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

[Judetree]

Funny that Drudge posts pictures and articles highlighting Obama hitting his head getting onto his helicopter, yet never mentions the Eric Cantor video. Cantor looks and acts like a greasy, oily snake, hence his party affiliation.

[teepeeyoyo]

2010, 2010, 2010......­.like shooting fish in a barrel, too easy.....H­ey Eric, we won't forget your sense of humor (or lack thereof). We'll help you find a new job, but in the meantime..­...keep doing what you're doing.

[Obamalicious]

He was just re-elected in '08...

[teepeeyoyo]

He's a Congressman (loosely used).....­every 2 years.

[buggedabouttheus]

It seems that Cantor is not sorry just his sorry aid. These guy need to get real jobs.

[javel001]

Typical. Cantor is without question the biggest jerk in Congress. Totally clueless.

[LDnearthesea]

Duncan Hunter, Dana Rorbacher, that Joe McCarthy female impersonater from Minnesota, and Steven King should have a contest!

[javel001]

Duncan Hunter is your typical conservative, military-loving gun-toter. Dana Rohrabacher is a hyper-conservative fool, and Steve King and Michelle Bachman are Jesus freaks in addition to being hyper-conservative fools. Fortunately, none of them get national play. Ergo, none of them pose a threat to those capable of rational thought.

Cantor, on the other hand, is minority whip and consistently does his level best to be seen on camera, preferably making some moronic, utterly wrong comment. I can't count the number of times I've watched him make some inane statement on MSNBC, promptly get excoriated, and then just stand there in a half-daze. The problem is that this guy wants badly to be President some day, and therefore he's truly dangerous.

Just watch: First Palin in 2012, then Cantor in 2016 (unless he can overcome Palin).

[SensibleJoe]

American state, county and municipal employees pay your salary, Congressman Cantor. And they do jobs that keep your life safe, convenient and comfortable. Maybe you'll better understand how the reality of this economic crisis, which you think is cause for derision and an occasion for partisan opportunism, is hitting them when you lose the next election and join them on the unemployment line, you vulgar American-hating ingrate.

[LDnearthesea]

vulgar working class American ingrate! he loves Korporate Amerika!

[rixter1965]

So, Cantor is a LEADER in this party that officially espouses "personal responsibilitiy" and "family values?!?"

Even in a country that has a tradition of "second chances" and some Judeo-Christian ethic of forgiveness, the idea that one can do whatever one wants, apologize via television, print, the Internet, and consequences disappear is getting a bit old.

[reno1190]

I CONTINUE TO ASK HOW CAN ANY WORKING PERSON VOTE FOR A REPUBLICAN ,BETTER YET HOW CAN ANYONE WITH A PART OF A BRAIN VOTE RETHUG

[labman57]

Cantor didn't hear the profanity in the video for a simple reason--his head is shoved so far up his ass that he needs a long Q-tip just to hear you say hello.

[Herders4Me]

I live in VA and I can assure you Cantor IS the piece of sh*t he sounds like.

Maybe, just maybe this will be his Macacca moment - I HOPE so.

I can assure other Huffpoers I've never voted for him.

[geneven]

I'm the only person in the world who thought this was funny and entertaining?

HP -- home of the new Puritan Party.

[geneven]

Furthermore, I don't think this was even an anti-union message. The part about keeping some hardon from running over your kid was well-taken. The only part that went over the line was when he couldn't pronounce federated, or whatever.

It's a Sopranos take-off, right? Duuuh!

[bjammin]

Yes, you are, Chuckles. That video was so pathetic, I'd be surprised if even other Republicans found it funny.

Well. The stupid ones would.

[militarymomforobama]

You're not the only one. I'm sure there are plenty of fifth graders who giggle at the profanity. It's not even close to humorous, but it does give me a kick--because I know another dumb@ss is not going to be re-elected.

[donttazemebro]

It is funny. And I'll bet there are a lot of AFSCME members who think so too. But you have to admit, it is totally inappropriate for a member of the House of Representatives to be anywhere near it. Makes me really question his judgement.

[slaxx]

no, i thought it was pretty entertaining.

[Eoin45]

Considering your lack of punctuation skills I'm not surprised.

[chicagoike]

The Republicans have great leadership.

Rep. Eric Cantor - - - fckku the unions

Rush Limbaugh - - - I hope for the economy to fail

Joe the Plumber - - - I'm flying by the seat of my pants, so long as the Republicans pay me baby.

[militarymomforobama]

Don't forget--"I can see Russia from my backdoor"

[moneelove]

I can not believe how low the repugs have sunk. This can not be a congressman of the US speaking in such a manner. Where has respectability gone. . . These people are coarse, rude, obnoxious, without conscious, selfish, egoistical, con-artists and need to be voted out.

[Clayton139]

Eric Cantor is DONE as far as I am concerned !
I always wonder why he alway has to have his face in every Republican-GOP News Conference ?

Well, you are there now for what you really are !
I think Eric Cantor should Step Down !

[hernan1333]

he must have gotten some help on this by republican party leaders...­limbaugh and joe the plumber...­what a classy party...

[bjammin]

Wow.

Seriously, after this, me and him professionally are DONE.