In June 2010, President Obama Went on NBC's Today Show

Multiple Choice

In June 2010, President Obama went on NBC's Today show to discuss the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. During the interview, the president told host Matt Lauer he was holding discussions with BP executives so he would know "whose [obscenity] to kick". In the following days, there was much discussion and debate in the media over the use of obscenity in that situation. What does this controversy demonstrate with regard to the communication decisions of the president and other high-ranking officials?

A) It is important to communicate appropriately for the social and cultural context.
B) Communication should be enacted logically.
C) It is important to communicate appropriately for the Today show audience.
D) A public figure should always be honest about his or her opinions.