A page from an RNC PowerPoint presentation that surfaced last week contained cartoonish images depicting President Obama as the Joker, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as Cruella DeVille and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid as Scooby Doo.. (Photo Credit: Getty Images/File)
Washington (CNN) - Top Republicans had harsh words Sunday for a leaked Republican National Committee document containing images skewering President Barack Obama and other top Democrats.
"There is no excuse for that type of stuff," Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, told NBC's "Meet the Press." He added that he is "ashamed" of it.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, on ABC's "This Week," was asked whether such messaging is helpful. "I can't imagine why anybody would have thought that was helpful," he responded.
The PowerPoint presentation described high-level Republican donors as "ego-driven" and claimed they could be enticed with "tchochkes." The document included a slide - titled "The Evil Empire" - with cartoonish images depicting Obama as the Joker, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as Cruella DeVille and Harry Reid as Scooby Doo.
Since the presentation was leaked to Politico, Republicans have been working to distance themselves from it.
Last week, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele described the document as a presentation that "a staffer" put together for "a small group of about nine or ten folks and thought that they would intersperse the presentation with humorous shots.
The Democratic National Committee, meanwhile, is expected to come out with an ad this week highlighting the controversy and the images that many consider offensive. The commercial asks, "Today's Republican Party: Is fear all they have left?" The DNC says the ad should start running on cable television in Washington and a few other markets beginning Monday or Tuesday.
Steele condemned the document, but would not say if disciplinary action would be taken against the official who created it.
McConnell, when asked Sunday by ABC whether someone should be held accountable, responded, "I don't run the RNC. That's up to them. But I don't like it, and I don't know anybody who does."
Hatch, on NBC, said, "I don't want to condemn somebody but the fact of the matter is I'm ashamed of that."
When asked whether Steele should lose his post, Hatch responded, "I don't think Michael Steele knew about that. If he did, I would be very concerned. I like Michael Steele."
He added, " He made mistakes like everybody does, but he's a good face for our party. I think he's articulate, he's smart, he has a lot on the ball. He's going to get criticized no matter what he does but he was one of the first to come out and say that was irresponsible."
Steele, in an interview Thursday with Fox News, did not say who was responsible for the document, but said he asked RNC Finance Director Rob Bickhart "to get to the bottom of it." Reports suggest Bickhart was the
staffer who made the fundraising presentation to GOP donors in Boca Grande, Florida, last month.
"Those are images that were pulled off the Internet, they've been out in the public domain for a while, and you know, a staffer was putting together a presentation for a small group of about nine or ten folks and thought that they would intersperse the presentation with humorous shots," Steele said.
Doug Heye, the RNC communications director, told CNN on Thursday that there are no plans for either Bickhart or RNC Finance Chairman Peter Terpeluk to leave the committee as a result of the controversy.
-CNN's Peter Hamby, Mark Preston, and Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
From CNN Politics
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I'm with Pres. Obama and the Dems in opposing the use of reconciliation to pass health care reform.
Darn that Bill Clinton! He musta snuck those slides into the presentation... or maybe it was the communist muslim liberal media elites...
I was actually impressed that the Republican leadership had so much insight on the insane behavior of their major donors. It's hilarious!!! Egocentric and like Toys...sounds like children!
running around, trying to cover behinds. what a bunch of hacks.
Whatever!!! You just mad you got caught!!!!!
Repubs are this country's worse enemies! I mean that from the bottom of my heart!!
Hey, it's all in political satire.... ask Sara Palin, she'll tell you it's okay, I mean what harm can come from someone making fun of your special needs baby, or jokes about raping your teenage daughter?! I say if you're gonna dish it out, get ready to lick the spoon!
I though the republicans were "The Evil Empire"!!!!! And Scooby Doo was good not evil!!!
The only reason the Republicans are distancing themselves is because they got caught. Are these not the same people who were at the steps of the capital during a teabagger rally saying all sort of nasty rhetoric about President Obama and the Democrats. They are fooling no one witha brain.
"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain! I am the Great and Powerful RNC!"
Despicable actions by an individual or small group of individuals. Certainly not something that should reflect on an entire party, just as we Republicans don't believe that all Democrats are serial cheaters (Clinton) or prostitute users (Spitzer).
Let's see if Liberals feel the same way, or indulge in stereotyping.
nothing I like more on a Sunday than to watch reThugs twist in the wind. They're shocked! Shocked! that this stuff is happening! Who could have known?
Idiots.
Soooo....no one is held accountable...of course not....and Rush Slimeball and Sean Insanity will be on the airwaves tomorrow proclaiming this vicious act as "free speech"
You see folks...this has always been the GOP way....Fear....Divide...anything to keep control....when will America wake up
When do the grownups (both parties) arrive?
This crap should not be tolerated by these or ANY individual! America NEEDS the people in government to start ACTING like grown-ups! These actions are unconscionable! WHY must people always have some sort of "group" to pick on? Could it be that THEY themselves only do it to make themselves feel "superior?" I, for one, would like to go back 20 years when not just the politicians but, America in general had more courtesy and were not as rude as people are now-a-days. Me, myself, I [am an accepting caucasion] believe in treating ALL humans equally. I am not better than anyone else. I may be better off, but, not better. It truly sickens me to see any kind of "jabbing" towards anyone, group or person lest it really be acceptable to all. It's amazing how these people "get caught" and squirm their way out of things by saying..."My God forgives me, why can't you?..." Sorry, I AM getting rehab/help...>insert your choice here<...etc. The average person would be fired or jailed. No one is above the law but, it seems like alot of them are skirting it very well. How can I get some of those bennies!? Sam
The GOP has hit the gutters of scum, I wouldn't imagine being part of such a idiotic group of people.
They are only saying that because, it was rejected by the public, what about those disgusting tea party people, they had the same image on some of their posters, and we all know the GOP supports them, hypocrit should be a job discription for being a republcian.
They should be portrayed as the 3 stooges. No, that might give them too much credit.
C'mon! Please, please, please keep this around for us. Michael Steele is an absolute gift to the Democrats.
I love the part where they said their redneck supporters were fear driven. No fooling. But still to actually write that down about your own backers.
So,sounds realistic to me,Obamadoodle is THE JOKER what else is new?Reid is scooby doo,sounds like an insult to me for scooby doo.Pelosi is miss joker.All 3 qre a joke;but,a bad joke,then all 3 packing and good riddance.
Yeah right Mitch...You were behind all of it !!
Is that hemlock in those glasses? Drink up!!!
Typical GOP tactics.
Purposely release these kinds of 'fear-mongoling' propaganda and then deny it.
It's now out there, and they go around denying it to make it a story.
I keep receiving rightwing GOP emails showing the Obamas as monkeys, among other hateful and violent rhetoric. Even at the bottom of their sordid lives, the Republicans do not know shame. While the GOP only says no to progress, and diligently serves only one master–the big corporations, not the citizens who elected them–this is a good indicator of how low these agents of big business have sunk. They encourage bigotry, hatred, and - it's only a matter of time - murder and assassination. When that happens, the names of McConnell, Steele, and Boehner will be writ large on the deed, no matter how they continue to lie in denying it.
When you run out of constructive things to bring to the table, you start acting like children. This is some immature and petty, that ALL republicans should be ashamed of what has happened to their party. A good two party debate is necessary in America, to keep things running. Good ideas are not limited to one party, but this crap is something that NO PARTY should be proud of. Keep it up and NO ONE will take the republican party seriously anymore. Bring something constructive to the table, if you don't want to or cannot think of anything positive to help American citizens, then sit down, shut up and hold on for the ride.
Ashaned?
Really???
Those images were shown, and the fear tactics used, all through the tea-party summer of hate that was sponsored by Republicans.
Do you really think that Hatch and his hackeys did not know that their Party was behind it all?
Republicans are quick to label Obama and Democrats who want to help working -class people "evil"... but that is like the pot calling the kettle "black"...
Wow, that's really humorous! Images that have been out in the public domain for a while (and have been lambasted already), showing up in an RNC internal Powerpoint presentation??? Are you kidding us???
Obviously NOT! The RNC continue to dig themselves into an even deeper hole with absolutely no idea what they are doing.
Party wide talking points that are obstructionist and fearful, hypocritical statements from every GOP member every time they get in front of a microphone, misuse of the filibuster and opposition to the reconciliation tactic (one that they themselves used when it was convenient for their own lawmaking). Makes you wonder what they really stand for!
Mid-terms are coming, as well as 2012. The Republicans aren't a part of bringing anything good to American citizens, they will find themselves without any part of government for a long time coming.
Rejecting it only in public.
Yes, they are all ashamed of it until backs are turned then they are laughing their heads off. What a despicable party they have become. Hatred, lies and non compliance is the new REPUBLICAN PARTY. What a joke politics have become at the peoples expense.
A republican't with some shame? wow! that's a breakthrough. maybe they're beginning to evolve into functional human beings. next we'll hear they are starting to show signs of intelligence and compassion for their fellow human beings. almost gives me hope for the country's survival. but let's vote them all out anyway in case my musings are too far-fetched to ever become reality.
As a Republican, I also found the entire concept of publishing degrading images of the President childish and unworthy of a party that was always "grand" in the best sense.
Not to be outdone, the Democrats' publishing "is-fear-all-they-have" ads about the GOP makes me think that both parties are attempting to communicate with a new set of more simplistic, Twitter-trained voters.
Time and time again the Republican shows themselves to be mean-spirited, closed-mind and intellectually challenged. Too often that defines "good Christians".
Seriously? Why should anyone be sorry about the images. Weren't people distributing pictures of Bush as ... now let me remember this one ... Hitler, the Joker, a vampire, etc. Where were the CNN articles then?
They're only upset because the documents were made public.
I find it laughable that these Republicans are so quick to distance themselves when they so easily demagogue every issue and "make stuff up" rather than contributing to the legislative process.
The politics of personal destruction has been the go-to method of winning elections for the Republicans since George H.W. Bush's
campaign that Republicans ever since.
As an independent, I can't say that Republicans have given me one good, BELIEVABLE reason to vote for them. I'm not one of the "dumb"
ones that they can scare, nor am I an "ego-driven" big donor that they
can manipulate.
Michael Steele was irresponsible because he was caught. This is torn from the regular republican playbook and is exactly the same old same old. Is anyone surprised? Now if only those tchotchke loving donors would wake up from their comas.
No one should be surprised by the contents of this Republican presentation. This just documents what everyone has seen happening. The message is put the Party first, last and always. If Obama and the country succeeds he gets reelected, if Obama and the country does not succeed he may lose. For the Republicans that is the end of the discussion.
Run, Republicans, Run!
Hatch is only ashamed because they were caught. There is no ideological substance in the Republican Party, just ridiculous talking points. All the GOP has to peddle is fear, hatred, and selfishness. America does not need their brand of kookery.
So McConnell and Hatch are 'ashamed' of that presentation. Wonderful. How about the lies and accusations they make daily that foster and encourage that type of BS? You know, the death panel lies and crap like that????
I don't believe they're the least bit ashamed about it. They are saying what they need to say because it came to light...
very commendable reaction by the GOP...I just wish they had done the same thing when the Tea Party folks were holding racists signs about the president...shouting racists stuff and calling out the likes of Limbaugh and Beck when they do the same things. The reason is that those folks are their base and they fear upsetting them. Well base or not what is wrong is wrong and you can dislike the president and his admin all you want but there should be a line that can't be crossed. I'm glad to see some GOPers finally taking such a stand.
One of the Republicans famous tricks, do it and then deny it.
Yes. Mistakes were made. How could they not see that Harry Reid is absolutely Porky The Pig? Nancy as Pepe Le Piew and Barack is Bullwinkle? Hey, Rocky, watch me pull a $1 trillion out of my hat!
Are they upset about what is in the presentation ... or that it got leaked?
I was LMAO when I saw it.
It was almost as funny as the ones the Democraps where sending around Bush and Cheney.
It is indeed sad to see someone like Michael Steele with so little respect for himself that he would lend his face to this kind of thing. It's always the same old story when the Republicans get caught saying something particularly odious we are treated to a show of them falling all over themselves to deny any ill intent or blame the event on an underling. Mr. Steel, Take a lesson from Colin Powell, when the Republican party no longer sees an advantage to your black skin they will dump you too! You are there to take the fall if they need you to. I hope they have made it worth your while.
And this while 15,000 Americans are losing their Healthcare every day and the Insurance companies are increasing premiums 30-70%. First we screwed by the Oil Companies, next the Banks and Wall Street and now the Insurance Companies. And by the way all are still collecting HUGE paychecks while they take taxpayers monies.
Washington is only interested in lining the pockets of the wealthy so they can get their own pockets lined. If we are not willing to stand up and be heard, we deserve what we get. It is time to get Corporate America out of politics and focused on the customer.
And people want to vote for Republicans. Why.
Once again the GOP is proclaiming faux outrage only because they got caught. Had their presentation not been found and exposed the republican game plan, McConnell, Steele, et al would gone along with the plan.
So what Pelosi is a liberal troll and needs to go back to bankrupt California where she belongs!
It looks like Michael "UNCLE TOM" Steele did it again. He put his foot in his moiuth. Where in the hell does this guy come from, Pluto. He is a one man destruction derby for the Republican Party.
I thank the republicans for all the fine video that will be used this coming election.
The BOTOX QUEEN looks like she just swallowed some thing that should be disposed of in a bathroom..
Yeah right ...apologize after the horse is out of the barn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Such a bunch of children, its no wonder nothing is done in Washington.Disgusting kids' games so typical of our elected officials...on both sides unfortunately.GROW UP GENTLEMEN and I use that term very loosely. America is not impressed. This guy Steele is a real winner!
What took them so long? You can bet if a Dem operative did something like, the Limbaughs of the worlds would be all over the Dems to disavow these types of activities.
The GOP only denounces the images because they got caught and they are embarassed because of how childish they look. But deep down in side this is how they feel...they party of hate and fear = the Republican party. Sad, but true...
Hatch is an instigator. He's only out to save skin – GOP's skin.
Nice to see the Republicans come right out and denounce this, though it should not have happened in the first place. I agree with the Republicans in this article 100%
It looks like Michael "UNCLE TOM" Steele did it again. He put his foot in his mouth. Where in the hell does this guy come from, Pluto. He is a one man destruction derby for the Republican Party.
The Democratic National Committee, meanwhile, is expected to come out with an ad this week highlighting the controversy and the images that many consider offensive. The commercial asks, "Today's Republican Party: Is fear all they have left?" The DNC says the ad should start running on cable television in Washington and a few other markets beginning Monday or Tuesday.
Cartoon images? There goes the RNC playing with crayons again.
I love it. Blame a "staffer".
These scum bags have been peddling fear for years and years, and they have NO ideas.
It's so nice to see them squirm for being caught.
the tone (negativism) was set during the campaign and daily on cheap talk radio and television shows
Obama is the BIGGEST ACTOR of all time.....They should nominate hiim for a super Academy Award....He can play any role from Adolph Hitler to a Nun...
"... Republicans have been working to distance themselves from it."
Read, "Cockroaches run for the crevasses when the light comes on ..."
This is absolutely disgusting. There just doesn't seem to be an end of Republican cruelty, viciousness, malice. spitefulness and nastyness. People I talk to at social functions simply don't like this type of politicking and don't plan to vote for Republicans this fall.
Harry "Rut Roh Raggy" Reid....HaHaHaHaHa....I love it!
Why should anyone be surprised!
Obama is giving America the finger over this health bill and listens to the public sentiment like my three year old listens to his parents – only when it serves his ego and interest
This is just one of the many reasons I'm not a registered republican anymore. Personally, I don't want to be associated with a group of people that are so childish.......
and, of course, the republicans are distancing themselves, they don't want to lose being re-elected. Too bad we can't get them to vote for term limits so they wouldn't have jobs for life. On the other hand, if we vote any incumbent out of office after 8 years, it's the same as term limtis.
The fact that Mr. Steele in discussing this refers to these as "humorous" shots is disgusting. The fact that neither McConnell or Hatch have the cojones to stand up and say that the leader of the organization should resign, even (or especially) if didn't know about it. The fact that a staffer feels this is legitimate, means that the RNC and the whole GOP has legitimized this action. They legitimize attacks on IRS offices with their hate speech, their talk of secession and their general obstructionism.
This has got to stop. I've long felt that we need multiple parties, now I see that we are becoming a government of one party. The GOP is just so irrelevant anymore. And though I'm a Democrat, we as a country need an intelligent counterbalance.
So I ask this... where are the intelligent Republicans? Is it true that all you have left is fear?
This is why I would never vote for a Republican. Sure you have some who are claiming to be upset about th cartoon, but I don't believe them. This is also why they did not win the elections and will continue to lose. Most people in this country may not agree with all that the President says but atleast they are respectfully disagreeing. That is not so with republicans, Limbaugh, Palin, and all the rest of the ignorant republicans.
The only reason Republicans are distancing themselves from this is because it was made public. While the democratic leadership is frequently idiotic, the Republican leadership is evil, full of hate, and purely self-interested. What a choice we have as Americans... Let's do better!
Am I surprise –NO
Am I shocked-NO
Seems pretty normal to me for the RHC.
The Republicans can try to distance themselves from their own power point presentation but they can't distance themselves from their own dismal record of non cooperation on every issue of import that has come before them this year. Their actions speak louder, even than their own tasteless multi media presentation. Shame!
They only thing they are worried about is that they got caught.
If anybody saw the tea party rallies (GOP network Fox News sponsored & promoted it + former Freedom Works lobbyist Dick Armey funded it), they would have seen the exact same signs.
They are embarrassed b/c the truth came out in black and white on what has always been their strategy (fear) and what they think about their own supporters (easily manipulated, gullible, & ego-driven, which they are).
So now we know from their own mouths what their 2010 election strategy is: fear (socialism, big gubmint left-wing policies, marxism, take your pick). And now we know to disregard them and vote Democrat or Independent come November and beyond.
Just one word republicans:" Obama 2012"!
No condemning – and no accountability.... Classy...
That is discasting of RNC. I can't expect any thing positive from this ruds
controversial? this is why REPUBS are considered flaccid weaklings.
was Bush called a Nazi every 12 minutes?
were cartoons run of bush as a Nazi?
was Katherine Harris called Cruella DeVille?
ever though she was less horred looking than hair dye and botox
obssessed very, very rich owmn Nancy Pelosi.
by the way media ignores that the Pelsoi family hire NO union employees in their many businesses.
Obama as the Joker, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as Cruella DeVille and Harry Reid as Scooby Doo?
Outrageous !!!
The Three Stooges is much more appropriate !
"We're gonna fix the government…. whoop! whoop! whoop!"
Sure they are sorry because they got caught directly involved in the same tactic as those wing nut Tea Party People they have been sitting in the wings and embracing . They didn't expect they would get so many complaints especially from their big donors.
This sort of thing is so childish, no matter which political party is being portrayed. What is wrong with people that they cannot simply discuss the issues and differences like civilized human beings instead of behaving so foolishly? It happens in both political parties but, recently, it seems as if Republicans have gone completely overboard with this sort of nonsense.
Whatever. After a year of accusing POTUS Obama of being a socialist or attempting to implement socialist/communistic policies, we are supposed to believe these people are ashamed of this ppt presentation? What bull. They are ashamed of being caught at what they say in private. We'll see what happens when Rush and Hannity etc. all come out to justify and applaud the depictions of POTUS Obama, Pelosi and Reed. I'm sure they will avoid mentioning the characterization of Republican donors.
And you wonder why I cant vote for a republican...
I'm a huge Obama supporter and the Joker pictures, among others, do not bother me at all. I'm fairly certain they don't bother Obama much, either.
Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Expression
I am offended by this. Harry Reid looks nothing like Scooby Doo..... However, the rest of them... A striking resemblence.
Oh yes Michael Steele is as smart as that cow on the train track... This train isn't stopping so just keep spending your valuable time drawing and passing around cartoons RNC!
I wonder where in Boca Grande they found a Democrat who could turn this stuff over.
Nice try Republicans. In the law I believe this is known as "throwing a skunk in the jury box and telling the jury not to smell it." The CPAC convention was aired you know, we heard the speeches of your party's elite. We have seen your former Vice-Presidental candidate's speeches. These are not fringe elements of your party just as the document was not produced by some yokel in the backwaters: this is the work of the highest levels of the RNC. I believe, however, Senators Hatch and McConnel when they say they are ashamed. What they should be of ashamed of is the fact that the Republican party is no longer a party represented by people like George Will, Bill Bennett, Secretary Gates, and others. This is the party of Limbaugh, Beck, and Hannity.
Moe, Larry and ???
This is typical behavior from the Republican Party. The only shock is that CNN was willing to report the bad behavior. The only reason any Republicans are distancing themselves from it is because they got caught.
I am more ashamed of the document known as the Obama / Pelosi / Reid healthcare bill than this document from the republicans.
I have a bridge to sell anyone that believes this. LOL
They speak at racist teabag gatherings.....like duh.
Republican Party = Male, Pale and Stale
"There is no excuse for that type of stuff," Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, told NBC's "Meet the Press." He added that he is "ashamed" of it.
Yeah, right. Orrin Hatch is the author of this trash. He's not ashamed of it.
Boy are the liberals so insensitive, they quickly forgotten all the ridicule and scorn they have heap on President Bush including photo's showing Bush as a chimp, the Dem's would call that satire but same photo touched up to show obama or his wife Michelle as chimps is regarded as racist. You can't have it both ways folks.
I know that comments are closed for Candi Crowley's March 7th State of the Union episode but I am compeled to voice my opinion. I find that Tom Delay's comment relevant to unemployment recipients and his legitimacy of blocked legislation by his comment "look 2-3 weeks before unemployment is when people look for jobs...people in the real world know this...no I don't think that there was anything wrong with blocking the vote on unemployment vote was wrong...the senator was courageous..." It is Mr. Delay that is NOT living in the 'real' world, I find his comments offensive and 100% inaccurate, I have been layed off for 3 months and no Mr. Delay living on $250/week unemployment check is not preferrable to finding a job, there are NO full-time jobs out there for the overwhelming amount of people who are looking for work.
Ann
Okay – the good ole boys of the GOP. Amazing, this has always been there mission its just that it has been brought into the light. The high and mighty Repulican party thinks their supporters and contributors are idiots who can be coerced with fear or ego maniacs who have to be stroked. Its a shameful display of desperation and truly shows how far the party of "no" and the absolute 'fear' these guys have for change ... they live and breath by the status quo, so that can keep everyone in line. Shame on you Michael Steele, Shame on you GOP and Shame on the supporters of such rhetoric.
The Evil Empire... I can't think of anything more evil than old, white Republicans...
It is so refreshing to see a healthy, intelligent and caring president in the WH!
Fired up...Ready to Go!!!!!
All-right, now that the leading Repubs have "distanced themselves" from the latest Repub racist – slime advertising, lets hear exactly who drafted the ads, who paid for them, and who released them.
Then lets hear who is printing the signs and paying for the transportation of Tea Party members to their "gatherings".
This latest crop of right-wing extremist controlled Repubs appear to have no other goal than to lie themselves into the next election.
We will never have a leader that we all can stand behind, regardless of which political party they are from.
This is just an example of the kind of crass and caustic smearing of politicians and both parties, including independents, are guilty of this.
Until everyone stands up to this bull snot we will continue to deserve scumbag leaders.
typical. Why would anyone be surprised by whatever the party of fear does to denigrate the American voter or their opponents?
Umm....righhhhhtttttt.....embarassed by this...........just like how agahst they were at the loively song the gop leaders were all singing until it got put out ot the public via party chairman rushlimbaugh - Barack the Magic Negro I think they called it........
the republicons are up to the same kind of filthy politics and lie based platform they have been since the days of richard nixon. They just get worse, never better. Like junkies in denial.
Fear is part of the Republican conservative psychogical profile demonstrated in scientific studies.
Dems shoud retaliate with picture of 4 mens bathroom stalls in Minneapolis Airport with GRAND OLE PARTY label and four sets of shoes and legs in controversial position under the partitions. Make sure that 1 pr of legs are well tanned, and1 is of color so it does not show a bias. That should end the kind of garbage that the GOP likes to put out in their hate mongering spiteful demeanor.
So – that's what they do – sling the mud and then deny that they did it.
Great political strategy – let it float around the media and internet so all the wingnuts get a good belly-slapper out of it – then disown it.
I guess they need to do something other than just say they are ashamed. The behavior really needs to change, other wise a new conservative party will born of smart intelligent people rather than robots that spew hate and distruths.
The only reason that they are crawfishing is that it got out in public. i bet behind closed doors the laughed their fool heads off.
A bit late for the apologies! What's out there, is out there... and now, we see Republicans for what they truly are.
Republicans are all for this nasty stuff unless they get caught at it, and then they deny and lie!
Republicans are all for this tasteless nasty stuff unless they get caught at it, and then they deny and lie!
Well, this is what the Republican party has turned into! Why should we be surprised.
I'd be a whole lot more impressed with the GOP if it hadn't taken them DAYS to speak up! Anybody with half a brain knew immediately that this whole GOP mess was racist and wrong ... but then again, most of the GOP only have half a brain (or less) that they all have to share.
Yeah... they're ashamed of it because they got *caught.* Otherwise they'd think it was a riot. Who are they fooling? Does anybody really think this is the first offensive, shameful stuff they've put in internal memos? I can only imagine what they've passed around that *didn't* get leaked. Would they have expressed disapproval if the public didn't know about it? I strongly doubt it.
Yeah, like we should care when 35 million adults do not have health care and we are making war in two countries and menacing a third, and the national debt is threatening our capitalistic existence.
Oh, I hope the GOP did not hurt the democrats' feelings because in the real world there are more important things to think about. Or worry about.
They are embarrassed because their silly little presentation was leaked. The GOP is the party of unthinking children.
I wonder how many of their "ego-driven" donors will keep their checkbooks closed this year. But if they were fooled by the Sarah Palin act, I guess they will still go for the "tchochkes."
What a bunch.
Trash like that I've been reading over the internet for some time. I wish it would stop.
Republicans will do nothing about that PowerPoint Presentation or the person responsible for it. They are frankly proud that it is out so that it can spread more fear. They have it out there and can say they didn't mean for it to be seen and "SORRY". Well it should never have been put together.
This is all Republicans have offered since the President was sworn into office. FEAR, FEAR and more FEAR. Right now there are almost 300 bills waiting in the Senate to be voted on and Republicans will almost certainly require a Super Majority to pass most of them. This is their way of bringing the government to a halt so they can claim our President has not accomplished anything in office.
"I don't think Michael Steele knew about that. If he did, I would be very concerned. I like Michael Steele."
concerned? wow, concerned. How about disgusted? Because disgusted best states how Americans feel about the way Republicans have thrown tantrums at town halls, yelling "liar" at Obama during a Congressional; speech, and holding up the Senate like a spoiled brats –.disgusted, yeah, disgusted!
Yeah, right! Like I believe that.....The republican party is the most disrespectful, lying, demeaning party....how anyone could possibly vote republican until they change is beyond me.....
The destortation of facts and injection of fear is reprehensible!
and yet Rush Limbaugh and Fox News spouts their poison daily and these same GOPers kiss his their feet.
Republican words are light-years apart from Republican deeds.
RNC: save the supposed comedy and try to concentrate on helping everyday Americans–or have you forgotten how to do that?
How can the GOP write this kind of stuff and try to make Americans feel you want to support this President. This just shows that the GOP is so political, they will prefer to see this country fail rather than support this President. It is so sad.
The Party of "NO" thinks they will take over Congress? Americans are smart enough to see right through them.
Republicans known no shame.
I guess they do not REALLY believe in personal responsibilty, just they do not really believe in smaller government which grew like wild over the last decade.
There's nothing new to see here. It's the normal GOP antics.
After what the Repubes have done to this nation and the awful war they pushed us into, with many Americans and Iraki deaths, this is just the icing on their cake of stupidity, the party of NO, the hateful, racist and anti -middle class crap this 'party' of selfish, power and money hungry group of self rightious, 'family valued' church going people. What a sad sad joke they are.
The tactics outlined in this document are standard operating procedure for the GOP. For McConnell or Steele to act like they knew nothing about this is simply ludicrous.
The true face of the republican party is revealed.
I wouldn't put it past some of the Republicans trying to ridicule our President Obama, Pelosi and Senator Reid with cartoonish images. That is a trademark for some in the Republican Party to slime, instead of presenting factual data.
Now the Republicans have to play defense thanks to these images.
When will they learn?
Humorous shots? The Tea Party types have been putting images like this out on the Net since they started. While we're on the subject, they have been putting out shame ful images, slogans, even songs (anyone remember " Barak the Magic Negro" being hawked on Rush's show?). How anyone can describe this kind of crude caricaturing as homorous is beyond me, but I guess I'm just one of those people who is at heart an America-hater, a socialist/Nazi/ Al-Quaeda sympathizer who secretly yearns for the destruction of the Free Market, the American family, a Free Press, all of the original amendments, and who will turn us all into atheists and worship at statues of Charles Darwin....
Whew, is there anything I missed? Wacko Right? Can you help me out? Oh, thats right, you're too busy coming up with conspiracies involving the Free Masons, the 2012 Mayan Prophecy and the secrets on the back of the Declaration that can only be revealed with lemon joice and are secretly hidden in a desk in the Oval Office. My God, you people are clever: it all fits now, I can see it so clearly.....
YOU'RE ALL CRAZY!
It shows that many within the GOP only like the fear factor to get people to support them. It happened with the Bush administration many times.
Of course they're going to give back all the money that they raised in Boca Grande and other places they made the presentation, right? Nice that there are no plans to hold the responsible parties accountable as well. Accountability is against everything the Republicans stand for – see Iraq, Katrina, etc.
Republicans always reject these types of things once they get caught. Someho just goes to show you, they are hatew they never seem to stop it. It just goes to show you, they are hateful bigots who thrive on throwing dirt, lies and negativity.
It is seldom fun when ones dirty tricks are turned back upon one.
Sad problem is that there are most likely some D's who would spread the same sort of thing.
Both Parties seem to have forgotten that they are there to do the right thing for all citizens.
They're ashamed that it got leaked, but it's an accurate reflection of the Republican party's philosophy.
What do you expect with zealots like Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and Bill O'reilley constantly attacking every word the president says and twisting it into something evil, sinister or part of some conspiracy?
Reasonable republican leaders, Like Sen. Hatch, need to take back control of the Republican party and get down to the business of helping the president solve our many problems, instead of trying to destroy him, so they can win in 2012. American cannot recover with two parties at full war, while nothing is getting done. Wake up democrats and republicans, we, the voters, want you to do the job we elected you to do and to do it in a civil and professional manner.
Republicans always reject these types of things once they get caught. It just goes to show you how hateful they areSomehow they never seem to stop it. It just goes to show you, they are hateful bigots who thrive on throwing dirt, lies and negativity.
Just another republican dirty trick. Proves that they are out to destroy the Democrats and take over the Country. Shameful.
Sad that people are capable of such treasonous behavior. Pity that Americans have become so ignorant and intellectually lazy. I am waiting for poor old America to simply implode. Most empires do,
Too Late! Not even Reagan can help you now.
When all you have is anger, hate and fear. What do you expect from these types of people. It is my hope that from now until November. CNN, CBS, ABC, MSNBC, and every other media outlet including FOX/Faux News. Keeps this issue in the for front. I want the Republican party exposed for what it is...A safe have for people with attitudes of indifference, intolerance, injustice, and overt racism.
I decided more than two years ago that I would never vote for any Republican ever again. The only way I'll ever consider supporting any Republican or conservative is if they publicly speak out against the hate and fear being spread through their party. And not just once. They'll have to make it part of their campaign everyday.
Note to self.....good luck with that
Repukes have no shame and no class.....get rid of all of these inbreds and your country and the rest of the world will thank you!
Or should I say, Too Late, not even Fox can help you now.
There was a time when this sort of thing would have been created by a cartoonist for some newspaper as satire. Unfortunately in our politically-correct social quagmire the press no longer does its job of investigative, no-holds-barred journalism and powerpoints like this come from political hacks instead.
I'm no fan of Republican fearmongering, or tactics more closely related to this bit of inanity, but I do think this is much ado over nothing.
This is the best the GOP has to offer.
Why don't Republicans fess up and admit what they have become? A party of angry old white people who hate the fact they have lost control of everything? I mean do you think their real leaders Rush or Beck would think that this stuff is wrong.. Heck I would not be suprised if Rush or Becks people were the ones who created the images..
Oh, enough B.S.
Everyone knows this is typical Republican strategy. We've been victimized by it for ages, the last ten years being the worse of all.
Just terrible.
The most important item on this presentation was that it referred to donors as "reactionaries". That is what the cynical party of no thinks of their own donors!
They are only ashamed when their most entertaining stuff leaks out. Or else they'd be enjoying it even in their sleep. What a shame....no wonder it's the party of Sarah Palin, John McCain and Michael Steele, George Bush, Dick Cheney and Rush Limbaugh – L-A-U-G-H O-U-T L-O-U-D
they are ashamed they got caught and the might lose some donors
This is what is wrong with the GOP. They are so quick to make fun of, critique and show their distrust of the Democrats. Instead of putting all their effort into demoralizing the American People and only telling their side of the story as gospel. They should put that effort into being part of the solution instead of the problem. I am an independent, and I can tell you I am so disgusted on hearing all the things the GOP can't do than what they can do. I don't want to hear that they try and the Democrats don't want to work together. When the GOP does things like this how can you blame the Democrats....
first the truth comes out and the repubs disagree with it had it been the dmes come out with it
wel it was just a joke ypou know
yea we know just a joke like your administration
The saddest thing about that campaign concept is that, if it had not been leaked, it would have been rolled out and many of my fellow american would have liked and defended those images as accurate and speaking for their views. The imagery already exists and has existed for months. The distancing from senior republicans is too little, too late, wink, wink. They embraced it last summer.
You see, the difference between the Republican Party and Democratic Party is: the Republicans condemn such nonsense while Democrats would give their approval. Do we need to be reminded of all the slams against President Bush?
Hmmmmm, I wonder..., I just wonder!!!
Typical Republican garbage. Republicans are just trash and a disgrace to this country. The GOP is the party of evil, stupidity, hate, violence and moral cowardice. Time and again they have shown that they have no respect for the process of government and actively hate and despise the American electorate. They are government for the rich, by the privileged for the detriment of everyone else.
There is no surprise here.
Apparently all these folks have nothing better to do while American families are going without....
Without jobs, without food, without medical care, without hope.
Republican politicians have their work cutt out ahead of them with their image.
I didn't know the Republicans had any shame.
Those images seem to be accurate. I bet the majority of this country (me included) also thinks those images provide a perfect interpretation of this RADICAL administration.
The headline should read: Americans Reject Republicans.
Unfortunately I am not surprised by any of this story.
Would these lovely GOPers be ashamed if ty wasn't made public?
These republicans are not ashamed. They are trying to do damage control because they got caught. This has been their plan all along. i have seen these pictures at Tea Party rallys before and they never denounce them. Republicans talk with both sides of their mouth and they get away with that kind of stuff.
Obama and Reid are okay. Pelosi should be Goofy. Since she's from San Francisco, we don't have to be concerned about her being of the wrong sex.
They are ashamed because they got caught doing what they always do. When people say they use fear to gain votes, they deny it and act hurt by the allegation. I guess they can't pretend anymore. Wait, they will just lie and say this document never existed. The truth doesn't matter when no one fact checks you and you can just lie right to the camera.
It shows the Repubs are too nice to the socialist joker in the whitehouse. They do not know that there are millions of us with that picture. Just what they did to Bush. Good old inside the beltway mentality. It sucks.
The truth is a significant portion of their base eats that stuff up and they know it. It's probably helped raise all kinds of cash for them-I'm sure they have no intention of returning any of it. The pictures looked just like something straight from a tea baggers party. Hopefully, reasonable Americans will see these people for what they are come next November.
This is a new low even for a political party who has created lows in every field of human endeavor imaginable: Economics, education, the environment, personal responsibility and morals, integrity of the spoken word, race relations, global, national and state finances, support of the sciences, the arts, not to mention the basic care of every citizen of this country, I'm sorry it's late, but all I'm left with is a famous historic quote:
(paraphrased) 'Finally, have you no shame?"
How is Scooby Doo an enemy to anyone? Maybe the RNC does not want those meddling democrats snooping around their most embarrassing documents. Though I do slightly agree that if the RNC continues with the fear based tactic, they might end up misleading the most naïve Americans into voting against democrats. I also believe that they will have a hard time trying to convince the American people that they are the better party to control the government. I have a feeling that this fear based tactic could backfire and persuade naïve voters to vote for a member of the Tea Party cult that feeds on the fears of the American people at almost anarchist levels.
They are ashamed in that the document was leaked to the public but they have been supporting these tactics for quite some time. These tactics must stop!
McConnel hedges his bets "not responsible for RNC," "can'timagine anyone thinking helpful." thats ajoke and irresponsible.
Steele condemns on the one hand and says it was only for 10 people and adds then insult to injury with "intersperse the presentation with Humuorous shots" he clearly thinks its funny, who else does please!? apart from Rush Limbaugh.
Mr Hatch was correct, the only reasomable thing to be is "ashamed" and to punish tose responsible!!
Regards,
Hodgson.
I have seen those nasty pictures and also "the chart" on how to trick voters into contributing and voting for the Republicans.
And, not one of the liars listed above "disapproved" of them verbally, until they were leaked. Thank you Repubs. People are starting to know WHO you really are.
They want to cut "entitlements" as soon as they win the Majority.
Listen to Paul Ryan Wisconsin and Michelle Bachmann and you will hear what they think of S.S. and Medicare! But the repubs were embarrassed because they thought Ryan and Bachmann spoke too soon!
Come on if the Dems did such a thing you Repubs would be all over it but being it was a Repub you are like mistakes happen....
Do you Politicians even have a clue how silly you ALL are?
STOP the nonesense and do your job for the American People. We are sick of your nonsense
The Republicans are trying to save their b-tt . The American people have seen the REAL Republican party the last 15months for being the angry, selfish and revengeful party they are. They ONLY care for the 1% wealthy Americans not for the 99% rest of us. Remember they want to eliminate estate taxes for the rich but argue incessantly about NOT extending unemployment benefits for all Americans.
They are intent on seeing OUR President fail ; and in the eyes of the rest of the world see America fail.
Also the GOP is scared that the economy is improving and that Health care reform will benefit MANY Americans. They do not like this!
Typical republican tactic. Let something offensive hit the street then condemn it after the fact. Probably giggling like little children behind the scenes.
So...does this mean Rush Limbaugh really *is* in charge of the RNC? The rhetoric the past several years has become extremely juvenile (I'm talking both parties, not just the Neocon aka Anti-America Party)
Yea! Whatever! Now you're ashamed! Got caught playing dirty so now you're all sorry.....
This is the same old crap that the Elite Republicans have been putting out for the last forty or more years, and the dumb ass folks that vote for them delight over it. Will the American voters ever wake up and smell the out house smell that the Republicans keep on emitting. The same dumb folks that buy the super market tabloids are the ones that go to the polls and vote for these evil folks
The GOP, involved in character assassination and lampooning opponents rather than debating the issues with them? Never!
Ask John McCain how he liked being skewered in SC in 2000 by the same crowd that is assuredly endorsing this nonsense o r certainly not castagating it.
When will the dumb bastards that vote for the Republicans wake up and smell the stink?
They only reject it when they're caught!
American, this is a lesson for you all to learn. Republican, Keep on these kind of dirty stuff and continue considering the American people to be stupid. Your lie to the American people and took their kids to be killed in unnecessary and foolish wars for no reason. Remember with the grace of God, every Republican will pay the price for the lost of innocent lives. This is all you guys are about. Scare tactics and misleading the innocent people who do not know better. As time goes by, America will realize their mistake for listening to you Republican murderous, ignorance crazy people that feel this country belongs to your party. Who own this country? What do you Republican mean " we want our country back". Who took your country? The native Indians own this belove country by right because the settlers met them on this soil. They were here before this country was founded. Republican will never take back the white house for a long time.
SAVE THE FAKE OUTRAGE!!! RNC = GOP are racists. Have you seen the people from The Tea Parties. They live and thrive off of fear.
Does anyone remember when the same dumb assed folks remember when Reagan [ Bonzo] got his publicity team to try and convince the American people that Jimmy Carter was attacked by a rabbit? Carter was raised in South Georgia, and was tougher than any Hollywood producer could invent. Shame on the poor, dumb , folks that vote for Republicans
Thank you, Senator Hatch and Senator McConnell, for taking a courageous and principled stand on this matter. I agree that such portrayals as noted in this article serve no good purpose. I believe that both sides can learn much from this mistake.
Best wishes from Boulder, Colorado
If your define the word Republican, reference to the "Republican Party" of American, it mean wicked, murderuos, dirty people, stupid and uneducated people. For example: The tea party goers.
Hey, RNC here is something to post on one of the slides of the Power Point that you should listen to: STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES!
The top republican officials need to stop playing these games. They knew those images was on that presentation because they must approve those things or at least they should. They pretend that its such a disgrace, but behind closed doors and in their hearts, they are laughing!!
don't shy away from it! you're all a bunch of chickens when it comes to free speech. politically correct games of chicken that you all lose. ya big bunch of weiners!
Hell, sounds pretty accurate to me. This trio of clowns is ruining America.
The only thing they find regrettable about it is that they were caught being what we all have known: D bags.
This isn't nothing uncommon for republicans they do this all the time they say one thing and do and mean another they do it all the time.You can't trust them.
Dump Obozo in 2012.
Obama has engaged in more corrupt spending and plunged the country into more debt than in the history of the world. The Congress is full of corruption, the rights of murdering Islamic terrorists are more important to Obama than the lives of the American people, and Iran is about to get a nuclear arsenal. It would be nice if some Republicans would stop the fraternity type pranks and start planning on how they are going to repair the tremendous damage as the voters realize what a tremendous mistake it was to trust our entire Government to such dangerous left wing radicals!!!!
Even though two wrongs don't make a right, you can't tell me factions of the Democratic Party have not produced similar documents for their benefit.
Vile is vile and both parties share the blame.
This behavior does not surprise me. I have heard and seen some of the nastiest racial things about our president and the First Lady. I am ashamed of the republican's behavior. But, they will not stop at anything to get back in power.
How much evidence does the country need to see that these people just don't get it. The right wing of the Republican party from Orange Man to the teabaggers have not only brought the GOP to its destruction, they are self-destructing daily. They have become pure parody in a broad sweeping implosion. Comedians for the next century will be able to milk this vein of self delusion and, unfortunately, Sarah Palin will get more than her 15 minutes in their comedy. For you teabaggers who don't understand: you have pooped in your own shoes!!
Yeah right, they know exactly what theyre doing. They cant officially release such garbage so they "accidently" do it and claim they denounce it.
You can't run from it. It's written all over your faces.
WOW !!! I am shocked. It is about time Republican leaders stepped in and controlled the hate coming from their party. I can't help but wonder though did they apologize to their donors because it showed what they really think about them and they are afraid the money will dry up ?
Hypocrites. It's unbecoming and shameful when someone within their own party does it (or more specifically, gets CAUGHT doing it). But they turn a blind eye or outright encourage this sort of ignorant rhetoric to be used within other anti-government movements, like the Tea Party.
The Republicans have about a million other things to be ashamed of..... let's hope that this is just the start of them admitting all of their lies, mistakes, misdirections, delusions, failed policies and economic disasters.
How is this a surprise from the party that is too childish to put their differences aside and get to work for the american people. Instead they block and reject anything to help the people all while mocking the current govt. and sketching cartoons... seriously???
Republicans are the biggest hypocrites ever, every Tea Party event they have ever attended has this very offensive and racist images of president Obama, even swastikas and other disgraceful images... who are they trying to fool? I mean seriously
I really wish I could collectively nominate the GOP for "Hater Of The Year". This is just plain silly, but it's ALL I've seen coming from that camp since the 2008 election. People grasping at straws trying to ridicule our current president. Why? Are they that mad that Bush was such an easy target? This isn't the only incident, either. There's Palin's legion, Ann Coulter, and that chick who burned a backwards "b" onto her face during the election... come on, now. This is stupid and it really isn't the way to either protest or stay relevant.
And if Obama's the Joker, who's Batman?
"I can't imagine why anybody would have thought that was helpful," McConnel responded.
Except for...oh...say....those who pander to Republican base of neanderthals
finally the true face of the Republicans come to the surface ! How come the most vocal of the Republican party are as silent as they are ? Think .......
well,Mr Steele, is that your final answer? You claim to have no idea who created the document but you somehow know that it was created for a group of 8 or 9 people just as a joke?
Surely, after this response from leading Republicans, very liberal comments here will cease to embody words like Klan, thug, and con in their references to members of the Republican Party, especially since liberals are always reminding us of their altruistic, humanitarian–dare I say saintly?–concern for others' welfare and welfare checks.