Barack Obama Speechwriter Jon Favreau, the Hillary Clinton “Grope” and Scenes From the Surveillance Republic

Reader Comments

Back to blog

Get over the nit picking on silly things. Im a 57 yr. old woman and i found it funny. He was a young man having fun with a few friends. It's a cardboard cut-out of Hillary. It's not like she was at the party herself. Yell and scream about the things that matter in this world. Im sure most of you have had your fun growing up and luckly there was not a photo of your stupity posted for the world to see. Want to get mad? Go after the guy who's a stalker, rapist, woman beater, child killer. That's the guy to really worry about.

Diane of IA 7:31AM February 10, 2009

I do not find simulated sexual assault amusing. And I am appalled this "frat boy" was proud enough of his actions to post the photo once he was sobered up.

He will be putting the words in Obama's mouth, so excuse me if I am uninspired by them.

LAMusing of CA 11:30PM January 20, 2009

Whatever Obama said in whatever speech was written by the drunken frat boys and endorsed by Rick "pass the plate" Warren. Why can't Obama stop waving his "Willie Hortonesque" misogyny and homophobia in our faces? Are we in election mode at all times? Do you really not care that other staff members were in the room and subjected to direct sexual harrassment with their coworkers? You do understand they do this to distract us? The big sucking sound everywhere is the Dem and the Repugs and the banks, well everyone really, stealing everything that isn't tacked down. Have you ever wondered what Favreau does for Obama? Or what Rick Warren paid for the legitimacy? Fire Sale America is right.

Elizabeth Plumley of CA 12:18PM December 24, 2008

Whatever Obama says during his acceptance speech cannot undo the false start.

When governments deploy obscene technology against their own people - something has to be done.

Freedom 9:00PM December 23, 2008

Anyone who's comparing this incident to the 'plight' of women worldwide has a misguided sense of proportion. Yes it was sophomoric... denigration perhaps (if you're thin-skinned)... but getting outraged all over about it, you might as well denounce all humor directed at women (and everyone else)... as in, there should be no humor anywhere... 'cause everything is serious. Everything has serious consequences, so don't make fun of anything. And yes, the guy could have made fun of a cutout of Obama himself. I think a lot of people want to make fun of life-size cutouts... but oh no, don't do it... it's offensive, immature, blah, blah, blah. Get over it.

RR of AK 1:50AM December 19, 2008

It most definitely is NOT a non-story. The Favreau photo devalues and disrespects the incoming Secretary of State, a female Senator and a former First Lady.

Obama’s administration sets the tone for the rest of government and, ultimately, how women are treated in the government and media. Violence against women begins with disrespect and devaluing of women.

Favreau’s behavior and attitude is blatantly inappropriate for the position he currently holds in the Obama administration. If Obama does not fire Favreau, it speaks volumes about Obama’s character.

respect4all of NY 2:52PM December 17, 2008

Robert may insist that posting the humiliating photo was not done in "public". But dear boy, don't you know that in these days of high tech and Facebook if you decide to post something there, it IS in PUBLIC?! Surely, you have more savvy than to think otherwise? Or, if we take your argument to heart, Robert, then why proceed to prosecute the pedophiles who post pics of their victims in various poses of expoitation and degradation? Hell, posting young children undergoing sexual abuse would be, according to the "OBama cohort" and Schlessinger, NOT in the Public Domain! It was just posted for a few minutes on the internet for likeminded "friends" to view for their non-public, PRIVATE pleasure!

Also, go to the Oxford or Wesbster (not your fave Wickedpedia) and check out the difference between sexism and Misogyny. Sexism is not always done maliciously to degrade women. It's part of neanderthal thinking and it was hoped the new generation would put it behind them. But Misogyny, hey, Rob, this is a different bag altogether! Misos is the Greek word for Hatred and Gyny is woman. Hatred of women was ingrained in Favrau's 'groping'. What is so humorous about young women getting date raped and humiliated in such fashion? Jon boy's act was clearly meant to degrade and humiliate and was not 'sexual' or 'fun'.

To think otherwise Robert, would allow you to post on your Facebook a pic of a monkey in an Obama jersey sitting underneath a jungle tree peeling a banana while Jon is gleefully holding on a rope with a hood at the end of it as he prepares to snuff off the unsuspecting monkey. Got it now, Jon? This would be "racist", right? And we've grown up as a society to find this unacceptable even for a nanosecond on the Facebook! Barack sent a letter to NBC asking them to fire Imus (justifiably!) for his appalling racist commentary. Why don't you and Barack call for Favrau's resignation and quit your misogynist nonsense? And fight for new anti-hatred legislation prohibiting hatred (misogyny) againsts girls and women. You may save the life of your sister, daughter or friend, if you have any female relatives or friends that you don't want treated with such disgusting gusto. In short, Robert, and Barack, GROW UP!

M. Sakel of 8:58AM December 17, 2008

First of all....all you commentors here are WRONG! Hillary IS appalled, and that is why she offered up that dismissive comment in response to the picture. If she had made a big stink about it, it would have (1) caused drama in the Obama campaign then all the Obamabots would have cried foul- "oh, throw mama from the train"; and (2) she would have been accused of crying "sexism, sexism". People obviously don't realize that this actually IS an example of sexism! You wouldn't grab a man's boob like that would you?? No, probably not...so is a double standard present- YES. Thus, sexism! It's as simple as that folks. Despite ignorant and popular belief, sexism comes in a variety of forms.

Ladies....you are missing the point by getting angry w/ Hillary's response. She was being a smarta$$ by not giving him the time of day and completely dismissing his immature and stupid actions! He's a moron...a little boy and he doesn't deserve the concern and concentration of someone of Hillary Clinton's stature! In dismissing him, she wasn't dismissing sexism as a whole (she'd never do that)....she was saying "you dumba$$, you don't deserve my energy on this".

Use your head folks! That's the lump that is 2 feet above your rump!

Amber of FL 1:38PM December 16, 2008

I heartily agree. Especially the line "Show me someone who has never in their life done something embarrassing, inappropriate, rude, or regrettable and I'll show you someone ...too inhuman to work in a position of power..."

I tried to make the same point on my blog..

Joe of NY 2:07PM December 15, 2008

Send the young pup back to learn manners. What an appalling demonstration! It IS still on facebook! What arrogance!

Campaigned for Obama in Indiana of IN 4:28PM December 14, 2008

Add Your Thoughts
Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

Back to blog

Robert Schlesinger

Robert Schlesinger

Robert Schlesinger is managing editor for opinion at U.S. News and World Report, overseeing all opinion editorial content. He is the author of White House Ghosts: Presidents and Their Speechwriters. E-mail him at rschlesinger@usnews.com. Follow him on Twitter: @rschles.

advertisement

Robert Schlesinger

Obama's Mixed-Bag Week

The Obama camp can celebrate Dick Lugar defeat, but should worry about the Scott Walker recall.

Mary Kate Cary

Obama Attacks as Economic Cliff Looms

The president can't afford to talk about the economy, but with a 2013 fiscal time bomb approaching, the rest of us can't afford not to.

Latest Video

advertisement