Nugent apologizes for using term 'subhuman mongrel'
Updated 1:03 p.m.
(CNN) - Conservative activist and rocker Ted Nugent apologized Friday for using the term "subhuman mongrel" to describe President Barack Obama.
"I do apologize–not necessarily to the President–but on behalf of much better men than myself," he said in an interview with conservative radio host Ben Ferguson, who's also a CNN political commentator.
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Texas attorney general Greg Abbott, the likely GOP gubernatorial nominee this year, came under heavy criticism from Democrats this week for campaigning with Nugent, who's known for making outlandish comments about the President.
Watch Ted Nugent on CNN's "Erin Burnett OutFront" Monday night starting at 7 p.m. ET.
Nugent said he apologizes "for using the streetfighter terminology of 'subhuman mongrel' instead of just using more understandable language, such as 'violator of his oath to the Constitution'."
In his apology, Nugent appeared to regret more the fact that his language has been tied to Republican politicians from his state, such as Abbott, Gov. Rick Perry, and Sen. Ted Cruz.
"I apologize for using the term," he said. "I will try to elevate my vernacular to the level of those great men that I'm learning from in the world of politics."
Later on in the interview–after some people on Twitter argued Nugent's comments weren't a real apology–Ferguson asked Nugent if he was directly apologizing to the President for the comments.
"Yes," Nugent replied.
While Perry and Cruz both said they found Nugent's original comment inappropriate, they didn't rule out campaigning with him.
Sen. Rand Paul, however, made headlines when he called on Nugent to apologize Thursday night.
"Ted Nugent's derogatory description of President Obama is offensive and has no place in politics. He should apologize," the Kentucky Republican tweeted.
Asked by CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer Thursday in an interview "The Situation Room" about Nugent, Perry said "The idea that Ted Nugent has said something that's outrageous shouldn't surprise anybody."
Perry, who's considering a second bid for the Republican presidential nomination, added that Nugent "shouldn't have said something like that about the President of the United States."
And Cruz distanced himself with what Nugent said in an exclusive interview Wednesday with CNN Chief Congressional Correspondent Dana Bash.
"Those sentiments there, of course, I don't agree with them. You've never heard me say such a thing and nor would I," Cruz said.
But the GOP senator, who's also entertaining a 2016 run, embraced Nugent's outspoken stance in support of the Second Amendment.
"I will note, there are reasons Ted Nugent - people listen to him, which is that he has been fighting passionately for Second Amendment rights. And - and this administration has demonstrated an incredible hostility to the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens," Cruz said.
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Allow me to translate: What Ted said was "subhuman mongerl" – what he meant was "I am afraid of a black man in a position of power." Or possibly, he meant, "I bought into all the Propaganda" or perhaps he really meant "I am afraid of a black man". Keep talking, Ted – you make everyone else around you and all that you support – like, the NRA, look lerk y'all need a mite more edumuhcashun.
Not a big fan of Obama and USED to be a huge fan of Nugent (and still have some of his music!) But, that being said, I do not think Nugent would be out on the streets if not for his wealth. It surprises me he's not being followed around by squirrels because he acts so nuts!
You can say he fights for people's rights (seriously tho, how is mouthing off actually fighting for anyone's rights?!?), .. but, so do a lot of other people, without the need to act like they stopped maturing at the mental age of 3.
Don't bother, Ted. We all know what's really in your heart. And it's pretty 'subhuman'.
and where is his apology to us for lying to us? he promised that he would be dead or in jail if Obama was re-elected.. I am still waiting for one or the other.
How does one apologize without apologizing? Not one of these Texas politicians condemned Ted because deep down they agree with him. They are just as racist as he is.
Gee, an other non-apology apology. Mighty white of ya, Teddy! Aren't you supposed to be dead or in jail by now? I would settle for you going to Costa Rica to join Rush Limbaugh. Oh, wait...
What a total crock. He is only making a statement, and only because those he wishes to support are getting some flack. He's a waste of oxygen.
Wait, what he said is that he apologizes on the behalf of other greater men. This means that he's apologizing for them, on their behalf, rather than to them.
Confused again, so is he, or is he not apologizing to the president? I think the whole, I may have done something wrong part has him out of his comfort zone. Why does he have to apologize, Christie never did, being a Republican is supposed to mean never having to say sorry, or is it never having yo mean your sorry?
If you're going to comment about the President's policies, that's fine but personnal attacks are not fine. It's good that he apologized but I suspect that he simply regurgitated a phase that he and his cohorts have already been saying among themselves.
ah liberal drivel on here is amazing...Why not crush Biden for saying republicans want to take blacks to slavery? I find that speech offensive, but I guess it gets overlooked because he is a liberal democrat defended at a moments notice by CNN and MSNBC!
Mr. Nugent was been criminally charged and banned from our state (Alaska) for illegally taking a bear. He was fined $10,000, put on probation for 2 years, and forbidden to hunt or fish in the state for a year.
He also had a similar run-in with the wildlife authorities in California, resulting in a suspension of his hunting license there.
His wife was also busted for having a gun in her carry-on baggage at an airport.
He is a useless piece of work that thinks he's above the law, with a big dirty mouth to boot and any politician who associates with him shows an amazing lack of intelligence.
*sigh* as much as anyone tries. you can't teach old dogs a new trick.
An apology coming from Ted Nugent means absolutely nothing. You can't take the racist out of the redneck.
All I have to add to the discussion is: Ted WHO?
Why should anyone pay attention to this person who has nothing positive to add to discussions concerning the problems facing the country. The discussion needs to revolve around politicians willing to include this individual in their campaigns.
Ted should pull himself out of the gutter and try to understand and respect other peoples views. He obviously is a crude individual.
Nugent, I've seen better heads on a root beer. You are an x-rock star with no intellectual credibility.
Mongrel: of mixed or indeterminate breed.
This could only be construed as an attack on Obama's ancestry – a white mother and black father.
Doesn't matter how the media or politicians try to spin it.
I can think of a lot worst to call the president.
I, Ted Nugent, hereby apologize for calling Barack Obama a "subhuman mongrel"... all those other subhuman mongrels out there deserve better than that.
Yeehaw!! It must get tiring being forced to apologize for being loud mouth trash. I find it amusing.
He should know by now it is "Human Garbage".
So, wanting cars to remain regulated (as we do) is hostile to automobiles? Hogwash.
I don't know much about Ted Nugent but what I read and I like a person who speaks his mind -good bad or whatever
Why should he apologize? After all racism is as American as apple pie and motherhood.