I predict there will be plenty of conservative bloggers who will point to this and say, "See? If Bush or Palin made this mistake the media would be all over it! It's a double-standard!".
To which the only sensible response is to sigh and gently shake one's head.
The US custom - and I presume the Russian custom, now too - is to use the title of President as a sign of respect for ex-Presidents who are still living. No one (apart from Hilary) calls William Jefferson Clinton, "Bill" or "Mr Clinton", but rather, "President Clinton". Since Putin is a former President of the RF, this is not mis-speaking by Obama, but a sign of respect.
Posted by: peter | July 07, 2009 at 04:58 PM
Um, yeah but Putin has a perfectly good title already (Prime Minister). Nobody calls Hillary "First Lady". Anyway - if it's not 'mis-speaking' why does he correct himself?
Posted by: Marbury | July 07, 2009 at 05:13 PM
I'm sure this wouldn't have happened if Bill Ayers was still writing his speeches!
Posted by: peter | July 07, 2009 at 05:33 PM
The poor love looks so tired.
Posted by: Beadyell | July 08, 2009 at 11:02 AM