NBC's Luke Russert Apologizes For Suggesting "Smart" UVA Kids Lean Obama

NBC's Luke Russert has apologized for remarks he made on the Today Show, in which he implied that students at the University of Virginia are breaking toward Obama by dint of their being smart. Here's the statement he made on First Read:

Earlier this morning on the Today Show I misspoke and made what is without a doubt, quite simply a dumb comment.

Matt Lauer talked about UVA being a smart school and whether or not it could be considered a microcosm of Virginia at large. I said UVA had a lot of smart kids and so the school was leaning Obama.

I MEANT to say that many of the kids who go to UVA are from affluent, highly educated households who are leaning Obama and hence their kids lean Obama. Plenty of smart college kids will vote for John McCain from UVA, and plenty of smart kids go to Virginia Tech or George Mason and they, too, could end up being big Obama voters.

As an alumni of the aforementioned University -- where all students express their shared bond of elitism by referring to the campus as "the Grounds" and in which students fight to live in a bunch of dilapidated dorm rooms that require them to walk outside to use a toilet -- this obviously hits me pretty close to home. Russert is right to make the correction: based upon my experience at the University (that's how we refer to it! Elitists, remember?), there are plenty of conservatives there enrolled as students. Smart ones, too! So it's just incorrect to label the school as a hotbed of liberalism...though I'd still wager the student body, on balance, will likely break for Obama.

But is it fair for Russert to imply that UVA is a "smart school?" (And is it helpful? We are after all, in dire need of a quarterback right now!) Here's a story: in 1992, on the eve of the election, I had a fellow student tell me, in all seriousness, "Let me tell you. Tomorrow, Americans are going to go to the polls. They are going to ponder their choices, think about the issues that matter to them, think about the values they hold dear, and you watch -- in massive numbers, they are going to pull the lever for Ross Perot."

Also, George Allen is a alumni. So, if we're being honest, let's face it: the University of Virginia enrolls plenty of dumbasses. (Yes, commenters, probably myself included.)

Watch Russert's UVA report ("smart" comment at the tail end of the segment):

Comments

[forpeace]

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I don't see anything wrong with his comment.

That's just the truth.

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[firewmn]

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Luke, let it go.. It is okay to say whats on your mind.. More people shold try it.. It's liberating..!

[MM5]

Luke is absolutely right. Almost every educated person I know is for Obama.

[littlepuffycloud]

This is not the 1st time Russert's kid has stuck his foot in his mouth. He is so unqualified to have any role on NBC.

[All57States]

There is no liberal bias in the media and certainly none at NBC.

[progressivelady]

It's ok Luke don't apoligize, your just stating fact's

[jkpcguru]

Luke, the truth hurts! I'm a college student and I understand how it is. I have some mccainiac friends and i don't understand them either.

[scotman121]

Oddly enough, I've never been prouder in being an alumus of UVA. GO HOOS GO!

[quindy]

Luke, don't wiggle out of it. You spoke the truth and don't apologize for it. You are entitled to your opinion.

[PlantGod72]

Inasmuch as intelligence does not necessarily breed wisdom, vision or compassion, I think it's safe to say Luke 'misspoke'.

There will be plenty of "smart" people, young and old, who end up voting against their own best interests, ignoring the realities of the past 8 years, and SUPPORT the culprits who put us in this hideous place.

It's a sad fact, but true!

[AKAchip]

That then makes them truly stupid not just dumb!!

[DieHardObamaSupporter]

Off topic:

Do not allow Mc to postpone the debates call Commission on Presidential Debates at

[phone]

Leave a voicemail message.

[nolalily]

LUKE, ya got it right the first time. Know what you know and don't let those idiots scare you.

[timberdoodle]

Anyone I talk to lean Obama so whats the problem. I think it's a given if you lean McCain there is something amiss with you somewhere.

[honeydiva]

why is everything a federal case. PC 24/7 especially here!

[fitCTmom]

I saw that interview live and thought in the back of my mind he would catch heat for it, even though one could tell easily, that isn't how he meant his comments to be interpreted. I happen to think he's right though! Go Luke! I loved your Dad and we all miss him.