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Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) Apologizes For Clinton Remarks

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Other Politics
Posted on Sat May 10, 2008 at 06:46:32 PM EST
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Yesterday I wrote about Rep. Steve Cohen's offensive remarks regarding Senator Hillary Clinton. Today I received an e-mail from the Congressman indicating that he has apologized for the remarks.

Representative Cohen has been a strong progressive voice in Tennessee and it is good that he realizes his remarks were hurtful and wrong. Kudos to the Representative for his realization and acknowledgment that the remarks were inappropriate and hurtful. His e-mail to me:

I sincerely apologize for the comments I made about Senator Clinton's campaign. I have great respect for Senator Clinton as a US Senator. She has waged an historic campaign which has done much to break the glass ceiling. My comments obviously do not reflect the sentiments of Senator Obama or the Obama campaign. Nor do they reflect my opinion of Senator Clinton whom I have known for years and admire. My hope is that our party will come together to work to defeat John McCain.

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    Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) Apologizes For Clinton Remarks | 206 comments (206 topical)
    Good that he apologized, but is he going (5.00 / 5) (#4)
    by feet on earth on Sat May 10, 2008 at 06:53:49 PM EST
    to make a public statement  about it?

    An email to you is not good enough by a long stretch IMHO

    I doubt I am the only person he mentioned this to (5.00 / 10) (#17)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:00:01 PM EST
    I have an ego I know but come on.

    [ Parent ]
    would've meant a lot more (5.00 / 8) (#28)
    by Kathy on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:06:31 PM EST
    if he'd apologized before being called out by McCain, and then the McCain-following press.

    I mean, let's make no mistake here: when McCain complains about an injustice, the press picks it up and runs with it.  Everything they nailed Obama over before PA was validated by McCain comments.  He's the wind in their sails.

    Insight into how a ge will look.  Clinton can keep winning without the press at her back.  Obama?  Not so much.

    [ Parent ]

    Not Obama or Dean or Pelosi or (5.00 / 7) (#74)
    by katiebird on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:39:52 PM EST
    Kennedy or Kerry -- BUT

    John McCain??

    The first person to publically call someone out on this explitive deleted is John McCain?

    I have to laugh.  That's totally bizarre.

    [ Parent ]

    No Kidding. (5.00 / 3) (#80)
    by AmyinSC on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:42:03 PM EST
    And Fox News has REALLY become the fair and balanced one!  We are truly living in Upside Down World!!!

    [ Parent ]
    It's a sure tipoff as to who is a stand-up guy (5.00 / 1) (#93)
    by RalphB on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:55:44 PM EST
    and which ones are just moldy politicians.  :-)

    [ Parent ]
    McCain (or his people) are clearly a good (5.00 / 6) (#95)
    by tigercourse on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:57:54 PM EST
    deal smarter then Obama/Dean/Pelosi, etc. They're just trying to divide and conquer the party. It would be great if the Obama camp wasn't so intent on helping them.

    [ Parent ]
    Yep, Very Clever Political Move By McCain (5.00 / 3) (#125)
    by MO Blue on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:18:13 PM EST
    campaign. And yes, Obama keeps contributing to the Republican Rehabilitation Fund.

    [ Parent ]
    It would be pretty darn interesting if McCain (none / 0) (#130)
    by tigercourse on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:22:25 PM EST
    (the guy who made a very mean, homophobic joke about Chelsea Clinton when she was a kid) managed to pick up the mantle of crusader for Hillary Clinton. Done the right way, it would be pretty brilliant. If he finds a suitable female VP we could get smashed. And we would deserve it.

    [ Parent ]
    There are several qualified candidates (none / 0) (#174)
    by samanthasmom on Sat May 10, 2008 at 09:03:14 PM EST
    Christine Todd Whitman, Olympia Snowe, Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Kay Granger, etc. Some of them are more centrist than others. I don't include Condi Rice because I think her attachment to the failed Bush foreign policy would be a negative that would be hard for McCain to overcome although it does present interesting possibilities. I know we usually think of the Democrats as being more open-minded, but the Republicans had the first woman who was officially nominated at a national convention - Margaret Chase Smith in 1964.  Reagan also put the first woman on the Supreme Court.  It is not out of the realm of possibility that McCain and the Republicans will see this as a good opportunity.

    [ Parent ]
    I wouldn't include Christy Todd Whitman either. (5.00 / 1) (#202)
    by Iphie on Sat May 10, 2008 at 09:29:32 PM EST
    Her attachment to Bush's failure to protect everyone who lived and worked in lower Manhattan after the WTC attack and her willingness to lie to people air quality and safety is going to haunt any political campaign she's involved with. Much like the firefighters who were determined to derail Giuliani's presidential bid by exposing his failures and dereliction, she would be followed around everywhere she went by protesters waving photos of first responders who died because they believed her lies. She's as toxic as the air we were breathing.

    [ Parent ]
    conventional wisdom seems to have been (5.00 / 1) (#205)
    by RalphB on Sat May 10, 2008 at 09:34:27 PM EST
    that the first woman president would be from the GOP.  One reason is they would not have to prove national security credibility because of the party.  I generally think that's right for the public at large.  of one thing we can be sure, the GOP would not have sat idly by while their woman candidate was trashed by the media the way the democrats did this cycle.

    When Kay Bailey Hutchinson's term is up, she'll most likely come home and run for governor.  It she runs, she will win there is almost no doubt.  It would not surprise me in the least to see a presidential run afterward.  She'd be a formidable candidate.


    [ Parent ]

    The new talking point. (5.00 / 2) (#99)
    by pie on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:00:50 PM EST
    I read it here first.

    Hillary supporters will embrace McCain because he's sticking up for her.

    Nah.  They may vote for him, but that won't be the reason.  

    [ Parent ]

    I'm just laughing at the absurdity (5.00 / 5) (#107)
    by katiebird on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:06:12 PM EST
    I've never voted for a Republican and am extremely unlikely to do it this year.  I have every expectation of voting for Hillary in November.

    I don't think Obama can keep things together through the summer.  And it's a long time 'till the convention.

    [ Parent ]

    What they won't do (5.00 / 3) (#110)
    by madamab on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:08:01 PM EST
    is embrace Obama, because he WON'T stick up for her.

    [ Parent ]
    You nail it. (none / 0) (#114)
    by pie on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:09:54 PM EST
    As usual.  :)

    [ Parent ]
    Thanks, my friend! :-) (none / 0) (#119)
    by madamab on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:14:14 PM EST
    Right back atcha.

    [ Parent ]
    Would have meant a lot more (5.00 / 5) (#94)
    by pie on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:57:20 PM EST
    if he hadn't made his remarks in the first place.

    He's pissing off a huge demographic.

    Wow.

    [ Parent ]

    Cohen needs to run his own campaign this year (5.00 / 1) (#187)
    by JavaCityPal on Sat May 10, 2008 at 09:14:26 PM EST
    his apology had to happen, sincere or otherwise. I saw plenty of posts around the internet yesterday that said they sent him a message, and will be sending his opponent a contribution.

    If these guys are worth their weight, shouldn't they already understand that if they feel an elevation in their negative emotion meter as they are talking out loud, rethinking their words BEFORE they all spill out is most likely a good idea.


    [ Parent ]

    Kathy do you have a link (none / 0) (#149)
    by katiebird on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:38:11 PM EST
    to the McCain quote?

    [ Parent ]
    Can someone explain the McCain thing (none / 0) (#169)
    by tnjen on Sat May 10, 2008 at 09:00:32 PM EST
    what happened? Is there a link? I tried to google it but had no luck.

    [ Parent ]
    BTD, that's not what I meant at all (5.00 / 1) (#33)
    by feet on earth on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:10:00 PM EST
    I meant personal email in general, as opposed to a public statement addressed to Hillary directly.

    I actually do not at all think you have a gib ago, just a regular size one :>]

    [ Parent ]

    nah, his ago is pretty gib (4.33 / 6) (#39)
    by Kathy on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:11:55 PM EST
    it's why we love him.

    [ Parent ]
    oops, I better check my spelling (none / 0) (#160)
    by feet on earth on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:50:11 PM EST
    I actually like BTD a lot, rare to find a blogger that his fair and as gennerous with his time and knowledge.

    Thanks Amandito

    [ Parent ]

    if he did he'd probably include the original words (5.00 / 1) (#154)
    by tnjen on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:44:14 PM EST
    I'm not defending him (in fact I'm peeved about it) but Rep. Cohen is under a LOT of pressure right now from his constituency and some racist groups outside of Memphis. He represents a black district in Memphis and has received anti-semitic threats as well as intimidating remarks about a 'white jew' being in a 'black seat.' Now, this was happening BEFORE the election turned hot between Obama and Clinton. At the same time, Cohen has done everything he could to ingratiate himself with the black community, represent his district, and has pursued black issues in congress like no one else -- and these threats still came a few months ago despite it all. One crazy Pastor, Middle TN's own version of Jeremiah Wright, printed up anti-semitic flyers that claimed Cohen's seat was a 'black' seat and spread them throughout Memphis (this despite that Middle TN is far, far, away from Memphis). Also, Cohen now has a primary challenger.

    What I'm saying is that Cohen has been a progressive representative and I think what he did was an intentional pander to his constituency rather than something he really believes.

    [ Parent ]

    You would think a man in his (5.00 / 4) (#172)
    by nycstray on Sat May 10, 2008 at 09:02:35 PM EST
    position, as you describe it, would be more sensitive

    [ Parent ]
    Doesn't that make it worse? (5.00 / 7) (#173)
    by honora on Sat May 10, 2008 at 09:02:47 PM EST
    If he was just an idiot, maybe I could forgive him. You are claiming that he has discovered that despite  doing everything that he can in his power do to support his district, they are threatening him due to the color of his skin. He therefore is willing 'to do anything to win' and throw Hillary under the bus, so that he can look like 'the man' to his district.  I disliked what he said before, now I really hate the guy.

    [ Parent ]
    he already threw them (5.00 / 3) (#180)
    by tnjen on Sat May 10, 2008 at 09:07:32 PM EST
    IIRC, Bill Clinton came to TN to help Cohen fundraise and win the seat in the first place. Bill was the one that vouched for him in the black community. It was the Ford family seat and Bill was helping both Cohen and Harold Ford Jr. run for US Senate.

    [ Parent ]
    who cares (5.00 / 1) (#175)
    by Mrwirez on Sat May 10, 2008 at 09:04:58 PM EST
    He should keep quiet. Comments like his are definitely nothelping.

    [ Parent ]
    Let Me Make Sure... (5.00 / 2) (#183)
    by AmyinSC on Sat May 10, 2008 at 09:11:00 PM EST
    I understand this.  In order to "pander" to his district, he chooses the candidate who has NOT done very much for the Jewish community, or even the black comunity, for that matter, rather than choosing the candidate who HAS done a LOT for YEARS for BOTH communities, then disparages her personally in an attempt to save his seat because he has a challenger???  Oh, yes - in that case, it is just fine and dandy that he not only chose the candidate with NO track record (oh, wait - make that a BAD track record - just ask all of those folks who lived in Rezko housing!  Or take a look at tomorrow's NY Times on Obama and Israel/Palestinian commitments) to support rather than the one with a LONG history of supporting both communities, and added a nasty character assassination to boot.  Great!!!!

    Sheesh!  Just like John Lewis, a long time friend and ally, stabbing Clinton in the back the SECOND it got a little hot for him (oh, no - he might have a 30 yr old challenger put up by Jesse Jackson, Jr. - QUICK - throw Hillary to the wolves and "line up" as demanded by Jackson, Jr.!).

    I know you aren't defending him, but honestly - I am sick and tired not only of all of the blatant misogyny, but the lack of INTEGRITY these people are demonstrating in this contest.  It is SHOCKING!!!

    [ Parent ]

    As I wrote in my letter to Congressman Cohen (5.00 / 3) (#206)
    by Iphie on Sat May 10, 2008 at 09:45:47 PM EST
    it is because of the anti-semitic smears against him that he should know better than to use sexist smears against Clinton. I'm glad he sent the email to BTD, but the apology needs to be made to Clinton.

    I don't care if it was for political expediency or not, there is no excuse for bigotry (whether it be sexism, racism, homophobia, etc.), and as someone who has been on the receiving end of it, not only should he know better, but he should be actively working against it.

    [ Parent ]

    The boys (5.00 / 9) (#6)
    by AnninCA on Sat May 10, 2008 at 06:55:38 PM EST
    have just run roughshod this year with sexist jokes.

    It's like they were waiting for an opportunity.

    Amazing that nothing much has changed since junior high.

    I do think 'the boys' (5.00 / 5) (#141)
    by felizarte on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:31:48 PM EST
    are terrified of Hillary Clinton.   No different than big boys in the boardrooms who don't quite know how to act when a woman enters their ranks as an equal. Only in Hillary's case, everyone knows she is smarter, and tougher.  She will always end up first among equals.

    But America can only fulfill its greatness when they acknowledge and fully utilizes the talents of more than half of their population.

    If Sen. Obama's campaign fosters the environment that encourages people like Cong. Cohen to freely make appalling statements such as he did, then that is one more reason Sen. Obama should not be trusted.

    [ Parent ]

    i think of countries like england, (none / 0) (#176)
    by hellothere on Sat May 10, 2008 at 09:05:10 PM EST
    israel, india, and pakistan having had women leaders, i am proud. so what the heck is wrong with it here? huh?

    [ Parent ]
    Did (5.00 / 8) (#8)
    by Leisa on Sat May 10, 2008 at 06:55:57 PM EST
    he apologize to Hillary Clinton and her campaign?

    It's hard to take back words once they are uttered. His sincere apology must be made to Clinton in order for many to believe it is sincere.  

    It's hard to believe it when someone says (5.00 / 20) (#9)
    by joanneleon on Sat May 10, 2008 at 06:56:59 PM EST
    something so nasty about Clinton and then turns around talks about how much they respect her.  It reminds me of Samantha Power's statement about how much she respected Hillary Clinton after just having called her a "monster" in a press interview.

    I suppose he's repaired some of the damage by apologizing, and I'm glad he made the effort to do so, but frankly, I don't believe a word he says.  The damage was done.

    I agree (5.00 / 14) (#18)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:00:52 PM EST
    That say the most hateful, awful crap about Clinton and all they have to do is say, gee, I'm sorry and that makes it all better.

    Kinda the pattern of the wife beater, played out once again.  I only hit you because you were baaad.  I'm sorry.

    I can't think of any psychopathic AA movie figures, but if someone had said something equivalent about Obama, comparing him to such a person, their career would have pretty much been over.

    Sorry, the genie's out of the bottle.  The proper thing was to not have said anything at all.  The apology doesn't make him an upstanding guy.

    [ Parent ]

    hmmm Candyman & Blacula Are Two That (none / 0) (#109)
    by PssttCmere08 on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:07:31 PM EST
    come to mind.

    [ Parent ]
    I have (5.00 / 3) (#127)
    by sas on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:21:29 PM EST
    come to realize this election cycle there there are indeed EVIL Democrats.

    Some I can view with disgust from a distance, and others I can withhold my vote, if I am able.

    This is not my party anymore.  The Democrats I admire/ and have in the past were icons.  

    This current crop are the lowest of the low, the slime that oozes.

    [ Parent ]

    Funny (5.00 / 7) (#11)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Sat May 10, 2008 at 06:57:13 PM EST
    I don't see that he made a statement of apology in the press.  Did I somehow miss it?

    Could he have apologized because McCain (5.00 / 12) (#13)
    by RalphB on Sat May 10, 2008 at 06:58:38 PM EST
    campaign attacked them on it.  If this is why, then his apology is worth squat.

    From the campaign's morning e-mail blast to reporters, citing the comparison of Hillary to Glenn Close's bunny-boiling character in "Fatal Attraction."

    "Fatal Attraction" comparisons are kind of TABOO but that isn't stopping the Obama campaign. Check out the story here. ABC's Jake Tapper's analysis is right on here: "I'd posit at the very least that it's not keeping with Obama's lofty campaign rhetoric to compare Clinton's tenacity to psychosis." The Obama campaign already had to repudiate one surrogate yesterday. Will they denounce this one as well?
    RalphB (5.00 / 9) (#29)
    by Kathy on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:07:43 PM EST
    Great minds--I am totally with you on this. If McCain had remained silent, they wouldn't have said anything (the media) and this apology would have never come.

    The McMedia love their boy, and they aren't about to quit him for Obama.

    [ Parent ]

    Obama will not be the media darling (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by RalphB on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:16:30 PM EST
    in the fall and certainly doesn't deserve the status.  McCain doesn't deserve the adulation either, but at least with him there's a "there" there.

    The McMedia will be there for the election for sure.

    [ Parent ]

    I Hope Obama Is Pressured Into (5.00 / 1) (#135)
    by MO Blue on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:28:40 PM EST
    denouncing this type of behavior. It is obvious he won't do it on his own but it would be great if it became a political necessity.

    [ Parent ]
    Well, Gee... (5.00 / 19) (#15)
    by AmyinSC on Sat May 10, 2008 at 06:59:51 PM EST
    As was also pointed out, someone else made a similar comment recently, for which he had already had to apologize BEFORE Cohen made this remark.  So, this rings a bit false to me.  It gets the imagery out there about Senator Clinton regardless of if he recants later or not.

    And, frankly, he sure didn't show the Senator from NY a whole lot of respect by saying this in the FIRST place, so I have a hard time buying that, too.

    In other words, I am sick and tired of these men attacking Senator Clinton over and over and over, saying hateful, mean-spirited, crappy things about her PERSONALLY, not her policies, but HER, then getting over by a little apology.  

    How about they actually TREAT her with a little respect rather than just claiming they respect her?!?  Just a thought.

    I wonder what those comments did reflect? (5.00 / 11) (#19)
    by katiebird on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:01:09 PM EST
    Just a chance for a cheap laugh?  Because I coulden't imagine making a joke like that about someone I respect.

    there does seem to a locker room (5.00 / 3) (#71)
    by hellothere on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:37:03 PM EST
    mentality to this primary season.

    [ Parent ]
    Immediate response (5.00 / 5) (#20)
    by nashville on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:03:10 PM EST
    denouncing this should have come immediately from Obama!  McCain did when one of his supporters refered to Obama using his middle name.  

    C-mon Obama.  Is he worried he will lose his fervent, rabid supporters?  

    When you partially (5.00 / 2) (#24)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:05:07 PM EST
    base your campaign on "I'm not Hillary," you can't defend yourself.

    [ Parent ]
    Whoops (5.00 / 2) (#27)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:06:16 PM EST
    I meant, you can't defend HER.

    "I'm not Hillary," you can't defend HER.


    [ Parent ]

    Well obama Is Pretty Busy Planning His (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by PssttCmere08 on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:09:57 PM EST
    warfare for the GE....looks pretty weak to me.  I am sure this is the reason he did not step up; then again I forgot, he never steps up when he should.

    //news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080510/ap_on_el_pr/democrats

    [ Parent ]

    Sorry....here is the real link :) (none / 0) (#35)
    by PssttCmere08 on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:10:28 PM EST
    http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080510/ap_on_el_pr/democrats

    [ Parent ]
    Ha! Campaigning in MI & FL... (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by nashville on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:13:43 PM EST
    "wots-o-wuck" to him!

    [ Parent ]
    Michigan will be golden (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:17:59 PM EST
    for him.  As for Florida?  I have no idea why he'd campaign there.  Is he going to campaign in Wyoming and Idaho too? LOL.

    [ Parent ]
    Fundraising (none / 0) (#167)
    by Step Beyond on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:59:40 PM EST
    He's coming to Florida for a couple of fundraisers on May 20 and 21. Maybe he'll campaign between fundraisers.

    [ Parent ]
    I think you've (none / 0) (#30)
    by nashville on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:08:11 PM EST
    hit the nail on the head, except not partially, but almost totally.  It was not called that, "hope and change" sounded so much nicer. Feeling really snarky tonite!

    [ Parent ]
    Obama obviously enjoys this. (5.00 / 12) (#72)
    by Boston Boomer on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:37:25 PM EST
    Anyone who would pull that giving the finger, brushing her off my shoes routine certainly would have no problem with his opponent being compared Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction.  I've seen this comparison made by numerous Obama supporters--not just the two who apologized.  Why didn't Obama say anything when David Shuster called Chelsea a prostitute?  Or when Shuster brought the "Hillary cackling pen" with him when covering primary returns?  This is who Obama is.  He has set the tone.


    [ Parent ]
    Obama has set the tone (5.00 / 5) (#84)
    by RalphB on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:46:04 PM EST
    and it's been reflective of an immature man with some issues about women.  Now that the McCain campaign is on him about it, he may have to change.  The media loves them some McCain and when he talks, they print.  The Obama campaign and the previously fawning media has treated Clinton like crap and I hate them for it.

    [ Parent ]
    Maybe We Need To Come Up With A Two- (none / 0) (#113)
    by PssttCmere08 on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:09:53 PM EST
    faced obama bobblehead?

    [ Parent ]
    How can people still believe (5.00 / 14) (#22)
    by mg7505 on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:04:17 PM EST
    that it's entirely Hillary's job to make voters coalesce around Obama? Heaven forbid there was something about him or his campaign that voters didn't like, or (gasp!) something about Hillary they DID like. There's a reason that the recent wave of "apologies" like this one hasn't propelled Obama clear to the nomination yet -- because voters don't buy them. Because they sound insincere, and probably are. Because Obama himself needs to make some public statements rather than planning victory laps and dropping hints about Hillary's campaign debt.

    Durn but I hate to think (5.00 / 4) (#83)
    by Molly Pitcher on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:45:14 PM EST
    of her and Bill campaigning for him.  That is the unkindest cut of all.

    [ Parent ]
    Here's a question... (5.00 / 16) (#42)
    by janarchy on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:14:06 PM EST
    Nor do they reflect my opinion of Senator Clinton whom I have known for years and admire.

    Oh, really, Senator Cohen? Then why the h*ll did you say them in the first place?

    If someone stood on a podium and shrieked racist invective of Senator Obama and then said "it doesn't reflect my opinion of them", do you think it would wash?

    No. Didn't think so. It's a sad state of affairs that the level of discourse has sunk so low.

    That is the accepted wisdom on (5.00 / 2) (#63)
    by oculus on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:27:33 PM EST
    how to apologize these days.  I'm sorry if my words offended some people, as I certainly didn't mean to offend anyone.  

    [ Parent ]
    Of course it is. (5.00 / 1) (#68)
    by janarchy on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:33:35 PM EST
    I'm sure people will let this go vs. the obvious "psychosis" and/or "pathological lying" of the Tuzla story because you know, that was a capital offence.

    [ Parent ]
    when someone says they gave an (5.00 / 3) (#82)
    by hellothere on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:44:08 PM EST
    apology and what they actually said is something about they are sure sorry i am upset, i know they are't really sorry at all.

    [ Parent ]
    They are sorry they got caught (5.00 / 1) (#198)
    by BarnBabe on Sat May 10, 2008 at 09:23:32 PM EST
    N/T

    [ Parent ]
    BTD..think (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by Stellaaa on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:22:49 PM EST
    how much more effective the boiz could have been if they did not get embedded, it they kept the role of "questioning all power".  

    Comment was not about "Clinton Campaign" (5.00 / 11) (#58)
    by Exeter on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:23:47 PM EST
    It was about Senator Clinton.  Unless, of course, you were trying to think of a catchy metaphor and could only come up with one involving a female psycho maniac.  Give me a break. Start by making it a REAL apology.  

    If the statement didn't reflect... (5.00 / 10) (#61)
    by kredwyn on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:26:29 PM EST
    then what the heck was he doing saying them--or for that matter thinking them--in the first place?
    "Wit has truth in it; wisecracking is simply calisthenics with words." Dorothy Parker
    The easy answer - CDS (5.00 / 4) (#81)
    by Fabian on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:42:17 PM EST
    and pandering to fellow CDS sufferers.

    I listened to WaitWait, Don't Tell Me today and I cringed at their "It's OVER!" narrative Clinton jokes.

    It's amazing how quickly a narrative gets embedded and how fast people lose perspective.  

    Obama may be winning, but not by much and Democrats NEED all of those Clinton voters in the GE.  

    However, if you hang at Daily Kos all the time, your POV would be that Hillary is Teh Devil and Teh Opponent and that is far more important to defeat her(and her followers) than McCain.

    Compare those two POVs and tell me which one is the most helpful to Democrats.  But apparently, logic does not apply often to politicians this season.

    [ Parent ]

    You know what? (5.00 / 9) (#69)
    by lilburro on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:34:00 PM EST
    "She has waged an historic campaign which has done much to break the glass ceiling. My comments obviously do not reflect the sentiments of Senator Obama or the Obama campaign. Nor do they reflect my opinion of Senator Clinton whom I have known for years and admire. My hope is that our party will come together to work to defeat John McCain. "

    Blah blah blah.  Might as well be a form letter.  Do better.  

    I wonder if this email would've been sent to BTD if he were a woman.

    Agreed (5.00 / 8) (#85)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:46:33 PM EST
    From your quote:
    She has waged an historic campaign which has done much to break the glass ceiling.

    I think this election season has shown that the glass ceiling is really made of plexiglass (as in not very breakable at all).

    I have never been more bitter about women's rights than I am with this election.  And I know now that the Democratic Platform is not about women.  They pander to us to get their way, but they didn't care enough to defend Hillary against sheer misogyny.

    [ Parent ]

    It's all about Obama (5.00 / 10) (#75)
    by OxyCon on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:40:07 PM EST
    "My comments obviously do not reflect the sentiments of Senator Obama or the Obama campaign."

    Cohen said what he really thinks. He probably said the same vile comments to all his buddies, who then laughed themselves silly.
    But we can't do anything that would hurt Obama's ambitions, can we?

    Then I have to say (5.00 / 4) (#78)
    by Molly Pitcher on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:41:51 PM EST
    why the devil did you say it!  Just to be cute?  Well, it wasn't.

    Worthless without a call out by Obama (5.00 / 6) (#86)
    by davnee on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:46:45 PM EST
    Until Obama chastises some of these sexist buffoons supporting him, I could care less.  Cohen probably does feel bad for what he said, realizing in retrospect what a complete sexist a$$ he made of himself.  Note he feels bad for being outed as a sexist a$$, whether he really is a sexist a$$ or just got carried away we'll never know.  But I'm looking for the act of courage and nobility from Obama.  Until he does something right for the sake of it being right, rather than politically expedient, then I'll take notice.  He's got a long way to go before he even reaches up to the depths of my esteem for his character.

    NO "kudos," BTD. Let me be clear: (5.00 / 13) (#87)
    by Cream City on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:46:57 PM EST
    Comments like his by public figures endanger me, they endanger my daughter, they endanger every woman I know and every woman on this blog and every woman who might read it and thus read what this guy said.

    No, I am not overstating this.  When statements like his are legitimized by being said by an authority figure, further legitimized by media carrying the comments -- for one thing, they encourage the crazies.  And the crazies may not murder me, nor can they get to me much anymore in the many other ways that men can hurt women.

    But I see this sort of commentary, publicly encouraged and even legitimized in this country, and constantly so, encouraging the crazies to attack women physically and spiritually.  They can
    murder the spirit of my daughter and my nieces and my students and many young women I know.  I see it because I felt it, too, when I was their age.  

    Now I've got scar tissue from all those slings and arrows -- but I do not want all those spirited young women so numbed, so scarred, too.

    So no kudos.  None.  He is a member of Congress.  He asked the public to entrust him with leadership, and they did.  He now asks the public to trust his endorsement for leadership of the country -- and that he did this is exactly the result to be expected by the locker-room mentality of that candidate's campaign.

    What this guy said was inexcusable, which means it cannot be excused, no matter how much he apologizes -- and not to the woman he wronged but . . . wait for it . . . to another guy.  The coward.  No kudos.  None.

    CreamCity... (none / 0) (#204)
    by AmyinSC on Sat May 10, 2008 at 09:32:41 PM EST
    You are my new hero!

    [ Parent ]
    Ok, no open thread but it's precious (5.00 / 1) (#96)
    by Stellaaa on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:58:56 PM EST
    We talked about that yesterday and someone did it:  a photoshop pic of Obama doing the Bush, Victory Lap in the "outfit"

    Got To Keep That Photo Away From Tweety (5.00 / 2) (#104)
    by MO Blue on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:01:35 PM EST
    or his leg tingle will go completely out of control.

    [ Parent ]
    Thanks for the chuckle! (5.00 / 2) (#105)
    by nashville on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:04:15 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    At this point (5.00 / 2) (#101)
    by Edgar08 on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:01:00 PM EST
    The ONLY way they're going to realize what they've done is if they are punished in November.

    That comment I made yesterday that was deleted.

    I apologize for it.

    Bob Packwood (5.00 / 3) (#116)
    by RalphB on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:10:51 PM EST
    I can't help but remember what happened to him and he deserved it.  It seems that feminism has taken some giant steps backward in the last few years.  It's a damn shame.


    [ Parent ]
    It didn't hurt (5.00 / 4) (#120)
    by Edgar08 on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:15:10 PM EST
    The governator either.

    If Cohen had said something as contentious as what he said but said it about race, his career would be OVER.

    DONE.

    The pathetic fool would be toast.

    So great.  We learned you can say crap about women and apologize.  

    Eddie Haskell has more manners than the idiots who have taken over this party.

    [ Parent ]

    And really, a private apology (5.00 / 5) (#112)
    by Rhouse on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:09:40 PM EST
    for a public slur, a widely publicized one at that, doesn't balance the books.  He should have at least tried to tell the PUBLIC at large that he was stupidly wrong to repeat a comment that someone else already caught grief for.  What's next, mailing out bunnies and knives on Mother's day to Hillary supporters and then claim the next day they only wanted to send something fluffy and a letter opener to celebrate Clinton campaign, and they're sorry that some misunderstood their intentions.  Oh Really...

    Deafening silence (5.00 / 2) (#122)
    by Fabian on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:15:55 PM EST
    over at the Great O.  What's odd is that there aren't even any crass drive by diaries yukking it up over the "psychotic ex" or the "Glenn Close" comments.  Sadly enough, I actually expect those.  Some O posters seem to be happy to use any excuse to whack the Hillary pinata.

    I'm not satisfied with an email apology.  It was a public remark.  That deserves a public apology.

    Just read a summary of Fatal Attraction from Wiki (5.00 / 5) (#128)
    by honora on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:22:04 PM EST
    I don't do movies, so I wanted to better understand the reference. I can not believe he said that and I can not believe the loser from NPR made the same reference.  There is no way that a racial comment like this would have, or should have, been acceptable. I love to comments on the thread, 'he's a good congressman', 'he's being challenged by an AA in a tough district".  He deserves to lose.  It is an honor to be a Representative in the US Congress.  How dare he say that about a US Senator, who has gotten the support of 50% of his party.  How obscene that McCain is the one that called him out on this. If I was still a Democrat, I would be so mad.  If I had planned on voting for Obama, I would change my mind.

    He would have apologized earlier but he (5.00 / 4) (#139)
    by Radix on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:31:27 PM EST
    had to stop off at the hospital. Apparently one of his wifes shoes somehow ended up in his keister. Makes it hard to walk don't you know.

    Because there are no facts, there is no truth, Just data to be manipulated

    Don Henley-The Garden of Allah

    now cut that out. i laughed (5.00 / 2) (#145)
    by hellothere on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:34:36 PM EST
    and almost spit up my coke!!

    [ Parent ]
    It just kills me (5.00 / 7) (#144)
    by madamab on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:34:29 PM EST
    how permissible this type of misogyny seems to be.

    And if we get upset about it, we are not giving the poor guy credit for all his other wonderful qualities. Sure. We just don't get it because we are all too emotional and fixated on our own feelings of offense.

    An unintended positive side effect of HRC's campaign, Obama and his surrogates' misogyny and the media's horrific HDS, may just be a new feminist awakening in America.

    That would be a good thing indeed...especially if our girl goes all the way to the White House!

    This primary (5.00 / 4) (#203)
    by Nadai on Sat May 10, 2008 at 09:32:08 PM EST
    has been a great revelation to me.

    I used to believe that women had made real progress from when I was a girl.  I'm learning that much of this has been cosmetic.  Yes, we can go to virtually any college now.  Yes, we can get a job other than teacher, librarian, maid, factory worker, or nurse.    Yes, we can even run for public office.

    But all the old attitudes about a woman's place are still out there, and not only in the heads of unenlightened Republicans.  And now it's like a valve has been opened - all these men finally feel free to say the most amazing things and every outrageous, misogynist statement serves as permission to say something even worse.

    My opinion of Humans has dropped through the floor this last year.  I'm afraid to think what it will be by November.

    [ Parent ]

    Why would McCain call Cohen out on this? (5.00 / 3) (#147)
    by Radix on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:35:24 PM EST
    Wonder if he's shooting for the womens vote? If I were Obama or his followers, I would be careful with my misogyny. I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of McCain "the Defender of Women" in the near future.

    Because there are no facts, there is no truth, Just data to be manipulated

    Don Henley-The Garden of Allah

    actually there was an article (5.00 / 5) (#151)
    by hellothere on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:39:57 PM EST
    referred to in another blog on that very subject. it seems that is exactly what he is doing. and i have to tell you from looking at other blogs and just listening in general a number of ladies are mad. mad i tell you and we aren't going to take it anymore. i quote a famous movie there, but indeed there is real anger among women.

    [ Parent ]
    I spoke to a woman (5.00 / 8) (#152)
    by madamab on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:43:31 PM EST
    wearing a Hillary button on the subway today. She had just come from a rally with Charles Rangel, and started quoting facts and statistics about how HRC is the most maligned figure in the history of Teevee, and how the Iraqi Government has a higher percentage of women than we do. She pointed out how every man in American had the vote before women finally got it in 1920. The young AA girl next to her kept nodding her head in agreement.

    They have awakened the sleeping dragon, methinks.

    [ Parent ]

    I realized it, myself, a month or two ago. (5.00 / 3) (#156)
    by Radix on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:45:42 PM EST
    It's to bad really. But it seems the kids are going learn a very hard lesson in November.

    Because there are no facts, there is no truth, Just data to be manipulated

    Don Henley-The Garden of Allah

    [ Parent ]

    Twofer for McCain (5.00 / 9) (#155)
    by davnee on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:44:37 PM EST
    One - he gets cred from women for calling out the sexism.

    Two (and I'd guess more important to him) - he feeds the impression that Obama and his ilk are a bunch of race-baiting, sexist hypocrites.  They talk unity, but it's all a cover story for being dirtier than dirt.  McCain doesn't have to work very hard to sell this, because it's true, they are.  He's just laying the groundwork for the swift boat meets Willie Horton epic they have planned for Obama this fall.  Frankly, it couldn't happen to a more deserving guy.  I loathe hypocrites above all else.

    [ Parent ]

    I don't doubt (5.00 / 6) (#161)
    by Jane in CA on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:53:24 PM EST
    that will be part of the GOP campaign rhetoric.  I'll also be very surprised if we don't see clips of Donna B dismissing blue collar workers and latinos running 24/7 as well.  I can even write the voiceover ... "the democratic party leadership has stated that it doesn't value you or your vote ... who do you think will work harder for your interests?  The democratic candidate, or John McCain, whose dedication to all Americans has never been in question?"

    [ Parent ]
    yup, you have to wonder about that! (5.00 / 3) (#164)
    by hellothere on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:57:29 PM EST
    what could these folks be thinking? it almost like they are doing the gop's job for them.

    [ Parent ]
    No question about it, Obama and his (5.00 / 3) (#165)
    by Radix on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:57:40 PM EST
    campaign thought Hilary was rough on them? Wait till the Republicans get done with them. They wont even have to lie all that much.

    Because there are no facts, there is no truth, Just data to be manipulated

    Don Henley-The Garden of Allah

    [ Parent ]

    OT but another BigO recommended (5.00 / 2) (#150)
    by ding7777 on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:38:25 PM EST
    diary turns to dust.

    Edwards: I didn't say I voted for 'him'(link)

    Cohen....what a jerk (5.00 / 3) (#157)
    by Mrwirez on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:45:52 PM EST
     Being a man I think it is time for a woman President. Us men have not done so well Rep. Cohen is more proof. Here is the first legitimate female candidate and look what these guys are doing to her, this includes the media and politicians.
     Ladies, there are more of you, I implore you, I will help.... Please vote these men out and make Hillary Clinton our President. It is time.

    Obama Gotta go First
    Cohen  Gotta go
    McCain Gotta go

    Psychosis (4.93 / 16) (#25)
    by hitchhiker on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:05:13 PM EST
    This would be another example of how sincerely the senator and his wife want to reach out to all Democrats . . .suggesting that the preferred candidate of 14 million of them is a sick, violent woman.

    Ha ha ha ha -- like Mrs. Obama's comment about wanting to scratch Bill Clinton's eyes out, it's just a joke.  All in good fun.

    Still waiting for him to ask for my vote.

    I missed it (none / 0) (#1)
    by Saul on Sat May 10, 2008 at 06:47:28 PM EST
    What did he say about Hilary?

    Something about Glenn Close (none / 0) (#3)
    by oculus on Sat May 10, 2008 at 06:52:29 PM EST
    in Fatal Attraction and that Hillary should have "stayed in the tub."

    [ Parent ]
    Here's the link (none / 0) (#10)
    by Chimster on Sat May 10, 2008 at 06:57:08 PM EST
    to what he said

    [ Parent ]
    Good for him. (none / 0) (#2)
    by ajain on Sat May 10, 2008 at 06:49:04 PM EST


    Good for him? (5.00 / 1) (#126)
    by pie on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:20:02 PM EST
    No.  He got caught.

    I don't give a flying freak that Chris Rock brought it up.

    He's not a politician.  

    Of course, the very word has become a negative.  We have such stellar ones these days.

    [ Parent ]

    Class (none / 0) (#5)
    by squeaky on Sat May 10, 2008 at 06:54:07 PM EST
    He did the right thing. And thank you BTD for calling him on it, looks like it helped to wake him up.

    Yes, its a start. (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by Maria Garcia on Sat May 10, 2008 at 06:55:48 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    A Small Start, But It Begs The Question Why (5.00 / 5) (#16)
    by PssttCmere08 on Sat May 10, 2008 at 06:59:51 PM EST
    say it in the first place?  These guys have been out of bounds so many times in this race.  It is okay to denigrate Hillary, but watch out, you may be called a racist by his supporters.

    [ Parent ]
    yup, but (5.00 / 2) (#23)
    by AnninCA on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:04:58 PM EST
    we can live vicariously through McCain.  :)

    Check out the new ads, linked in the story below.

    It felt GOOD to have someone say what I wished Hillary could have said if this entire deal hadn't been so dysfunctional this year.

    [ Parent ]

    I know he's better than what he said (none / 0) (#12)
    by andgarden on Sat May 10, 2008 at 06:57:28 PM EST
    He's in a tricky spot politically, but he still shouldn't have said it.

    hmph. When the McCain campaign (5.00 / 9) (#14)
    by fiver2 on Sat May 10, 2008 at 06:59:18 PM EST
    identifies your statement as sexist, then you had better apologize pronto.  I credit BTD with identifying this as an issue, and many thanks for that.  But I don't forgive easily, and I wonder whether he would have apologized if not for the fact that McCain was using it against Obama.

    [ Parent ]
    Honestly, (5.00 / 2) (#21)
    by andgarden on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:03:47 PM EST
    he's the best the Tennessee Delegation has got. He spoke out of his rear end here, but his record is hard to beat.

    [ Parent ]
    and Hitler loved dogs (5.00 / 8) (#34)
    by Kathy on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:10:24 PM EST
    I mean, come on--what's your point?  If he'd made a stereotypical statement about the color of Obama's skin, would you say, "but his record is hard to beat!"


    [ Parent ]
    No (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by andgarden on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:14:03 PM EST
    However, if he then quickly apologized, which he has, I'd look at what he said in context of his record.

    [ Parent ]
    is that how it works? (5.00 / 5) (#45)
    by Kathy on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:16:26 PM EST
    You're a naive, dumb-ss m-fer who eats puppies for breakfast.

    Oops, sorry.  Let's go grab a beer and it's all over.

    (also, I wouldn't count the time period this happened in as "immediate")

    [ Parent ]

    With you Kathy (5.00 / 1) (#51)
    by nashville on Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:19:55 PM EST
    Some things you just don't joke about at all, especially in PUBLIC!

    [ Parent ]
    All I can say (3.00 / 2) (