Very nice and adult like.

This is very sad, you spending time and energy about a sweetie.

I read The Washington Post because I consider it to be a decent source of information.

Please report on issues that matter to the people, report on issues of importance. There are people dying, there is lack of food in the world,there is global warming, etc, etc, etc. But you are reporting about a sweetie. Have you ever misspoken?

One of the most influential nation in the world is electing a new president and this is the best you can do.

This is sad, very sad

The reporter is a true professional--she remains focused on the issues even when treated in a sexist, dismissive way.

It is easy for men to say that this is a non-issue. For professional woman, it is an issue. His term of endearment is 100% inappropriate in the professional setting.

enought of the sily stuff WP.

WOW Please make better use of your talent WP and stop trying to make drama its so beneath you.

previous comments pretty well said it . . . what a waste of talent, time & band width.
how long has she spent in jr. hi?

what can i say MAyanmar, earthquake in CHINA, IRAQ, AFRIC??? And sweetie is your story. GET A LIFE! Sick and tired of stupid stories. What happened to journalists? go figure.

when my wife calls me sweetie i like it...

great reporting mary ann akers...you closet hillary hack....this is not newsworthy....bush called me a terrorist because i was against him and that didn't make the news

He still didn't answer the question like a true politican. If you don't like the question or have an answer just ignore it.

Thanks for the article sweetie.

Just as a bit of information... here in the south... we often refer to younger women as sweetie... and older women refer to younger people as sweetie... if you think this is sexist get real... if he was dismissive in the fact he did not answer her question... then make that an issue... and stop being petty and report the issues... did anyone know that there is a war going on??? or that a moron was speakin on behalf of the US in front of the Isreali government???

What else are you planning to sweeten and blow out of proportion about Obama. It's interesting how much it stings without finding faults about Obama. Hope you can find and report how much gas price costs between different gas stations -just something valuable to do.

get a life lady

You reporters should do better than make an issue of somebody calling somebody 'sweetie'. I wish somebody would call me sweetie all the time. It is a long time since somebody called me 'honey'.

Is somebody calling somebody 'sweetie' a campaign issue that we should be having a food fight about in this election year? Politics of distraction as usual!!!!

Once again some tallentless hack is trying to create a new story where there isn't one. What does it take for the media to understand that we, your readers, want news and not this crap whether the focus be on Clinton, Obama, or McCain? Stop doing this Mary Ann Ankers and tell your editors and colleagues to stop doing this.

ROFL, Gern!!

"Thanks for the article sweetie.
Posted by: Gern | May 15, 2008 4:13 PM"

Of course Ms. Agar didn't get an answer to the question.

The ever unctuous Obama thinks he is a rock star who can weasel out of a pressing question for which he has no answer by diminishing the querying reporter.

The guy is incapable of speaking spontaneously because he is a product of smart marketing people. This is why he only has staged press conferences. Every time he speaks spontaneously he shows his true colors and puts his foot in it.

Obama probably really thought Ms. Agar would simply swoon.

His phone message was classic Obama. His phone message says nothing of substance, makes a vague promise to speak with her. Clearly he thinks Ms. Agar will be so grateful for the call it will silence the issue.

This guy is so smarmy he makes our skin crawl.

Obama has time and again shown contempt for all manner of people; women, whites, working class, etc.

are you for real? it must be a slow news day!!!!

I think this is not a big deal
What is more important to people right now is the economy, the war and our man and women that are fighting.

My grandmother calls me sweetie! Get a life you idiot tabloid columnist! You are most obviously an Hillary fan you reverse-sexism advocate. Did you actually go to college to write this drivel? YOU SUCK (sweetie)!!!

OK, he shouldn't have used that word, even though it's not nearly as offensive as many statements by others running for office.

If this "news" flap "has legs", it will be ANOTHER diversion from the real news and policy issues. Forget Rev. Wright-gate and the lapel pin-gate! The GOP and Fox News now have "sweetie-gate"!

Meantime, we the voters lose.

FOR MRS. MARY ANN AKERS,
THANK FOR YOUR "PULITZER PRICE" WORTHY ARTICLE,

SWEETY.

And McCain called Skeletor (his trophy wife) a c*nt ! Conservatives are such hypocrites and so insecure....

It is inappropriate for an adult man to refer to an adult woman (other than his significant other) as "sweetie," "hon," "baby," or anything similar. It's even worse in a supposed "professional" setting - its use there demonstrates disrespect for, and dismissal of, the person so addressed. In most professional organizations, someone who addressed a peer that way would be meeting with HR.

Call your wife whatever you want. The same goes for your sister, aunt or daughter. But those "terms of endearment" are not appropriate for those who are not "dear," much less those you don't know!

How would Obama like it if someone referred to him as "boy"? For professional women, those "cute" nicknames are just as offensive when used in a professional setting.

People, just because your mommy calls you "sweetie" or your wife calls you "sweetie" doesn't mean it is appropriate to call a reporter in a professional environment "sweetie."

You don't see Obama going around calling men "dude."

He needs to learn respect for women in the workplace.

If someone casually called Obama "boy," all you Obama freaks would change your tune. Suddenly it wouldn't be "it's just a word," or my mom calls me "boy," You people would be screaming bloody murder.

More nonsense as usual. Please try and stick to the real issues. Come on already, enough is enough.

Just another silly media drama!

My aunt Earline calls everyone "sweetie" and my late uncle Ted use to call people "baby boy" or "baby girl" depending upon you gender. So what, you ask? My point exactly!

Response to Hadley:

I have to disagree with your assertation that this was Sexist on Obamas part.

As a younger male i find that i am called "sweetie", "hun" "baby" "thing" (as is poor baby or poor thing) several times a week by the women i work with. The term sweetie is not gender specific and i doubt that you would construe a Mother addressing her Child as Sexist if the term was used in that context.

Its not like he called her Toots.

I'm glad Obama apologized... it was a demeaning comment, one that is often made by men even though they don't intend to be derogatory.

Imagine, if you will, a white person calling a black man "boy", which has no derogatory meaning when said to a significantly younger white male.

Imagine how a Jewish person feels when he hears an (unnamed) member of my family praise a lady as a "good Christian woman." My relative intends no malice... it's the way she was raised to praise.

That all said, words do matter and everybody in this incident did exactly what they should: the reporter took no offense and Obama apologized anyway.

Now, what does this say about Obama as a candidate? It shows (a) He genuinely is a decent guy and/or (b) His campaign organization is highly disciplined and smart.

---
P.S. to "Thanks for the article sweetie // Gern | May 15, 2008 4:13 PM": I laughed so much I snorted instead of sipped my latte'.

The fact is that this is NOT a minor issue. As we all know, the political press will pick up on this immediately and blow it all out of earthly proportion as further support that Obama is 'elitist'. Well, he sure shouldn't have said it, and the evidence is that it's a part of his cultural background, but he was d*** well right to admit the mistake and give apologies where they are due. It's definitely the high road, and it's pretty obvious it was the right thing to do.

To Hadley
I get called sweetie all the time from female persons. Are they being sexist also. I bet you don't think so. So whats the deal with double standards.

This is "sleuthing"? Get real.

For Obama to try to answer such a complicated question that was shouted out from a crowd of reporters in a melee of a press conference would be the height of stupidity. It deserves an answer in the right forum.

As for the "Sweetie". I guess I'm old enough to think it wasn't really appropriate but young enough not to fear that his next remark would be to ask me to fetch him coffee. Lighten up you fiesty retro Ladies Lib chicks!

I think a lighthearted but pointed- "Sure BABE, whatever you say" would be more of an appropriate response than hauling out the pitchforks and torches one more time.

Sweetie is a southern term we use even in a professional environment, if you don't like it then take your closed mind north.

He can call me Sweetie any time. Of course I do want my questions answered too.

Racism

When I run for president, you better be damn sure all the reporter girls will be called "Sweetie", "Princess", "Toots", "Baby girl", "Sugar", or "Darling" and all the guys will be called "Buddy", "Dude", "My man", "Brother" or I'll refer to outstanding physical traits "Big Red in the back!" or "Guy who looks like Screetch from Saved by the Bell!" or "Chick with too much makeup for Channel 4!"

A man should be considered a citizen of the United States before he's considered to be the president of them, and that's how we do things in the United States of this island town I call "America." Personality is a tool the president should wield.

I think what is more important about this issue is not that he called a female reporter 'sweetie' and did not answer her question, but that he took the initiative to personally call the reporter to apologize.

I'm not sure that we remember what it's like to have a politician that acts like an adult when they make a mistake.

The "sweetie" thing was mildly unprofessional, but certainly not meant with malice, despite all the hyperbolic attempts to spin it as some sort of egregious slur on women (if it is, then how come it's not a horrible slur on men when female retail clerks call me "sweetie" or "hun" all the time?) It's overly-familiar and mildly inappropriate, at best.

And here's the thing: he called, and *APOLOGIZED* for it. How many normal people -- let alone politicians -- would have the guts and grace to do that? My god, if anything, this gives me MORE respect for the man.

The other issue, about whether he answered her question, still remains to be resolved. But "sweetie-gate?" Oh come on. You must truly live in an alternate reality if you think that matters.

As an aside: the term "boy" referring to a black man is overtly racist and hostile. It is not meant kind-heartedly in any sense. It is not even REMOTELY similar to calling someone "sweetie." Try again.

Simply because a black man says sweetie, we are going to waste time covering this subject. What does this have to with picking a good president? My vote is still for Obama. It is a time for change. The media should take note.

Sweetie is a sexist comment? Jeez, this PC stuff has become ludicrous. What in the hell is so offensive about that? Has to be only the ugly women who never get called sweetie are complaining. These people need to get over this type of over reacting and worry about some real issues, and I am a woman in case any of you are wondering. Grow up and worry about poverty and the national debt, not about someone trying to pay you a compliment!!!!!!!

Are you people for real?

My mom calls me sweetie? How is a mother calling her son "sweetie" even remotely the same as a male Presidential candidate addressing/blowing off an adult female journalist (whom he doesn't even know) at a press conference, asking a serious, urgent economic question with this diminutive?

Men always try to diminish women in positions of authority by being improperly familiar, by insulting them physically, by bullying them.

We're sure Ms. Agar is peeved, but if she admitted it she'd be raked over the coals.

You don't see Clinton going around calling male reporters "sweetie." If she did, you weirdos would be all over her.

And the pollsters claim Obama's demographic is educated??????????

When somebody says that 70% of the country thinks that the war in Iraq is going in the wrong direction and the response is "So?" (ala VP Dick Cheney)that is dismissiveness worth talking about, this on the other....not so much.

I work at a bank, in a conservative setting. Sweeties and Honey's are thrown around every day like no other.

However, he could have apologized, and then immediately had a staffer follow up to answer the question or answer it himself. That really is the inexcusable part.

I still support the man for president, sweetie.

Just more proof that Hillary would kill her own daughter to become president. Hillary's so desperate, that it's pathetic.

It's obvious who the women commenters are... please women... I don't think you realize that if you called a man "Dude", "Man", "Buddy", or even "Hon" in a professional environment, he WOULDN'T CARE... why do YOU care??
He wasn't trying to sleep with the reporter, he wasn't trying to make her look like a helpless little insignificant girl....

For those of you who say it's "innappropriate" and "wrong": It's only innappropriate if the person on the receiving end is offended... guess what? The reporter wasn't. Get over it... Find something else meaningless in your life to obsess over... Women are equal to men... we all know that - so stop acting like you're so "hurt" by a harmless term of endearment.

Oh yeah, to the one's who keep throwing the word "boy" into the mix: You are freaking IGNORANT! "Boy" is NOT a term of endearment - it has racial-ties from the slavery days, how in the hell do you compare that with something friendly like "sweetie"??? Shut the hell up.

Last thought: This news article was a waste of time and so NOT news, but the comments were interesting.

Obama is learning that as President he cannot get by with his slick words.

His phone message is meaningless, and he only did it to defuse a dust-up. He has no remorse because it's happened before and he still does it.

Meanwhile, he still didn't answer the question, and made no commitment to speak with Ms. Agar.

Typical politician b.s. for this candidate of "change."

Why don't we hear more about all the nicknames that Bush has given to members of the press core?

He calls Maureen Dowd 'The Cobra' and Candy Crowley is called 'Dulce'.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_nicknames_used_by_George_W._Bush

Wow, some good reporting!

I am thankful that she did not mind, as I would not have minded.

Yeah, Southern culture and black culture have a lot of similarities. Thank goodness he apologized! (if you're in Michigan, his words were probably a bit more 'weird' than if you're in Georgia).

If someone says something derogatory, YOU KNOW IT. You're supposed to call them out. But using brother, sister, or any other random Term isn't automatically derogatory.

Heck, in some parts of the south, the NWORD isn't derogatory. aka. "Who's that N running?" "barack obama" "Yeah, I'ma vote for him" [note: this was an elderly voter. I do not condone such language, but I acknowledge the ability of any of us to be confuddled]

I have a question for Ms. Mary Ann Akers. Can you tell me what was the question about Autoworkers was? I would think that journalistic doctrine would dictate an understanding detail such as the actual content of the question. Let speculate that Ms. Agar question to Barack was 'Do you think that our American Auto workers are complacent?' or 'Do you think that our autoworkers are hot and bothered?'. My point is that until we understand the nature of the question, then reading Barack's sweetie comment will not provide the complete picture for our true understanding. Am I asking for too much?

He was clearly talking down to Ms. Agar and dismissing the question most likely because he didn't have a ready answer. What worries me is that he said in his phone call "That's a bad habit of mine. I do it sometimes with all kinds of people." I wonder how many wives of visiting dignitaries will like being called sweetie when they visit the white house if this insensitive clown is president.

Surprise, surprise. Women find that word demeaning and patronizing and many men will have no idea why. Sexism, anyone? From the idiot who yells "iron my shirt" to Senator Clinton or the legions of sexist comments by Chris Mathews and Co., the US double standard is alive and well. Another "revealing" comment by the guy who also says "small town folk cling to guns and religion" to his CA elitists. Or his "outrage" over Wright's comments about him just being "political", versus his "understanding of Wright's history" in making the anti-white sentiments to ALL Americans. Give me a break! Just another reason why I really, REALLY do not like Obama. All having nothing to do with race, and everything to do with lack of character.

zzzz

He wasn't paying her "a comment" like Lisa seems to think!! He was being sexist, plain and simple, and to a white woman. I wonder how he would like being called boy. That and his comment in the debate where he called Hillary "liable enough" shows his arrogance.

if i hear the word sweetie again in my life from a stranger, i will castrate him and all the other sexist bastards that have no respect for women and the sexist garbage that we put up with every day of our lives. only women can ever understand the pain that we women go through every day in this mans world , i don't blame Obama but all the men in the world

err... Yeah, so we aren't all offended. Boys, don't you be hatin' on all of us. Some of those girls have made Valentine's for work (when none of the men did so, like Madeline Albright). So, maybe they've earned the right to be a bit ticked off. And maybe they are just upset that Hillary won't be president this year.

I think they're taking the whole thing out of context, and using it as a ploy to promote Hillary -- even if she can't win.

Boy is a term of endearment, you moron.
You are such a pea brain you can't deal with someone disagreeing with you. Your only reply is "shut up." Brilliant. Go drink another beer and watch some porn. You are likely an ugly dude who can't get a date.

Obama has no business calling Ms. Agar a term of endearment. She's not his wife.

You BOYS need to learn women have other roles than mother and wife.

Talk about the overly sensitive PC crowd:

Clinton can't even reference an AP article stating that white workers don't support Obama and Obama-bots go nuts and whine about racism when it's a simple statement of fact and demographics. Meanwhile, it's ok for everyone to go on about how blacks don't vote for Clinton.

Quite frankly, I don't see why everyone's making a big deal about this. Yeah, I'm a man so I suppose there's some truth in saying I don't know what it's like.

But think of this: I get called sweetie all the time by waitresses when I go out to eat and I know they do it so they can get a bigger tip.

But I guess it's only inappropriate when a guy does it, huh?

I figure most guys on here understand how they could say that term to be demeaning. If they don't, allow me to illustrate. "Now sit down, sweetie, we'll talk about your concerns after the meeting" (this , obviously, in regard to ideas that would be most productively talked about in the meeting).

If you don't understand that, get the hell out of the conversation.

Please consider that Obama was raised and continues to be surrounded by women, of all colors and ages. His teenage white single parenting mother, his white grandmother, his African American wife and mother-in-law, his own two daughters, biracial like himself. For Hillary supporters NOT to see how he is absolutely empathetic with women because of his background blows my mind. No wonder "sweetie" comes to him easily. He has been fortunate in having been surrounded by sweet women. So why do the Hillary fans hate the man who loves women?

This is just silly News. I would expect the Washington post on the issue that affects everyone. We have enormous challenges and please focus on that. What does this News gives to the reader? At the end of the day, presidential candidates are humans just like you and make gaffe ,so what...

red, if you got a ring on, that's inappropriate (and in any situation that isn't a person held hostage to tips, it continues to be inappropriate to flirt with customers). Now, yes, we know that some of them aren't flirting, but are just trying to provide good service. Not talking about them.

Or would we prefer that Obama used the word "C***" which McCain called his wife in front of a bunch of reporters?

so is it sexist when a woman calls me 'honey' or is that just a term used by some ladies to a male she doesn't know the name of? Just like sweetie...Gee can we find some real news to report..or perhaps us Obama supporters shoulde realize there is nothing negative about him to report so we get the stretch by the press to make up some non news story into a news story???

C'mon WP, cut Barack H. Obama a break. It's just another baby getting offended over nothing. That Broad is making a deal over a little compliment. She is problably upset that nobody calls her sugar at home, and she is bitter. It's not like Obama smacked her bottom.

I really don't get "sweetie" as sexist. If it's sexist, then why isn't it sexist when a woman calls ME sweetie?

Or is the same old "only men can be sexist" doublespeak (akin to the ridiculous "only white people can be racist" meme)?

True sexism isn't a word. It's an attitude and an action; same with racism. Go looking to be offended, and you're sure to find offense.

This is just make-believe news drummed up by GOP shills and Hillary Clinton supporters (who are looking more and more similar by the day...)

We, in Louisiana, often call people sweetie. Walking into a diner, checking out at Wal-mart..., they call me "sweetie" - I like it. And, you know what, I am an Asian MAN.

The "sweetie" is a cross between a grapefruit (Citrus Paradissi) and a pomelo (Citrus Grandis) first cultivated in Israel in 1984. The fruit is similar to a grapefruit but sweeter, hence their name. It also has a thicker pith and a light green rind. Sweeties are mainly cultivated in Israel.

Alan Thompson go look at yourself in a mirror. I am ashamed of you, and you should be too.

It's sexist if a woman calls a guy sweetie, if she does that to demean him
"now sweetie, why don't you just calm down and we can talk about that later"

Only it ain't institutionalized, so fewer men complain.

Many men are beaten or abused by their wives. That isn't right either. But society doesn't give them shelters, and I don't like that.

Oh my god... That was funny... Go drink another beer and watch some porn. Good idea! thanks! :)

I'd like to see you come on over to Oakland, CA and just walk up to any black guy and call him "boy"... Goodnight dumbass.

By the way, I'm not even an Obama supporter (definitely not Hitlery either), but I still don't think what he said was news, or even something to get you people charged up.

oh yeah!!! Hey Rachel, how are you sweetie?

Red: I believe the PC-term is "food-server" or "food-service-engineer" or something. :)

See how crazy all of that crap is? HAHAH

People: go look at this instead:

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/5/15/154617/751/268/516386

more funny.

It's a lot better than all the things GWB calls reporters. That is except for the male porno-stars he plants at news conferences with Press Credentials.

What's the Press going to do when we get an adult in the White House instead of an spoiled ex-drunk frat boy? They might have to report on policy and real issues instead of just passing on press releases.

I don't think it was sexist - it was pure condescension - "you are cute as a bug, but the big people are busy right now"

But the real issue is his political capabilities. He has been sheltered from legitimate criticism, he speaks, and thus sayeth the lord - however when left to his own, he fumbles. Is this important? It sure seemed to be to Bush haters - shouldn't Obama be viewed with the same scrutiny?

Quick! Let's all latch onto something so insufferably insignificant! It's almost upsetting how much this should be a NON-issue.

For those of you complaining about how he shouldn't have done it, too bad. He did AND he apologized! Get over it. We ALL make mistakes, throwing stones/glass houses, etc.

I love how people say this is 'sexist'.

It seems like nowadays, some women are just jumping at the gun to label anything they can sexist.

Sometimes it seems to be like so many begging dogs, and it's pretty unfortunate.

I can't wait for the day when it becomes 'sexist' to enquire sex on a college application or visa application.

"You would categorize me with language meant to define me as belonging to a particular sex?

HOW DARE YOU!!!"

...seriously. There's a lot of sexism in this world, not as much in America as elsewhere, but more than there should be.

Let's focus on the real sexism, shall we?

To be fair, let's consider the other Presidential Candidate's use of language towards others from an ABC News story:

John McCain's temper is well documented. He's called opponents and colleagues "s**theads," "a**holes" and in at least one case "a f***ing jerk."

But a new book on the presumptive Republican nominee will air perhaps the most shocking angry exchange to date.

The Real McCain by Cliff Schecter, which will arrive in bookstores next month, reports an angry exchange between McCain and his wife that happened in full view of aides and reporters during a 1992 campaign stop. An advance copy of the book was obtained by ABC News.

Three reporters from Arizona, on the condition of anonymity, also let me in on another incident involving McCain's intemperateness. In his 1992 Senate bid, McCain was joined on the campaign trail by his wife, Cindy, as well as campaign aide Doug Cole and consultant Wes Gullett. At one point, Cindy playfully twirled McCain's hair and said, "You're getting a little thin up there." McCain's face reddened, and he responded, "At least I don't plaster on the makeup like a trollop, you c*nt." McCain's excuse was that it had been a long day. If elected president of the United States, McCain would have many long days.

It was inappropriate, he apologized, and -- most importantly -- the person he was speaking to seems to have accepted the apology. It would be arrogant and elitist to somehow try to take offense on her behalf.

Didn't Bill Clinton refer to Senator Obama as, "boy"?? And so did some of Hilliary's team heads!! Now, THIS IS DERAGOTORY!!

How about those big frontal bearhugs Hilliary gives her male endorsers?? Anyone see anything wrong with that, especially when they are belly to belly???

In no way was Senator Obama "propositioning" to the female reporter!!! Methinks somebody is trying to make something out of nothing!! I worked in a "professional" environment, and was often referred to as "sweetie". It never bothered me. However, HAD someone called me "sweetie" with that lecherous look, I'd have let him know right there and then I was offended. No one ever said sweetie to me in any kind of sexual connotation. I believe some people are overreacting. Certainly, it not anywhere as bad and disgusting as Hilliary concocting a fraudulant story about landing in Bosnia under sniperfire! Now, that is very offensive!! And she was even more offensive when she went on the Jay Leno Show laughing and joking she was late, "because I ran into sniperfire". She actually spit on each and every servicemember who have, in fact, been involved in sniperfire, those who paid the ultimate price to fight all past and present wars, and those who have returned from war missing limbs, brain damaged, paralyzed, and many other physical, mental, and emotional damages resulting form wars. How come the media did not take Hilliary to task on her fraudulant claims and on litterally laughing and joking about sniperfire? She is NOT FIT to be the Commander-in-Chief of our military men ad women!

Mary Ann Akers does Peggy Agar a serious disservice by referring to her as "Sweetie" in this column -- when Ms. Agar has clearly said that she was not that upset at that part, and her focus as a professional is on Senator Obama not answering the question.

Mary Ann, that is just plain wrong. Check yourself. You are dehumanizing, objectifying and ignoring the reality of the actual woman in this situation. Calling her "Sweetie" as you do here is ugly and it's wrong and I don't know why you would feel it is acceptable for you to do this to another woman.

Mary Ann, in my eyes what you have done in this column is far worse than what Senator Obama did. You had a chance to reflect on the issues and dynamics of the situation, and you chose to write about Peggy Agar as if she were an object in a semi-fabricated "story" and not a real human being with an actual perspective and reality of her own.

The term "sweetie" has become like other expressions or words, concepts of an era, a certain behavior. It tends to get a "uncomfortable" or "negative feeling" kind of reaction, when it is used in the wrong context. It can also be received as an affectionate expression, as well as lovely and/or sexy complement when used in the right context.
To be able to offer a deeper explanation of it, you have to study the subject at hand.

no african americans in the white house it will never happen

Yuck to the nth degree, you seem like one of those miserable people who've make up their minds just not to like Obama for whatever reason, and then jump on the tiniest of slip-ups and say, "See!! See!! See!!! Seee!!! He's smarmy!! Yeah!! See!! Smarmy!!"

You really are a bit sad. Real women wouldn't -- and don't -- live as uptightly as you apparently do.

I have an idea, though: I'd like to follow you around for three months with a microphone...make that three days...maybe three hours?...and a recorder. And I guarantee you I will find something we can stick up on some blog and make everyone berate you for.

NEWS FLASH: Barack Obama is human. No, I don't think you should treat women in any sort of degrading or condescending way, and there's an etiquette issue involved where both men and women need to know how much leeway they have and what is and isn't appropriate.

Yuck to the nth degree, see what you can do about loosening up a little.

I'll take a president who says "sweetie" now and again over one that says "nuke-yoo-lar" every day...anytime. And it's about time.

Speaking as a professional woman myself, I think alot of other women just need to get the hell over themselves. He called her "sweetie". So what? He didn't slap her on the can and tell her to get him some coffee.

Sometimes the political correctness goes too far. I've been called sweetie by people other than my Mom or wife before and this is here in NJ. I don't mind being called sweetie, actually I like it because it more often than not comes across as warm and friendly in what usually is a very unfriendly and cold social discourse kind of place (NJ)

@slavicdiva

"sweetie" while contrived and possibly offensive is no where near as offensive as "boy." Many people use "sweetie" as an endearment regardless of race, but "boy" when directed to an African American has long been derogatory.

Funny thing about all this, South Park saw this coming in the episode about the writer's strike. "I'm not your friend, buddy. I'm not your buddy, guy. I'm not your guy, friend." etc.

I think Obama should have the right to call whomever he likes a sweetie - male or female. Especially the terrorists in Iran, North Korea, etc. that he intends to have a dialog with when he becomes president.

The world would be a hell of a lot better place if we just called each other "sweetie" more often.

Obama's "sweetie" remark is not entirely a non-issue, partly because he is still running for the nomination against a woman, partly because it is not socially permissible to refer diminutively to a woman in the work place.

That said, he has already handled this mistake well, he recognized the gaffe before the press and he contacted the reporter to apologize before it became a story. So while it is not a non-issue, it certainly isn't a substantive one.

The question is, will a press that loves non-stories, and hates to actually do their jobs and write in-depth detailed articles on real policy issues let it go. They should. But if recent history is an indicator they won't.

Every election, every month, every day it becomes increasingly clear that the press is what is wrong with democracy in this country.

Hey Jake, I'd love to see your blood-line so we could rule out all of those people from the White House as well, you fool.

Yes, nice article, sweetie.... I can't comment any more, I am busy....

Now I guess that I am both sexist and evasive now, right?

Good grief, the press is LAAAAAAZY....

t

Why did he call that ole gal Sweetie??
She ain't no Sweetie.

What a pig.

Washington Post, you and ABC need to get a life. A story about "sweetie", give me a break. What was it that George W. called the NYT reporter in 2000, "a**hole", now that was a story. Senator Obama probably calls his two daughters sweetie. No story here. Move on.

Mary Ann Akers is quite the sweetie...

This is indeed silly season. I was an airline captain at one of the major international carriers for some 30 years and remember many of the older very senior flight attendants calling me "sweetie" when taking my crew food order during flight. It never offended me nor did I think it was "sexist."

Get over yourselves, haters. No matter what Senator Obama will say or how he will say it, you will always find fault.

You are playing into the hands of the folks who want to keep our country from looking at the dire issues that face us.

Not this time.

Time for change that we can believe in.

I'm not surprised by Senator Obama's term of endearment to a female reporter he didn't know. I'm sure someone else had to advise him that his familiar form of address to someone in a professional capacity was a social no-no. Listening to Jerimiah Wright for twenty years would not make one exactly sensitive to the niceties of civilized society, would it?

Brendons got the right idea. . .

The world would be a hell of a lot better place if we just called each other "sweetie" more often.

Posted by: brendon | May 15, 2008 5:17 PM

I've come to realize that it does not matter what is said, but rather what is heard that makes all the difference. Some people have managed to turn an endearing term "sweetie" into a derogatory one on a par with words like "boy", "dude" or "stud" and yet, why not just let the word be the word that it is---sweetie; something that is sweet. I my self like sweet things and people and if anyone wants to call me that even as they avoid my [pertinent] questions, I will take THAT over the snickering and the snorting of our current president when he gets a question that he doesn't want to answer. Oh yeah---and someone toward the beginning of the comments said "it's easy for men to say this is a non-issue" which is a statement that is actually more dismissive of men than sweetie is of women, because it does not even lend us the benefit of the doubt in terms of our overall character and flattens us into a species; rather than affirming our individuality as Obama did for that woman.

Pathetic, pathetic, pathetic, pathetic.

This is not sleuthing.

This is not newsworthy.

This is not important.

This is NOT real journalism.

With all the REAL news out there that really affects people's lives, why do you waste space with this garbage?

Ms. Akers, are you proud of using your position of influence for this level of tabloid diversion from real, and important issues?

BUSHIE BRAINS ARE SO small & petty, THEY NEVER SHOW UP

If this was not an issue then why did the men around Obama laugh?

Obama is disgusting.

Obama deliberately put her down. She is a professional and he degrades her - for those who can understand the "let the men take care of this little lady" attitude then the comparision is this...

now you have to understand the history...

some might say that calling a Black man "boy" is not a problem because that is something that you would say to your son, right?

some might say that calling a professional woman "sweetie" is not a problem because that is something that you would say as a term of endearment, right?

understanding what both groups have went thru, WHICH MOST OBAMA SUPPORTERS DO NOT, then you CLEARLY understand that BOTH are WRONG!!!

this is not the first time Obama has called a woman sweetie - the men around Obama laughed, at her!

GOOD TO KNOW THAT OBAMA HAS THE SKILLS TO PUT WOMEN IN THEIR PLACE!!!!

Try to let the DNC BULLY US TO TAKE OBAMA - CUZ I AND EVERYONE I KNOW WILL VOTE FOR MCCAIN!!!!!

OBAMA IS A CHARLATIN!

OBAMA IS WRONG FOR OUR COUNTRY!

TRADING ONE COKEHEAD LOSER FOR ANOTHER (OBAMA SAYS HE WAS IN HIS BOOK) IS NOT WHAT OUR COUNTRY NEEDS AGAIN!!!!!

Women do not understand the struggle up to this point but Obama will help bring it back for them! They shall feel the cold cold hands of sexism stop their futures then WISH they could turn back time and NOT VOTE OBAMA!!!

I just love all these Clinton Republicrats with their panties in a big twist over this new "scandal"....

Three words. Very sore losers. Now get a grip and support your party instead of divisively tearing it apart. Your bitterness, denial and sense of entitlement turning from annoying to pathetic.

I am more offended by the comments I see here-more of the same sexist stuff.You people need to get a life and stop reacting viciously to any critizism of Obama.He did the right thing by realizing the hidden sexist in him and apologizing for those dismissive comments.presidential election is not just about "Iraq and Afganistan and Africa".We need to know the charector of the man(or woman) we are going to elect to position of most powerfull person in the world.

... but women can call anybody "sweetheart", "sugar" and anything else because it supposed to be cute.

If the reporter didn't take offense to it then the story is dead and buried. If you want to complain about something get Hillary to explain the her recent "God bless us rich people" statement.

...no elitist double standards in the race!

Another fake controversy! Get over it.

Obama better be careful calling someone sweetie like that, Chris Matthews and Keith Oberman might get jealous.

The Republicans are constantly saying the Dem's are so politically correct. Now comes a Dem slipping out with a politically incorrect term and he gets jumped on. Go figure.

Aaaand he still doesn't answer the question, even in apologizing for not answering it.

has the media run out of topics to cover? this is a new low for journalism in its superficial quest for sensationalism.

Obama calling a REPORTER "sweetie" is not a big deal!? Of course it is, you need manners to be a president! You won't go to England and say "sweetie" to the queen!? No, that would ruin entirely the image of the Americans.

Seriously, Obama needs to be taught some manners.

QUOTE: "You won't go to England and say "sweetie" to the queen!?"

I wasn't aware the reporter in question was the queen. mmm, well I guess it seems like she was, according the the Clinton Republicrats and right-leaning lazy, lazy press.

Right on Obama... compliment 'em first, you never know.....

I'm not voting for "Sweetie" Obama. I'll change parties first.

Someone said:
"Seriously, Obama needs to be taught some manners."

It was his Granny's fault....

Blah blah blah....what a lot of nonsense. I am a business woman and could not care less about getting called "sweetie" or other similar names which does happen quite regularly. I am secure enough about my place in society that I do not feel devalued. It is sexist if men do it only to women, but that is no longer the case. Women direct similar comments to men these days in the work place all the time. This is 2008, it's a free for all. Wake up, grow up and if you really believe this is important then you need to get over yourself.

"Wake up, grow up"

Right Obama. Presidents don't call strangers Sweetie. What a bum.

This is insane. Whether it's always considered to be politically correct or not, people often refer to others of the opposite sex by terms of endearment, in professional situation as well as social situations.

This doesn't even compare to McCain calling his wife a c*nt in public. That is misogyny. That is an issue. This is silliness.

No problemo, Boy.

I bet if Hillary had told an African American reporter, "hold on, Boo," that would have been a different story. Words do matter - isn't that the central theme of Obama's campaign? Voting present on abortion issues in Illinois? Avoids the gay press like the plague. Sure sounds like an upstanding, progressive leader to me.

Yo Chicago.. I resent that.

I guess it was out of character for him to use the "sweetie" term. If he had said "bee-otch" it would have been normal and acceptable, and hardly newsworthy. I know the Hillarians would never condone such behavior; not even in the state of West Viginia, where people hang up on you presuming you're a bill collector because everyone knows that all West Virginians are poor.
I know I wouldn't vote for this person for president. I think I'll base that solely by how he chooses words, or dismisses a question blurted out by someone who wasn't even supposed to be there asking questions.
It is appalling what some people consider to be the important issues in this 2008 election year. We get the government we deserve.
United States of the Offended; United we stand, divided we stand as Republicans.

You can call me 'sweetie' you can call me 'darlin' you can call me Sue BUT DON'T YOU EVER CALL ME LATE TO DINNER.

The truth comes out in offhand remarks, and
the Sweetie bit shows Obama's lack of judgement at the very least.

Dear Ms. Akers,

Never, ever write or even think anything negative about Barack Obama. We believe he is THE ONE.
Criticism is blasphemy. Heretics can and will be insulted and reviled in print.
We will point out that somewhere in the world a child is dying - so Obama can say anything he wants to a female reporter - But if a wildly successful former DEMOCRATIC president calls Obama's narrative about his past a FAIRY TALE - well that's blatant racism and is cause for all Black Americans to shun a man they've loved and admired up until now.
If it happened to the former leader of the free world, it can happen to you, you silly frivolous female.
Never EVER speak badly about THE ONE. You've been warned.

This was news news worthy?

Give me a break! With all the substantive issues facing us today, you choose to pump this up as an issue?

What's notable to me is that Obama promptly and personally apologized for any offense taken, whether actual offense was given or not. (The reporter did not think so.) That's a laudable trait in a leader, and bodes well for a more civil and mature tenor to dealings in Washington.

When he uttered this misogynistic profanity, was he wearing a lapel flag?

And this is newsworthy why???

It's things like this that put the media to blame for creating false issues. The media in this country is a joke.

Charmain,

Sweetie it is then. But don't blame me if the Queen of England slaps Obama.

QUOTE
"the Sweetie bit shows Obama's lack of judgement at the very least."

What a crock... What is says is the desperation of the right wing and Clinton Republicrats to twist anything into a controversy, with a culpable press more than ready to hop in the cess pool with them. What a NON-STORY. Get a freakin' grip.

Charmian is missing the point. This isn't about Obama, it's just not newsworthy. I have a child and I'm a teacher. I call people 'sweetie' and 'honey' all the time when I'm not even thinking about it. Who cares? And at least he made a point to apologize to her personally...

Shocking isn't it? I guess he won't be good at answering those 3AM phone calls either. Grow up America. The world is watching, and what they see is banal.

And apparently the story below is not a story more deserving of the press digging into issues of "character" and "respect" toward women?

"Three reporters from Arizona, on the condition of anonymity, reported on an incident involving McCain's intemperateness. In his 1992 Senate bid, McCain was joined on the campaign trail by his wife, Cindy, as well as campaign aide Doug Cole and consultant Wes Gullett. At one point, Cindy playfully twirled McCain's hair and said, "You're getting a little thin up there." McCain's face reddened, and he responded, "At least I don't plaster on the makeup like a trollop, you c*nt." McCain's excuse was that it had been a long day."

Thank you for reporting this important story. It is not trivial as some commentators have said. Obama's comment, was not only inappropriate, it was blatantly sexist and patronizing. Will he treat women that way if in office?

I am amazed that Obama's remark was not broadcast on major tv stations today. Why is television media eager to address issues of racism but not sexism? I am a democrat and was divided on who to vote for until now--I will not vote for any candidate who insensitively uses an historically derogatory name when addressing a profession person in a business setting, in any instance. This shouldn't be happening in 2008.

Women who vote Obama have such low self esteem. What's more, women who defend this type of behavior make the majority of women in this country sick. History will not look kindly on you. And anyone who blames it on the reporter is just a disgusting human being, period.

Obama women, you better learn to love yourselves FAST, you still only make 77¢ to Obama's dollar. And with rape statistics being sky-high, you are only fooling yourselves if you dismiss sexism in this country. It's sad, but many of us Hillary supporters still stand up for you. You can thank us once you get the therapy you so desperately need.

Oh my gosh golly gee, what a 'sweetie' John Edward is to endorse Senator Barack Obama, another 'sweetie'.

Down here in the south everyone is a sweetie--I like it when somebody calls me that

This guy has less common sense than the bench in my patio.

If you listen to his comment, there was nothing demeaning in his demeanor and tone. Not at all.

Making mountains out of molehills is not treating your readers with the respect they deserve. The country is in trouble. We need to focus on real issues, because the solution won't be easy.

Please don't waste time on such things.

People keep referring to a "professional environment" but I watched the video and it was more like a mosh pit!

Obviously Obama is going to have to lose the habit of saying the endearment if people are going to go ballistic over it. The man has a strong wife who is his equal in every way. I refuse to believe he is a sexist.

My boss called me "sweetie" the other day and it skeezed me out. So you know what I did? I told him, as politely as I could muster, "Please don't call me 'sweetie'."

"Sweetie", said in a lecherous manner, is very offensive. "Sweetie", said as a replacement for an unknown name such as "miss" or "ma'am" is neither inoffensive or offensive to me. "Sweetie" when said to children, is downright endearing and almost grand-motherly or fatherly.

I don't think his remark was that offensive or inoffensive and I don't think it's worth an uproar, but I can see how someone with a bad "sweetie" in their past would get mad about it. The bottom line is that as soon as this happens, as soon as someone calls you something you don't like or ignores you, whatever - you have to take it up with them immediately and not harbor it and stew on it and make the offense worse than it actually ever was.

Yes, we need to concentrate of real issues, not Obama's gaffes and missteps which is why I'm reading and commenting on this article. By the way isn't it "change they deserve" or something like that?

I've lived outside the US and, thank god, found that they spent little to no time fighting the PROFOUNDLY STUPID war between the sexes. Are we such a pampered and twisted bunch of psychos that a warmly intended term of endearment gets ANY attention beyond that split second itself? Can we please grow up?! Must all acts of kindness and warmth be suspect at all times in our identity-politics turf wars? Make it stop!

How exactly is "Sweetie" sexist?
It's ridiculous.
Calling a girl "Sweetie" is NOT an attempt to dismiss their humanitarian rights or assert dominance, it's just a word for god's sake.
This really is pathetic.

I call everyone sweetie and always have. I recall calling my former editor, Dave Bergin, sweetie during a meeting, he survived it and so did I. It's a real shame so much energy is spent on non-issues like this while the Washington Post, again, fails to adequately cover real issues like the White House paying retired American military officers to betray us with lies and talking points. Meanwhile more American soldiers die in Iraq and America slips ever lower into its sunset era.

What a LAME article.Guess when Clinton stated "I did not have sex with that woman.." it made it OK, if he would have said SWEETIE, lookout, here comes the WP reporters!Spend your time reporting the news not trying to create the news!

and if mccain had called a black reporter "boy" ???

Is this what you learn to write about in a journalism curriculum?! Which school did you attend?

This is funny because just yesterday I said to one of my older female colleagues (I am female) oh excuse me hon (as in honey) just as I almost ran into her. I could tell by her body language she thought it was odd. I think people just get used to saying things like that and don't consider it bad. I was raised to say 'yes mam and yes sir' and people give me odd looks over that one from time to time as well. It's amazing what people let offend them. And to call is sexist is just goofy!

Ben says: "Sweetie is a southern term we use even in a professional environment, if you don't like it then take your closed mind north."

Yes, we all know how progessive you all are in the south. Ask me, you're the ones who need to take your closed minds north.

Whippy said: "It was inappropriate, he apologized, and -- most importantly -- the person he was speaking to seems to have accepted the apology. It would be arrogant and elitist to somehow try to take offense on her behalf."

All well and good except for the part where he's running for president. I will judge him on his behavior and indeed do take a bit of offense at this sort of tell-tale indication that he Doesn't Get It when it comes to women. This is minor in the grand scheme, but it's not entirely insignificant.

Luke wrote: "Time for change that we can believe in."

Watching this whole fairy tale unfold, it hardly seems the institionalised sexism of our politics will change at all. If Obama wins, he'll have done so because of it. Therefore, I'm a woman who can't really believe in his promises.

Chicago1 summed it up perfectly: No problemo, Boy.

If a man called a woman sweetie in an office, he would be considered patronizing and dismissive. Which I do think obama was bweing. Isn't it interesting how the media spins it all away?

It's already been said but I thought I'd add I once casually told a male client "Look Hon, I have to get off the phone now." He got all huffy. Turned out to be a full blown psychotic.
Glad to know that the reporter isn't.

It really IS amazing, what the media has turned into. With all the problems - - Iraq, the Economy, Torture, Wiretapping, etc, etc, etc... this is what's focused on, in our Presidential Campaign.

Here's a news flash... I'm a guy & I get called *Sweetie,* by women, all the time.
By girlfriends, girl-friends, waitresses, cashiers, business associates, etc.
Had I known it was such a big deal, I'd have contacted the media, and had my 15 minutes.

I thought the tone of the voice mail message was spot on. The apology sounded very sincere and once can easily believe that in a moment of distraction anyone might become unintentionally offhand. It was great that he didn't delegate

Obama sounds like a very genuine guy.

All Bill Clinton (Channel)
Bros before Hoes

Yet more ratings driven, info-tainment, sensationalized, gotcha vomit. Sell your dissent someplace else. WE are sick of it. We want real news. We remeber the media not dong its job with the run-up to the war. WE want something substantative, not this drivel.

Barack can call me sweetie any old day, no apologies necessary. So there.

waste of time

Have we as a people become this ignorant and so sensitive to words. Im sure he didnt mean it in the way some of you are suggesting and even so she wasnt offended and he apologized and offered to answer her question whenever, read please.

The real ISSUE with Obama is every now and then he says and acts exactly how he really feels. Prejudicial,sexist and just a plain sickening whiner about how bad everyone is to him. What a sympathy hound! When his TRUE COLORS show his sheep are the first to start crying about it's not relevant to the issues. But they're dead WRONG!! Everything about a candidate is RELEVANT. Especially the character of that candidate.
So all you Obmanites...can you say BAA! BAA!

Oh brother, what a bunch of over-reacting! Before I had kids I never said "sweetie or "honey" or any kind of endearment to ANYONE. After I had my children, sweetie was something I said to my own kids all of the time. then I found myself saying it to my students all of thre time. Barak is the father of two young girls whom I'm sure get the "sweetie" treatment from daddy alot- it does become a habit- get over it already. Geez

SNOOZE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

QUOTE
"the Sweetie bit shows Obama's lack of judgement at the very least."

What a crock...

No, lack of respect. Bar-room tactics, but I suppose it's his Grannys fault for not teaching civility...

Just imagine if Hillary would have said this.

It's a total double-standard!! But Mr. Obama doesn't care, it's in his favor!

Oh and DON'T VOTE FOR HILLARY, BECAUSE IF YOU DO, IT MEANS YOU ARE A DUMB WHITE PERSON!!!

really

and I won't call some of you what you deserve to be called. The comments from the Obama backers really are telling. Telling me you don't get it.

As for the Southerners among you who keep saying here that it's okay -- apparently you are so low-info that you don't realize that Obama is not and never was a Southerner, nor did he come from a Southern culture. He was born in Hawaii and raised in Indonesia and then was raised by grandparents from Kansas, then went to school in California and then in New York and Massachusetts, and then moved to Chicago.

Never got near the South -- probably not until this campaign. So find some better excuses for this unprofessional behavior on his part, this unpresidential behavior . . . but it really is inexcusable, and nothing you say can correct that he said it. And not just this time, not just to a young woman, as he has said it before to a woman older than him and working in a factory.

And we older working women know exactly what it means when a guy thinks it's just a bad habit to call a woman in her workplace "sweetie."

Kiss ass as usual

Doesn't he just apologize for EVERYTHING

Talk himself out of EVERYTHING

SMOOTH TALKER OBAMA

TOO BAD HE HAS NO CREDENTIALS

NOT RESUME

NO RIGHT TO EVEN BE AT THIS INTERVIEW

EXCEPT FOR HIS "CONNECTIONS" IN THE DC WHITE BOYS CLUB

OBAMA IS A PLAYER

THIS IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE

HE TALKS TALKS TALKS HIMSELF OUT OF ANY TROUBLE

LIKE A BRATTY KID

HIS MOTHER MUST HAVE REALLY SPOILED HIM

NO US

NOVEMEBER = THE "E" FACTOR

NO FRESHMAN

NO INTERNSHIP IN THE WHITE HOUSE

KERRY AND KENNDY LOST
DODD, TOO

DASHEL

ALL LOST

THEY THINK THIS IS THEIR TICKET TO THE WHITE HOUSE

MR. NO NOTHING DOLITTLE

WHO OWES THEM SO MUCH THUS FAR

AND WILL OWE THEM SO MUCH MORE IF HE WERE EVER ELECTED

OBAMA HUGGY BOYS

HE AND MICHELLE WILL NEED A RED PHONE TO KERRY AT 3AM

KERRY LOVES IT

I find all of this commentary fascinating. When Rep. Geoff Davis called Obama "a boy" in early April Obama campaign spokesman, Bill Burton (and MANY of you!), said Davis was being "condescending and [engaging in a]personal attack."

Now that Obama has mispoken by using a word that connotes sexist thinking everyone expects us to jump on the bandwagon that says "hey...its just a word...what's the big deal...why all the fuss?"

You Obamabots are truly hypocrites. No wonder the DNC is being split into two. We need to have the same rules for everyone here!!!!

Sexism is NOT a lesser evil than RACISM...or ageism...or homophobia...or...

Apparently it's ok for the spouse of a running mate to be the President of the United States and get a BJ in the Oval (Oral) Office, but if the other running mate calls someone "sweetie", it's a sin. No wonder I am a Republican.

That is a sexist and dismissive "endearment" not appropriate for use on a complete stranger, mind in a professional capacity. It is a term used to diminish a woman's stature in the workplace.

Maybe McCain will appoint Mr. Obama to seat on the Supreme Court next to the notorious Mr. Thomas, who also likes use inappropriate language in the workplace with women.

Obamabots, Obamabots, Obomabots. Yes, if anyone dares to not swoon in the presence of a Clinton, (never mind the sniper lies, and disasterous presidency that allowed the dog Bush to rise to his full glory as the destroyer of our once great country) then they must be an Obamabot, Obamabot, Obamabot.....

Bushbots, Bushbots, Bushbots
McCainbots, McCainbots, McCainbots
Clintonbots, Clintonbots, Clintonbots

Texas Mom has a wide stance. No wonder he is a republican.

Man reporter: "I have a question, please"

Clinton: "Later Sweetie"

"Lawdy me, Ms Clinton, y'all just ain't president-like a'tall."

No man calls a woman he doesn't know "sweety" unless he's being disrespectful or coming on to her.It shows the shallowness of the man.

Okay, FIRST appology should have been about the sweetie remark. He would NEVER have called to appologise for not answering her question. So he calls "all kinds of people" sweetie. Really, I will have to watch for him to call Madeline Albright sweetie, or Margaret Thatcher or Elizabeth II. He obviously would not call a man or any woman who was professionally his equal that unless he is a total idiot. So the I call all kinds of people that comment isn't true. He calls a very particular type of person that. How condensending.

"...No man calls a women he doesn't know "sweety" unless he's being disrespectful or coming on to her. It show the shallowness of the man...."

And what planet are you from, being so judgmenetal? You do not know the man and I work with men all the time. It is a term of affection and if they like you, not some evil personality trait.....it meant nothing bad, simply a comment, like I call the guys "..hey trouble..."

Lighten up and quit taking the world so seriously. Hillaries bashing of the people and false tough to be more the focus of values. PLEASE!!!

Female Engineer....

ok. there was really no reason for Sen. Obama to refer to the reporter as anything at all. I can see how it could be interpreted at first blush as disrespectful though I would be willing to believe unintentionally so...

He seemed to be trying to dodge all questions while being led to try out a new vehicle. Since when is evading a random reporter's question some sort of crime? Maybe he forgot to come back and answer...so what?

This means he's now evading the issue of autoworkers? I think I have heard him address the issues of autoworkers in speeches and debates before, for those who would like to know...

Language is important- so is culture. So is body language, tone, intent... watch and listen....maybe he should have said...'I'm not taking any questions at this time' or 'I'll speak to that at my next stop'...(though that might have had another type of backlash?)...from his tone and body language, if it were a male, he might have said 'buddy'...

I have heard that Obama pays surrogates to blog on the internet. All of you who don't understand how offensive being called sweetie by a strange man is, then you must be promoting your BOY!

All you fellas that don't believe "sweetie" is demeaning, try, if you can, for one moment to put yourself in a press scrum with a microphone in your hand and a news crew standing behind you, trying to do your job. Only to have a presidential candidate brush you aside with an offhand, "later sweetie" remark.

Then tell me that isn't dismissive and demeaning.

Oh sisters, what a bunch of over-reacting! Before I had kids I never said "sweetie or "honey" or any kind of endearment to ANYONE. After I became a mother, sweetie was something I said to my own kids all of the time. then I found myself saying it to my husband and even to my students all of the time. Barak is the father of two young girls whom I'm sure get the "sweetie" treatment from daddy alot- it does become a habit- get over it already. Geez

Shades of Emmett Till...

Bush hasn't received this much scrutiny throughout.

Almost every person who called this story a non-issue was male. Being called sweetie in the workplace is demeaning and insulting. The only people who can call me sweetie are my parents and my husband.

Shades of Emmett Till: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmett_Till

Oh sisters, what a bunch of over-reacting! Before I had kids I never said "sweetie or "honey" or any kind of endearment to ANYONE. After I became a mother, sweetie was something I said to my own kids all of the time. then I found myself saying it to my husband and even to my students all of the time. Barak is the father of two young girls whom I'm sure get the "sweetie" treatment from daddy a lot- it does become a habit- get over it already. Geez

My eight-year old daughter shook Barack Obama's hand while standing in the front row at a small political event. When we were reunited with her, she casually said "He talked to me." We asked "What did he say?!" She replied "He said 'Nice to see you sweetie.'"

Obama is steadily losing all women voters and I'm sure even black women are not happy with the sexist media, and DNC pummeling of Hillary Clinton. What does this mean? Obama loses.

Your post is appropriate. Thanks for the article. Males start testing responses to their use of sexist terms during late adolescence and unconfronted, it just gets worse. The males on this blog have been overly emotional in their reaction; typical of boys caught with their hands in the cookie jar. They know it's wrong, but don't have the integrity to admit it's a power play.

It is because of this sick overreaction that I will vote for Obama. I hope he will heal this country.

A lot of people are missing the fact that it is a rather common term that is used in the south, between males and females of all ages. Having canvassed the entire nation, I am sure Obama has picked up at least a few southernisms, and these are just one of those.

Where do you think you get the phrase "charm of the south" from.

Anna, It is because of your blindness and that of so many Obama supporters that I will never vote for Obama. He has no chance of healing this country. He started this whole division. He will never be elected.

I dont understand the people who are saying his response is non-committal. He has asked her to call back, and has promised a FULL INTERVIEW when he next goes to Detroit.

The only way this would be non-committal is if you think he has NO plans of campaigning in Michigan for the general election, or is stupid enough to not go to the largest city in Michigan when he is campaigning there.

These so-called "feminists" are actually hypersensitive Hillary Clinton sympathizers who get up each morning hoping to find that Barack Obama has done something monstrous. Please, ladies, give it up...because it isn't happening. Barack, by all accounts, is a genuinely nice guy who does actually respect women. It looked to me like he was having a good time talking to some people and wanted to be personable. You never know if the woman you're talking to is going to get bent out of shape when you try to treat her like a friend, so I suppose we should all just learn to treat all of you like adversaries...at least that way we wouldn't have to be embarassed and apologetic like Barack is now.

I was annoyed when I heard that remark. I also found it sexist and dismissive not to mention impolite. But at least he apologized and that's to his credit.

But if you Obama people want real change, you should have voted for Kucinich.

How about writing something meaningful for a change?
I am sure you can find more relevant stories about Obama if you tried.

My objection has nothing to do with black men going after our white women. Just making sure everyone understands that.

But at least when our president gives a cabinet member the nickname of Turd Blossom, or rubs a bald man's head for luck, he knows enough to keep his scatology and condescension to the same sex.

As for the sweetie remark, there's a local waitress who calls me sweetie every morning. Well, this morning, I'm going to call her out in front of the entire restaurant. I'm going to say, "Listen, honey. Enough of this sweetie talk. Be a good girl and get your sweet a$$ back to the kitchen and fetch me my eggs."

When will people learn that words have meaning?!

Mmmmm sweetie eh? Crikey!! Don't go to London, everyone gets called "Love" as often as we Canadians say "eh" eh. It's a term of endearment and totally un-newsworthy. The lady was right to be more offended at not getting a response to her question, right love?

"I do it sometimes with all kinds of people."

Right. All kinds of women.

"I mean no disrespect..."

Right. I'd feel great if I asked a question in a professional setting, and someone refused to answer, calling me "sweetie" or, since I'm male, perhaps "boy."

Its odd, i dont think very many complimentary things about Obama,but even i dont see his simply saying "sweety" as an issue.
Now if it was contexted in a way to be dismissive, or in a way as to be "talking down" ,than yes, it would be an issue.

But i dont see in any way that was the case here.

The only part of this thing i find worth noticing, is that he STILL DIDNT ANSWER THE REPORTERS QUESTION !

Perhaps he decided in this case,that chanting "change" wouldnt be considered an answer, and simply cant think of anything else to say as his answer ?
:P

THIS IS NEWS!!! If gas is $4.00 a gallon, If the Iraq war is still going bad, if we are in a recession, If President Bush's approval rating is at 30%,let's look at the rising National debt, the shrinking of the dollar, Who really cares if McCain is too old, lost his bearings,whether he voted for Bush or not, whether he can't tell sunni from Shia, Whether or not Reverend Wright or Ayers will hurt Obama, or that Hamas wants Obama to win, or if Obama wears a lapel pin (Neither Clinton nor McCain wear one) or whether he misspoke of 57 states, that Obama called a reporter "Sweetie", (Good Grief)whether we care if Clinton came under fire in Bosnia. Whether Britney is wearing under pants or not, People are worried about the real issues: Gas Prices, The War, The economy. Americans want "change in this election," and they especially care about health care, jobs, gasoline prices, college affordability and the Iraq war.

I'm in the US Navy, and I don't appreciate it when an accomplished and prefessional woman is trying to do her job for the betterment of her citizens and her efforts are undermined by narrow minded, little terms like that.
Mr. Obama, grow up and acknowledge and address people for what they are trying to accomplish and not for what they wear.
You, from all people should know better than that.
Proud Female Navy Petty Officer

I think it's ridiculous to call "sweetie" a sexist term. I've been called sweetie by older women many times in my life, I only thought that it was cute and I liked it.

This should be a non-issue. If people have time to get upset about this comment in the midst of so many real issues, then I think they better shop around for a new life.

Being Bush means never saying sorry,

T-time FORE

Barack Obama is gay (just ask his aide nick) and that is why he is used to calling females "sweetie"....they get away with it.

To call a woman "sweetie" is one of the five Master Suppression Techniques that Berit Ås have developed. I can understand that males don't see anything wrong in calling a woman sweetie when she is doing her job, but that's just one way to belittle women.

Thanks for the great article, Hon.

What if Sen. Obama's call you 'Sweetie' you should be gald that he call you that. ok! Go SEN. OBAMA'S I AM WIHT YOU IN PRAYERS.GO GO GO GO

The term sweetie can be used as a term of endearment with close friends and family when the older person is talking to a younger person. BUT the term sweetie used as Obama used it was a deliberate put off. In this case the term used made Obama feel superior to the female reporter and would have resulted in Obama receiving a slap in the face had he used that term to address me..........it clearly shows his belief that he thinks he is better than women. WRITE IN HILLARY CLINTON IN THE GENERAL ELECTION....Do not sit home and do not vote McCain but go to the polls and write in Hillary Clinton.....we the women comprise more than 50% of registered voters and along with our fathers, brothers, and sons, we should be able to carry this election for Hillary CLinton.....in any case Obama will not win.....the republicans will vote McCain and the dems will split between Hillary and Obama.........Either McCain or Hillary will win.

I DON'T CARE IF YOU ARE OFFENDED.

I'm a dude, and I like it when females call me sweetie. I'm also an Obama supporter, and I believe him when he says he didn't mean anything by it and he calls everyone sweetie, but stuff like this ain't gonna help shore up support from the still-with-Hillary-even-though-she-lost-two-months-ago crowd (Feminazis, racists, and morons).

I agree with the previous comment- Obama is obviously gay. He rolled a 37- even a grade-school kid could do better than that limp-wristed effort. Anyone, his glib high-yellow act is getting old, and this episode is just more evidence of his veiled contempt for women, whites, common folk, and the general public.

If some cocky politician called my mom "sweetie" like that I'd clock him! This guy is a male chauvinist.

I agree with the previous comment- Obama is obviously gay. He rolled a 37- even a grade-school kid could do better than that limp-wristed effort. Anyway, his glib high-yellow act is getting old, and this episode is just more evidence of his veiled contempt for women, whites, common folk, and the general public.

This is important because he is so dismissive of her, and it's a passive-aggressive way to belittle her. It's instructive in the way it shows his attitude towards women. He can try to pawn it off all he wants but it's right there on tape, and it makes me angry!

Obama calling women sweetie is about as appropriate as me calling him "Uncle" or "boy" or, God-forbid, "darky." They're all terms of endearment. They're also all unacceptable. Totally unacceptable.

I was once all set to buy a Toyota, when the salesman called me "honey." I walked out of the dealership, bought a Mustang and have been buying American ever since.

If I wouldn't buy a car from a man who called me "honey," why would I vote for a man who calls me "sweetie?" It's patronizing, offensive, degrading and disgusting. And this from a man who promises change.

This afternoon former President Bill Clinton brushed aside the question of Tyron Williams, saying "Hold on a second, Sambo."

Upon discovering that the exchange had been caught on tape, the former president called and left a message on the reporter's answering machine, saying "I meant no disrespect. Back home in Arkansas lots of us refer to you people that way. Its a bad habit of mine."