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

[ssb752]

What's a Republican leaders favorite zoo animal? The Hippo Crit.

[edwarvir]

Remember this jerk when you go to vote
Virginians

[Steamboater]

The apology was pretty transparent. This was no joke. This is the voice of the republican party, and it's not surprising that Cantor hasn't apologized for anything, just his spokeman.

[lagumbo]

This is what we should expect from Cantor and the TALIBAN PARTY [GOP]. They don't care about the american people. All they care about is the fat cats on wall street. That is why they have been fillerbustering the stimulus bill. They want tax cuts for the rich and go to hell for the working class. We must also remember Cantor was one of Abramoff's bag boys who robbed the Indians out of all their casino money. So why should we be surprised. Just vote this creep out of office and then the country can get a foot up.

[bubbuh]

Cantor get my brain to work, nope, nope, nope.

[mdn]

Apology from a spokesman . . . are we supposed to think he is sincere?

[sugarfree]

Eric Cantor should take his own advice.
Read the story on Eric and Diana Cantor at http://www.propublica.org/article/bank.
This will tell you how much Eric Cantor really care about people hurting.

[silentknight65]

They call him the Republican "whip"....­..this punk needs to BE WHIPPED!

[marc1antony]

amen to that.

[Losercuda]

Here is all you need to know about Eric Cantor: His spokesperson has the name "Bradley Dayspring.­"

Would that possible be "Bradley Dayspring, IV" of the "Hampton Daysprings?"

[lbolle]

Why do they always laugh ot stupid stuff? This video is dumb. And not funny.

[AbstractImp]

Typical back door republican rant - Today only Limbaugh and O'Reilly can get away with this crap live.

If this is the level of conversation from one of the candidates for the GOP chair "given" to Steele, then perhaps mister Cantor should consider stepping down from the house and giving the position to someone more interested in helping the nation.

If this is his example of leadership, right along with all his blind obstruction, then we are quite happy his votes are irrelevant.

It's early in the year, but already there are quite a number of jerks lined up in the news!

[kasinca]

The state of VA should be ashamed for electing this squirrel. He is ridulous.

[soccerjim]

We are but remember not all of us elected / voted for Cantor !

[lacyadjuster]

Eric Cantor is a schmuckerdoodle. Seriously, he isn't worth the attention, effort or brain space. I have listened to him whine and stand behind the Republican leadership and he in short order just showed himself to be one of the sheep. He isn't going to last long. I'm glad something like this came out. Truth is truth.

[HeartT]

This is another example of how hypocritical the Republicans can be. How they disrespect average Americans. To mock us this way, how can we trust them?

[operaglass]

I cannot believe that Cantor was elected in the first place. As a former Virginian whose family has lived in the Old Dominion for many many generations I am disgusted by him. He does not represent Virginia - his family was completely unknown before he was elected and he has no manners.

[BrutusHonestus]

This shows the real problem with Virginia . . . a purported "blue blood's" biggest worry is about the fact that Cantor's family is "unknown," and he has "no manners." What does our Virginia Gentleman think of Cantor's politics????

[amiblueyoubet]

If this is how he behaves publicly, could you imagine how he does behind closed doors?