What do you do when you say something foolish just to excite your base (and loosen their wallets) but it's caught on tape so what you said gets you in even more trouble in what was once a very "red district" that has recently become much bluer through redistricting? Well, if you're Republican Mike Coffman you make yourself look even more ridiculous.
via 9News in Denver:
DENVER - Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colorado) repeatedly answered with a one-line talking point when asked by 9NEWS about his recent comments questioning President Barack Obama's birthplace and whether he's really an American at heart.
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Coffman reiterated that he misspoke and apologized, but would not elaborate. Coffman offered the same one-line explanation to every question asked, including when he was asked if he would answer any question with a different response.
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"I don't know whether Barack Obama was born in the United States of America. I don't know that," Coffman told donors. "But I do know this, that in his heart, he's not an American. He's just not an American."Informed that the comments were recorded, the Coffman campaign issued a written statement.
"I misspoke and I apologize. I have confidence in President Obama's citizenship and legitimacy as President of the United States," the statement read. "I don't believe the President shares my belief in American Exceptionalism. His policies reflect a philosophy that America is but one nation among many equals," the statement read. "As a Marine, I believe America is unique and based on a core set of principles that make it superior to other nations."
Coffman knows he stepped in it with his idiotic remarks and is now just trying to lay low till this blows over. The lingering stink will stay with him though through the election.
If you live in Colorado's 6th district you do have a far better choice in Joe Miklosi.
Partial transcript below.
KYLE CLARK: Let me ask you, after your comments about the President, do you feel voters are owed a better explanation than just, I misspoke?
REP. COFFMAN: I think that... Umm... I stand by my statement that I misspoke and I apologize.
KYLE CLARK: OK. And who were you apologizing to?
REP. COFFMAN: You know, I stand by my statement that I misspoke and I apologize.
KYLE CLARK: I apologize, we talk to you all the time, you're a very forthcoming guy. Who's telling you not to talk and to handle it like this?
REP. COFFMAN: I stand by my statement, that I wrote, that you have, and I misspoke and I apologize.
KYLE CLARK: Was it that you thought it would go over well in Elbert County where folks are very conservative and you'd never say something like that in the suburbs?
REP. COFFMAN: I stand by my statement that I misspoke and I apologize.
KYLE CLARK: Is there anything I can ask you that you'll answer differently?
REP. COFFMAN: You know, I stand by my statement that I misspoke and I apologize.
KYLE CLARK: Thank you, congressman.
REP. COFFMAN: Thank you.
