While coaching my softball team in a practice tonight, one of my players says to me, “Hey Coach, I’m really disappointed in President Obama.”
These are 9 and 10 year old girls so of course, I am curious in what she has to say. “Why’s that?” I ask and she goes on to tell me about her disappointment in the President for his choice of words in an interview this morning. She wasn’t the only one to share the same sentiments.
The Internet was all abuzz today with talk of President Obama’s use of the A-word on national TV. In an interview with Matt Lauer on the TODAY show Tuesday morning, the President made a comment in regards to the Gulf oil spill in regards to knowing whose “a** to kick”.
The Presidential profanity caused a real stir on Facebook and Twitter today but it brought up a really good question. Should the President use profanity? Better yet, should he use it on national TV when discussing an international problem or concern?
There are many who believe the President should set a better example and be able to control himself and choose better words to express his thoughts and feelings. Then there are those who don’t believe this expression was in any way showing his feelings.
Spoken in his typical, calm, monotone voice, many people don’t believe this was what Obama was thinking at all and instead that it sounded very scripted. This wouldn’t be a complete surprise since all of the President’s interviews are meant to be scripted. But this theory brings up another question; why would he be scripted to make such an obviously controversial statement?
Some believe it has to do with statements made last week that Obama does not show emotion on the true issues. Yet this statement in no way showed his “anger” over the situation in the Gulf. In fact, he shows no emotion at all when he says the line. His voice never seems to change pitch in regards to anything, this foul-mouthed fiasco included.
Some are offended by the foul language of the President and feel that an elected official, especially one as high ranking as he, should have better self control when speaking in the public. To add to the insult, some are angry that they did not even get so much as an apology for the offending speech.
What do you think? Is it proper for a President to curse in public? Was his choice of words out of line? Was this just a feeble attempt to try to prove that the President does have feelings and emotions or is it another part of a larger conspiracy revolving the President?
All I know for certain is that there is at least one 10 year old girl who vows she “won’t be following” the President anymore.
Sources:
Jesse Jackson Jr, criticizes Obama on oil spill
Obama’s Swearing Nothing New for Presidents
Tough Talking Obama is a Change of Pace
