President Obama attacked Donald Trump in his address to the Canadian Parliament. Is this inappropriate, or is the custom of decorum outdated?

2016-06-30T08:19:39-04:00

President Obama attacked Donald Trump in his address to the Canadian Parliament on Wednesday, breaking the unwritten rule of American politics that it ends at the water's edge. This is the second time he has done so in just two months, as he recently ripped into Trump while in Japan. Is this inappropriate, or is this custom of decorum outdated?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2016 8:25 AM

2016-06-30T08:25:01-04:00

Not saying two wrongs make a right, but didnt trump slam his/Hillary's/current american policies while in Scotland last week? This is just the current state of politics unfortunately

Response by CSM David Heidke made Jun 30 at 2016 8:32 AM

2016-06-30T08:32:09-04:00

Obama has no "decorum."

He is a scorched earth campaigner.

Expect everything during this campaign.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Jun 30 at 2016 8:53 AM

2016-06-30T08:53:45-04:00

From the Toronto Star:

"Obama easily wooed his Canadian audience. But as he prepares to become more involved in the U.S. presidential race, it appears much of it was aimed at Americans, too.

Obama never once uttered Donald Trump’s name. But on trade, immigration, global commerce, international co-operation the U.S. president gutted the controversial positions advocated by the presumptive Republican presidential candidate.

“There are those who offer a politics of us versus them, a politics that scapegoats others — the immigrant, the refugee, someone who seems different than us,” Obama said.

“We have to call this mentality what it is — a threat to the values that we profess, the values that we seek to defend,” said Obama, who will make his first campaign appearance with Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton on Tuesday."

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/06/29/barack-obama-brings-down-the-house-with-final-act-in-canada.html

Looks like he went after policy proposals; skated next to the line but didn't quite cross it.

Barack Obama brings down the House with final act in Canada | Toronto Star

Obama turned in a memorable performance Wednesday that had politicians and dignitaries packed into a sweltering House of Commons repeatedly rising to their feet for standing ovations.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jun 30 at 2016 9:08 AM

2016-06-30T09:08:08-04:00

Absolutely nothing this man says surprises me. His priorities while the world is aflame amaze me.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jun 30 at 2016 10:53 AM

2016-06-30T10:53:28-04:00

Trump has the Democrat target on his back he will be mentioned any time anyone of relative importance from the Democrat Party speaks. When you mention him 23 times in the faux Democrat Banghazi report, and he had nothing to do with politics at the time of the tragedy brought on by incompetence of the administration, the story and narrative is plain to see. Politics over real life issues.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 30 at 2016 11:21 AM

2016-06-30T11:21:25-04:00

Hey, at least the President didn't bow to the janitor on his way to the dais... (To be honest I just made that up trying to be funny. He didn't, did he?)

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Jun 30 at 2016 11:24 AM

2016-06-30T11:24:12-04:00

No Way No How not even close!!

Obama never mentioned Trump's name & that's a fact, Jack... Our President and Commander in Chief would never think of doing anything that has a hint of being inappropriate behavior. And you can take that to the bank..

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2016 11:30 AM

2016-06-30T11:30:38-04:00

Our current president seems more incline to bitch moan and groan about things and less about how to compromise and get something accomplished.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jun 30 at 2016 11:31 AM

2016-06-30T11:31:56-04:00

Early in his administration he caused an international incident when he wanted to return a bust of Winston Churchill to the UK around the time there was discussion among elite quasi-historians that Churchill was not as great a leaders because of actions in the Boer war and later in dealing with Africa SP5 Mark Kuzinski.
POTUS Obama shows decorum when in his mind it is in his interest to do. He came into office on his political coattails and virtually nothing else so politics is his forte among his devotees.
Expect his behavior to go on steroids after he leaves office and hits the speaking circuit.

Response by SFC Joseph McCausland made Jun 30 at 2016 11:59 AM

2016-06-30T11:59:10-04:00

You are talking about the most "left-wing" ideologue President in history... of course it's appropriate.. "presidential decorum" be damned. Uncle Saul would be very proud of him.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jun 30 at 2016 12:11 PM

2016-06-30T12:11:06-04:00

President Obama has never been bound by more traditional views of "classy" conduct. From little things like chewing gum at state events, to weird internet video interviews, to openly criticizing a SCOTUS decision during a State of the Union Address, to commenting on local controversies (Henry Gates arrest), he has diminished the stateliness of the office.

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Jun 30 at 2016 12:17 PM

2016-06-30T12:17:34-04:00

It was VERY much Appreciated! Especially in this Political Climate! Peace and Blessings be upon you Mr. President and your Family!

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jun 30 at 2016 12:41 PM

2016-06-30T12:41:00-04:00

This was uncalled for.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2016 12:50 PM

2016-06-30T12:50:44-04:00

SP5 Kuzinski, do you have a link? Because all I can find is a press conference. If I am reading correctly, he did not mention Trump by name. I don't think he has in all this time, even when Trump was questioning the President's birth place.
SP5 Kuzinski, what do you think? Myself, I see some of the comments here that criticize the President and wonder where the fury comes from. Do you remember when a number of Congressmen, Led by Congressman Cotton, wrote to the President of Iran to try to derail the administration's diplomatic efforts with Iran? Was that inappropriate, a violation of decorum, or sedition?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2016 12:51 PM

2016-06-30T12:51:26-04:00

No, not a shock at all. This fellow, our Nations Commander is a little off in his logic. Also in his ethical code. So being that he would LOVE to leave office and go his way. Which most likely will be hard to do. Being that there is a great deception behind this whole past 8 years. He will lash out at any point, anyplace and denigrate America, sorry to say. And attempt to cause, let's call it a Smoke-Screen so American Society looks the other way as he leaves. But it's not going to work. The Obama-Admin. is more corrupt that the prior. To bad for him

Response by MAJ James Woods made Jun 30 at 2016 12:53 PM

2016-06-30T12:53:10-04:00

When was the last time we saw American politics end at the water's edge? It's an election year and we see candidates not only taking shots at each other but we see them taking shots at particular countries when it comes to foreign policy. A Democrat President is going to take shots at the GOP and support his party's nominee (most likely nominee). Decorum with our politicians when it comes to America's politics was lost the moment we had Congressional leaders inviting foreign leaders to address Congress with the purpose of lobbying criticism at the White House. The whole state of American politics has fallen into the gutter of unprofessionalism. The days of asking a leader to ignore the criticism, the insults, and acting like a grown up that don't care of the belittling politics have disappeared.

Response by SFC Mark Marus made Jun 30 at 2016 12:56 PM

2016-06-30T12:56:03-04:00

I understand wanting to keep your party in power; however, you don't talk politics on foreign soil, period. Build your candidate up, if at all possible, and let the opposition do the same.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Jun 30 at 2016 1:42 PM

2016-06-30T13:42:01-04:00

He brungs dishoner to the office. Have you ever heard an Obama speach were he did not bad mouth someone? From his Grandmother, Bush, any Rebublican in office or candidate for President?

Response by LTC David Brown made Jun 30 at 2016 1:44 PM

2016-06-30T13:44:43-04:00

http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/11/19/obama-slammed-bush-for-criticism-abroad-in-2008/ Seems Obama has no trouble criticizing Republicans over seas. But we all know Obama is special.

Hypocrite: Obama Slammed Bush for Criticism Abroad in '08

Obama has attacked Republican candidates while overseas. In 2008, however, Obama slammed Bush for perceived criticism abroad.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2016 1:48 PM

2016-06-30T13:48:38-04:00

It depends, should he go out of his way to attack Trump? Definitely not, however if the candidates position is an aspect of an issue that needs to be addressed then attacking that that position (not the person) may be reasonable.

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/obama-to-canadians-trump-brexit-threaten-our-values/article/2595285

Obama to Canadians: Trump, Brexit threaten our values

President Obama urged Canadians and Americans on Wednesday to resist the politics of fear and isolationism behind the Brexit vote and Donald Trump's nomination, which he said threaten inclusion, equality and tolerance.Without naming Donald Trump, Obama attacked his policy prescriptions in an address to the Canadian Parliament, arguing that scapegoating immigrants is just an attempt for nostalgic Americans fed up with their situation to regain...

Response by PO1 Charles Babcock made Jun 30 at 2016 2:51 PM

2016-06-30T14:51:45-04:00

just more proof that he has no class and no clue.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jun 30 at 2016 3:04 PM

2016-06-30T15:04:06-04:00

I'd rather he talk shit about the dirtbag that killed 49 Americans in Orlando soooooo long ago. Cant take a chance on offending ISNA now can we!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 30 at 2016 4:07 PM

2016-06-30T16:07:46-04:00

"Internal Politics end at the Waters Edge"? Huh What!

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2016 4:20 PM

2016-06-30T16:20:21-04:00

Dont think it can be called an attack especially if he didnt even say Trump's name. But, if he had how could it have been any worse than helf the things Trump has said about other individuals and entire ethnic groups? Why are people so quick to dismiss or sometimes praise out right hate speech then hone in on something they have to read between the lines to even understand?

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Jun 30 at 2016 4:58 PM

2016-06-30T16:58:11-04:00

I cannot understand how this thing is still the POTUS. Notice the "new" White House Logo? A white flag flies atop the WH. The worldwide symbol of surrender!

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 30 at 2016 5:39 PM

2016-06-30T17:39:30-04:00

Depends on who is doing the attacking, if BO, then there is definetally no decorum, and I'll throw HRC for good measure.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jun 30 at 2016 5:44 PM

2016-06-30T17:44:32-04:00

Customs and decorum like rules are meant to be broken, because we live in a time of change/flux. Hell 100 years ago women were trying to get the right to vote, think of the leaders that supported that, cause most were opposed.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Jun 30 at 2016 6:50 PM

2016-06-30T18:50:53-04:00

It was inappropriate SP5 Mark Kuzinski. The man is an imbecile and if anyone else doesn't agree with me, its ok to block me like some another child has done on here!

Response by PO2 Robert Cuminale made Jun 30 at 2016 8:14 PM

2016-06-30T20:14:06-04:00

The man doesn't know the meaning of the word nor of propriety.
From calling a policeman stupid because he wanted to see the ID of a man climbing through a window to prove he lived there to involving himself in a self defense case and claiming that if he had a son the assailant would look like him.
Taking the side of another assailant who had tried to beat or kill a policeman when no facts were available.
Making a joke about the nonexistent "shovel ready jobs" on camera and not caring that he thought we were fools.
Insulting a US Senator on camera causing "hot coals to fall upon his head".
Telling the same lie over and over and showing no embarrassment when the when the originator of the lie was found to have called the voters "stupid" on five videos and he knew they'd believe the lie.
Cooking up another lie over a video causing the deaths of four people and showing no remorse for the lie and the deaths when the lie is revealed.
Promoting another liar's campaign for his job and constantly criticizing her opponent obtusely when everyone knows who is talking about.
Donald Trump is living in his head rent free and that is a pleasure to know because it means Obama has a genuine fear of him and the people who will vote for him. Even that doesn't embarrass him.

Response by Nathan Weiss made Jul 1 at 2016 12:37 AM

2016-07-01T00:37:36-04:00

Inappropriate.

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made Jul 1 at 2016 1:21 AM

2016-07-01T01:21:30-04:00

Of course it was inappropriate. What isn't with this man? His actions are calculated, intention acts designed to break down our system, values, and even common courtesies to a base level "Mob" appeal.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2016 1:43 AM

2016-07-01T01:43:05-04:00

President Obama just likes to be Provocative and do the things that haven't been done, so he thinks that he is making a change. Yeah change is a great philosophy and it supports great leadership skills (look at Colin Powell) Mr. Powell should have run for president long time ago. He did Change the right way for the right reasons, not to annoy Americans during his exit.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2016 1:56 PM

2016-07-02T13:56:09-04:00

Decorum? Are you kidding me? Is this the same decorum as when Republican legislators denied a request by the president to address a joint session of Congress? How about when a SC congressman shouted you lie at the president during a SOTU address? How about when Republicans invited a foreign leader (Netanyahu) to address Congress without going through the White House? Hey how about the time Republicans wrote a letter to the Iranians trying to undermine the nuclear deal? Donald Trump doesnt even hold a public office. He's a reality show star, con artist, and narcissist bamboozling the American people into believing he is a credible and competent presidential candidate. Decorum? Give me a f*****g break.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Jul 2 at 2016 5:58 PM

2016-07-02T17:58:23-04:00

This is the president of bad mouthing the country when overseas. He does it constantly. Badmouthing an opposing party candidate would be par for the course. I will not miss the way this guy acts when representing the country to other nations.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 4 at 2016 10:31 AM

2016-07-04T10:31:16-04:00

SP5 Mark Kuzinski Its politica as usual - our country and POTUS actually getting nothing done by making these remarks. We need politicians that want to govern! Just my opinion!

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 4 at 2016 10:33 AM

2016-07-04T10:33:18-04:00

SP5 Mark Kuzinski who cares about this and do you think the Candians really care. This is just politics as usual. We need politicians that want to govern and get things done, not "lip service"! Just my opinion!

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Jul 5 at 2016 9:33 AM

2016-07-05T09:33:12-04:00

What do you expect from a POTUS that bad mouths and disrespects his own country when overseas.
He refuses to acknowledge any attack on our soil as an Islamic attack and attacks anyone who makes that claim or statement.
He will not judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few, but will not do the same to muslims.
When opportunities arise to help unite and ease race tensions, he chooses to antagonize and divide us further.

Response by SSG Ronald Rollins made Sep 17 at 2016 11:33 PM

2016-09-17T23:33:36-04:00

He is a low life that should never have been elected. He is as unprofessional as can be.