Oh Boy, Does Geoff Davis Not Like Barack Obama
GEOFF Davis sits in the United States House of Representatives as a Republican from Kentucky, He is 49 years old. Barack Obama is 46 years old.
Says Mr Davis of the youthful Mr Obama: “That boy’s finger does not need to be on the button.”
As the LA Times notes, this is “racially-charged, unacceptable and reminiscent of a time in America that fortunately is slipping from the memory of most”. It is not a cheery East End “‘Right, boy”, nor is it a call to hang out with the boys.
Mark Ambinder wonders: “When was the last time you called someone three years younger than you a boy?”
Oliver Willis describes it as a “bigot eruption”.Anyway, Davis has apologised. He writes:
Dear Senator Obama:On Saturday night I gave a speech in which I used a poor choice of words when discussing the national security policy positions of the Presidential candidates. I was quoted as saying “That boy’s finger does not need to be on the button.”
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.
Though we may disagree on many issues, I know that we share the goal of a prosperous, secure future for our nation. 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.
Sincerely
Geoff Davis
Davis calls Obama a “snake oil salesman”, which must not be contrued as an edorsement but makes him “unqualified to be president”. Mr Davis has a way with words. He does not want to be misunderstood.
Obama might be elitist, but he will never make it to the dizzy height of being a white man.
Boy-oh-boy…
April 15th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Could it be the Tony Parsons ‘man and boy’ effect reaching across the globe transforming the word ‘boy’ into an insult ? Is Barack Abama a sardine eater by chance?
April 16th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
..is sardine oil the same as snake oil….?