Davis apologizes for calling Obama 'boy'

U.S. Rep Geoff Davis apologized Monday for calling presidential contender and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama “boy” during a Northern Kentucky dinner over the weekend.

“My poor choice of words is regrettable and was in no way meant to impugn you or your integrity," Davis wrote in a letter that staffers said was hand-delivered to Obama’s U.S. Senate office. "I offer my sincere apology to you and ask for your forgiveness.” 

Davis continued: “Though we may disagree on many issues, I know that we share the goal of a prosperous, secure future for our nation. My comment has detracted from the dialogue that we should all be having on legitimate policy differences and in no way reflects the personal and professional respect I have for you.”

The word “boy” is considered extremely offensive by many African-Americans, as it was used by Southern whites in the Jim Crow South to assert racial superiority.

The offending comment was first reported on the Herald-Leader’s political blog, Pol Watchers. (Click here to listen to Davis' remarks.)

Davis spoke at the Northern Kentucky 4th Congressional District Lincoln Day Dinner, also attended by Republican Senators Mitch McConnell and Jim Bunning.

Davis compared Obama, a Democratic contender for president, and his message to a “snake oil salesman.”

He said in his remarks at the GOP dinner that he also recently participated in a “highly classified, national security simulation” with Obama.

“I'm going to tell you something: That boy's finger does not need to be on the button," Davis said. "He could not make a decision in that simulation that related to a nuclear threat to this country.”

Monday, Obama spokesman Bill Burton told NBC News:  “It's hard to tell what is more outrageous — Representative Davis’ condescending and personal attack, or his absurd and offensive claim that Barack Obama is not prepared to defend America.”

- Linda Blackford and Ryan Alessi

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Comments

[Susan Weston]

African-Americans are not alone in finding the word "boy" offensive when used that way. Americans are strongest when we treat all our neighbors with respect, and weakening some of us weakens all of us. I appreciate the fact that Representative Davis moved quickly to deliver his apology: we all needed for him to do that.

[KYJurisDoctor]

Congressman Geoff Davis' apology allows ALL to move forward and leave this UGLY episode in the past.

OsiSpeaks.com

[JD]

Congressman Geoff Davis needs to RESIGN immediately.

[davis supporter]

Congressman Davis has just proven why he is the best representative we have ever had in the fourth district.

Thank you for your integrity Congressman, if the rest of the congress had your integrity we would be in much better shape as a nation and a people.

[DHD]

Good grief.

The PC police is alive and well.

[A.J.]

Great --
Yet another chance for the slick salesman to play poor me, and get some more votes.

[Ellen]

What about if we change it to....

“I'm going to tell you something: That MAN's finger does not need to be on the button," Davis said. "He could not make a decision in that simulation that related to a nuclear threat to this country.”

Then we get the true meaning - Obama is an inexperienced MAN who is not fit to be president.

[Markp]

Congressman Davis is a good 'ol "boy," as we say in the South. His mistake is that he should have been more politically correct and called B. Hussein Obama a "punk" instead of a "boy."

[Jesse Ruiz]

What a dick. It's happened to me. I am Latino.

It's what makes this country great.

[Superboy was secretly black.]

I really have to applaud the Obama camp for continuing to pull the race card while pretending not to pull the race card. "Boy" is not an uncommon word to refer to anyone regardless of affiliation (frankly - its only specificity is gender, which could make it potentially sexist). Yes, it's derogatory, but not racist. For example - "That boy ain't right."

Not using it in reference to Obama just because he's black would be the racist move. Not using it in reference to Obama because it's condescending is a different matter.

[Jesse Ruiz]

I have been called boy too at work. I am Latino.
I also went to an ivy league school.

Things never change. How sad.

Then they wonder why the world trade was blown up.
And the Palestinians living in misery.

[rocky b]

boy, oh boy

you can't say anything anymore

[grow up]

this is just another ridiculous pc over reaction....i say throw some mud and make this interesting

[Todd]

Ooooh, Ellen your are so smart and witty -great post. Your prose truly flaunts all that is wrong with the south, ignorance.

[Jesse Ruiz]

I have been called boy too at work. I am Latino.
I also went to an ivy league school.

Things never change. How sad.

Then they wonder why the world trade was blown up.
And the Palestinians living in misery.

[Oh bama]

Geoff Davis or Jefferson Davis.

[Alex]

This is incredible!! Why, oh, why does it have to be racist? Especially for you "Latinos" who say you're called boy!
So what if you went to an Ivy League school! What does that have to do with calling you boy? Probably means you're young. I'm white and I get called boy!
You "Latinos" gotta get rid of all this machismo....this is why you're always getting pissed off.
Live slow, man! Life's too damn short. And I agree...Obama is what? 45 or so? Whatever, compared to the rest of the people in government...he IS A BOY!! And he certainly doesn't have the ability to run the U.S.A. I'm not sure any of the candidates do...but either McCain or Clinton would be better than Obama.
Ease up!!

[Ridiculous]

As a black man, I find Geoffs use of words unfortunate, a bad selection, less than appropriate, but not because it is racist. We need to move past that. Anyone who heard what he said could tell that he wasn't using it in a derogatory, racist way...he was using "boy" to indicate Nobamas youthful inexperience. This is beyond silly. Also, I find it interesting that white folks who jump on Geoff feel all morally superior to others...just because you call it racist does not mean you don't benefit from the same things Geoff does. Get off the high horse, boy.

[steve]

Anyone who thinks that is offensive has apparently never really been offended.What a bunch of tripe.

[Julio]

I sure would like to see the video, if rhere was one. With all the hand clapping I heard, it sounds like he received a standing ovation when he made that racist remark. Now we know the kind of people we have at the highest level of our government. He would've never apologized if not for this recording. The racists are coming out to oppose Barrack Obama from becoming our president and they cannot even control their tongues. Bill Clinton calls the idea of a black man being POTUS a "fairy tale". Hillary swore she would never let it happen. But the American people is far ahead of them. It's a hopeful sign. Lets continue to show the racists that we are ready for a new day in this country. Let's let them know that we are indeed ONE nation, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

[Alex]

Hey Todd!

It's Ivy League and World Trade Center. So much for your touted education!!
Looks like you still haven't lost that famous "Latino" machismo. Live slow, man! Life's too short. They probably call you boy cause you look young and even if not, historically, "Latinos" have never been called boy. Only the "African-Americans" can lay claim to that!!

[Rocky]

If only Davis were a black preacher.... Then the democrats and news people would be explaining his comments and asking everyone to understand.

[bamarama]

Monkey boy has a better ring to it.

[Julio]

Sure, Ridiculous, we know that you're not a black man. No black man would ever post something like this.

[Lori]

I think Obama should show the class that this GOP rep. did not and take him at his word and forgive him.

I am Black and do not like political correctness because it hinders real substantive discussions on hard and difficult issues such as race and stereotyping.

However, Hannity is VERY one-sided and simple-minded and I do not like him anymore.

[Don Smith]

I guess none of you heard the part right after the snakeoil salesman bit where he said Obama is most likely to be like some guy spending many years of his life in prison. The dude said a racist comment. Maybe he mispoke, but he said it. Now can we all see how easy it is to mispeak. Geesh!!!!

[Lori]

Did I miss something? I don't see where Obama has made ANY statements about what this guy said.

Why are people accusing him of playing the race card when there is nothing in the article about him responding to this.

[Don Smith]

I guess none of you heard the part right after the snakeoil salesman bit where he said Obama is most likely to be like some guy spending many years of his life in prison. The dude said a racist comment. Maybe he mispoke, but he said it. Now can we all see how easy it is to mispeak. Geesh!!!!

[jrice2n]

It is easy to want to defend America as it's president. All that power, prestige, adulation and wealth. But if he really wanted to defend and serve this country, he should have found time to show his good intentions by first doing some military time. Or was he too good for that, leaving that sort of thing to the common folk?

[Garrett]

I currently live in the south but have lived north of mason dixon line for a long time and have found that people living in the south are atleast honest and upfront about there feeling or views when it comes to racism whether it's wrong or right. Most people in the north (liberals) pretend to care, then screw them at the "drive through"

[Grayline]

African American, Asian American, Hispanic American. This PC crap is such a farce. All these -americans are such victims and so many of you white losers live in guilt and shame over what some people did 200 years ago. Now everyone is some type of American. That is why we are going to fall. We are standing as one on anything. Was slavery deplorable? Sure. Am I gonna call you black and myself white? Heck yeah. I mean that is what is said in England and Canada. THose 2 definitions of Refinement according to the world. Blacks don't run around those contries demanding to be called African Scotsman or African Irish/English. Give your PC head a shake. You don't have anything to apologize for. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are charloton crooks and don't represent the black man.

[Don Smith]

In the famous words of Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along?"

[TampaLibertarian]

As any southerner knows, to call a black man "boy" is a whole different thing than using it in its normal context. One should expect a fist in the face if you throw that one around.
I remember being told that it was nicer than using nigger to describe the help.
I am glad most of us saw the old ways as wrong. Too bad Kentucky is still stuck there.

[Don Smith]

I feel the hate in this room! In the famous words of Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along?"

[John Dunn]

Okay, "boy" was a poor choice of words. How about "this man doesn't need to have his finger on the button."

What would he do if he did have it on the button? Nothing. The ICBMs could be inbound and he'd want to "dialogue" with the enemy.

[Garrett]

I currently live in the south but have lived north of mason dixon line for a long time and have found that people living in the south are atleast honest and upfront about there feeling or views when it comes to racism whether it's wrong or right. Most people in the north (liberals) pretend to care, then screw them at the "drive through"

[Pappy]

BOY OLE BOY, YOU LATINOS NEED TO GO BACK HOME, AND YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN, I'M TIRED OF MY TAX DOLLARS PUTTING YOU ILLEGALS THROUGH THESE IVY LEAGUE SCHOOLS, WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO AMERICA. IT WAS THE GREAT, NOW IT IS WE WILL TAKE ANY DAMN STRAGLER THERE IS, SAD BOY'S.

[John Dunn]

I might add that Congressman Davis is simply a typical white person.

[Josey2006]

What Congressional districts keep electing these dumb crackers like Geoff Davis? The guy looks like he should be selling insurance.

[typicalwhite person]

Hey I'm from Pennsylvania. I did catch what your congressman said about Barry Obama. I was too busy clinging to my guns and religion!!

I can see where Barry Obama makes the conclusion that people who are bitter, “cling to their religion.” Take Barry for instance. He sits in his racist church for 20-years and listens to the good Rev. Gawt D@mn Amerika preach about the white devils and the chickens coming home to roost. After 20-years, the bitterness is bound to rub off onto you.

but what do I know, I’m just a typical white person for you

[Ed Stoudenmire]

..Ooooh, Ellen your are so smart and witty -great post. Your prose truly flaunts all that is wrong with the south, ignorance.

Well, most of us know it's "you're", not "your"--- and "your are" show what a dipstick you are. How, oh great one, does that "flaunt" anything as regards the South?

Another ignorant whatever-you-are, oh great whatever-you-are.

[kyblu]

I don't know what smells worse, what Dufus Davis (who should resign for being genetically stupid in general) or what every other bigot commenting here has said. I guess Davis really does speak for his constituency.

Go Kentucky! Land of morons, bubbas, hayseeds, and social retards (with a few rare exceptions).

[righteous anger]

If Obama is so sensitive, that the PC Police has to monitor all language but his as hateful, then the only one talking is him, and the world cannot stand the climate warming without Boy Al Gore buying up carbon points, I rest my case: McCain '08 his hearing ain't what it use to be.

[Jon-AuStiN TEXAS]

Davis shouldn't be apologizing for this...He speaks the truth...That boy's finger doesn't need to be on the button...
And if Obama is offended, that's just tough....And for anyone to equate the term "boy" to any type of racial slur is at best...a STRETCH...it's ridiculous..My father called me boy the whole time I was growing up..Maybe if Obama had the foreign policy ideals of a MAN, he would be worthy of the title..But instead he would befriend leaders such as that Hitler in Iran...

[Dave-o]

B. Hussein Obama.

Huckster. Fraud. Liar.

Unfit to run a car wash, let alone a nation.

His one accomplishment since leaving Hellinois for DC - running for President.

Drive through...

[righteous anger]

Maybe Davis was insulting the white half of Obama, or maybe Davis chose the wrong slur, whatever the case, he didn't say that Obama wasn't capable, he said he did't have the courage to react to a simulation problem. Imagine if he is the Prez and a real situation should arise who you going to call. Dial up McCain he may not hear well ,but he still has a set of nuts.

[Kid, not boy]

Aaah, I love the smell of ignorance in the evening.

Davis represents northern Kentucky, which might as well be Ohio and has nothing in common with the deep south. He's from Canada by way of Pittsburgh. They don't have the same narrow definitions of what constitutes a racist comment in Canada, Pittsburgh or Southern Ohio (LOL) as they do in the deep south.

You people want to see racists behind every tree to the point where you look at actual words used and not the context or the meaning. Davis was discussing Barack Hussein Obama's lack of foreign policy experience.

If he'd said "that kid" or "that youngster" you race baiters wouldn't have anything to sputter and stutter about.

I'm proud that Davis calls Kentucky home and is one of our representatives in Congress. You people couldn't beat him with George Clooney's dad and you couldn't even beat him with ex-Rep. Ken Lucas after you drafted him out of retirement to run.

If there are any racists around here, they are the ones in Barack Hussein Obama's inner circle. "US of KKK A" and "God d*mn America" indeed. Later this year, it will be Barack Hussein Obama's chickens coming home to roost.

Besides, if Kelsey supports him, you know he has to be a t*rd of a presidential candiate. ;-)

[myron]

Grow up! This is just proof that a boy is one who is so thinskinned that he bristles at anyone who calls him a boy. Frankly, I would have said that somebody with big old DUMBO ears should not have his finger on button. Oh no, now all those people with big ears are going to be outraged.

[kyblu]

Speaking of KKK, sounds like a lot of you have been busy ironing your white sheets. I suspect Geoff's staff (along with Clinton's and KY GOPers) keeps pretty busy posting away.

Meanwhile, I see any sort of intelligent defense of Davis' comments from your camp has yet to be made. Perhaps, as his public apology indicates, there isn't one?

[Southern Gentleman's League]

What we need is a couple of Willie Horton ads?