(Updated with additional context)
(CNN) – Republican Sen. David Vitter apologized to MSNBC host Rachel Maddow Friday after jesting on a radio program that she only looked like a woman “a long time ago.”
“Regarding my remark during a radio conversation today, I apologize,” Vitter wrote in a letter to Maddow. “The hosts made their comment and I obviously chimed in. While we do not usually agree on the issues, I do not think you deserved that comment.”
Vitter’s comments came during an appearance on Rush Radio 99.5 in New Orleans Friday morning, during which the radio hosts joked about a high school photo of Maddow with long blond hair. The MSNBC host currently has short brown hair.
“Must have been a long time ago,” Vitter joked when the hosts said the photo portrays Maddow as “looking like a woman.”
Maddow has not responded to the comments.
Vitter is currently in a primary battle against former Louisiana Supreme Court justice Chet Traylor. Traylor told CNN Monday that while he had been considering a run since last summer; it wasn't until the last two weeks that he took another look at the race, after being flooded with calls urging him to run.
Should Vitter win that race, he will face Democratic Rep. Charlie Melancon in the general election. Despite a tumultuous first term, Vitter's favorability rating has remained high and Melancon has as yet struggled to gain serious footing.
From CNN Politics
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Sadly more homophobia from hypocritical "family values"...
How Sen. Vitter is still in Congress defies logic. He is supposed to be a "lawmaker" while he engaged in ILLEGAL activity with admitted prostitution. The Rush GOP is simply reprehensible these days, lacking in accountability.
Funny how the GOP and the Tea Party (the GOP's retarded cousin) seem only able launch attacks on ones character, sexuality or color. A pretty sad bunch of people.
@Steve, . . . if there's no controversy, then why is Vitter apologizing? CNN isn't manufacturing anything,
Vitter sounds like a closeted gay man full of self-revulsion.
I don't know whether Rush Radio 99.5 means that it was on the Rush Limberger Show, but even if it was a dittohead that Vitter was responding to, it shows that Limberger is still in charge of the Repub party in that Vitter seemed obliged to go along with the screwball comment and embellish it.
A $45 haircut on a 15¢ head.
Kurt....serioulsy what century are you living in. Unlady- like, she's unlady-like. What on earth does that mean. Do you mean she didn't have tea with the soilders while she was over there putting her life on the line to bring us their stories......get a grip
Pundits are fair game. Although I do like Maddow and think she gives her subjects a fair shake, she is still an Op-Ed commentator in the public domain.
If a senator wants to display a lack of civility, that is a matter between them and their constituents.
Maddow certainly views the world through a liberal prism, but she is fair and reasonable. And doesn't resort to uncivil, uncouth or inflammatory rhetoric.
Dr. Maddow is an exceptionally bright young woman, one of, if not the brightest, commentator/s on cable television. Mr. Vitter should not allow politics and his own very limited view of what constitutes womanhood to cloud his judgment. Many people find a briliiant mind to be quite appealing.
'Typical republican pig...' And all this time I thought republicanpig was one word! Vitter knew precisely what he was saying when he said it; censure the arrogant idiot!
If the prostitute prone Vitter remains popular in Louisiana, then the voters of that state have a problem that gos beyond having an idiot represent them in the Senate.
this comment seems to be pretty typical of the type some prominent Republicans have been making lately.. Like the person from CA , the fired CEO who is running for a Senate seat. Her mention of Barbara Boxer's hair style recently was QUITE shallow and petty. This guy'ss comment of Rachel Maddow's HS hair style is in the same category..
Why is that the Republicans find more substance in complaining about a person's attire than they do in trying to HELP solve problems.. Maybe because they are SHALLOW and PETTY!
This comment from the senator who represents the prostitution industry.
Why is it that Vitter, et al, are always backtracking on comments they make when they are caught on tape / video in their "comfort zone"? Just be a racist / biggot / homophobe and be out with it. Rachel Maddow is one of America's most intelligent and insightful political minds of today. She's got more education than most, and definitely this clown. The GOP is trying so hard to fight it's core values which are minorities and women should know their place and the rules shall be made by the wealthy few. I'd respect the GOP much more if they actually came out and openly stood for the policies they secretly try to enact.
Yet another GOP moron....
How did these guys ever get elected to office? A better question is why are they still in office? Vitter, DeMint, Sanford, Ensign, etc....all creeps, all louts, all "good Christians", but still running at the mouth, and not at all behaving like decent men. Our elected officials, as well as the voters, should stand up, and kick these neanderthals out of public office.
Typical... No substance when it comes to the issues, so attack something that a 12 year old might on the school playground. Disgusting.
Republicans are hateful, souless creatures....they scare the crap out of me..........
Oops, he's getting cranky. Time for his mistress to change his diaper.
(You could look it up.....)
The syfilis has taken Vitter's brain.
David Vitter is a pretty sorry human being. He is the ultimate idiot.
Just another reason for the senator, his constituents, his opponents and the media to avoid talking about anything of substance.
Hmmmm – – – Vitter on the other hand looks like the all-to-typical sleezy Republican led by the nose by the right-wing extremists.
It seems to me that many of these right-wing fools once threatened to leave the United States and settle in Canada. The only thing wrong with that idea, was the Canadians did not want the bums.
I suggest that we round up the extremists and force them to live in the Aleutian Islands.
She looks like a Woman to me, and at the same time, she's more of a man than a GOP fool like Vitter. If this guy had any shame, he would have resigned for the wrongs perpretrated on his family!
Vitter makes have to supress my gag reflex – Just like his moron friends Kurt, and Dave in IL.
As for the people of LA who elected this Neanderthal, his Karma is making sure they are getting everything they deserve...