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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I haven't heard this word since we called each other mongrels as kids playing in the dirt. And it made me chuckle. So what. You know I find even more humorous, is that the frustrated lefties can't find a place to get Ted Nugent 'fired' from now for his comments. What are you going to do..get him fired from "Rock"? Have his books removed from the shelves? You desperate mongrels...
Hope ya'll are ready to be losers for a long, long time. The intelligent people of this country will never allow the office of our president to be occupied by such low-life neanderthals the Republican party continues to field. As soon as your party wakes up and leaves the 19th century behind, you might have a chance. Maybe.
Does anybody remember what the democrats were calling George W. Bush just a few years ago?
and why do we care about a washed up classic rock artists opinion? sit down ted, the adults are talking...
Unacceptable. The day for apologizing for such comments are over.
Anyone who calls that statement an apology is a complete stultus
Now you know why when Texas was voting on succession that over two million from outside Texas supported them leaving.
So Nugent can spew venom from his mouth and then apologize for it. The FBI, CIA should be watching him like a hawk because of that remark. I'm not so sure that he shouldn't be sitting in jail. I would say apology unaccepted!!!!!!!!
To think that an apology would make everything alright-sick
I fail to see what all the hubub is about. The correct response to a buffoon is to ignore him. When you elevate comments like his by paying them this much attention you're agreeing to take them seriously.
By the way, try watching some of Ted Nugent's past interviews on YouTube (and when I say past, I mean from like 30 years ago). He wasn't always a conservative cyborg. And don't forget, as someone else mentioned, "Double Live Gonzo".
"I do apologize–not necessarily to the President–but on behalf of much better men than myself,"
That's called a "Non-Apology Apology".
Who taught him this carefully constructedTERD?
To all of the folks who are saying this is not newsworthy: the reason it is newsworthy is that Texas elected officials and those running for office want Nugent to campaign with them. It's disgusting but it is newsworthy that these so-called leaders are willing to solicit his support.
He should've put a stranglehold on his mouth....
Ted needs to put his energy towards Illegal Mexicans and use his influence with these lawmakers to get them all deported as soon as possible and make tougher laws to combat these illegals that come here for the sole purpose of stealing from the American Taxpayer and Worker. He cant do much to the president, but he can sure help with the illegal Mexican problem, even if its just helping organize volunteers to help catch and detain illegal Mexicans...
I hope ya'll are ready to be losers for a long long time. The intelligent decent people of this country will never allow the office of the president to be occupied by the neanderthals the republicans keep trying to field. Wake up and join the 21st century, or continue your slide into Oblivion.
I dared nugent to try to get into my house, and how he would die inside the door. I have no fear of killing him.
ol' terrible Ted ranks right up there with Rodman!
Those comments would let Ted fit in nicely at 1930's Bavarian beer halls. Have any jack boots?
Please continue to take Ted along wth you,,,,,GOP...He is another of one of those "Best things that can happen for a Democratic Candidate"
"Streetfighter terminology" is Ted's term for a racist comment that sounds like it came from a 12 year old.
Nugent hasn'tbeen able to write any decent songs for many decades, he should just do what he does best:
Go hunting with Terry Bradshaw outside of Sheveport and exchange redn*ck stories.
Don't worry people.... I have the IRS working on this matter. They were in the area anyways harrassing some of my other political opponents. I am also considering droning him as insulting the Dear Leader is obviously treason.
Nugent refers to himself as a "street-fighter". He had a chance to be a real warrior when called to the military draft – yet chose to report to the medical exam with several days worth of mess in his pants. Any politician who would be seen on a stage with Nugent is completely unworthy of serving America. Greg Abbott and Ted Cruz are great examples of that sort of sleazy politician.
Ever wonder why the GOP is fading from the National scene?
1) nugent doesn't play music...he plays instruments..Ok he go lucky with "Stanglehold" 2) he is stupid.
ted is full of himself,a has been who still wants the limelight i just destroyed all of his crappy music that i owned he is a jerk.
nugent hasn't been relevant in 40 years..just let him speak..he does more harm to himself than to anyone else
In case we wondered what failed 70s musicians did after their one hit wonder careers, now we know. (And it hasn't been that many years that many still recognize that much of that song was, let us say, "borrowed.")