Bob Etheridge Release Statement on Assault Video
by PubliusU.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) released the following statement on the viral video which appeared on the internet today:
“I have seen the video posted on several blogs. I deeply and profoundly regret my reaction and I apologize to all involved. Throughout my many years of service to the people of North Carolina, I have always tried to treat people from all viewpoints with respect. No matter how intrusive and partisan our politics can become, this does not justify a poor response. I have and I will always work to promote a civil public discourse.”
Rep. Bob Etheridge (NC-02)
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320 Comments
"I have and I will always work to promote a civil public discourse.” ROFL!!! "always"……..do these people hear themselves? Guess not : /
I haven't even seen something so smelly in any of my kids, my nieces or even friends kids diapers that I've had to change over the last decades. Time to throw this guy away with the dirty diapers.
Too bad Ethridge! You're not above the law. Your actions were criminal and you have been out'd!!!!!!
I think Spike Lee told him it was time to "GO OFF"………………………………………………….
and now ………………………………………………………………………he's "acting stupidly"
Stick a fork in him, he's done.
I guess this is the results of Obama's commandment to "hit back harder".
I hope the people of North Carolina FIRE this IDOIT and LIAR in November. This is one that we need an update on, "Big" web site guys amd gals.
Scum bag! GTFO!
On sweetness-light, they say the congressman may have swiped a cell phone too. http://sweetness-light.com/archive/dem-congressma...
Note, too, that Mr. Etheridge takes the student’s cell phone away from him, and does not give it back.
So he appears to be a thief, as well as a lunatic.
Assault, Battery, and theft?
Bob Etheridge looks like a drunk Ted Koppel in that video…. and that little hug at the end was epic FAIL!
This guy is a grade-A scum bag. Where do these public SERVANTS get off treating their citizen employers so poorly? Its completely unacceptable. Do you think Nancy and "the most ethical congress ever" will do anything about this turd? Doubtful.
side note: Anyone gone to the huffingpaint post and looked at their article on this? The comments are absolutely ridiculous, and the statist Progressives are going to great lengths to defend this scummer. Absolutely amazing, but not surprising in the least… These statist rejects are crying about how the kid didn't identify himself… well, if someone in a position of power within the federal government was physically assaulting you, would you want to give him your personal information? If thats what he does on a public street in broad day light, what other lengths would he go to when nobody else is around?
See ya, Bobby.
I would still like to know if he fully supports Obamao's agenda. The young man he assaulted deserves to have his question answered.
Just another idiot in DC. "Engage Backpedal!!!"
Did you notice how he flew into a complete rage at the mere mention of "obamas agenda"………………….it appears to be leaving a bad taste in even the most liberal of mouth's.
Think the Dems are feeling a little pressure? Should have listened to us, we warned them.
His statement doesn't match his behavior. He can go back and raise more tobacco and claim he is all over health for us all.
Thank you Bob, or should I say "Congressman" (you worked hard for that title), for that heart felt apology. We all get a little out of sorts now and then and beat up children. All is forgiven.
"Assault, Battery, and theft? "
Yeah, that seems to be the Progressive M.O. these days…. they're just making it a grassroots campaign now and going after individual citizens, as well as the country as a whole.
I know one thing though: I've got a nasty left hook and that guy would have mangled mouth right now, had he done that to me.
Mr Etheridge,did you read ALL the comments on these blogs? I sure hope so.
There's nothing like seeing a liberal congressman who goes "street" on a student, having to grovel for his supper. He seemed drunk (with power?) In any event, he'd better not apologize again lest he choke on it.
Any want to bet that until this video went viral Etheridge was bragging to all his buddies about how he put some punk in his place?
I am going to promote a civil public discourse. This guys is a DOUCHEBAG. I am sure your constituents will be sorry to see you go.
It does seem that most 'swallowers' have become 'spitters'.
This guy has no problem with that bad taste in his mouth. After a while his knees get sore but I am sure he gets used to it.
Mr Etheridge just made raising money for the North Carolina GOP a little easier today.I'm all in.
I robbed a bank on camera, I'm sorry — (that I got caught), I didn't mean to do it no matter how intrusive banks can be.
Sorry Bob, you broke the laws that you swore to uphold, you are busted, when will you be stepping down?
On behalf of the MSM I would like to say…
"Apology accepted…. nothing to see here…. move along… "
/sarc off
I wonder if Napolitano will issue a public warning memo of an 'upturn in acts of violence' from liberal elected public officials. I won't hold my breath.
Too late for apologies. The congressman’s assault on the student shouldn’t have happen at all. It shows a lack of character. Not surprising there.
ROTFL! Bob did look like he was trashed. This is the first time I have EVER seen something like this–I'm not saying it's never happened though. I think the left is feeling desperate right now and only card they have left to play is violence.
I am sure Bwarny Fwank was berry impwessed.
i believe use of the term 'douchebag' makes it 'pubic' discourse…
this is a reminder for all you james okeefe wanna be's, if you catch them outside, bring a spare cameraman, the elected reps will try to knockout the first camera they see. have a second guy there, so he catches them hitting the first one. the best part of that video is it is close to 60 seconds, the opponent just need over dub, i am, and i approve this message, and need not do any other campaign, this will put anybody over the top. i just guess he has not been to the charles rangle school of denial.
"Who are you?!!" is the right question. Too bad it was asked of the wrong soul in the video.
So, he apologized. Fine. His voters should still fire him.
Forget November. This video hit on a Monday. I predict that we will have his resignation by Friday.
Let the spin begin,check this out http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/tag/cnn-tick... Alexander Mooney stated that the video was CLEARLY EDITED.
The creepy old guys (and gals) in congress need to be put in a loony bin someplace so they can get back on their reality meds.
"Anyone gone to the huffingpaint post and looked at their article on this?"
Nope. I refuse to give any proglodyte website the dignity of a single page view.
Does that make me "partisan?" You bet your ass it does.
This article and video are reasons why the left wants control of the internet so badly. This fact keeps them up at night.
That's why I think it's awesome that We The People have become the press instead of the Lame Stream Media.
These are the actions of somebody CAUGHT RED-HANDED DOING SOMETHING WRONG. From the initial attack to the forced apology, this is how people behave when they are doing something they know full f___ing well they shouldn't. A whole lotta Dems are walking around these days pissed off & stressed out about a whole lotta things- how they've sold their country and their countrymen down the river, how they're about to be out of a job, how they no longer want to defend their president OR their party.
If they truly believed their fight was righteous, they wouldn't be blindly lashing out at dissenters. There are none so angry and defensive as those who know in their hearts they are in the wrong…
Too late……LIAR!!!!
I can think of a thousand ways to respond to this student's question. And not ONE of them includes physical assault.
But then again, I'm a Conservative.
Hey Bob! …bite me!
"when will you be stepping down?"
I predict Friday.
Re the Congressman's comments….B.S.! Pure, unadulterated B.S!
Grovelling becomes no one. He's a day late and dollar short.
"I have always tried to treat people from all viewpoints with respect". As long as those viewpoints are exactly like mine!
Parse this a bit. Etheridge says: "No matter how intrusive and partisan our politics can become, this does not justify a poor response."
Got that? The college students, who merely asked a sitting Democratic congressman if he supported the Obama agenda are guilty of practicing "intrusive and partisan" politics. No sale, Rep. Etheridge (D-Moron).
Once he sobered up he probably couldn't remember doing it.
Until the video hit, that is.
Wonder if he looks good in an orange jumpsuit.
Renee Ellmers, a solid, responsible, non-violent, true conservative, is the candidate running against the violent, savage, brutal eltheridge. Go to her web site and contribute. We must take back our country from these out-of-control d-crat socialist extremists.
John, your optimism is contagious, but I always have to check myself when I look to Connecticut and see that the phoney vet and outright LIAR Blumenbuttplug is still leading McMahon. I sure hope you are right.
There has been more acts of violence by members of congress and there lobby than by any of the Tea party members that she warned about.
haha, I hear ya.
I don't usually go there, but I was really intrigued to see what the Proggie spin was going to be…. they're really trying hard to do some mental gymnastics to justify this nutbag's actions… but its hard to do mental gymnastics when you're severely mentally deficient : )
I doubt i'll be going back there any time soon…. unless i'm feeling blue and need a good laugh.
You know, I can appreciate that at least this:
"I deeply and profoundly regret my reaction and I apologize to all involved."
isn't one of those non-apologies like "I'm sorry if any of my actions offended anyone (but not sorry for my actions)". His actions were outrageous, he may not be genuine, and he shouldn't continue to be a congressman, but at least he talked straight here.
Hmmm…. I wonder what the odds in Vegas are. I think the student can win by TKO before the 6th round.
You really think so John? It's been my experience that the more audacious and horrible the crime, the less likely the politician is to resign. I rest my case on the precident of Rangle, Franks, and Dodd. Hope you're right though.
Hey, I know you want to just choke the liver outta me on this Fair tax thing but someone brought up one issue that could make a huge difference. How will Fair Tax handle folks like low income "garage sale" gurus and other folks who buy only "used" stuff privately, like Craig's list, barter or trade, or in other ways escape the "check out and pay taxes" lines at retail stores?
This is a huge number of people we're talkin. I'm far from low income and even I never ever buy anything "new" if I can trade or get it used. That's just so much a part of American life….at all levels. When I was raising my 4 kids they attended Catholic school and uniforms were ALWAYS a big deal. So every year all the uniforms older kids had outgrown were on huge tables for resale when we went to register for classes.
Is there anything in the Fair Tax plan to compensate for the lost revenue associated with "taxed once, sold and re-sold 4-5 times" reality of day to day life for most folks?
sorry bob this wont cut it, handcuffs please time for you to spend a time out in jail. if someone did this to bob he would be outraged and punish them with jail time time to dump social justice and enforce Equal justice
Wanker! What a pathetic creature.
Thank you for your heartfelt apology. Now go directly to jail. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.
Is anyone here on the boards actually in North Carolina? Love to know how the locals and state leaders and citizens are takin this….what THEY are saying.
Come on….Rangle got elected HOW MANY TIMES??? Dodd? Franks? Murtha? How did THAT happen? That's why I'd like to hear it from North Carolinians' mouths. They are the only ones who can truly pressure him with any threat of consequences.
Come on home Bob, set a spell. You're tired and grouchy, let someone else take up the congressional load for you… for like… forever.
roflmao. Jerk. can't control himself, should be defeated hahahahhaha
Apologies are fine—in fact they are expected. But he should still do the time for the crime. You don't let someone off for apologizing for theft, or murder. The same principle applies.
You gotta give it to the college student in this one. Much like many who have stated, I would’ve had a difficult time not wanting to land one or more upper-cuts to that available target of a jaw attached to such an arrogant POS as Etheridge. These two young men held their cool much to the advice of many conservatives and common-sense Americans and while I would’ve been easily tempted to knock the shit outa this guy, I have to admit the college student did the right thing. They deserve thanks for showing the libs and progs that we are NOT prone to violence.
Advice to Etheridge: I hear WalMart is hiring…..sucks to be you!
Thanks for the apology, now answer the question…. and please,,,, keep your hands to yourself.
He is the epitomy of a Democrat when they're behavior is exposed. They gnash thier teeth like no other.
http://www.reneeforcongress.com/Issues/tabid/56/D...
his opponent looks good on the issues and she looks good lol
Yeah, he's sorry. Sorry that the internet exists so he can't just sweep this under the rug.
Not in my understanding of Fair Tax. It appears that one of the prime objectives is to remove the embedded taxes that are added throughout the chain from raw material to final product. Once the product is sold then it is taxed, once.
In real application, that is similar to what currently occurs when using a barter type system. It normally is not reported.
I must admit I'm surprised he admitted to it publicly. Not the libs' typical MO; I assumed everyone would stay completely quiet about it. Score one for the blogosphere.
That said, he can insincerely apologize until his lips fall off – he needs to face some real consequences.
the Asheville Citizen-Times hasn't touched it, so far as i can find. no surprise, here in the 'Berkeley/Boulder of Appalachia'. also no surprise why i dropped my subscription to that liberal rag awhile back…
I am disgusted that the Dems are so myopic that they defending Etheridge. Anyone see that Dem talking points list on Politico?
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0610/Dems_...
The Democrats' talking points:
1. There is always the part of the story that you can’t see in these gotcha style videos — what were these folks doing, how did they approach him, how were the cameraman and/or others off camera acting?
2. Why would any legitimate student doing a project or a journalist shagging a story not identify themselves. Motives matter — what was the motivation here? To incite this very type of reaction?
3. This is clearly the work of the Republican Party and the “interviewer” is clearly a low level staffer or intern. That’s what explains blurring the face of the “interviewer” and refusing to identify the entity this was done for. The Republicans know if they were caught engaging in this type of gotcha tactic it would undermine their own credibility — yet if it was an individual acting on his own there is no reason that person would have blurred themselves out of the video — and if it was the work of a right wing blog they would have their logo on the video and be shouting their involvement from the roof top.
4. This was a purposefully partisan hit job designed to incite a reaction for political reasons — but it is a tactic so low — the parties involved are remaining anonymous.
5. The fact that no one wants to take credit for this should raise real questions in the minds of voters and the press.
6. Push hard w/ blogs the lack of credibility inherent to anything Breitbart does/posts, given its role in the debunked ACORN videos:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/21/opinion/21pubed...
http://gawker.com/5508190/okeefe-and-breitbart-ac...
Yeah, I caught that too. He had to lay blame on the students first, then get his half-assed apology in. What a dirtbag.
I thought knee pads were covered under Obama's Health Care under occupational therapy equipment. [sarc off]
Being a democrat means never having to say your sorry and never having to resign.
Just waiting on his news conference on Fox coming up in a few minutes. Maybe Pelosi will be with him to back him up with "the Word" to maybe help justify some way.
can you see that a-hole as a Walmart greeter?
"Good morning (hic!), welcome to Walmart!"
"Hi, can you tell me where the cellphones are?"
"Who're YOU!"
"Sir, please let me go!"
"WHO'RE YOU!!!"
An Apology is not a get-out-of-jail-free card.
For apology to have meaning, it must be accompanied by contrition. Has he apologized to the student he assaulted? Will his future behavior show a change in attitude, or will it be a continuation of the same?
Too many public figures issue official apologies to the cameras, without any honest desire to change their behavior, only the urgent desire to repair their public image.
One of the two is the surest indicator that a politician needs to be fired, ASAP.
The kicker is that the students could have been either progressive or conservative when asking that question.
Hey, John. I was just watching the Fox News coverage of this IDIOT, Etheridges', news conference. He got 1 minute into it before they broke away to BHO's remarks in the gulf. Any good conspiracy theories?
"Ya' nailed my ass, got me cold." "Mable, give them apology number 284."
It’s difficult to tell whether this “public” official on a public street and knew they had cameras was too stupid drunk or just stupid to chose a less confrontational response, such as saying “Sorry, I don’t have time to talk” and continued on his way. I also think the student should certainly file charges and hope Renee Ellmers puts this video to good use in a campaign ad.
Peetee I LOVE that idea. Most excellent!
How to defeat an encumbent and spend less than a hundred bucks, lolol!
See mrm,
That's the problem. If folks locally don't watch news, and who really wants to these days for fear of their head exploding on a minute to minute basis, lol, how will voters even know he did this or will they even care.
sigh…….
Agreed, but they can be disposed of at the polls. Opps! Can I say that? "Disposed of" sounds a little violent…. Being white, middle aged conservative and racist, it's expected I guess.
» Bob Etheridge Release Statement on Assault Video – Big Government…
I found your entry interesting do I’ve added a Trackback to it on my weblog
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Looks like it's gonna be up to the Tea Party in your area to get this video out if mrm's area is typical of statewide media attention. It won't make a bit of difference if the voters there don't see it, huh.
How popular is this guy? Is he entrenched like Franks or Rangle? Of can voters actually be persuaded?
ok, let's grant ALL those points and the fact still remains that he took the bait- HOOK, LINE, SINKER, ROD, REEL, BOAT, & MOTOR!!!! here we have a man who purports to be an upstanding representative of the community flipping out over a simple question. has he never been asked a question unexpectedly before? on video? hells bells, I'VE never been in that position and i know not to attack my inquisitor!
Baloney… he pointed the finger at the college student first.
"I have always tried to treat people from all viewpoints with respect. No matter how intrusive and partisan our politics can become, this does not justify a poor response"
That completely negates any pretense at straight talk.
If you have a chance, catch the replay of Etheridge's newser. It's not his answers that made me just lose my lunch, it was the cheerleaders in the LSM asking lame ass questions and attempting to deflect blame on to the students and the Vast Right Wing conspiracy. Check it out, if you can, but do so 1 hour after eating…..
He'll probably get a fine which for him will be pocket change if that!
Prosecute.
Unbelievable. This would never had been a "gotcha" video if the Congressman didn't push the camera away and assault the interviewer.
You gotta love these people. They're the same ones who will openly talk about "infiltrating" tea parties in order to "incite a reaction" with the hopes of stirring up violence. But they'll rush to the defense of a Congressman (who has his salary paid with tax dollars) who physically assaults a young man standing on the sidewalk holding a flip camera – just because he had the nerve to ask a question the Congressman didn't like.
what did you say Joe Wilson??? Etheridge what??? HE LIED???? oh no say it ain't so, Joe…..
Anyone with a D next to their name should have an answer the that sort of softy softball kind of question. "President Obama has a lot of good ideas and I hope the country can move in a positive direction," and its all over. How hard is that, unless any gesture of support for the Prez is worse than releasing one's inner Tony Soprano?
The kid wasnt asking a tendentious question like. "how can you live with yourself after voting to destroy the Republic?" or something like that.
"Do you support the President?" and he acts like he's been accused of raping his dog. Where do we get these people?
How's this quickie? http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/5940/etheridge...
Wow, put on the hip waders and grab a shovel. The bull is really getting deep. He did this to evade a lawsuit. Hopefully, it doesn't work. The student should file charges.
There is no defense for this. Everyone knows it so it's Plan B.
You know, for as long as I have been at this I have never once got an "email" outlining the Republicans talking points to obfuscate an issue. Not even once. By mistake. Nada. Zip. Zilch.
LOL. I'm sure the worm's presser will be replayed a gazillion times before it's over. But it's not going to save him. Luckily I have a strong stomach, and a good enough imagination to know how the LSM will be all over covering this guy's ass. But they aren't the ones that will control this story. It broke on the internet. It spread through the blogosphere, and just like the ACORN videos, there will be no escape. All that's left now is for Jon Stewart to pick up on this, and it will all be over.
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