Hayes Denies Denial

In a debate hosted by the local Independent Tribune last night, Rep. Robin Hayes (R-N.C.) denied that he had ever denied saying that "liberals hate real Americans that work and accomplish and achieve and believe in God.” The new denial begins around the 5:33 mark in this clip.

In fact, Hayes spokeswoman, Amanda Little, on Hayes behalf, repeatedly and flatly denied to The Crypt -- on Monday evening and again throughout the day Tuesday -- that Hayes had said any such thing. She further denied the charge even after The Crypt told her that four sources had confirmed that he had said it. She accused The Crypt of "irresponsible journalism" for reporting the comments, which first appeared in the New York Observer. 

Only when we turned up audio of his comments did he concede, saying that he "genuinely did not recall making the statement and, after reading it, there is no doubt that it came out completely the wrong way. I actually was trying to work to keep the crowd as respectful as possible, so this is definitely not what I intended."

At the debate, however, he said he was only denying the context. "One more time, I did not deny what I said but the context in which it was presented to us, Larry, was that I hated liberals. That is absolutely false and for you to say that it is shows a clear misunderstanding and a lack of a desire to find out what went on," he said.