Sen. Ken Salazar said Wednesday he regrets referring to Focus on the Family and its founder James Dobson as “the Antichrist” – a term among the worst slurs in Christianity.
Salazar issued a statement Wednesday evening, backing down from a remark he made Tuesday night during an audio interview aired on KKTV of Colorado Springs.
In that interview, Salazar said of Focus on the Family: “From my point of view, they are the Antichrist of the world.”
The remark and Salazar’s retraction represent the latest development in a bitter fight over President Bush’s judicial nominees and efforts by religious groups like Focus on the Family to get them approved by the Senate.
Not the Anti-Christ, but rather a big flaming asshole. But wait, there is more:
“After being relentlessly attacked in telephone calls, e-mails, newspapers and radio stations all across Colorado, having my faith questioned, and having my wife’s business picketed as part of these attacks, I spoke about Jim Dobson and his efforts and used the term ‘the Antichrist,’ ” Salazar said in a written statement.
“I regret having used that term. I meant to say this approach was unchristian, meaning self-serving and selfish.”
I carry no torch for Ken Salazar, and I probably hate his politics, but I can understand some pent up venom at vermin like Dobson. Plus, the Focus on the Family theocrats are located in Colorado Springs, home of the opressed Christian airmen, so he probably has had to deal with them on a personal level for far too long.
Focus on the Family’s political arm had placed print and radio ads against Salazar, a Democrat, and senators in 15 states, urging them to “STOP the nonsense” and end filibuster rules that have prevented 10 controversial judicial nominees from getting up-or-down confirmation votes.
Salazar, who is Catholic, fired back last week, accusing Focus on the Family of “hijacking Christianity” and trying to turn the United States into a “theocracy.”
On Sunday, Dobson and other conservative religious activists held a rally dubbed “Justice Sunday” in Louisville, Ky., that was beamed into churches and homes across the country. They highlighted the phone numbers of Salazar and other targeted senators, urging viewers to call and register their opposition to the filibuster.
That same day, a separate church group picketed a Westminster Dairy Queen run by Salazar’s wife, Hope. Focus on the Family officials denied having anything to do with the protest, but it angered Salazar that opponents were targeting a family member, not him.
After the Antichrist remark, Focus issued a statement accusing Salazar of “overheated rhetoric” and “trying to take attention away from his failure to keep his campaign promises.”
Push someone to the breaking point, when he fires back, he is trying to cover up broken campaign promises. Cute. It gets better:
One former Salazar rival predicted Wednesday that the senator would come to regret his harsh words against religious conservatives.
“The Senate has been and should be regarded as a deliberative body that is above the fray of name-calling and insult,” said former Colorado Congressman Bob Schaffer, who lost the Republican U.S. Senate primary in 2004 and now leads a coalition pushing to end Senate filibuster rules.
Schaffer is state coordinator for The Judicial Confirmation Network, which recently launched the Web site www.SalazarWaffles.com to highlight the senator’s alleged changing of position on giving nominees confirmation votes.
“Americans care about the judicial nominees for a variety of reasons,” Schaffer said. “For some people it’s religious, for others it’s economic, and for others it’s patriotic.
“By insulting those who believe that their religious freedom is at stake . . . he seems to have narrowed his individual emphasis on what ought to be a very broad, general discussion of substantive issues.”
Try to control the laughter- not only are the Democrats filibustering people of faith, why- they are attacking their very religious freedoms!
Probably still inappropriate to call him the antiChrist. I would have settled for fag-lover. Now that would have really upset them.
Halffasthero
Salazar might have been right about them the first time, in my opinion. I don’t want those people representing my religious interests.
JG
‘”The Senate has been and should be regarded as a deliberative body that is above the fray of name-calling and insult,”‘
Except the senate president who is free to tell another senator to go fuck himself.
stormy70
I guess if you do break your campaign promise and people run adds against you, then it is ok to call them the antichrist? So, mud can be slung at christians, because Salazar has been pushed to the breaking point? Give me a break, Salazar can blame all christians who participate in the political process, brand them all as trying to create a “theocracy!”, because Dobson is lobbying to get judges confirmed? Don’t be a politician if you can’t take the heat. Bush didn’t break down after all the mud thrown at him in the last election, I have no sympathy for Salazar.
John Cole
Stormy:
Yeah- that was it. All they did was claim Salazar broke campaign promises and he snapped.
Have you not seen these people in action? Or are you one of them, and this is the kool-aid talking
Stormy70
Hell no, I’m not one of them. I have read your blog for years, and I enjoy your posts, but since the unfortunate Terri crap, it seems like you paint with too broad a brush towards Christians, you lump them all together. I am prochoice through the 1st trimester, though I personally disagree with abortion. I believe my gay brother should be able to get married, but it should be done through the legislature. On the Terri issue, I had no position since too many variables were unknown. I thought you were right on the merits, and it was too late to change the outcome, because the courts ruled on existing law. We are governed by laws, but people have a right to lobby Congress to get laws changed, no matter their personal beleifs.
My mother likes James Dobson and since she loves her gay son, being called a fag-lover would not offend her. James Dobson is well respected in her community and church. She does not want a theocracy, she just wants her veiws to be heard.
I live outside of Dallas, where the political rhetoric goes nuclear everytime they have a city council meeting, and they are all Democrats. Passion in politics does not bother me much. I agree that some of these far right groups have gone way overboard, but not all Christian groups are trying to establish a theocracy.
I’ve disagreed with some things you say, but overall, we agree on a great many things. But since I am mainly a lurker, I can understand you not knowing that I don’t drink the Kool-aid. Well, I drink the Dallas Cowboy Kool-aid, and it’s darn, near killed me! The Steelers are dead to me, by the way.
John Cole
Stormy- People have a right to have their views heard, but this is not about having views heard. IS there anyone on the planet who is unaware that James Dobson doesn’t like homosexuality?
This is about a campaign of marginalization being waged by people who run around calling every despicable thing they try to impose on society off-limits, because after all, it is just their religious viewpoint. Nothing wrong with expressing my religious views, you know. And pretending this is just about some broken campaign promises is absurd.
These guys know how to stick it to people, and then they just sit back and smile and play the victim- unless you can think of another reason why Dobson’s good Christian folk were picketing Salazar’s wife? I don’t think Salazar should have called him the anti-Christ, although I may agree with the sentiment. I do understand completely how it could have happened, though.
Did you have to bring up the Cowboys? Grrrr.
Stormy70
According to the article, that was a separate church group picketing Salazar’s wife. They probably got the idea of picketing her residence from the losers who did it in Dallas. They were Democrats in that case, but the far left and the far right often draw the kooks. I think it is wrong, and does more damage to their cause. It pisses me off that these nuts get all the attention, because it enrages reasonable people like you, and the message gets lost.
Salazar is a freshman, so I do cut him some slack, but he’ll have to learn to toughen up, because far right kooks will always be with us. Sigh. Besides, everyone knows the Antichrist is lurking in the UN. :)
Cowboys rule, Steelers drool. (Usually over the defeated Cowboys) Double Grrr.
JG
Cowboys Kool Aid? Does Parcells make the rookies fetch him some like he used to make Pats rookies fetch his Gatorade? :)
Jay
unless you can think of another reason why Dobson’s good Christian folk were picketing Salazar’s wife?
According to the article, it was not Dobson’s group that was picketing.
And what exactly did “these people” do that was out of the ordinary? As an organization, using tools (email, print ads, radio, etc.) to alert people to a particular issue. Oh and the poor Senator had to endure PHONE CALLS! The HORROR!
What the fuck is wrong with that? I didn’t realize getting involved with the political process was some kind of crime these days.
Cripes. I’m gonna have to start calling you Sully Jr.
John Cole
I am pretty clear on what is in the article Jay, and I am pretty sure they were working in concert together. After all, as a Democrat, Salazar is working to roll back their religious freedoms.
And I will say it one more time for the wilfully slow (include yourself here, Jay)- I am not condoning what he said, but I can understand it. You guys act like you never heard of the tactics of these ‘good Christian folk who just want their viewpoints heard.’
AL Maviva
Right on, John. The sooner we can get these Christians out of public life and back under the rock they came from, the better off we’ll be. The idea that people’s religious viewpoint might influence their politics… well, that’s un-Amurrikin.
But what do I know. I’m just an evil brain dead guy who votes Republican, as Howie Dean would put it. Might as well take me out in a boat and shoot me, as Randi Rhodes would say.
John Cole
I don’t want them under a rock- I don’t want to live by the moral code they are trying to impose on everyone- that is what is meant by ‘having their voices heard.’ I see you have read your Hugh Hewitt today.
I don’t understand why you guys keep running cover for some of these folks- exactly what part of their agenda do you endorse?
The militant anti-homosexual agenda?
The abandonment of science in the classroom and the blanket banning of stem cell research?
The complete and total end to all legal abortion?
Making divorce illegal?
Removing all mention of homosexuals from libraries?
Criminalizing ‘indecency’ on cable television?
Control of your end of life decisions when they don;t agree with them?
Control over what medications might be sinful or lead to addiction when used to ease the suffering of the terminally ill?
Fill me in- what part of the radical religionist agenda appeals to you? The people I am railing against are not your next door neighboor, goes to church, belives in family and hard work. These aren’t folks who are merely upset about the removal of “under God” from the pledge of allegiance.
We are talking about a bunch of people who preach hatred and intolerance and pretend it is the teaching of Christ.
And you guys lap it up and tell everyone who finds it revolting and threatening hysterical…
I am all ears, guys. By all means, tell me how this agenda is good for the country and so appealing.
M. Scott Eiland
Salazar is crazy–everyone *knows* that Pauly Shore is the Anti-Christ.
Kimmitt
I’m just an evil brain dead guy who votes Republican, as Howie Dean would put it.
Cite, please.
Sav
Cite, please.
I hope Al doesn’t mind me helping you out, Kimmitt.
Since taking over as chairman of the Democratic National Committee earlier this year, the former presidential candidate has been quoted in newspapers making unusually caustic remarks about Republicans…..
Dean has suggested that they are “evil.” That they are “corrupt.” He called them “brain-dead” during a stop in Toronto — and while the Terri Schiavo case was still in the news.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/04/24/AR2005042401160.html
Classy fellow, that Howard.
Getting back to Salazar, his poor attempt at ass-covering included this gem:
I regret having used that term. I meant to say this approach was un-Christian, meaning self-serving and selfish.
So now all of John’s new non-Christian or “un-Christian” admirers here are self-serving and selfish according to Ken.
Let the outrage commence. lol
Sav
By the way, Salazar made these remarks because he’s miffed that this group had the temerity to point out that he supported Bush’s judicial nominees publicly in the run-up to his election last year, and then decided he would oppose them once in office.
In other words, he lied to conservative Coloradans to enhance his image as a moderate. And while lying is political sport, I can understand why some people aren’t too happy with him.
Halffasthero
Jay
and I am pretty sure they were working in concert together.
I could care less of what you’re “pretty sure” of. You don’t know and there’s no evidence to suggest it.
Now, this other group may have taken their cue from FOTF, but so what? It’s still their actions and not the actions of Dobson and co.
As for this particular issue, all they were doing was bringing to light Salazar’s tune changing once he was elected. Apparently, he promised to support up or down votes on judicial nominees and now’s he not.
What is so bad about informing people about that?
It has nothing to do with making divorce illegal or ending abortion, so throw those red herrings back and deal with this particular issue.
John Cole
It has nothing to do with making divorce illegal or ending abortion, so throw those red herrings back and deal with this particular issue.
Hunh? What planet are you on?
Why do you think they are so concerned about judges?
And, again, I will ask you- do you really think all they were ding was just ‘informing the public?’
W.B. Reeves
John,
You asked which part of the theocrat agenda those running cover for Dobson and his ilk liked. I have an answer for you.
It’s the part about winning elections. Winning is the only thing that matters to some folks. If maintaining the successful G.O.P. electoral coalition requires that every member of that coalition roll over for the theocratic right, so be it.
When politicians start paying the price for being in bed with the theocrats you’ll be amazed at how many folks suddenly see the light.
Kimmitt
Dean has suggested that they are “evil.” That they are “corrupt.” He called them “brain-dead” during a stop in Toronto — and while the Terri Schiavo case was still in the news.
Thanks, but we are all aware of how the MSM distorts people’s quotations. Can I please have some transcripts of what he actually said, rather than some reporter pulling single words possibly out of context?
Anderson
Dean has suggested that [Republicans] are “evil.” That they are “corrupt.” He called them “brain-dead” during a stop in Toronto — and while the Terri Schiavo case was still in the news.
Well, looking at John’s post about cutting $10 billion from Medicaid while rolling back the estate tax etc., I think Dean has some empirical evidence on his side.
Just because it’s harsh doesn’t mean it’s not true.
“But he said *all* Republicans.” Well, not everyone in the Nazi party was an evil person; did that make it okay to be a Nazi?
I hope & pray that John’s version of the Republican Party comes to life, because what’s slouching towards Bethlehem under that name now is pretty spooky.
tom scott
Michelle Malkin remembers the Los Angeles riots and has this comment.
Friggin’ theocrat. Waves a bible on a government street! Friggin’ theocrat. Prayed on a taxpayer street! Friggin’ theocrat. It’s just a good thing that this friggin’ theocrat wasn’t able to utilize a government owned, taxpayer paid ambulance and had to use his own vehicle probably paid for from friggin’ tax exempt church proceeds.
John Cole
Tom Scott- An individual using his faith in God and the moral authority derived from it to change people’s behavior in a heroic attempt to save someone’s life is not a problem at all. The man should probably get a medal, if the events are as you describe.
But that isn’t what we are talking about, and you know it…
RW
[blockquote]”But he said *all* Republicans.” Well, not everyone in the Nazi party was an evil person; did that make it okay to be a Nazi?[/quote]
Not all liberals are morons.
You’re not helping, though.
tom scott
John, you’re absolutely correct. After listening to so many dire warnings of “the theocrats are coming, the theocrats are coming,” I guess I just got caught up in the emotion and momentarily lost my ability to reason. My apologies.
Tongueboy
Plus, the Focus on the Family theocrats are located in Colorado Springs, home of the opressed Christian airmen, so he probably has had to deal with them on a personal level for far too long.
From Merriam-Webster:
Main Entry: the
Tongueboy
And while we all cower in fear when that wascally Dr. Dobson wields his 1st Amendment rights, it looks like the “theocrats” of the post-modernist Left have just have taken their most effective shot yet at the 1st Amendment.
Al Maviva
Please, Tongueboy. There’s a big difference between parents not innoculating their minor children for STDs, and the State of California banning criticism of homosexuality, or criticizing gay rights efforts. It’s completely different. Frankly, these theocrats are much scarier. Why, look at the unalloyed power Doctor Dobson wields… his influence puts the legislature of the state of California to shame. Why, when he shouts, George Dubya gets scared and stutters. And if you watched Dubya’s speech last night, Dobson’s influence was clear…
Sav
Can I please have some transcripts of what he actually said, rather than some reporter pulling single words possibly out of context?
I’ve looked for a transcript but I don’t think there is one. I did find this piece from the Toronto Star. Dean made his comments while in Toronto. I don’t know how many contexts there could be in calling others “brain-dead” anyway.
One major reason his party lost the 2004 race to the “brain-dead” Republicans is that it has a “tendency to explain every issue in half an hour of detail,” Dean told the semi-annual meeting of Democrats Abroad, which brought about 150 members from Canada and 30 other countries to the Toronto for two days.
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1111273810484&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154&DPL=IvsNDS%2f7ChAX&tacodalogin=yes
Kimmitt
I’ve looked for a transcript but I don’t think there is one.
Yeah, well, Al Gore didn’t say he invented the internet either. Until I see a transcript, somebody made it up.
Sav
Until I see a transcript, somebody made it up.
Cool. So I can say anything reported by the Washington Post or NY Times is made up–and really, what are the chances of that–unless there’s a transcript.
Besides, I’m sure the very left Toronto Star is in on the fabrication.
Kimmitt
Cool. So I can say anything reported by the Washington Post or NY Times is made up–and really, what are the chances of that–unless there’s a transcript.
Any quotation, absolutely. Those institutions have very little credibility.
Halffasthero
“…because what’s slouching towards Bethlehem under that name now is pretty spooky.”
Damn, I love that phrase! It brings me back to my Composition courses. Looks like someone has read Joan Didion.