(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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The RACIST and HOMOPHOBE party a.k.a GOBP, strikes again
Hilarious. democrats obviously have never seen keith olbermann, chris matthews, ed schultz, the view, cbs news, nbc news, abc news, today, good morning america, etc. . . And of cours 99.9 percent of comments on cnn political ticker: all dems do is make fun of repubs. this hypocrisy is laughable and about the only transparent thng going on during obummers 1 and only term
Vitter looks like a descendent of Pee Wee Herman.
"Kissing is better than talking unless except when talking is like kissing. Ken Krieger 239-283 7385 Cape Coral, Florida"
Another feeble-minded chauvinist that gives Florida the reputation it deserves. Whaddaya propositioning her here? Guess Rachel should've remained blonde, mute, and able to whip you up some dinner...
Loser.
"Hey CNN, how about a ticker on Maddow's insults toward Tea Party members – calling them "Tea Baggers", a sexually offensive insult. Oh yeah, thats different – Maddow and her ilk have a free pass because they are liberals."
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Listen...Just because you clowns were so damn dumb to start calling yourselves that because you have the collective intelligence of a doorknob..don't get mad now that you have tried to change it.
You will ALWAYS be Tebaggers to 80% of the population that didn't have a lobotomy.
Leave him alone. The guy's right. She tries to look like a guy so why should anyone be upset that she has succeeded. Just do a Google for her images.
Maddow's show is opinion, not journalism or news. You right wing people should learn the difference, for example Fox primetime is opinion not news. And Maddow is very good looking by the way. Idiot. You right wingers who think you're going to take back your country (from the majority!) are going to be shocked and dismayed come November. You're pathetic.
Rachel Maddow is the smartest journalist on TV, bar none! I first noticed her during the elections on either CNBC or CNN, along with Donna Brazile and others. I was thinking that it would be good to see Rachel have her own show, and sure enough just a few months later she did! She delves into political topics that you'd NEVER see mentioned on other shows, like "ins-hannity," or O'Reilly. You guys on the right should pull your head out of the "Fox-hole" and try her show sometime! You just might learn something!
Maddow doen't need to say anything. Vitter just destroyed his career and sealed it with his damage control.
What a bone-head "jack wagon". I think if Rachael Maddow has a brother he ought to call out Vitter and whip his ass. Oh yeah...his heads stuck up it!
NO one wants his real seat (his behind) just need replacement in his chair put him with Louisiana's Jingle Jangle they make a great tea bag pair.
I thought Rachel Maddow was Kieth Olbermanns little Brother.
Lately, you can say what you want and then a week later come back and say you're sorry. Did you notice that. How about keeping your mouth shut in the first place.
Amazing to see all the Rethugican males on here defending Vitter.
I guess the South is still in the 1800's.
It’s not surprising that these remarks came from the mouth of a lying, homophobic, whore mongering, diaper wearing degenerate. Politicians in general seem to have a permanent disconnect between their pea-sized brains and their big fat mouths, but the Republicans have a tendency to lose all their manners along the way, as well. Hate much, Vitter? Louisiana, please do America a favor and take out this trash come November.
Rachel is a intelligent woman, with a brain and PHD, she has the facts right all the time, we need people like her in today's world. As far the brainless republicans, are things(you can't call guys,) with over medicated and alcohol, look the stupid idiots Rush, glen beck hannity and bill, full of you know what. and over the line. Full of heat, I feel sorry for the karma that they create for themselves and their own family.
I hope that Rachel does not respond, too. There are to many Republicans making similar statements or degrading statements towards individuals and the constitution. I hope that all Americans awaken to the deviciveness agenda of the GOP and vote for anything else but an Republican.
Rachel Maddow is a very well informed and interesting person. Although I often disagree with some of her views, I find her polite with those who have opposing views. She has a good sense of humor and quickly cuts to the core of the issue. If I were Senator Vitter and had his reputation with prostitutes while professing family values, I think I would keep my criticisms of other people to myself.
Hey NY Bennie, wake up and breathe some smog .........the "Dums" don't stand a chance in Lousiana with Obama fiiddling while the Gulf burned and leaked jobs.
Vitter's comments were stupid and inappropriate, but Rachel Mad-Cow has said worse. Glad to see most of her loyal TV fans have weighed in on her side. Hopefully her 1% Nielsen Rating will get a real boost next week.
msnbc is the obama and dem network. the people they have working there are racists. mika k. ,keith olber., rachel maddow and the man thats in love with obama chris matthen, they are the worst news people or what ever they call themself. these people are idiot and should be kick off tv. they don't report the news. all they do is cut people down who don't think obama is the greatest. i was watching them but enough is enough. the worst so call news channel there is i been watching cnn cause they kind or give both side. msnbc is a joke.
Typical insulting remark of the current Republicans. They are completely unproductive in every aspect. What happened to the decent Republicans who one could have fair issues with? They are muzzled, fer sure.
I'm tired of politicians being chastised for speaking the truth. Why the apology?
She does look like a man so why hate on the guy for exercising his first amendment rights?
Liberals don't seem to bothered by exercising their first amendment rights when bashing Rush, Palin, Bush, etc. with some of the most derogatory, spiteful, and hate filled rants.
It is what it is. She looks like a man, is completely un-educated in her comments, has no business being in the public theatre (any more than Rush Limbaugh) and is totally counter-productive.
How is MSNBC any better than Fox news I'd like to know?
The world would be a better place without Fox news or MSNBC.
Sure...defend this bozo...just because he's got an "R" after his name. Even if he's an immoral, lying, bigoted scumbag.
This, friends, is what's wrong with politics these days, from both sides. Although I have to say, the R's are running away with stuff like this lately.
Rachel Maddow may not be delivering the message you personally want to hear, but she is a hard-working journalist who's doing real reporting, unlike most of the bloviators at Fox (and CNN, too, unfortunately). And BTW, she is a very attractive woman. Vitter and his ilk were just mocking her because she is open about her sexuality. Unlike most of them! Go, Rachel. I'm watching every night.
The only reason Vitter is apologizing is because he has weathered bad publicity AND he is getting a serious challenge from the Republicans in the primary. Trust me, if he didn't have these complications, he would let the smear stand.
How about DOCTOR Rachel Maddow and Diaper Dan Vitter face off in a debate? And he can pick the topic, let O'Reilly moderate, and FoxSpews air it live.
My money is still on Rachel.