Being southern born and reared, I was amused to hear of a Chicago Yankee using the term “Sweetie” as a form of address to a profession woman. All true southern men use this term, and others, as endearments to females they are fond of, especially wives, girl friends, daughters, and grand children. Lest we forget, “babycakes”, “honeybunnie”, “dahlin’”, “sugar”, and “sweetcheeks” are all also commonly names used for that same set of cherished females. However, we don’t normally address our professional colleagues and co-workers with these terms of familiarity, no matter how much she may irritate us.
Obama’s use of the term in this instance was unthinkingly sexist, and arrogantly condescending; he deserves to be fried in the same skillet as any other public figure that makes such a gaff.
Of course this is just my opinion, your mileage may vary.
