Obama ripped for Kamala Harris remark

[alp227]

Source: SF Chronicle

Instead of leaving the Bay Area Thursday after what would have normally been a quiet two-day fundraising trip, President Obama faced some criticism for calling California's Kamala Harris "the best-looking attorney general in the country."

Obama's comments came at the second of two fundraisers in Atherton Thursday and began with praise for Harris' performance as attorney general.

"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," Obama said. "She also happens to be by far the best-looking attorney general in the country."

Reacting to news reports of the event, some critics labeled the remarks insulting. "Obama in need of gender-sensitivity training," read one blog from New York Magazine.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Obama-ripped-for-Kamala-Harris-remark-4410791.php

---

I thought complimenting each other's looks was high school level stuff not belonging to a professional grown-up setting.

[Webster Green]

1. I thought it was a pretty lame remark by the president.

She is a hottie though.

I can say that because I'm not the president making a speech.

[Warpy]

43. At least he led off with the important stuff

unlike the blow dried bobbleheads on TV for whom a woman's only value is how well she looks on camera.

Yes, it would have been nicer had he limited his remarks to the important stuff. However, I'm not quite ready to get the nails yet.

[6000eliot]

2. What a stupid non-controversy.

[still_one]

18. What in the hell is wrong with this country. Who in the hell comes up with this shit. This is NOT

a sexist comment. A sexist comment is what spews out of right wing raido, and republican politicians. This is just insane

So if someone tells someone they look nice or pretty and smart to boot, that is just what it is. It isn't a hit, or a pass, it is a compliment, and anyone who is so screwed up to think that the President was trying to do anything more than that needs their head examined

[bitchkitty]

48. No shit. n/t

[GitRDun]

74. Agreed

We've gone way over the top on judging these kinds of comments. Reminds me of the Brent Musberger / Miss Alabama non-controversy. I think George Clooney is the handsomest guy in Hollywood! Shoot me for that!

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

78. Are you kidding?

Look around GD....this is the type of shit DU loves to hand-wring over. It's why Repukes laugh at us. It's why the GOP is walking dead, yet will somehow manage to retain the House next year.

[Buzz Clik]

81. +1

[MrSlayer]

3. What nonsense.

Say something nice about someone and you get blasted for it. Ridiculous.

[and-justice-for-all]

119. Indeed..nt

[Summer Hathaway]

4. "I thought complimenting each other's looks ...

... was high school level stuff."

That sounds like the comment of someone who graduated high school three weeks ago.

Believe it not, there is a place where people compliment someone's looks, and no offence is meant, and no offence is taken. In fact, many people engage in this kind of interaction on a daily basis. And a lot of people actually enjoy it.

That place is called the real world, and most of us actually live there - right smack in the middle of "professional grown-up settings".

[alp227]

44. I graduated from hs 4 years ago,

and I never comment about others' looks, and I don't expect any compliments about my genetic lottery drawing either.

[Buzz Clik]

82. Good for you.

The rest of the world is well adjusted.

[ZombieHorde]

104. We have tons of wars, starving children, homelessness, etc., etc.,

and you think this world is well adjusted? I think this place is a mad house.

[FlaGranny]

57. I totally agree Summer.

Complimenting someone somehow has become bad? Geez, I do it all the time. A lady comes into my office with a particularly nice outfit, I tell her how great she looks in it. A gentleman came into my office the other day and was wearing a shirt that was a beautiful shade of blue that matched his eyes and I told him so. I guess I need to make a note never to insult anyone by complimenting their appearance again (not).

[FSogol]

67. +1 n/t

[Jim.Rob58]

72. In the late 80's and the early 90's...

when feminism was making real headway, many companies began to implement policy guidelines that instructed what types of communication was NOT acceptable in the office environment. These new policies were in response to feminism and offered tough disciplinary action on those who violated the newly policies. Those who pushed such policies are still 'beating the drum' and as a result, mere honest comments meant to be complimentary are judged as sexist or misogynist.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

5. Wouldn't be surprised if his numbers go up in the male population.

just sayin'.

[Cha]

24. lol

[Buzz Clik]

83. Why?

[SleeplessinSoCal]

108. guy stuff.

[Buzz Clik]

116. Ok. Gender bashing 101. Got it.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

117. Way to miss the point. And the joke!

It's not gender bashing when an apology is required for having complimented a woman's appearance. It's insane! I've had posts deleted because I hinted at humor via a "beard" being seen as an analogy for "one that hides one's sexual orientation". Lets see if this gets deleted too. God forbid we discuss the issues that are closest to our human experience.

[Journeyman]

6. Unless I'm commenting on someone's children, I keep all opinions on looks and beauty to myself. . .

I can only think of one time in the last few decades that I made anything like such a comment. In an initial telephone conversion with a new person at one of my long-term clients, I blurted out that I thought her name was beautiful. I'd never heard it before, and the comment was sincere. I apologized immediately, owned that it was not professional, then explained how I'd never heard the name before and found it very pleasant. She thought no apology necessary, but my sense of propriety required it.

I'm sure the President's enemies will make a "Lewinsky moment" of it. I suspect it was one of those thoughts President Obama wishes now he'd kept to himself. If the Attorney General found no offense in it, I can't see why I should.

[cartach]

12. And his supporters will make

a 'Jimmy Carter' moment of it and appreciate his honesty. Anyone who thinks it was a sexist insult better go out and buy burkas for the womenfolk in their family and blinders for the men. That old time religion will be around for quite a while I guess.

[MADem]

7. What a non-controversy! Such a desperate attempt at fault-finding!

Next thing you know, the soap opera writers at the newspapers will be suggesting that Eric Holder is pouting in the corner because Obama never called him "cute."


I think Obama is a fine looking man who wears clothes well, and his wife is a beautiful woman with style and grace.

Have I "insulted" them with those comments?

Please.

[Summer Hathaway]

9. If you are going to throw around words like

"fine looking man", "wears clothes well", "beautiful woman", AND the always reprehensible "style and grace" epithet, maybe you'd be more comfortable posting at one of those joy-boy, sexist type websites where people complimenting each other is NOT seen for the trauma-inducing behavior it actually is.

DU is trying to maintain its position as a professional grown-up setting.

Please keep that in mind before posting your next string of niceties, and appreciate that some make take offence at reading them.

[MADem]

13. I guess I just don't know how to be a professional grown up!

The nerve of me, taking all those childhood etiquette lessons so seriously!

Is there a "rehab" for that, I wonder....?

[Summer Hathaway]

17. Actually ...

There IS a place where you can get a lot of information about how complimenting a woman's appearance is a way of demeaning and belittling her.

[MADem]

31. Oh, I'll bet there is!!! No good deeds go unpunished~! nt

[TygrBright]

47. I've been an amateur grownup from time to time...

... but it's a strain. I'll stick to being an overgrown kid, thanks.

An overgrown kid who, if pressed, would have to admit I'd do EITHER or BOTH of the Obamas in a NY minute. In a fantasy world, of course.

But then, I get turned on by intelligence, compassion, humor, a clear capacity for affection, AND good looks.

I'm terribly immature.

amusedly,
Bright

[MADem]

50. Nothing wrong with being an overgrown kid--life is short, we should have fun and joy in it.

And we shouldn't be afraid to pay someone a sincere compliment, either!

I've been a kid, and I've been an adult...and the kid thing is much more fun!

[cartach]

16. Is proffesional grown up

prude more to your liking?

[Summer Hathaway]

20. You're being rather obvious

and on so many levels.

[MADem]

34. The poster isn't seriously chastising me.

It's a bit of a riff on a meme, as it were.

[mimi85]

23. MADem

was just telling the truth. Guess we should never say anything "nice" about anyone around here. Sheesh. What nonsense! I'm sure Michelle will be filing for divorce in the morning. PBO IS a nice-looking man, no two ways around it. His whole family is attractive. Bo is even adorable. I'm sure someone will report me - better read the TOS and see if compliments are verboten.

[Summer Hathaway]

25. You just might

want to re-read my reply.

[Rincewind]

28. Professional grown-up setting?

You talking about the DU we all know and love? I'm almost 59 years old, so, I'm as grown up as I'll ever get. I'm retired, so my profession is doing whatever i want. Out in the real world, people sometimes complement each other on their appearance, if that offends you, tough. Just about everyone on DU is legally an adult, we don't need you to tell us how to behave. If you find this post in any way offensive, good.

[Summer Hathaway]

32. I didn't think

the thingy was at all necessary in my reply. Apparently I was wrong.

My reply was directed at MADem, who (I knew) would 'get it' - it didn't occur to me that other posters might not.

[MADem]

36. I rather think some poor folks are getting accustomed to people who

are professional pout-posters--perpetually poutraged about everything and anything...and you got caught up in the mix!

There's just so damn much of this "How DARE you!!!" stuff happening lately that it's getting hard to find a little fun!

[Summer Hathaway]

40. Agreed.

A traveling, post-to-post 'poutrage' salesman would do very well here these days - so many anxious customers, clamoring for his wares.

[Xipe Totec]

58. That would be like taking cement to Portland nt

[bitchkitty]

51. LOL n/t

[Cedric the Clam]

61. Really?

The "always reprehensible style and grace epithet" ?

There is a point at which one can take political correctness to an extreme.

I guess we all have to start wearing burlap sack, and definitely no more makeup or cologne.

[Summer Hathaway]

103. It's funny you chose

to focus on the phrase "always reprehensible style and grace epithet", being as that was the phrase I was sure would make it obvious that I was being satirical/sarcastic.

I keep forgetting there are people here who actually DO think that saying a woman has 'style and grace' is an insult.

Guess I'll have to whip out the ol' thingy every time from now on.

[Cedric the Clam]

105. You got me

Ok, I fell for it.

I fell for a lot of April fools jokes too.

[Summer Hathaway]

107. Looks like I 'got' a lot of people

although that wasn't the intent.

I honestly believed that my post was so over-the-top, no one would take it seriously.

But as I said, I keep forgetting that there are actually people here who post that kind of thing regularly - and they seriously mean it!

[demosocialist]

115. honestly

I love your posts and I totally got fooled... just sayin

cheers

[graham4anything]

14. I think Eric Holder should be fast tracked to the US Supreme Court

and then Ms. Harris fast tracked to be AG prior to her being nominated for the Court
after Mr. Holder either by President Obama or President Clinton.

[Macoy51]

56. This +1,000

We are facing a ton of major issues right now. This is not one of them. Why any one whould waste time with this is beyond me......unless they are just looking for a fault. And if that is the case, Obama must be doing pretty good if this is the best they can do.


Macoy

[Buzz Clik]

84. Faux outrage. Situation normal.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

8. Yet another example of fake outrage in the echo chamber.

BTW:



THIS is why the Right Wing Media is upset.

[MADem]

19. Funny how the RW had no problem picking Dan Quayle as VP because they thought he'd

"appeal to the ladies" though!

And where were the cries of sexism, accompanied by pouts of outrage, when article after article touted how "handsome" the rMoney/Lyin-Ryan ticket was?

They need to stop waving that "Waaaah!! Waaaaah!" stick around--someone could get hurt!

[mimi85]

33. And I'm sure

Sister Sarah's looks had nothing to do with her being picked to run with McCain. MADem, I think you've got a great sense of humor, do I have to go stand in the corner now?

[MADem]

37. If you have to stand in the corner, I'm already there--I'll save you a good spot! nt

[alp227]

45. He must have lost that charm by dissing Murphy Brown! N/t

[MADem]

46. To say nothing of that "You spell potatoe, and everyone else spells potato...let's call the whole

thing off!" debacle!

The poor little jerk just OOZED "stupid."

[Spitfire of ATJ]

75. One of the reporters at the press gaggle when he was intoduced called him an idiot....

Quayle ordered him to be arrested thus proving it.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

76. I know, how DARE she be a single mom and refuse to let a man rule over her.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

77. At the time they claimed Quayle looked like Robert Redford....

But then, they said the same thing about Dick Gephardt.

[MADem]

85. I remember women howling with laughter and recoiling in revulsion when the

"campaign strategy" that Quayle was picked for his looks was revealed. "Funny" and "gross" at the same time!

Of course, I think that when men try to insist upon what women like or want, any more than when women try to insist upon what men might like or want, there are going to be mixed signals. Quayle was a doozie of a mixed signal--unappealing, and DUMB too! A real two-fer of a duf-er!

I'm guessing the GOP never thought to test that idiots "Q" rating with....actual women!

[Spitfire of ATJ]

94. They prolly picked him after seeing him naked at the Bohemian Grove.

[Buzz Clik]

86. Errr... I challenge anhyone to find a better looking AG.

Not this guy

[Skittles]

10. he mentioned her accomplishments first

which makes the looks remark more a joking kind of thing.......I don't read that much into it

[graham4anything]

11. President Obama should nominate Kamila Harris for the US Supreme Court & a Noble Prize

It is the fact that the same people who always put down President Obama are finding new issue, when in fact the reason the rightwing hates Ms. Harris is for her stand on Gay marriage.

Ms. Harris is certianly worthy for the Noble Peace Prize,
and hopefully the new attention will enable a future SCOTUS position or possibly a run at some point for Governor of California after Jerry Brown finishes another 4 years after his current 4 years.

Remember, Jerry Brown also was AG prior to his second stint as Governor.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

15. Physical appearance is a part of politics

Maybe it would have been better to avoid any commentary on her looks, but she’s been identified with being a beautiful woman ever since she’s been running for office and I'm sure her consultants make certain that she looks her best when she's in front of the camera and that her campaign materials include photos showing her at her attractive best. Unfortunately, politics has a visual dimension we can’t ignore, just like being a professional actor. How many short Presidents have we had? Fat Presidents? Bald Presidents? It’s not like she’s a Nobel Prize winning research scientist where looks have no impact on her professional life at all. I’m sure she knows it. And Obama did after all primarily compliment her professionalism. I don’t see this as the height of evil sexism although it probably would have been better left unsaid.

[MADem]

29. We haven't done much short, bald or fat since the media age took off.

Madison was pretty short, Adams was baldish, and Taft was fat (but fat men = prosperity back in the day).

Since the media age, we've had bald Ike (but he was a war hero, so that made it OK) and "fat" Clinton (but he was a good old boy with charm, who jogged to McDonald's, so that made it OK)...and I guess we'll have to wait for President Hillary R. Clinton to punch the "short" card in the media age of the Presidency!

Amazing how no one complained at all the "swooning" over rMoney and Ryan...or Dan Quayle. In fact, there were countless articles that focused on their handsome 'manliness'--to the point of absurdity, too, since they all looked rather cretinous--like Ken dolls and Eddie Munster, really. And what about the Palin drooling? Why was that "OK" and a demure reference to the fact that a smart woman is also attractive becomes the crime of the century?

Obama pointed out the obvious, but he could say the sky was blue and people would argue with his "take" on that, too. It's an obvious agenda working here--no matter what Obama says, take issue. Early and often.

It's getting lame and tiresome, to my POV.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

39. While I don't doubt that Ashley Judd is an intelligent woman

who would have made a fine candidate for the Senate, I think there's no doubt that she would have also been taking advantage not only of her celebrity but of her beauty as well (particularly when contrasted with her would be opponent, the man who looks like a turtle). Although there might have been some that I missed, I don't recall seeing too many posts by people at DU objecting to the fact that she would have used her movie star good looks to her advantage to get rid of McConnell. I wish we didn't live in a world where people might make important decisions like who to vote for based on physical appearance. But unfortunately we do.

[MADem]

42. Yep--the only people who can get away with not looking good are people who are so

ingrained into the national fabric that their faces become familiar, and with familiarity comes attractiveness.

If you're a newcomer on the scene, you need to have a good bit of patter, command of the facts married to a superb personality, maybe a quirk that endears.... or good looks. If you have all of the above, you're sailing smoothly!

The looks will get you in the door and aim the cameras at you, certainly--if you're an empty headed buffoon, though, those looks can hurt more than help in the long run (Quayle, Palin, e.g.).

[pennylane100]

120. So what were they thinking when they elected McConnell.

I think it is very cruel when people comment about a person's looks in a negative way, but he is such an obnoxious person, I find myself forced into the gutter to find words that would express the right amount hatred I have toward him.

[alp227]

49. Well, Reagan had wrinkles, Nixon the grumpy face,

Ford had a receding hairline, and Bush 41 had the big glasses.

Nixon's unappealing looks compared to John F Kennedy contributed to preference for Kennedy after their 1960 debate that was also the first ever televised debate.

And remember when Romney actually SPRAY TANNED himself for that Latino town hall event?

[MADem]

73. Reagan was regarded as "Oooooooh, sooooo handsome!" by ladies of a certain age

(and men, too) who remembered him from his work in "King's Row" and "Death Valley Days." They didn't see the wrinkles. They liked his looks and his actor's charm.

George H. W. Bush was regarded as "boyishly handsome." Plenty of people saw his spouse as "grandmotherly" (at a minimum--some wanting to be cruel said she looked like George Washington) but not him. He was the "youthful counterpoint" to Reagan as his VP.

Ford was appointed, he was pretty much "balding," and he lost to Jimmy Carter, another guy who was regarded as a bit goofy looking, but "boyish," and with a "good head of hair." Not enough people had an image of Ford as the young blonde football player (and he was a handsome man in his youth, and retained an athleticism about himself in middle age) , because he was a regional politician who was shoved into the national spotlight, his story wasn't as "well told" as others and he had the stink of Nixon about him.

Kennedy was regarded as HANDSOME. He prepped for that debate by working on his tan and making sure his suit was tailored and sharp-pressed. It is said--and the point is valid--that those watching TV called the debate for Kennedy early on, but those listening on the radio thought Nixon did a better job.

[msongs]

21. total silence from the feminists I see nt

[mimi85]

35. Wrong. nt

[roody]

87. I'm a feminist, and this is a non-issue.

Feel better?

[Buzz Clik]

88. if only it were true...

[still_one]

22. Anyone offended by this is messed up in the head. READ THE ENTIRE QUOTE

"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," Obama said. "She also happens to be by far the best-looking attorney general in the country."

[dkf]

26. This is getting ridiculous.

PC is jumping the shark.

[Buzz Clik]

89. +1

[nolabels]

27. I think she is really cool and a great asset for our state

She has helped a lot here and a lot of things would not be the way they are without her.

I never really saw a picture of her till this story though, but now that he mentions it, she really is kind of ............

Women spend billions of dollars in this country trying to look attractive so what is so wrong in trying to complement them on their endeavors?

[JI7]

30. it was a joke at a fundraiser , he says the same thing about guys like that british soccer player

[TomClash]

38. No one asked her what she thought about it

I doubt she thought Obama was "in need of gender-sensitivity training."

[The Wizard]

41. Anyone that sensitive

about one person's compliments on another person's looks needs one of the wonderful Fleet products available at a drug store or super market. Most of us haven't got time for the feigned outrage.

[UBEEDelusional]

52. According to US Governemnt Sexual Harressment Training that is required for ALL

civil servants and contractors who work at Gov facilities. The Pres sexually harassed Ms Harris. He owes her and millions of other working women an apology.

Unless he subscribes to the Nixon Presidential Philosophy that if the President does it, it is A-OK.

I would also be interested in hearing what he will do or say when one of his daughter's bosses makes comments about their looks when they are in the real world working.

He needs to apologize ASAP.

[JI7]

55. Obama isn't her Boss , she was elected by the voters in California

[leftynyc]

60. Sniff, sniff

Another trolll trolling badly. When you can't even get the facts right, you've lost. Pres Obama is not her boss, she hasn't asked for an apology and anyone who is making a big deal about this needs an enema.

[MADem]

65. +1 nt

[roody]

90. Looking for sarcasm icon.

[Comrade_McKenzie]

53. When complimenting someone's looks causes a controversy, you know this country's mental health...

Collectively sucks ass.

[MADem]

68. If Obama says the sky is blue, some people will accuse him of neglecting the fluffy white clouds.

It's not "this country's mental health" it's the mental health of the rabid wingnuts who still, to this day, cannot understand how the "handsome and charming" team of rMoney and Eddie Munster didn't swirl to victory on a tide of oohing and ahhing citizens who voted for him because the women thought they were gorgeous and the men thought they were manly and worthy of imitation. They were just So Damned Sure that this would be the outcome, and they still can't believe they lost.

They lash out because they haven't "gotten over it." They likely never will. I hope Hillary gives them something to REALLY cry about in 2016!

[DrDan]

54. I have an 11-year old Granddaughter

I live close and spend a good deal of time with her. She has just entered middle-school and I am seeing how much appearance is affecting her life in trying to "fit in". She loves Obama, but this comment will only solidify her sensitivity.

Comments like this do NOTHING but further perpetuate and accentuate our obsession with appearance.

Compliment her for her accomplishments - but make NO comments relative to her appearance.

The obvious question - how would you feel if this comment had come from a bush?

[Buzz Clik]

91. meh. Girls that age are masses of insecurity and totally into drama, but not politics.

Unless you wave Obama's comment in her face, she will be oblivious.

I suggest you use your energy to find a way to pump up her self esteem.

[DrDan]

102. I do that as much as possible (pump up her self-esteem)

I still consider it a careless statement - I wish he would not have said it and believe he feels similarly right now

It is reinforcement from the President as to the inflated "importance" of appearance in our culture.

[Nye Bevan]

59. What a HORRIBLE thing to do. This is like Obama's version of lying us into an illegal war.

SHAME on him. How DARE he.

[Buzz Clik]

92. That's right. Think how many innocent people will die.

[PaddyIrishman]

62. Is it just me

Or is "best looking attorney general" a bit like "tallest dwarf"?

[Buzz Clik]

93. Or the best informed Fox News viewer.

[forestpath]

63. Why do "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" first of all?

Why is that "being careful"?

"Careful" about what?

[One_Life_To_Give]

64. In France it would be expected

In my corner of the US. If it's not normally said about both genders than it doesn't belong.

[MADem]

71. You mean like how they called the Romney-Ryan ticket "handsome" and "manly" and

"much better looking" than Obama-Biden?

Like that?

It's only in the country of the blind--and in a few frothing corners of DU--that people pretend that human beings do not notice or comment upon the appearance of others. While people who are "nice" don't say things like "Geez, what an UG-LEEE so-and-so....that mug could gag a maggot on a gut truck!!!" the positive comments about how a public figure looks--anything from "He/she has a kind face" to "He/she is handsome/beautiful/good-looking" DO happen across gender lines. They certainly did in the last two national elections (Obama beat McCain in the "looks" department, but Palin beat Biden, according to many--at least until she opened her mouth).

People are drawn to "good looking" people. It's how humans are wired. We're capable of overcoming our bias towards good looks, but if we weren't drawn to good looking people, the beauty/grooming and aesthetics industry would shrivel up and die a horrible death, dentists wouldn't do "cosmetic" dentistry, and you could add the Hair Club for Men workers, the spray tan operators, and body-enhancing plastic surgeons to the unemployment lines.

Trying to look as good as possible is a big business, not just in USA, but all around the world. It's what humans have done since they learned to use tools.

[Blandocyte]

66. I imagine how I'd feel if it was directed toward the other gender

If he'd said the same about a male, I'd feel ok about it, so I feel ok about it directed toward a woman.

Women, though, have had more of a history of struggle to demonstrate that they got where they are due to accomplishments and competence independent of attractiveness, so I understand how this could be a sore spot for those striving for equality in the workplace.

Some acknowledgment of that issue might be a good gesture.

[Arkana]

69. Oh for god's sake.

He said she was nice-looking--he didn't say she had a nice ass.

[Buzz Clik]

80. Does she have a nice ass? I like nice asses.

But he didn't say...

[66 dmhlt]

70. Heaven forbid journalists ever do any REAL reporting. What nonsense!

[Buzz Clik]

79. "high school level stuff". Oh the irony of making that comment at DU!

The home of juvenile behavior.

The only person who could get upset about this is Kamala Harris, and maybe Michelle Obama.

Screw the rest.

[GoCubsGo]

99. Yep. And, just the other day...

...Michelle was being bashed for swooning over Harrison Ford. Ridiculous. Maybe the Obamas should change their last name to "Bush" so that the media and their bashers can go back to ignoring this kind of thing, instead of forcing their petty, childish bullshit on us like this.

[truebrit71]

95. As long as the M$M keeps us focused on the important stuff, and not the trivial details....

....like, oh I don't know, cutting SS and Medicare, we're all good right?

[Sheldon Cooper]

96. It was an asshole comment. Obama should know better.

[Buzz Clik]

97. That's a first for me, even at DU. Calling the President an asshole.

Nice move.

[Sheldon Cooper]

98. Called the comment an asshole, not the president.

But I'll run and fetch the smelling salts if you're feeling faint.

[Buzz Clik]

100. It's a fine line to hide behind, but carry on.

I didn't find it shocking, just callous.

Call the president (or his comments) "asshole" doesn't make you cool or awesome or rebellious. It shows a) a limited vocabulary, b) laziness, and c) bad judgment.

[still_one]

101. And why is this latest breaking news?

[kestrel91316]

106. I don't consider it offensive when he complimented her WORK first.

It's sort of tongue-in-cheek, and not the least problematic for me.

People need to get a fucking grip. Of course, any excuse to attack Obama will do for some "democrats".

[frylock]

109. it was a stupid remark and if romney had made it DU would be jumping up his ass..

true story.

[noiretextatique]

110. or bush

i don't know if she was offended, but i'm glad obama had the class to apologize anyway.

[olddad56]

112. had Bush said that, the media would have given him a pass.

[noiretextatique]

113. exactly...and being the clueless, classless jerk that he is

he wouldn't have even considered apologizing.

[bamacrat]

111. Nothing wrong with a compliment.

Again, we should be amorphous blobs to one another. I told my boss who is a woman, that I could tell she has lost weight, and that she looks great. She is trying to lose weight and this was a compliment and a show of support. People are way too fucking sensitive.

[slackmaster]

114. Calling a person "the best looking" is not just a compliment. Superlative has negative connotation.

It says that every other member of that class of people isn't as good looking; there is an implied put-down. What the President said also presents a risk of the perception of sexual innuendo.

A proper compliment in a professional setting is to say that someone is well-dressed or presents well. Even saying that someone looks good is not at all the same as singling out an individual as the best looking of all whatevers.

It's a page from sexual harassment training that many people have received. I can tell a female co-worker that I like her scarf or that her shoes complement her attire, but I can't say "You look good in that dress." There is a line in the sand.

[and-justice-for-all]

118. Who cares...more pressing issues at hand. nt