Can Uncalled For Remarks Have Serious Consequences?

As if things aren’t “slippery” enough between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, one of Obama’s advisors, Samantha Power, added more heat to the fire. She was heard passing a comment about Senator Clinton on Monday, March 3rd referring to her as a “monster.” Ms. Power not only extended her genuine apologies for her inexcusable remark to Senator Clinton, Senator Obama, and the amazing Obama staff she had worked with for almost 14 months, but also wrote an apology letter to Hillary Clinton. Her comments left Obama’s team struggling to manage the damage done and regain its balance especially after Tuesday’s losses in the Rhode Island, Texas and Ohio primaries. After the incident, Samantha Power described Clinton as an “incredibly warm, funny role model for women.” She admitted that what she said was in a surge of frustration and that if Obama does not get the nomination she will be supporting Senator Clinton with the same eagerness. While Ms. Power did apologize for her “uncalled for” remark, is that enough to erase the consequences it caused?

Speaking too soon, Samantha Power made things harder for Obama. Her “monster” comment, directed towards Hillary Clinton, had many negative effects. Obama now has to try and fix his “Mr. Clean” image. This incident may lead Obama on the road of a bad reputation. Also, people may have changed their minds about Barack Obama. Those who once thought of him as a sincere, credible man may not view him as the same person anymore. This comment passed by Ms. Power has people wandering whether or not Obama and his team say one thing in public and another in private. Not only was this “episode” immature on Ms. Power’s part but led to her resigning and giving up her position on Obama’s staff. The biggest effect of this action is the heat it added between the two candidates. Hillary Clinton is now very skeptical about what Obama and his advisors say behind closed doors.

While there is really no bright side to this situation, Samantha Power was just expressing her opinion on the opposing candidate. It is unfortunate that she was unaware that she was still on record when she passed this comment but that is why certain things are better left unsaid. As a positive for Senator Clinton, this may give her some extra votes for those who are disappointed in Obama’s team and now want to vote against him. Hillary Clinton praised Obama in accepting Power’s decision to resign but like I said before she is still skeptical about the things him and his team say.

I do agree that Samantha Power’s remark was child-like and inappropriate. I believe she spoke too soon and was unaware of the fact that she was still on record. I do not think this remark will be erased very quickly but eventually it will be in the past and forgotten about. I think Obama will face some sort of consequence for this, whether it’s losing a few votes, losing part of his credibility, etc. During campaigning, every little thing counts. The press is all over the place looking for a good story to write about; not only the candidate but the entire team as well needs to watch what they say and do. While others learned from Ms. Power’s mistake, it cannot be taken back. Both candidates have to move on with their campaign and continue on their struggle to become the next President of the United States!