Overheard on CNN.com: 'Obama isn't American at heart,' reader says of apologies
LZ Granderson says he's glad for apologies by President Obama, such as for the unintentional burning of Qurans in Afghanistan.
March 20th, 2012
12:34 PM ET

Overheard on CNN.com: 'Obama isn't American at heart,' reader says of apologies

Editor's note: This post is part of the Overheard on CNN.com series, a regular feature that examines interesting comments and thought-provoking conversations posted by the community.

Is President Barack Obama a weak president? Opinion writer LZ Granderson explored that question in a typically pointed article. Granderson took the position that the president's apologies are appropriate and helpful, but some of our readers would disagree. These readers indicated they feel the president is hurting our position internationally. Others spoke in Obama's defense.

Why Obama's apologies make sense

This reader suspects the president may not feel motivated to act in the country's best interest.

Probity: "There is a difference between apologizing and groveling. Apologizing was absolutely the right thing to do. It should be done in a way that is sincere yet commands respect. Obama is subservient when dealing with other nations leaders. That is the problem and not the apology itself. Obama isn't American at heart. And no, I am not a birther. I don't care what his birth certificate says. He spent much time as a child outside the U.S. and some would argue that it gave him experience but it is obvious that it gave him a negative opinion of America. His associations, his wife's comment about being proud of America for the very first time, his refusal to participate in several patriotic events and abasing himself when dealing with other nation's leaders show his true colors."

Primewonk: "Obama is NOT subserviant when dealing with other world leaders. Not sure where you guys get this. By stating that Obama is not an American 'at heart' you demonstrate profound ignorance. He spent four years living outside the country starting when he was 6. I seriously doubt you would make this claim about other young children. My father was in the military. I lived in other countries from first to third grades. Does this make me not an American at heart? Face it, you tea baggers are still upset that a smart well educated black man won the election."

One commenter said the weakness doesn't stop there.

webber1998: "There are laundry list of items to prove that Obama is a weak president. Apologizing is just one reason he might be considered weak."

Readers have differing views on the candidates and beer.

mpcjunkie: "Maybe Obama should apologize to the hungry familes out there starving while he's having a beer in a pub."

LabCab1652: "Exactly how I feel. He's such a show off. He thinks he can sing too. That's all Obama and his wife does is show off and waste taxpayer money. I'm really over this beer crap! Obama thinks if he sips a beer with the ordinary people he will gain votes. Wrong!"

omd: "At least he drinks beer. Do you think either Rick or Mitt would even have alcohol? ... A president who is unable to rally his OWN party or the country behind him ... is weak in my book. I am still of the opinion he is the weakest president that I have seen in my lifetime."

Another poster said the Republicans are to blame, as well.

ZebulonPi: "If the President can apologize for anything the country does, he should apologize for Republicans being rascist obstructionists that have tarnished the reputation of America across the world. That'd be a good start."

foggarty1999: "Perhaps one day you will notice the reality that Mr. Obama has done more to tarnish our reputation around the world than any other President in history! Including Bush!"

What's your take on the president? Should he make apologies? Share your opinion in the comments area below and in the latest stories on CNN.com. Or sound off on video via CNN iReport.

Compiled by the CNN.com moderation staff. Some comments edited for length or clarity.

soundoff (51 Responses)
  1. fred

    Imagine all the yemen lovers being on this blog! Its CNN–Comunist News Network! Only msnbc is worst!? Rid america of the comunist!

    March 23, 2012 at 1:36 pm | Report abuse |
  2. Pat

    I really am astounded by the lack of civility in today's America. It's always been that way in politics, back to Jefferson and Adams, but the digital information world has parlayed that into everyone's daily discourse. I think that Obama is a principled thinker, he understands that civility is strength around the world. Many of the unprincipled, overly opinionated dunces in America today do not understand that. It's sad really!

    March 24, 2012 at 9:33 am | Report abuse |
  3. jqbonner

    Despite what many conservatives believe, Mr. Obama has actually been very strong in foreign policy. Yes, he has "bowed" to foreign leaders, and offered apologies for certain American wrongdoings. But these are acts of courtesy and moral strength. Not only that, Mr. Obama has intervened in foreign civil wars and aggressively fought and expanded the War on Terror not only in Afghanistan, but in Pakistan, Yemen, and elsewhere in the world. The President is not weak; he is tactical and pragmatic. Make a concession and negotiate here, bomb an enemy stronghold there.

    March 24, 2012 at 6:46 pm | Report abuse |
  4. Estriana

    To those of you who think the president is weak and not an American at heart, did you really read Granderson's well-written article in which he quoted President FDR and made reference to President Reagan apologizing to several countries? What is it that prevents you from giving the president the credit he deserves? One day the history books are going to include President Obama as one of our country's greatest president. I am thankful that he has the wisdom and the humility to apologize when it is indeed right to do so. That proves he has the country's best interst at heart. As I read some of your comments I'm reminded of the stupidity I hear from the republican candidates. Your way would have America ostracized by the global community. How smart would that be in these times? Thank God we have a president who have the smarts to do what is right. That makes us strong.

    March 26, 2012 at 1:39 am | Report abuse |
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