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.
Should be, "Ted Nimrod".
It's almost funny that a subhuman like Nugent would say what he did about President Obama. Isn't Nugent a Sasquatch? At any rate, I don't see where our president has attacked the 2nd amendment at all. I've yet to see any guns taken away from anyone. I guess when you're paranoid it's ok to just make up anything to fit your narrative.
Republican supporter Ted Nugent said what? Well stupid that's just more votes fpr the Democrats. Funny to see Rand Paul, Rick Perry and Ted Cruz duck for cover. What a great lineup for 2016.
Why does this old former rock star, or for that matter, any "celebrity" think we care what they say simply because they have a built-in forum that allows them to be heard more than the rest of us?
you can't apologize for something like that as it would be a fake apology.
Obama is a mongrel...why apologize?
Not accepted. Charge him with a hate crime and let him apologize to a judge to stop all rw racist garbage.
Enough already.
Wasn't racist in the least. Stick to your guns Uncle Ted.
Uncle Ted for President in 2016!!! NRA 4 Life!
As much as I dislike the President I wouldn’t make the statement that Ted did. Actually, I think just calling him a liberal if far worse than a “subhuman mongrel”!
Republicans have profoundly low standards for people they admire. All you have to do is be a vocal, extremist nutball with a baby-like need for attention and POOF! Republican hero.
So in other words not really an apology.
he needs to take the time to journey to the center of his mind
The non-apology apology.
Well I don't know where the come from but they sure do come... if you know what I mean.
I don't see where our president has attacked the 2nd amendment at all. I've yet to see any guns taken away from anyone. I guess when you're paranoid it's ok to just make up anything to fit your narrative.
There they go again. Republicans with their foot and mouth disease, will remind them come November.
Obama is a mongrel . Do something about what I say free speech .
He has nothing to apologize for! The demon he is speaking of is lower than low. Calling him subhuman was very much acceptable due to the fact he and his tribe have spent more money on vacations than most Americans will ever earn in a lifetime. Mongrel is actually a compliment in this case.
Have guns been taken away? I'm pretty sure the 2nd amendment is still in tact folks.
This guy nugent is such a NON-event I flush far better events down the toilet everyday, its just too painful to watch people like Ted... but then again that's why times r-a-changing.
Saw him in k.c. In the eighties , at the end of the show , someone in the audience threw a bottle hitting him in the mouth breaking out his front teeth . Id like to say to that person , good shot .
His apology means nothing. He said what he really believes when he made those racist remarks. Ted Nugent is such a perfect representative of what the GOP really is all about.
keep talking has been ted you will seal the deal for hillary
GOP is doomed.