Did This Bother You Too About Obama and the Debate?
by Samuel Febres
I’ve got to thank this guy for bringing this up because it was something that bothered me during the debate when I saw it between Senators McCain and Obama. Throughout the debate, Senator Obama referred to John McCain as ‘John’ and President Bush as ‘George’ or ‘George Bush.’
It seemed rude and disrespectful to me as fellow senators and with McCain being senior by age. Arrogant is a word that can be used as well. I think that’s why it really bothered me because it seemed/felt like it was done out of arrogance and lack of respect more so than the title being necessary.
Your thoughts?
Comments
I didn't find it so condescending, I think he was making a point that, a young inexperienced senator doesn't really understand that what he's saying isn't a good idea and he came across by addressing him respectfully by his title, which is senator.
For the record, I'm not a registered republican or democrat.
Regarding the other stuff you mentioned, none of that really has a whole lot to do with the post.
Republicans are a sensitive bunch. I found McCain extremely condisending with his doesn't understand remarks every few minutes. There are much more important things to think about than this crap. I think Obama understands more than McCain does. McCain seems to forget how we got into this mess and doesn't want to talk about it. The change should start with McCain.
Not only did the first name basis bothered me, I believe BHO was sprayed darker for the debate. Check the pictures and see what you think. I know both of them were wearing make up, but BHO's eyeshadow seemed to have a little too much shine.
Meh. I actually did not watch the "debate", but feel it's a small semantic gripe, we have more important issues to deal with than whether one candidate insulted the other by calling them by their first name or avoiding eye contact. Focusing on little things like this is why issues gets swept under the carpet and people tune out of government and politics.
They are colleagues. Under what circumstances would it be disrespectful to call your colleague, that is your equal, by his first name. And What on earth does age have to do with it? And McCain called Obama "Senator Obama" because he wanted to keep things nice and formal so he could seem more stern and presidential.
Do you call the older guy with your same job title "Mister" or "sir"?
I'm glad I wasn't the only one who it bothered.
Regarding the make up, it was definitely obvious that he had a lot on. It was very 'fake' looking. I guess they just wanted him to look good on camera?
I noticed it the first time he said it. I think its a little disrespectful but not the end of the world. its pretty typical to me honestly of this generation. No respect for people that have done more than you.
I agree with you Samuel, but my reason is not due to the age difference, but rather the respect for the office itself. The age is not as significant as the office is in this context.
@Adam, while this may seem a small semantic gripe, the subtlety of semantics has is a part of politics, particularly international politics. Recall the stir around Bush's pronunciation of Saddam's name. It's also an indication of the candidate's view of their future office, and the gravity with which they will treat it.
Small semantics (and actions) are just the building blocks that constitute the whole and the sum of a man.
I agree, it does seem to say more about him(or his campaign) than if he did.
Thanks for commenting. Right, this is the President of the USA. It's a position that should be respected.
I'm certainly not saying this is some sort of deal breaker, but it is something that I noticed and picked up. It's certainly not more important than foreign policy and national economic issues. Just something that was noticed.
I would imagine that colleagues in a debate forum would show a little more respect towards one another. I wouldn't imagine a doctor calling another doctor doc or by his first name in a meeting or in court, I don't see why it wouldn't carry over into a presidential debate. Anyway, it was more that it seemed done out of a lack of respect. At the very least if someone calls you Senator, common courtesy would be to reciprocate the response if you know that they are one.
And yes, if there were an older guy at work that shared my job title I would call him sir out of respect.
Yeah man I'm with you. It's not like Senator McCain is 2 years older than Senator Obama. There's some seniority, some respect due to the man. There's life experiences on top of that which would help justify that as well. I don't think it's required but the fact that he didn't say it says more about him than if he did
NO, not the end of the world but I agree with you, it is typical of this generation, and regarding his campaign, it adds to the feeling of arrogance I'm picking up from his side.