Congressman sorry for likening Obama to Hitler
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/11/12/art.broun.ap.jpg caption="Rep. Paul Broun is sorry for seemingly comparing Obama to Adolf Hitler."]
(CNN) - Republican Paul Broun is sorry for calling President-elect Barack Obama a 'Marxist' and comparing him to Adolf Hitler, the Georgia Congressman said Tuesday.
“I regret putting it that way,” he told WGAC radio in Augusta, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “I apologize to anyone who has taken offense at that.”
In an interview with the Associated Press earlier this week, Broun admitted to calling the future commander-in-chief a 'Marxist' at a recent Rotary club meeting, and said Obama has expressed support for policies similar to those of Hitler.
"It may sound a bit crazy and off base, but the thing is, he's the one who proposed this national security force," Broun told the AP. "I'm just trying to bring attention to the fact that we may– may not, I hope not - but we may have a problem with that type of philosophy of radical socialism or Marxism."
Broun was specifically referring to a July speech by Obama, where the then-Democratic presidential nominee said he supports a civilian force helping the military when it comes to national security: "We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well funded [as the military]," Obama said in the speech that was largely a call to national service.
Responding to those comments, Broun told the AP Monday: "That's exactly what Hitler did in Nazi Germany and it's exactly what the Soviet Union did. When he's proposing to have a national security force that's answering to him, that is as strong as the U.S. military, he's showing me signs of being Marxist."
"We can't be lulled into complacency," Broun added. "You have to remember that Adolf Hitler was elected in a democratic Germany. I'm not comparing him to Adolf Hitler. What I'm saying is there is the potential."
The Obama transition office did not respond to Broun's comments, and in his interview Tuesday to WGAC, the first term congressman said, “The point I tried to make is that he is extremely liberal, he has promoted a lot of socialistic ideas, and it just makes me concerned."
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Suggestion that all the Republicans that make such foolish and inaccurate comments, move to Alaska and join Gov Palin for some ice fishing
This guy needs to read up on Godwin's Law, "As a discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one."
and of course Dodd's Corollary to Godwin's Law: "When debating a particular subject, if a comparison or implied connection is drawn between the opponent's argument and Hitler and the Nazi Party, the maker of that statement is automatically discredited and the debate is automatically lost by the person or group who referenced the connection to Hitler or the Nazis."
Paul Broun needs to apologize to everyone...not just those who were offended. That's the deal...people like Broun say ignorant things, then offer apologies to those who are offended, but ignore those porous minds that lock in on his obvious linking of Hitler and Obama. Is there any wonder that so much of America is hopelessly prejudiced and biased when "leaders" fill their minds with purposely hateful and dishonest opinions. Broun might apologize but, in the words of Bush, "mission accomplished". He did just what he planned; deceptive, hateful politicizing. If you ask me, Broun is closer to Hitler-like tactics than most any other politician holding office today.
To congressman Broun: You are a freakin' nut!
I do not believe that Barack Obama can do anything. This is on-job training for him. He is still trying to learn with several teams of advisors.
There is nothing of his own.
I THINK HE SHOULD TAKE A BETTER LOOK TO PALIN IDEAS OF "NON-PRO-CHOICE" ON ALMOST EVETHING !!!
REPUBLICANS are idiots....no wonder their party is where it is
Please Georgia, throw this ignorant bum out!
why is he sorry????
I hope this his first term as congressmen will be his last. I am so sick of the hatred in our government. Here is an idea. DO YOUR JOB AND GET SOMETHING DONE FOR THE COUNTRY!
This "Nut Job, Broun is elected to Congress and really starting out on the wrong foot with a group of people he is going to have to work with. I am aware that we as a country allow free speech and a right granted under our constitution, however, there are limits. At some point, without supporting evidence, free speech becomes slander.
The old expression, "Better people think you a fool than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt", is one I consider most applicable in this instance.
It's ok Paul Broun--Join the Republican Family--They say things to clear their system and then turn to the "sorry word". Just ask Sarah Palin.She will never admit her faults but then says if that is how people think I'm sorry. Remember it's not what goes into a person that defiles them it's what comes out. So remember that in the future you DUMB HEAD REPUBLICANS.
For the good of the country, this "first term congressman" should not be allowed to add to that resume.
Left to me, this guy would be sitting on the curb wondering what to do with himself next. Apology NOT accepted; you are in public, part of the government, and you mouth off like that with or without forethought and you simply disqualify yourself from your office. Be gone.
SCHMUCK!!!!!!!
Stupid should hurt more!
You know when will someone step up to these radial right wing wack jobs and tell them that their white sheets are showing.........I mean come on..........apologize after you compare the President Elect to Hitler.............67 million people voted for Obama and millions around the world respect him.............Are racist people afraid he will come in and make them sit to the back of the bus, or take away their voting rights or sic dogs on them you know the jim crow ways of old...............
cj
Oklahoma
I can only hope this man is not elected again. People who talk like this are why this country is div.
How come he was not concern when Bush destroy American, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Why doesn't Republicans criticize Bush for the awful things he did.
Shows how "unaccepting" the extreme right is going to be of the new president.
Anyone who thinks everybody is now going to get along is living in dreamland.
Prepare for the same old crap!
As a Canadian I cant get over how some U.S. politicians continue to try to instill fear on to the citizens. Barack Obama is the most exciting leader since JFK and is the envy of the rest of the free world. Give the man a chance.
wah wah wah, too bad hes already elected.....BRING ON THE SOCIALISM!!!
Aside from this guy being a moron, as Marxist (ie communism) and Hitler (ie fascism) are diametrically opposed ideologies. He is ONLY apologizing for how others took his words: "I apologize to anyone who has taken offense at that".
Thats not an apology! Thats saying" I'm sorry you got upset" not "I regret my words".
Someone please call this prick on this!
McCain and the GOP can say all they want about the greatness of Palin, but, in my opinion she's through!
She was a joke from day one – and all her slimey lies and innuendo about Senator Obama was disgusting and shameful.
She and McCain should hang their heads in shame.
It is truly sad when people elect a certifiable nut to represent them.