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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That word is part of the KKK lexicon..........anyone who uses it is guilty of crass racism
Nugent should not have apologized. Most politicians are far worse than mongrels. In fact, there probably isn't a word or collection of words from any language vulgar enough to describe most politicians, globalist bankers, etc.
isn't he supposed to be dead or in jail by now? he's a blowhard who is all talk.
Brainless comments by brainless Republicans, Just ignore and don't elect them to office.
I don't agree with the comment but wish he hadn't apologized. Celebs and politicians.....why stick your neck out there to start with if you're going to back track the moment it's out of your mouth? Either stand for something or shut up. I hate our wishy washy PC society. If you believe in something, don't back down and if you don't believe in it, just keep your mouth shut to start with. And people called Al Gore "Flipper." By today's standards, he's positively immovable in his beliefs. And I detest Al Gore, but this is where we've come since JUST 2000.
The Nuge eats crow.
Ted Nugent is not intelligent, or he would use his time in making America better.
This coming from a man who literally s**t his pants to get out of serving in Vietnam. Nugent is a coward and a ChickenHawk.
"It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing..." - Shakespeare
isn't he supposed to be dead or in jail by now? he's a blowhard who likes to run his mouth as long as he doesn't have to back it up and he can't even keep the same train of thought for one interview.
I do apologize–not necessarily to the President
Ferguson asked Nugent if he was directly apologizing to the President for the comments.
"Yes," Nugent replied.
"He wasn't always a conservative cyborg" He has a history of concussions and is all over the map about whether he abused drugs or not. He was the guitar player on "Journey to the Center of the Mind" by Amboy Dukes, and his erratic behavior isn't going to take that away, but his current actions really scream "mental problems" louder than they do "political conviction."
Nugent is a disgrace, as are his tea bagger friends. He, alas, is the price of a free democracy. Like Ted Cruz. Rick Perry. The KKK. Fox 'news'.
Y'know, I saw Ted Nugent perform at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on a triple bill with Kansas and Blue Oyster Cult many years ago. He was the opening act cause he'd just split with the Amboy Dukes. He was really good. Not the greatest, but really good. I don't think he's ever been any better than that first album. "Washed up" is the term I'd probably use. Now he's using what small fame he ever had to prolong his career by spouting hate and attracting attention. I'd still go see Kansas and Blue Oyster Cult in a second, but wouldn't accept free tickets to see Nugent. Nuff said. Bye Ted!
This is why Republicans aren't going to see the White House. Who wants to give this lunatics a chance.
The party did itself in when, in desperation to win, it allowed right wing nuts in.
Case in point: Romney who is a moderate Midwestern Republican had to move so far to the right to win the primaries and tried to "etcha sketch" his way back to his natural position for general elections. And he failed because the people are not fools – they don't forget.
Until Republicans get rid of this right wing nuts, I can't see them winning the White House.
Ted Nugent apologized Friday for using a pink camouflage AR -15 .
Sarah Palin / Ted Nugent
God gave us the right to Kill critters 2016
Ted nugent is an Aryan? Wow I thought he was just a gun nut. That's different.
He is the only one not talking out of the side o his mouth.
Words do matter. It stunned me when I heard this old, angry has been rocker use the term subhuman. But as Adolph quipped, anybody who knows my good friend Hermann should not be surprised with what he says. I have voted Republican for the last 30 years – no more. The Democrats are useless, the Republicans are crazy and the Middle Class is screwed.
"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.
HEY CRUZ did you know-> your 2nd will never trump MY 1st!
If you don't like what America is saying about #2 then refer to #1.
didn't you learn math?
Let Nugent campaign for the gop. In the words of President Bush "Bring it on".
I appreciate the fact that Ted has put a face on the GOP. Keep it up. Obama is one of the more 'human' presidents we've had.
Who cares what ex-rockers "think" about anything?
So-called apology is unacceptable. Ted Nugent should vanish forever.
I haven't heard the term, "mongrel," since we boycotted Jewish owned shops in Germany back in the 1930s.
Ted Nugent, Ted Cruz. No difference.