Video: The Napolitano walkback begins
posted at 1:35 pm on April 16, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Sort of, anyway. DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano gives the standard non-apology apology, the “I’m sorry if anyone was offended” statement. She does a reverse Truman towards the end, though, when she refuses to say that she approved the warning her own department issued, saying she was “briefed” but didn’t sign off on it. Think she’s building her defense for the House Committee on Homeland Security?
Napolitano at one point challenges the Fox anchors to “read the report,” and winds up with egg on her face when they respond:
At about 6:30, Steve Doocy asks her whether the Catholic Church qualifies as a potential terrorist threat, since they protest abortion. He reads off the definition, and Napolitano says she’d dump the footnote … now. Why not just admit that from the beginning? She tries to say that they do the same thing for the Left, but that report did not warn that an increase in animal-rights sentiment was a potential danger to our national security; instead, the DHS actually specified the groups that needed watching.
Update: My friend Kevin McCullough wants Napolitano fired.
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She was not having to defend herself on CBS this morning. It appears the “wordsmiths” were taking an “armchair quarterback” approach and attacking the document already written. Something about – it’s easy to second-guess and twist words.
Uhm.. look Nappy – can I call you Nappy? – when you call folks extremists and terrorists there really is no way to take that as you mean it nicely.
kybowexar on April 16, 2009 at 1:38 PM
I saw that interview this morning; Didn’t look like any kind of an apology to me. It looked more like a “If only you were as smart as us Libs, you’de understand that report” I still think she needs to hit the road.
anniekc on April 16, 2009 at 1:39 PM
What I want to know is if anything in that report was derived from anything that was collected illegally, as reported here:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/04/15/justice-dept-nsa-improperly-spied-americans/
Otis B on April 16, 2009 at 1:40 PM
someone needs to hit her face, then she can hit the road.
Ghoul aid on April 16, 2009 at 1:40 PM
Gestapo tactics coming soon!
TrickyDick on April 16, 2009 at 1:40 PM
I want an apology for vets AND prolifers AND libertarians AND federalists AND gun owners.
None if not all. PERIOD.
and I want that manwoman to be fired.
Mommypundit on April 16, 2009 at 1:41 PM
and obama.
Mommypundit on April 16, 2009 at 1:41 PM
Anything on her face would be an improvement, well except for Rosie….!
I hated her as Gov. here in AZ and now I loath her in DHS…she’s a clueless lefty tool and her and the administration’s poor DHS decisions and inaction will place our nation at greater risk…
Liberty or Death on April 16, 2009 at 1:41 PM
She’s already off on the wrong foot. She’s about as tactful as a charging rhino and even manages to look surly while ‘apologizing’.
jeanie on April 16, 2009 at 1:42 PM
I was all ready to say that she seemed miserable to be appearing on Fox News based on her demeanor right from the start, but then I watched her interviews with NBC’s Today Show and on MSNBC, and it just seems that she’s pretty miserable all around.
She’s probably not happy that she has to “apologize” to all the ignorant people who can’t understand her comments. Peasants.
Sir Corky on April 16, 2009 at 1:43 PM
Hey watch that kind of talk!
I laughed so hard I had to explain to everyone in my office what was so funny.
Now, I’m headed to the Sensitivity Chambers.
Thanks a lot!
kybowexar on April 16, 2009 at 1:43 PM
I just threw up a little bit.
Mommypundit on April 16, 2009 at 1:43 PM
She reminds me of that other Janet
Brat on April 16, 2009 at 1:43 PM
This is nothing new, we conservatives are the enemy of socialism. Logically, it would follow that we are the enemy of the present administration. We oppose it, because we see what it will do to our country. How it will suck the life out of incentive and prosperity.
We are the enemy, because we see what it will do to our country.
We are defined as the enemy, inasmuch as it will logically follow that those who are defined as the enemy, will be treated as such, sooner or later.
This is the Mein Kampf of the Obama administration. And, always remember, Hitler did what he said he’d do.
Conservatives are the al qaida of this administration. They will try to silence us.
OhEssYouCowboys on April 16, 2009 at 1:44 PM
Which they are bcs remember PETA head honcho saying how they wanted to infect cows with anthrax, BSE (Mad Cow), etc a few years back?!
That’s pretty threatening.
Badger40 on April 16, 2009 at 1:44 PM
“And so, when I was told about the report, it rang true with me.”
This despicable piece of scum must resign. She is disgusting.
progressoverpeace on April 16, 2009 at 1:45 PM
yeah. um. What’s up with that?
Mommypundit on April 16, 2009 at 1:45 PM
I was thinking a “bull” in a china shop.
coyoterex on April 16, 2009 at 1:45 PM
As a fellow “mommy”, I salute you. I find myself agreeing with all of your posts so far!
zeebeach on April 16, 2009 at 1:45 PM
Doesn’t she have a female basketball game to go to?
Pasalubong on April 16, 2009 at 1:45 PM
Is there any space left under Odumbo’s bus?
OhioCoastie on April 16, 2009 at 1:45 PM
Ah enough of the Hitler-Obama comparisons!
After all, this is the 21st century!
Those ideas are oh-so-30s & 40s!
That could never happen here!
/sarc
Badger40 on April 16, 2009 at 1:46 PM
Janet Renopolitano
JonPrichard on April 16, 2009 at 1:46 PM
What worries me is what AYERS said he would do. Remember HIS death camp scenario? You can’t make this up. And this was a “friend” of Obama’s.
Mommypundit on April 16, 2009 at 1:46 PM
WACO II coming?!
Badger40 on April 16, 2009 at 1:46 PM
Ha! No Photoshop required – they look exactly alike!
Brat on April 16, 2009 at 1:47 PM
Obama should have hired Janet Gretzky.
Mr. D on April 16, 2009 at 1:47 PM
We mommies have to stick together. :o)
Mommypundit on April 16, 2009 at 1:47 PM
Reichsfuehre Napolitano fits in nicely with the rest of that counter culture, America hating mob in that administration.
rplat on April 16, 2009 at 1:47 PM
That’s a hot janet sammich, right there!
lorien1973 on April 16, 2009 at 1:48 PM
People around these parts have been saying that for years… we were so happy she went to Washington. I was actually pulling for Obama to tap her as VP.
petunia on April 16, 2009 at 1:49 PM
yeah, I was thinking that the other day. egregious overreach. actually, that was pretty scary. When was that? I was in High School then and was particularly disturbed by it, I remember.
Mommypundit on April 16, 2009 at 1:49 PM
Good=Evil now
Evil now = Good.
Up=Down
Wrong =Right
God it’s absolutely frightening.
Badger40 on April 16, 2009 at 1:49 PM
oh………….gosh………….you people have to stop with these statements. I can’t make the bad image go awayyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!! ahhhhhhhh.
Mommypundit on April 16, 2009 at 1:50 PM
Is it true she’s a bull dyke?
TTheoLogan on April 16, 2009 at 1:50 PM
I think the Janet’s are twins. OMG – I hope there aren’t 6 more !!!! Octo-bombs.
stenwin77 on April 16, 2009 at 1:50 PM
Billy Jeff agrees. Just look at his face lorien, you know he wants it. You’d hit it too?
Brat on April 16, 2009 at 1:51 PM
I’m sure we’ll be told that this is the 21st century & that’ll never happen with BO in charge.
I lived in San Antonio during Waco-drove by on the way to Tyler just to see.
It was a nightmare.
The Davidians may have been wackos-but they had a Constitutional right to be.
Watch out ‘Right-wing’ extremists, soccer moms driving SUVs, Republican teachers, etc….!
Badger40 on April 16, 2009 at 1:52 PM
Those rumours always surface… but I don’t think there is any evidence at all. So I think it unfair, she is an unmarried, unattractive woman. That’s all.
petunia on April 16, 2009 at 1:52 PM
I have been trying to call the WH opinion line for two days now, and it is busy. I want this ugly cow to apologize.
HornetSting on April 16, 2009 at 1:53 PM
We are expected to not believe that birds of a feather flock together.
Remember: you can be buds with terrorists, thieves, communists, socialists, etc.. & it never in any way will affect you.
Yeah right.
Badger40 on April 16, 2009 at 1:54 PM
I thought women from Arizona were hot. Where did Napolitano REALLY come from?
Oh – and I can’t see her without remembering that she’s the new boss over FEMA, while her state was at the bottom of the list of Emergency Preparedness.
I like that she says a “veterans group raised a problem.” Those damn instigaiting vets!
Typical attempt at liberal elitist spin, too: “Why don’t you read the report? [you right-wing moron] Oh, you did? Well, then, I’m screwed for the rest of this interview, aren’t I?”
hawksruleva on April 16, 2009 at 1:54 PM
Then it’s just normal that she spends her time watching everyone, with the blinds down and the lights off. I have people in my neighborhood like that. We just don’t elect them to office.
lorien1973 on April 16, 2009 at 1:55 PM
Let’s no blame her for not being able to find her Bill Clinton.
Hillary would have ended up the same way had she not found Bill.
Badger40 on April 16, 2009 at 1:55 PM
Still not convinced this “person” is female.
“Jack” Napolitano seems to be a better fit.
veni vidi vici on April 16, 2009 at 1:55 PM
Lunch Lady.
It’s sloppy Joe day!
Rhinoboy on April 16, 2009 at 1:56 PM
One of the things I find particularly despicable about the Obama administration is that Obama himself knew what was going out in that report; I don’t think for a minute that Barry, Rahm, Axelrod, etal aren’t micromanaging every tiny detail- and yet they sit back with no comment while they send the troll woman out to stammer her way through a non-apology. I’m sure they hope that it’ll stem the publicity, but they aren’t about to back down from the message.
The biggest lie out there is that Barry “cares” about the military; Those currently in service or veterans. I’m just disgusted by his hypocrisy. Everytime he opens his mouth, or one of his minions does, they seem to insult America’s finest.
anniekc on April 16, 2009 at 1:56 PM
What a weasel.
Daddy-O on April 16, 2009 at 1:56 PM
Dude she really is this administration’s Janet Reno. Though I loved Dennis Miller’s comparison of her hair to Frank Luntz’s.
hawksruleva on April 16, 2009 at 1:56 PM
Contrast the Fox interview with Matt Lauer’s whitewash 5 minutes prior. He didn’t even ask the single-issue question, and framed the outrage solely within the report’s remarks on returning vets. Lauer doen’t need any CTJ meetings, he knows exactly where the company line is.
Kid from Brooklyn on April 16, 2009 at 1:56 PM
Veterans are owed an apology.
Americans are owed a resignation
ToddonCapeCod on April 16, 2009 at 1:57 PM
She said some other things that were revealing as well – she said if she had been talking to intelligence officials then she would say something different. What did she mean by that?
And she also said that once the reports get to Washington, they get translated into “Washingtonese” which means the entire report is politically driven and not at all objective or an “assessment” if the language changed once it got to DC.
This is obscene.
Otis B on April 16, 2009 at 1:57 PM
A journalist needs to request any reports of this type that have been issued in at least the previous year. If the request is denied due to national security then the next question should be “then why this one?” My bet is that there were none targeting American citizens. You’ve got the connections, Ed, why not make that request of a fox journalist and let us know what the response is?
peacenprosperity on April 16, 2009 at 1:58 PM
The “Lie to Me” guy would have a field day with her.
Watch the video again and just watch her facial expressions.
faraway on April 16, 2009 at 1:58 PM
Stop. You’re makin’ me blush.
lorien1973 on April 16, 2009 at 1:58 PM
She as much as admitted it when she said the language gets changed to “Washingtonese.”
Time to throw Janet under the bus, Barry.
Otis B on April 16, 2009 at 1:59 PM
I’ve not had my re-education as yet, Badger, nor apparently have you.
kybowexar on April 16, 2009 at 1:59 PM
Where’s McCain standing up and defending the veterans that were slandered in this report. Some leader!
PatMac on April 16, 2009 at 2:00 PM
I did too when I typed it…now I need some mind bleach….sometimes I’m my own worst enemy!
Liberty or Death on April 16, 2009 at 2:00 PM
Eye Bleach. Lots of it.
portlandon on April 16, 2009 at 2:01 PM
My SGT. actually read this report in rollcall the other day. It was read as an Officer Safety alert.
Howcome on April 16, 2009 at 2:01 PM
Badger typed “God,” of course Badger hasn’t been re-educated.
OhEssYouCowboys on April 16, 2009 at 2:02 PM
I tried clicking on that link and my computer told me it was “Forbidden” Obviously my mac has my best interests at heart. SmartMachine.
Mommypundit on April 16, 2009 at 2:02 PM
Heh…”you boys wants some more sloppy joes…?”
“Aaaahhh…stop it lady you’re scaring me!”
Liberty or Death on April 16, 2009 at 2:02 PM
There was one, in February, talking about ALF and ELF, and the lefties objected because there was no mention of “right-wing” extremists.
Homeland Security (and especially the collection efforts associated with it) should be anything but a political apparatus, but it appears to have become one.
Otis B on April 16, 2009 at 2:02 PM
I saw the segment this morning, so I’m not going to watch it again to see if what I’m remembering came later or not, but some people made a DAMN good point. They talk about “right-wing terrorists” here, yet this is the same woman who refuses to say “terrorism”. Remember, when talking about Islamic terror we must now say “man caused disasters”… But when you’re accusing war vets and people who support life, it’s “terrorism”? Thanks for clarifying.
RightWinged on April 16, 2009 at 2:02 PM
The whole Waco thing was indeed a fiasco. A large fence, road spikes, and three guards could have waited until they were good and hungry.
If indeed it was justice for broken laws that was sought – granted it would have taken longer, but it would not have had to end up like it did.
At any rate, this woman is fairly frightening. Thank goodness we have a level-headed, fair AG over at Justice…..
Oh crap!
kybowexar on April 16, 2009 at 2:02 PM
Good to know, Janet.
misslizzi on April 16, 2009 at 2:02 PM
Where’s McCain standing up and defending the veterans that were slandered in this report. Some leader!
PatMac on April 16, 2009 at 2:00 PM
Where are ALL the Congressional vets who should be defending us and themselves? Webb has a kid in the middle east, just as Mac does, not to mention the others; Inouye is a medal of honor recipient for Gawd’s sake.
Bishop on April 16, 2009 at 2:03 PM
Guys, it wasn’t just a footnote…veterans were mentioned 8 separate times in four sections of that document, with one section dedicated to the topic.
flipflop on April 16, 2009 at 2:03 PM
By the way. “Allegedly” neal boortz was scheduled to go on cnn today but cancelled because he was afraid he would ask rick sanchez about the cnn reporter who disparaged Americans. “Allegedly” he was scheduled and “allegedly” he canceled because rick sanchez was such a nice guy and boortz didn’t want to get him in trouble. anyone who has watched rick sanchez knows he’s not a nice guy and hates conservatives. boortz is one of the guys who was supposed to be on our side. He could have gone to enemy territory and made a stand. More and more it just seems like a game they are all playing on us.
peacenprosperity on April 16, 2009 at 2:03 PM
Stop making this only about Vets. I’m super steamed about that. The rest of patriotic America was indicted in this crapfesto.
Mommypundit on April 16, 2009 at 2:04 PM
Simple solution Janet, you can stop the violence by resigning and never showing your ugly mug on camera again!
Liberty or Death on April 16, 2009 at 2:04 PM
When you’re as ugly as Janet Napalitano is, this type of controversy is the only way to get men to look at you without projectile vomiting.
elderberry on April 16, 2009 at 2:05 PM
The political pigs in perpetuity are as oblivious to what Napolitano said, as they are to the spending bills they sign, before they’ve even read them.
OhEssYouCowboys on April 16, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Exactly. I suggest investing in lots of home fire extinguishers.
Caper29 on April 16, 2009 at 2:05 PM
I’m shocked that he hasn’t come out and defended his fellow Arizonian. You know the maverick…..
HornetSting on April 16, 2009 at 2:06 PM
I agree. It was an insult to us all.
hawkdriver on April 16, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Napolitano: I didnt mean it when I said,because you didnt hear what I meant when I said it, and even when I wrote it,you misunderstood what I wrote when you read it…
Did she say terrorism?
canditaylor68 on April 16, 2009 at 2:07 PM
You know who will be blamed after the next Islamic terrorist attack? Right wing extremists. Yep. They’ve already set up the meme, and the argument is ready. This report is the first part of that.
shibumi on April 16, 2009 at 2:07 PM
I swear. I have this sick feeling I know EXACTLY what our officials are doing and i looks like a wet finger feeling the wind blow.
These people in office REPULSE me.
Mommypundit on April 16, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Rush is talking about WACO right now…
Mommypundit on April 16, 2009 at 2:08 PM
The political pigs in perpetuity are as oblivious to what Napolitano said, as they are to the spending bills they sign, before they’ve even read them.
OhEssYouCowboys on April 16, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Sad but true; the entire system is rolling over for the Historical President while average Americans are left holding the bag.
My outrage meter broke long ago, so I can’t get myself into too much of a fuss over comments like this; I expect shat from my government and shat is what I get.
Bishop on April 16, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Went to the Sierra Vista Tea Party. The area is home to a large Army base and boasts lots of Military Retirees every one I talked to was Tea’d about the report. My Daughter is a contract DHS Office of Information Technology specialist working at a Border Patrol Station in the same area. They are all Tea’d also about this b…. but I shouldn’t insult females dogs in heat they don’t have a choice when the urge hits them.
chemman on April 16, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Tru dat, Reno and Clintoon part dux!
Liberty or Death on April 16, 2009 at 2:08 PM
And then only claimed they posed a CYBER threat even though they are known to be violent.
Esthier on April 16, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Uber pwnage.
Mike D. on April 16, 2009 at 2:09 PM
By the way, here’s the text of the ONLY footnote in the whole document…vets aren’t mentioned here:
flipflop on April 16, 2009 at 2:10 PM
Example #1,477,945,096 of the smug, stupid, troglodyte “females” that populate the leftocracy. And let me guess, this vision in magenta also has a personal make-up attendant?
If any pot head ever tells you that liberals have the prettier, more-intelligent women, you can go ahead and kick him in the testicles for me.
TMK on April 16, 2009 at 2:10 PM
As a native Arizonan, I am thoroughly enjoying watching Nappy, on a national stage, stumble over her words and be revealed as the obnoxious cow that she is.
The one bright side to Obama’s election win was that he took this disaster with him to Washington.
Good for Arizona, bad for the country.
jennifernaz on April 16, 2009 at 2:11 PM
Look at what a great job Napolitano did as AZ governor.
She is a hack and should be fired.
ABC News even shows what a crappy did Napolitano did in cracking
down on drug related violence.
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=6848672&page=1
izoneguy on April 16, 2009 at 2:11 PM
I am waiting for the summons to appear for re-education.
In fact, even as I type, I am readying myself for them.
*locks & loads*
Badger40 on April 16, 2009 at 2:12 PM
She talked about the environment that produces terrorism and even admitted that DHS exists to protect us against terrorists, but the Fox dunces missed a perfect chance to correct her that there are no “terrorists,” just “man-made catastrophes” or whatever the hell the doublespeak glossary in her head translates plain English into.
She is one dangerous, glue-sniffing bozo, but for G-d’s sake, can’t we smack her between the eyes when we have the chance for an interview? Jeez!
Western_Civ on April 16, 2009 at 2:12 PM
She still needs to resign in shame….
dogsoldier on April 16, 2009 at 2:14 PM
I wonder if she is already looking for a church to burn down?
MarkTheGreat on April 16, 2009 at 2:14 PM
I would have tossed out a sarcastic “Gee, thanks” but I’m in the same boat with getting rid of our resident seahag, Kathleen Sebelius from Kansas.
anniekc on April 16, 2009 at 2:15 PM
I think she used the term “illegal immigration”.
She will definitely be thrown under the bus.
PappaMac on April 16, 2009 at 2:16 PM
When Steve Doocy takes you down …..
This skank didn’t even know what was in that report until people began voicing outrage and she was forced to read it. I’d like to know who the actual author/ authors were.
thomasaur on April 16, 2009 at 2:16 PM
This report doesn’t surprise me. Back in December, I saw an LEO flyer from the Florida DHS cranking up the spin about “militias” and what the LEOs need to look for. This is just more of the same.
Catseye on April 16, 2009 at 2:16 PM
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