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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I don't believe that Congressman Broun was comparing President-Elect Obama to Hitler in any personal way. He was comparing the circumstances of Hitler's rise to power and subsequent dictatorship to the rise of Barack Obama and his suggestions for domestic policy. Broun doesn't believe that Obama will become another Hitler. He believes that we all should be aware of the potential for the another Hitler-esque dictatorship should we allow too much power to be concentrated in the hands of too few people. Expressing concern that the American people would be handing over too much power to a charismatic leader is VERY different than saying that Barack Obama will be another Adolf Hitler.
When you people stop hating those that think differently than you, we'll be able to move forward in a healthier way. This was the change that President-Elect Obama was talking about. It's interesting to see how you've completely missed that point.
This is why Republicans are failing right now; they have no credibility. They can't disagree with someone's policies without pulling a Chicken Little card. Obama's not just a guy they have a difference of opinion with – he's a "Marxist," he's "Hitler," he's some kind of scary monster. This is the way they react to all their opponents – they try to turn them into comic book villains, and it's just not credible or realistic.
I'm tired of the childish mindset of the alarmist Republicans. I'm glad our country's going to get a respite from them. Maybe they'll purge the clowns (like this guy, and Hannity, and Limbaugh, and all the other hucksters who pull these silly villification tricks) from their party and become something grown-ups can vote for again.
What a tool!!!
I respect our new president but for you to write Respect the president. seriously... after all the comments of hate and vile at bush on on hear. must give respect to gain respect.
Rep. Paul Broun's comment branding Obama a Marxist and comparing him to Hitler has got to be one of the most uneducated comment I heard coming from a congressman.
First of all, there is nothing that Obama said that is remotely close to the Marxist ideology. Second, Hitler made the communists (marxist) the excuse for him to stay in power.
If there is anything that the United States is doing right now that is "Marxist" and Socialist in character – that will be your Social Security checks, Medicare, unemployment checks, low-cost housing for the poor, etc.
We should rid our government with ignorant lawmakers like Broun.
Ignorance breeds bigotry.
Well, let's make sure we write history to conform to the sensibilities of the general public. It does not matter if Hitler was a Conservative or a Liberal, he was known at the time for instilling a feeling of nationalism into a defeated Germany.
Do you want to talk about Bill Clinton calling up 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment to quell riots in LA, or would we rather talk about President George W Bush putting the 3rd Brigade Combat Team on alert for operations in the United States. The point isn't whether or not you like your President, the point is that you have to watch what is happening around you.
I'm from Georgia and I completely agree with what Paul Broun says. I have read my history and I'm offended at the bigotry shown by the small mindedness of those that would discriminate against someone just because of where that person is from.
it is sad that some people cant get over defeat.
Great, it's already started. We are going to have to watch what we say about our new President or some people might get offended. Come on you guys...wake up! Your new President is not who he originally said he was. Look at who he is appointing to his Staff...Emanuel Rahm and David Ross...can you say "War with Iran". And your missing the point...Hitler did have a mandatory civilian youth corp...MANDATORY. That's pretty nationalist/socialist in my book.
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."
ah that is exactly what hitler did . and the soviets,. Obama made the stupid mistake of not saying what this force will be for. he was very vague. he is very vague about everything. god i wish mccain had been elected. instead of alfred e. newman
@ Obama thought police....you really honestly think likening Obama to Hitler is reasonable? It's one thing to think something, and a whole other thing to be an elected official and say such idiotic things in public. I suppose you have never said anything ever that you wish you could take back?
I just can't understand how anyone, let alone a member of Congress, can mix the metaphors of "Hitler" and "Marxism."
Isn't there some principle that "If you have to try to use Hitler to win your argument, then you have just LOST the argument?"
I mean, really.... it's like HEY that guy has a mustache.. so did Hitler!!
When in this statement did he actually apologize?
It seems to me that he actually just repeated what he said ... added the word "but" and said everything again ... with stronger emphasis on how crazy he actually sounds.
Sour Grapes GOP,....... get a life , get some grey matter into your sloppy mental maze and a desirable education. At least the POTUS is a trendsetter in so many ways. Have RESPECT for the HIGH OFFICE in the land. GOP Ignoramus et al will never have a chance to plow through...Need prayers from Madam Palin and the preacher she pals around with
Oh Good...my "?" got through...I'll see if I can blog now.
It would seem that the usual bloggers are making their nasty "I hate Republican" comments.
Lets talk about the real issue.
Why do we need another National Defense force when we already have the National Guard which serves us at home and abroad?
Is there a piece of the puzzle we are missing here folks? Should we look a little deeper than the nasty remarks and ask some real questions of Obama and ask why?
First of all, does he not know that President Bush has proposed the EXACT SAME THING.
Secondly, why does this idiot have to be from Georgia?? I'm just thankful he's not my Congressman (not that mine – Tom Price is any better).
Quick!! Someone get the congress critter a history book and a dictionary.
So saying “I regret putting it that way,” is now saying he's sorry? That's not an apology.
I'm sure someone else has already pointed this out, but fascism is considered to be among the most right-wing of doctrines, while Karl Marx is the figurehead that represents the most left-wing of social and political policies.
It's like calling someone a pacifist hippie and a jingoist war-mongerer in the same sentence. In other words, this is just an indiscriminant throwing of names, with little regard to fact-based reality. Someone please wake this guy up.
Wow. The GOP really is the party of idiots. Thinking conservatives really need a revolution. Right now, the fools are clearly winning.
Republican Paul Broun, don't waste your money next time in re election because you will not be elected.
The Republician Party Has been using the tactics that hitler used to get in power for the last 12 years.Thier Campaign was designed to stir-up hate.Where was he when Bush was undermining the Constitution.They should censure in Congrees.
Republicans are still in denial state. If they continue to speak this way, they will lose supports.
Paul you need to get over over it, Barack Obama is your President please learn to live with this FACT. Have more Respect for the President Of The United States Of America Mr. Brack Obama.
Only problem is, what if he's right?