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Discussing "bow-gate," Fox & Friends wonders if it's "a reflexive thing" for Obama to apologize to world leaders

November 16, 2009 7:29 am ET

From the November 16 broadcast of Fox News' Fox & Friends:

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    • Author by Brabantio (November 16, 2009 7:59 am ET)
      5  
      This seems overblown just on the level of a discussion on protocol. He bowed to someone while in Japan. That doesn't seem particularly egregious in any way, and it's certainly not offensive. It's one day's worth of mention at best.

      What really irks me is the effort to put a "-gate" at the end of it. That's how we refer to scandals. There's no scandal involved here by any stretch of the imagination. We had documentation of how the British thought we were fixing our intelligence around the war policy in Iraq, and that gets buried in the MSM for months. But Obama bows to the Emperor of Japan and it's a "-gate".
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      • Author by Don Hussein Fabuloso (November 16, 2009 10:02 am ET)
        3  
        It's one day's worth of mention at best.

        I have to disagree with you here, Brab. It's not worth a fraction of a second, it's like mentioning that Obama wore shoes and a shirt while visiting another country.
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        • Author by foghornleghorn (November 16, 2009 2:15 pm ET)
          2  
          Or maybe like mentioning how Obama insulted some Middle East official by having his feet on the desk while talking on the phone.

          Oh, that's right, Fox/Hate Radio did mention it.

          Come on Colonel, you've gotta keep up with the ever-changing Apology Rulebook.
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    • Author by eilu59 (November 16, 2009 8:16 am ET)
         
      To bow in an East Asian country is not a sign of apology it is a sign of respect. Heaven forbid our president "respects" a leader of another country. What is it with these conservatives who think the rest of the world should be kissing our a**e*. God may bless the USA but there are other countries on this planet besides ours that deserve respect.
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    • Author by manofmystique (November 16, 2009 8:18 am ET)
      5  
      Fox's idiots just can't get over their stupidity. How do you renew your commitment to world leaders without acknowledging mistakes? Were made in the past? Of course it was. Is America perfect? Not a chance. What is wrong with telling the truth?
      These fools on Fox want President Obama to conduct himself like former President George W. Bush. Remember him, the demon who hurt America's standing around the world.
      For Obama it wouldn't do any good to do what they want anyway, why? Because they will attack and criticize him no matter what he do. Who do these haters think they are kidding? Wanting Obama to fail over-rule any approval, logic and common sense. My advice to Obama is to ignore these infidels and continue to do what he believes is in the best interest in the American people, the people who want change and the people who can appreciate real diplomacy.
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      • Author by manofmystique (November 16, 2009 8:20 am ET)
        3  
        corrected copy:

        Fox's idiots just can't get over their stupidity. How do you renew your commitment to world leaders without acknowledging mistakes? Were mistakes made in the past? Of course it was. Is America perfect? Not a chance. What is wrong with telling the truth?
        These fools on Fox want President Obama to conduct himself like former President George W. Bush. Remember him, the man who hurt America's standing around the world.
        For Obama it wouldn't do any good to do what they want anyway, why? Because they will attack and criticize him no matter what he do.
        Who do these haters think they are kidding? Wanting Obama to fail over-rule any approval, logic and common sense. My advice to Obama is to ignore these infidels and continue to do what you believe is in the best interest in the American people, the people who want change and the people who can appreciate real diplomacy.
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        • Author by drempala (November 16, 2009 8:39 am ET)
          3  
          What did America ever do to Japan that requires apologi... Wait. Never mind.
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          • Author by HistoricallyCorrect (November 16, 2009 8:49 am ET)
            2  
            They were savin' troops! *even though the Emperor was showing willingness to surrender*
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          • Author by Brabantio (November 16, 2009 8:50 am ET)
            4  
            That brings up another point. Some conservatives have criticized Obama for dodging a question about the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. If he was really "reflexive" in apologizing, then surely he would have a quick, apologetic answer ready for that topic. I would think he wouldn't want to answer that question precisely because it's so controversial, and there is no quick and easy response to it.
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            • Author by manofmystique (November 16, 2009 9:45 am ET)
              2  

              Obama didn't answer that question because he is smarter than Republicans, conservatives, Fox News and main-stream media give him credit for.
              Think about it; Obama could not give an answer that would please both America and Japan at the same time. Not a chance in hell.
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          • Author by manofmystique (November 16, 2009 9:38 am ET)
            3  
            I don't know what you are getting at, but acknowledging and apologizing is two different things. Sean Klannity and Fox News came up with this ridiculous notion that Obama was on an "apology tour", when, in truth, the new President of "change" was engaging the world in real diplomacy [while opening up dialog]. What better way to do that then getting off to a new start based on respect and acknowledgment?
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        • Author by tman418 (November 16, 2009 7:11 pm ET)
          1  
          Hey man of my mystique,

          Great post.

          Just remember next time to show us what you corrected without re-posting the whole thing.
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          • Author by manofmystique (November 17, 2009 8:00 am ET)
               
            Thanks for the kind words. My error was a small matter, I somehow left out a word in this sentence: "Were made in the past?" The word missing was "mistakes". Again small matter.
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    • Author by blesscurse (November 16, 2009 8:21 am ET)
      5  
      Fox proves Anita Dunn's point every day of the week.
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      • Author by epkklk851 (November 16, 2009 9:12 am ET)
        2  
        Yes, but you heard Ruprick, if they invite the opposition on, and then scream at them or cut off their mike, they are being more fair and balanced than MSNBC, who doesn't have Republicans on (because they keep refusing or ignoring the invitations (because they fear being treated the way that Fox treats the opposition, no doubt.) Rachel never screams at anyone or cuts off their mikes, but she does call them on a regular basis (when someone has been brave enough to go on her show.) And Dylan Rattigan? How, he really hits hard. Betsy MacCauhey called him on it and he didn't back down. I was home last week and watched him wipe the floor with someone, without yelling or cutting off a mike, he just kept punching.
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    • Author by epkklk851 (November 16, 2009 8:26 am ET)
      5  
      This was so bad, I had to send a message straight to Fox. What a bunch of idiots! If you can't be there to be grossed out or morally outraged with Bush SMOUCHED and HELD HANDS with a Saudi Prince, then you forfeit the right to comment on a bow to an much older man by someone who has lived in Asia. What a load of fertilizer!
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    • Author by HistoricallyCorrect (November 16, 2009 8:45 am ET)
      7  
      The Emperor is a highly respected individual in Japan, why on earth would Obama disrespect someone and tick off the Japanese people?
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    • Author by raine315 (November 16, 2009 8:57 am ET)
      4  
      Sadly 99.9% of Faux News viewers do not have a clue about the world outside of our country. They believe that the United States is the only 'culture' on the planet that counts. They have no respect for other cultures and traditions.

      My goodness, Faux News and their viewers act as if President Obama was ordered to "Kneel before Zod".
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      • Author by Don Hussein Fabuloso (November 16, 2009 10:07 am ET)
        1  
        You've summed it up, Historicallycorrect and raine. Fox is packaged for the ignorant American who believes that we're in charge of the planet, and most international crises can be solved with a Rambo/Chuck Norris approach. The Fox empire depends on about 1% of Americans having a world view that's at about a 3rd grade level.

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        • Author by liberalXtian (November 16, 2009 10:43 am ET)
          1  
          Exactly! Most Americans are ignorant of foreign cultures and even proud of the fact. They don't feel the need to learn another language even though it actually nakes us smarter. They certainly don't want that.

          It also creates a basis for their views on immigration and why the tea baggers cry that they want their country back.
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          • Author by Don Hussein Fabuloso (November 16, 2009 11:59 am ET)
               
            I just heard one of those hilarious "about face", moments on wingnut radio. I really haven't been tuned into much mainstream tv or radio, so I'm behind the curve on "The Bow", but turned on Joe Gallagher during a short drive this morning, where it was the topic.

            The host, and his guests, or callers, seemed to agree that it was inexcusable that Obama was showing respect to the emperor of Japan by bowing.

            I was away from my car, taking care of some bizness, for 20 minutes or so. When I returned, Gallagher had completely shifted his outrage; Wingnuts who had "lived in Japan" or were "experts" in Japanese etiquette/protocol were phoning in, pointing out that Obama was bowing improperly (too low, combining with a handshake/touching, etc), and screwing up by not showing the proper respect.

            It was yet another of those moments that make right wing propaganda so amusing. How does their audience not notice the BS?
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      • Author by Oklad (November 16, 2009 10:46 am ET)
        1  
        "Sadly 99.9% of Faux News viewers do not have a clue about the world outside of our country."

        You're close there mate but I would amend "our country" to "their Zip Code."
        .
        .
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    • Author by PurpleState (November 16, 2009 9:17 am ET)
      3  
      Just come out and say it, F&F; you've been paid to hate Obama.

      You've been paid to bow much deeper to Rupert Murdoch.
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    • Author by big2xrube6146 (November 16, 2009 9:31 am ET)
      2  
      What a bunch of stupid idiots these three are. I have a pet rock that has more sence than these three.
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    • Author by Handyman (November 16, 2009 9:46 am ET)
      3  
      Ya, it's a reflexive thing - it's called courtesy. Just the opposite of when Joe Wilson called the president of the united states a liar during an address to the joint session of congress.

      Unfortunately there are some in our society that still think the only way to earn respect is by force - i.e. "Iraq Shock and Awe Campaign".

      As for being able to state your opinion by e-mailing Fox - your odds are better at winning the lottery.
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    • Author by shaggles (November 16, 2009 10:51 am ET)
         
      Is there anything unusual in the Prez bowing while in Japan? I'm pretty sure they all do it. Bowing is the equivalent of shaking hands.
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    • Author by Boxer1979 (November 16, 2009 12:44 pm ET)
         
      Discussing "bow-gate," Fox & Friends wonders if it's "a reflexive thing" for Obama to apologize to world leaders

      Bows of apology tend to be deeper and last longer than other types of bow.

      Obama did not apologize Doocy. If he did appologize it was because we had 8 years of previous bullying, and most people in this country would not be mad about that. OOPS! The right-wing is!
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    • Author by blueline99 (November 16, 2009 1:35 pm ET)
         
      Fox you are ridiculous...

      Bowing to the Emperor is a sign of respect. My God... when is being respectful and act of subservience?

      To even suggest that shows their total and complete ignorance on the subject matter. You know what, he may have taken his shoes off too, before entering... would that have been am apology too?

      Showing respect for other cultures and customs isn't a sign of weakness... it's a sign of strength! Fox, you are the Ugly American that made the rest of the world distrust and hate us.
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