Murtha to constituents: Oh, hey, sorry for calling you racist; Update: Murtha cancels debate?
posted at 1:40 pm on October 16, 2008 by Allahpundit
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An instant classic in the genre of perfunctory apologies, in which a guy who pronounced the western half of his state racist before not one but two newspaper editorial boards professes a profound change of heart 12 hours later. In his defense, the universe of things said about or done to The One that instantly qualify as “racist” is forever expanding. Hard to knock him for assuming that voting against him might qualify too.
He issued the following statement today: “I apologize for making the comment that ‘Western Pennsylvania is a racist area.’
“While we cannot deny that race is a factor in this election, I believe we’ve been able to look beyond race these past few months, and that voters today are concerned with the policy differences of our two candidates and their vision for the future of our great country.
“Senator Obama has shown sound judgment and has presented us with a change from the failed policies of George Bush and John McCain. I believe he will win both Pennsylvania and the White House.”
Still no apology about the Haditha Marines, of course. I take it from the quick turnaround that even America’s most election-proof congressman was a little nervous about the political fallout, which makes me wonder if Bill Russell’s in better shape than we thought. I went looking for polls but couldn’t find any, including on Russell’s website, which means either none have been done or they’re too grim to post. Anyone seen any data?
Update: PA Watercooler hears from Russell’s campaign manager that Murtha’s cutting and running from tonight’s debate.
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Thanks for putting PA in McCain’s column, Murtha.
Bishop on October 16, 2008 at 1:42 PM
Bill the Plumber. Taking a wrench to Murtha.
This is the turnaround time we need in the McCain campaign!
lorien1973 on October 16, 2008 at 1:42 PM
Would someone please walk this old fool out to the barn? Please.
Geronimo on October 16, 2008 at 1:42 PM
Translation: I’m sorry I called you racists racist.
Abby Adams on October 16, 2008 at 1:44 PM
I wish I lived in Pennsyvania so I could vote against murtha and vote for Russell.
L
letget on October 16, 2008 at 1:44 PM
Ya know, though – small point in Murtha’s favor here.
He didn’t use that lame non-apology:
I’m sorry that you were offended….
So it is a step up from the normal political apology.
lorien1973 on October 16, 2008 at 1:44 PM
Volunteer for ACORN.
Wish granted!
lorien1973 on October 16, 2008 at 1:45 PM
Murtha – the reason we need term limits
Kevin in Washington State on October 16, 2008 at 1:45 PM
This guy needs to be on the stump
spacekicker on October 16, 2008 at 1:46 PM
Joe the plumber that is…Murtha needs to be tied to a stump
spacekicker on October 16, 2008 at 1:46 PM
How weak… It’s like saying sorry you’re a racist.
ImRight on October 16, 2008 at 1:46 PM
supposedly Russell is projected to lose by 20.
D0WNT0WN on October 16, 2008 at 1:47 PM
Bye, Jack.
AubieJon on October 16, 2008 at 1:47 PM
The dems are totally unleashed. They have watched BHO throw so many people under the bus that they are having fun tossing everyone and anyone under the bus. They know the MSM won’t say anything serious about it, so they are just having a grand old time.
Wait until they get total power and really let it all hang out!
progressoverpeace on October 16, 2008 at 1:47 PM
This guy is a stump. Murtha Fusker.
trailboss on October 16, 2008 at 1:48 PM
Re-deploy Murtha to Shittville, where he will immediately be elected mayor.
whitetop on October 16, 2008 at 1:48 PM
Senile fuckwit.
LimeyGeek on October 16, 2008 at 1:48 PM
He apologized for the comment, but obviously not the sentiment.
unclesmrgol on October 16, 2008 at 1:48 PM
Translation: “People in western Pennsylvania were racist, but they have seen the light thanks to The One.”
Y-not (born in central PA)
Y-not on October 16, 2008 at 1:49 PM
If Murtha is defeated, a lot of pigs will be happy.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on October 16, 2008 at 1:49 PM
What makes me sick is that the people in his district will probably vote him in again, even knowing what he thinks of them. This man is such a disgrace to his office he should have been retired years ago.
It’s pretty sad that people will vote for such a travesty of a representative just because he brings in the pork.
hachiban on October 16, 2008 at 1:49 PM
Next up from Murtha. I was misquoted. I thought ‘racist’ meant ‘fan of NASCAR’.
Limerick on October 16, 2008 at 1:50 PM
Murtha isn’t going anywhere, he brings in the pork in a manner that makes Byrd jealous.
Bishop on October 16, 2008 at 1:50 PM
gallup reports Obama falls below 50% first time in weeks. Go Joe the plumber we are all racists today..
unseen on October 16, 2008 at 1:50 PM
I feel like we’re 98.8% of the way through the Bataan Death March of this election. We keep slogging forward, tired of all the mess and muss…I just want it to be over. I will vote for the first party to pull their adverts so that I no longer have to see/hear them. I’m oblivious to the ads now, but I know that they are subliminally wreaking havoc on my soul.
sigh
Doug on October 16, 2008 at 1:51 PM
As I said, it is my sincerest hope that first Russell trounces Murtha in the election and that the voters finally throw that fat blowhard out of office.
Then I hope the Haditha Marines sue Murtha into literal poverty.
If there was anyone on the planet I would like to see get his head handed to him, it is Jack Murtha!
pilamaye on October 16, 2008 at 1:51 PM
“Although you are all racists, I regret calling you racists”…
right2bright on October 16, 2008 at 1:52 PM
Welcome to the fight. This time believe me when I tell you that our side will win.
ManlyRash on October 16, 2008 at 1:52 PM
As a PA voter, I’ve scoured for PA-12 polls for months. Can’t find a single one..
I don’t think there are any due to the GEOGRAPHY of PA’s 12th district.
Take a good hard look at the shape of gerrymandered murtha’s district… splitting the city of Indiana, PA on a street-by-street basis, diverting enough ethnic enclaves into his arms, surrounding Johnstown (of the 1 Mil anti-drug fbi center), how the @$%@ do you poll that? Call people and ask “are you in the 12th”
It’s over multiple media markets (pitt, johnstown-altoona-state college), and hard to poll.
Good news though: i’ve seen Russell’s ads on SUNDAYS WATCHING THE NFL…. no other time. NBC sunday night, Steelers games, etc…. seems like he is trying to peel off union dem men who are tired of murtha.
check out the hideous MURTHAMANDER: http://ftp2.census.gov/geo/maps/cong_dist/cd108_named/ind_gif/PA_CD12n.gif
http://ftp2.census.gov/geo/maps/cong_dist/cd108_named/ind_loc_pdf/PA_CD12loc.pdf
(huge, timely download, but shows the street-by-street differences… insane!!!!) http://ftp2.census.gov/geo/maps/cong_dist/cd108_named/ind_pdf/PA_CD12n.pdf
battleoflepanto1571 on October 16, 2008 at 1:53 PM
Murtha, you are so toasted!!
Why the hell would either campaign post internal polls, Allah?
Mcguyver on October 16, 2008 at 1:54 PM
Obama is a filthy racist whitey-hating lying prick.
Sorry. I apologize.
fogw on October 16, 2008 at 1:54 PM
reminder
new gallup poll: McCain within TWO in likelies 49-47, BO loses another point in registered leads by 6 49-43
MACMENTUM!!!!!!!!!!!!
ACORNMENTUM???
battleoflepanto1571 on October 16, 2008 at 1:54 PM
This man is no gentleman, nor is he a statesman, nor is he a U.S. Marine. His comments about our country and our military are unforgivable. He is an unrepentant politician corrupted by power over the years who is completely out of touch with his local constituency and the country as a whole. His actions, as usual, are dishonorable. The fact that he endorses Barack Obama confirms the idea of the types of individuals Mr. Obama attracts.
HomeoftheBrave on October 16, 2008 at 1:55 PM
I imagine that poll was taken before Murtha stuck his foot in his mouth.
Oink on October 16, 2008 at 1:56 PM
Murtha will win again. He brings home the pork. The 12th district was gerrymandered for him. It was drawn specifically for Murtha. ALL Democrat.
JAM on October 16, 2008 at 1:57 PM
Neither. It is the same old story….type up any old poll results you want, as long as the last couple of polls are close to correct you are in the clear.
Limerick on October 16, 2008 at 1:59 PM
Murtha looks like he has stored enough ACORNS for the winter.
Please, Western PA, vote this fat, sack of crap, embarrassment out of office.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on October 16, 2008 at 2:00 PM
This man is a fool. I wonder why his constituents havn’t noticed it!
jeanie on October 16, 2008 at 2:02 PM
Murtha looks like he has stored enough ACORNS for the winter.
Racist.
Bishop on October 16, 2008 at 2:03 PM
I believe old Obi Wan has the answer:
“Who’s the more foolish, the fool or the fool who follows him?”
LimeyGeek on October 16, 2008 at 2:04 PM
Sorry. I apologize.
fogw on October 16, 2008 at 1:54 PM
Too late, your comment has been logged for retribution.
God help you.
Bishop on October 16, 2008 at 2:04 PM
DAM, had to switch out keyboards…
Romeo13 on October 16, 2008 at 2:05 PM
“IN COLD BLOOD MURTHA”,
he’s NUTS!!!!
canopfor on October 16, 2008 at 2:05 PM
What is going to be really great is when Murtha is defeated in his re-election bid followed by him being found at fault in the Marine lawsuits. That will be very sweet indeed!
kanda on October 16, 2008 at 2:05 PM
I suggest excommunication, Your Grace…bell, book and candle. I’ll prepare the incense…
*scurries to the sacristy to retrieve the thurible*
ManlyRash on October 16, 2008 at 2:09 PM
CQ Quarterly is calling this a safe Democratic seat
William Amos on October 16, 2008 at 2:10 PM
Be of good cheer, Don Juan of Austria. Victory is ahead.
ManlyRash on October 16, 2008 at 2:11 PM
To borrow from Churchill and revise his lines… with regards to McCain and his campaign…
When he wins, he can make the statement:
Never have so few owed so much to so many…
CC – BHO: “my Muslim faith”
CapedConservative on October 16, 2008 at 2:14 PM
Obama and Murtha are both going to perform badly this time around in that district. Murtha will probably hang on due to the ridiculous gerrymandering, but the One is going to do poorly in that region. He got eviscerated by Hillary in those counties in the primaries.
I think Murtha was clumsily trying to play a preemptive race card and he botched it pretty badly.
forest on October 16, 2008 at 2:22 PM
I’d also recommend you guys support Lou Barletta and Chris Hackett here in PA, they should both be able to pick up seats.
doubleplusundead on October 16, 2008 at 2:23 PM
Obvious astroturfer is obvious.
doubleplusundead on October 16, 2008 at 2:24 PM
Those guys/gals deserve him.
Sir Napsalot on October 16, 2008 at 2:26 PM
Get it right. He’s redeploying the debate to Okinawa.
lorien1973 on October 16, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Pu$$y. This should gain Russell about 5-10 points.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on October 16, 2008 at 2:30 PM
I didn’t find any either, though Barletta is up 4-5.
Spirit of 1776 on October 16, 2008 at 2:37 PM
Lt. Colonel Jeffrey Chessani,Haditha Marine,Court of Appeals hearing tomorrow. See Thomas More Law Center site.
Bullhead on October 16, 2008 at 2:38 PM
I’ve sent money to Russell’s campaign since he announced he was running against this bag of schumer. I think I shall go send him some more so he can make an ad out of this latest episode of foot-in-mouth.
thebookkeeper on October 16, 2008 at 2:39 PM
If he cuts and runs, then Russell should demand to be given 1/2 the air time, then call Murtha out for being a racist, money grubbing, military hater that he is.
Russell should really put the pressure on for some free air time, since Murtha is the one who backed out.
Opening statement is, that is how the KKK used to work, attack in the dark of night, then hide in the daylight. Murtha calls all of you racists, and when the light is shined on him he runs and hides.
He thinks he is so far ahead in the poles that he can say what he truly believes…he thinks he is so far ahead of the poles that he can call you the worst of names and you won’t have the ability to pull the lever for me his opponent. He thinks he is so far ahead in the poles that he can call you any name, treat you anyway, and you will come crawling back to him.
right2bright on October 16, 2008 at 2:40 PM
chickensh!t
Brass Pair on October 16, 2008 at 2:42 PM
Can Russell have the air time during which time the moderator reads some of Murtha’s a$$inine statements and Russell comments on them?
Y-not on October 16, 2008 at 2:44 PM
While Murtha should have his nuts cut off for so many offensive things he has said in his miserable lifetime, I must agree with what he said yesterday yet expand it to the rest of Pennsylvania.
There is no more a racist place then the city of brotherly love — Philadelphia. And the Republican ‘T’ between Philly and Pittsburgh is as bitter white redneck racist as it gets. I have said all along that Obama will be hurt in places like Pennsylvania simply because he is black. It won’t cost him the state in the election — since the overwhelming majority of blacks will vote for him simply because he is black but it won’t be by the margins many are predicting now (10-13 points).
grdred944 on October 16, 2008 at 2:47 PM
Thanks for the great links!
Western_Civ on October 16, 2008 at 2:48 PM
/breaks into song…
Brave Sir Robin… Sir Robin ran away…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZwuTo7zKM8&feature=related
Romeo13 on October 16, 2008 at 2:51 PM
Let’s see:
The Haditha Marines are not my constituents. The “racist” western Penns. are. Who should I apologize to?
Hmmmm…..
anuts on October 16, 2008 at 2:59 PM
Murtha- reason why we need capital punishment in the case of corrupt politicians.
highhopes on October 16, 2008 at 3:04 PM
Here in my district, PA-11, there was a debate scheduled last night between Barletta and that absolute hack Kanjorski at East Stroudsburg University and Kanjorski didn’t show up. A debate that was scheduled for I don’t know how long and they called up 10 minutes before and said he had a scheduling conflict. Kanjorski has also ducked a few other things claiming he was too busy in D.C. working on the financial “crisis”. What’s up?
Jeff on October 16, 2008 at 3:05 PM
Of course, Pennsylvanians, he didn’t say you weren’t racists, just that he was sorry for pointing it out. As long as you are racists, guess you can prove it on the first Tuesday in November.
Vashta.Nerada on October 16, 2008 at 3:06 PM
Murtha, being self loathing as he is, is an anti-Marine-ite.
TheSitRep on October 16, 2008 at 3:09 PM
The last poll I saw Kanjorski was down. They must all be running for cover.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on October 16, 2008 at 3:09 PM
Murtha- reason why we need capital punishment in the case of corrupt politicians.
highhopes on October 16, 2008 at 3:04 PM
Hang them high on the 1st monday of every month.
1sttofight on October 16, 2008 at 3:15 PM
They’re running for the Bunker.
I wonder if Obama’s locked the door yet.
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 16, 2008 at 3:24 PM
That’s a perfectly legit name. I’ve seen it on several campaign contribution lists and voter registration lists all over the place. Really popular, like Doodad Pro and Uklshergt Easlihdfihgy.
Anna on October 16, 2008 at 3:24 PM
“Just over the horizon”…..10,000 miles away….
sven10077 on October 16, 2008 at 3:30 PM
Same thing going on in Ohio…if you are white and you won’t vote for bho…you are racist…if you are white and you don’t agree with bho…you are racist…
What a bunch of crap…!!!
Meanwhile the SOS and acorn are trying to steal the election with fraud…
I need a shot and a beer…!!!
areseaoh on October 16, 2008 at 3:32 PM
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on October 16, 2008 at 3:09 PM
I know Dr. The couple of polls I saw had Barletta up by a good margin. Maybe Kanjorski figures he’s been there long enough, 24 years, and feathered his nest enough that he can retire. I was only going to go and vote for Barletta and that’s all. Out of fear and because of Sarah Palin I figured I’d also vote for McCain. I would never vote for him otherwise, I can’t stand him. I’m also not a registered Republican, I can’t stand the Republican Party either. I’m for a third party, a Conservative Party. The Republican Party is Democrat Party Lite. The only Republican I ever voted FOR and not as the lesser of two evils was Reagan. I’m tired of eating crap sandwiches. Very, very, very tired of it.
Jeff on October 16, 2008 at 3:34 PM
Murpha’s prepositioning the narrative for his coming election loss. “Naturally I lost, these people are racists who turned out in droves to vote against Hussein, and through no fault of my own I also lost.” Doesn’t explain why all these racists have been sending him to DC for decades, but…
Akzed on October 16, 2008 at 3:34 PM
As a resident of CT- I donated to Russell’s campaign- twice. I hope he kicks Murtha’s ass in the election, and then kickes his ass.
kareyk on October 16, 2008 at 3:35 PM
Hey, Murtha isn’t cutting and running, he’s just redeploying to Okinawa.
Torch on October 16, 2008 at 3:36 PM
While I’d love to believe it, there is no way Murtha is in any danger. Russel is completely invisible here in Johnstown. I haven’t seen a single billboard, commercial or even ONE yard sign.
Unfortunately, Murtha stays in office.
Tomblvd on October 16, 2008 at 3:55 PM
Wouldn’t be surprised.
That area is populated by a huge number of geriatric voters, who are still receiving paltry union pensions and who have voted for Murtha every year since he cursed this country by running for office.
Western Pennsylvania was practically destroyed by the absolutely worthless, corrupt and incompetent Democrat Party yet they still vote for calcified Democrats crusted in the sewage of their vile deeds.
Reminds me of the people in Russia who still yearn for Stalin.
NoDonkey on October 16, 2008 at 4:41 PM
I know that is hyperbole, but it isn’t far from accurate.
Murtha’s yard signs say “He delivers for us!” And that says it all. People, even those that lean conservative, worry about what would happen if the area would lose out on all the goodies he’s brought in. Of course, every budget debate in DC brings out the ususal hand-wringing stories in the local media worrying about which of his programs may get cut.
It is like an abusive relationship. The woman keeps coming back because she’s afraid she couldn’t make it on her own.
This is a politically dysfunctional area, with the local Republican party tacitly supporting Murtha. I’m afraid there isn’t much to be done.
Tomblvd on October 16, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Jesse Jackson, call your office.
platypus on October 16, 2008 at 5:03 PM
Murtha’s not sorry for his comments just that everyone replayed them to his embarassment. This is like Barack’s San Fran bitter redneck racists clinging to God and Guns comments. Those two comments should be put in as many ads as possible in this district. Who knows a miracle could happen and Murtha gets deep sixed by the electorate.
eaglewingz08 on October 16, 2008 at 5:26 PM
I couldn’t say it any better than the above comments. In my case Kanjorski’s base is Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. The way they skew the congressional districts (gerrymander)that area has not much in common with where I live but yet we’re lumped in with it. They use scare tactics on these old, retired people and win every time. One of Kanjorski’s TV ads even said, “George Bush and Lou Barletta don’t want you to have health care”. Give me a break!
Jeff on October 16, 2008 at 5:27 PM
It is just beyond me how this abscum piece of selfish crap can be voted in even once.
oakpack on October 16, 2008 at 5:32 PM
Adiós Jack, we won’t miss ya!
Joe the Plumber FTW!
Cr4sh Dummy on October 16, 2008 at 5:52 PM
And they have the nerve to imply that Senator McCain is too old!
This man is walking dementia.
Amazed on October 16, 2008 at 7:12 PM
For Russell’s first run, he is causing a great deal of damage against Murtha. The liberal brownshirts have gone all out to destroy Russell’s campaign and fundraising to no avail. Murtha will probably win due to the aforementioned pork…but this will be his only victory over Russell.
DCJeff on October 16, 2008 at 7:37 PM
Sure Murtha is a disgusting pig…he can afford to be, and it’s not just the pork.
As has been mentioned, his district has been gerrymandered specifically to keep him in office forever.
The only consolation is that he is surrounded by several safe GOP districts due to the same gerrymandering.
jay12 on October 17, 2008 at 12:02 AM
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