Here’s my point.
In America, we pronounce “Paris” as “pare-iss”. Of course, in France, they prounouce it “Pare-ee”. There isn’t a “correct” pronunciation, only which language and culture one decides is more important when talking to others of their own culture.
NOTE: When I lived in France for 13 years, I pronounced it “pare-ee”. When I moved back to the States, I returned to pronouncing it “pare-iss”.
Just depends on who you’re trying to impress.
Bingo.
There was an audience for these debates. While there may have been global interest, only U.S. citizens will be voting. Hence, his appeal should've been to his U.S. listening audience.
Given that most of the people (including the MSM elitists), pronounce it Tal-i-ban and Pack-i-stan, one wonders just to whom Obama was trying to appeal.