of marginalization it reinforced. I disagree. His use of the word "sweetie" to address a professional woman says volumns about the man and his deeply embedded attitudes.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

USA4life — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:28:48 GMT

How in the world does a terrorist organization ENDORSE anyone? THEY DON"T! they may have a preference but they can't realistically endorse. The mission was a peace mission--aren't you tired of all the fighting and killing in this world?? that doesn't break your heart to know that this hate filled world is what we leaving for our children and grand children? it has to stop somewhere and someone has to step up and at least find out what the hell the SOLUTION is. That is why his "advisors" talked with them..dont give me that crap about supporting terrorist either because just today..the US sent tons of food to N.Korea..the whole "axis of evil" thing and we never negotiate with terrorist..what the hell do you call that?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

freeomchild — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:29:52 GMT

I'm from OR and I'm terribly offended by that comment. Not so much that he called her "sweetie" as all of women know we have been called worse. But, where he called sweetie. On her job, in front of her crew, in an auto plant in front of auto workers and other televison collegues. I'm just thinking about how humiliated she must have been that day. I know he has a chip on his shoulder b/c the majority of us are supportng Hillary but there was no cause for that. And an "experienced" politican would have known that. I'm so tired of watching him "learn on job" in this campaign that's why I'm voting for Hillary next Tuesday. Maybe he'll learn when he runs in 2013. GO HILLDOGS!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

FRANK TELLS — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:31:21 GMT

I WANT TO FIX HILLARY CLINTON FOR STAYING WITH BILL WHEN SHE SHOULD HAVE DIVORCED HIM OVER:

1. HIS ANTIMASTURBATION

2. HIS CHEATING ADULTERY

ALSO IM AGAINST HER NOT LISTENING TO ME ABOUT VOTING AGAINST THE ANTI POKER BILL (PHONE CALLS, LETTERS) AND RECEIVING FUNDING FROM HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES WHEN THEY ARE ALREADY OVERCHARGING AND AGE DISCRIMINATING. I ALSO BELIEVE LIKE JOE LIEBERMAN THAT BILL CLINTON SHOULD HAVE BEEN IMPEACHED AFTER ILLEGALLY CHEATING ON HIS WIFE.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

elizabethpaige — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:37:24 GMT

Lighten up, ladies. This feminist rant over Sen. Obama's lighthearted response to a clearly aggressive reporter is silly. What next, women blasting waitresses for the all-American diner greeting, "Coffee, hon?"

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

tcalan — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:40:03 GMT

Anyone that is SOOO offended by Obama's remark wasn't going to vote from him anyway. So telling your reasons why you were offended is pointless. Spare us the drama!!!

Obama didn't say the word "sweetie" out of malice or in any condescending way. Regardless, he was man enough and considerate enough to call the reporter to apologize.

Give me a freakin break! There are more important issues like the war, gas prices, and healthcare than for people to get all worked up over “sweetie.”

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Super-Boss — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:42:15 GMT

Ladies please get a grip on reality here... Are you happy with what the Republican Party dealt you the last 8 years? Hillary Clinton is a very sore loser, that's why she's hanging on to a losing battle, and quiet frankly you bitter women are sore loser too. Talk about sexism Wow... Vote for McCain and you will get another 4 years of war, bad economy, and much more of the same struggle. Sweetie sounds better than B!+@h

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

bcrawf2033 — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:51:53 GMT

Ladies! Stop the madness! American women enjoy more privileges, more freedoms, and are more financially independent that any other women in the world. We have succeeded in everything from "bra burning", to getting the right vote. We do bring home bacon, fry it up in the pan and anything else we set our minds too. So I'm really bewildered that in 2008 that some woman would be offended by the word "sweetie" as a figure of speech. Is the woman that starved for attention? And she's suppose to be a reporter, and an adult??? She needs to grow up, or give up the microphone if she too sensitive. I'm a woman, a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, so I don't buy that garbage.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

kmljal — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:56:30 GMT

So...."Super-Boss," according to you women have only two choices: Sweetie or B----H? Have you ever heard the saying "Anything looks good by comparison"? So we bitter women have our choice between "Super-Boss" and the plague...hmmmmm... I'll take the plague.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Jofy — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:59:43 GMT

These woman are so narrow minded. So you rather have 4 more years of Bush policy than to vote for Obama.

TCALAN: You are right these woman were not going to vote for Obama anyway. All they care about is getting a woman into the white house. I'm a woman..however, I will vote for the person I think will change this country, not weather they are black/white woman or man. They are voting for the wrong reasons..people like that don't care about the country, or THEMSELVES.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Core Democrat in Texas — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:04:33 GMT

Why is Obama's reason for calling women "sweetie" not relevant? Seems to me it denotes condescending sexism. Does he call men "sweetie"? Why not?

I think "sonny" needs to explain his reason for using the term. "Oh, I do that all the time" is no excuse; to the contrary, it proves it was not a one-time slip of the tongue. It's a habit.

His media mod squad would have a week-long seizure if another candidate called a male reporter or voter a term more appropriate for male children.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

USA4life — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:06:40 GMT

kmljal -unstable

tcalan-unstable

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Not4BO — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:10:44 GMT

It was a condescending remark at best. And the fact is that there are a lot of women voters who are getting more and more disappointed in the way this election is shaping up. I'm one of them and will not vote for Obama under any circumstances. Will I vote for McCain? Probably not, but a significant amount of non-votes isn't going to help him win the election and they way he is behaving isn't going to change peoples' minds.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

kas_wolf — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:14:40 GMT

Well, I am a woman. One who likes to wear skirts, heels, makeup etc. and yet, I find the remark offensive. It would be different if it was someone he knew. If you make the comment to someone you are acquaintances with, it is one thing - and usually in a casual atmosphere. When a woman is on the job...it is different and she deserves the respect of a candidate who is getting news coverage.

That said, he STILL didn't answer her question. Another slight.

Guess I am just another "bitter" conservative, "typical white woman". 'Course here in Texas, you can bet I am "clinging" to my guns too. :-)

And you know something else? I don't want to give any more of my "pie" to someone without the ambition to shut off American Idol and get a job. So, thanks Obama and Michelle, but no thanks.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

jervis — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:18:08 GMT

You women that are getting offended by this accidental calling of sweetie need to make sure to watch your mouths then. I work in a job where I talk to people all day long. And I get called sweetie, hun, darling, and crap like that by middle aged women all the time. As a man do I complain to them, no. Do I think it is overly professional language, no. But it's part of their upbringing, and dialect because of where they are. Most of these women are from the midwest or south, Obama is from the midwest. Raised by his grandma in Kansas, so it's just something that came out. He did apologize right away as well.

Doesn't it say a little something that this article was written by a man. It is sad that Clintonites are being such sore losers. The fact that you would vote for McCain is pathetic. Isn't he the same good ole boy your bitching about? Wait until you see the 2 in the debates and make your choice then. I am sick of all these uninformed biased opinions against Obama. The people calling him racist, sexist and all thatv is sad. How can a guy whose half black and half white be racist against a black or white. Wouldn't he be being racist against himself then? Wake up and read about the candidates and hopefully you'll see who the best one is.

By the way Clinton has stopped her ripping on him a lot now hasn't she? She even said she will quit after June 3'rd if she is still behind, Good for you Hillary. Plus an article came out today saying that there is no way FL and MI give her the win, and those delegates will be seated. Maybe she will rus as VP so you people can stop whining. I wish it would have been edwards but that doesn't look like it is gonna happen.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

joy4obama — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:25:14 GMT

Bark Obama can call me sweetie any day. It's not a derogatory term. It's one that we in an office environment use daily to each other, to our customers, our family members, everyone. It's not offensive.

Call me sweetie anyday.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

weezer — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:32:45 GMT

I'm a college educated white collar republican supporting Hillary Clinton. I'm supporting her because she has shown toughness, professionalism, knowlege, and experience that I find quite admirable. In spite of problems in her personal life, she seems to have raised a wonderful daugher who admires and respects her very much. She has done this while working a more than full time job. But the other reason I am supporting her is because of the way the Democratic Party's Boy's Club and the Media have treated her. I am disgusted with the gushing over Obama. He's a robot and has treated Hillary in debates and in responses with a "little woman" disdain. His facial expressions during the debates and when responding to comments present the image of a man annoyed by her, but giving her very little respect and the press & the DNC have been just as bad. I will not vote for Obama and his arrogant wife, Sweetie.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Core Democrat in Texas — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:35:20 GMT

Jervis, FYI, Hillary supporters do not want her as VP. Hillary supporters are content to let Obama stand or fall on his own, and please don't whine about the results in the general election. Junior.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

wells_jeff21 — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:37:47 GMT

This is exactly why women weren't able to vote prior to the 19th ammendment and probably still shouldn't be able to without first passing some sort of intelligence test. Women vote on emotion and not fact, by not voting for Obama in the general election you might as well vote for McCain. Hillary and Obama share almost identical views and McCain is another round of Bush. You can support whoever you want, but when women make the decision to not vote because their candidate didn't win the primary election is like throwing a hissy fit. Get over yourself, be happy a woman was able to do what Hillary did and hope that the next time a woman steps up to the plate she isn't a maniac like Hillary Clinton. Why don't you get it, it's not her gender but her inability to prove she can run our great country.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Ldyforce6 — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:44:48 GMT

OK. I am a white women, 55 years of age and I have always admired Hillary and felt that Bill was a good President if he had not caused himself much grief, not to mention the Democratic party. That being said, I was a storing Edwards supported with no malice towards any of the other candidates. When he dropped out, I turned my attention to the two front runners knowing that one of them were sure to get the nomination and I would have to choose. I assumed it would probably be Hillary however, as the race has gone along I have been more and more turned off by her attitude (and frankly the poor management of her entire campaign and Bill) and have noticed a real sense of "entitlement" from her and many of her supporters. I would like nothing better then to see a woman in that leadership role but I can say that I am tired of the old politics and the prospect of a 28 year Clinton/Bush dynasty is a bit more then I can take. Threfore, I am supporting Obama as a man with a vision and a hope for change that I do not see in either of the other two candidtates. He can do it if the country helps him to.

As far as taking offence at the term "sweetie", all I can say is I have been married and divorced three times and I have been called worse! AND I have used the term to both women and men without stopping to think. Thank God none of them deemed to make an issue of it. Not answering her question is bit rude but look at the video and see what he is doing; he is trying to give everyone what they want and had the reporter been more professional she might have tried to follow up with him on the question by dogging him (as any good reporter should) until she found him in a more available position to answer and even come back with a remark like, "Well, honey...how ARE you going to help the American Autoworkers?" Might have been a better move if she had really been looking for an answer from him.

All of these things are the silly season of politics and shows how hard up people are to find something wrong with him.

As far as the CSCT group goes, they will be a real case of cutting thier noses off to spite thier faces as they try to help elect someone that will certain take the women of this country back in time and strip us of all we have accomplished to this point. If they fight against the Democratic candidate and succeed, you will have McCain and his Republican backers in power. I used to say "How bad could it get in 4 years" and then Bush showed me how bad TIMES 2!

Supreme Court justices matter and if you don't think so, just take this silly road down the path of self-distruction. You will not only not see a woman in the White House, but quite likely none on the Supreme Court or any number of leadership roles that they have attained up to now. Keep shooting yourself in the foot as you have a temper tantrum and see what it gets you.

If I were Hillary, I would bow out gracefully and use my "power" of the deligates to manuver myself into Harry Reid's postion (a position that really DOES need replacing!) and move on. Or better yet, why doesn't Hillary angle for a PERMENANT job as a Supreme Court Justice! Now THERE is a place where her tenacity and ability to fight could do the most good!

I hope my fellow womanhood stops to think about all the things we HAVE achieved and not mess it up for something that is fleeting!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

ginni — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:44:52 GMT

Get real. Every adult has at one time or another used the term "sweetie" in relation to a younger male or female; especially if you are not acquainted. Pleaseeee. This is silly. If this is all you have to complain about, It 's pathetic. I am a female.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

indyintx — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:46:14 GMT

Y'all are over reacting to his sweetie comment. Do you really think Michelle Obama would put up with a chauvinistic husband? I don't think so!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Ezana — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:47:01 GMT

Weezer, so your criteria for not voting for Obama if he is nominated is you didn't like his facial expressions when she came with at him with unfounded accusations, the illusion of her superior record (having lived in the white house), and her transperant pandering. That is some ridiculous logic. If the most important job in this country is "citizen" you should be sacked! This country is due for it's first female president, but she is the wrong woman for the job. I defended her tooth and nail in the nineties, but this time around she has definately shown America her proverbial a**!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

fayray54 — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:47:17 GMT

You people will find anything to complain about because you are not happy that a Black man may become president. If you old ass white women can't find yourself voting for your best interest stay at home or vote for John McCain who can't find his way from the back door to front door.

This man will not be denied this opprtunity because of his color. The nerve of you all talking about Rev. Wright being racist.

Obama will be a great president that will restore dignity to that office. Which we have not had in a long time. He beat Hillary fair and square and she has to live with it. If she had not taken for granted that she would win handily maybe she would be the front runner now.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

weezer — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:47:25 GMT

Why don't you get it?!? Women are sick and tired of the media, both parties, and the good ole boy's club patronizing and condescending treatment. Oh, and thank you, you have just proven my point. I express a list of my reasons for supporting Hillary and my lack of respect for Obama (and I didn't even get into his unwillingness to vote on issues while an Illinois rep. or his lack of experience, his choice of friends, and his attitude toward working class Americans) and you resort to your limited, narrow, and typicallly sexist response of calling me emotional and what was it you said, oh yes, throwing a hissy fit. Very impressive. You'll fit in very well with Obama.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Honeybee53 — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:48:53 GMT

When Obama was asked about pay issues recently, he mumbled somthing about "equal pay for equal work" and changed the subject. If Hillary Clinton had been asked the same question, she would have responded with a detailed description of the pay parity issue and a plan to address it.

Clinton has worked on behalf of women and children for decades. She has accomplished real change on a national level. Barack Obama has not.

For those posters who think that Obama's comment does not deserve any attention, I'd remind them that every word uttered by Clinton and her supporters has been examined under a virtual microscope in an attempt to find some kernal of racial animus.

I don't appreciate being addressed in familiar terms by any strangers. It doesn't speak well of Obama that he feels comfortable addressing women who are at work in such a dismissive manner.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Ezana — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:48:57 GMT

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

wells_jeff21 — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:54:32 GMT

weezer.. as an Obama supporter had the tables been turned and Clinton won the primary, I would strongly support my Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. My point is that if you support Hillarys views than you should support the democratic party, she is a democrat. Clearly you base your decision on the fact that she is a woman, and you call me sexist...

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

ErBri — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:56:05 GMT

Methinks all those who proclaim it would be an HONOR to be called Sweetie by Obama are of the younger variety who didn't enter the workplace in years past when it was moreso male-dominated and sexist...as in "Hi there, sweetie (wink, wink and a couple of pats on the butt)". Sweetie is a term of endearment to your lovingly call your young child, grandchild, spouse, etc., but has NO business in a workplace or professional scenario. Check with your HR department...would warrant a reprimand under current sexual harrassment laws.

Romano is only the messenger here. He (or anyone else here) called Obama nasty name. Only reporting what Obama himself said, that in a large segment of the population will result in uncomfortable cringing. Like your mother telling you not to pick your nose...it's for his own good going forward so he'll be able to appeal to the largest possible constituency.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

ginni — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:57:08 GMT

Fayray54, I agree with you implicitly.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

ginni — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:59:34 GMT

Fayray54, You hit the nail on the head!! OBAMA '08

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Ldyforce6 — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:01:56 GMT

I didn't see anyone say it was an HONOR but rather those who do not take offense at it. I am one of the woman who HAS had to deal with sexism and this is not an issue that can't be handled with humor and by turning the tables on them.

As I said, had it been me, I would have dogged him and said "Honey, just exactly how ARE you going to help American Autoworkers?" I would have made my point AND, perhaps, gotten the answer I so wanted.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

sebr01stl — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:02:43 GMT

I wholeheartedly agree, democrattotheend. If race or gender were primaries factors, neither of the remaining candidates should still be in he race even at all, let alone the only two left! They have BOTH beaten the system of the white male, just from where they are right now in the race. this is typical though. If a black person doesn't study, isn't qualified for a position, s/he inherently cries racism, as will Hillary's supporters - (some of whom ADMIT that race is/was a factor in their voting, i.e. that they would only vote white or woudn't vote non-white (clearly racist) under any circumstnaces) - as will those supporters cry sexism should she not be able to pull off this nomination. It's sad really. And btw, I'm a 40ish black female, so I have a stake in either one of them winnning.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

tjordan — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:14:10 GMT

Granted, Obama did not mean anything by his "sweetie" comment, the comment itself is inflammatory in a professional setting. If he has a doubt on how to address a woman, he should have used Miss, Ms., or Ma'am. "Sweetie" is not "politically correct" on that setting and can be considered sexual harrassment, especially when the men with him start smiling or laughing at the remark.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Honeybee53 — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:14:56 GMT

Ldyforce6,

Your solution is a good one. I've responded in the same way to dismissive language and behavior.

The issue here is that Obama is a 46-year-old Democratic candidate for president. HE should know better.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

sebr01stl — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:15:35 GMT

indyintx, good point, and Michelle Obama seems very strong and smart to me. I think is just what he called it: a bad habit that he has to remember to be more politically correct. He continually praises the fight in Hillary, hardly sexist; and Honeybee53, if you don't think Barack's every word is scrutinized, don't you recall "bittergate?" and he's even had to deal with the comments of OTHERS analyzed over and over again (Rev. Wright anyone?)

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

phillydog — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:17:07 GMT

Sugar and spice and everything nice, that is what girls are made of. Sticks and snails and puppy dog tails, that is what boys are made of. Issues that increase the much to do about nothing is really doing this country a disservice. Woman who want to bolt to the Republican Party over delusions want their cake and they still want to eat it too. Most of them need to take a deep breath, and look at the consequences of their actions. Now! If you are as bright as you think that you are, you will make the decision that will best benefit women, men, young and old and start bring our country on the course that will lead us back to the head of leadership in the world.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

ErBri — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:21:22 GMT

Ldyforce6, read more carefully, to wit:

maddieT: "I wish he would call me sweetie!"

mmewalker: "He can call me sweetie any place, any time!"

Mrs J from NC: ditto

the2thdoc: "I would love it if Sen. Obama called me sweetie!"

You get the idea. Why don't you Obamabots quit taking offense if he's not bowed to? I wonder which female head of state will have heart palpitations at being called Sweetie during negotiations? He needs to address it.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Christinexoe — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:24:45 GMT

You can call me 'sweetie' anytime, just don;t call me "'granny"..

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

SherriH — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:25:58 GMT

This is the most ridiculous, non news story of the last couple of days. Senator Obama apologized, and quickly. That's that.

Are you as equally offended by Mike Huckabee's terrible comments today?

Come on people.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Ldyforce6 — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:30:03 GMT

ErBri,

I am not an Obamabot but rather someone that A) doesn't take offense at something that wasn't meant to be offensive and B) WAS apologised for.

I believe that a campaign is much different then when you are on a foreign relations trip as the head of state and nothing could be worse then the person we send out there now.

All of these things are the silly season of politics and shows how hard up people are to find something wrong with him.

I hope my fellow womanhood stops to think about all the things we HAVE achieved and not mess it up for something that is fleeting!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

ranman1 — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:34:13 GMT

Weezer,

"Sweetie", get over it. So, you don't like Obama's facial expressions? Well that's a thoughtful, and cerebral reason not to vote for someone. He appeared to be annoyed by her...gee I wonder why. She's only hinted that he might be a closet Muslim, That "hardworking people...white people" won't vote for him, That despite his law degree from Harvard, his years of service as a community activist, his time in the Illinois state legislature, and as a state senator, the only thing he brings to the table is "a speech". What's to be annoyed about. Oh yeah, and even though he grew up without a father, and was raised by a single mother, and grandparent's, somehow he's out of touch with disenfranchised, low income, out of work, struggling Americans. Hillary has shown herself to be all the things you mentioned. She also has shown herself to be a liar, divisive, hypocritical, and willing to do, and say anything in her almost obsessive need to be president. So you and like minded women voters won't vote for Obama? Forget McCain, and the Supreme Court judges he will appoint, forget the war in Iraq, and thousand's more Americans, and Iraqi civilians being killed, forget the rich getting richer, and the poor getting poorer, forget people losing their homes, forget all the failed policies of George Bush continuing on for another 4, possibly 8 yrs. under McCain. You"ll show Obama. Sweetie, please.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Moderate Mom — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:37:09 GMT

Bottom line - "sweetie" in this context IS demeaning not complimentary and it does give insight into Obama's personal views or at least how clueless he is about this segment of the voting pop.

Is McCain a candidate who will better be their voice? Certainly not given his recent advice that they seek more training and education opportunities in overcoming the wage gap.

So, for enlightened women it's a pretty grim choice if the general election is between Obama and McCain. If neither candidate represents women's views, it really does become a choice on other issues. Who will harm women least? I guess Obama will at least nominate justices who will protect Roe v. Wade. What a sad minimum standard... Women, let's pull together here. It's not about who you'd rather receive some kind of affirmation from, it's about who's likelier to represent all of your interests!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

airforcemom — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:37:12 GMT

I am a 52 year old white woman.

I too sometimes refer to people as " sweetie ".

I realize that in this politically correct era we live in, that term is often perceived as sexist.

I find myself having to catch myself sometimes as well when using the term.

It is just a southern habit and in no way do I ever mean anything derogatory when I use it.

In fact one can always know that if I say " sweetie " it means that I actually like you very much.

That said, I do try not too use the term in deference to those who think it is demeaning.

Mr. Obama has apologized and I think people should just get over it for God's sake.

The young lady in question from what I have been made to understand is going to receive special attention on the next interview with Mr. Obama.

The question posed by another poster about what type of Supreme Court Judges Mr. McCain will appoint if elected is of far more importance to

womens issues as far as I am concerned.

Think before you vote is my advice people. Would you really prefer Mr. McCain over Mr. Obama in the November election?

Be careful what you ask for because you just might get it.

Fifty years or so of womens right will go right down the proverbial tube with the archaic Mr. McCain as president.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

sebr01stl — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:39:35 GMT

I had a male doctor call me "dear" and "sweetheart" - any different? recently when he was examining me. Although I felt he should have been more PC and probably - DEFINITELY - wouldn't have called a man any of those terms, he was kind, nice, polite, light-hearted, comforting during the procedure, etc., and, I didn't feel, at all malicious. He didn't seem sexist, just "touchy-feely" uninformed.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Honeybee53 — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:45:23 GMT

sebro,

Doctors should not address their patients as "dear" or "sweetheart". Ugh. How can you even ask?

Obama made Jeremiah Wright as an issue when he presented himself as a man of faith and named Wright as his spiritual mentor. He has repeatedly contradicted himself on the Wright issue and the media has let it go.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Honeybee53 — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:50:17 GMT

airforcemom,

When NARAL endorses a male candidate who avoided voting to support reproductive choice when he was a state senator over the woman who was largely responsible for making Plan B available to the American woman is, imo, an indication that American women need a wake-up call.

I think that Stevens and Ginsburg can hang on for another four years if they need to if McCain is elected.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

airforcemom — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:04:06 GMT

Honeybee53

So you are saying Obama will appoint Judges that will overturn Roe.V Wade?

I find that incredibly hard to believe. Once again I say, McCain will DEFINITELY

do just that.

And that aside, I have a son in the U.S Air Force. I want this war ended and ended NOW.

Will Mr. McCain end it? Is envisioning that scenario as I type....let me see...NOT !!!

I am sick of the republican view of this world. I am ready for a new tomorrow,

Ms. Clinton was an excellent candidate and will still continue to serve our nation

well in any aspect she chooses and I thank her and support her.

But she is not going to be our nominee, that is evident. I support Barack and I also support ms. Clinton. they will both serve this country well in different roles as the future unfolds. I believe that.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Ldyforce6 — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:06:04 GMT

Don't bet on any justice "hanging in there" and I beleive that NARAL is going to endorse anyone they feel won't follow the PLATFORM that the Democratic Party puts forth and it is SURE to include teh protection of womans right to choose.

I would not awant to put my fate into the hands of the REpublican party. It is just as likely McCain doesn't make it for 4 years after electin and then we get who? Whoever HE and teh Republican's choose AND put that person in the right position to run again and win (look at Bush!).

I fear that my fellow womanhood is not seeing the forest for the trees and it could be the demise of all we have fought for. But it is, of course thier choice.

I have had this same fight with my mother who is 75 and so hellbent that Hillary be elected that she, too, makes the same arguments..to hers and my peril.

I don't like how hillary has behaved but I would not cut my nose off to spite my face..I would hold it and pull the lever because I am a Democrat and that is how it should be done. It is the party and it's platform that I back.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

airforcemom — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:06:54 GMT

Sorry for my previous typos, the gray print on this page is hard on my eyes.

I truly do know how to punctuate and capitalize.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

concerned grammy — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:07:12 GMT

If you don't like the man, then just don't vote for him. Vote for McCain and see what you'll be calling yourself in four years. It is in the best interest of all of American voters be them male,female,old, young, whatever the color to relish the fact that we can at least vote for whomever we want to represent and govern us. Supposed we lived in a dictatorship for the past fifty years like they have in Cuba and some other countries. We are so spoiled in this country and that's why Other peoples of the world have begun to show us nothing but disdain. And I am a female over 60years and want what's best for ALL of us who live here. Go sit in a corner until its over!!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Honeybee53 — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:12:31 GMT

ranman1,

Obama was "annoyed" when Clitnon disagreed with him Do you get it? He was ANNOYED because she disagreed with him. He whined and he sneered when his female Democratic opponent disagreed with him in a debate. He didn't whine or sneer when his Democratic male opponents disagreed with him.

Clinton never implied that Obama was a Muslim. That was one of the many misrepresentations of her remarks made by Obama supporters and one of the reasons why Clinton supporters have hardened against Obama.

Clinton specified "white" Americans, I think, because her campaign had been previously accused of failing to make clear that "hardworking" blue collar black voters were supporting Obama.

ranman1, you and Obama's other supporters need to understand that there is a substantial group of Democratic voters who view Obama exactly as you view Clinton.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Integrity first and foremost — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:12:40 GMT

Posted By: wells_jeff21 (May 16, 2008 at 5:37 PM)

___________________________________

I thought the above post deserved re-posting :>)

This issue is so silly, I feel silly responding but thought I'd try to shed some light on this NON-issue by relating a little story. For almost 40 years everytime I've said bye to my daughter, whether she was leaving the house or whether we were hanging up on the phone, I've ended the conversation with "Love you." Last week, I had to call the phone company and when we finished and were about to hang up, I said, "Bye, love you." When I realized what I'd done, I explained to the customer service rep and we laughed about it. Sweetie, hon, love ya! and the like are very commonly used by people in greeting and leaving etc. When he realized he'd used the word, he apologized for it.

Otherwise, I suppose all we can do is keep wishing for a quality female candidate for president, one with honesty and integrity. One will come along and then I'll vote for her. This almost hero-worship of Hill reminds me of the "Stepford Wives." Anyone remember that movie? I actually grew up around people like that and it was stiffling, even when I was a child. There is no reasoning with them; they know what they know and that's that. Not a lot of intellectualizing going on either. A couple of weeks ago, I watched as a news anchor toldl a woman caller 3 times that Barack wasn't a Muslin, that he was a Christian, and even after the 3rd time, the caller (female) was still swearing that he was Muslim -- "it gets in the blood," she said. Whew, scary that.

I agree with the poster that these whinny women should be forced to take a citizenship test,or voting test!! The very idea that someone so closed minded can vote equally along with the rest of us is mind boggling!! I'd like to suggest that they resume watching/voting/hero whorshiping American Idol since their ratings have fallen. A vote there doesn't really matter, but who runs this country matters a whole lot. Maybe these women are proving the point after all: many are just too emotionally wrought to run the country or help choose who should!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Honeybee53 — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:21:53 GMT

A Democratic Congress may be able to keep McCain in check.

I've spent a couple of months hearing how black Democrats would stay home if Hillary "stole" the nomination. The pundits mostly nodded with complete understanding that a group of people who feel that they have been treated with a fundamental lack of respect are not going to pull the lever for the person who benefitted most from that disrespect. Why is it hard to believe that women who support Clinton would find it equally hard to reward Obama with their vote.

BTW, I saw the interview with the two women from Columbus. One said that she would vote for McCain if Hillary were not on the ticket. The other did not.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Ldyforce6 — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:23:19 GMT

Reposting without the tups (too upset to check it before posting I guess):

Don't bet on any justice "hanging in there" and I do NOT believe that NARAL is going to endorse anyone they feel won't follow the PLATFORM that the Democratic Party puts forth and it is SURE to include the protection of womans right to choose.

I would not want to put my fate into the hands of the Republican party. It is just as likely McCain won't make it for 4 years after election and then who do we get? Whoever HE and the Republican's choose AND now we have put that person in the right position to run again and win (look at Bush!).

I fear that my fellow womanhood are not seeing the forest for the trees and it could be the demise of all we have fought for. But it is, of course, thier choice. Choose wisely.

I have had this same fight with my mother who is 75 and so hellbent that Hillary be elected that she, too, makes the same arguments..to hers and my peril. You can't want a woman THAT badly that you throw the whole country to the Republicans agian, can you?

I don't like how Hillary has behaved but I would not cut my nose off to spite my face..I would hold it and pull the lever because I am a Democrat and that is how it should be done. It is the party and it's platform that I back.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

singerld — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:24:55 GMT

One or two utterings of "sweetie" does not a misogynist make.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

keahilelemaikapalimai — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:27:14 GMT

Aloha (from Washington, DC)! As a native of Hawaii, the terms, “sweetie,” “dear,” “uncle,” “auntie,” and the like (the latter two addressing those senior to oneself) are commonly used in the Islands; and, as the senator was raised in the Islands, I would imagine this is where he likely picked up such custom. Importantly, while such terms are completely acceptable in the Islands, as the Islanders -- both female and male -- don’t read anything more into them than simply terms of endearment, I have learned that such terms evoke the absolute opposite here on the U.S. mainland. I once got into trouble at work (a renowned law firm in Washington, D.C.) for saying, “thank you, sweetie” to a co-worker who had assisted me on a project. I think Senator Obama’s addressing some of his female audience in such manner is purely innocent and meant quite clearly as a term of endearment -- something lacking so much in our country today, do you think? Aloha, sweetie, dear, uncle, and auntie!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Ldyforce6 — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:30:16 GMT

Honeybee53,

Good luck on that one. I don't bleive that all woman have been disrespected and you can't say that just so you can make a case for getting your way.

I don't believe that African Americans will stay away from the polls if Hillary were the nominee and if they did it would be at thier own peril. But the pundits make a point when they say if Hillary "stole" the nomination it might happen. Right now, with or without Florida and Michigan she doesn't make the magic # and he does. It is that simple. Her delegation WILL give her power, however, to help set the Democratic Platform and be in line for a position to see that that is done. If I were her, THAT is what I would do. Harry Ried needs to go and imagine what Pelosi and Clinton, a Democratic congress and President could do to help ALL Americans, NOT just woman.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Thulani44 — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:37:00 GMT

This truely is the bitterend, the true kitchen sink, bottomfeeder type of criticism; I am a woman and sometimes I use the word "sweetie" when ending a phone conversation or a direct face to face, it's an "American colloquialism" but that's not the point, last week when Sen. Obama won one of the Carolina's, TV Newsreporter Cuomo on ABC GMA, described Sen. Obama on his campaign plane as being the "*** of the walk" cuz he was showing off some jeans he was wearing I was shocked and appalled that he would use that description to describe Sen. Obama's presumed attitude that morning, of course, we've (the public) has only seen him in suit, shirt and tie...and I thought, only a MAN could say that about another man, ( I had never heard that expression before)cuz if a woman reporter said that, she would have hell to pay...the people who are makin a big deal out of this, truely need to get a life and wake up and smell the coffee, People are dying all over this planet and it ain't cuz they're being called "sweetie"...Thulani44

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

LDS2484 — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:37:29 GMT

It's great to see that a sizeable group of Democrats are going to be so petty as to actively campaign for Republicans over a percieved slight. These old women need to grow up.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Obama's a SHAM — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:47:18 GMT

Fact - If Obama becomes the democratic nominee, McCain WILL win the presidential election in November, mark my words.

There are too many smart people in this country to fall for Obama's little boy charm and there's too much time for him to mess it up between now and then, not to mention all the questions that remain unanswered. His supporters were whining about the one debate in which someone would DARE challenge him. He has been the media favored "golden boy" and doesn't like it one bit that he was forced to answer questions for which he was unprepared. Everyone's crying foul at the mere mention of this "messiah's" name in a negative manner. It's evident all over the message boards, which by the way have been very entertaining to read. The ObamaNation fanatics' rants, raves and name-calling of McCain and Hillary are so child-like, it's no wonder they support a child-like inexperienced candidate.

Also the comment that one is "emotional" just because one notices facial expressions is absurd. Body language tells more about a person than the words he speaks, especially when in the spotlight. He will show his true colors sooner or later to everyone, but some, especially women, are a little more intuitive in that department. To me, he comes across as arrogant. He appears condescending and dismissive to the "little people", and if he becomes president, payback will be hell to all who crossed him during this race, especially the white blue-collar workers.

As far as the sweetie comment goes, the rules are simple:

A) It's okay to call someone you know that

B) It's sexist to call a professional that...PERIOD.

The fact that he is running for the president of the United States and apparently doesn't realize this is frightening. I suppose he's used to charming his way out of difficult situations, but he needs to realize not everyone can be charmed. Especially the enemies of the United States. Enemies Barack wants to kiss and make up with. Enemies who are eager to cut off every American's head they can get their hands on, yeah they are really open to negotiating with us. They are born and bred to hate us and no amount of sweet-talk could ever change that.

Also, I am skeptical of any candidate that shuns the American flag as old politics. Please, these are not the words of a loyal American, rather they are the words of someone trying to backpedal and make excuses for his and his close friends and relatives' past actions. You're only as good as the company you keep. I personally don't want a first lady who just recently took pride in her country. How old is she? She doesn't deserve to set foot in the White House.

And please don't label me a racist for saying bad things about your saviour. I would vote for Colin Powell or Condoleeza Rice in a heartbeat. I just have a little trouble believing in someone whose actions don't quite match their words and whose stories don't quite add up.

One final question to the ON fanatics: If the numbers were reversed and Hillary was slightly ahead, with much of the race left to go, would you even fathom the thought of asking Obama to drop out? It would be a media firestorm if the tables were reversed and Obama was being told to get out. I can only imagine the backlash and cries of racism that would go on, especially with recent big wins.

Obama might be ready in 4 or 8 years if he proves himself, but he is not ready now and will lose to McCain. If he thinks he can woo the Hillary supporters, he will be sorely disappointed in November. Women won't be forgetting his missteps anytime soon and I, as a doctorate educated white female democrat will cast my vote for John McCain if Barack Hussein Obama is the democratic nominee. At least I know whose side he's on due to the sacrafices he's made for this country. Anyone can sweet-talk.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Honeybee53 — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:47:41 GMT

kea,

Obama is 46 years old. He hasn't lived in Hawaii since he was eighteen. Your defense doesn't hold water.

Ldyforce6,

Obama supporters have described a potential Clinton nomination as an act of theft for months. That's another factor that has hardened us against Obama. Ignore that reality at your own risk. When Obama decided to swift boat Clinton, he may have won the nomination and lost the presidency.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

washingtontom — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:52:42 GMT

Well, herein lies the major problem with the democratic party. As a lifelong multi generation democrat I feel I have earned the right to constructive criticism of my own party. We all have bad habits and ocassionaly say things we wish we hadn't. I was raised in the deep south and have spent the better part of my adult life trying to unravel prejudices that were so engrained that they were part of nursery rhymes we were taught as children. In my household those words have never been uttered and so my children do not have that baggage. We learn.

Democrats have helped enlarge the ranks of republicans through internal bickering and selfishness for the past ten years. How absurd two democrat women plan to work against Obama and would vote instead for McCain. Democrats you say; I say self absorbed members of the selfish ranks of democrats who want their agenda addressed and they want it addressed now. Democracy is not perfect and it is by design a messy process. But at the end of the day the object is to pull together.

Do we have a ways to go as a culture, YES; Do we need a democrat, any democrat this election, YES. Perhaps we could all learn a bit by looking at why oyur young people are so energized by an Obama campaign.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

LDS2484 — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:55:19 GMT

I guess all these women don't seem to mind all the sewage that ran out of the Clintons when they were deep into her "kitchen sink" strategy. It'll be interesting to see how many of them come around when Hillary gets behind Obama, and how many of them throw a hissy fit and vote for McCain because they'd rather make a statement about how much they don't like the word "sweetie" than ensure the future of America.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Honeybee53 — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:06:50 GMT

washingtontom,

Women have been the back bone of the Democratic Party and have been waiting for their agendas to be addressed forever. If Obama had acted as a leader and beaten Clinton fairly, I would have no hesitation voting for him. That's not what happened. He used Rovian tactics against a fellow Democrat and I will not reward that.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Iamnotamused — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:08:56 GMT

I call people sweetie or hun all the time. I find that I say it before I realize I've said it. So far no one has taken offense when I have said it to them. The fact that people are so pissed off that their candidate didn't win (Hillary) and would cut off their nose to spite their face is mind boggling. It has been said before that his views aren't very different from hers (some people even go so far as to say that he "stole" her views) because they are Democrat. You wouldn't expect to see that much difference in their stances. The only difference I heard was experience (that IMHO neither of them possess) and HOW they were going to accomplish their goals. I am an Obama supporter, black, under 40 (but older than 35), female. Had Hillary won, I would have supported her because I will NOT support a Republican. Like one reader said, Bush showed me how bad it could get in 4 short years 2 times!

I don't think that Hillary supporters realize what they are doing when they say that they won't vote for Barack.

I implore you to think about what it is that you would be doing if you did that. Women's rights will be set back to the 1800's when we had to go in back alleys or use a coat hanger. Is that what you want? I know I don't.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Iamnotamused — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:08:56 GMT

I don't think that Hillary supporters realize what they are doing when they say that they won't vote for Barack.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

lordmi — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:18:43 GMT

I think - somebody used this "sweetie" to attraction attention to her. How nice to be upset by nominee, it would be many stories for generations.!!!

Shame on You, "sweetie". Seems that day that was One and Only news for You and nothing else mattered.

Shame on You,using press for Your own favor.

Shame on You for Your manners at No manners.

best manners are NOT to headline somebody's mistake. You did the opposit.

Do Not dare than to make Your remarks and complains.

You will never deserve to be named "Lady".

Shame on You!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Ldyforce6 — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:24:26 GMT

>"Obama supporters have described a potential Clinton nomination as an act of theft for months. That's another factor that has hardened us against Obama. Ignore that reality at your own risk. When Obama decided to swift boat Clinton, he may have won the nomination and lost the presidency"<

First of all, I am not an Obama supporter. I favored Edwards or Biden so using your basis for supporting a candidate based on what I want, I would not vote for either candidate but I am a Democrat and will back whoever the candidate is (in fact, Edwards dropped out before teh Washington State Caucuses, so I did not even bother to vote since I had, at that time no preference...I will vote Democrat in .08 whoever that is and it appears that is Obama since, unfortunately, just doesn't have the math to get the nomination). I don't think anyone swift boated Hillary Clinton in the Obama camp. I think Ms. Clinton ran an arrogant campaign and it came back to bite her. Ickes should be shot for how he ran her campaign because it was a campaign that was, truley, hers to lose.

And secondly, I don't believe that REAL Democrats, who believe in the Democrat Platform, will ever really vote for McCain or site the election out. He holds NONE of thier beliefs or values. If they do, then they do so at thiers and the country's perial and it will lead to many years going forward of trying to regain what has been fought for by Democrats and not being able to achieve anything new.

But it is always thier choice. I will never take that stand. My country and the hope for progress is too important.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Iamnotamused — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:25:36 GMT

Honeybee53: Are you serious???? You think Obama used Rovian tactics??? How about Hillary and Bill did that! Hillary had a very STRONG black base when she started running. You want to know what happened that that base was practically obliterated? Bill happened. He slighted blacks by saying that the only reason he won SC was because he was black and that Jesse Jackson had won it when he ran in 1988. That, to me, was a slap in the face. Blacks don't like being taken for granted (and they don't like being called dumb either just like I can imagine that West Virginians don't like it either), ask the Republican party. Blacks USED TO overwhelmingly vote Republican when we gained our right to vote because it was the "party of Lincoln" well when they didn't hold up their end of the bargain and started taking us for granted we ditched them like they were a bad date.

Bill and Hillary are the ones that played the race card and continued flipping it on the table which only caused Obama to go on the defensive. They are the ones that used the Rovian tactics. What about that ringing phone at 3 a.m.? That is a "scare" and "fear" tactic right out of Rove's play book. That's why it backfired on her. Obama didn't start it, he merely finished it. Obama has acted like a leader the entire time. He has refrained from bad mouthing Hillary when he had EVERY opportunity to do so (unlike her) because he knows that killing her would be in essence killing himself and the Democratic party. He could have beat her over the head with her past but he is BIGGER than that. Any finger pointing about using Rovian tactics against a fellow democrat should be directed towards Hillary and THAT'S why she has lost the nomination.

Women, blacks and latinos have ALL been the back bone of the Democratic party and when you go WAY out of your way to alienate one of them then they abandon you.

What other issues (besides the right to choose) are issues that are solely women's? I know the wage gap is closing that's another issue. But you know what? Right now I'm worried about the economy, the fact that I have to decide whether I am going to put gas in my car or feed my children. I have a child that joined the Army and I am TERRIFIED that she will be sent to Iraq to die for someone's "hidden agenda" (OIL in case you didn't know because is darn sure wasn't about WMD or the tyrrany being bestowed upon the Iraqi people), gas prices and global warming. THOSE issues should be first and foremost and the rest will come.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

sebr01stl — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:32:07 GMT

whitney1027, how can you say that Hillary has received sexist treatment in her campaign? She was the Dem fav before Obama started winning, had the brand name, party backing and the funding. She beat out all the WHITE MEN who ran out of money. If she were a man, she would have had to bow out already. The reason she is still in a race that she clearly cannot win at this point is BECAUSE she is a woman/her female support . Obama is still in DESPITE not getting support from those who would NEVER support him, no matter what he saifd or did, because their interest is in "the South will rise again!" She just didn't run her campaign well, hence her debt. Is that how she would r the White House? Very telling indeed. He ran an excellent grassroots camapign that came from behind and overtook in EVERY possible METRIC. Could he not also balance our national checkbook? My first choice was Edwards for his poverty stance. I only gave Hillary or Obama a second look when Edwards dropped out, and I'm a black female. I had no more staked in one (Obama or Hillary) over the other, being both black and female, and having hopes of either possibly being in the White House in my generation. I was able to choose between the two because Hillary's campaigning seemed more negative to me, more from a sense of entitlement, and more (recently) , like the AA vote didn't matter to her, the more that she kept touting her poor, white support, and downplaying HIS white support (90% backing from a 20% turnout of those, who, as class/minority, only make up 12-13% of the American population isn't saying much for the black vote. Yet it was categorized as racist, by the media, for them to support him, though not sexist for females to support Hillary; his white supporters were termed "egghead" elites, and the youth, which he energized Democratic new voter turnout (good foor the paty) was brushed off as ignorantly being mesmerized by charismatic phylactery speeches). I don't like it that Barack STILL has to defend his birth name and false ties with Islam (done to smear and spread unwarranted fear), as if he named himself any more than the rest of us did. I don't think that the Zappa children are on drugs just because their father Frank named them Dweezil and Moon Unit. I didn't like it that Barack, who she claimed had little to no experience (only incumbents seeking a second term have prior White House experience when applying for the job of the presidency), gained immeasurable experience just in having to campaign against her alone, then had to balance that with having to focus in two different directions simultaneously, as he has to also keep the General in mind, and turn towards McCain (in little time, for all the attention he's still had to pay to the primaries). She's tenacious and because of it, she's vetting him. I didn't like the gas tax holiday pandering (she's supposedly one of us? she's a rich lawyer too, who couldn't pump her own gas or operate the coffee machine!). I didn't like the nebulous insinuations of associations with people for Obama, who weren't doing anything questionable at the time that he knew them (Ayers) and the crucifixion of him over their practices that were going on in the radical 60s when he was just a child! I didn't like the "bittergate," taken out of context (being proven by voters , who, following Hillary, would vote against Obama for Mccain, whom Hillary is also campaigning AGAINST, as a protest vote (how will McCain help you?), just because they didn't get their preferred candidate - Obama said that, after him, Hillary was the second best choice, and Mccain was still better than Bush. Sounds like common sense to me. Why is it that HRC supporters don't see the greater similarities in the policies of the two DEMOCRATS, and say that, after Hillary, OBAMA is the second best candidate, then McCain? Why did she accuse him of praising the opponent for that common sense statement?) I didn't like how Obama was made to pay for the views of Wright (being proven right about the still racist state of American affairs for SOME of what he said, as evidenced in the 16% of white voters who say that race matters in their vote), when Bill and Hillary had had him at the White House durng his administration, and she has/had a pastor who was arrested for pedophilism; and, McCain SOUGHT hard for the endorsement (for two years) of a pastor (Hagee) whom, before, he had called an "agent of intolerance." I don't like it that when Obama tried to rise above the fray (be diplomatic), it was painted as weakness, ill-preparedness for politics and inexperience. We need a change from the hotdog/cowboy bully kind of presiding of Bush, and not listening to experts in areas, to TRUE DIPLOMACY. I don't like it, on that note, that in efforts to be diplomatic, Obama is accused of being weak with terorists. Has trying to force democracy on them worked by Bush policy so far? It seems to me that it has gotten more soldiers killed from suicide bombers and gotten us another videotaped threat from bin Laden. We need someone who will tell us the truth - not a messiah, but a flawed, humble human being - who will be truthful with us, and LISTEN, who will involve us in the process, fight for healthcare, jobs and the economy, housing, poverty, lower fuel by looking for more, cleaner sources and not engaging these people upon whom we have dependence on foreign oil (inclining them to raise the prices per barrel), and respectfully end this war in Iraq (before it becomes another Vietnam, if it hasn't already). Ask yourselves, why didn't we go into Afghanistan in the first place, looking for Osama bin Laden, rather than Saddam Hussein and nonexistent WMDS in Iraq?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Ldyforce6 — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:32:35 GMT

First of all, I am not an Obama supporter. I favored Edwards or Biden so using your basis for supporting a candidate based on what I want, I would not vote for either candidate but I am a Democrat and will back whoever the candidate is (in fact, Edwards dropped out before teh Washington State Caucuses, so I did not even bother to vote since I had, at that time no preference...I will vote Democrat in '08, whoever that is, and it appears that is Obama since, unfortunately, Hillary just doesn't have the math to get the nomination). I don't think anyone swift boated Hillary Clinton in the Obama camp. I think Ms. Clinton ran an arrogant campaign and Rovian and it came back to bite her. Ickes should be shot for how he ran her campaign because it was a campaign that was, truley, hers to lose.

And secondly, I don't believe that REAL Democrats, who believe in the Democrat Platform, will ever really vote for McCain or sit the election out. He holds NONE of thier beliefs or values. If they do, then they do so at thiers and the country's perial and it will lead to many years going forward of trying to regain what has been fought for by Democrats and not being able to achieve anything new not to mention the treasure and blood that will be spent on the "never ending war".

But it is always thier choice. I will never take that stand. My country and the hope for progress is too important.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Obama's a SHAM — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:35:33 GMT

Okay I've got it. It's Hillary's fault Obama called that reporter sweetie. If she didn't have him so stressed out due to her refusal to give up her dream and hand him the nomination peacefully, none of this would have happened. Poor, poor Obama, he's got it tough. He could have continued with his fake persona, rather than letting a hint of his real attitude slip through. This comment is the tip of the iceburg, and basically just confirms what many have suspected all along -he's arrogant, condescending and dismissive.

Obama and McCain will be the presidential candidates come November. Obama will lose to McCain. Obama and supporters will blame Hillary for the loss because she wouldn't give up without a fight. Typical. Obama would never have lost as a result of his own actions. The loss will be scapegoated due to the "evil" Hillary campaign. They are already setting her up for this, based on their premature demands that she leave the race because she's dividing the party. If he is so concerned about the party, then why doesn't HE make the ultimate sacrifice and step down. Why not let the democratic process play out like it should? What's good for the goose is good for the gander, unless you're a member of ObamaNation.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

wertheworld — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:37:31 GMT

DOSN'T AIRHEAD OBAMA REALIZE THAT MANY BUSINSSES DISCHARGE MALES WHO CALLL WOMEN "SWEETIE" OR "HONEY"

NEWS MEDIA REPORTS THAT INTELLECTUALS AND HIGH NETWORTH GROUPS SUPPORT HIM.

THERE IS NOTHING INTELLECTUAL, INTELLIGENT OR OF SUBSTANCE ABOUT THIS PERSON.

GIVE ME ONE EXAMPLE THAT HE SAID THAT WAS NEVER SAID BETTER BEFORE.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

LDS2484 — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:37:59 GMT

Saying Obama used Rovian tactics is as much a hyperbole as Bush's false appeasement analogy, and is also cherry picking as you have to ignore alot of Clinton campaign statements, which were arguably worse. Just loaded words to evoke an emotional response. Or perhaps loaded words evoked because of an emotional response. Anyone who would vote for McCain because Clinton legitimately lost the nomination is either 1) stupid enough to think their causes will be advanced by McCain or 2) making poor choices because they are bitter. They ought to go register Republican, the party of destroying America.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

bob10001 — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:38:32 GMT

It is just plain mean to pervert a term of endearment into something bad like this. People criticizing Obama over this are either desperate or plain nasty. Have a heart folks.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

farneyblakeley — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:39:59 GMT

Hillary has no charisma. She is not a natural born leader. Can't we please have one real leader in the Presidency before I die? Please?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

mspidge — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:44:14 GMT

There again, that's obama's judgement at work again. I hope all you democrats have very deep pockets, cause sweetie obama's, going to have both hands in there, however unless you are among those who want to redistribute the wealth! And I am assuming you all won't mind wearing the garb of muslims, obama WILL at some point appease our enemies. so all you who don't care about being called sweetie!!! IT"S HIS JUDGEMENT THAT'S IN QUESTION, his judgement stinks!!! and besides I think he waved her off because he couldn't answer the question. Look at all the people(and I use THAT term losely) he is assoicated with!!!! AGAIN his judgement stinks!! you all be careful what you wish for!!! go ahead and elect obama and see where we are in 4 years!! just as someone else said on this blog vote for Mccain and see where we are in 4 years, of course one blogger didn't think he would make it four years.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Obama's a SHAM — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:46:31 GMT

lordmi - my point exactly. It was not Obama's fault he said it, she forced him to say it so she could have some attention. Obama's the chosen one and dare not anyone speak against him. He can do no wrong. Goddam her!!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

sebr01stl — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:50:44 GMT

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

djbnyc — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:55:47 GMT

Hey everybody, let's take a deep breath and step back. Any way you slice it, this campaign is a break-through for gender and race politics in this country.

Sure, men sometimes use casual inadvertently demeaning phrases that are artifacts of the gender divide. And sometime we respond to one another in ways that show inadvertent racial stereotyping.

Let's forgive one another for this as quickly as possible, and get with the program. This election is bigger than these small things -- unless we allow ourselves to get distracted by them.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

GoObama — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:58:48 GMT

I use the term "Honey" when talking to my husband and children. One day at work my boss and I were talking about a matter and when I went to address him I called him "Honey". It was out of habit when talking to my family. It did not mean anything. Obama has two little girls and a wife and using the term "Sweetie" is sweet. If it would have been in a demeaning response that would have been another story. I feel that the press is taking everything out of context. Remember...It was Hillary Clinton who said she was in Sniper Fire and she passed that off to having misspoke. She never did mention where that sniper fire took place. Using the term sweetie is very endearing because I feel almost certain that is how he addresses his sweet daughters. I am a white female over 45 and I will vote OBAMA!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Obama's a SHAM — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:59:52 GMT

And who are you for djbnyc?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Obama's a SHAM — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:03:40 GMT

GoObama - whatever lets you sleep at night punkin.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Concerned CA Voter — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:05:44 GMT

I'm a black woman who supports Obama. The sweetie thing doesn't bother me, but I can understand where it would bother some women. We all have the "signal words" that have an underlying meaning that can be offensive to us personally. As one "poster" pointed out, Hillary has been at times a victim of sexism and Barack has been at times a victim of racism (I recall an elected official - member of congress I think - referring to Barack as "boy" w/o batting an eye). Luckily I feel those prejudices are limited on both sides to a few people who haven't socially progressed with the rest of us. And I think a lot should be taken under consideration by way of intent, background and record of how the person in question interacts with and treats the people subject to the reference (in this case "sweeties" or presumably women) on a daily basis. Otherwise we get lost in the indecipherable minutae of politicalcorrectness which doesn't work either and offers false evidence of true respect.

All that said, I can sympathize with older white women feeling strongly about the unfairness of a candidate they are so passionate about not getting the nom. I tend to think that (rather KNOW that) I would feel similarly cheated if Barack were denied the nom and would have a really hard time at this point voting for Hillary if she were to become the nominee. BUT, there are far too many important issues facing this country and our future for me to allow John McCain to win the presidency, especially with a vote (or lack thereof) of mine. And the sheer prospect of supreme court justices (likely to replace 2-3 under the next presidnet's tenure) is ENOUGH ON IT'S OWN that I can not fathom ANY WOMAN giving this unapologetic, very pro-life candidate their vote. (Actually, I understand for those who are also pro-life which I respect but disagree with.) But COME ON. If I wanted to I could list easily 15 other issues which standing on their own will have a significant impact on women's and family's issues and everyday lives for which John McCain is on the wrong side of the argument.

Are these women really going to let these things happen to the country (and their children's futures) simply to prove a point or b/c they are mad that their candidate didn't win? Who among Barack Obama and John MCCain do they really think will better serve their issues and their family's and childern's issues?

After all, we are all still going to be choosing between TWO MEN.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

sebr01stl — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:08:29 GMT

Honeybee53, you deserve Mccain. Please go vote for him, as your precious, perfect Hillary will not be an option against the greatly flawed Obama.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

GoObama — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:08:46 GMT

That's really sweet of you Obama's a Sham.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Honeybee53 — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:08:57 GMT

LDS,

Gee, I'm just thrilled to have my message board comment likened to Bush's public statement to the Knesset. You are a master of hyperbole.

Members of both campaigns said things that they should not have said. That's to be expected. There were statements made thatI think that Clinton should have condemned more forcefully but only Obama wrapped himself in star dust and promised to transform politics in America while he was playing dirty. He successfully swift boated Hillary Clinton. With the exception of her vote on the Iraq Resolution, his campaign's attacks were against her character or were gross misrepresentations of her policies.

No one connected to Clinton's campaign ever said anything about Obama that was close to Samatha Moore's characterization of Clinton as "a monster".

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Honeybee53 — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:11:27 GMT

sebro,

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

adratica — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:18:43 GMT

No man calls me sweetie other than my husband. A "bad habit"???? That sure is. As a woman I would be so angry if some other man refered to me in that language. I am not a feminist but this comment reminds me of how many women stood up against men who just saw them as "sweeties" and did not value their position and power. Obama is trying to representing the best of us...it was unprofessional and degrading. If Obama wants to be president maybe he should remind himself that us "sweeties" vote too and he might find it important in the future to adress us by a more professional title.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

GoObama — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:19:44 GMT

Concerned CA Voter - I agree with you when you say you can see where it would bother some women. I do think that people are too concerned with terminology on many occassions when they are harmless. I believe the majority of people can tell if someone is saying something intentionally to belittle, harrass or with harmful intent. There are definitely derogatory words that are used, however, I would not consider sweetie one of them unless it was used to demean or was said with unwanted sexual intent. I see this as a way to make alot of noise about nothing.

I also agree with the fact that voting for McCain and not Hillary if she were the nominee would be damaging.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

cyber10 — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:24:10 GMT

HEY, YOU ROMANO, WAKE UP AND GIVE IT UP, YOU HRC WON'T BE THE MCBUSH 'S CONTENDER, SO STOP FINDING LITTLE INSIGNIFICANT REASONS WHY WOMEN SHOULD NOT VOTE FOR OBAMA, DO YOU GET PAID TO WRITE SO EXTENSIVELY ABOUT SO UNIMPORTANT STUFF? WHY DON'T YOU WRITE A BOOK ABOUT "SWEETIE" AND MAKE MILLIONS OF COPIES FOR ALL WOMEN,SO THEY CAN READ IT BEFORE NOVEMBER, AND WHO KNOWS YOU MIGHT BECOME A HERO FOR YOUR GREAT EXPLANATION AND INPUT ABOUT THE STUPID WORD THAT PREVENTED OBAMA TO BE A PRESIDENT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

ranman1 — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:24:53 GMT

Honeybee53,

You stand corrected. Senator Obama was "annoyed" in the last debate, because hs was forced to debate 3 people. Georgr Stephanopolus, Charlie Gibson, and Hillary Clinton. Despite the fact that he was given every opportunity to critcize, and pick her apart on several issues, including her Bosnia "misspeak", he refrained from doing so. And even defended her right to make "mistakes, and gaffes". Unfortunately she didin't afford him the same generosity. She stuck the knife in, and twisted it every chance she got. That's WHY he was "annoyed" with her. You "sweetie" are the one who doesn't get it! So that was a misrepresentation? Well I guess my lying ears, and eyes have deceived me. Because I sat and watched that interview. Question: You don't believe Sen. Obama is a Muslim? Hillary answer: Well, I take him at his word that he's not. Question: You take him at his word? You don't really believe he's a Muslim? Hillary answer: Well look, people have said all kinds of things about me. When you're running for office you have to expect this type of thing.

I think a simple yes, or no would have sufficed, don't you? Either you believe it, or you don't. if you want to blame somebody for misrepresenting her remarks, I suggest you start with the source. You can "pretty" it up however you like. her comments about hardworking...white Americans, was divisive. Done intentionally in my mind, to divide. A lot of hillary Supporters feel the same way about Barack, as I feel about Hillary. Well they have a choice to make. McCain, the republican agenda, and further implementation of George Bush's policies, Or the Democratic candidate of choice,and a new direction. "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." This election is bigger that all of us. Keep that in mind when you make your choice.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

naobi65 — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:25:21 GMT

Obama is the CHOSEN one !! no one can expect him to do any wrong nor make any bad judgement!! He is the poster boy for the biased media all along and his donors are all high salaried types and his charmed followers are highly salaried people, all college kids and of course his own people! So lets not be in denial !! He has had the smoothest campaign all through! His wife opens her mouth and sounds like the most patriotic woman in this country! huh..some first lady.....whom we can count on......its a joke!!! We dont need a first lady like her who makes her and her hubby very elitist and not in tune with the common people! Obama is starting to look over confident now and more!! It wont surprise me at all if McCain gets the presidency cos its the truth..Obama is on his way to be SWIFTBOATED.......sooner or later!! He flip flops on issues that he wishes to sweep under the carpet!! I dont hate him but am going to vote for McCAIN..COME NOVEMBER...thats for sure and many of my fellow sisters do too!! You got a long way to connect with real people OBAMA!!!!!!!!! You look and sound very elitist at every opportunity !!! Though you may be surrounded by so many well wishers....but you lack the confidence to lead the country.We dont want to lose our country flag with your presidency!!!! Sorry,my DEM vote is now reserved for the MAVERICK who is more preferable to you cos he has been a vet and more honest !!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

ecg3817 — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:26:15 GMT

Obama did not mean any thing negative when he used the word “sweetie”...and women making a big deal of it know this.

I have heard people use the word “sweetie” all of my life and I am 57 years old...I have heard more women use the word than men. I call people sweetie myself probably because I have always heard it all of my life. With all the problems in this country...it sounds so stupid to hear women making a big deal out of being called ‘sweetie’. There has been a lot of hateful talk coming from women in this country since the presidential race began...but I guess that is allowed. Some women have been saying some very nasty things about Barack Obama...because Hillary Clinton trashed her campaign...but they cannot be angry at Hillary Clinton for being a loser...but she is the loser...

This race was Hillary Clinton’s to lose...Barack Obama did not lose it for her...but her supporters want to hold Obama responsible...this is a sad joke...now the word “sweetie” is a problem based on some women. I had to smile at this...after my grand daughters heard the sweetie topic discussed on the television...they told me that it was not right that their teachers, father and grandfather call them “sweetie”...they said it’s “a bad word”. I told them that there are some sad women in the world, and because they are sad, they do not like the word sweetie...I told them that it is a very nice word...so we will continue to use the word sweetie because we are not sad people.

This new group called "Clinton Supporters Count, Too" is an embarrassment to women. With all the hurting people in the United States that need the commitment and the energy of women to help solve problems...this is where these women look to focus their energy....this is just sad to me.

Yes, Clinton supporters do count...but:

Clinton trashed her campaign not Obama.

Obama did not contribute to the problems that Clinton is experiencing.

The people of the United States voted for Obama...and he is ahead.

More than just Clinton supporters live in the United States.

I wish Clinton had been prepared to run this race and win on her own...but she counted on the fact that she is a Clinton.

Clinton is not more powerful than the plan that God has for the United States of America, and neither are Clinton supporters.

Women...please focus on making the country a better place...Hillary Clinton has made it worst for women...many people see her and her female supporters as angry vindictive women...and many associate women with the worst behavior that Hillary has shown us. It is easier to blame Barack Obama instead of Hillary Clinton for her situation....

Fixing the problems like hunger, early deaths, homeless, child abuse, etc....are bigger issues that affect women than the points in this article.

As a woman, I guess my label now includes angry vindictive woman that took Hillary Clinton’s failure personal...refusing to believe that Hillary Clinton should bear the burden of her own failure by placing the blame on Barack Obama and his supporters...

The Republicans have successfully launched “Operation Chaos Clinton Supporters”....yes we have convinced those Clinton supporters that Obama is the blame for her failure...

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

AllIAmSaying — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:28:38 GMT

1. It's a 'bad habit' that he uses to address 'a lot of people?' Like other men? I doubt it. He uses it to address women, not his daughters. Professional adult women that he does not know. Sweetie. A lot of old men in the south could say that calling a black man 'boy' is just a 'bad habit,' too, I suppose, but that wouldn't be acceptable and neither is this. The man thinks he's made out of teflon.

2. So, Senator Obama, do words matter? Or not? I'm confused as to whether some words matter (when they come out right and don't demean women or bitter, angry voters) and others just 'come out wrong' like not being 'proud' of America. Perhaps he needs to give a spoiler alert with his comments: The next words DO matter or the follow words DO NOT matter.

They aren't 'just' words, they are indicia and continuing indicia of his attitude and I don't like it anymore. Intitially, I thought he was who he presented himself as being. The more I hear those words - all his words - the more I think he will say or do absolutely anything to be elected. Period. I now have no idea what he thinks based on what he says.

3. Sorry, for me it IS an issue. I'm 54, paid for my own education, supported my own family, and don't like construction workers or presidential candidates calling me sweetie. Period. Next he'll say I'm a racist because I don't understand that it is acceptable in black culture or black Chicago to use that term to address fellow adult professionals. Yes, I care about the war and the economy and the environment like all right-thinking voters, but I also care about attitudes toward women, as well as blacks, Hispanics, and eveyone else, even gun-carrying Christians. Imagine that!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

sebr01stl — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:35:13 GMT

Honeybee53, was Samantha Moore part of Obama's campaign? Did he do nothing when she called Clinton a monster or did he act on it? He, himself, has always used fine words for Clinton the person, only criticizing some soundbytes in her campaign. Some negativity has been on both sides, but the balance/scales tip in her favor; and, she certainly wasn't swiftboated? Will you be truthful? You want to vote for (now) pro-life, waffling McCain, who promises to appoint 2-3 Supreme Court justices (whom we all know will be conservatives and give conservatives a majority on the bench)? Will THAT serve the best interests of most women? Why is it that so many Clinton supporters fail to see the BIG PICTURE???? ANY Democrat is better than McCain (who admits that he knows nothing about the economy - "it's [still] the economy, stupid" - Bill CLINTON, and who waffles from accepting 100 years in Iraq to promising it's end by 2013- Bush deja vu?).

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

oharris30 — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:38:55 GMT

Naobi you sound like one of those bitter people. I want a confident president. Why shouldn't he exude confidence? Michele looks very much like a great wife and mother. I see nothing at all elitist about her or Obama. The McCains certainly look elitist to me. Cindy with the stiff look and over made face. Please vote for McCain and be happy. People need to stop scorning Obama and vote for who you want to. As far as the use of "sweetie" Obama has daughters and a wife which I'm sure makes him use those terms of endearment. Always looking for something to pick at. You say you don't hate him, could fool me. Michele is a very classy lady, No drug user I'll bet.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

GoObama — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:43:21 GMT

It is not about defending every work Barack Obama says. I believe that there is a huge difference using an endearing term "Sweetie" versus "calling a black man 'boy'". For those of you who would like to debate that I would really find that interesting. Every person will spin this in a way that will support their stance on their candidate. I would really like to hear more about serious political issues facing this country. All politicians are flawed (seriously flawed). They each have there individual flaws. What I want to know is where the stand on the issues of high gas prices, home foreclosures, inflation, the war, etc.....and what their plan is and how they see bringing both democrats and republicans together to resolve them.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

GoObama — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:43:36 GMT

It is not about defending every word Barack Obama says. I believe that there is a huge difference using an endearing term "Sweetie" versus "calling a black man 'boy'". For those of you who would like to debate that I would really find that interesting. Every person will spin this in a way that will support their stance on their candidate. I would really like to hear more about serious political issues facing this country. All politicians are flawed (seriously flawed). They each have there individual flaws. What I want to know is where the stand on the issues of high gas prices, home foreclosures, inflation, the war, etc.....and what their plan is and how they see bringing both democrats and republicans together to resolve them.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

yola — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:48:18 GMT

Oh please no big deal, I won't mind Obama calling me Sweeite!! I am sure it comes naturally to him, he has two cute daughters, and he says it in a lovng freindly way. We should not be so sentative.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Concerned CA Voter — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:49:55 GMT

Woman of all stripes, supporting whichever candidate, etc.....

It looks like we'll be voting and making our decision between TWO MEN.

Taking stock of everything do you seriously think McCain will be better for WOMEN'S ISSUES and the country overall than Obama?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Honeybee53 — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:53:15 GMT

I just wrote a long response to several posters and lost it before it could be posted. Vista stinks. I have to go. Maybe tomorrow.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

oharris30 — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:56:12 GMT

Good for you Yola. Most of these women should be glad a man notices them. Leave the man alone and go along with your nonsense programs. What you need to be doing is checking on seniors or going out and mentoring young girls to be yound ladies. Such useless organizations. It's sad to talk and spew such hate for people. It's sick! I am an Obama supporter but if Hilary gets the nom, you can bet your bottom dollar I will vote for her. Stop the hate. You sound like you hate yourself.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

sebr01stl — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:57:30 GMT

naobi65, Obama IS the chosen one, chosen by the popular vote of the majority of American Democrats. According to you, he's both elitist (arrogant) AND lacks the confidence to lead? Really? How can you be simultaneously arrogant and lacking in confidence. And the "smoothest campaign"???? Are you KIDDING ME????? With flag pins, Ayers, Rezko, Michelle's recent American pride, "bittergate," muslim, the REV. JEREMIAH WRIGHT, etc., etc., etc. Need I go on?And his wife, growing up on the southside of Chicago, is out of touch with average Americans? How so? Certainly not financially. I'd trust her, as a middle class American, long before the wealth of the Clintons or Cindy Mccain. Plenty of people here have been unhappy with the government - just an example, Alec Baldwin spoke of moving to Canada if Bush got elected (as you can see and know, he didn't go anywhere) - who are plenty patriotic. That's the beauty of our democracy; FREE SPEECH, and the right to vote. This may come as a news flash to you: the governemnt sometimes makes some boneheaded policies, actions, etc., and is NOT always right. It's made up of IMPERFECT people. You really think that we'll LOSE THE AMERICAN FLAG with an Obama presidency????? Are you kidding me? because he doesn't always wear one on his lapel (but still salutes it, and took oath of office on Bible, not Koran)? Boy, you've bought into the politics of fear!! Mccain, honest?? is that why this maverick moderate keeps pandering to the Religious Right? LOL Navy vet does not necessarily a Commander in Chief make, especially when he's going about the same way that Bush did, appealing to the so-called "Moral Majority."

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Honeybee53 — Sat, 17 May 2008 02:08:02 GMT

I have to respond to ranman1 before I go. I was referring to the SC debate, not the PA debate. That's when I first noticed that Obama became petuant when Senator Clinton challenged him.

As to the Muslim issue, I suggest that you watch the whole tape. Kroft asked Clinton if she believed that Obama was a Christian. She answered yes, clearly and unequivocally, twice. He then asked her AGAIN. When I watched the tape the first time, it appeared that she thought that he was trying to set her up to claim that Obama was a Christian and then whip out some evidence to the contrary to make her look foolish. She said "yes" again, but qualified it with "as far as I know" as anyone might. This was one of the ugliest and most unfair charges against Clinton. She was repeatedly asked to vouch for Obama's religious choices and when she did, she was vilified.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

r_you_4real@yahoo.com — Sat, 17 May 2008 02:10:46 GMT

You know I agree with Ms. Agar. Her question should have answered. However, to vote for McCain

over an issue like this. Address the issue. McCain voted against a recent Bill that would give Women who are as talented as Men performing the same job the right to equal pay. He would

surely appoint Judges and over turn Roe Vs Wade. These (2) issues raise serious questions for

womens rights. Certainly Sen. Obama needs to respond to women as equals but let us remind

him and allow him to appologize. But can Sen. McCain offer you any appology that fits his vote.?

Please let us Democrates settle down and unite. Our problems are small conpared to those that

we face with (4) more years of Bush Doctrine. Obama "08

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

LDS2484 — Sat, 17 May 2008 02:19:43 GMT

If hyperoble = facts then you're absolutely correct. You're still ignoring the dismissal of NC's vote because it was black and voted for Jesse Jackson and the dismissal of his whole campaign as a fairy tale. You can ignore what the Clintons said all you want, you're just wrong. And swift-boating from either Clinton or Obama? I think not. Watch your use of that phrase.

Again, anyone ready to sit home on purpose or vote for McCain because of some feeling of Hillary's entitlement or bitterness over losing a legitimate race is just stupid.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

LDS2484 — Sat, 17 May 2008 02:19:47 GMT

Again, anyone ready to sit home on purpose or vote for McCain because of some feeling of Hillary's entitlement or bitterness over losing a legitimate race is just stupid.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

LDS2484 — Sat, 17 May 2008 02:25:24 GMT

Saying he used Rovian tactics is hyperbole to reiterate. Either you need to go sit in the time out corner till you're done with your temper tantrum or take a deep breath and grow up. And again, Clinton took much dirtier swipes at Obama when she was down than he ever took.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

sebr01stl — Sat, 17 May 2008 02:28:11 GMT

So, all you disenchanted Democratic Hillary supporters would rather support McCain than the "sweetie" Epithet-calling Obama. Have you heard what (you other option) Mccain called his own wife in public? and she wasn't even trying to harass him with baiting questions while being asked questions of two or three others simultaneously. And, there's no public record of his apology. It should have been "sweetie," but instead sounded like a pimp or an abuser. Aren't you being a little tad bit hypocritical to defect the camp?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

sebr01stl — Sat, 17 May 2008 02:50:51 GMT

Sorry, whitey1027, I just finally got through reading the posts enough to get to the bottom of the page,a d read through your entire comment, and saw that you were replying to someone else (the thoughts posted in the beginning of your post were not your own words, as I had formerly thought when I replied to you before, but the repeating of another's). Mea Culpa.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Obama's a SHAM — Sat, 17 May 2008 03:05:29 GMT

Unfortunately, for this election, we will be forced to choose between the lesser of 2 evils. I WILL NOT sit home on election day because women have fought too hard for the right to vote. I refuse to dishonor their sacrifices. I always make it a point to take my older children with me when I vote, so that they will realize the importance of it and can witness the process first hand. I would love to see a female president in my lifetime and I would love for my biracial nephew see a mixed race president in his lifetime. However, I cannot with good conscience vote for a president that I do not trust, regardless of party, race or sex. I firmly believe Obama is a wolf in sheep's clothing. His close friends and family have professed disdain for America, he rarely wears a flag pin (is he ashamed?), he made a choice to be called Barack, instead of Barry because Barry sounded too American (what's wrong with an American sounding name?), etc, etc, etc. I don't buy into his charm because it is a front. I will chose the lesser of 2 evils on election day when I vote for McCain, And just as I will cast a vote on election day to honor the sacrifices women have made, I believe John McCain will serve his presidency honoring the sacrifices America has made. Pride and respect for your country are 2 qualities in a president that I consider non-negotiable.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

millstone7201 — Sat, 17 May 2008 03:07:22 GMT

This is so pathetic... My husband and I call the "opposite" gender that all the time! We are around a lot of people as my husband is a professional musician. It's not so much a PET name or sexism.... If ANYONE wants to complain about how he said that? I challenge ANYONE to come up with a BETTER way of saying things to a "woman" that AT LEAST HE ACKNOWLEDGED!!!..Even though he was extremely busy... I am by no means a "flirt" and neither is my husband. We know our love for each other. He hears me call his friends "sweetie" (as my husband calls me most of the time) And? My husband can be on the phone and talking to a WOMAN and say "HEY GIRLFRIEND!"... I don't have a problem with that AT ALL!!! Between Hillary and McCain, they will do ANYTHING to get Obama out of the nominations...They are scared. Even if Obama called a woman "sweetie"... I believe that should be something that is taken up with his wife! NOT THE GENERAL PUBLIC, HILLARY. MCCAIN, OR WHOEVER ELSE!.. HA! now even Bush, in which I WAS a strong supporter of is acting damn well STUPID!

BTW?... It's funny that everyone who is voting on Hillary or McCain are trying to put Obama down in ANY way they can... ie; "lack of experience"....etc... BUT! What people DON'T realize? Hillary is doing whatever she can to BE a "SWEETIE" to her "supporters"... yet no one has noticed how HEADSTRONG she can be?... Don't we already have a REPUBLICAN, namely "BUSH" that can be as HARD-HEADED AS HELL ALREADY IN THE WHITE HOUSE THAT WANTS THINGS "HIS" WAY OR NO WAY AT ALL??...THEN YOU HAVE MCCAIN? (HIS FRATERNAL TWIN!)...

I am so proud to see that we have a democrat that is running for nomination that doesn't have HIS head so far stuck up his BUTT like the other running candidates, wants to do whatever is possible (after he gets in and on the "inside scoop") to make this world a much more peaceful place... And the BEST part of it all?.. He isn't "RACIST" like the Clintons.... yet no one EVER wants to keep repeating what has been said by them (the clintons) now have they?.. I challenge all "journalists, reporters, etc.. to come up with what is so demeaning about Obama and then compare to what the Clintons and McCain have done....

Everyone really needs to look EXTREMELY deep into WHY people act the way they do. You want peace? Do you "hope" for peace? Are you willing to give PEACE a chance?.... If so?... Vote OBAMA..... Give him a chance... Hillary was already our president for 8 years... Bill was too busy taste testing cigars... The economy may have been better but! They KNOW the loopholes and they WILL do whatever they can to GET AWAY with ANYTHING....

If you look at what we are already going thru with BUSH and his "hard-headedness" (because there is something in it for him)... If anyone cannot see the EXACT same thing in Hillary? For God's sake! I want to look FORWARD!... I live in "Lower Alabama"... The damn attorneys, judges and politicians are all EXTREMELY CORRUPT! THEY HAVE LITERALLY TAKEN EVERYTHING FROM ME AND MY SONS THAT THIER DAD AND I BOTH WORKED SO DAMN HARD FOR!...ALL REPUBLICAN, 98% OF THE ALABAMA CODE OF ETHICS HAVE BEEN BROKEN, A "LAST WILL" STOLEN", LIES AND MORE LIES AND I'LL BE DAMED IF I GO TO THE GRAVE WITHOUT SEEING JUSTICE DONE ON THEM. IT IS A MORAL RESPONSIBILTY THAT I HAVE. I AM OVER THE EMOTIONAL AND DO NOT EVER WANT TO SEE ANYONE EVER GO THROUGH WHAT I HAVE BEEN THROUGH! THEY EVEN "STOLE" MY LAND BY MANIPULATING MY SIGNATURE ON DEEDS ALMOST 2 MONTHS BEFORE A PROBATE JUDGE ORDERED IT? THE ABUSE OF POWER!!! I AM SO SICK OF IT!

I apologize for "hollering" but this is so "sickening on how low Hillary and McCain will stoop" to get a man in there that IS able to talk to assinine leaders..... BUT!!!! The thing that NO ONE has mentioned is that Obama doesn't HAVE all the "INSIDE SCOOP" as to what goes on in Washington and nor will he unless he became our PRESIDENT.. You have to take into consideration the "total confidentiality"... Surely everyone hasn't forgotten that BILL CLINTON is the one who gave PARDON to one of the TERRORIST of 9/11?... THEN?.... Let "BUSH" handle it.... then Bush took advantage of a situation for his own gain....

The Clintons KNOW ALL THE "LOOPHOLES" and that scares the heck out of me!... If someone cannot see the wolf in sheeps clothing?... You need to go and buy "HOW TO READ A PERSON LIKE A BOOK"... PLEASE DO! BEFORE YOU VOTE!!!.. Then? Watch....

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Concerned CA Voter — Sat, 17 May 2008 03:23:13 GMT

wow "Obabma's a SHAM"

your post makes me very, very sad. i respect your feelings about where you prioritze patriotism.

but i honestly think you are misinformed (i'm sure you will disagree) and this is what saddens me b/c i fear that many like you will cast votes based on misinformation.

1) i don't recall mccain wearing a flag pin everyday. perhaps i am wrong on that point. but since when is an accessory a valid demonstration of "love of country" or "patriotism"? i think what obama has said is he wants to demonstrate those values (that i truly believe he DOES find supremely important) through actions and not clothing (as contrast to so many who does so with a flag pin and then vote legislation that does not take care of our troops when they come home as an example).

2) perhaps you have never had the misfortune of being confused about your identity and growing up among people who might see you as "different". it can engender self doubt and questions. of course it shouldn't in this great melting pot we call america. but unfortunately it can and does, particularly when your mother is absent doing other works during formative years and the father that is who made you "different" is not present to teach you who you are. please confirm WHERE barack asserts that he started referring to himself as Barack because Barry sounded too american? WHERE ON EARTH ARE YOU GETTING YOUR INFORMATION? i think he embraced barack as a recognition of ONE side of his heritage that he had probably long denied by referring to himself as Barry to sound MORE american to his peers and the masses. but one day he realized that being Barack (his GIVEN name) made him no less american than being Barry. so he decided to embrace both.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

sebr01stl — Sat, 17 May 2008 03:35:27 GMT

So true, DougK, so true.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Obama's a SHAM — Sat, 17 May 2008 03:44:44 GMT

TMI, millstone7201.

On the sweetie comment, please remember that Obama does not know this woman. He called her sweetie, as if to dismiss her kindly, in a professional setting in front of her colleagues. I live in the south, so I am very familiar with this kind of "sweet talk" and the men who use it on women they do not know ARE being demeaning whether they realize it or not. When I am called this by a MALE OR FEMALE that I do not know, it makes me feel like an inferior little girl, or that the person using the term somehow feels they are above me in some way. A person applying for the highest office in the United States should know better.

Also please detail how the Clinton's are racist. You should not make those accusations without merit. Unjustified accusations of racism is like the boy who cried wolf and we all know what happened to him.

Finally, has Obama detailed exactly how he plans to go about talking to the "assinine" leaders? I haven't heard him detail much about anything. He seems like he's got more of a hands-off approach to the pesky little presidential details.

Good luck with your personal problems.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

gigispen — Sat, 17 May 2008 03:47:02 GMT

It is really to sad to see the extent to which people who are old enough to be GRAQNDPARENTS are willing to go to pursue a vindictive vendetta against the only person in the race who comes close to espousing view of THEIR presidential choice.

PATHETIC!!!! And a sad reflection of Hillary's leadership skills. I think I recall Hillary saying that it would be a big mistake to not support the Democratic candidate -- whomever that person is.

So evidently, Hillary and her agenda are only relevant if she gets to be the leader.

Did this article say that these Barack haters were 50 or 5???

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

gigispen — Sat, 17 May 2008 03:53:19 GMT

Democratothend is such a wise and reasonable person...

I want my grandchildren to have a decent future. I would consider myself abusive if I did anything to thwart the Democratic Agenda. This is not a game. This is about our lives people.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

guillermina — Sat, 17 May 2008 04:30:02 GMT

I would love to one day meet Mr. Obama, if for no other reason than to tell him, "nice to meet you, sweetie." I believe that not only would he find the remark to be insulting but he would feel demeaned and belittled. And, he would have every right to feel this way because that is exactly how the remark would be meant. Obama, or as I now like to call him "sweetie" will not get my vote in November and he has no one to blame but himself.

"Sweetie in Texas"

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

JAXON — Sat, 17 May 2008 04:38:09 GMT

"whether or not someone is a sexist simply because he said "sweetie" is a bit of a dead end. We can't really know that on the basis of such skimpy evidence."

Really? Can you tell if someone is a racist if they use the N word? To demean?

Do the voters KNOW the resumes?

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0805/S00222.htm

Tell me there is an ounce of difference in ambitious political men after reading Pringle's 60 + pages.

I am not voting for a man again in a presidential race -- end of story -- I've had enough. I live in Illinois -- I am not that stupid.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Metternich — Sat, 17 May 2008 04:44:45 GMT

Wow, Obama is "friendly" with a terrorist, has had as his "spiritual adviser" a lunatic priest, is planning to institute policies which even rudimentary economics can show are completely inviable, and thinks that voluntarily losing a war is a wise policy and you people are flipping out because he called someone "sweetie"?

And gigispen, you're right, this is not a game, this is our lives, and so why [i]would[/i] (I assumed BBC code was used, if not, those are the italicized tags) you support a democratic agenda? Like I said, economically, socialism simply cant support itself. It is a matter of what Ludwig von Mises termed an "economic calculation problem."

As far as I am concerned, any educated person who supports socialism or a socialist agenda is either misled, misinformed, or delusional.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

MadeUBlink — Sat, 17 May 2008 04:56:50 GMT

I won't vote for Obama under any circumstances, but then again, I wouldn't vote for him before he proved himself to be a racist , an elitist who disdains the working class and a misogynist. I thought he was wholly unqualified at the onset and I haven't moved off of that position. Is it because he's black? Well, no, but I'm sure you'd like to think so, it does seem to give all the Obamatrons a reason to get up in the morning. Is it really even that he's a misogynist? I'd like to think that this is why I can't stand him, but no, that's not it either. (Don't get me wrong, the abject sexism of the Obama camp and the media has sickened me from the first, I wasn't actually to vote for Mrs. Clinton originally, I was leaning towards Edwards (who turned out to be a big loser, one that camped out in Iowa for four years and couldn't beat a black guy being voted for by a bunch of white farmers!) But when the media started their sexist onslaught against Mrs. Clinton, supported tacitly by the Obama camp, a lot of women my age (40) felt it. There's probably not too many of us, especially if we're career women (which I am), who haven't felt that sick little feeling in our stomachs when we're personally confronted by the same thing. So, it was certainly at least emotionally satisfying when I finally made up my mind to stick it, in my small, insignificant, disenfranchised Michigan voter way, to Obama and all those masturbatory pundits, like Matthews and Olbermann over at MSNBC, distort everything she says and who practically wet themselves every time he opens his effete, little girlie mouth to squeak out something marginally competent ... which, if he gets off script, isn't often. I seriously don't understand why people think he's so eloquent and charismatic. I've studied political rhethoric in a scholarly setting and he's totally pedestrian. He sounds like a preacher, he's got that same sing-songish, tent-revival cadence to his voice. It doesn't "inspire" me, it merely annoys me. I always feel like he's trying to sell me a used car.)

But I digress. The reason I won't vote for Obama is the same reason I didn't want to vote for him in the first place, I don't think he's qualified for the job. I don't need a prom date. I need a president. The truth of the matter is that he's George W. Bush with a "D" behind his name. Just like Bush, he's as wholly disinterested in actually governing. He wants to make he speeches and stand under the pretty lights; he doesn't do the hard part, he wants other people to do it for him. Even his staffers say he's "not a detail person." Who does THAT remind you of; just like W, he'll expect everyone else to do the heavy lifting for him and I don't respect that and I can't vote for it. I want president who can DO THE JOB and he just isn't it.

Well, now that I've told you why I won't vote for him, I guess I have to tell you that your vitriol is not going to change my mind. When it comes down to it, your dilemma with most Clinton voters is this -- you've insulted them blind for many months now, calling them racist, calling them crackers, telling them they're old and irrelevant, telling them that they're clinging to religion, xenophobia and their guns -- hard for me, because I'm an agnostic who owns no firearms, but I may willing to learn -- and now you're in a really unenviable position. You need something big from people you've worked hard to alienate. Sorry if that makes you angry, but it's the truth. You alienated LIFE LONG DEMOCRATIC VOTERS, of which I was one, because you thought that you could win on the youth vote, the black vote, and the affluent, college professor vote. You just kind of smugly thought that, like a Frank Capra movie, all the Clinton voters would step into place at the end, humbled and docile, and that you could be magnanimous and pat them on the head, that everyone would sing Kumbaya and they would thank you for your generosity of spirit. Well, did the Democrats act that way after 2004 when Bush won and shoved all that "political capital" in their faces? Did they act like he expected them to act? Nope, they decided to give him their big, angry middle finger. (Good thing, too.) Now I think you're realizing what a terrible spot you're in. So, I guess it really sucks to be you.

If you're wise, you'll try to mend some fences. You won't convince everyone, and it's probably going to call for you to kiss a lot of ass. Let's see if you're willing to mend fences, but I actually doubt you will be. I think you still believe that you can insult people into voting the way you want them to vote. Well, you go ahead and think that and I will be over here, shaking my head, voting third party and watching the Republicans attempt to eat you, and him, alive.

But remember, you won't sway me because I wasn't going to vote for him in the first place, even if the Democrats hadn't disenfranchised me twice.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

elizabethpaige — Sat, 17 May 2008 05:24:54 GMT

More serious is Pres. Bush descecrating the occasion of Israel's 60th year as a nation by talking about appeasement of Hitler before WWII. Pres. Bush knows America (a) did little to save European Jews from concentration camps; (b) refused entry to the USA of Jews desperate to escape Europe; (c) did not raise a hand against the Nazis as they marched into Poland; (d) did not assist Britain in fighting the Nazis in 1939, 1940 and 1941; (e) got into WWII not because of the Nazis but because Pearl Harbor was attacked. Chamberlain's appeasement of Hitler amounted to giving Czechoslovakia to Hitler. American Presidents before Pres. Bush have talked with adversaries. Cheap talk about appeasement will not divert Americans from the real concern which is America mired for years in a war in Iraq.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

weraloc — Sat, 17 May 2008 05:42:28 GMT

Andrew, I know you want Obama elected. But don't you tell women what a sexist remark is.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Penny Little — Sat, 17 May 2008 05:44:15 GMT

Living in a family with three other females (wife and two daughters) I can see how easy it would be to slip and say "sweetie". My dad had three daughters and family habits slip out. In todays PC climate we jump on every perceived slight and it depends on whether or not we like someone that we are willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. Also, I find it very interesting how so many posts profess to KNOW how others think and why they support their choice. Can"t we support our candidate without insulting another's? Thes guys are just people like me and you.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Olga H — Sat, 17 May 2008 05:50:14 GMT

I personally cringe everytime someone less than 20 years older than me or who isn't close, takes the liberty of calling me honey or sweetie, especially when they're younger. It's only a term of endearment when the person belongs to you. If not, it's more like a term of condescending superiority especially when said by a man to a woman he doesn't know.

How women really interpret what Obama did to the reporter is a brushing off, saying you're not important. And as women, we've felt that sting most of our lives.

Yes, sexism is a much bigger issue than racism. Women are still dying daily at the hands of men, regardless what age or color, many living in constant fear, abuse, lower wages, abandoned after having children to raise, etc. etc.

Some of us know that history books say that we fought for the right to vote at the same time as the Black man, but didn't get it until 50 years later. Talk about a slap in the face, this was a total lack of respect. This Democratic election, seems to be a repeat of history.

But I also feel it's become pathetic to hear all the poor me stories of different people groups. We all suffer, one time our another. I'm a mostly white woman immigrant with some Asian blood, called names for my Asian color (half breed), beaten up for being white, mocked for my name, clothes, accent, being skinny, nearly raped and then nearly murdered for being female. I've felt hatred all my life and see it across the board.

There will always be bullies, and if you're perfect someone will find something wrong. But I say, "Get over it! lets move on, we can't live in the past, get strong, and make sure we teach our children manners". Most of all, stop the Whining! I'm hearing more and more people afraid to say anything negative about Obama in case they're accused of racism. And I agree with these ladies, that Mrs. Clinton has been the target of Sexism for years. And it may seem amusing that I'm a strong social conservative Republican. One who would certainly vote for and campaign for Hillary if she wasn't so big on Age discrimination in believing it's OK to kill our young who are to little to defend themselves from the womb.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

lawdogxxx — Sat, 17 May 2008 06:02:21 GMT

MadeUBlink:

I do happen to think you're racist for judging Obama so harshly but I don't care much that you are. Obama supporters don't live to call white people racist. We engage others in the issues intelligently. Let me just call some things to your attention.

Obama has fought to pass legislation insuring equal pay for women so that they will no longer make .70 cents per dollar a man makes. Obama wants to make it a crime to discriminate against women in employment and pay them unfairly. He has two daughters and a wife to whom he's faithful. Misogynist?! Something tells me that if he were white you'd never call him this all else being equal. You're a victim of society who sees all black men as mindless apes who hate women and you have 0 evidence on which to base your claims so you resort to generalities.

I'm sorry you've encountered some mean Obama supporters but there are also ones like me who think Hillary is awesome notwithstanding her negative attack onslaught against Barack. Nonetheless, many of us are willing to forgive all that and wouldn't mind having her as the Veep. This is not to kiss ass but because she's an intelligent, capable leader and there are lots of Obama supporters who like her. Proof of this is that only 17% of Barack's base says they'd refuse to vote for Clinton if she were the nominee. I love Hill and think she's great. I simply prefer Obama.

This is not to "sway" you. You're free to vote for whomever you see fit. But I think you should ask yourself "Is it right to call someone a racist simply because his pastor is?" Jimmy Carter attended a segregated all white church because his father and grandfather had worshipped there. So was Carter a racist?! I think not.

Bill Clinton had affairs with multiple women, at least one of whom said he sexually harassed her. Yet I'm confident you voted for him both times without feeling a twinge of guilt because you don't really see anything wrong with sexism. You just think that the black guy should walk around with his head hung down, thinking he's not worthy of looking at white women. I'm just throwing that out there. You might want to evaluate yourself.

Obama/Clinton 08

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

micahjrose — Sat, 17 May 2008 06:11:53 GMT

Olga H, you aren't much of a feminist if you can say that someone belongs to anyone. On the matter of Blacks getting the vote first, you are also wrong there. Some of the midwest states gave women the right to vote before there ever was an amendment, because they didn't have enough population to become states without women. The same cannot be said for blacks. Slaves counted as 3/5 of a person for electoral college purposes but didn't get to vote or receive representation while their masters got more for owning them. Even after black people got the right to vote, the Jim Crow era kept them away from the ballot box, and intimidation of black voters continues to this day. There is no organization devoted to the killing or debasement of women, there are many devoted to the killing or debasement of blacks. Don't ever say that sexism is a bigger deal than what black people have suffered. You are ignorant. By the way, I'm white.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

lawdogxxx — Sat, 17 May 2008 07:08:11 GMT

By the way, isn't it funny that whenever women talk about men using "demeaning" terms like "sweetie" and "hun" they say they want to be revered as professionals and they want the SAME respect a man would get. I don't know what alternate reality these women live in but the men I know call each other jackass, dipshit, retard, ...you name it. I've never called my male doctor "Dr" He's just Hank to me.

The bottom line is often when we get in the frame of mind where we see ourselves as victims, we unjustly glorify what the perks that the "privileged" ones have, not grasping that there are some female attorneys out there making six figures and there are white men digging ditches. There are black men who perform brain surgery and rich , suburban white girls who have endured rape and whose lives are shattered, not the pristine fantasies that people dream them to be. That is just why VICTIMHOOD IS DANGEROUS. It gives the "minority" group an excuse to see the world in an unrealistic manner and to assume that all white people are happy and all men are respected in the workplace.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

opdu — Sat, 17 May 2008 07:10:02 GMT

The bottom line is that if you have supported hillary or barack throughout the primaries and then you say you will vote for mccain since your candidate did not get the democratic nod then you probably supported your candidate for all of the wrong reasons.

you may like your candidate but this election is bigger than any of our pride. it is about this country. just look/read/listen to mccain's policies, statements and the direction he wants to take the country and there should be no question about what you are going to do in the fall. democrats need to unite if not only to stop the bleeding a republican administration has caused us for the last 7 years.

all of you grow up!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

itsabouttime2 — Sat, 17 May 2008 08:33:19 GMT

I may be in the minority here, but I kind of like that Obama says "sweetie"... it's quaint and pleasant, and there is nothing in his manner that indicates he is being condescending or demeaning. I consider myself a modern woman... I have owned my own -small- contracting business and I have invented a hand tool and I would be quite flattered if he called me "sweetie". Everyone has something going on and if it isn't innately evil, it should be embraced as the uniqueness of that person.

My husband of 16 years will go silent on me if I inadvertently call him by his given name. Consequently, in conversations with others I will refer to him as Honey or Baboo and people go "Oh you two!" and roll their eyes. It is a luxury problem, I know.

Why would anyone vote against their principals to spite themselves? There are more than two parties in this race... remember? Green party and Libertarian are viable options and the way things look, one could loom large as the next 2nd party ticket - since the republicans are hell bent on extincting not only everything they touch, but their own selves in the offing.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

ayoss58 — Sat, 17 May 2008 09:18:01 GMT

Blackmail and women terrorism. who wants a 60 year-old witch and monster clingingand clinging like a divorced witch!!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

andysgal59 — Sat, 17 May 2008 09:22:00 GMT

In my professional days, 13 spent in the USN serving this country I would never be so condescending to call a man sweetie. I don't even call my husband sweetie and he doesn't me. Sweetie turns a switch in me that immediately turns the person off.I don't like the word honey either. I was once called this in a professional setting while I was in the USN. The young man was much my junior in rank. He suffered sever consequences because of it. Since I hold this attitude with men, then I offer them the same respect.

When I sit down at a restaurant or a luch counter somewhere, those terms still make me rankle. I don't like them and I don't like a stranger calling me them either. It is way too intimate.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

saaphiel — Sat, 17 May 2008 10:04:42 GMT

People in general (and hardcore feminists mentioned in this article in particular) really do need to stop playing the victim. Yes, it is easy to 'blame' someone else for something that's gone wrong. And yes, it is easy to latch onto a single word and blow it completely out of proportion and context in order to create a media talking point, such as McCain's camp did with the line 'losing his bearings' and making it out to be an ageism commentary - when McCain who served as a pilot knows full well that it's a term that has to do with positioning.

What McCains camp, and these hardcore Clinton feminists seem to be forgetting is that people are making an effort to educate themselves on all the facts and these convenient soundbytes that are thrown out are being seen for what they really are: attempted inflammatory nonsense.

The feminists will come off worse in this case simply because while the hardcore Clinton feminists are part of the baby boomer 'entitlement' generation, their daughters who have grown up in feminist households know all too well the lie that they've been sold about 'having it all' and can see through this nonsense.

Anybody who says you can have it all is lying, and it's not that you can't have it all because some nasty testosterone fuelled man is preventing you from having it... it's because you really cannot do everything and be everything to everybody all the time. Society - and families in particular - is progressively breaking down because we women have been sold on this lie for the past 30 years and we have decimated the social/familial landscape in our zeal to make sure we 'have it all'.

What's more: we younger women recognize that destructive zeal in Hillary Clinton that we saw in our mothers, and we don't like it one bit. We find it laughable when the 'sexist male establishment' is wheeled out as an excuse. Hillary, how about putting your hand up and saying you mis-managed your campaign from the start?

Taking that kind of personal responsibility really WOULD garner a lot of respect from men AND women. It would level the playing field and break the fictional glass ceiling.

It would also possibly give Germaine Greer a heart attack for TRULY participating as an equal to men.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Thevail — Sat, 17 May 2008 10:20:21 GMT

Is it sexist when I call random people sweetie, or honey?

No, because I'm a woman, and it's just a habit, and it sounds way nicer than "whats-your-name".

If you can't recall someone's name, but you're talking to them, and in a hurry, it's just another pronoun that indicates that you aren't upset or angry. That's why waitresses are infamous for using it.

I understand that it might upset some people, but I really don't think it was some sexist or denigrating thing. And he did apologize immediately.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"But when the media started their sexist onslaught against Mrs. Clinton, supported tacitly by the Obama camp, a lot of women my age (40) felt it." MadeUBlink

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Do you have any actual evidence that it was "tacitly supported by the Obama camp"?

Otherwise, you're just blaming the Obama camp for something they had nothing to do with. I think if the Obama camp had any "control" over the media perhaps the Rev. Wright wouldn't have been on TV for a whole freaking month almost non-stop.

I can think of many other more likely scenarios.

I mean, I suppose it could have been all those much older talking head news guys.

Or, maybe it could have been a media that already had certain biases about the Clinton's from last time.

Maybe, it could be the fact that she's been behind in the delegate count and thus "losing" for a lot of the time. And the media is not kind to people who are losing. Ask John Kerry.

Maybe Barack Obama being one of the best speakers in politics in years made them like covering him more.

Maybe his ability to draw a crowd of 20,000 to 40,000 simply made his rallies a better "media event".

Seriously, there are other possible explanations.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

llgarrity — Sat, 17 May 2008 10:45:02 GMT

Wow, Made U Blink, I think you have anger issues that probably deal with other things besides just this election!

I take note when people call me "honey" or "sweetie", whether they are male or female. But I look at the context. I've only put one older "gentleman" in his place because he meant it as a put down and he immediately apologized. You need to take the context into account and Obama apologized. We need to move on to subjects that matter in this campaign.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

FontellaJJ40 — Sat, 17 May 2008 10:49:39 GMT

I truly don't believe Obama was trying to be sexist. I don't think Michelle would allow that. If women who are Democrats are honestly going to take that stand against Obama because of the "sweetie" comment, then I have to ask if they are truly Democrats or sore loosers. The best Democrat will win and that looks like Obama. Hillary Clinton is a brilliant woman, but her campaign has seemed doomed for a very long time. The "kitchen sink" tactic seemed to decrease her favortism with a lot of Americans, women & men. Frankly, I wish that everything that Obama says would not be taken out of context. I know that is the price to pay to be a politician, but some people need to get thicker skin and get a life. Not voting for Obama because Hillary looses is a smack in the face to those who support the Democratic party. This is the type change that Obama is referring to when it comes to the same old politics.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Ashe — Sat, 17 May 2008 10:52:37 GMT

This has been one of the saddest articles and commentaries of such that I have read in a while. It really breaks my heart because it makes me vacillate between thinking that the country really has fallen so far from its lofty ideals and thinking that the country still has a long way to go towards meeting its rhetorical ideals. It is a shame that the election process on the Democratic side has devolved into this. It's an even bigger shame that people would resort to saying that they would not vote for their party's nominee if their candidate of choice doesn't get the nod. It's just downright unforgiveable saying that you would vote for another party's candidate to spite your party if your candidate does not get the nod (assuming of course that the candidate won the nod fair and square by # of votes, delegates, and what have you). Given that the differences in the policies of the two candidates are negligible, I really fail to see why people are willing to go to such extremes out of spite. All reasonable explanations fly out the window at that point and I believe that people need to do honest analysis of themselves to root out the real reasons why they were willing to even entertain much less resort to such extreme measures,

I know that I have a difficult choice to make this fall. I love a lot of things about all three candidates in the running presently. I also really dislike certain key proposals about all candidates running presently. Since no candidate embodies all that I want for in a presidential candidate, I will make my decision based on what trade-offs in presidential policies I think America can best live with. I for one can not wait for the democratic primaries to be over so that the two nominees can get down to really outlining for me their respective plans for the country. I can honestly tell you that no matter who they are though, I will vote for them based on their policy stances and not on any of the "manufactured issues" to borrow a phrase that seems to dominate the news and people's opinions today. I plan to leave the voting booth in November knowing that I voted for the candidate that best represents the policies that I believe in. That is what true democracy is about and if you cannot say the same, then you do yourself and this country a great disservice. I would go so far as to say that your right to vote should be revoked.

As an aside to all those saying that they wouldn't vote for their party's nominee if it wasn't their candidate of choice, do remember to shut the *** up if the Republicans win and they run the country in a manner that is not to your liking. And try to remember that our kids and grandchildren are the ones who would pay for our mistakes and vindictiveness. That's a mistake that this generation often make, not thinking beyond our petty needs of today.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

barbara474 — Sat, 17 May 2008 10:57:00 GMT

As a woman, 35 years in high end business sales and management, I have used affectionate diminuatuves for customers, secretarys, my own staff (both male and female) and collegues. Only once have I been remonstrated for it. It was from a technical staffer that I called 'Hon' (as in honey) and I was truly shocked that he found it offensive. Of course I never used anything but his formal address toward him after that and technically he had the right to object. Having said that he had to be looking for something to object to in order to be offended by such a trivial thing. This article and all the bruhaha about something that has been addressed, apologised for indicates to me that Friday was a slow news day.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

HappyDay41 — Sat, 17 May 2008 11:10:42 GMT

"Second apology is for using the word 'sweetie,'" he said. "That's a bad habit of mine. I do it sometimes with all kinds of people. "

Does he call the male reporters 'sweetie' also?

I'd wager a bet, that when oblala calls "all kinds of people" "sweetie", he really means he says that to all kinds of WOMEN !

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

MuseOn — Sat, 17 May 2008 11:13:24 GMT

"...reporters noted that Obama had also called a female factory worker “sweetie” in Allentown, Penn. Thus, a pattern. Obama supporters chided the media for not covering "the issues"; Clinton supporters sensed paternalist condescension--and even sexism."

A. this is just one of many incidents, that Barack Obama have made condescending remarks, and why he has been labeled "elitist" - women, West Virginia voters, white`s clinging to their guns and religion, just leaving the state (and disrespecting his opponent - female) on election day, to do "more important things".. It´s starting to be a pattern, and that`s why people react.

B. Obama campaign crying "cover the issue", is a well know cry (wolf....) when attention is better directed in another direction; "sweetie" comments and more, might just as well be "issues"....darlings... I`d say this is a distraction to get us off his case...

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

HappyDay41 — Sat, 17 May 2008 11:29:53 GMT

MadeUBlink...

I agree with every thing you said... especially, " I seriously don't understand why people think he's so eloquent and charismatic. I've studied political rhethoric in a scholarly setting and he's totally pedestrian. He sounds like a preacher, he's got that same sing-songish, tent-revival cadence to his voice. It doesn't "inspire" me, it merely annoys me. I always feel like he's trying to sell me a used car.)

I can't stand to hear him talk anymore (especially when he goes on, and on, and on, and on for 45 minutes!) I can't stand that his head is on every single web-page. I can't stand the way he uses women's sexuality to advance himself (lets see him encourage his daughters, when they are 18, to make a video wearing a thong and shaking their butts in the camera--somebody ask him if he'd be ok with that- like his 'boama girl' video.

Under the "issues" segment of his website, women aren't even mentioned.

from his upbringing, he didn't learn to respect women. He hated his mother, he rejected her and her white race, and then he did NOT even go to her when she was dying (he was busy campaigning) .

He is a pig. I will not vote for him. McCain is a good man. HIllary is the BEST candidate. But McCain at least wont harm the country he fought and suffered for... Olalma didn't even grow up in America.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

HappyDay41 — Sat, 17 May 2008 11:46:33 GMT

Posted By: micahjrose (May 17, 2008 at 2:11 AM)

Olga H, you aren't much of a feminist if you can say that someone belongs to anyone. On the matter of Blacks getting the vote first, you are also wrong there.

Actually, micahjrose, you are wrong. Citing that women got to vote in the West first is not the same as "getting the vote" which means a constitutional amendment extending the rights/priviledges of citizenship to those of African descent-- and male.

African American WOMEN did not get the right to vote at the same time-- ONLY MEN.

It was decades later before women were included, and even then it took 18 months of hunger strikes, forced feedings (maggot filled oatmeal), and beatings, and jail-time... and then it was only given to us because we were in a war in which our President (Wilson) was saying something about the bad guys to the effect "America will stand up and defend people who have no say in their government, no voice, no vote, because they live in tyranny, not democracy" -- kinda made America look stupid.

Two questions for you: What year was the Equal Rights Amendment for Blacks passed?

What year was the Equal Rights Amendment for Women passed?

(hint: the second question is a trick question: women haven't yet been given equal rights in the constitution... we've been trying for nearly a century)

No. This country is not sexist.

(BTW, the pic of Hillary on the election homepage today, depicts her as really wrinkled. This is a photoshopped pic because if you go see her in person, she does NOT look like that. She is very pretty and very un-wrinkled. Is it sexist that the news media deliberately makes her look unviable as a woman?)

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

HappyDay41 — Sat, 17 May 2008 12:09:51 GMT

To GoOblama

you said, "I believe that there is a huge difference using an endearing term "Sweetie" versus "calling a black man 'boy'".

That is a great example. I have no problem calling him a 'boy'. The man who did so meant no disrespect-- it was taken out of context. What he meant, the tone of it, was that Olama is young, inexperienced... that man was much older that oblalma.

For all of you who say McCain would be 4 mroe years of bush, or that we need to think about the future of our country, I would be very concerned about America's future, and that is why I would vote McCain...

oblama is too strange. no experience, boring, all about image. has too many criminal elements for friends. wife who hates america. wife who hates white america. he is not a leader. we've never elected his personality profile (idealist) to a high office, (nor do they make good executives in corporations), and I have a hundred other reasons... especially, I don't want him looking down his nose in photos for the next four years. He knows nothing about governing. he hasn't held a job long enough to learn the ropes, and he lies lies lies (not a professor, did know Rezko, did know Ayers, did know about Rev. Wright and then disowned the poor man after saying he couldn't do such a thing (no more than his own grandmother, or the black community --they both better watch out, they may be next). The man is ruthless and will do anything, sacrifice anyone to fulfill his ambitioin.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

josh62 — Sat, 17 May 2008 12:10:01 GMT

Reason Obama said he wanted to be President of ALL 57 states. Keep in mind U.S. doesn’t have 57, but…ISLAM is what he is talking about!

Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is an international organization grouping fifty seven states which have decided to pool their resources together, combine their efforts, and speak with one voice to safeguard the interests and secure the progress and well-being of their peoples and of all Muslims in the world.

BOYCOTT CNN & MSNBC for manipulating the Presidential election with the biased pushing of obama before researching.

http://www.dontvoteobama.net.

VOTERS DEMAND Obamas tell America about their relationship with Ayers, Gadaffi Syrian tycoon, Antoin Rezko, Saudi Arabian Scheiks and Nadhami Auchi, Iraqi billionaire, global arms dealer who was best friends with Saddam Hussein, and the main financial backer for Saddam's Iraqi -Saudi oil pipeline, and stood trial with Saddam Hussein for conspiring to assassinate Iraqi President Qasim. VOTERS are concerned why CNN & MSNBC refuse to question those relationships, coupled with Obama’s 20 plus yrs with Rev. Wright shows a serious pattern, which Obama seems quite comfortable with people who really, really, really HATE U.S of America. If you question him or his values or policies, you’re part of the “divisive, distracting” practices voters associate with Washington. Them’s the Obama Rules.

Obama’s chief political adviser David Alexrod on National Public Radio claimed white working class Democrats barely exist and hardly matter, white working class has gone to the Republican nominee for many elections, This is not new, WE don’t need or rely solely on those votes.

Obama wants to impose 20% tax on cost of Barrel Of Oil Above $80 which again drives up Cost Of Gasoline On Americans! why doesn’t Obama Acknowledge Fuel Costs For Truckers Hurt The American Consumer? Increasing Cost Of Everything Including Food, Retail, And Manufactured Goods.

Obama Claims That He Does Not Accept Contributions From Federal Lobbyists, records show he has accepted $128,000 From Lobbyists and $1.3 million from PACs, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

Obama calls For Higher Income Taxes, Social Security Taxes, Investment Taxes, And Corporate Taxes, As Well As "Massive New Domestic Spending and a healthcare plan that perhaps could be the next step to a full-scale, single-payer system.

Obama Pandered To MoveOn.org By Promising Not To Fund Troops In Iraq In The Future. "Eli Pariser, [MoveOn.org's] Executive Director, told ABC news but Obamas senate record shows he voted against bringing troops home, voted for war appropriations giving our money to Halliburton and Blackwater, voted with Bush/Chaney posturing S433 to suspend any troop withdrawal which keeps the troops in Iraq for a long time to come.

Obama won the endorsement of the Teamsters earlier this year after privately telling the union he supported ending the strict federal oversight imposed to root out corruption.

Obama Said The U.S. Needs To Focus On Afghanistan, Obama has held Zero hearings as Chairman Of The Subcommittee On European Affairs. "Doubts about Barack Obama's presidential credentials have crystallized over his stewardship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's Subcommittee on European Affairs, which has convened no policy hearings since he took over as its chairman last January.

Obama inconsistent explaining how Genocide in Iraq would affect his plan for withdrawal: Ambassador Crocker said that a quick withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq could result in genocide and if that began to emerge as an issue, would you stop the withdrawal?" Obama: of course. Obama Previously Said Preventing Genocide Would Not Be A Sufficient Reason To Remain In Iraq.

Why Is Barack Obama Silent On SEIU Attacks After Denouncing Similar Independent Expenditures Earlier In The Primaries? Labor Unions And Other Independent Groups Have Already Spent Over $7.1 Million In Support Of Obama's Campaign for the presidential nomination, campaign records show.

Obama's racial stereotype of the 'typical White person' and his view of the 'typical small town person.quoted as disparaging residents of small towns in Pennsylvania as being “like a lot of small towns in the Midwest” where “it's not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.”

Obama is unapologetic, even dissing of voters in Florida and Michigan one has to wonder what groups of Americans he really respects?

Racist wife, Michelle, saying she was proud of America "for the first time" only because of her husband's presidential run.

Obama explained he doesn't wear an American flag lapel pin or hold his hands to his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance because it is a substitute for patriotism,

Obama loses to Hillary Clinton in a face to face debate in Phil, next day gives her the finger behind her back in a speech in NC. What a man! And the Obama fans were laughing with him, reminding me of the congregation in Reverend Wright's church cheering and patting him on the back during his racist sermons

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

bradmer — Sat, 17 May 2008 12:21:47 GMT

Please Would women really risk losing their right to choose. Which presently holds on by a thread, Just because Sen. Obama called them "sweetie" He needs to change that for sure but with gas prices at at all time high, Men and Women dying in a war with no end in sight and an economy that has tanked, we would risk a John McCain Presidency over a sweetie remark

Get a life ladies!!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

catsomine — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:03:36 GMT

Please, Using the word "sweetie" to someone other than a person close to you, in the context that Obama did, shows the person's mindset. It was disrespectul and patronizing, and gives a hint of Obama's attitude toward women. Yes, it is a bigger deal than it sounds like to someone who doesn't look below the surface. Get a brain bradmer!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Protester6543 — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:22:09 GMT

I am more concerned about the implications of Obama's quote in the NYT about Hezbollah and Hamas, “they’re going down a blind alley with violence that weakens their legitimate claims.”

Which of their claims are legitimate? Some are, perhaps, but I am not voting for someone who is overly eager to talk to terrorists. Their false promises of peace would mean little and threaten much!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Vivian Lynn — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:41:05 GMT

As a professional, I never worry about what someone might call me or who might not be ready for a woman leader. I work with almost all men in my profession. I'm working on a goal that is too imporant to worry about who might be calling me "sweetie" or worse. And I find that my professional women co-workers find words to describe the men more inappropriate then "sweetie".

The most effective people, men and women, generall don't worry about such matters. They keep their eye on the goal and continue to align all their efforsts on the objectives to meet their goal.

I find this kind of discussion more about loosing gracefully. Grow up.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

GoldenGirl365 — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:43:29 GMT

"A hint of Obama's attitude towards women"? C'mon catsomine, that's just the tip of the iceberg. This man is as sexist as they come. the "sweetie" remark holds nothing over the fact that he saw fit to completely disregard the woman asking the question, treated her as as unimportant and walked away with not even even an apology. I have never seen a candidate treat anyone this way. Does he think he is above everyone else already. Or perhaps it is the Islamic background in him, they think women are second class citizens as well. -

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Vivian Lynn — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:43:55 GMT

The most effective people, men and women, generall don't worry about such matters. They keep their eye on the goal and continue to align all their efforsts on the objectives to meet their goal.

I find this kind of discussion more about loosing gracefully. Grow up.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

surviving — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:52:20 GMT

I really ask all of us to take a good look at ourselves. I am not stating any political affliation. BUT if we look into our lives, and listen to our conversations, each of us are guilty of using words of endearment when speaking, either to someone close or to an associate. I think we really need to be concerned with the state of this world, not just the state of this country. Please people, open your eyes and realize that we are not leaving a very healthy world for our grandchildren, not to mention our children. Chaos, poverty, lack of education, quickly eroding essential basic needs, ie fuel to just keep us warm in the winter.. as the majority of us drive our V8 SUV's. We are all guilty for the state we are now in. Changes must be made now, and focusing on a comment "sweetie" is such a huge waste of time and energy. Let these people that have chosen to campaign talk to us about the issues that really need to be discussed, and for goodness sake, be glad your were called sweetie and not annoying. Force these people to address the critical issues, put them to the mat and if they do not give the answers that will address and make this a better place to live, then don't vote for them. But to base your vote on "sweetie" is about the simpliest mindset I have heard and read so far.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

elizabethpaige — Sat, 17 May 2008 15:04:02 GMT

Bill Clinton is far more 'sexist'.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

mspidge — Sat, 17 May 2008 16:33:08 GMT

god, you obama people just don't get it do you!! You have bigger problems with him, then having a jerk like that call someone sweetie!! IT SHOWS HIS MINDSET FOR CHRIST SAKE! he's a way out there far left wing liberal, he's so far out there it makes liberals look conseravtives. We have a religous battle that far out ways all your social agenda's. We have TWO, TWO muslims now in Washington. the muslims will eat us up from the inside out, tha's their agenda, there is no such animal as a MODERATE MUSLIM, they all believe like what the government calls radical muslims, obama IS NOT YOUR MESSIAH and nether is clinton and if you do not wake up and grow up you won't have to worry about the price of gas or the price of anything!!!! I am 69 years young, I have a modest retirement, I did it on my own, didn't ask the goverment for one god damned thing, didn't gimmie, gimmies, take care of me, The government IS NOT YOUR SAVIOR, YOU ARE YOUR SALVATION. obama and clinton will take you down the primrose path to socialism and into the abyss. obama will hand you over to ben laden in a blink of an eye, there will not be an America. SO YOU ALL GROW UP AND WORRY ABOUT KEEPING YOUR FREEDOM INSTEAD OF YOUR SOCIAL AGENDA! obama is a SLEEPER CELL, AYERS STARTED THE BALL ROLLING, and ayers and his wife should be rotting in a cell as we speak!! and some people were worried about Romney and his religion, mormans are a walk in the park comparied to islam

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

alice Holliday — Sat, 17 May 2008 16:57:07 GMT

I have the same bad habit and I am a woman. I have to catch myself bc I also am in professional settings quite often. .For me, it's a habit born of affection for people in general. I am sure it is the same for Sen Obama. And bc we know sexism does exist, we must consider the source, keep things in perspective. He is surrounded by very strong women. And Michelle Obama does not seem to be a woman who would tolerate disrespect to herself or any other woman. She was his boss! And when Sen Clinton has repeated played the gender card to garner votes, he has never criticized her for such.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

MomD2 — Sat, 17 May 2008 17:07:14 GMT

How do I join Clinton Supporters Vount, Too?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

airforcemom — Sat, 17 May 2008 17:16:26 GMT

Posted By: mspidge (May 17, 2008 at 12:33 PM)

You and people with your mindset are scarier than any person of the Muslim faith to me.

First off, Barack Obama IS NOT A MUSLIM !!!! He is a Christian. Those are the facts.

He also has no association with Ayers other than serving on a board together one time.

Mr. Obama is not part of any sleeper cell either.

People of even reasonable intelligence are able to see past this fear mongering.

We are able to see that hatred of things not understood is sad.

The Muslim faith is not what worries me. Radicals from any religion however are scarier than hell.

People who try to spread fear and loathing from any religion are our real enemies.

Our own President has attempted to do spread this unwarranted fear this past week at the

The Knesset. I was appalled and ashamed .

I want a President who speaks for EVERYONE and when that president speaks I want him to speak the truth and not spread fear and hatred.

That President is going to be Barack Obama and ye of the faith of fear had better get used to it.

Congratulations Israel on your 60 th Anniversary. May you have another 60.

Congratulations Barack Obama for standing up to those who use fear for political gain.

Signed,

Another 52 year young white American Christian woman.

Obama 08 !!!!!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Nickberry — Sat, 17 May 2008 18:10:44 GMT

Welll,,, that the term "sweetie" was directed at a female journalist is disturbing in the context of avoiding answering a direct question. It is not like he calls male journalist "sweety" or other so-called endearing terms. It really is condescending.

Obama has made many sexist comments... some on purpose... some not. He mocked Hillary as being "Annie Oakley" with a six-gun shooting ducks. (Also not much of a history or gun expert there.) That was definitely sexist... as he would not have mocked a male candidate for talking about his experience with guns.

Obama also used words to the effect that Hillary was "clawing" at things... and implied some kind of hormonal imbalance with a statement about Hillary's "mood." Those were in his stump speeches and very purposeful... just as his remarks about McCain "losing his bearings" and Obama respecting McCains "half-century" of service to his country are based on ageism.

On Women's Equal Pay Day... Obama said that he is for making sure that women get equal pay for doing a "man's" job. What? The idea of a job is categorized by gender is SEXIST... and someone should alert Obama that a law already exists for that. The idea of women's equal pay is the notion that indeed we need to quit categorizing jobs and employees by gender... and he instead enforced the stereotype.

Another sexist attitude is that women voters only care about Roe vs. Wade. Please... liberal men... enlighten yourselves... women's issues include economics and health care and education... all higher on the list these days than abortion rights (which are pretty well set in place... even the GOP leadership recognizes that).

Former U.S. Representative Susan Molinari coined the term "sweetie vote" on MSNBC David Gregory's show yesterday.... in that Obama needs to figure out how to get the women's vote.. especially those that support Hillary and are truly offended when Obama dismisses female journalists with words like "sweetie."

"Sweetie" is the new "bitter."

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

an obama girl — Sat, 17 May 2008 19:10:58 GMT

women need to get over themselves! Hillary lost fair and square. She has been babied and coddled this whole election because she is married to Bill. Were the rolls reversed...Obama would have been out on his butt.

If Hillary had the capasity to carry 90% of her base like Obama did she would have won. Fact is a large number of women in this country DO NOT support Hillary. If women want to make a statement about equality in this country it should me a fair on.

He candidacy needed to be won fair and square. She Lost. Women in this country going around crying foul play where there was none makes women look like sire losers!

I hope women are smart enough not to cut off their noses to spite their face! Would they rather have their sons fighting for 100 years just to make a sorry unjustified statement?

That doesn't make women look strong, it makes them look stupid!

A typical white women!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

an obama girl — Sat, 17 May 2008 19:11:06 GMT

He candidacy needed to be won fair and square. She Lost. Women in this country going around crying foul play where there was none makes women look like sire losers!

I hope women are smart enough not to cut off their noses to spite their face! Would they rather have their sons fighting for 100 years just to make a sorry unjustified statement?

That doesn't make women look strong, it makes them look stupid!

A typical white women!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

HappyDay41 — Sat, 17 May 2008 19:15:42 GMT

To An Obama Girl... she hasn't lost yet, not at all.

Why dont you be a good girl and go strip down and shake your booty for a video camera so obama can get some votes?

In obamas world that's all you are good for...

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

HappyDay41 — Sat, 17 May 2008 19:20:19 GMT

I love how some of you say we women should get a life and get over it.... that "sweetie" is just a word.

I bet you'd shat yourself if someone in Clinton's camp used the word "boy". Which is really just a term of endearment for a younger man... right?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

opdu — Sat, 17 May 2008 19:37:52 GMT

i have to admit that reading these posts make it difficult for me to believe that this country will ever work its way out of the hole we are currently in. this is a political message board and there are people dismissing valid comments by responding with "go strip down and shake your booty," or by calling obama a muslim (which would know he is not if you had any semblance of intelligence), as if a religion different than christianity is evil, or trying to turn a campaign upside down because of slip of tongue ("sweetie" or "hard-working americans, white americans").

look at the issues. we americans seem more and more ignorant by the day. there is nothing wrong with a message of hope or a populist message. but look at the message and make your decision. i don't think hillary is a racist because of one misstatement. nor do i think obama is sexist because of a misstatement.

when bush tries to compare obama to a nazi appeaser (chamberlain), he is talking directly to you because he knows that most people make their voting decisions on stupid soundbites without the due diligence necessary to make sound and informed decisions. thats why he's been in office for 7 years.

vote with your head!! if you are voting based on the negatives then you probably shouldn't cast a vote for anyone in any election, ever. its the positives/strengths that will make a president successful, not the few and far between misstatements.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

bobandchristie — Sat, 17 May 2008 20:19:52 GMT

I read, with great interest, that there are some folks who are going to work against Obama , in the fall, because they are Clinton supporters and he called a woman "Sweetie".. Don't you think that is kind of shooting yourself in the foot. Do you really want to see McCain as president, and have 4 or 8 more years of the Bush adminitrsation policies. Elections are way too close to wasta your vote. Let's have the Democratic party unite behind OUR candidate and have a chance of getting the changes made that we need so badly.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

elizabethpaige — Sat, 17 May 2008 20:32:52 GMT

Are the women who say they'll vote for McCain because Obama said "Sweetie" to a woman reporter okay with McCain calling Mrs. McCain an extremely vulgar name? Yikes.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

opdu — Sat, 17 May 2008 20:45:37 GMT

i'll say it again

all of you grow up!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

ReasonsVoice — Sat, 17 May 2008 20:45:44 GMT

OK, old white women call other girls sweetie and no one has a problem with it.

Some of yall bastards need to *** off.

Seriously you know yall are just fishing for something to say agianst Obama, most of which is crap and no one with half a rats brain cares about

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

mspidge — Sat, 17 May 2008 21:05:19 GMT

airforcemom----------you need to get your head out of the sand, muslims are for real and obama wants to play games with them, its not scare tactics lady they are playing for keeps!!! they are here and they want to control the world, and you don't know what obama is, I didn't say HE was a muslim,but he wants to play footsie with them. Remember hitler? and he doesn't hold a candle to muslims, they had killed some 270 million people and that's a hell of far cry from the 6 million jews hitler killed, and history repeats itself lady, we sat back and couldn't believe what hitler was doing and YOU, your kind is doing it again!!! their here and for real, that's where my priorities lie. obama DOES NOT CUT IT.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

rgsundin — Sat, 17 May 2008 21:08:28 GMT

As a 55 yr. old woman whose experienced just about every sexist, bigoted, misogynistic remark or casual aside while at work and/or school, I have yet to see anything on the news that I WOULD CONSIDER overtly sexist, harrassing or denegrating. The fact that Clinton perceived she was being unduly targeted with "first" questions during debates does not equal discrimination. I'm betting she would have felt just as targeted if the debate commentators had NOT asked her questions first and seemed to be ignoring or passing her over. If Clinton's supporters think she is being discriminated against by Sen. Obama's campaign, it certainly has not visible on camera so far. If she thinks Obama is treating her poorly, she would REALLY love competing head to head with McCain.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

rgsundin — Sat, 17 May 2008 21:33:02 GMT

Dear Airforcemom, you have a serious problem with bigotry. Being Muslim does not mean one is a criminal or a terrorist or that they hate Americans or non-Muslims. Terrorists such as binLaden expouse hatrred of "infidels" and Americans, etc. They are not a majority, nor do they represent the majority of the Muslim world, or even the majority of the Middle-East world. If you bothered to do any reading, you might discover that we Americans have been party to and done PLENTY of dirt in the Middle East (as well as Cuba. Central America, Africa, etc.) Whenever it suits our wants or needs, we have clandestinely used the CIA to overthrow governments BY ARMING AND FUNDING TERRORISTS WHO WORKED ON OUR BEHALF, attempted murder of a sitting President, were supportive of and party to the overthrow and murder of the DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED president of Chili (who happened to NOT side with the US politically), supported (Financially and morally) and armed despots, tyrants and dictators throughout the world IN ORDER TO retain access to their natural resources or trade markets (in Indonesia, Chili, Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan.) So far our slate is far heavier than the attacks we've suffered at the hands of binLaden.

Bottom line: Barack Obama is a CHRISTIAN born in the US who attended a Muslim parochial school while in KINDERGARTEN and EARLY elementary school in Indonesia, while LIVING WITH HIS MOTHER and STEP FATHER who never adopted him. At the age of 6 who had control over the decision as to where he would go to school? Was it HIS fault his mother and/or stepfather made that choice for him? DID YOUR KIDS pick which kindergarten and elementary school they wanted to go to, without your approval?? As an aside, there are very few schools available for "common" children that were NOT Islamic -funded schools in Indonesia, which has a MAJORITY Islamic population (and is one of our biggest trading and employment partners, by the way.) The corrupt, despot government WE put in place spent very little on the needs of common people, much less on schools for children. Whatever else it's strengths or weaknesses may be, in many Islamic countries, the ONLY schools available are paid for by the Muslim "church." That's half the reason the Terrorist factions are angry with the US -- because we propped up the dictators who have exploited the natural resource wealth in their countries, while they committed horrendous violations of human rights and torture, etc. -- all in the name of getting access to their OIL!! And by they way ... BUSH and CHENEY, et al, ILLEGALLY INVADED IRAQ in order to unseat Saddam Hussain, who DID NOT have ANY MORE of the WMD's WE SOLD THEM, having gotten rid of them after the 1991 Iraq/Kuwait/US war and subsequent bombings and weapons inspections by the UN and the US, after using them on the Iraqi Kurds. Yep, we gave Saddam the poison he used on his own people ... but he was no longer dancing to our tune, and we wanted to get access to his oil to insure our ongoing supply DESPITE the fact that the OPEC cartel was no longer our dance partner either! SO, Airforcemom, if you are going to make racist, hateful statements, at least do a little reading and research before spewing your bile around.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

opdu — Sat, 17 May 2008 21:48:23 GMT

in defense of airforcemom, she was repeating and denouncing words written by mspidge (May 17, 12:33pm).

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Sunsetme — Sat, 17 May 2008 22:03:42 GMT

Obama having used the word "sweetie" is something he will have to avoid in the future although I do not feel there was any sexism involved. As a 67 year old white woman, I find that term is often used, especially by older men, and I wonder whether it might have been a term used by his grandfather, who helped raise him. I'm sure it's a habit he will work on changing. but to make too much of it, is senseless. There are too many important issues to worry about. As far as Clinton being the target of sexism, I don't buy it. She is a hard working woman but can definitely be polarizing. Obama comes across as a uniter when we so desparately need one, not only here but across the World. Sunsetme

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Sunsetme — Sat, 17 May 2008 22:03:52 GMT

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Sunsetme — Sat, 17 May 2008 22:03:52 GMT

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

rgsundin — Sat, 17 May 2008 22:34:36 GMT

Sorry I missed that. I thought she (mspidge?) was signing on as airforcemom. My apologies, sincerely.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

rgsundin — Sat, 17 May 2008 22:34:37 GMT

Sorry I missed that. I thought she (mspidge?) was signing on as airforcemom. My apologies, sincerely.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

veracetti — Sat, 17 May 2008 22:59:17 GMT

I would have thought, given his age and the era iin which he came of age, that he would have been forced to have broken this habit at least 20 years ago. But he's made other "slips" of the tongue that are even more offensive. Bottom line--I want a more diplomatic person representing me in world affairs and among other world leaders and cultures.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

veracetti — Sat, 17 May 2008 22:59:22 GMT

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

veracetti — Sat, 17 May 2008 22:59:22 GMT

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

veracetti — Sat, 17 May 2008 22:59:28 GMT

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

SimplyStar — Sat, 17 May 2008 23:12:00 GMT

No one calls me "sweetie" except my hubby. To me he was being condensending to a "lesser" "person than himself. This man thinks he walks on water, His male ego shows up all the time, He better learn who holds the pocket books of the nation.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

mspidge — Sat, 17 May 2008 23:23:07 GMT

sounds like you don't like America opdu, I don't believe I said anything about what we may or may not have done, and again I will repeat there is no such thing as a moderate muslim, when push comes to shove they will follow the koran TO LETTER!! didn't take a majority to bring down 2 buildings did it?? and hit the pentagon. Why do you think they like to teach children, they teach 4 year old children to hate jews and teach them to strap on bombs, you better do some reading yourself. JESUS LADY I KNOW OBAMA SAYS HE IS A CHRISTIAN AND I KNOW WHERE HE WAS BORN. I don't know enough about obama, I don't know what he is and the little that's out there right now,I DON'T LIKE and its NOT because he's black, Its ok lady if like him, but still believe its my right not to and be able to say so and I'm very very wary of muslims and still have a right to say so, and if you don't think this muslim movement is not real, YOU better do some more reading and I don't care if you think I'm a bigot you also can have your opinion and isn't it great that we still can!! If you want more history, look what happened to the native americans, look what we did to them, it wasn't pretty, I still want my freedom to chose, obama is way too shallow, he has no depth, he has no judgement, he has no character, so lady if that makes me a bigot so be it. So you go right ahead and spew your hatred for America, I still happen to love her, the good, the bad and the ugly, and still the best place in the world to live and I want to keep it that way!!! Hillary would be better than obama, at least we KNOW what she is and its looks like that's not going to happen, so I'll hold my nose and pull the lever for McCain, and lady I'm as good as any and better than most. Sooooooo stick that in your pipe and smoke it!!!!!!!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

mspidge — Sat, 17 May 2008 23:33:56 GMT

Well I beg your pardon opdu, this was meant for rgsundin

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

opdu — Sat, 17 May 2008 23:52:37 GMT

my friend, mspidge.

timothy mcvey is a christian terrorist. i do not believe he, as a christian, is in line with my religious views as a christian. he had beliefs that were even off the fringe of my religion. the kkk used the bible as a basis for their beliefs against jews and blacks. there are many other examples from all religions if you need me to go on. based on your logic, all christians are violent and full of hate because of what a few individuals did and believed. and it didn't take a majority in those cases either,

and believe me i read. in fact you can't be nearly finished with you phd and not read so your comments are, once again, without merit.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

lucy8033 — Sat, 17 May 2008 23:53:18 GMT

He can call me "sweetie" anytime. :)

If Mrs. Clinton (I notice she doesn't refer to herself as Rodham-Clinton anymore...) is depending on women to vote for her she will be sorely disappointed. I'm approaching middle age, white, and a woman (not that any of that matters) and I will vote for McCain before I would vote for Clinton. In fact, I'd vote for a Constitutional amendment to keep Bush for a third term before I'd vote for Clinton. And where I live, I'm far from alone in that point of view.

Clinton's blind and arrogant insistence in staying in the race when she is doing nothing at this point but helping McCain and diluting the party's message. I totally agree with democrattotheend. She is an insult to feminists, and women, everywhere. she yells and whines about the issue of race, but gender is fair game? She is a ridiculous bag of wind and she is destroying her husband's reputation in the process. She should be ashamed of her childish behavior and fake tears in New Hampshire. I know I am ashamed of her, and the fact that she purports to represent my gender & demographic. And that makes me sad, becasue back when she first ran for Senate I remember thinking that I would love nothing more than the chance to vote for her as President, but her negative campaign turned me away as it has so many others.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

loriw — Sun, 18 May 2008 00:39:45 GMT

Oh come on, Hillary doesn't have any more or less experience than Obama. Just because she was First Lady doesn't make her more experienced in my book. Both are Senators. Obama actually lived and cared about the state he ran and won in.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

loriw — Sun, 18 May 2008 00:39:53 GMT

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

loriw — Sun, 18 May 2008 00:56:58 GMT

I agree with Lucy8033 in that I too am a white woman and am middle-aged but I would vote for anyone except Hillary. I differ in that Hillary isn't destroying Bill's reputation-he did that all on his own while in the White House with his "I did not have sex with this woman" drama. And that is exactly why I wouldn't vote for Hillary. First, they both suffer from Truth Deficit Disorder....remember Hillary's "sniper fire"? Secondly, Bill was a national embarrassment as a President with his adultery. He spent more time on his intern affairs than he did on foreign affairs. And that my friends is why Bush inherited such a mess in the Middle East. While this nation was watching the Monica and Bill soap opera the terrorists were learning how to fly jet planes on simulators and recruiting their "crews" for 9-11. Senator Obama, please keep the Clintons out of the White House and pick anyone other than Hillary as your running mate. Hillary comes with too much baggage-Bill. He wouldn't be any better behaved as First or Second Husband/Man as he was when he was President. If I wanted to watch soap operas I would on afternoon TV, I don't want to see them on national news. Or worse yet have other people from other countries watch our soap opera.... Hillary and Bill and his interns.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Stormy0926 — Sun, 18 May 2008 01:18:25 GMT

About 2 weeks before the Ohio primary, I saw an African -American comeddienne on Jay Leno. She said, " The only way Hilary will win Texas is to go down there shake her *** & ass." Jay, the audience laughed long and hard and I made up my mind that I will vote for Hillary to the end = I'll write her in in November. If someone had said Obame needs to show his bid dick yo get women's votes, they would have been barred from TV and it would have been all over the news. When will today's young open minded, highly educated young women realize they are nothing more than "*** & ass" to millions of Americans. Go Hillary - announce your independent candidancy at the Democratic convention.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

nirak — Sun, 18 May 2008 01:45:09 GMT

For gods sake, don't get your shorts all tied in a bunch over Obama calling a female sweety.

I am female and I do it at times and nothing is meant by it.

Obama could call me sweety anytime, but I guess this reporter needed her 5 minute of fame.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Thinker from down under — Sun, 18 May 2008 01:57:34 GMT

The word sweetie itself isn't offensive but the context is, would he called a male sweetie? I don't think so. Behind the smiles and the clever talk this man's meta language has caught him out.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Obama's a SHAM — Sun, 18 May 2008 02:21:48 GMT

He was obviously irritated that the reporters kept pressing him on this question. He may have had a smile on his face when he made the sweetie comment, but he was truly irritated that he might have to answer question he wasn't prepared to answer. Calling a complete stranger sweetie in front of God and everybody was meant to demean and embarrass. Has he ever addressed a man in a similar manner? He is a hoax, a total facade whose deeply embedded beliefs are leeching out day by day. The good ole boys club with him thought it was quite amusing that he would actually say such a thing. I bet they were/are in awe thinking, man this guy is a god, how does he get away with this kind of sh*t? He sure thinks he can charm the ladies, but he will soon find out that his BS doesn't work on every lady come November.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

nirak — Sun, 18 May 2008 02:29:33 GMT

Obama's a Sham

God was there too? Wow, I must have missed him

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Obama's a SHAM — Sun, 18 May 2008 02:32:46 GMT

And for those wondering why this is such a big deal, the word sweetie in and of itself is not the big deal, it's the motive, attitude, implication, and context in which he used it.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

nirak — Sun, 18 May 2008 02:35:11 GMT

I would bet Obama's a Sham is single!!!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

stevelley — Sun, 18 May 2008 02:40:14 GMT

I am a guy and have worked for women bosses many times in my life. Guys have been US presidents many times. Some of them were simply not up to the job, such as Bush and Carter. It is time we have a woman president. Women have a different perspective of many things. They may turn out to be better presidents. The US is just so backward, as compared to the rest of the world. No wonder we are sinking further and further, and our kids cannot even compete academically with their third world country counterparts.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Obama's a SHAM — Sun, 18 May 2008 02:44:31 GMT

Actually, no I'm not single nirak, rather happily married to the same wonderful man with 3 kids. Your stupidity and sexism is really showing itself tonight isn't it? Why would you assume I'm single? Because no man would want a woman who speaks her mind? Besides, is this blog about me or about the topic at hand? Seems like someone is a little testy looking to pick a fight. What's the matter, is YOUR woman not around for you to beat on tonight?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

mspidge — Sun, 18 May 2008 03:07:19 GMT

well opdu, tim is dead and I don't believe were having too much trouble with the KKK, muslims want to KILL YOU dummy. and I hope you read better than you type.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

peggyled — Sun, 18 May 2008 03:27:24 GMT

As a woman I can't believe what I'm reading about Cynthia Ruccia and Jamie Dixey. That they would actually work against the Democratic nominee because of misguided revenge because their candidate did not get the nomination. Take a good look at the men around John McCain. Are they not aware that the Republicans are dead set against abortion rights for women as well as civil rights in general? And Supreme Court Justices will probably be appointed by the next president. Besides Condi Rice, what women are in the Republican political arena? Republican wives seem to know their place. Is this what you want to support? Ruccia's and Dixey's mean spirited campaign not only is absurd, but will not get females any future points with Democrats, and could work against women in the future. To me, most women are usually great defenders for the rights of others. And no other party in history has ever had an African American or a woman as viable Presidential candidates. In all my 65 years I have never been as proud of the American people as this presidential year. We all should be celebrating and thanking our lucky stars that the American people have enthusiastically supported these two candidates.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

dbbtjmmc — Sun, 18 May 2008 03:28:45 GMT

Obama can be demeaning and dismissive as people are finding out. This guy is a Media creation depicted as a saint in policital cartoons in a man's world where it's OK for Hillary to be depicted as a witch or a hooker. I wonder where have all the feminists been. I think every woman should be voting for Hillary. Nothing else makes sense.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

dbbtjmmc — Sun, 18 May 2008 03:28:53 GMT

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

natwah — Sun, 18 May 2008 03:44:07 GMT

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

mofoyuto1 — Sun, 18 May 2008 03:50:19 GMT

It's rude the way these reporters yell out questions as celebritys and politicians are walking by to their destination.Bush just ignores them until he gets in front of a microphone and can then say something stupid in his normal way of speaking ,Obama at least acknowledge her even if she was a rude little pest which is better then what Bush does. I wonder where she learned her manners from; I'm guessing ,"Special Ed Classes".

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Obama's a SHAM — Sun, 18 May 2008 04:05:30 GMT

It comes with the territory, mofoyuto1. It's the price you pay for fame. If he can't take a reporter asking him a legitimate question, then how's he going to be able to run this country? He would have been better off ignoring her than demeaning her with his condescending response.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

tla0675 — Sun, 18 May 2008 04:35:52 GMT

As a middle-aged, educated woman, the cries of "sexism" by my peers are embarrassing. We have all encountered true sexism at some point in our lives; this is not it. The post by dbbtjmmc (below) IS sexist. She states "I think every woman should be voting for Hillary". I would love to see a woman attain the office of President, however, I would much prefer the most capable person for the job. Gender should not play a factor. Neither should race, but that's off topic.

I've called my parents, grown children & their spouses, co-workers and friends (both women and men) sweetie, dear, honey, etc. To suggest it's only a sexist term is ludicrous. As far as Obama's motive and the context in which the word was used, c'mon. That's grasping.

People, please. Our great nation is in desperate need of an exceptional leader. A Clinton administration would certainly be an enormous improvement over what America and the world have been through, but she is not going to be the Democratic nominee. We must stop this divisive nonsense and start acting like the adults we are.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

mofoyuto1 — Sun, 18 May 2008 04:45:57 GMT

All these female Hillary dissapointees who are offended by Obamas use of the word," sweetie" and are talking about voting for McCain should read about the vulgar way McCain treated his first wife after her car wreck; You can see the truth about this man at http://www.usvetdsp.com/mcaindiv.html

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

opdu — Sun, 18 May 2008 04:46:25 GMT

mspidge

if you could READ you would understand my point that plenty of christians want to kill you and me, too. do you really believe that my religion, christianity, does not produce anyone evil? catholic priests? ceo of enron? george bush? or most of the murderers in this country? you can't define anything by a small percentage of its membership.

tim mcvey might be dead but do you really believe he was the last bad christian? i'll say once again that people like mspidge are the reason our country is in its current state. you are just not smart enough to carry the responsibility that should be necessary to vote.

i would say you are a waste of time but its the people like you that need the most education.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

mofoyuto1 — Sun, 18 May 2008 05:08:48 GMT

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

lordmi — Sun, 18 May 2008 05:24:13 GMT

I do not mind to be called "sweetie" and sure will vote for this Great person.

And this is stupid noise about that word and usage.

Lady, sorry, woman just wanted to attract attention to herself.

Cheap trick.

No respect.

There are more important things. If not for her - go to do other job.

I will really appreciate that and will never read any word she will publish.

Bad woman.

Not a Lady AT ALL.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

lagbaja — Sun, 18 May 2008 11:33:30 GMT

Wow, how are the mighty falling, . . . . . .. . . .! ! !. i write to you from the United Kingdom, do you think America's problems and choice should be based on words such as 'sweetie' and whatnots, well the world awaits your decisions and choice, we are waiting and watching, meanwhile i have a word for the so called 'free press' i don't intend to curb your freedom, but remember, you are free not to be free'. report meaningful news, not gibberish and garbage, please, and lastly a word for the supporters of both camps, Hillary and Obama, get realistic and stop the henfights and let America move on.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

georgiacap25 — Sun, 18 May 2008 12:03:00 GMT

The media and the DNC have done their best to force the chauvinist down our throats. Stand up and be counted. The strongest Democratic coalition is not Blacks, whites, hispanics, or uneducated working class. It's women! We can take back our party! Write in Hillary's name if she is not the nominee!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

audile degree — Sun, 18 May 2008 12:29:25 GMT

I'm retired now, but that was from a profession that spent a lot of time understanding people and their attitudes. A reporter, who was a woman, sent from my newsroom to interview a community college president, came back with a story that accurately quoted the college leader in his comments, Almost every other sentence out of his mouth began with: "Well, sweetie."

Women are finding this time -- and will continue to find -- that it is better to get a man, even a poorly qualified man, into leadership that, God forbid, a woman. Yes, women have used the word, but most commonly toward older people or little children. About the same categories too many men place women.

Do something about it, sweeties, or you'll hear it for a long, long time.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Overlooking — Sun, 18 May 2008 12:47:50 GMT

Sen. Obama apologized. As usual this is not enough for many or to take it out of the news..

In contrast, the media and much of the public are willing to accept McCain's sought after endorsee's, Hagee's, comments for his far more offensive language of calling Catholicism "a gutter religion". In fact the media hardly mentioned Hagee's comments or McCain's hypocrisy in seeking him out at all before the apology.

Likewise,the press and much of the public seem willing to brush off and accept Huckabee's apology for his most dangerous "joke" alluding to someone shooting at Sen Obama. Moreover, if Huckabee remains on McCain's short list for VP we will see even further what a hypocrite McCain is, and we will watch closely to see how the press deals with such a step

On the other hand, Sen. Obama continues to be blasted by the media (it is brought up and rediscussed continually) for his mis-stated "bitter" comment which he has apologized for and tried to explain a thousand times. Yet the media and many in the public continue to seem unwilling to accept his explanation or to let the statement go. Also, Sen Obama is continuously blasted for his relationships with others (those he has denounced and those which were not even relationships at all). The media seems more than willing in the case of Sen Obama to continue to perpetuate the idea of guilt by association (again by continually discussing them), but not so with McCain.

Why are the media and many people so willing to perpetuate this double standard and to see nothing wrong with doing so? If the media and many in the public are willing to forgive and forget the so called miss speaks of the likes of Hagee and Huckabee and the obvious implications to McCain since he has chosen to align himself with such people, why are they not willing to do the same for Obama? ? ? ?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Overlooking — Sun, 18 May 2008 12:54:48 GMT

To georgiacap25 :

Good idea if you can afford four more years of Bush policies under McClone.

That should really be good for women and their daughters and sons. (Remember the selection of judges to the Supreme Court and remember the draft) when you use that pencil (or vote Republican directly) instead of pulling the lever for Sen Obama.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

sweetie — Sun, 18 May 2008 13:42:46 GMT

You're right Senator Obama. Sexism is a character flaw that's difficult to overcome. Didn't you learn any lessons after the backlash following your introduction of Senator Barbara Boxer as a "cutie and a charmer"?

Sorry Mr. Obama, but I do not vote for candidates who dismiss their own deeply seated predjudices as "bad habits". You may feel entitled to disrespect and marginalize women as "sweeties, cuties, and charmers", but those lines stopped working on me when I was about 14. You are neither entitled to my support nor to my vote. That's why this life-long democrat will be voting for McCain in the fall.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

daydoobie — Sun, 18 May 2008 14:09:04 GMT

An Obama Girl, you are a typical racist person who really needs to 'get with the program'. Typical white women want what's best for this country. I think, since you're not one, that you wouldn't know what a 'typical white woman' wants, nor does Obama

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Honeybee53 — Sun, 18 May 2008 14:09:05 GMT

Overlooking, Obama wants to increase the military by a hundred thousand. The people who keep raising the issue of a draft in Congress are Democrats. Charlie Rangel, D-NY, has repeatedly raised the issue.

As for the Supreme Court, I'll be very sorry if McCain gets to choose a justice but I'm not voting on just one issue these days. While I loathe Bush's foreign policy, I think that Obama's is just as simplistic. He's inexperienced and he makes the US look weak.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

NotFooledByObama — Sun, 18 May 2008 15:05:28 GMT

Sen. Obama has several bad habits to overcome! Equating his addressing of Peggy agar as 'sweetie' to what a DINER PATRON might hear in that setting is like comapring apples and oranges! Sthis is a Senator, Harvard educated and YOUNG to boot! Does he not know that you do not address a colleague or somebody in that situation as 'sweetie'. After all, campaigning is part of his political profession.

I agree that each of his slip ups are minor...we can even be accused of looking at the trees instead of the forest. If you do look at the forest, all his minor slip ups protray him as a green senator, who has been pumped up by the media to make him believe tht he can walk on water! And, do we need such slip ups when he is sitting down to talk to leaders of nations, with whom we have issues? He talks big about change and what not, but it is clear that he is yet to learn diplomacy!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

nomoregop — Sun, 18 May 2008 16:14:15 GMT

I think we can all agree that Obama used a poor choice of words when responding to the reporter, but can we please get over it! I am a woman and a mother of two daughters and I plan to vote for whoever the democratic nominee is. I think people like Cynthia Ruccia and Jamie Dixey do more harm to womens issues than they do good. Actively campaigning against Obama because Clinton is not the nominee? It is this kind of petty, vindictive, immaturity that makes people think a woman can't be president. I am a strong, smart, independant woman...Cynthia and Jamie you DO NOT speak for me.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

nomoregop — Sun, 18 May 2008 16:44:44 GMT

Cynthia and Jamie you should be ashamed of yourselves. Wasting your vote and trying to convince other women to do the same is appalling. You may claim to be doing this in the name of women's rights, but I think you are just angry fame seekers. The suffragists that fought, and were jailed, and died to give you that right would be ashamed of you. We are lucky to have had truly great women like Alice Paul and Lucy Burns fighting for women and their right to vote. You are nothing more than a mockery . Women like you give the rest of us a bad name.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

shaynag — Sun, 18 May 2008 17:29:19 GMT

I find it a bit sad that people do not understand the meaning of Obama's slight in calling a female reporter "sweetie." He was raised initially by a single mother, who had no religious leaning and he was influenced by different cultures during his formative years. Indonesia, being a primarily Muslim nation, must have had some bearing on his thoughts. Most women are subservient in Muslim cultures. Why should he think otherwise.

He himself admitted that he went to the United Church of Christ in Chicago because he needed some spiritual guidance. He credited Rev. Wright with bringing him to Christ.

Correct me if I'm wrong, and I'm sure someone will, but I have found that most clergymen are patronizing towards women. If this is true of Rev. Wright, then how can anyone think that Obama would understand the meaning of "sweetie" and how disrespectful it was. The snide comment he made to Hillary, under his breath, during a debate after she answered a rather condescending question about why she was not liked as much as him, was chauvinistic.. And finally the "Annie Oakley" remark was ridiculous. He seems to enjoy making jokes at other people's expense, but he becomes offended if someone says anything negative about him.

I really don't know how I am going to vote in November. I had, at one time, liked John McCain, but his speech about how he would choose judges gave me pause to reevaluate my choices. I have been a lifelong Democrat, although I do not always vote the straight ticket.

The reason why I don't favor Obama is because of his lack of experience in both domestic and foreign affairs. On the domestic side, I would really like to know which 15 million Americans will not get healthcare under his program. I know that universal healthcare is a difficult program to tackle, just look at Hillary when she tried to introduce it in the early '90s. But it should the Democratic Party's goal and if he wants to be its nominee, it should be his goal. And where is all the money going to come from for all his new spending programs? If our country isn't bankrupt yet, it will be if he is our President.

And, on the foreign affairs side, even thinking and saying out loud about invading the northern frontier of Pakistan to hunt down Osama Bin Laden and his followers, is not something that should be considered by a person who espouses the importance of talking to the leaders of other countries who do not always or ever agree with us. It's not a way for the leader of the United States to speak to an ally. This is not demonstrating the art of diplomacy.

The only way the American people know very much about Barack Obama is what they have read in books, his books. This was finally brought up in an article in today's New York Times. Isn't it interesting that the media had elevated him to such heights without ever knowing what his positions on any policies were. He certainly doesn't say anything substantive in his speeches the way Hillary does. He seems to follow her lead on most issues. Whenever she was asked a question during the debates, and usually it was the first question, he quickly agreed with her and then filled in additional information. He seemed to need her to answer the questions first. If her solutions to our nation’s problems are the right ones, why is he the candidate of choice.

One final point, if the Democratic Party primaries were closed and only Democrats could vote, Hillary would be ahead and everyone would be wondering why Obama hadn't dropped out of the race for the nomination. Don't Democrats have the right to choose their own candidate? The Republicans chose John McCain in their primaries by only having registered Republicans voting. Why did we allow everyone to vote in our primaries? If the Independents wanted to vote, they should have chosen their own candidates and held their own primaries. Allowing both Republicans and Independents to vote in the Democratic Party primaries, made the primaries a sham. Who is really going to be represented at the Democratic National Convention in Denver? It certainly isn't the Democrats!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Donna1000 — Sun, 18 May 2008 18:10:01 GMT

Cynthia and Jamie,

Bravo! The Democrratic Party and the MSM have offered women tremendous disrespect during this primary season. I can choose to be a Democrat, a Republican, a member of several other smaller parties, or completely unaffiliated. I choose the last option. Neither the Democrats or Republicans are selling a brand that I want to buy this season.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Donna1000 — Sun, 18 May 2008 18:16:01 GMT

Then again, what do you expect from a man who expects his Princeton and Harvard educated wife to pick up his socks for him?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Star123 — Sun, 18 May 2008 19:54:22 GMT

The part that bugs me is his campaign acting like they are evolved and somehow different from thte male-dominated ccounterculture, through Nixon, even the male Clinton, and so on. Women are a necessary evil--phone answerers. Yes, I know he has a female adviser--I read it in the WSJ. She sounded a little Karen Hughes-y. The way I hear it, his "strong" mother didn't raise him. Well, lots of us strong women did raise our kids. But I don't want to watch another president use an army for his psychotherapy. We need someone who can govern! Undo the Bush mess! All this airy-fairy genius, leader, visionary, second coming stuff...well, don't get me started. Speaking of the second coming, though, his ads now have crosses and say things about doing the Lord's work. His bud, the betrayer Edwards, also starts his speeches, "Brothers and sisters" now. Ugh.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

pearsoncrz — Sun, 18 May 2008 20:21:52 GMT

Star123, look at how many male children of single mothers treat women. It is a pattern and a psychological issue when the father is not present at the time a boy is differentiating himself from his mother and looking to develop a gendered identity.

Obama is sexist. And for Democrattotheend to suggest that Senator Clinton has benefited from her gender in the same way that Obama has benefited from raising the issue of race in his campaign or that the disparate application of the rules is anything other than one of several actions by the DNC targeting Senator Clinton to undermine her in the primaries, is self deceiving.

Note that Democrattotheend does not identify he/her gender, and only identifies him/herself as a feminist. It is also telling that Democrattotheend suggests that Senator Clinton does not have the majority of the popular vote after WVa.

As for the primary being a resume contest, it is more than that, and IMO, time in the Senate is not the best indicator of ability. No candidate has offered more clearly defined solutions than Senator Clinton. Obama brazenly borrowed most of her platform because he knew he would not be able to come up with anything better, and the one glaring exception, his healthcare plan, is fundamentally flawed. A voluntary system would not address the issue of uninsured showing up for treatment at emergency rooms, and his claim that his plan would not have a preexisting conditions exclusion for some period of time is economically unfeasible. If that were the case, no one would buy insurance until they were sick.

Maybe all the disenfranchised Clinton voters can form a third party, one that actually speaks to middle America's concerns instead of one extreme or the other. Other countries manage with multiple parties, why should we limit ourselves to just two?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

pearsoncrz — Sun, 18 May 2008 20:28:16 GMT

Imagine if someone had called Obama "boy" - about the same, isn't it?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

pearsoncrz — Sun, 18 May 2008 20:35:05 GMT

Nomoregop, it isn't a waste to vote for McCain. Obama is not qualified to be POTUS. He wouldn't even be able to qualify for top secret status with his admitted history of years of cocaine use. And McCain won't be able to do anything the democrats don't approve of because he can't do anything without a statute and funding. If McCain is elected, maybe we can get a decent candidate in four years. That would give all the disenfranchised voters time to form a new party.

If Obama is elected we will have someone trying to lead the country who has no idea what to do and who owes too many people to much, He's taken millions from special interests through hundreds of CEO and lobbyist-on-leave superbundlers. He is a product of pay to play Chicago politics. His pastor of twenty years was telling the truth, Obama isn't a messiah, he is a politician who will do what politicians do and say what politicians say to get elected and stay in power.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

pearsoncrz — Sun, 18 May 2008 20:35:56 GMT

Imagine the uproar if McCain called a black reporter "boy"!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

wildbill69 — Sun, 18 May 2008 22:03:42 GMT

Here you go again. Trying to make "sweetie" a forbidden word.

Any woman who would take offense at it please let me know, i'll be glad to tell you how i really feel about you if that offends you. I'll take about a New York second.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

wildbill69 — Sun, 18 May 2008 22:03:50 GMT

Here you go again. Trying to make "sweetie" a forbidden word.

Any woman who would take offense at it please let me know, i'll be glad to tell you how i really feel about you if that offends you. I'll take about a New York second.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

wildbill69 — Sun, 18 May 2008 22:03:50 GMT

Here you go again. Trying to make "sweetie" a forbidden word.

Any woman who would take offense at it please let me know, i'll be glad to tell you how i really feel about you if that offends you. I'll take about a New York second.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

pearsoncrz — Sun, 18 May 2008 22:38:48 GMT

wildbill69, would you be offended if a candidate had called a black reporter "boy"?

"Sweetie" is not appropriate in a professional exchange. It's the kind of comment used to prove gender bias and a hostile environment in sex discrimination cases.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

pearsoncrz — Sun, 18 May 2008 22:41:40 GMT

look at the way a lot of male children of single mothers treat women. It is a pattern and a psychological issue when the father is not present at the time a boy is differentiating himself from his mother and looking to develop a gendered identity.

Obama is sexist. And for Obama supporters to suggest that Senator Clinton has benefited from her gender in the same way that Obama has benefited from raising the issue of race in his campaign, or that the disparate application of the DNC rules to disenfranchise the voters of FL and MI is anything other than one of several actions by the DNC targeting Senator Clinton to undermine her and give Obama an unfair advantage in the primaries, is self deceiving.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

dtkynar — Mon, 19 May 2008 00:05:58 GMT

Please lets not continue to make Big deals about small things that aren't anything near the issues of economics, health care, or the Iraq war. Everyday, Obama is accused of something, you're attacking his words, criticizing his beliefs, making fun of his appearance and none of these things relate to winning the presidency. Either candidate would be a win win for the democrats. A first woman president or a first black man president. Personally I think we need to come together and get behind the winner and beat the republicans. John McCain is a replica of George Bush and all the baggage he will leave behind. Find something different and help boost the democrats. We deserve a better 4 year term.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

josereil — Mon, 19 May 2008 00:09:18 GMT

lol i got called sweetie buy this lady at work today should i take offense to it... and comparing the work boy to sweetie is dumb.. nice try with the racial undertone.... what a joke i come to this board everyday and all i see is hateful racist remarks...its a shame i served my country for scum like some of you

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

lahill1 — Mon, 19 May 2008 00:32:33 GMT

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING!

Don't like Obama's politics, won't vote for him, but I think that anyone who made an issue about the sweetie comment has too much time on their hands.

I lived in England a few years and was called "love" more times than I can count. It was a cultural delight.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

mkgubbon — Mon, 19 May 2008 01:35:32 GMT

The question that should be asked is: "Does the American public want the media to elect their next President?" The world is shocked and amazed at how the media in the United States has treated a Presendential candidate for The United States of America. The democratic process of electing a President has been thrown to the wind and equal coverage has not been given to Hillary Clinton. The media has already elected THEIR canidate and vowing to the American public true and just coverage reporting, which should be unbiased has left a bad taste in the mouths of the American public. The media did not give accurate or just coverage of West Virginia. They did not ask why Obama did not even try in WV and why he is in Iowa and totally neglecting Oregon and Kentucky. Obviously those states do not matter. How may Americans do not matter to Obama? A revolution is in the forecast, if Americans cannot get fair and just coverage of a candidate without being "influenced" by the media, then as in history past, do Americans need to go "underground"? This is a perfect time to protest and as in history past, get the truth out with "underground" newspapers. Just like the civil war, the slaves, John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King the truth will set us free! Just when is it just and fair to watch a 20 minute speech given by an endorsee and cutting off Hillary Clintons' over 2-1 win WV? To have a discussion on the issues facing the candidates and only have Obama supporters represented has sunk the media to a new low. Ask any American, and they will tell you they are not tired of this race for the democratic party going on, they are tired of the media being biased and unjust in not only their portrayal of President candidate Hillary Clinton, but they are tired of not having a voice, a chance to vote, yes, all votes counted, and they are tired of hearing that this race is over when in reality it is definitely not over! Let America be heard, every vote counts, every state counts, and thank God Hillary has the guts and determination to go forth and make this nation once again the Democratic process, the Democratic freedom that so many have fought for. All the way to the convention floor-we will be heard, we will vote, we will have a say on who are next President is, we are Americans!

M.Gubbons speaks out for America!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Grryl — Mon, 19 May 2008 02:07:00 GMT

Mr. Romano ..."paternalistic condescension; maybe sexism". PATERNALISTIC CONDESCENSION IS SEXISM. Barack Obama shuffles away from the sexism of the remark by his "I sometimes use that term with lots of people". Lots of WOMEN would be the honest reply. This IS a big deal because it indicates his attitude IS one of paternalistic condescension towards women. Women don't need a figurative pat on the head; we need a leader that appreciates and respects the inherent intelligence and capabilities that women possess. That person happens to be Hillary Rodham Clinton, whether the condescending, paternalistic B actors at msnbc and elsewhere, that pose as media journalists like it or not.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

neverendingBS — Mon, 19 May 2008 03:38:09 GMT

I can't believe how stupid these women are - Obama is the choice of Democrats because they want change in Washington and its leaders, they want an election that will be about the issues and not about the Clintons, they want a leader who can actually work with all Americans, as opposed to a President (Hillary) that the Republicans will never work with, and they want a President that they can trust is a good and decent person. Why all this hate from women and/or feminists towards Obama - he didn't ruin Hillary's campaign, she did. These women appear to be so desperate for a female President that they will accuse fellow democrats of some kind of anti-female sexist conspiracy just because Hillary doesn't have the most delegates. Open your eyes to what you are saying - you would rather vote for a man (McCain) that has no clue about the economy, thinks the military is the first response for diplomacy, and acts like a petulant child if someone disagrees with him. Not to mention give the Republican party another 4 years even though that party thinks a women's primary role in society is that of a baby-maker and which has done everything possible to eliminate your right to freely choose what to do with your bodies (abortion, morning-after pill, stem cell research). If that isn't stupid then its pretty damn ignorant.

These women are doing exactly what men have said they would do if put in a position of power - letting their emotuions control their actions. Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying that Hillary does that, I'm saying that the women mentioned in this article are doing it. Way to go ladies - you sure are setting a great example for younger women and providing tremendous leadership for your cause. What's next - are you going to hold your breath until the Democrats make Hillary the nominee?

This country obviously needs to have a discussion about sexism, just like it needs to continue to have discussions about race. Obama has addressed the issue he faces head on - has Hillary? No she hasn't, and to make matters worse she has played the race card to suggest she is more electable. That is disgraceful and turns off any EDUCATED democrat in the country. It has also turned off many feminists and young women. Democrats don't like to vote for a politician that will do anything to win - that is one of the main things that seperates us from Republicans. The end does not always justify the means, even when it comes to winning this very important election.

If sexisim was such an important factor in this primary, why hasn't Hillary addressed this issue like Obama did on racism. Hillary talks so tough yet she has not addressed the issue that would be most difficult for her to discuss because she could possibly alienate people if she didn't do it right. Obama had the guts to deal with it and he didn't care about the repurcussions. Why don't these women give him any credit for that. Obama has talked about economic injustice, which we all know is the manner in which sexism is most often exhibited and is most damaging. Has McCain? Did McCain criticize the recent Supreme Coiurt ruling that rediculously limited a persons right to sue for wage discrimination.

I am not going to be insulted any more by these women who insist that Hillary is just a victim of sexism. I support Obama, but if Hillary was the nominee I would support her. For me, and many others, the thought of Bush/Clinton in the White House for 28 staight years is just to much to bear, as is the thought of watching Bill for the next 8 years. How can these stupid women like Bill the liar/philanderer more than Obama, who is obviously a family man who has and will continue to treat women with respect and dignity. I wish I knew.

Quite frankly, I'd vote for a damn potato head over any republican right now, and I hope these women come to their senses and support the Democratic nomine. If they don't then maybe they'll get what they wished for, and one more Supreme Court nomination from McCain will overturn Roe forever. How's that for cutting off your nose to spite your face!!

Not a misogynist

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

edpeepers — Mon, 19 May 2008 03:41:42 GMT

Um, has anyone asked Michelle? She doesn't exactly seem like the kind of woman who is under Barack's paternalistic/sexist thumb.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Rev-in — Mon, 19 May 2008 03:43:44 GMT

Anyone would have to be very naive to believe that Obama has more experience than Hillary Clinton...As much as we would like to believe that women are treated equal; I believe I have heard that the difference women make on the pay scale is what you would earn from January 1st to April 22nd, that means women earn about four months of your salary less than a man in the same position...so, we might conclude from that how a woman trying to earn her way into our typical male dominated President's position might not get too many breaks from the media or the Powers that be...after all a woman's place is in the house...sure it is, The White House...

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

trosdahl — Mon, 19 May 2008 03:45:05 GMT

I am a 60 year old woman who have had a succesful career. I find it redicilous that some woman would rather vote for MCCain if Hilory is not nominated.

It does not make any logical sense . He stands for similar policies that she stands for . Gender should not be an issue.

I could not imagine myself voting for the continuation of the war if Hilory was not elected???

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Bdwyre — Mon, 19 May 2008 04:32:54 GMT

Are you kidding me? Of all the problems and issues we have facing us in this country we are actually discussing the "sweetie" challenge?

No wonder we've had eight years of pure disaster. It's clear that the average American voter doesn't have enough sense to come in out of the rain. First they give us two terms of Bush (and how's that working for all you Bushbots?) and now they want to discuss trivial BS.

I can only deduct that I should never, ever underestimate the stupidity of the American voter.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

College Dad — Mon, 19 May 2008 05:23:12 GMT

For every Hillary supporter who will vote for McCain over Obama because of words like "sweetie", consider these two words: "equal pay".

The Supreme Court recently ruled that any woman who suspects she has not been paid fairly at her place of employment relative to her male co-workers now has much less time to report it and sue for back pay. This ruling will make it MUCH MORE DIFFICULT for women to recover the back wages they should be owed.

This ruling was outrageously sexist, and John McCain (being a Republican) probably supported it. If we elect him president, he will appoint future Supreme Court judges who agree with sexist rulings like this one.

Hillary is a great woman and would make a great president. But there can only be one nominee, and it looks now like it will be Obama.

Think about what a McCain presidency would mean to Woman's rights viz-a-viz, choice, equal pay,

etc., etc.

If Hillary is not the nominee, the best choice for Women's rights is Obama, no question.

As a man, I respect Hillary. I have donated to her campaign. But I know that the Democratic nominee will represent the cause of Women's rights much better than McCain ever will.

That's why we MUST unite and elect a Democrat as president this November.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

ConserveNow — Mon, 19 May 2008 05:34:52 GMT

NeverendingBS, thank goodness there are people like you with SENSE! Loved your comentary! Hope it will work its way through some of the thick-layered skulls that are out there.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

lololand — Mon, 19 May 2008 09:51:51 GMT

College Dad. Are you sure you went to college. How can you say "probably" and the in the next sentence use "will". Probably means you don't know, and "will" means you assume facts that are indeed not even facts. Leaving out the candidates totally, the problem with American politics right now is that nearly everyone (I should say I GUESS nearly everyone) has drawn a line in the sand - I'm a democrat and republicans are jerks, or I'm a republican and democrats are jerks WITHOUT listening to what anyone says! Your mind is made up (I ASSUME) and you could find out tomorrow that Obama is Satan's son but since he's a democrat then he's still a better choice than a republican. I have come to the conclusion that Bush has been a very poor president (To my dismay) but to ASSUME that McCain is a Bush toady makes it easy to ASSUME you do not know your facts and you are nothing more than a democrat toady. McCain has disagreed with Bush more than most democrats so do your HOMEWORK, Mr. CollegeDad.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

HolyRoller — Mon, 19 May 2008 10:43:03 GMT

I don't know what the problem is. JonJon Alter and Chrissy Matthews, LOVE it when the BarackStar calls them sweetie.

NOBAMA!!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

quazma — Mon, 19 May 2008 12:03:35 GMT

This is rediculous! I am a strong woman, sure of my worth as a human being. This doesn't bother me in the least! Why on earth is this such a big deal? We can't find anything else to rip on Obama for? "Sweetie" the next of the forbidden words. Give me a break.

The man is running for POTUS, for goodness sake. Perhaps we should look at policy, and where he stands on issues such as the Iraq war, social security, and upholding the constitution...

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

putoff — Mon, 19 May 2008 12:57:30 GMT

Women are being sore losers. So he called her "sweetie"? Big deal! I have had men and women do that to me. I tell them I don't like it. They apologize and we all move on. Why is it so critical for white folks to keep harping on this? In this time of crisis, can't you write about something that is more meaningful to improving the desperate situation we have in this Country and around the world?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

tryin2survive — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:39:25 GMT

For all the women that are willing to vote for McCain out of spite because Hillary didn't get the nomination, please send me your addresses. Evidently you are all benefiting from the policies of the current administration and are looking forward to another four years of the same policies. Myself being a single mother am struggling as a result of these policies. So if through your ignorant, spiteful agenda we end up the another Republican in the White House and I have to struggle to keep a roof over our heads, food on the table, and $4/gal gas in my car, I want to know who I can contact for assistance. Obviously these are not concerns or yours...but I'm glad to know being called "sweetie" is. Thank you for throwing the rest of us under the bus!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Trafford — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:46:17 GMT

This is the kind of ignorance that rules many myopic citizen...How the hell does anyone make a comment like sweetie into some national issue? Was he patronizing in any way? That, unfortunately, no one can tell by a simple comment like sweetie...and for someone to equate that word with a "boy" derogatory word is plain dumb...

Discuss issues for what they are and don't look for purely conceited reasons for not voting in Obama..if you don't like him because he is black, say so...just admit that you are racist. You will sleep better that way. Don't look for silly excuses like lack of experience as a reason for you anti-obama sentiments. The president is part of a team and so far, Obama has shown the experience of choosing the right team members...THAT, i would gladly vote for at any given time.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

AfAm LoveMyFreedom USA — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:18:35 GMT

I am not permitted to endorse anoyone, therefore I will not. I can discuss issues. I am a woman who does not mind being called "sweetie" by men. Now, if they call me "Mam", now that's another story, since "Mam" makes me feel old. The right man, with the right voice, nice suit, handsome...by all means....call me "sweetie". I find it, well....exciting!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

harleyma — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:27:24 GMT

I have long considered myself a feminist, but Obama can call me sweetie any time. I agree with his substantive words. The media must really be scraping the bottom of the barrel if they think this is news.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

bmiles21 — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:32:44 GMT

being raised in the South Sweetie is a common phase. So is Hon, Darling, or Dear. You can not remember every ones name. By not means would I take someone calling me Sweetie in the mist of hundreds of other persons as sexist. It may be a bad habit but is let's you know he is a REAL person able to talk or speak with anyone on their level. Remember the odds were stacked against him and he has made change happen.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

dinahfayewood — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:23:23 GMT

Calling a complete stranger "sweetie" is out of line, any time, any place, any where. I've had women co-workers call me sweetie and it's sickening. The term is condescending and should be meant for intimates or 4 year old nieces or granddaughters. Not complete strangers.

It's just manners.

Dinah Wood

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Parallax79 — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:58:59 GMT

What a typical female reaction to a mundane issue. The fact that the female population falls to pieces when I a man uses a term of endearment when speaking to them speaks to why women cannot and should not lead, anyone....ever.

I've had women call me Hun, sweetie, darling and I don't find if offensive and condescending, I don't think any man would. Only an inferior segment of the population can be made to feel inferior. Sorry ladies, but if you want men to take you seriously it's time to put on the big girl panties and quit whining.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

DUMPLIN — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:19:51 GMT

WHY DO YOU PEOPLE THINK CLINTON IS LOSING BECAUSE OF HER GENDER? WHY DOES OBAMA'S RACE HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH HIS BEING A CANDIDATE? HOW SHALLOW IT IS TO VOTE FOR SOMEONE BECAUSE OF THEIR RACE OR THEIR GENDER. ISN'T IT MORE IMPORTANT TO VOTE FOR SOMEONE BECAUSE OF THEIR BELIEFS AND IDEAS ON HOW GOVERNMENT SHOULD LIFT UP AND ALLOW PEOPLE TO BE BETTER ON THEIR OWN AND TO HAVE PRIDE IN THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS? IF MCCAIN WINS OVER CLINTON ALL WE WILL HEAR IS HOW THE COUNTRY IS STILL IN THE DARK AGES AND WOMEN ARE SECOND CLASS CITIZENS THANKS TO THE LIBERAL MEDIA. IF MCCAIN WINS OVER OBAMA, THE CRY WILL BE HOW AMERICANS ARE STILL RACIST AND WANT TO RETURN TO SLAVERY, AGAIN THANKS TO THE LIBERAL MEDIA. READ THE CONSTITUTION FOR YOURSELF, DON'T ALLOW LIBERALS, SOCIALISTS AND MARXISTS TELL YOU WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS, EDUCATE YOURSELVES.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

DUMPLIN — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:19:58 GMT

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

DUMPLIN — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:20:07 GMT

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

4mygirl — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:08:06 GMT

I think it was demeaning, as a woman I am upset. He has a lot of nerve calling someone "sweetie", that he doesn't know. It is arrogant and dismissive of a women's feelings. I will never vote for this guy. Yuck. I will be voting McCain or staying home.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Danielle08 — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:33:08 GMT

I am a female, and I can careless about him calling someone sweetie, who cares?? Is this going to impact my daily life? NO. Women who are stuck on this feminist tip usually have nothing else better to fight for, b/c if you were poor and struggling or could relate to people who are, you would be focusing on health care, education, welfare programs, the economy, gas prices etc. things that are more relevant to your daily life, the LAST thing on your mind would be some sweetie comment.

Furthermore, the feminist mindset is prejudiced. As a Black woman I not only care about women getting equal rights, but I care about minorities being treated fair as well. Feminist are all about women rights forgetting about the racial issues that a lot Americans, male or female, face every day. When people look at me, they don’t see a women who is black, they see a Black women, thus my race is much more of a factor in America than my gender is and history can vouch for that.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

DUMPLIN — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:35:08 GMT

I LOVE THIS!!!DEMOCRATS FIGHTING WITH DEMOCRATS, MY DAY IS COMPLETE!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

jazzlover1003 — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:45:33 GMT

Was Obama's "sweetie" comment sexist? Of course it was. He would never have called a man "sweetie"

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

jazzlover1003 — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:47:09 GMT

Danielle,

How old are you? Professionals don't call people "sweetie".

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

jazzlover1003 — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:56:00 GMT

Here is some information I just found out. It explains the pledged delegate issue. In Iowa (a caucas state) Obama won by 13,000 votes. He received 13 delegates. In PA (a non-caucas state), Hillary won by 200,000 votes. She received 10 delegates. All delegates are not equal.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

gofarris@msn.com — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:40:44 GMT

I will never vote for BHO. I will write in Hillary's name on my ballot before I vote for B. Hussein O.

Of course he is a sexist or he would call men Sweetie. It is sexist, condenscening, and shows his ghetto ways. He is from the "hood" and won't admit it.

He is a liar also.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

momof3 — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:44:26 GMT

Lay off Obama and focus on the disgusting Nazi comment that idiot George Bush said in Isreal of all places. The sweetie comment was a term of endearment just like punkin' or hon' --I just talk like that to everyone. His "sweetie"comment when asking her to hold off on her question softened his delay and was not ment as a rebuff, he said it to soften the "wait a minute" tone of his comment. He has two daughters and he knows womens tender feelings !!! I am a Mom of three and I know. I shook his hand in Salem, OR in April 2008 land we will send him to the Whitehouse to Clean UP..the $%#!!!Chaney/Bush mess!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

momof3 — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:47:03 GMT

Lay off Obama and focus on the disgusting Nazi comment that idiot George Bush said in Isreal of all places. The sweetie comment was a term of endearment just like punkin' or hon' --I just talk like that to everyone. His "sweetie"comment when asking her to hold off on her question softened his delay and was not ment as a rebuff, he said it to soften the "wait a minute" tone of his comment. He has two daughters and he knows womens tender feelings !!! I am a Mom of three and I know. I shook his hand in Salem, OR in April 2008 and we will send him to the Whitehouse to Clean UP..the $%#!!! Chaney/Bush mess!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

hope-3 — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:36:47 GMT

Stop trying to "BLOW" this up.It was a simple mistake that obama made and he himself called her later to apologize.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

mspidge — Tue, 20 May 2008 02:19:51 GMT

YA RIGHT MOMOF3!!!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

cello0331 — Tue, 20 May 2008 02:36:10 GMT

The "woman" is not being passed over, she just happnds to sleep with the weakest and most disgusting last name in America and any self-respecting American is choosing the lesser of two seriously-flawed candidates...Osama Obama. He is attempting to paint himself as a principled human being capable of undressing his past out of political convenience. His less than prudent judgment can be explained in just one example...he says "my wife is off limits". Well, people Rochelle (or is it Michelle?) has been on the stage from the beginning touting her man's positions just like Cleezee and Bill have been, so let's take a real close at this candidate and you decide just how and REAL he really is! C'mon - Hill's out, Bam's in until November and thank God we can move on as a nation and stop feeling out way through life and start thinking like real intelligent people.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Bernice123 — Tue, 20 May 2008 02:55:02 GMT

I am a 45 year old woman who thinks this whole "sweetie" thing is over the top. I dare to say that most woman especially in today's society where men are proned to calling or refering to women using a lot worst things than sweetie should appreicate it when a man uses such a gentle term. There are some women that are not used to men being kind to them, these kind of women can be a danger to a good successful man such as Obama they will take this out of context and convience themselves and everybodyelse that the man really wants them, too many women are too desperate for attention from a good man. Then there's those that want to compete with men so to the point that they have forgotten what it is to be a woman so they go to the extreme, they act like they are competing to see who has the biggest balls or something, they rob themselves of the joys of being a woman. A strong woman is not one that forgets who she is or feels the need to be a man or manliness or the rudenss that Hillary thinks of as strength.

Ladies we tried the braless thing all it got us was sagging ***. Keep your bras on we can let the men love us and show kindness and still gain much respect.

Obama can call me sweetie any ole day of the week. It won't cost him a second thought or one single pennie! He's a respectful married man and I'm a respectful married woman that's very sure of who I am and loving it too!

Michelle you got a good man!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

rzarbldrnnr — Tue, 20 May 2008 03:14:35 GMT

I am Woman hear me roar, I think that's what they are impying. Mr. Obama has so many women after him! The woman( as you can tell) asked him a question as he was already engaged in conversation. As a Senator he knows those that mean well from those that like or don't like him, or who don't bother to read his issues at Barackobamadotcom. There was a guy who earlier in the campaign, insisted on getting a picture, Obama kept saying not at this time, the man kept following him and was very rude. Finally, after much persistance Obama agreed and allowed him to take a picture but he told him. I will not smile because you have disrespected me several times. Now ladies, you were put there as a ruse for Hillary, even I can see thru that. Clinton needs to HEAL this country of the BUGS she has infested (the us(a)ll with, creepy ants, Let me get that close to Mr. O, he can call me Sweetie a n y t i m e! Trifling, Deceiving, Demons like that won't distract me, they need to be watching out for BIll! It is not about Hillary she is just a FRONT, a woman that is getting used by a Man. Happens all the time! I want PEACE for America, let's not infuse this country's degraded state with negative hormone activity or the lack thereof.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Obama's a SHAM — Tue, 20 May 2008 04:33:58 GMT

Can anyone PLEASE detail for me EXACTLY how Obama plans implement his promises of peace and change? He is all talk and no substance. All the Obama worshippers have put him on a pedastal so high, he will have nowhere to go but down. Unfortunately, his fall will be at the expense of the US, but hey, at least our enemies will be happy..

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

usa2 — Tue, 20 May 2008 05:15:49 GMT

Bernice 123, I couldn't agree with you more! The term "sweetie" means absolutely nothing, as well as the frequently used term "dear." I am a 51 year old female and consider myself a very proud, strong American. I have absolutely no such problem with the issue of Obama calling this reporter sweetie and those that do have an insecurity problem or are merely vying for attention such as the reporter that brought this to the forefront. Note that I was a staunch Republican all of my life yet I do not care for McCain as I researched him LONG before his first attempt to run for the highest office of our beloved country. I cannot vote for him nor Clinton. As a Republican, I listened to Mr. Obama during his campaign many times and frankly it made tears come down my cheeks on his remarks of unity not separation of American's as well as many other patriotic statements. He is a breath of fresh air! The press and opposition is looking for any small tidbit to try to slam Mr. Obama to America and I for one think they are just grasping for straws with their last breath to win....well, THAT's not happening...is it!! LOL! Some people never do learn but that's why SHE is not winning the country's hearts as Mr. Obama is. So, this Patriotic American Republican female WILL vote for Obama!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

rzarbldrnnr — Tue, 20 May 2008 08:53:48 GMT

The last video was the most interesting. Listen to Mr. Obama. ..'Bin Laden has a design on our economys demise by controlling oil prices..".There is no other candidate talking to us at this depth!Those bloggers that speak erroniously of a man who is sincere for the progress of America will only bring this land down to where our enemies want us to be. That makes you an afraid accomplist, ignorant, brainwashed racist Bushite, You're in an 8 year Funk. soooo used to it. You don't want Change, therefore you are the problem, what's wrong with America..? It is you. You don't believe in God. You who said... Not-A-Thing..when all was stolen from AL GORE. You don't know the truth when you hear it; don't want great leaders, but Dictators, Dynastys.and Rulers. You're America's worst enemy, Hillary has No issues. What... women? That's not what concerns me. She has wasted my time and $$. She xeroxes every issue of Mr. Obama. He is genuinely interested in relieving our burdens. READ the issues and believe that we can live up to our American creed. I have listened to Hillary, she is just talking loud and saying nothing. The negative pics of Hillary/Obama are irrelavant, she/he's thick-skinned. America is being exploited by self-gratifying Americans, on many levels.Those same flag-pin wearers stole my home, identity, and sold my job overseas! No one's at the helm..We've come a long way, but Hillary/McCain is not far enough. I'd rather have an inclusive gov't. I believe in Obama 'cause he is willing to try to solve this nations problems from the bottom up! You have no compassion, morals and have lost your faith, if you would really choose suffering- from McCain policies. Our children still have faith, and honesty. and they are right again this time.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

CurtisGBJr — Tue, 20 May 2008 10:24:17 GMT

It never ceases to amaze me that in a world focused on war, financial failures and global warming..we can spend this much time on the use of the word "sweetie" when dealing with the current political environment. We have issues to discuss; we need answers on questions of survival and finance. We need to figure out how we are going take care of our children, parents and neighbors. We need a health care system that is pro-active and affordable, we need a retirement system that allows those who have saved all (or most) of their lives to retire with the knowledge that no one is going to force them into the street because they not working two or three jobs. We need a candidate that will not tell us that they can singlehandedly force an industry, a nation or group of killers to stop doing things that are destructive to the world that we all live in just because he (or she) is running for the "highest" office in the land. We need to be willing to pay for the services we take for granted...until someone tells us we need to pay our taxes to cover the cost of the services. We need more as a nation then I can ever put on paper...but most of all we need to study the issues carefully examine our available choices for next the election and cast our ballots based on sound judgment and the need to improve the world for our families and neighbors. We do not need to waste more time focusing on whether a candidate said sweetie or is of a particular gender, age or race. We need to pick a real leader this time...whether old, black or female. We cannot do that unless we know where they stand on the issues that really affect our day to day lives. So let's make this the last note we read about the candidates that is not focused on the issues until after January 30, 2009.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

melon — Tue, 20 May 2008 11:09:04 GMT

news,at the end of the day hillary will win all.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

mspidge — Tue, 20 May 2008 12:17:42 GMT

well, obama's a sham, he's going to roll taxes back to the 70's, he's going to make that complete idiot carter''s administration looked like it worked. That's how!! And that's just for health care. And you are right our enemies are waiting.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

deedeedum — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:26:31 GMT

Could we PLEASE just stop all of this! Black/White/Yellow/Brown/Female/Male and everyone in-between - could we please stop chewing over the bile of old hatreds and slights. To all the battle-scarred vertrans of the culture wars I praise you for all that you've done to bring us to where we are today. To all my ancestors who have died to give me the right to vote in this election, I appreciate your sacrifice and I won't forget it. l know that the struggles will still go on because we're still not there yet, but the old ways of scorched earth pitched fighting are just that - the old ways. The challenge in front of the younger generations is to get beyond the bitterness of the past and come together to change the future. This is no less daunting a task then the desire to force change on world that sent throngs of young people into the streets 40 years ago. Don't try to weaken and disillusion us in the same way your parents tried to do to you. Keep your bitterness and cynicism to yourselves thank you. We are tired of the wars between us. All we are saying, is the same thing you once said...give peace a chance.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

paulte — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:32:21 GMT

This just shows how dumb Democrats are but it is good news for Republicans. To actively campaign against the eventual nominee of your party because the person you wanted wasn't nominated doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. I don't think Obama is doing anything to alienate the Clinton voters per se. He's simply trying to winthe nomination by the rules. Hillary is the spoiler in the race, not him. Forget "sweetie". I give Obama a lot of credit for not calling Hillary exactly what she is, a b----!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

JMJohnston — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:13:45 GMT

Being an avid Newsweek reader (the mag and online) I am surprised that this particular nonsense, the "sweetie" article, was posted. This is such a NON-ISSUE!!! Are we looking at the destruction of common sense journalism? Quality journalism?

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Mrs. Jones — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:21:00 GMT

I've been an Obama supporter for a few years-donated money to his Senate campaign because he supported the same issues I support. Yet, I still gave Clinton the benefit of the doubt. I think that she is intelligent and capable and has been disrespected by many because of her husband, which isn't fair. That said, I think Clinton supporters are kidding themselves and will only hurt themselves when they focus on trivial issues like this as proof that Obama demeans women. The obvious respect and adoration he gives his wife and children is proof that this isn't true. I'm a teacher and mother and use the term 'sweetie' and 'honey' all the time, sometimes when speaking with adults. It's a habit. If Obama had laughed when someone called Clinton or another female a b**ch, like McCain did, then you might have an argument.

Finally, as someone who has lost most of my respect for Senator Clinton, I still can't bring myself to vote for McCain if she were to, somehow, honestly, get the nomination. I can survive another 4 years of Republican policies, but don't want to see what will happen with his Supreme Court nominees. I have to vote on issues, not simply emotion.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Mrs. Jones — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:32:28 GMT

jazzlover1003 --

Check your facts. There were over 150 delegates awarded in Pennsylvania. Clinton received 85 of them, not ten. She was awarded ten delegates more than Obama. There is a difference. Also, in Iowa there were 45 delegates--Obama received 25.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/democratic_delegate_count.html

And please don't bring the Clinton argument of caucus vs. primary states. Thems the rules...Clinton has been outplayed. Game, set......

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Mrs. Jones — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:56:04 GMT

pearsoncrz

Calling a black man 'boy' is obviously racist--anyone would acknowledge this. Calling a woman sweetie, as judged by the messages posted here, does not constitute sexism to everyone. There is a difference. Should he have said it? No, it's not her name, they are not friends. Was it an attempt to belittle her? Doesn't sound like it.

Not sure how the single mother thing fits in. Every man I know who was raised by a single mom respects women a great deal and would do a lot to protect them, especially their mom. Obama was also raised by his grandfather.

Finally, check your facts--the Florida and Michigan decisions were made LAST YEAR before the primary season began when HClinton was declared the frontrunner and noone thought Obama had a chance. How is this some design of the DNC? The security clearance thing--nonsense. If that were the case, Bush wouldn't have clearance. What about BClinton?-sure he didn't inhale... Claiming that Obama stole Clinton's ideas/platform ignores the fact that many of things he addresses are outlined in the Audacity of Hope which was published in 2006 and the fact that HClinton and Obama are very closely aligned on the issues.

Focus on the issues and get your emotions out of this race. The bottom line is no matter which Democrat you prefer we are certainly better off with one of them than we are with McCain.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

silveshan — Tue, 20 May 2008 23:50:42 GMT

After 40 years as a business professional, I have found myself being called "Sweetie" and "Honey" to be diminishing (unless by close family or friends). If it is Obama's habit to address strange women in that manner, then I have some rethinking to do regarding Mr. Obama.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

geekgrrl — Wed, 21 May 2008 04:06:29 GMT

If Obama called the reporter "sweetie", then that must be what he meant to say. He said it reflexively, kind of like saying "Thank you" or "Excuse me". He shows that we still have two separate and unequal worlds in the United States: that of the strutting, preening, self-important male and that of the subservient, irrelevant female. Hillary has been dissed and dismissed by the media the way the female reporter was dissed and dismissed by Obama. That seems to have been emblematic of this entire primary campaign.

Well, I've had it with all this crap and I am sick of the Democratic Party for not even trying to assure a fair primary with equal coverage for both candidates. I think I'll get the most bang for my buck by voting for John McCain. He's got one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel, and even if he survives one term, it's statistically unlikely he will survive two terms in office. Hillary can get another chance in 2012. By that time, some of the gullible children now supporting Mr. Obama will have outgrown his cult of false hope and may well come to their senses. So I guess that makes me another Democrat for John McCain. The king is dead! Long live the queen!

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

intrAKAte — Wed, 21 May 2008 05:36:04 GMT

I agree with geekgrrl. I do believe he said it reflexively.

However, I am a STRONG woman and still an Obama supporter. When a man refers to me as "sweetie," in the work place, I don't get offended because I know I'm not their sweetie- I'm ME. When that's said to me, I know that the persons' intentions weren't to demean me. With that said, I use that as motivation to work harder (they wouldn't think of me as a "sweetie" in the office/courtroom lol). I've had a lot of women call me sweetie- old and young. Does that make them sexist? It's the same argument as the B word. Women are offended when men call them that, but SOME refer to each other that way. Same goes for the 'N' word (black/white) & so on... It's just another leg thrown out to try and trip up his campaign.

I've been called A LOT of things in my day and "sweetie," would be the least of my worries.There are other issues in the campaign and in the WORLD that deserve more focus than Obama referring to a woman as "sweetie." (This may be my small hometown point of view shining through, haha).

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

Obama's a SHAM — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:30:02 GMT

intrAKAte - why should you or any female have to work harder to prove you're not a "sweetie" when you are addressed as "sweetie" in the workplace? The problem lies with the attitude of the person calling you that, not your work ethic. Most likely, no amount of work you did would change that person's attitude towards you. What makes his use of the word sexist is the fact that he would never address a male colleague in that manner. Women, including Hillary, have always had to work harder than men to get the level respect and pay, men enjoy without the extra effort. It is a well known fact that equal work does not mean equal pay or respect if you're a women. I, for one, am sick of the double standard. Why is it that sexism is okay, when racism is not? Why can an Obama supporter get away with holding up a sign at a Hillary rally that says "Iron my shirt", when a similar racist sign at an Obama rally would be widely condemned? Why is it that Obama supporters are so up in arms that 1 in 5 Hillary supporters admit to supporting her due to her race, when Obama has 93% of the black vote? No amount of talking would convince me that more blacks are supporing him because of his race than whites are supporting Hillary because of her race, yet Hillary is being told to tell her voters she doesn't want their vote if it's based on race. Why hasn't Obama been asked to do this? His campaign is riddled with hipocrasy and double standards and if he is the nominee, this red democrat will vote republican. I refuse to stay home and not let MY voice be heard on election day.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

elizabethpaige — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:04:01 GMT

I can't imagine a confident woman losing it because someone calls her 'Sweetie.' That would be akin to a confident man losing it because someone calls him "Pardner." Of more concern are the empty words that really insult voters' intelligence:

Clinton: "I'll work for you every day in the White House.,"

McCain: "I'll win the war in Iraq by 2013."

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

elizabethpaige — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:04:02 GMT

Clinton: "I'll work for you every day in the White House.,"

McCain: "I'll win the war in Iraq by 2013."

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

rzarbldrnnr — Thu, 22 May 2008 02:03:27 GMT

fix your page, dude, can't read comments, thx

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

miconchis — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:59:46 GMT

Obama has two young daughters and a wife. I'm sure he says the word "sweetie" many times throughout the day. This was just a reflex. The media is pouncing all over this issue because they can't seem to find any other negative issue to talk about when it comes to him. He is a man of integrity and gives great promise to our nation. He addresses the issues with truthfulness and that is why I am voting for him. Maybe the time has finally come where we can put aside race (for the most part) and deal with the individual himself. I hope he wins and does well. Maybe then people can begin to see beyond the color of people's skin and look instead at their personal qualities, virtues, etc.

re: Obama's 'Sweetie' Challenge

jlmealer — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 07:18:41 GMT

Clinton actually had the votes for the candidacy, so the hype BS about Obama is rather sickening and slap in the face of women around the world. Why are they considred second to a man who hates America? Or at the very least a man with extremely poor judgement of friends and lifelong pastors who hate Americans? Should anyone trust a man with that bad of judgement when it comes to the safety of our children? I THINK NOT.

McCain has a great economic plan and it is so pro American and so pro USA manufacturing based that I'd vote for the plan alone if it were able to take office. This is something that Obama's tax increases and anti LLC and anti small Corporate views will kill.

McCain 3R Economic Plan.

http://www.betterconstructed.com/mccain.htm