Reporter Obama called 'sweetie' gets interview

DETROIT—He called her "sweetie," then apologized and promised the local TV reporter an interview the next time he was in town.

On Monday, Barack Obama kept his word and gave WXYZ-TV's Peggy Agar what she wanted in the first place -- an answer.

Agar had shouted a question about help for U.S. autoworkers to the Democratic presidential candidate during his May 14 appearance at a Chrysler LLC plant in the Detroit suburb of Sterling Heights.

"Hold on one second, sweetie," he replied. "We'll do a press (availability), thanks," without answering.

Later that day, he left a voice mail message apologizing for calling her "sweetie" and not replying to the question.

Agar opened Monday's nearly nine-minute interview with the same question.

In response, Obama said he would work to save existing auto jobs, get retraining and new jobs for those out of work, strengthen trade laws, promote clean energy technologies and help rebuild a more fuel-efficient U.S. auto industry.

"Well, what do you make of the whole 'sweetie' thing that happened between us the last time?" Agar asked next.

"Well, you know, as I said, I called to apologize," Obama replied. "If it had been a guy, I would have called him 'buddy.' I didn't mean it in an offensive way, but I always want to make sure if anybody takes offense that I follow up as quickly as possible. So I think you got a call about a half hour later.

"The main thing I felt guilty about was not having answered your question," he added. "I'd assumed that we were going to give you an interview. So I didn't want you to think I was putting you off. I wasn't."

Afterward, Agar said she was mostly relieved.

"I'm glad it's all over," she told The Associated Press.

Had she minded being called "sweetie?"

"To me, it was not that big of a deal," Agar said.