As many know by now, Mark Halperin, a political analyst, believing he was not heard on air, gave his opinion of President Obama’s press conference on Wednesday’s Morning Joe’s show by saying: “I thought he was kind of a dick yesterday.” He did apologize several hours later saying the comments were disrespectful and inappropriate to the president and the office. Mark Halperin, a skilled commentator knows that comments are potentially always on air as long as the mic is on. And his mic was on. So, I’m not quite buying that he made the comment believing it would be edited out. Why make the comment in the first place?
And this is not the first time that someone has disrespected the presidency and President Obama in a public arena. Many may recall when Congressman Joe Wilson (R. SC) shouted out during the President’s speech before Congress in 2009, “You lie”. Of course, nothing was done to him. MSNBC indefinitely suspended Halperin for his disrespectful and inappropriate comments. Of course, he can just go on Fox News and make a very substantial living. They will love to have him on air.
Even though many may have thought the same thing of President George W. Bush or worse, I don’t ever recall hearing anyone say it publicly. And I dare to think what Republicans would have done, if anyone referred to George W. Bush in that manner. And that’s the point. If you are appearing on national, local or anything remotely being televised to people, you might consider keeping any inappropriate and disrespectful comments about our president to yourself. That includes when you think they will not be broadcast. Save them for your close family and friends. They have no place on national TV. This is not a partisan issue. This is an American issue. So, I disagree with the Mother Jones article on June 30 and others who think that it was fine for Halperin to say it publicly. What type of lesson do we teach our children by these comments?
There were public gaffes before President Obama became president. Who could forget Bill Clinton’s off air comments and Jesse Jackson’s too. It’s not worth repeating either of those in this commentary. But, none of those remarks were made since President Obama took the office of president. And that should be where the buck stops. Every time some pundit, politician or Fox News contributor or show host publicly demeans President Obama, they also bring disrespect to the office of the presidency. Yes, we have free speech but even free speech is not really free, as Mark Halperin discovered.
We look foolish to the world stage. In the democratic countries abroad, it’s rare to ever hear anyone demean their high office. Perhaps, we should take our lessons from abroad. We apparently have no manners or home training at home. I’d like to think that in the future, we will not hear any more inappropriate comments hurled at President Obama. I know that’s just wishful thinking on my part. I do hope that more people will come to the defense of the office of presidency and the man in the office whenever these types of comments are made in the future. I was always taught that if you don’t respect yourself, no one else will. As Americans, we need to respect our president and the office of the presidency, as others abroad do.
Debbie Hines is a lawyer , blogger and legal and political commentator.
She is frequently seen in the media speaking on issues affecting women and
African Americans. She also writes for the Huffington Post. She holds a
Juris Doctorate from George Washington University Law School and a BA from the
University of PA.
Marie says
Debbie, you make good points and I absolutely agree with you, the office of the president is not as respected as it should be. But I have mixed feelings about this incident.
I admire and respect the President. I voted for him and I am happy with the job he is doing. While I think Halperin’s remark was a terrible gaffe, I don’t think it was as bad as all that.
We all know these words are used off camera. And it would be disingenuous to think that the President himself has not used the same word, and worse, many times. One has to admit, it is evocative. lol It pretty much makes a statement you would be hard pressed to find in other words. My sense is that Halperin was not besmirching President Obama per se, but was giving his take on the President’s demeanor the day before. He should not have used the word regardless. However, I don’t think he should be crucified for it. Politics is a brutal business and the President is a big boy. We need to move on.
What I find most distressing is that we have allowed these words to become such a part of our vernacular that they have almost lost their power to shock. I am as guilty as anyone. This was a wake up call to me as far as what I say and in front of whom. You say it best “What type of lesson do we teach our children by these comments?” A poor one. We need to model civility and professionalism. That’s the message we have to send.
Fred Penna says
Ms. Hines, I could not agree more with your article. There is not a single president whose policies and actions I have wholeheartedly supported and approved over the years. Yet, the president represents this country and this is my country which I respect and love. The president is the spokesperson, if not for a technical majority of the citizens of this country, then most certainly for 10s of millions and that is worthy of respect. The president is leader of the armed forces and these are the men and women who protect and defend our country with their bodies and sacrifice everyday – and that is worthy of respect. I do not agree with every decision and remark that comes out of the White House – past or present – but I believe that we owe that person our respect and consideration not only for the authority they hold but the burden of responsibility they have taken on themselves. It’s the best message we can make to the world and to our children as Americans. So I would kindly ask that you reissue your message today – it’s a message that even in the worst of times needs to be said and heard.