April, 18 2012, 11:13am EDT
Mitt Romney Won't Disavow Supporter Ted Nugent's Violent Rhetoric
WASHINGTON
Contrary to some media reports, Mitt Romney has failed to disavow the inflammatory and violent remarks made by Ted Nugent on Saturday at the NRA national convention. Nugent, a longtime NRA board member, made his remarks one day after Romney addressed the convention.
Romney spokeswoman Andrea Saul said yesterday that "divisive language is offensive no matter what side of the political aisle it comes from." "Mitt Romney believes everyone needs to be civil," she continued. Remarkably, some in the media have characterized this weak and vague statement as Romney disavowing, even condemning, Nugent.
"Mitt Romney is apparently unable, or unwilling, to confront Nugent's violent rhetoric directly," said Michael Keegan, president of People For the American Way. "This isn't just a case of incivility or divisiveness. We're talking about a prominent supporter of Mitt Romney making threats to shoot and chop the heads off of his political opponents."
Nugent endorsed Romney after the two had a long conversation about gun laws, and Nugent made Romney pledge to oppose any new restrictions. The Romney campaign touted the endorsement, and Romney himself said he had a good time getting to know Nugent.
"Presidential candidates can't be expected to answer for everything their supporters say, but it's different when a candidate seeks an endorsement, makes promises to win it and then touts it to the public," said Keegan. "Romney's vague, pox on both their houses, approach shows that his campaign is more concerned about courting extremists like Nugent than doing the right thing for America."
People For the American Way works to build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. We fight against right-wing extremism and the injustice it fosters.
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