GoldbergBlog

I Deeply Regret You Think You Apologized

During last night’s historic vote in the House of Representatives, Representative Randy Neugebauer (R-Tex.) shouted at Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), “Baby killer!”  Stupak tried to get stronger anti-abortion langauge into the bill even though the bill already specified that there would be no federal funding for abortions.  Stupak reached a deal with the White House where Obama would make an executive order that there would be no federal funding for abortions, a token gesture that would let Stupak appease his Christianist constituents.  White the source of the outburst was unknown, Neugebauer admitted today that he was the one who shouted the slander at Stupak.  Here’s how Neugebauer “apologized” today:

“Last night was the climax of weeks and months of debate on a health care bill that my constituents fear and do not support. In the heat and emotion of the debate, I exclaimed the phrase ‘it’s a baby killer’ in reference to the agreement reached by the Democratic leadership. While I remain heartbroken over the passage of this bill and the tragic consequences it will have for the unborn, I deeply regret that my actions were mistakenly interpreted as a direct reference to Congressman Stupak himself.

“I have apologized to Mr. Stupak and also apologize to my colleagues for the manner in which I expressed my disappointment about the bill. The House Chamber is a place of decorum and respect. The timing and tone of my comment last night was inappropriate.”

You see, saying “you regret that your actions were mistakenly interpreted”, that’s not an apology.  You’re saying you apologize for people who didn’t understand that shouting “Baby killer!” at someone was actually shouting it in the heat of the moment to apparently no one in particular.  Also, Neugebauer apologized to his colleagues only for how he expressed himself.  That was not the best time to shout “Baby killer.”

Of course, this isn’t something new.  Every time a public figure messes up, listen closely for the words “I’m sorry,” and “All the blame lies with me.”  Also, see if they equivocate or make excuses.  More often than not, especially in politics, you’ll hear a variation on Neugebauer’s “apology” where you apologize that other people didn’t understand your offensive statement.

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