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Obama cancels meeting with Philippines' Duterte after insult

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Not condoning what he said, but I'm pretty sure "putang ina" is such a common term used by Filipinos, they'll say it almost in a way people say "god damn it", not necessarily directed at anyone. However, he may have directed it here, like he did with the Pope and many others. And yes, he shouldn't be saying those words publicly as an official, especially to a leader of a country that more or less own yours. I think he just said that to avoid a meeting with Obama. He didn't want to talk about the drug killings.

11 ( +16 / -5 )

he shouldn't be saying those words publicly as an official

Visions of a Trump presidency...

20 ( +27 / -7 )

Not a good way to garner US support for their South China Sea situation, is it?

24 ( +24 / -0 )

Duterte suffers from Tagalog Tourette's.

19 ( +21 / -2 )

Although I've read that the drug killings are popular in the Philippines, we will see if Duterte, with his insults and cursing, loses popularity. Filipinos in the US have told me they are embarrassed by his behavior.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

“Plenty will be killed until the last pusher is out of the streets. Until the (last) drug manufacturer is killed we will continue,” he said.

While that is the most effect way of getting rid of the likes of who will laugh at due process and kill you where you stand if you asked them to stop doing illegal business, I would not have EVER used that language EVEN if the person it was aimed at was not doing more to rid the world of such blight and then criticized you for your methods of doing so. You catch more flies with honey than with...

2 ( +4 / -2 )

On Monday, Obama said he recognized the importance of fighting the drug trade, but insisted it must be done under the rule of law.

Well, if their law says drug pushers die, then what's the problem?

-22 ( +4 / -26 )

Well, if their law says drug pushers die, then what's the problem?

The killings are being done extra-judicially, not legally. No trial, no due process.

That's the problem.

16 ( +19 / -3 )

If you want to have a living, breathing example of a Trump presidency on steroids, have a look at Rodrigo Duterte. They are both demagogues who have no respect for anything other than personal power and who react with blind fury to any criticism.

17 ( +21 / -4 )

Gosh, there's so much I really want to say on this topic, but I will say this, maybe it was a little bit too much to say what he said about Obama publicly like that. Privately and behind the scenes or under your breath.....

-9 ( +6 / -15 )

"colorful remarks"? The Philippines has elected a Donald Trump. This is a preview.

8 ( +12 / -5 )

Comparing Duterte to Trump is nonsense, especially when it is Obama who has approve extra-judicial executions of Americans (via his drone program).

It's a terrible situation the Philippines are in with this guy, but it shows how quickly people can be seduced into fascism when things aren't going well. Sadly, most people only recognize fascism when it's practiced by a politician they dislike.

-6 ( +6 / -12 )

Comparing Duterte to Trump is nonsense, especially when it is Obama who has approve extra-judicial executions of Americans (via his drone program).

Not really the same is it though. First off, I'll be clear, I don't agree with the drone program at all. Nor with the American insistence on being in countries in which they don't belong, and aren't wanted.

But with the Obama administration's extra-judicial killings, they have panels of people that sit down and discuss, and make their decisions based on those discussions. With Duterte, they are just going out and killing whomever. The Obama admin is not doing due process, but at least there is a process there. The same cannot be said with the Duterte admin's killing of drug dealers.

And the comparison with Trump was Duterte's big mouth, and apparent inability to reign in comments that cause harm to their country. Both of them are extremely guilty of this.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

Well, Duterte called Obama an S-O-W and they haven't even had the meeting yet. Why bother?

(Because 'putang ina' if it has Spanish etymology in it looks more like 'son of a whore' than S-O-B. Wiktionary says the same, doesn't mention 'bitch' on the 'putang ina' page.)

3 ( +3 / -0 )

If you want to have a living, breathing example of a Trump presidency on steroids, have a look at Rodrigo Duterte. They are both demagogues who have no respect for anything other than personal power and who react with blind fury to any criticism.

And yet Obama is the one selling weapons to any country willing to buy them, backing Saudi Arabia in their criminal war against Yemen, backed the coup in Ukraine causing more death to innocent civilians, started the the chaos in Syria, Libya, on and on and on....

If you want a living, breathing example of cognitive dissonance, here's one.

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

If you are just comparing the mouth and the language, then I would agree Duterte is similar to Trump. But, potty language, much as I disapprove of it, is not a big problem in the scheme of things. People are attracted to it when the "respectable" politicians (there's an oxymoron) mouth empty platitudes and verbose lies in soothing inoffensive language. If mainstream politicians were able to utter even a few sentences in straight talking language, Trump would have disappeared a year ago.

I have no idea if Duterte's comments about Obama are calculated or simply stupid bravado.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Leave a comment, go to jail.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

But, potty language, much as I disapprove of it, is not a big problem in the scheme of things

It is when it comes to being a leader. Leaders do very little of the actual 'work', they set up the environment where work can happen. When the president visits a foreign nation and makes an agreement with them on something, he doesn't sit there and hammer out the specifics, that is left to someone else who actually steps in and does the work in the environment that as been created.

As such, politicians and business leaders need to be likeable. It's an important trait in order to make the coming to of an agreement smoother, and more likely. Many potential business deals have fallen apart because one side just didn't come across as likeable or trustworthy or whatever.

This story is a case-in-point. Duterte just pissed off Obama, and now any potential business/trade/support deals that could have been negotiated have just been thrown out the window.

Anyone who thinks the same won't happen with Trump is fooling themselves.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Duterte Harry strikes again. I guess Obama made his day.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Strangerland wins the thread with his first comment. Just to extend that a little, look at Obama's comments. Pure technocrat. He goes to meetings to get things done, so all he does is rejigger his schedule to meet with South Korea instead of the Philippines. Got to move on. If the Philippines can't send someone to sit at the adult table, that does not mean that Obama has to go sit at the kiddie table. Good for Obama. Hillary is exactly like that.

And now Duterte has to find some excuse for making his whole country do a facepalm.

And yes, this is what a Trump presidency would be like. One embarrassment after another. Wasted efforts all around simply because the guy at the table says something dumb and entirely unnecessary. Amateurs screwing up the professionals.

Countries that can separate policy from politics are probably going to be more successful in the future. It is just a hunch, but we are at the right time in history to draw some important data to prove or disprove that hypothesis.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

This is unfortunately the new norm for the masses of miserable and uneducated around the world. Filipinos baying for murder, Brexiteers murdering MPs in the street, Trumpettes calling for assassinations against political opponents, they are all the same low quality breed, completely unable to cope in today's fast-paced social world, withdrawing into anti-social behaviour

3 ( +4 / -1 )

The Philippines needs the US more than the US needs them. If they are mad at America they can buddy up with China. The PI would not stand a chance in any conflict with China. If they want to insult the USA then they might as well surrender the disputed islands. I do not expect them to prostrate themselves before America but they need to show respect. Japan should not help them as well.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

But I've got to say, maybe people aren't giving Duterte enough credit here. Maybe he's just playing his cards. Yes for one, the Philippines needs the US more than the other way around........or do they? See, the Philippines is a key strategic country, not only geographically, but in the case of the SCS disputes, politically as well. The US kind of needs the Philippines for their pivot, and Duterte might just know this. Statecraft does not make the above scenario far-fetched.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

Perhaps Duterte needs to attend to more important matters rather than talk to a leader who's on his way out.

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

This story is a case-in-point. Duterte just pissed off Obama, and now any potential business/trade/support deals that could have been negotiated have just been thrown out the window.

Maybe that was the point. Obama will be gone in a few months, so he got to look tough without facing any consequences. He knows Obama is a lame duck.

You also over-estimate the effect of these words in high level negotiations. It's not all love and kisses, and when there is so much at stake, nobody is going too take their marbles and go home because of rough language. While I'm not confident of Trump delivering on any of his promises, I have no doubt he is a highly skilled negotiator, far superior to Clinton. Even if he has conned people out of money, as many claim, then that suggests he is one smooth talker.

So maybe Duterte is looking tough by taking an easy shot. That may make the next president he talks to a little more conciliatory, and both leaders gain face at the cost of Obama's face. Not unlike Kruschev's shoe on the table at the UN.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Other news sources translated the vulgar jibe as 'son of a whore'. Duterte has a limited vocabulary.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Obama is getting disrespected by half of Asia during this one trip alone.

-4 ( +6 / -10 )

-14

Whoah! The Hater-Elevator is full today, isn't it!!

I never suggested any extra-judicial killings! Only that the law be followed. Why all the hate?

-6 ( +4 / -10 )

I never suggested any extra-judicial killings! Only that the law be followed. Why all the hate?

Well, most of what the Nazis did was following the law. The problem is extra-judicial killings, and the law can be twisted any which way to permit that. Or to paraphrase my aunt, "if the law says you have to jump off a cliff, would you jump off cliff?"

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Good on Obama, he's on his way out so no need to bite his tongue and fulfill his obligations with populist bogans like Duterte.

Duterte belongs in cockfighting tournaments with other 'long pinky fingernail' type of blokes.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

I agree with his comments that Obama should mind his own business. The PI is a sovereign country and can elect their own officials and make their own laws. Why does he have to "answer" to Obama about what he is doing? Totally agree with that part. When the USA does a drone strike and kills someone do they "answer" to anyone? nope! same thing.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

He called Pope Francis a “son of a whore” in May, and called U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg a “gay son of a whore.”

classy guy

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Maybe that was the point. Obama will be gone in a few months, so he got to look tough without facing any consequences. He knows Obama is a lame duck.

It's possible, but that's a pretty big risk - if Hillary maintains the bitterness, the Philippines will suffer from a lack of negotiation with the US. As it stands, Duterte just killed any chance of any negotiation for a minimum of six months, and more likely at least a year.

You also over-estimate the effect of these words in high level negotiations. It's not all love and kisses, and when there is so much at stake, nobody is going too take their marbles and go home because of rough language.

Um, Obama just did exactly that.

And of course it's not all hugs and kisses, but a good negotiator will be personable enough to keep the negotiation going even when it's dealing with tough issues. Someone who is not good with people will not be able to do this.

Anyways that all said, you may be right that Duterte did this to look tough. But does he really look tough? He just looks like a guy who can't hold his tongue for the sake of the people he leads. For people who are going to hate the US and/or Obama no matter what, sure he'll get a bump. But to anyone who recognizes the necessity of dealing with the US, they are going to think he looks like a fool.

Which is exactly what will happen if Trump becomes president.

I never suggested any extra-judicial killings! Only that the law be followed. Why all the hate?

The law isn't being followed.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Dan Lewis: I never suggested any extra-judicial killings! Only that the law be followed. Why all the hate?

A lot of posters hold the belief that the death penalty is a litmus test indicating un-civilization of a nation, for those nations with the penalty.

Did you notice one of the conditions on Turkey joining the EU is to drop the death penalty?

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Within the EU Member states there is no Death Penalty, abolishing it is part of becoming an EU Member.

So Turkey, etc cannot join the EU while they have the Death Penalty. Above poster is right.

Duterte is power-hungry and thinks he can get away with anything, not so in the real world.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Obama will be gone in a few months, so he got to look tough without facing any consequences. He knows Obama is a lame duck.

If that in fact is his mindset, he's sorrily mistaken. Particularly regarding foreign relations, America is driven by a cadre of professional bureaucrats, most of whom remain regardless of whoever is president. Certainly there was no lasting damage done, but a limited amount of people with an awesome scope of responsibility must allocate their attention to areas in which they feel progress can be made. Obama is no different, as his calm reaction to this displayed.

Congratulations, Duterte. The Philippines are now on the back burner.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

The law isn't being followed.

Exactly!! So push them to change the law and follow it. I'm not advocating lynching or extra-judicial killings. I'm advocating that they follow the law. And change it if needed.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Duterte's feels about Obama will be mild compared to what we will be hearing in the coming months from other leaders...

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

grown a** politician swearing like a 15 yo kid, is he really stupid or is he clever at abusing the democracy? either way, he's made 'democracy' a joke, just as trump is trying to.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

dcog9065

This is unfortunately the new norm for the masses of miserable and uneducated around the world. Filipinos baying for murder, Brexiteers murdering MPs in the street, Trumpettes calling for assassinations against political opponents, they are all the same low quality breed, completely unable to cope in today's fast-paced social world, withdrawing into anti-social behaviour

Unfortunately you seem to base your opinions on cheap tabloid headlines rather than trying to find out about the issues in an intelligent way.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-laos-obama-duterte-statement-idUSKCN11C0CX

Duterte regrets Obama comments came across as personal attack

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

He may be giving the proverbial finger to the USA, but look who has its eyes on the property or at least the off-shore resources. Unless he has eyes in the back of his head, he is going to lead the country down the same path that Venezuela went - tyranny and bankruptcy.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Jackass must have studied diplomacy at Trump University.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

He's apologizing saying, he regretted "it came across as a personal attack on the US President."

Glad the President decided to cancel the meeting.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Total lack of class on Duerte's part, but it is indicative of how little respect world leaders have of Obama, one of the weakest presidents to ever hold office.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Duerte should just follow the Obama/Bush doctrine. Identify anyone you want killed as a terrorist you are at war with and then send a drone to bomb them and their village, and who cares if this is a war crime.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Duterte is a mad man who is no better than a death squad leader, and Obama was right to cancel with him. The guy is completely alienating himself and the nation, and Indonesia is going to suffer, with his war on drugs killing thousands upon thousands of innocents. Why is it some leaders actually suck up to this guy and want to work with him?

As for the apology that he's "sorry it may have come across as a personal attack", how on earth is calling someone a son-of-a-bi tch in any language not an attack?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

The Philippines will never prosper. Look at where Korea was in the early 80's compared to where the Philippines is now. South Korea has prospered, the Philippines never will. America continues to support the Philippines but many (though not necessarily all) scam American citizens and those of other nations to no end. Everything in the Philippines is a scam. You can't trust anyone and I mean no one. Now Duterte comes in office and is a Buffoon just like what Trump will (is) be if he is elected President. Duterte should be impeached and kicked out of office. Phooey. I say stop supporting the Philippines until they try to help themselves and stop scamming foreigners for everything they have. The Philippines was a much better place before Clark AB closed.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

“I always want to make sure that if I’m having a meeting, that it’s actually productive and we’re getting something done,”

I guess all those meetings with Beyonce, et al have been very "productive." Were it Clinton speaking, and not Obama, maybe he could say "reproductive."

But perhaps that is why Obama spends so much time on the golf course, to avoid those "unproductive" meetings.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I hope that the Philippine Congress is keeping a record that will hopefully be used at an impeachment proceeding.

After all, the Philippines is important to the United States, but not pivotal - Cam Ranh Bay is a much better port logistically and is closer to the Paracel and Spratly Islands than is Subic Bay, and Vietnam has the potential to become one of the United States' most reliable partners*. Only history and current relations support the Philippines as the favored forward base and worth protection, but that could come to an end if Duterte finally alienates the decision makers in Washington.

*c.f. Pew Global Indicators Survey, http://www.pewglobal.org/database/, which shows in 2015, Vietnam having a net favorability rating for the U.S. to China of 78/19 (US +59%) - the highest among major surveyed E-SE Asian countries, including Japan (68/11, US +57%), Philippines (92/54, US +38%) and South Korea (84/61, US +23%).

0 ( +1 / -1 )

But perhaps that is why Obama spends so much time on the golf course, to avoid those "unproductive" meetings.

Is it true that George W. Bush took more vacation days than Barack Obama? A: Yes. Before his two-week trip to Martha’s Vineyard in August, Obama’s count was 125 full or partial days and Bush’s total at the same point in his presidency was 407.

No complaints from the right wing crew about Bush who has taken over three times more vacation days than Obama. Pure partisan donkey dust. Bush was on vacation when he let 9-11 happen.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

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