Davis Apologizes For Calling Obama "Boy"

The blogosphere is abuzz today over comments made this weekend by Kentucky Rep. Geoff Davis. As the Lexington Herald-Leader's blog Pol Watchers pointed out yesterday, Davis "compared Obama and his message for change similar to a 'snake oil salesman.'"

The Republican also used the word "boy" in reference to the Democratic frontrunner.

"I'm going to tell you something: That boy's finger does not need to be on the button," he said. "He could not make a decision in that simulation that related to a nuclear threat to this country."

Davis said he had come to the conclusion after attending a "highly classified, national security simulation" with Obama, whom he considers "unqualified to be president."

The Obama campaign offered this response, from campaign spokesman Bill Burton:

"It's hard to tell what is more outrageous - Representative Davis' condescending and personal attack, or his absurd and offensive claim that Barack Obama is not prepared to defend America," Burton said. "Geoff Davis may hide behind offensive tough talk, but he has marched in lock-step with Bush-McCain policies that have devastated our national security while Barack Obama has stood up against a misguided war in Iraq and worked with respected Republicans like Dick Lugar and Chuck Hagel to secure loose weapons and nuclear materials from terrorists."

Davis has sent a letter to Obama apologizing for his word choice. As The Hill notes, Davis wrote that "my poor choice of words is regrettable and was in no way meant to impugn you or your integrity. I offer my sincere apology to you and ask for your forgiveness."

"My comment has detracted from the dialogue that we should all be having on legitimate policy differences and in no way reflects the personal and professional respect I have for you," he added.