Washington (CNN) – Democratic strategist James Carville compared President Barack Obama to his Democratic primary rival and current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Thursday, implying in rather lewd terms that Obama needs to toughen-up.
And he's not sorry for it.
"If Hillary gave up one of her balls and gave it to Obama, he'd have two," Carville said at a "Christian Science Monitor" breakfast discussion.
His comment was a response to whether Obama is taking strong enough stands on taxes and repealing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" military policy.
Carville made a similar comment to "Newsweek" during the 2008 campaign season when he compared Clinton and Obama's toughness.
"If she gave him one of her cojones, they'd both have two," he said.
He reacted to the comment on CNN's "John King, USA" Thursday.
"If I offended anybody, I am not sorry and I do not apologize," Carville told CNN's Chief National Correspondent John King.
But he also said he intended the comment to be a joke.
"Of all the things people say about the president, I think this is fairly mild," Carville said. "I repeated a joke I made in the campaign."
From CNN Politics
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When we have so called political pundits like Carville talking without any decorum, one would seriously think if our founding fathers made a mistake in making the first amentment giving freedom of speech. I am ashamed that he is seen in CNN fora.
President Obama was selected because his agenda shined a little brighter, his rhetoric rang a little truer and his intent seemed a little more determined...
He needs to step up and deliver on the promise, even if it means only one term, BUT, I promise, if he delivers in his first term, he WILL be a two term president.
Wow! Carville definitely has never been too shy to speak his mind. The comment he made in 08 is truly amazing because he insinuated that H.Clinton had 3 testicles! It's one to say Obama needs to toughen up (because he definitely does in fact need to toughen up) but these comments are more disrespectful to H.Clinton than anything else seeing as shes a woman and all.
CNN James Carville should no make any comments on the Democrats position,because his hate for President Obama. He still has a sour taste in his mouth because of Hilary Clinton lost the primary. Plus Carville hates the President because of the oil spill, which President Obama has successful manage to bring to an end.
For once, I agree with something Carville said! That's a scary thought.
Carvillie sounds like his wife is winning the debate in his house. Talk about lack of balls!
Totally uncalled for even in a "joke". You should apologize. You are the disgrace not them. They are working very hard for their country and all you do is criticise. You could not do any better. You just think you can.
loved it stick to your guns james
James, please, hold your horses. President Obama is in a situation where the GOP/TP has been throwing mud from the very beginning. I am very glad he did not stoop to the level of all these growling dogs. He showed real strength and guts in that situation by preserving civility, class and integrity to the office and not reacting with the same disrespect to all the slander but with thought and facts. This makes him “the winner”! It is probably his class, commitment for the American people, earned international respect, search for intelligent solutions and all the fantastic work he already did against all ads that infuriates the GOP/TP (and some Democrats I may add). It is not the one that screams loudest that is correct, you know. Lots to learn from the President!
For the most part, I appreciate Carvilles opinions
But must also suggest, being an honest and fair president, as is Barack Obama, is a fairly tough job in the current climate
There has NEVER in our history, been a time when so much money was spent by so many deceptive people, simply for the sake of trying to bring Republicans back to controlling our government
Obama is doing the best job, a human in his shoes could do
I'd like to see his critics try to do it better than he
Bravissimo Carville!
What a verbal man Carville is!
thats cool and all carville, but what advice will u have when people in this country start calling him " the angry black men" cause you and i both know when you get tough its call passion but if he gets tough its called angy.
The old southern Yak Yak bird (Carville) was wrong "again" on democrats remaining in power for the next 40 decades.
I hate to say it but I agree with Carville. The President and the Democrats all need to grow a pair. The rethugs, as bad as the are about anything not rich, at least stay together in their lies and who they like or don't like.
Well... its true. And we all know the truth will set you free. For the record; I voted for Mr Obama and I'm still waiting for him to drop both testicles and stop caving to those people who don't think extending unemployment benefits, dropping DADT, health care for those who can't afford it or is not offered it, returning middle class status, and dropping the "they never created one job" tax cuts for the wealthy (trickle down my ass) to name just a few is good for this country.
Look I voted for President Obama and I agree with James Carville 100%. We did not elect Obama to be friend in chief, we elected him to get the hard work done for the American people, because we know full well the Republicans won't do it. You can not bring them to the table because they think they are above all of that and they think they are above most of the American people........you see we are peons in their eyes. We need our President to play hardball. They are not going to give him credit. They are certainly not going to give him a pass. Step up and be relentless. Trust that the people that voted you in have your back when you work hard for us. But know, if you continue to kowtow to the Republicans we WILL VOTE You out too.
James and Mary are a great pair. I love their commentary. And, they both have two!
Carville is one of the last truth sayers, and folks that don't get his humor tinged with truth are probably incapable of real laughter.
I hope he continues to speak frankly to power until he is too old to speak.
not cool james...
Carville does not help the Democratic party one bit. Why come out swinging at the President when he's doing his best? After all, he's just one person! While I think Hillary Clinton is strong, she has her moments of weakness too. I recall her coming to my state (NH) and when questioned about how the campaign was affecting her, she started to cry! The President is trying to do what everyone wants him to do – be a uniter. What Carville is saying is – forget what the people WANT (bipartisianship)...a tyrant would have been better? No....Carville needs to stop taking talking points from his GOP wifey.
Sounds like another not needed "Blue Dog Dem."
""If Hillary gave up one of her balls and gave it to Obama, he'd have two"
On the one hand, this is one of the funniest things I've heard in quite a while... on the other hand, it's soberingly true.
I believe the bloom has come off the Obama rose. Not much good is being said about him even from his own party. And he's got two more years to continue to work his "magic".
Things have gotten really bad when some of us start missing Bush. YIKES!!!!
I admire Mr. Carville for his staunch support of democratic party but he should also respect the president and Mrs. Clinton and not use such 'below the belt' language in expressing his opinions. Even as a joke. They will be used by the GOP in campaigns.
I'm no sure if Hillary's position would be any different on the matter, but the President needs to get rid of DADT immediately! Once the Pentagon finishes it's review and if Congress fails to repeal the law, the President should sign an executive order and end it once and for all. He is the Commander In Chief.