General Discussion

bigtree

(85,987 posts) Fri Apr 5, 2013, 11:38 PM Apr 2013

'That's why I do what I do -- for Malia and Sasha, and all the Malias and Sashas out there'

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Someone heard an esoteric comment from the President and thought they could use it to drive a wedge between his support among women by making him appear sexist. You can call it a kerfuffle; and, it is. It's also something which can and should be easily defended by reading the President's comments in full, rather than taking one statement out of context.

Hard to believe such a charge could be leveled at such an encompassing and inclusive speech by President Obama.

excerpts:

"First of all, though, I want to give a special acknowledgement to John and Marcia for the incredible job they've done and their great hospitality. Thank you so much. (Applause.) And I must say that if you had a cute baby competition, their granddaughter would have to be an entry. (Laughter.) And I got to say, I might have to pick her, because she is adorable and did not drool on my suit when I grabbed her. (Laughter.) So I'm grateful. I'm grateful to her for that."

"We've got some elected officials who are doing incredible work -- great friends. First of all, somebody who works tirelessly on behalf of California every day, but also works on behalf of working people and makes sure that we've got a more inclusive America -- a good friend of mine, somebody who you guys should be very proud of, Congressman Mike Honda is here. Where is Mike? (Applause.) He is around here somewhere. There he is. Yes, I mean, he's not like a real tall guy, but he's a great guy. (Laughter.)"

"Second of all, you have to be careful to, first of all, say she is brilliant and she is dedicated and she is tough, and she is exactly what you'd want in anybody who is administering the law, and making sure that everybody is getting a fair shake. She also happens to be by far the best-looking attorney general in the country -- Kamala Harris is here. (Applause.) It's true. Come on. (Laughter.) And she is a great friend and has just been a great supporter for many, many years."

"And I look around the room — young people — (laughter) — kind of vaguely know, yes, Jackie Robinson — (laughter) — first African-American baseball player. His widow was there, Rachel Robinson, who’s gorgeous and 90, but looks better than I do — (laughter) — and could not be more gracious."

"Now, one of the things that I want to be very clear on is that this year, next year, and for the next four years that I’m in office, I am always going to be seeking, wherever I can, bipartisan solutions. And I intend to continue to reach out to Republicans because I genuinely believe that the politics that you see in Washington isn’t representative of America; that most people actually have common sense, and most folks think cooperation and occasional compromise is part of life. And I also think that we have to govern, not simply politick."

"But understand this is just a beginning, it’s not an end. You are going to be called on to do more work. You are going to be called on to get more engaged and more involved. And if you ever have any doubts as to why you’re doing it, then you have to look at John and Marcia’s grandbaby, or that young man who’s falling asleep because I’ve been talking too long. (Laughter.) And you will remember that, ultimately, the only thing that matters is whether or not we’re leaving behind a country that’s a little bit better than the one we founded for them. That’s why we do what we do. That’s why I do what I do -- for Malia and Sasha, and all the Malias and Sashas out there, I want to make sure we’re doing right by them."

This is an outstanding address by the President which clearly motivated some to twist it out of context; for whatever reason. He certainly DID apologize to the attorney general, today. He certainly didn't need to, if it wasn't for the inflated nonsense over this ONE compliment out of MANY in the same address; just because it was dedicated (in jest) to a woman. It was neither sexist, nor rude. Read it in context.

related:

Grio - In defense of Barack Obama’s Kamala Harris ‘best looking’ remark
http://thegrio.com/2013/04/05/in-defense-of-barack-obamas-kamala-harris-best-looking-remark/#.UV-N5zD5ubg.twitter

John Dean: Obama apologizes to Kamala Harris for 'best-looking attorney general' comment
http://todaynews.today.com/_news/2013/04/05/17618721-obama-apologizes-to-kamala-harris-for-best-looking-attorney-general-comment#.UV9YbrBNsCo.twitter