Via National Journal's
Hotline, we can get a look at a statement Allen has issued to CNN. Let's take a close look at it, shall we?
It begins:
I'm concerned that my comments at Breaks Interstate Park on August 11th have been greatly misunderstood by members of the media.
See? He didn't say anything wrong. Everyone who heard it - and reported on it - are deficient in understanding. The statement continues:
In singling out the Webb campaign's cameraman, I was trying to make the point that Jim Webb had never been to that part of Virginia - and I encouraged him to bring the tape back to Jim and welcome him to the real world of Virginia and America, outside the Beltway, where he has rarely visited.
Translation: Even when I'm begrudgingly half-apologizing, half-blaming I'm going to take a swing at my opponent. More:
I also made up a nickname for the cameraman, which was in no way intended to be racially derogatory. Any insinuations to the contrary are completely false.
Translation: People who call me on my shit are liars.
"Yesterday, I apologized to anyone who may have offended by the misinterpretation of my remarks. That was certainly not my intent.
No translation needed. The problem with the racist message lies fully with the faulty listening skills of anyone with ears.
On every stop on my Listening Tour - I have talked about one of my missions for this country - to make it a land of opportunity for all. I have worked very hard in the Senate to reach out to all Americans - regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity or gender. And I look forward to continuing to advocate this important mission for America's future.
Let me seize this opportunity of a faux mea culpa to do a little piggyback campaigning on the by-now-clearly-accusatory, obligatory "apology" blah blah blah blah.
I never want to embarrass or demean anyone and I apologize if my comments offended this young man. Even though he has signed onto my opponent's campaign, I look forward to seeing him on the trail ahead.
Translation: The young man is obviously over-sensitive. And if I hadn't offended him, I wouldn't be issuing this half-ass "apology," because I still don't think I said anything wrong. In fact, I look forward to further testing this young man's sensibilities on the trail ahead.
And that's it. The statement in full.
Where's this guy's campaign manager? Off buying duct tape, one would hope (if one's a Republican, at least) to get George Felix Allen Junior to keep his mouth shut for a day or so.
Jim Webb must be loving it. Let's help him hammer Allen into the ground.
Comments are closed on this story.