GOP Rep. Cantor Attacked For Profanity-Laced Web Video

UPDATE: Rep. Eric Cantor's spokesperson has apologized:

"I would like to apologize for a joke that was in no way an official response from Congressman Cantor, but instead an inappropriate email. I apologize to AFSCME for my inappropriate email containing an old video. Let me be clear, we know people are hurting in these trying times and House Republicans completely agree that we must pass an economic recovery bill that preserves, protects and create jobs for Americans facing these economic challenges," said Brad Dayspring.

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As first reported by The Plum Line, Virginia Republican Eric Cantor is in hot water after his office responded to critics by sending out a profane web video.

The union AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees), along with Americans United for Change, started running ads targeting Cantor for encouraging Republican opposition to the economic recovery plan. The House whip's office reacted by sending out an ad of their own (but not created by them), depicting AFSCME workers as curse-spewing bullies.

"On your way to work tomorrow, instead of sitting around with your finger up your ass, look around," the voiceover says. "There's a union out there called AFSCME and they're busting their balls doing a lot of shit work you take for granted. For example, we pick up your fucking garbage."

"We don't take shit from nobody," the voiceover finishes. "You got that, asshole? AFSCME -- the fucking union that works for you."

WATCH (Warning: Language NSFW):

AFSCME President Gerald McEntee isn't amused. "Eric Cantor may think the greatest economic crisis in seventy years is a joke, but we don't," he said in a statement. "He should talk to the people in Virginia who are losing their jobs, health care and homes."

Brad Woodhouse, President of Americans United for Change, responded more forcefully:

"Does Eric Cantor believe that peddling profanity-laced filth around the Internet is consistent with the values of the people of Virginia or the country? This is childish, inappropriate and disgusting behavior from someone who is supposed to be a leader in Congress and a role model to others. Eric Cantor's response to one of the most serious crises facing America in our lifetimes is to spread this filth, denigrate government employees and treat the current economic crisis like a joke. This video has been floating around on YouTube for years - but Eric Cantor's use of it in this context shows how completely and utterly out of touch he is with the current economic crisis and the lives of his constituents. Eric Cantor should be ashamed and he should apologize."

And AFL-CIO President John Sweeney added: "During these tough economic times the last thing hard working Americans need is to be ridiculed by a member of the Republican leadership. Rep. Cantor should apologize for insulting America's workers with this profane video."

ThinkProgress points out that Cantor himself is an anti-obscenity crusader who has said "the use of obscenity" in television "should not and cannot be tolerated."

Comments

[Politisizer]

That made me chuckle...

I can't wait for him trying to explain this away when he tries to get reelected - that will probably be even funnier.

[Clayton139]

Well Said !

[finished]

This national story seemingly is not newsworthy in Mr. Cantor's hometown of Harrisonburg, Va..
For this gaffe not to be noticed in his backyard, renders me finished.

[catlover68]

The party that uses "Joe the plumber" makes fun of unions? That voice sounds like some of my NJ neighbors.....is that you Paulie Walnuts?

[booker52]

Cantor isn't sorry, nor is his office.

[Clayton139]

Eric Cantor is worried about Eric Cantor, ONLY !

[johnie2xs]

What is probably going to happen is that the furor over this will pass without Cantor ever having to address it. A minion or two may take the fall, and Cantor will slide. That is going to put it in the hands of his constituents in Virginia. What they should keep in mind is that regardless of whether or not Cantor's fingerprints are anywhere on this, the whole episode displays the mindset of Cantor and the Rethuglican Party. Their disdain and contempt for the American working class is endemic to who they are. In much the same way as we're seeing the attitudes of bankers on display in the House of Representative flogging that took place yesterday, the Rethuglican party in general, and Cantor specifically have no connection to main stream Americans. Voters to them are just a means to power. Power, that they wield, like a cat-o-nine tales. Wiping the populace as they extract more and more power, with reward being more and more money, to acquire more and more power. And so it goes ad nausium.

[michael098762001]

A dissident caucus in AFSCME in the 70's, produced that ad. You'd know that if you had sources in the labor movement.

[newmexicogold]

Your choice, Cantor. Be an Ameri - can, or a Republican't.

[VOTER]

He is now and will always be a REPUBLICAN'T.

[Scarllatti]

Faced with the choice between the Republican and the Snake (I hate snakes the most), I will chose the snake.

[Scarllatti]

Republicans are not TRUE Americans!! I wish we ship all of them to the South pole. An America without republicans will be peaceful and prosperous.

[Voter1151]

And why doesn't "Can't" apologize himself. I love how these guys send out a press release or a press person to do their dirty work. Be a man and get in front of a TV you jerk. -Voter1151

[Heady]

Chip Saltsman all over again ):

[Bluesue]

Why do Republicans always call their offensive behavior a joke like that's some excuse for being offensive.

[PrincipiaChamp]

I hope unions take note of what Republicans really think of them and workers. I remember the applause VP Biden received when he, with Obama standing beside him, told the reps "Welcome back to the White House."

Just like they were real, equal, and valued persons.

[springsm]

There is something about this guy that really gives me the willys....I don't know if it is that he has cold eyes or not, or that he reminds me of those that have sociopathic tendencies...or that he is just ambtious and not quite as intelligent as some. Well in the GOP I guess that really is not a requirement. Just sleazy?

[Scarllatti]

Eric is not an American. He is a double agent. Don't ask me the name of the country Eric is working for. Pick up your atlas. It might give you a clue.

[thepoliticalcat]

Bear in mind that this is the same Eric Cantor who gets his pink frilly knickers royally bunched about "foul-mouthed Dems."

[KathyinCT]

Eric Cantor -- another pretty face and empty head. The guy should go back to being a male model.

[Petey131]

Another example of the soul-less heartless rethugs. This Cantor guy is fuill of it! Look at his pathetic face, it says it all!