This is wrong. BOTH Obama and CNN are incorrect.

Although we have a Prime Minister, our head of state (equivalent of the President) is her majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, simply known in government terms as "The Crown".

So yeah, CNN tries to bash Mr. Obama for making a slight mistake, when in fact they don't even know the answer themselves…

Obama is a huge mistake. I'm a registered democrat that will never vote for Obama as president. If he gets elected it's truly the beginning of the end for all of us.

We canadian's just found it amusing.

As long as he actually know's that Canada has a Prime Minister and not a President, then I'm game.

Standing in front of an audience who are hurling questions while everyone around is screaming can certainly cause an error in speech. Canadians would have found that funny and not something to criticize. What does annoy Canadians is the incredible ignorance of Americans about our country, ie: where it is, how big, that we have hot summers and the names of the Provinces.

I am Canadian and I could care less that Obama called our Prime Minister, "President". Many American's don't even know Canada is north of the USA. and I can live with that. LOL

Any professional writer like yourself can catch those repulsive slip ups! But only a unprofessional will not report the good will of change and leadership. If I was the President of CNN I would fire (relieve them of their jobs) people who do not report the goodness of any American leadership and their voices.

[...] would quickly understand foreign writers making American politicians the butt end of jokes, like Obama pledging a month ago, to talk to the Canadian "president" about NAFTA if he is voted into the White House. However, when the critique comes from Americans themselves, it [...]

Yeah, it's only news when a Republican slips up… Democrats are free to talk like third graders and then get a boisterous applause.

If Bush had said this you Pro-Obamers would've been all over him. Report it and let the people decide. I'd like to see this guy take a test. Who cares if he's confident, like one poster said. People confidently murder, steal and kill.

I think Obama would make a good Prime Minister of the United States.

I like Obama, but he should know that the elected Head of Gov't in Canada is called a Prime Minister. Surely this is fundamental knowledge, especially someone that comes from the Great Lakes. I'm certain he doesn't know the name of our PM, let alone that our head of state is the Queen of Canada, Elizabeth II. His inexperience is shining through and therefore I think you'll fine many Canadians supporting Hillary.

God Save The Queen.

obviously, he made a mistake, but he should have acknowledged that it was a great mistake. As anyone should know especially our neighbours to the south we are a PARLIAMENTARY Government, therefore we have no President. But we are not insulted, we just always have a laugh at the social gaffes that so called educated Americans so publicly like to display. I wonder why no one is flying off the handle here in Canada, as they are doing so in the states? This is an election campaign, look for real issues to discuss amongst yourselves about the platforms, leave the laughing at the candidates for their misspoken words to us, we always enjoy it! P.S. WE LOVE Mrs. Clinton, send her to us she can run for PM!

Obama did not slip up. Stephen Harper is running his minority government in a very presidential style.
Stephen Harper even ended speeches with "God Bless Canada" which mimics President Bush's "God Bless America" speech enders.

Hey morons, this is a big deal. In case you haven't noticed, the world isn't that fond of the USA right now… and the last thing you need is another president with no international diplomacy experience.

The press jumped all over Bush when he screwed up country and leader names, and I'm sure most of you weren't defending him.

What is interesting about Mr. Obama's mistake is that it has been categorized as just that — a mistake. However, when George Bush made a mistake regarding the name of Canada's prime minister, the media paid significant attention. A double standard.

Regardless, U.S. leaders should be more aware of Canada, its history, and form of government. Although, judging from comments on this page, Canadians themselves are not also not particularly well-informed. HM Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state, as is evident by a review of multiple Government of Canada websites, as well as the Canadian Constitution. Her pesonal representative in Canada — the Governor General — carries out the Queen's duties, but it is all done in the name of the Queen. That is why the Queen's visage appears on Canadian coins, why the name of Canadian military ships start with "HMCS" (Her Majesty's Canadian Ship), etc. "Clinton" from Montreal is either not really from Canada, or delusional.

God Save The Queen!

I agree that this was just a mistake. Candidates are only human. But if Dan Quayle or George W. Bush had made this mistake, you wouldn't hear the end of it. Obama as overrated as JFK. He is a media creation.

I look forward to the day when my American brothers and sisters elect Barack Obama the Prime Minister of the United States! God Save The Queen.

[...] Obama believes that NAFTA should be amended. If he were president, he said, he would call the president of Mexico and the president of Canada, "to try to amend NAFTA, because I think that we can get labor agreements in that agreement [...]

It’s amazing to me that even with the facts clearly stated, some people can still find the audacity to back HRC. It is almost as if you same people had saw her kill someone with your own eyes, watched her walk out of the room, come back in the room an deny she had ever been there, you’d doubt your own eyes.

It’s truly disheartening to know that even when presented with the truth, one would still try and deny it. And some people wonder why America is in disarray and the world hates us.

There is one good trend I see emerging from all the polling and news coverage that has been going on, and that is that among Americans polled with college degrees, Obama is their choice. I guess that is because they have the capacity to use there head for something other then a place for their hat.

A lot of you people are defending Obama's mistake-fair enough. However, I think if it was a Republican, you all would be lambasting him as a complete idiot (its been done with Bush several times, and not completely unfairly may I add). The point is, Obama SHOULD not be making mistakes about Canada. Canada is Illinois' main trading partner, more than 300 thousand Illinois jobs are dependent on US-Canada trade, and the city of Chicago gets hundreds of thousands of Canadian visitors every year. As Senator from Illinois, he should know these things. Then again, what has he done for Illinois? They only have one Senator now, cuz the other (Obama) is too busy campaigning for President. Doesn't it bother any of you that this man gets elected to serve the people of his state and then a year after being sworn in, decides he wants another job? A Senator from Illinois who can't even represent his own state properly and doesn't know the head of government of a major trading partner is not fit to be leader of the free world!

God keep our land,glorious and free!
O Canada! We stand on guard for thee!

There is a big difference between making a mistake and being ignorant.

Obama is ignorant of many things that a US president cannot afford to be ignorant of.

He knows little of world geography, know little of the US Military, or any military.

If this guy became president he would be somebodies hand puppet and we would never know whose running the USA. He is too dumb the run it himself that is for sure.

[...] David Frum has an interesting little ditty on his blog about a comment Barack Obama made about the "president" of Canada. Frum points out that had a Republican made the same mistake, he would never live it down. [...]

Obama, we forgive you because you usually speak well. Now please start your attack on our ally Pakistan.

Obama, we forgive you because you usually talk nice. Now please start your attack on our ally Pakistan.

If someone referred to our President as the Prime Minister of the United States we WOULD go nuts. So I think it is reasonable that a Presidential candidate should at least know that our closest neighbor and friend, biggest trading partner and ally, etc. actually has a parliamentary system of government. It is a reasonable expectation

We care. The current village idiot was caught on camera agreeing to meet Prime Minister Poutine. Do you really want another president that ignorant? By the dozens of comments, it is obvious that America will continue to be truly ignorant in the eyes of the world.

So when Bush made a similar gaffe, it's proof he's an idiot, but when darling Barack makes one, it's proof of how, somehow, the media is ganging up on him?
Toughen up people.

If Obama didn't know whether Mauritius has a president or prime minister is excusable. But to make a slip about a country that is our next door neighbor and biggest trading partner is troubling. Many Canadians as it is are miffed about the respect and importance we accord them.
I love Obama. This promising rookie should be ready for presidency in a decade.

Given that Bush when interviewed before he took office didn't know the name of China's Leader – I'd say Obama is right in step with the mandatory credentials for the position of President!

Another thing you should be cautious about is this new thing the elitist are doing to your choices for president. They know the internet is shredding their hold onto you. They see the power that simple people have and the REAL candiates that are coming out with great numbers. YOU GUYS NEED TO LOOK IN YOUR HEARTS AND QUESTION WHY THE STATES ARE MOVING UP THEIR PRIMARIES.

They say it's to have a bigger voice in choosing the nominee. That's true, because they(elitists) want to get the nominee THEY want. They know if things go as normal with the primaries, the greater the chance for the small guy to increase his candidacy. They want their guy to get the nominee while they're on top.

You're all being run into the ground and don't even realize it yet. Better yet, you won't do anything about it either because you're all trained sheep that obey your master government.

Dude, Obama is not a member of the CFR. John Edwards is and he will be the next president. I have to be careful when I mention the CFR or my post won't "post". If you can get a list of the members, past and present, you'll see a pattern. Clinton was a member, but I don't know if it includes Hiliary as well. If Obama wants to be pres, he'll have to find a way to be a member. Angela Jolie is a nominee for membership. Wonder why there is speculation she supports Edwards? Because they both are CRF buds.

I'm not sure at what point I'm jumping in here LB. I'll remind you that the EU started out as a prosperity plan too. Once they combine economics, they'll combine everything else. Don't worry, they'll make you love the idea. It won't be a doomsday event.

As a Canadian I am more than aware of the lack of knowledge of my country in the US is amazing; giving the title "president" to or "prime minister" is miniscule in comparison.

Obama is bringing topics to the table that Americans should be talking about and certainly the world wants to hear from a country that has so much military power and misuses it so tragically.

So, Obama we forgive you..

Everybody makes mistake, it is good excuse for common people not for the future President. Obama is running for the President of USA. He said he is going to meet our enemy country's president, he even couldn't figure out their title and name, how imbarrassing our country, could be worse than Bush. Obama is naive about politics, inexperienced in leadership and has a poor knowledge in American and international history by his failure of foreign policy and misspoke at debate. If you say "media is nonsense", you are wrong, CNN is the most trustworthy Broadcasting team. Hillary's statement is correct "Presidents shouldn't say what they think if they are RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT". American people will vote you by what kind of Presient you are going to be. That's why it is so important. Obama needs more practice.

[...] Obama slip on Canada (CNN) – For the second time in recent debates, the mention of world leaders has attracted attention to Democratic […] [...]

Obama was the only candidate on stage last night that was actually veering away from the pack and saying something smart and crucial. Of course we should go get Bin Laden wherever he is, the rest look weak for not agreeing. Of course we should reform the lobbyist system… its mucking up the system. Hillary Clinton feels like she's still living in the 90's while Obama feels fresh, relevant and by far the strongest on issues both foriegn and domestic that are going to reverse the damage.

Oh, and by the way, I don't want my President to "take on the right." as Hillary said. I am so incredibly weary of left versus right, us versus them, evil versus good. Get a President in there that can make the country whole and start some forward momentum on things like healthcare and global warming. Hillary could NEVER bring Republicans and Democrats together as Americans. If you watch what she's saying closely, she's saying the same "you're either with me or against me" that Bush has, only now it's for the left rather than the right. Obama feels like he knows exactly what needs to be done and he's the absolute best to do it.

What needs to be done is bringing the partys together and not being wishy washy. We need someone that sees the way ahead and can unite us. Obama '08

Back to John Thomas in MN:

So Obama is on the CFR. I'll take your word for it since it wasn't on the site you referred to. In fact his name wasn't anywhere I could find. So how do you know he loves NAFTA? Where do I find that information. Has he said so? Do you think every member of the CFR agrees on everything? And the article on the CFR website didn't say anything about combining the US, Canada and Mexico into one country. It said basically combine resources for security, trade and investment purposes while still maintaining national sovereignty. And it was only a discussion.

You made up all the rest about Obama and the end of America. You might want to think about writing a fiction novel.

I think the only thing worse than CNN actually running this piece of "news" is the fact that there are idiots in this country that actually think that this "slip" will affect the way Obama would run this country. If you were on stage in front of 15,000 people in 100 degree weather with all the candidates against you along with "news" channels like CNN against you, you would make a lot more mistakes than Obama. And if you really think that because he "slipped" under these circumstances really means that he has no idea that Canada has a prime minister, then you are more ignorant than you are claiming him to be.

By the way, out of all the negative comments about this "slip", maybe 1 was written with correct grammar. That is a little ironic, don't you think?

AND, let's just ignore the fact that EVERY politician has misspoken. Guess what? They are HUMAN. Humans make mistakes. For instance, it is a mistake that Hillary Clinton continues to defend her support of lobbyists. But let us concentrate on the real issues, like Obama's chronic naivety.

To CNN: For the sake of my sanity and the sake of our country, please get a life and start running real stories.

To everyone who is not supporting Obama because of @#%& like this: Please do not vote.

Obama is not infallible!??!?!?

Thanks for pointing out this out for us, CNN.

IF THIS IS NEWSWORTHY…THEN CNN SHOULD PUT… CLINTON SAYS… PEOPLE SHOULDN'T SAY WHAT THEY THINK IF THEY ARE RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT.

OMG…Is she for real. If a potential president cannot talk forcefully and frankly to the American people and the world, they shouldn't be allowed to run for president. Hillary, I guess that means you prefer the tradition of lies, half truths, secrecy, insider debate… reminds me of the current bush-cheney stance. Hillary said to bring your brooms and vacuums to clean up Washington…the only thing that can clean up Washington is to rid it of Clinton and her lobbyist and arrogant friends.

Now there's a good story for CNN to cover. Bias has taken a new level on CNN.

To LB, in NJ.

You requested a source? Oh, how about straight from the CFR:

http://www.cfr.org/publication/4280/future_of_north_american_integration_in_the_wake_of_the_terrorist_attacks.html

Looks like the only wack is you and the rest of the CFR (including Obama) that want to destroy this country.

I totally agree that any candidate for president MUST KNOW THE RIGHT TITLE for their potential peers. In this case of Canada – yes, Stephen Harper is the Prime Minister – NOT A PRESIDENT!.. GET IT RIGHT OBAMA!

To John Thomas in MN:

Please tell us how you know all this about Obama? Where's the proof besides on some wacko website? You made a statement, back it up with facts.

If a slip of the tongue renders one ineligible for the presidency, George W. Bush wouldn't have been allowed to run even once.

Attention CNN: This is not news. Please stick to the meaningful stuff.

You know, I guess I am crazy but I heard Obama say Presidents of Mexico and Canada but the rest he said was drilled into my brain and that was what counted.

Dear Clinton News Network,

Do you realize what you are doing? Do you even have a clue?

Are you going to do a segment on Hillary Clinton's ties to lobbyist and her comment that they don't effect her vote? What about her comment that you don't say what you think when running for President?

Do you realize that God is watching you and He is taking notes? He sees what you are doing.

You take every second to bash either Senator Obama or Senator Edwards but NEVER call Hillary Clinton on the carpet about her comments.

This is a sad attempt to bad talk a candidate.

Playing on words is something you punish your child for.

Grow up CNN.

First impressions are always important, especially in politics. I'm sure the PM of Canada was not impressed. To anyone that thinks the slip doesn't count, think again.

Obama is still too green. He needs a few more years to grow.

Good grief, is this what passes for political coverage these days?

Even if we accept the quoted text as accurate, the only thing it tells us is that there was a very minor slip of the tongue. If we could focus on substance instead of this sort of nitpicking, the country would be a lot better off.

Obama is a better leader than Clinton and would fare better against the Republicans.

I thought you could cover any important issues than this. You have always slipped on numerous occasions so what makes Obama's slip so special to talk about. If he doesn't get elected, you shall have achieved your objective so we'll see if you'll have a better America with your preferred candidate, HRC.

Although I am a lifelong registered Democrat and will absolutely be voting for one of the people on stage at Soldier Field last night for President in 2008, one thing about the debate really bothered me.
In the later part of the forum when they began receiving questions from audience members, some of whom had been waiting in line for quite a long time, it soon became customary for the recipient of a question to entirely brush off the question in order to rebut another candidate’s answer to a previous question. Their reply would begin, “Well, that’s a very important question, but just really quickly before I answer that, I’d like to get back to…” and then they’d never get back to the person’s question. The first of these I noticed was Joe Biden, of whom I’m (usually) a big fan, being asked a question about health care but feeling it was much more important to “hammer home” some “important point” about his stance on Iraq. If I was the person who asked the question about health care, I would have been at the least unimpressed, and more likely, rather offended. Then there was a similar non-response from Clinton. Then there was one from Dodd. And I, the committed voter, was quickly disgusted.

These candidates need it hammered home to them that in polite society, this is considered rude. It is unfortunate that it comes to this, but I really think Keith Olbermann should have had a buzzer to press whenever a candidate decided to change from the topic at hand, at the expense of someone who may have travelled a very long way and stood under the sun for a very long time, just to ask them one question.

Sorry to say, but Obama LOVES NAFTA. Afterall, he is in the Council on Foreign Relations. You know, the group that is trying to tear down America's borders, strip us of our sovereignty, and make the USA, Mexico, and Canada one big country. Say hello to the "Amero" as our new currency if Obama is elected. Say hello to a National ID card if Obama is elected. Say goodbye to America if Obama is elected.

The only way we can STOP any of this from moving forward (if it's not too late) is to get Ron Paul into office. He will save America's sovereignty and protect our liberties.

So what?

Is this the best topic you can come up with from the myriad issues discussed at the debate?

Who the heck cares? I'm not a huge Obama supporter or anything, but you folks in the media make big deals out of nonsense like this.

This election is important, so let's here about the issues not the gossip.

You try speaking in 100+ degree weather in front of 1,500 people with 6 rivals attacking your every inhale of Oxygen. You might miss call a word or three yourself. Get Real this is childish and showing signs of desperation on your part.

It shows OBAMA'S lack of knowledge…

Like I said the man is not ready…. just like when
George W started and still now does it, embarrassing our country
With the ignorance of a 10 year old. Obama will be ready for the
Big game in 8 years MAYBE. We can no risk a NAIVE person again with crazy ideas
On how to re-shape the word AND HIS HEAD UP HIS BEHIND.

WE WILL BE PAYING FOR A LONG TIME FOR THE BUSH YEARS

More anti-Obama news, CNN?!

This is inexcusable. The guy lives just across the Great Lakes and does not even know Canada is lead by a Prime Minister. If this is what Harvard can give America then the there is a lot of crap flowing from there.

This is hilarious! I'm going to start agreeing with you guys who call CNN the Clinton News Network. They'll take a bite out of Obama anyway they can won't they? They really hate this guy. His answer to the question made absolutely no sense BTW….I don't think he understood the question. I for one would like a straight answer on the question of the North American Union myself. Besides terrorism and the illegal aliens invading our country, this is one of he biggest threats to the American people that we face today.

Are you sure about this ?,,,,,,let's go to the videotape. I heard Obama say the Prime Minister of Canada and the President of Mexico.

This guy is too much fun!

Isn't there a viable Democratic candidate anywhere in this country? The Democrats have the presidency basically handed to them in the 2008 election and this is the best they can do? C'mon, we need a leader, not a playground brat.

Bush was ignorant of the world while running for Presidency. Obama is the same looks like.

Saying things for the sake of saying to increase electability makes it sound disingenious.

How can Obama lead if he doesn't even know that Canada elected prime minister not president. I wonder if he even know Canada prime minister's name???????????.

Man, CNN is really trying to find anything to attack Obama. First they don't notice that Barack is tied or leading in the early state polls, now this.

Please CNN! are you serious? Out of all the important points made in the debate, you pick this very small thing out? If we went through that debate with a fine tooth comb I bet every single canidate would have had something, it's the nature of live telivsion and live debate. That's it, nothing more to it. What happened to solid sustanstial news coverage over real issues?

I wish CNN would find it fitting to report every slip of the tongue that our current president has had too.

I give Obama props on making a sentence that is grammatically correct and has meaning regardless of slight error; he's already got our current administration beat.

Wonderful article, thank God you caught this. I mean, in a time when the President of the United States is expanding his powers in a way that is directly opposite the constitution, and giving powers to other members of his staff that are outside any system of checks and balances, what could be more important than a presidential candidate saying "President" rather than "Prime Minister" in the middle of a live presidential debate? Certainly that slip is more important than the actual content of his response. Excellent catch CNN, keep raking in the mud…er, giving us our snooze…uh, well, you get the idea.

Steve, you could certainly get a career out of pointing out what seems important to you… I am sure that was the only thing you heard Obama say today… Americans are smarter than that, am sure you have been paid to spin as much as you can, get real Steve, get real with the American people…

I don't think Obama is even aware that Canada has a Parliamentary form of government. This is a shame that he doesn't know this. He pretends to "know it all" but the truth is, he bluffs and people are not dumb not to notice this. GO Hillary!!!

wow CNN…could your bias be any more obvious?

Neither the Clinton News Network nor any other of the MSM can stop this movement. This is the people's movement. You won't decide this election. Senator Obama is the peoples' candidate!

Is that all ya got?? I have another news flash for you…CNN used to be a respected news source, not any more.

Kudos for this insightful post. Now can you come up with topics worth discussing.

Look this is rediculous cnn.
What about Clintons Statement "but remember you shouldn’t always say everything you think if you’re running for president,

mmmmh, Editor Steve are you getting sleepy at your desk there or is this the best topic you could think about? How about Clintons unapologetic championing of Lobbyist, or Dodd and Biden ganging up with clinton to attack Obama?..Or are you just doing the bidding for your candidate of choice?

Well, I don't know about you, but I think this man's ready to lead not only this country, but the world. He handles foreign affairs so well. Why would anyone question his ability?

THIS IS NOT NEWS! DO YOUR JOB!

Everyone makes mistakes. This country elected one as the most powerful person in the world who does it every 2 seconds.

OMG! Obama called him a president instead of prime minister. Stop the presses! He might as well get out of the race now.

Please write something that's actually newsworthy.

What about Hillary saying presidents shouldnt say what they think if theyre running for president? That is more troubling than what Obama said about Canada.

Oh no, Obama misspoke! I'd better switch my support to Biden, or better yet, to your favorite, Hillary. I'll get right on that, as soon as the twelfth of never rolls around. I don't see anything here about Biden blowing off that question from the Sago widow, which is the flub real people are talking about right now. Could it be that you guys are bending over backwards to continue smearing Obama as a neophyte? God knows the world would spin off its axis if you stopped pushing Hillary for five minutes. WE DON'T WANT HER.

Gimme a break. The dude is talking in front of 15 thousand people. He looked incredibly poised and confident, btw. He was speaking about the issues, to an American audience that associates the word president with leader. If we're going to start mincing words that closely, Bush would have been impeached long before now.

Who cares that he called Canada's leader a President and not a Prime Minister. He's not perfect and he doesn't try to be. What else will CNN come up with to go against Obama?