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.

* * * * *

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

[awckid3]

lol

[ECB]

Yo !

"Yous Guys" are making fun of the wrong dudes. They don't play that game.

[willfarnaby]

The Republican Party... utterly pathetic and absolutely disgusting.

[timetorevolt]

He reminds me of Rick Santorum..Looks like him too..Hope his career in congress takes Santorum's path...Can't wait to see this video come back to haunt him during his next election..

[Bluesue]

It's always a joke with the Republicans. They have a warped sense of humor.

[Scarllatti]

The word, HUMOR and republican should not be mentioned in the same sentence. These folks are soulless. They remind me of aliens.

[najiys]

eric cantor and those out of touch republicains have no chance of ever getting my vote. i am a union member and i will make sure my coworkers remember his name during elections...

[Gerald Shields]

Is it just me or that does it seem like Republicans are getting crazier and more insane? Granted, the doctored commerical was funny, but I seriously doubt this union is being run by the mafia. My grade? Funny, but very insensitive. Make sure that the appropriate voters remember that Cantor did this and make the appropriate decision on election night.

[Donnat]

You're right - they seem like they've completely lost it. I knew they were sore losers but I didn't know they were psycho losers.

[2008CaliforniaFan]

He takes 'marching orders' from their RNC Chairman (whichever one is in there)

C. mon Micheal... tell Him what to do....?

[SouthPrairie]

Did you ever notice that Republicans are NOT funny? They should just stay away from it. Actually McCain and Palin were about the closest thing to humor I've ever seen--but the only problem is--it was always at their expense.

Another thought--is there a brain drain in the GOP? I think all of their years of trashing education is starting to catch up to them.

[doug108]

The quality of public education doesn't affect these people, of either party. They go to private schools, not the crap they leave us with.

[SouthPrairie]

However, I would contend, their contempt for education may in fact be evidencing itself in their perpetually uninformed choices. Hmmmm....perhaps edu-karma.

[wacpatch]

now since all these RIGHT WINGERS have dropped trow to show themselves, they need a good whoopin, bareass with canoe paddles.

[TommyMcCarthy]

I'm almost never SURPRISED by what people do....especially when it comes to politics.

This Cantor guy is a case in point, however, of something that is a source of constant AMAZEMENT!!!!

Again,.. it's not the evil, or churlish, or silly things people do......

But HOW do they tell themselves "Yeah, this is a GOOD idea......­....this'l­l fly............I'll get AWAY with this.

Just amazing
tm

[happy1234]

Apparently Rep. Cantor has not learned anything from the demise of the political career of Senator George Allen!!!

[Janskats]

..Hey..I'm tellin' Cantor and his little pals to keep up the good work! They're digging their own graves!

[Dovescorner]

yes indeed and add Bobby Jindal Gov of Louisiana

[SouthPrairie]

Yep! The GOP's brightest and the best! Amazing.

[americanalien]

Why do Republicans exist? How does evolution account for this anomaly in nature?

[Cactusman]

Evolutionary history is filled with dead ends and long-extinct species that once thrived and then died when they could no longer adapt to their changing environment. You do the math. That's what we're seeing here with Republicans....

The party of old fossils is rapidly becoming one itself.

[LWkcma]

This is what the Republicans snicker about when joking around with each other. This is how they truly feel about working class Americans. Yes, Mr. Joe 6-pack, working stiff, this is how they think of you when your back is turned. While they ask for your votes and contributions they laugh, at the workers who support them, all the way to the bank.

[SouthPrairie]

True, as is evidenced by Steele's contempt for the "temporary contracts" of construction workers not being REAL jobs. Just like North Virginia voters being NOT real American voters according to Palin.

Jesus said pride comes before a fall, and though I am painfully aware of this in MY day to day, it seems that these folks are blind to their own hubris.

[frederico]

You are absolutely right. This IS what the Repugs think of the working class. That's why they lie, cheat, and steal so they can amass enough money to rise above 'Middle America'. Look at their leaders, the contempt they've shown for the middle class all these years, almost succeeding in breaking it completely.
Be aware of these people. They are not our friends. They are traitors.
Speaking of which, where are all the 'conservatives' and Republicans making their snide comments? Truth got your tongue?

[thaneb]

This rogue spokesperson ploy (vis most recent update) is so old.