McCain Apologizes For "Tar Baby" Phrase
John McCain has apparently studied George Allen's downfall and taken its central lesson to heart: He just apologized for using the racially-loaded phrase "tar baby" — the same day he was caught using it on tape.
McCain was captured on video by CNN employing the phrase at a town hall meeting in Cedar Falls. McCain had been asked if he would work on issues of fathers' access to their children, and he responded by saying that he was skeptical of efforts to tinker with divorce law and court decisions, calling such a move a "tar baby of enormous proportions."
The phrase, a term for a sticky situation that originated in the Br'er Rabbit stories, has also come to be known as a racial slur for black people. McCain clearly meant the phrase to be understood in its original sense. Nonetheless, when he was confronted by CNN's Candy Crowley about the more loaded meaning of the word, McCain — unlike Allen, who let his Macaca comment fester for days and days — immediately apologized. "I hope that it's not viewed that way," McCain said. He then explained the context of the situation and added, "I don't think I should have used that word and it was wrong to do so."















Got to admit, among the reasons I will not vote for McCain, "Tar Baby" does not make the list. While I understand the racist use of the phrase, I also understand its reference to the Uncle Remus stories, and I think McCain's use of it qualifies as a minor faux pas.
March 16, 2007 6:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
I understand he didn't mean it that way, but, day-um. What's up with McCain's constant brain farts on the campaign trail? It's like his campaign's melting itself.
March 16, 2007 6:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Who cares?
March 16, 2007 9:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
MaCain is a war-mongering fascist. Nuff said. It would be a bit of a sticky situation to elect him. All I need to know.
UA
March 16, 2007 10:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Crikey. This story and the three great comments preceding mine just reminded me of his adopted daughter from Bangladesh. It's always been kinda hard because of that to make McCain a "tar baby" on the racism front.
March 16, 2007 10:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good to see Cindy Crowley has studied up on the issues and is ready to bring us another great presidential campaign's worth of civic journalism.
March 17, 2007 3:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
He's already tarred for this prez. election!
Visit: OsiSpeaks.com or OsiSpeaks.org
March 17, 2007 10:06 PM | Reply | Permalink