7:08 AM Tue, Sep 01, 2009 | Permalink
Maggie O'Mara
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Rammell Makes National News

Rex Rammell, an Idaho Republican gubernatorial hopeful says he was "only joking" when he said he'd buy a license to "hunt" President Barack Obama.
Rammell made the controversial comment at a Republican rally last week in Twin Falls, Idaho. The topic turned to Idaho's wolf hunt, and the sale of $11.50 tags. Apparently, someone in the audience shouted out, "Obama tags!" - reports say Rammell responded by saying, "The Obama tags? We'd buy some of those."
Rammell told The Associated Press last week he sees no reason to apologize for the comment because it was just a joke:

"What I would say to all my Democrat Idahoans: Take a deep breath and relax. We're not going to go out and hunt Obama." - Rex Rammell
He also commented on his twitter account:

@rammellrex: "Obama hunting tags was just a joke! Everyone knows Idaho has no jurisdiction to issue tags in Washington D.C."
U.S. Rep. Walt Minnick, U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, and Govornor Otter are all upset about Rammell's comments. The story has made national news headlines, and some worry it gives Idaho a bad name.
UPDATE: 11:30am
Rammell: "Mountains out of Mole Hills..."
Today, Rammell held a news conference in Boise to address the comments. He said he doesn't and wouldn't advocate taking a life, or harming the President.
He said he's not sorry for the comment, but he is sorry about the way people took it. He says it was simply a joke. He also criticized Idaho's Congressional Delegation, and the Governor for "attacking" him for what he said.
Rammell says his comments were taken out of context, he says he wasn't serious, and he was simply responding to a woman with a comment in the audience. Rammell says he didn't do anything wrong... and that in his opinion - it was an insignificant comment.
He says he won't apologize because of the "condemnation" he's received from our Idaho GOP leaders. He says they are just worried that "Rex Rammell will become the Governor" - and are trying to ruin his chances of winning.
*What do you think? Should he apologize or not?
Isn't threatening the life of a sitting president a federal offense? Like saying bomb at airport security or something. At the very least this should be a career ender for this meat head. I don't think an apology is necessary because that would assume that anything this man has to say is worth listening to. No he just needs to crawl back under the rock he came from.
I think people need to just take it for what it was, a smart aleck comeback to an equally smart aleck comment. It's unfortunate that it came from a public figure and started such a stir, but c'mon folks - have you never made an off the cuff comment that wouldn't torque SOMEONE off?
Think about the political "cartoons" you get in your email - they make this look like child's play, and ther have been some nasty ones from both leanings.
It seems some tend to play the "righteous indignation" card a bit too heavily. Lighten up and move on, I don't think the dude's gonna go Obama hunting any time soon.
He was making a joke, people need to lighten up and stop trying to be so "politically correct". What a crock that is, to be politically correct. We are losing our freedom of speech amoung other rights just because everyone is afraid to speak up. I say if you feel strongly about an issue go ahead and say what is on your mind even if you would be considered politically incorrect.
Didn't sound like much of a joke to me. Someone who wants the trust and respect of the public should have better sense than to make a comment such as that. The good thing here is that we all can see what he really thinks and avoid letting him anywhere near public office. He has shown his lack of good sense and certainly lack of good taste. His comment was beyond disrespectful, it was despicable.
It's disgusting that any citizen of this country would be so disrespectful to the President of the United States!! It's not the first thing an Idaho Politician has said or done that has made me ashamed of Idaho!
The comment made was completely inappropriate, and that is what should be recognized by Rammel.
Many things could be brushed off as "joking", but it is the undertone of hatred, bigotry, and ignorance, that I believe has people so upset by this "joke." Can and should we simply ignore what was being said here (that if this person could obtain licence to kill another, he would) because it was a joke?
And to the comment -- "What I would say to all my Democrat Idahoans: Take a deep breath and relax. We're not going to go out and hunt Obama." - Rex Rammell -- What a brushoff! I would ask that Rex Rammel be more accountable for what he is saying and actually issue the apology, in hopes that he might be more thoughtful about his language in the future.
To make such an off key comment shows a lack of discretion and diplomacy that I definitely would not want representing me or my state. I would hope that Idahoans would expect more as well.
And to Rex, have you not been paying attention?
To all the news coverage surrounding the responsibility of our media and those who have a platform to not spread messages of hate?
Because, literally people who walk that line of staying home or doing something atrocious, like committing murder or hate crimes, are just looking for reasons and validation to do what you insinuate in your joke.
It is comments like these that instigate horrible acts of violence. Look at the recent DC shooting at the Holocaust museum, look at people becoming violent and entering into mob like behavior at recent Town Hall meetings.
Yes, in America you have the right to say anything you like, and dismiss anything you like as a joke. But I would hope that as people we rise to a higher standard than vocalizing every impulsive and ignorant thought that comes to mind.
How can threatening a bounty on someone be "a joke"? Considering him a serious candidate is the real joke. I hope the people of Idaho inform him that we aren't interested in someone as distasteful as he is representing our state in any capacity.
Really helps Idaho's "red-neck/hick" image!!
And the fact that he sees it as a "boon to his campaign" just adds insult to injury. An apology would be pointless, because it would never be sincere.
When did we become so sensitive that we can't appreciate a little humor? The people of Idaho need to be tougher than that. If other people can hurt your feelings then they have too much control over you.
And....I am a firm Obama supporter. I think Rammells comments were fine and they made me smile.
Totally inappropriate. No one should threaten a sitting president even as a "joke" Tasteless, tasteless. I felt there is great underlying bigotry, hatred and ignorance behind any of these types of so-called humor.
Yes, he should apologize. Joking about shooting our president is disrespectful and not funny. Shouldn't a gubernatorial hopeful be setting a good example for our children? If he fails to apologize for this comment, how much less humility would he display if he were elected?
May have been a cute little joke in his eyes, but evil in nature, as Obama is our president and we as Americans should always try our best to respect that position, whether we lean right or left. I did not believe in Bush and his policies, but I had respect for him as our president and would have felt the same way if the comment was directed at him. Once in office, we should all try our best to respect and support our president. This Rammell character thinks he is funny and cute, but in retrospect, is simply ignorant. He is the joke..haha I just shake my head with pity. He only shows his true character and for those of you that are thinking of voting for this clown, pity on your judgement....because he would do the same to you to, (make a joke of you) if it would get him where he wants to be.....pathetic politics. Wow...it is sometimes difficult dealing with the redneck, conservative and ignorant mindset here in Idaho. Just as I start feeling better about some of these fools, I hear something like this......Unbelievable....Oh well, not going to waste anymore of my time on it, but it was fun commenting
The long and short of it is Mr.Rammell is simply an IDIOT. Are you kidding me, Obama tags?
Mr. Rammell obviously is not smart enough to know when to keep his mouth shut given the position he is in. I think he sould be removed from his position and I agree with Ronnie. What would happen to John Doe if he made a "smart aleck" comment like that about the president or about a bomb in an airport. I am sure they would be under arrest and under an investigation. Whether a joke or not nothing like that is funny even if said about a president or just another person. We finally have a congress who can talk and speak with intelligence we certainly don't need any weak links like Mr. Rammell in there to make decisions for our country or state.
Who cares? Rammell isn't a serious contender for anything other than 15 minutes of fame for his stupid, un-funny "joke."
A "boon" to his campaign? Sure, 5 more dolts will vote for him. Yay! Go Rex!
The reality is, it was a dumb thing to say, and a dumber thing to cling to it like a badge of honor – particularly if you're looking to convince others that your campaign is about "courage, integrity, and honor" as Rex labels it.
One word Dr. Rammell: FAIL
Whether you support Obama or not isn't the issue here. Idaho already has an association with racism and White Supremist groups (however undeserved.) Comments like this just do further damage to the image of Idaho and Idahoans. If Rammell cared about the well being and political power of Idaho he would apologize, or better yet, have never said this to begin with. Obviously, his true priority is advancing his own career through whatever publicity he can get! This is not someone who should represent Idaho or Idahoans interests!
He's a redneck who doesn't know any better. Next question?
I think this comment is racist and unacceptable from a potential leader. What's next, "jokes" about the holocaust and lynchings?
Rammell is a joke. And fortunate for those of us Idahoans that are in touch with reality, he would never be a contender to represent our State. Most of the time his name is followed by laughter or head shaking here in Eastern Idaho. Those of you in the rest of the state are lucky to not have had to deal with Rammell and his foolish antics. He is always out for himself and I have yet to see him do something for the People of Idaho. Enough for now.
it was a very poor joke and rammell proved he can't think quick on his feet or blow off a comment from the crowd. an apology would do nothing since the guy is total loser in my opinion and a disgrace to our state. plus any apology wouldn't be sincere, so what's the use. it is obvious he possess NO courage, integrity or honor and to echo a previous poster he should go back to the rock he climbed out from under. it is truly where this loser belongs.
This is not a democrat or republican issue, "joking" about hunting a standing US President is going way too far. It would not have been tolerated if said about Bush and it should not be tolerated when said about Obama. It isn't a black or white issue it is about decency and respect for the office of the US President. If this is what increases interest in his campaign then it is a sad commentary in deed.
Tasteless and unprofessional.....and he wants us to elect him governor to represent the state of Idaho? NO WAY!!!
Republican, Democrat...shouldn't matter. This was a tasteless 'joke' and he making Idahoan's look ignorant. It's not about being 'too sensitive', it's about having respect and class.
Rammell should apologize. He's running for political office and wants to represent Idaho. Making the comment was in very poor taste, and if wants to be a leader he must learn to make good judgments. This and his view that he need not apologize reflect his lack of tack and poor judgment.
I think his first comment might have been construed as a joke. When he expanded on it with the comment about Idaho hunting licenses not being valid in Washington DC he took it out of the joke arena and made it classless. People like him worry me!!!
Give me a break! For the last 6 years I heard the entire news media, democrats, and polititions blasting, then President Bush in every way. Did you every listen to 'The View'? They were the worst! Now, a candidate makes an off wall comment and the media is going crazy. Why didn't we see this much concern when President Bush was in office?
Completely inappropriate and very poor taste to not at least apologize. Of course it was just a joke, however, he should apologize for the comment; regardless if it was taken out of context.
What if President Obama had made a similiar comment about republicans in Idaho? I am certain it would not be so funny then. He said he was just being "polite" to the person in the crowd who made the comment - it is not polite to insinuate Idahoans would want to "hunt" the President of the United States, or any human being for that matter.
I am very tired of left right republican and democrats that being said what he said was stupid if he wants to represent us then he should be above childish remarks.
Its time for all these politicians to grow up... I will not vote for someone that will get caught up in such ridiculous things.
sorry Rex your out for me.
Rex has no reason to apologize for anything, It was a Joke,Every one knows that you cant theaten the president, Gov.Otter is the one that should apologize to the people of Idaho,Worst gov this state ever had.
Once again we have an idiot making comments that make Idaho look racist. When are these idiots running for office going to grow up and get a life??? Not everyone in Idaho is raicst, or a hate monger, but when there is a person like Rammell running for office he makes all Idahoans look like we are racists!!! He should leave the state and never come back!!!! Whoever votes for him needs their head examined!!!!!
We enjoy freedom of speech in this country, and no citizen should be forced to issue an insincere apology for speaking his mind. Phony apologies serve no one, and diminish the value of those issued from a truly repentant heart.
That said, I hope Idaho voters pay attention to this specific issue. Sadly, there are plenty of Idahoans who enjoyed a big hee haw over this man's careless remarks. Idaho voters seem to enjoy electing and re-electing embarrassing individuals, as evidenced by the support shown Larry Craig. How sad for Idaho that we still have voters who just mark the "R" candidates without studying and thinking for themselves.
Playing the devil's advocate briefly; I think this is another example of the teflon coating of America. At the same time though, is a good example of how racism is still kept alive and well. Everybody is sooo sensitive. Sure, Rex might think it was a joke. His "bad" for his taste in jokes. He got the attention he needed from it.What Rex didn't count on was the focus it'd put on Idaho. Think about it. We've got a guy up north who is currently attempting to start the Aryan brotherhood back up and base it once again in Idaho. It took a long time for the perception of Idaho as being a racist state to fade away after Morris Dees took Richard Butler down. Now we have a guy running for highest state office making jokes about hunting Obama. Not all people are going to see this as a joke obviously. Obama in this instance is not the President, but a Black man. It's this kind of senseless comment that adds fuel to the racial fire. This has basically been translated at this point into "People in Idaho want to hunt Black people". Sure it's not what he said, but, it's what the perception is. You represent your party and your state Rex so when you say this it is interpreted as speaking FOR the people. THINK before you speak. That's what you pay speech writers for. Stick to the script and if something like this comes along again and is actually written into your speech, get a new speech writer.
Rammels first mistake was replying like he did. His second mistake was not knowing that he should apologize. Would it still have been a funny "joke" if someone had called for Rammel tags? Doubt it. He's talking about our president. That's way beyond appropriate. It's also a sickening thought that he represents Idaho to some who will read and hear of that ignorant faux pas! I hope he just buried his career.
You same people complaining about how bad Rammell's comment was would be cheering and saying how "funny" it was if it had been said about Bush - get a life and lighten up - laughing is much better for you than complaining!!!
This is a perfect example of the hypersensitivity that has been crammed down the throats of the American people. This was a joke. And for anyone to try and say our elected officials need to be more political is a JOKE. Are we saying that we want our "leaders" to read off teleprompters and have written speeches in front of them every time they step up to the platform. We need people that will speak their mind and be truthful. I have had enough of the do as I say not as I do mind set of this country. Right or Left we need to get back to common sense here. Just for once I would like to see the media and elitist be consistent in their judgements.
i don't like the Obama administration either. There are way too many scary things afoot (they make the Bush administration look harmless) ...
i liked Rex Rammell. I was planning on voting for him. I was pushing all my friends to vote for him when he runs. We even bought his DVD ...
I think he seems like a nice guy, and he is a great "underdog candidate".
While I think in this day & age we DO take too many offhanded 'jokes' far too seriously, i think that politicians need to be extra-mindful of the things they say. Even when something might seem harmless, being in the public eye has a tendency to greatly exaggerate things and cause all sorts of 'news' that just gets in the way of work. Look at what happened to Senator Craig ...
I think if Rammell had apologized for the joke, he'd seem like a more mature and responsible candidate ... but wasting all this time defending his mistake is making him look like he has a few things to learn before he's ready to serve idaho. I probably won't vote for him now. I wouldn't want a time-wasting politician serving my state ... we've already got one clowing the country.
I should add, too, that the local news stations who are continuing to cover this 'story' are causing more damage than good. If the remark really were some kind of danger to the president, bringing it to the public's attention and keeping it there only increases its accessibility to some whack-job who might try to act on it.
Good for his campaign? He can't generate publicity on his own merits? He better be careful who he offends--I come from a family of life-long Republicans who all voted for Obama because of the childish campaign run by McCain/Palin.
@Dairo
That may be true, but despite how much I did not want Bush in office, I would not make light of any comment suggesting he should come to harm.
@barmer479
So because Rammell knows that it is illegal to threaten the President, it is okay to do so?
I am embarrassed.
I do not think that every one should agree with or even personally like our political leader. But I do think that and amount of respect and professionalism should be present especially in the political hierarchy of our country.
If the comment were made by a comedian, yes, it would only be construed as jest. However, I am sure it would still be considered in bad taste.
Respect is the key word and Rammell has disrespected our country, our political process and his peers. Also bragging that it has helped his campaign just shows that he believes rude and ignorant rhetoric is what the people of America want to hear.
He is misinformed.
For all those above who supported Rammell, I suggest we get hunting permits on THEM. Wouldn't that be funny? Ha ha ha! Hilarious! Watch out, Sherry! Duck, barmer479! It's hunting season! I hope you're not going to be too hypersensitive about this, Holly! Wheeee! Wear your Squeaky Fromme and John Hinckley t-shirts so you'll be easy to spot! Ha ha! Funny, funny, funny! And Grandma — you're WRONG — it wouldn't have been funny with Bush either.
It's time for Rammell to take the words "Integrity" and "Honor" off his ad. NO ONE should condone this type of "humor." I see no honor or integrity in being "polite" to people who make such comments.
It's more than Democrats that need air....you've offended Idahoans regardless of political affiliation. Then to not offer an apology...your word isn't worth anything regardless. You don't represent me and with your behavior I doubt you will ever represent Idaho.
I thought just a few days ago- that anyone in our Govenor's office other than Otter would be a plus...Not this joke of a 'man'. Comment showed nothing more than his lack of class. Him not apologizing? So what. It's a comment that should never have been made. He looks an awful like a younger Larry Craig...Let's not let another foot tapper ruin Idaho's reputation.
I think this type of comment about another person is absolutely uncalled for. I've always considered myself a Republican and I did not vote for Obama. I do respect him as my president, however, and think Rex Rammell should take his job a little more seriously. This country's business is not a joke.
No...I don't think he needs to apologize...he made a joke...BIG DEAL...have people in this "free" country gone so nuts over "POLITICAL CORRECTNESS" that we can't even make a joke anymore?! Crazy!
What he said was completely inappropriate, ignorant, and disgusting. However, at this point if he did apologize, no one would believe it because he already said he did nothing wrong and won't apologize, so an apology would be completely fake and he would be saying it only to try to make himself look better. He needs to learn that you have to be careful when you're in the political field/in the public eye.
come on, Maggie. You worked in Eastern Idaho for a while. Rammell is an idiot! Of course his remarks were inappropriate.
He absolutely should apologize at the very least, that remark was completely unacceptable. I am sickened that someone (especially a political figure) would make that kind of comment about our president. I respect the Idaho leaders that have come down on Rex Rammell, and I would expect them to come down on any political figure from any party that used such poor judgement as this. Since this has been made known nationally, I think he owes it to the president and the people of Idaho to apologize so that our country knows that Rex Rammell does not represent the views of our state. Thank you again for those of you who do represent our state and denounce his actions.
I wouldn't vote for this man for dog catcher no matter which party he is in after that kind of remark.
The comments he made were not funny nor were they something a man running for a state wide public office should say. He could have simply stated that He disagrees strongly with Obama's policies. Remember also that he criticized Governor Otter for not getting a wolf tag because he was at a funeral saying "that is a lame excuse". Are you kidding me. He needs to get crushed in the primary so we never have to hear from him again.
"The former elk rancher also blames Democrats and the media for overblowing his comment and being too defensive."
Joking or not, it still makes people cringe to hear it; it seems Mr. Rammell has over estimated not only his popularity, but his humor. Those that support the "free speech" vein need to go back and review in what context free speech is used for.....
Whenever you are in an embarrassing spot, claim that whatever you said was a joke and was "taken out of context".
When you think of all the little "digs" like weather it is proper to wear shorts on vacation, the Obama tags, etc. it seems more like the Republicans are just poor nit picking losers.
Why weren't these same people doing something during the last eight years so we wouldn't be in this awful mess that Obama is brave enough to try to unscramble?
At least we still got to hunt wolves today! If you don't like Idaho or it's politicians.....leave, I'm sure california would like you back!
Maggie,
Perhaps Mr. Rammell thought that because Idaho has voted Republican for every Presidential election and he spends most of his time in Eastern Idaho, he could get away with a mean-spirited, offensive, disrespectful, stupid comment like that, and get away with it. The fact he makes jokes about the sitting President of the United States is not news. However, the fact that he is running to be Idaho's next Governor, and makes such a crude, disrespectful, insensitive comment is extraordinary. I do not respect Mr. Rammell. I will not vote for him and will use whatever means I have, to make sure that his name will never be associated with the governing of this great state. I am horribly ashamed of someone of his previous stature making such a comment.
If you were to ask the Secret Service, this comes darn close to being a direct threat. And a direct threat against the President of the United States will get your hiney locked up for a long spell.
No, I don't thin he should apologize. He's too stupid to even realize what he has done. What they ought to do is dress him up like an deer, and turn him loos when deer season opens.
Guys not the sharpest knife in the drawer. He should have just said he misspoke and he was sorry from the beginning and got on with his campaign, Does anyone seriously think he wants to buy a tag and hunt down Obama? No, No one thinks that. Rammell made a mistake by not apologizing right off that bat and said he misspoke and of course he would hate to see anything bad happen to Obama. Do we want someone with this much common sense running our state?
Too many sensitive people. It was funny and he's got my vote. He wasn't serious get over it.
Good Grief, Charlie Brown!!! I loved reading the blog and I LAUGHED at the comments...does that make me a rascist? Oh yeah, I voted Republican and don't like Obama...am I a rascist now? NO!!! Just because our President HAPPENS to be a certain color does NOT mean that when a joke is made about him or someone doesn't agree with his ideaology does NOT make that person a rascist. I think in this day and age with all the stressors going on around us, it would help to have a little more levity and humor in our lives. Get over it people. He isn't calling for us to put Obama in the sights of our guns or anything. Seriously, take a deep breath and smile...your face won't crack!
What an example Rex Rammell has set. Missed a great teaching moment there, Rex. So much for holding yourself to a higher standard. Are you going to get my vote? As Sarah Pallin would say, "Ya' sure, you betcha!"
Wolf Hunter I agree. California needs it's people back, it just might go republican again with yall gone!
Threatening anyone is not a joke. Rammell must not be smart enough to get that. He is trying to appear cool to his voting block but is really just showing off his immaturity. It takes courage to step up and say "I was wrong." An immature kid hides behind the couch and says "I didn't do anything wrong." Definitely not someone I trust at any level.
I guess that threatening the President isn't that serious anymore. Hmmmmm, I'm a bit surprised at the Secret Service. They mustn't consider him a threat.
I don't get to in volved in politics, voting, etc, but I tell you, after hearing about Rammells little innocent remark that was pretty funny, and the fact that he has a back bone to stand up to every one condemning him and not apologies for it? To me that makes one heck of a good leader and he has my vote. So if some one was offended by this little innocent joke, then that person has no sense of humor, a very blunt dry personality, and the only suggestion I have for you is my favorite remedy. First you take your right arm and raise it up high, then bring it down at a very fast motion slapping your hand across your face.
Oh my goodness, people! Why does everyone make such a 'federal' case out of EVERYTHING? We're suppose to be politically correct, not have an opinion about ANYTHING, different than CERTAIN individuals opinions, and heaven forbid, don't make a joke!
People are way to quick to criticize and make their rude comments and that makes things so much better, right? Personally, I think a bit of humor and laughter is what we need with everything that is happening in our country and world, for that matter.
There are much more serious things that WE NEED to be focusing on! GET OVER IT and move on!
Honestly, do people actually believe he was even the slightest bit serious? I bet Obama has a better sense of humor than most of the people that are so upset by this.
I would not vote for or respect a Man that jokes about killing the President while asking to lead our great State of Idaho. Since the man will not apologize for his remarks, he clearly shows a closed minded view for diversity or anything else. Only dictators show that same view in the political arena, and Idaho doesn't need a dictator for Governor.
I can't believe all of the stuff being said about this off the cuff remark that was meant to be, and actually was, funny.
There are some people in this blog actually complaining about the comment then turning around and saying they should go hunt the other people in this blog and Rammell himself!
The secret service contacted him and basically said they had to follow up because its policy, blah blah, and did he mean it. Thats it! You people gotta get a grip and stop being so sensitive. People in Idaho are more reasonable than that. If you are embarrassed then there are lots of other places with lots of winers that will accept you with open arms.
Call it a gaff and move on, ever heard of Biden?
Rammell says he is a grass roots individual. LOL I think its the roots of the grass he is smoking. What a self centered embarassment to Idaho. That should do.
I think it is absolutely appalling that Rammell made that comment, but what is even MORE appalling is that he refuses to apologize. Obama is the President of our country!! And whether you agree with his policies or not, it is NOT funny to make a so-called "joke" about human life, let alone the presidents. I cannot believe that someone so immature and with such little respect for our president is running for office in Idaho. He sure won't get my vote.
Let's just try to stay politically correct here, which means absolutely NO humor allowed. You all need to get a life and heed the important issues of the day, instead of focusing on a stupid joke that was made...no wonder our country is in such peril...get your head out of your a**es and wake up!
Hey Wolf Hunter and all your buds.....Not all of us are from California! Some of us just happen to take great pride in Idaho and actually grew up here and have roots that stem back many years! The point being....that it is your kind of mentality that gives us a bad name. Nice to see all the comments from people that "get it"! Maybe you should just keep to hunting those poor wolves!
Props to the reporters covering this joke of a press conference. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this worm of a politician dig himself deeper into the abyss of narrow minded circular logic. Whether or not you are a republican or a democrat, Obama supporter or critic, this kind of comment was an example of poor judgment. Mr Rammell's ridiculous reasons for this comment and inability to admit a serious lack of judgment remind me of "I did not have sexual relations with that woman...". The correct response to the woman's "joke" would have been to comment on it's inappropriateness or to have simply ignored it entirely. Instead Mr Rammell chose to follow one horrible statement with another and then attempt to justify both. I'm fairly sure his political standing is still secure with the toothless, uneducated, shoot at anything that moves, redneck crowd; but he will probably have some trouble with those of us that actually think before we talk.
Yes, people should lighten up, but people should also use some common sense and think before open their piehole!
Well Hello, I'm a born and raised Idahoan as well family. I think what Rammell said was immature and not the picture I would want others to see Idaho as. I like to think Idahoans are mature and our representatives are an example of this but comments like Rammell's is showing the complete opposite. Plus a comment like that will affect my vote as well as other "true" Idahoans votes!
Rammell's comments are an embarassment to our state. It is completely inappropriate to make jokes about hunting our president no matter your opinion of him as a person or his policys. I don't want to hear the argument about free speech or blame the democratic party for making too much of it either. I am a republican and I WILL NOT be casting my vote for Rammell. I do not want someone like him representing our state. Who know's what else he will make an off color joke about....RE-ELECT GOVERNOR BUTCH OTTER!
The joke was one thing, but this guy's handling of the situation since has shown how much of an idiot he is. He's not cut out for the spotlight nor political office. I'm glad he's shown his true self before we elected him to dog catcher. This guy is an idiot
I am a Republican and have been all my life. I, personally, don't want someone who doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut representing me. I heard his "response" to some concerned callers on talk radio later and was shocked by how insensitive this guy is. I'm ashamed he is affiliated with my party! I'm ashamed he's affiliated with my state. I guess Mr. Rammell; this REPUBLICAN can't take a joke either. Good reddens... GO BUTCH!!!
First lets get one thing straight. All politicians are all totally untrustworthy. Ladies and gentlemen, this country is a representative democracy. We are to elect representatives, not leaders. We, the people are supposed to lead. We are supposed to take an active part in the process. This country was and is supposed to be about "advanced citizenship". That is the only thing that will keep us from becoming subjects instead of citizens. Through the years though, the citizens of this country have gotten lazy. We hear something we like, and like children, we vote for the man or woman who promises to give us ice cream every day after school. They promise to lead us, to help us, to guide us. So, with our lack of attention and disregard of our responsibilities, is it any surprise that we have such few good choices for public servants? And remember, that's what they are supposed to be. Servants, not leaders. Rex Rammell probably isn't any worse than most. He just speaks before he thinks...or can think of a more polically correct lie. Rex Rammell is us. All of us. We created him in our own image. Yes, he shouldn't have said it. Yes, he should have said he spoke without thinking. But he is a product of our political system, and WE are in charge of it. For the record, I am an Idaho Native, and I do not like what is happening to our country. It seems all the truly good men who could actually represent the people don't want to get into the muck of politics anymore, and it's hard to blame them. To all, thanks for giving me the respect of reading my rantings here. I appreciate that, and may God bless us all.
Edge
If Obama is killed? -- will Rex's conscience be clear? Dead tourists at the Holocaust museum, womens' health care providers. Funny joke.
He made a joke of an ignorant outburst by some absolute idiot in the audience. Of course, he should apologize profusely, however more importantly, who was that person in the audience who considers a threat to assassinate the President an appropriate outburst during a discussion of hunting? That is the person who embarrasses and appalls me. Is Homeland Security or the Secret Service investigating that person? Was the threat genuine? That was a inexcusable outburst, and Rammell made it even worse. However, a simple and heartfelt apology for his momentary ignorance is all that is necessary, on Rammell's part.