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.
[twitter-follow screen_name='KilloughCNN'] [twitter-follow screen_name='psteinhausercnn']
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.
From CNN Politics
- Florida legislature passes bill allowing carry of concealed weapons without a permit
- 10 Cards Charging 0% Interest Until 2024
- Untitled
- Manhattan DA's office again slams House GOP's efforts to investigate Trump probe, says approx. $5k federal funds used
- Can Trump still run for president? Your top indictment questions, answered
- Donald Trump has been indicted. Here's what we know
Why is anything Ted Nugent says newsworthy? He's angry, stubborn and aggressive. Is there something unique about that?
His non-apology is a farce. If there is a sub-human around, it's Nugent.
I feel bad for the Democrats in Texas who have to deal with idiots like Nugent, Perry, and Cruz. Seems like the state is bursting at the seams with these type of Republicans.
"I do apologize–not necessarily to the President–..."
That is not an apology. Ted Nugent is a disgusting person, a washed up one hit wonder, perfect TPGOP base...
Does anybody really care what this A _ _ _ _ says or thinks?
So, is this an article explaining Ted Nugent or is this an article explaining who is running for various offices using Ted Nugent as a fundraising tool?
The is no need for Nugent to apologize. He can't help it if he is an uneducated backwards thinking racist Neanderthal.
Why don't we just stop any trailer trash along side of the road in Texas and ask him what he thinks about President Obama and then do a big writeup on his reply. That's basically what's been done with Nugent. He's a low-life bottom dweller of the worst possible rearing who happens to sing for a living. I never thought I'd see the day when this kind of trash would be leading politicans around by the nose and making fools out of just about every one of the GOP candidates, who are terrified they will offend his intellectual followers. The pretty much shows that our country is heading for third-world status faster than Nugent's speeding bullet.
Ted are you working for the Dems trying to paint the GOP as racist?
The presidents supporters are dwindling, and there are a lot names may want to call him, but sub-human mongrel?
The man has more brains in his left nut than you have in your entire head.
Better stick to shredding guitars and bow hunting, it's more your area expertise.
Absolutely disgusting comment. Too bad the media listens to and publishes this trash. What a lousy image Nugent portrays for the GOP and all of America.
Why do we listen to uneducated low IQ people this guy needs to stick to music I feel he is what comes out of his mouth.
Rethuglican's racist and idiots through and through.
The press should not pay any attention to idiot fools like Nugent. He's a body without a brain. Besides, what makes him such an authority?
I really hate it when people make rude statements in terms of politics only to late "apologize" for what they said.
I don't care he called Obama an mongrel, I don't agree but I also dont care.
I care that he back tracked on his opinion and should stand firmly on what he very clearly thinks.
Im just a moderate Canadian, what I don't understand is why would people pay attention what this crazy guy has to say? In any other country he would be laughed at as a lunatic.
Ted Nugent is a 'subhuman mongrel'! Oops, I'm sorry. I insincerely apologize – but maybe not for saying it and probably not because of saying it about Ted. I sincerely apologize on behalf of all subhuman mongrels for denigrating them by comparing them to Ted Nugent. Actually, now that I think about it, I'm not really sorry at all... or maybe I am. Let me see how this plays out politically first, before I decide.
Is Ted Nugent really sorry – YES! He is definitely sorry.
Of course would never say those words why should he when he has Nugent to say em for him? Perry isn't he the guy who had to paint a rock to cover up what he's thought for years. Texas when did your elected leader start thinking you are that stupid?
Nugent is a badly ageing rock star who needs attention by uttering stupid things. He is kind of the Tom Perkins of the second amendment movement. They no longer have the mojo that allowed them gain our attention so they say stupid stuff instead. That all right Ted I remember you for your hot licks.
Nugent should just pay guitar and keep his mouth shut. Or keep going and the stain will follow you and all republicans you stand with
Not good enough. He should be taking a real long, deep, hard look at why he says such things, but he won't.
Name calling is what DEMS do........Republicans should be above that low life mentality.
That has got to be the worst non apology I have ever read in my life. Nugent is a disgrace, as are his friends Abbott and Perry.
The GOP should be proud of Nugent, he represents you for who you really are. Prejudice mouth breathers that act like Nazis. He also didn't deliver on his campaign promise that he would be dead or in jail.
That would be "RACIST streetfighter terminology", thanks, "Teddy".
Triple K Idgit.
"I do apologize–not necessarily to the President–but on behalf of much better men than myself"
At least Nugent knows how much he sucks, knows his limitations as a person preclude him from doing what is right. He is correct. It would take a big man to apologize TO THE PRESIDENT.
Ted Nugent is not that man because he meant what he said, and is only apologizing for show.