I heard that “sweetie” comment and cringed. It is inappropraite to call a professional woman any affectionate so called “endearing” name. It hinders her appearance of being competent, and able to gain peoples respect. Her boss witnessing this could likely dismiss her for a promotion. You know how important it is for a candidate to “appear Presidential”. It is just as important for women to appear professional. The demeaning “sugar” “sweetie” “honey” ‘dearie” is sexist and arrogant. It is spoken from an attitude of superiority and is condescending. Somethings are just not appropriate. Remember when Bush was too familiar with the president of germany and gave her a shoulder rub? It undermined her respect, she was not “endeared” by his too famioliar and inapproriate behavior and that one act hurt German /U.S. relations. Remember when Bush called Tony Blair “Hey Blair” - Tony Blair was viewed by his constituents as weak and Bush’s lap dog. He lost his respect from the Brits and stepped down. These seemingly small actions some slough off as “lighten up” or “get real” but the little foxes are important. As long as women allow people to undermine their work, professionalism, adult status by accepting denegrating names that will continue the glass ceilings, unequal pay and lack of opportunity. I have seen others respond with - aren’t there more important issues to be concerned about like the economy? Well, women are the hardest hit group with this downturn in the economy - why- because we are not recognized and respected for our contributions to the professional work world. As evidenced by “sweetie” terms of endearment that we are supposed to be flattered and satisified with instead of the bonus or answer to our questions. Others will then label women who do not want to be called”sweetie” as one of those hated dispised “feminist”. I am a woman. period. I want to be respected as an adult woman. And if I do not want to be called demeaning names that does not justify calling me another name with so much intended negative connotations with the agenda to separate one group of women from the others . Divide and conquer. And women who defend this sexist behavior, often trying to ingratiate themselves to the men with hopes to be accepted by the men as one of them- well the joke is on you. Obama is 47 years old, not grandfatherly. He is at the tail end of the baby boomers. He should know better, especially for the job and field he has chosen. And if you do not know someone’s name - “honey” “sweetie” etc is not the choice for someone raised with manners to use. The highly respect “Ms. ” “Miss” Ma’am” “Sir” is simple enough to fill in when the name is not known.