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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What a back handed apology!
Ted Nugent was irresponsible for making those comments. He's an outrageous guy and not a politician. He could have simply said that Pres. Obama's policies are hurting this country, which a lot of people believe. It will get even uglier when Hillary Clinton runs, and wins, and it's very likely that she WILL win. Benghazi won't do enough damage to keep her out. That will happen because many women will not be able to ignore the historical component, and because the Republicans won't abandon certain social issues from their platform and concentrate on the economy and healthcare. I know a lot of Obama voters that are really moderate Republicans. The right wing faction has a grip on that party. Only the Libertarians make sense to me, and nobody gives a damn about them.
He loves his country and his guns so much he did everything possible to avoid the draft. Yet, is a proponent for the war on terror and 2nd amendment rights. What's that I smell? Chickenhawk.
It's easy to be pro-war when you never have to fight one.
"I DO NOT accept his apology"
Well then Kim Clark, I guess it's a good thing he's not talking to you now isn't it? And I'm sure you not accepting his apology would just break his little heart. /sarcasm
Ted Nugent and the GOP have proven their worthlessness many times.
They are exactly like the Nazis.
I'll never vote for ANY Republican.
That is what stupid people do,, say something bad and then apologias like it is o.k. now
The fact that people try to tie comments of a retired rock-n-roller to a poltician is laughable. If you want to find vile hate filled speech from the left, you can go directly to the politicians themselves.
Funny, your a genius, now grab your clothes and a rock, head for the river and do your laundry.
What Nugent wanted to do he already did. He enjoyed the time when people were talking about it, and when it started to simmer down, he decided to "apologize" and bring back some momentum. Disgusting.
Anybody taking Ted seriously should go back and watch any interview with him from the last century. His 1980's interview with David Letterman stands out in mind. A real genius!
Ted's more then a bit of a mongrel these days himself , I'll just consider the source, as to the comment.
Nugent belongs in Guantanamo. He is a filthy, disgusting, anti-American, unpatriotic thug. He has no idea how many brave Americans had to die for him to be so disrespectful toward his fellow Americans, our President and our country.
Ted Nugent isn't from Texas, as the story implies. He's from Michigan.
OMG a white man being racist never heard that before.
When is Ted Nugent going to admit he is a liar and a fraud? He said he would either be in jail or dead if President Obama were re-elected. Just goes to show you that most gun-toting loud-mouths are blow-hards, for the most part.
WAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!! all you Libs want is apologies. like that changes the actual true statement made at the time. as long as someone apologizes then it makes it OK, huh? tell that to all the people Obama apologized to after lying to them about keeping their insurance. they still don't have it! Obama is a piece of garbage.
Another non apology. He knew exactly what he was calling Obama. He is still a racist poor white trash, who made some money off of some mediocre music who Abbott has embraced. Did anyone ever learn that you are judged by the people you choose to spend time with?
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."
So if Obama wasn't President it would be OK? Nugent shouldn't say this about ANYONE, President or not!
Who's Ted Nugent?
Very apt outlook, Bob!
The cause that Mr. Nugent represents does not benefit from the type of disrespect he has shown to an individual who was elected by a majority of the people in our country. If Mr. Nugent wishes to help his party of choice this is definitely not the way to do it. He should stick to singing.
"He did apologize" If you think that was an apology, you are probably some kind of subhuman mongrel. How would you like us to apologize to your mom that way?
Ted Nugent is a mongrel, sub-human musician.
Aw, isn't that cute? Ted thinks he's making a difference!
Unfortunately, Nugent's ad hominem comments are on par with schoolyard name-calling. And, as with any argument based on name-calling, the party levying the name-calling appears to have no valid criticism, nor any substantial argument. Obviously, as with any president, Obama's policies are fair game for criticism, and many good arguments can be made against his policies. But by resorting to simple verbal abuse, Nugent lost the opportunity to articulate any real issues with Obama or his policies.