Political nicknames and el presidente

Political nicknames are a popular pastime. Australians all know who Little Johnny, Mad Mark or Saint Kevin are. Americans are familiar with Clint-in and probably others I don't know straight away.

But what's behind these names?

I've recently noticed there seems to be a bit of a movement for opponents to refer to US presidential candidate Barack Obama as Hussein. In some ways it makes sense, as it is his middle name and lots of people are referred to by their middle name.

I guess what bugs me is that there seems to be the assumption this should be offensive. Little Johnny is offensive - it's blatantly referring to his physical size and generally weedy world view. Clint-in refers to his sexual exploits. Hussein is just a very common Arabic name. Is being Arab funny and offensive in modern America, or am I missing something?

Looking at Obama and his policies, there seems to be so many better options available, ranging from Obamaba (doop-doop-de-do-doop, Obamaba!) to Peacemonger Pete to the Bringer of Hope.

Why, Americanistas, do you go for the Hussein? Is there an element of humour in it I'm not picking up? Is there more to it than an attempt to attribute to Obama whatever loathsome qualities you seemingly attribute to Arabs?

32,260 views 33 replies
Reply #1 Top

Calling Obama - Hussein is just ugliness.  I guess it's a way to try to say he is a terrorist, not to be trusted etc.  At the very least a way to question his character and draw a parallel between him and Sadam Hussein.  It is absolutely meant as an insult in every way.  No one is innocently just using it "because it's his middle name".  I am not an Obama supporter and I find it offensive. 

Reply #2 Top

I find it about as offensive as the left using McSame for McCain, just a war of words. meaning nothing in the end. It just shows what side you chose.

Reply #3 Top

I find it about as offensive as the left using McSame for McCain, just a war of words. meaning nothing in the end. It just shows what side you chose.
End of quote
  I think Hussein is more offensive than McSame and I am not for Obama. 

Reply #4 Top
I find it about as offensive as the left using McSame for McCain, just a war of words. meaning nothing in the end. It just shows what side you chose.
End of quote


Sure Modman, but what do you think is the implied meaning behind it? Is Hussein a funny/offensive name to call someone? If it is, is there more to it than the Arab connection?

The reason I'm asking is that I'm tempted to simply write off anyone who uses it as little more than a fairly unoriginal racist (Osama is so much easier, and it rhymes!).

I'd like to think there's a better reason behind it all.
Reply #5 Top

Calling Obama Hussein is just offensive, but it's not like namecalling doesn't come with the job.

Reply #6 Top

Quoting cactoblasta, reply 4
If it is, is there more to it than the Arab connection?
End of cactoblasta's quote

Now what the Democrats did to Jindal during the Lousiana Governor race was just as bad as this but you wont find many mainstream media peeps harping on what they did like you hear for Obama. Why did they always call him Piyush when he goes by Bobby?  There is no historical or current reason to do that.  They too were just calling him by his real name.

It is dirty to call Obama Hussein cause it is trying to make people think of Saddam Hussein. Just like it would be if someone had the name Adolf. But trying to make people think of a "bad" person isnt racist, its just dirty.

 

 

 

 

Reply #7 Top

Well most of the comments on this article proved the reason why some here like using Hussein when talking about Obama.

First of all let me say that if calling a man by his middle name, regardless of the reason, is a bad thing then all of you are ridiculous. It's his middle name people, it's not like we are adding anything to it like Cactos "Little John" example.


The reason is not that the name Hussein is used to insult him (hello, it's his middle name if anything his mom would be to blame), it's the people who get offended that are the target of this kind of "Name calling". Any of you ever had a word that would get you mad every time someone called you that name? Ever wonder why people kept calling you that name? Because it bugged you, the same as it does those who think this name is offensive.


What I do wonder though, why do those who find this offensive find it offensive? Is it because they are the ones who actually think that his middle name being Hussein is disturbing but are too afraid to admit it and instead play the guilty card because he is black, has a Muslim name and they don't want to offend either?

You all need to grow up already. His middle name is being used against the whinners and not against Osama, I mean Obama himself.

Reply #8 Top

Quoting CharlesCS, reply 7
.The reason is not that the name Hussein is used to insult him (hello, it's his middle name if anything his mom would be to blame), it's the people who get offended that are the target of this kind of "Name calling". Any of you ever had a word that would get you mad every time someone called you that name? Ever wonder why people kept calling you that name? Because it bugged you, the same as it does those who think this name is offensive.
End of CharlesCS's quote

Um ya, My Bio logical grand father on my momside name was Adolph.  He didnt go about as Adolph cause people would give ya a hard time if he did.... same with an Iraqi that has the name Saddam atm.....people do treat you bad if you are associated with certain people or even just reminded of them. Adolph was a common German name before people branded it as a reminder of Hitler.... how many people are named Adolph today... why arent they? Cause it would be a bad mark against em.

Yes, your going to have to have a thick skin if your unfortunate enough to have one of these types of names... how ever it doesnt mean that people should calling you it for the purpose of making you look bad either. Weather you Obama (D) or Jindal (R) I think its both in poor taste.

Yes people should be free to use this form of speech.... but I will exercise my right to call it like I see it.... bad manners.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reply #9 Top
His middle name is being used against the whinners and not against Osama, I mean Obama himself.
End of quote


Okay. So what you're saying here is that it's used so that you can annoy people who think it's an insult, but not because you mean it as an insult.

This is a little too meta for me. Why do you want to distract from your own arguments by adding in pointless red flags for hostile bulls?
Reply #10 Top
This is a little too meta for me. Why do you want to distract from your own arguments by adding in pointless red flags for hostile bulls?
End of quote


Because unlike our liberal brothers and sisters in my country, most conservatives do not attack people personally, we disagree on political points rather than personal attacks. We might change that tactic if we ever run out of political points to disagree with but it has worked for the last 40 or so years so why change.

You see, the liberals don’t have any real understanding of politics, they personalize it to the point that if they disagree with you then you are the enemy and must be destroyed personally. Here are some examples of what I mean.

Tax cuts are good for people and good for the economy. A typical conservative view that has proven to work every time it is tried.
Liberals don’t believe in letting the market place work but every time they try their ideas they fail so their reply is. You only want to help the rich get richer, you hate the poor, and you are a bad person for wanting to do this. What about the poor that don’t pay taxes they don’t get a tax cut! You see what I mean?

Or we need to drill for more oil to bring down the price of petrol. The reply is, you only want to make the oil companies rich on the backs of the poor. It will take ten years to bring in an oil well so it won’t help us now. We need alternatives to oil and the only way to do this is to stop producing oil to make people use alternative forms of energy.
When the president removed the presidential ban on drilling the price of oil dropped 10 dollars within minutes. Congress says no and the price went back up. Just the hint of increasing the supply of oil is enough to drop the price but liberals don’t understand this.

In using Senator Obama’s middle name the liberals perceive this as a racial slur because they are in their heart of hearts racist. They are myopic in a lot of their views and believe that all people think as they do. So if they would use a racial slur then everyone else would do the same thing. Watching them get all twisted out of shape just by using the Senators middle name is how we get our entertainment because they have yet to come up with any ideas that are worth debating. When they do you will notice that the game stops and we debate the issue rather than twist their tail.

Hope this helps.
Reply #11 Top
Because unlike our liberal brothers and sisters in my country, most conservatives do not attack people personally, we disagree on political points rather than personal attacks.
End of quote


But aren't you just saying then that you enjoy a masochistic relationship with liberals, where you as the masochist deliberately seek out opportunities to be lambasted and the liberals are your unwitting aids? That may be what you get out of it, but I'm not so sure many other conservatives would agree.
Reply #12 Top
The terms used on conservatives are offensive. Obama's middle name is not offensive, but a reminder of the fact he is Arabic (and meant to sway the voter). But using his middle name is akin to reminding voters of his vacillation on Jerusalem. We are supposed to abstain from noting the fact that it changed 3 times in 24 hours?

As for Clint-in, that is the first I have heard of it. And I am not exactly an ostrich when it comes to politics. Perhaps that is just an Aussie term?
Reply #13 Top

Hussein is just a very common Arabic name. Is being Arab funny and offensive in modern America, or am I missing something?

End of quote

Fritz is a common German name.

If in 1940 a German-American with possible ties to Nazi Germany with the name of "Otto Fritz Siegmeister" had run for President, I think "Fritz" would have been a good nick name for him.

 

Reply #14 Top

That's probably also why Eddie Hitler never ran for Prime Minister.

 

Reply #15 Top
Um ya, My Bio logical grand father on my momside name was Adolph. He didnt go about as Adolph cause people would give ya a hard time if he did.... same with an Iraqi that has the name Saddam atm.....people do treat you bad if you are associated with certain people or even just reminded of them. Adolph was a common German name before people branded it as a reminder of Hitler.... how many people are named Adolph today... why arent they? Cause it would be a bad mark against em.
End of quote


A good argument and I understand your point. But let me ask you this. Did your biological grandfather find this name insulting? Because if he didn't then I don't see the problem. You see, calling peoples names only works if the person who's being insulted actually cares. I was cracked on as a child when I lived in Puerto Rico because I was born and raised in the US so I was a Gringo even though my parents were born in Puerto Rico. I had to deal with that for the 8 years I was living there.

I've been called Chucky (as in the evil doll), Charles Chaplin, Chucky-Cheese, pigeon (because I once found a hurt pigeon and saved it and it because a pet for a couple of months) and more. But I got pass all of that because I was the better man (even if I was a boy). I had a rough childhood but I kept going and Obama will do the same. The point is these names were used against me, the ones used here are merely to get under the Liberals skin who defend Obama or in some instances those who get picky about it.

In the end everyone has to deal with the fact that we have a guy running for President that not only he could be the first Black President, but who's name rhymes with Osama (our current terrorist enemy), who's Middle name is the same as Saddam (a terrible man who ran the country we are currently occupying thru a war not everyone is happy about and he happens to have Muslim connections (at a time when Muslim radical groups are preaching the death and destruction of the West and Israel). I'm sorry dude but apart from not liking Obama's mentality and his policies, the fact that his victory as the next President of the US could only add to the Muslim fire we are currently trying to put out (read this comment as you wish) is enough for me not to want to vote for him and this has nothing to do with being racist, it has everything to do with not wanting to add more fuel to a fire we are having a hard time trying to put out.
Reply #16 Top
But aren't you just saying then that you enjoy a masochistic relationship with liberals, where you as the masochist deliberately seek out opportunities to be lambasted and the liberals are your unwitting aids?
End of quote


You have that a bit wrong. Sadism enjoys inflicting pain and or humiliation, a masochist enjoys receiving humiliation.

Yes, they are unwitting because they seem to lack a sense of humor. We don’t seek out these opportunities they throw them at us. All they usually have to do is open their mouth or scribble a sentence.

but I'm not so sure many other conservatives would agree.
End of quote


I only speak for myself and the conservatives I have known.

As for Clint-in, that is the first I have heard of it.
End of quote


I have to agree here. I think that is a local thing that the American press has kept from us. Maybe his majesty the right dishonorable Mr. Clinton was not as well loved around the world as we have been led to believe.
Reply #17 Top

Maybe you should be asking why is it ok to call the SITTING President of the United States, a moron, a traitor, a liar, a moron, an Idiot, a chimpanzee, a smirking chimp, little Georgie, Georgie porgies, and a multitude of other name, OTHER THAN PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH, and this is all good when done by bleeding heart weak minded sissy girly man liberals and lesbian greenpeacer, hairy armpit manly looking feminazis liberals but that seems to be fine and good, they are just exercising their first amendment rights and how dare I question them in ANY WAY!!!!.

Reply #18 Top

Quoting CharlesCS, reply 15
But let me ask you this. Did your biological grandfather find this name insulting? Because if he didn't then I don't see the problem. You see, calling peoples names only works if the person who's being insulted actually cares. I was cracked on as a child when I lived in Puerto Rico because I was born and raised in the US so I was a Gringo even though my parents were born in Puerto Rico. I had to deal with that for the 8 years I was living there.
End of CharlesCS's quote

I dont know if he found it insulting.... thankfully he died well before I was born.  I do know he went by the name Al as to drawn negitive attention to himself.  I do understand what you mean.... you do have to put up with names things people say to attack you with em... I and my father before me had kids use the taunt, Bake me a cake Baker. DId it affect me nope, you have to put up with it. 

 But sometimes these names can hurt you in more ways then just feelings.  Some people would choose not to go to a persons business if they knew his name was Adolph, or even if he was considered to be a Gringo by the community.

Like I said before I think people should be able to use these tactics.... but that doesnt mean I cant call it mud slinging.

Reply #19 Top
Yes, they can hurt, but the trick is to move on, unlike some here who won't let it go. I always tell my older son that when ever his little brother starts bothering him with annoying sounds or words to ignore him. Why? Simple, he does it simply because he knows it bothers him. The same with Obama. People here use his middle name to annoying, not him, but those on this site who complain about it. The purpose? To simply point out how stupid it is to complain about it. It's his middle name and people have the right to use it, if you chose to see more than just a middle name then you (I don't mean you specifically) are just as bad as those making the insult because you see the same thing they do.
Reply #20 Top

yes charles they do... but a name can make you not get a job, not get clients... and not get far in life... it doesnt always have to be about hurting you... but giving you a reputation.... you seem to only think its about the feelings of the person... what Iam talking about is is swaying other people with false images... which can be done in the free country we have... and that part is great.... but that doesnt mean some of us cant call it what it is... mud slinging...

Can people sling mud sure. I doute there is a person out there that hasnt, and we all have the right to.  But this isnt a little brother being annoying... or even the adult version.

Reply #21 Top

yes charles they do... but a name can make you not get a job, not get clients... and not get far in life... it doesnt always have to be about hurting you... but giving you a reputation.... you seem to only think its about the feelings of the person... what Iam talking about is is swaying other people with false images...
End of quote

 

Good point, again. But this does not seem to be affecting Obama. This name has been used many times before, but if you look at  the latest information, Obama is not gaining much ground anymore not because his middle name is Hussein, it's because the real Obama is starting to show himself more and more every day. For the Bushisms that esxist, Obama is doing a great job following in Bush's tong twisted steps, yet no one calls him on it. He has changed positions as many if not more times than McCain or even Kerry. Obama family and friends can't open their mouths without inserting their foots in it first. The truth is there is nothing special about Obama. He is just another politician who have done exactly what any other politician does, convince people he is the one by saying exactly what they wanna hear depending on the current issues.


No matter how many times anyone uses Hussein, in the end Obama does more damage to himself than anyone using his middle name and his followers and those of his party that although do not follow him, still defend him only add more fuel to the name calling fire by complaining about it. Basically, every bullies dream.

Reply #22 Top

Quoting CharlesCS, reply 21
He is just another politician who have done exactly what any other politician does, convince people he is the one by saying exactly what they wanna hear depending on the current issues.No matter how many times anyone uses Hussein, in the end Obama does more damage to himself than anyone using his middle name and his followers and those of his party that although do not follow him, still defend him only add more fuel to the name calling fire by complaining about it. Basically, every bullies dream.
End of CharlesCS's quote

I actually dislike Obama, I m no friend to him,  I just think this form of mudslinging is in poor taste.  I think there is enough anti-american activities of his that people dont have to go this low to show it.

Reply #24 Top
Why would anybody want to Slander good ol' Barry Obama?
End of quote


Watching his supporters turn purple is fun. ;)
Reply #25 Top
Watching his supporters turn purple is fun.
End of quote


And that right there my friends is exactly my point. This is the main reason for all of this (thanks DrGuy). We enjoy watching others run around like chickens with their heads cut off wondering and worrying about this whole "Hussein" issue. The fact that Obama is where he is today proves many Americans are past these kinds of ideas so grow some backbones and just enjoy the mudslinging fest with a smile on your face rather than being upset over so little. This is politics people, mudslinging, stooping low and pulling all the stops is the name of the game. This kind of entertainment ranks up there with Survivor, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars and House. If this keeps up, this could be the next Call Of Duty or Unreal Tournament Saga.

Call of Duty 5 Black and White