[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/02/24/art.getty.fred.thompson.jpg caption="A spokesman for Harry Reid called Thompson's comments 'unfortunate.'"]Washington (CNN) - Former presidential candidate Fred Thompson suggested Wednesday that Sen. Harry Reid might engage in domestic abuse if he fails to win re-election in November.
In a posting on Twitter, Thompson wrote, "Reid: Jobless men = domestic abuse. Is he saying we should be worried about Mrs. Reid after the November elections?"
Thompson's comment comes days after Reid discussed the correlation between unemployment and domestic abuse on the Senate floor.
"I have met with some people at home, dealing with domestic abuse," Reid said on Monday. "It has gotten out of hand. Why? Men don't have jobs. Women don't have jobs either but women aren't abusive, most of the time. Men, when they are out of work, tend to become abusive."
Reid defended his comments Tuesday when questioned by reporters.
"There is no question that more people being out of work causes more people to be involved in domestic violence," said Reid. "I mean I didn't make that up, I was told that by two people who run domestic violence shelters."
Reid spokesman Jim Manley called Thompson's comments "unfortunate" in an e-mail to CNN.
"While Fred Thompson may think he was being funny, it is unfortunate and disappointing that so many on the right would make light of domestic abuse."
Thompson's political action committee did not respond to numerous requests for comment from CNN.
Follow Charles Riley on Twitter: @CRrileyCNN
Agree with Thompson. Want to see something really funny, tune to Fox News and see what Reid & Obozo said about Republicans when they had the majority and were threatening to use the "nuclear" option. Talk about a bunch of lying, slimy, hypocritacal dogs. By the way libs how come we will be taxed for 10 years to pay for 6 years of Obozocare, if it won't cost one dime more? I guess community organizers don't take math as a required subject.
I'm soooo tired of these people always trying to make HUGE deals out of just big deals, or even no big deals at all. I"m sure that Thompson is as horrified as the rest of us whenever he hears of a case of domestic abuse. On the other hand, Reid tried to make an emotional plea for passing his polical interest. Yeah, it was kind of funny, and I hope nobody loses any sleep over either one of these guys' comments.
FRED THOMPSON is "unfortunate" ... a waste of space, oxygen, etc.
Where do all these has been losers from? you would think that they would go away after losing but no gotta stay around and bad mouth people. go away fred. p.s. you are not an actor either. you stink.
Sorry Mr. Thompson but Senator Reid is right on. Check with your school counselors over the amount of family abuse that increases when Dad is out of job.
Idiots like Thompson need to become unemployed then perhaps they would understand the correlation between joblessness and spousal and child abuse. This is the main problem with Republicans, they are arrogant and show no compassion for anyone in distress or trouble and fail to understand the most basic of scientific fundamentals. If idiots like this were more interested in the welfare of Americans they would take the time to look into studies that show that what Senator Reid says is very true, but then that would mean Republicans would need to learn to read, sorry, scratch that, speak of impossibilities, what was I thinking, Thompson being able to read, how laughable!
Haha, brilliant Thompson. Reid is def unemployed after the next elections. Reid is completely out of touch.
Who woke up Fred?
Thompson's comment was in appalling taste. He should be ashamed of himself...and just what sort of job has *he* had since he left Law & Order to run his sad little excuse for a presidential campaign?
Didn't this old geezer fall asleep during his presidential campaign. did he just wake up or what? what a loser..its true when men lose their jobs, their self esteem and self worth is more severly affected than women, in general..not all. and as a result, prolonged unemployment can lead to some abuse.
Fred shoots down dingy Harry with his own artillery. Priceless!!
Go Away, Skeletor. Surprised you even had the energy to post a tweet considering your lackadaisical effort at running for President.
This is another idiot that needs to just go away.
This story is ridiculous. I understand the need to act as an unbiased reporting but facts are facts. The fact is that when unemployment goes up so does domestic abuse, Reid could have worded it better but it is true. Each side of a story is not always even. Please stop being reporters and start being journalists
This is one of the many reasons Fred had to drop out of the last presidential race. His brain doesn't know what his mouth is thinking?