49-year-old Rep. Geoff Davis Just Called Obama "Boy"?

There's not a whole lot to say about this except to just point it out. 49-year-old Kentucky Representative Geoff Davis apparently had this to say about Obama at a GOP dinner in the state:

"I'm going to tell you something: That boy's finger does not need to be on the button. He could not make a decision in that simulation that related to a nuclear threat to this country."

Davis's aide didn't dispute the accuracy of the quote.

Man, lesson one in politics may say don't get caught with a live boy, but not far down the list is don't call a black man "boy." (It's near don't call your wife a "cunt".) People make mistakes and tongues slip, and I seriously doubt Rep. Davis consciously thinks in equations like "black man = boy"...but that is one serious fucking Freudian foot in his mouth.

Talk about elitism. Here's the oldest kind.

(One last note--I'm pretty curious to know what Davis considered indecisive about Obama's performance in the simulation. Was it that Obama didn't immediately nuke Iran?)

Comments

[Mattjoe]

...stop...­......You had me at "Northern Kentucky Lincoln Day dinner".

What should worry America more is the fact that Republican Geoff Davis was participating in a "highly classified, national security simulation" and that his ilk are privy to highly classified, national security simulations.

Have another Jack on ice there Geoffrey..­...and please, tell us more.

Should any of the sheep shuffle steadily towards his baseless conclusion - they may also believe that both candidates' answer to "do you believe God created the world in 7 days?" on CNN's recent "Compassion Circus" garners vital data from which to place a vote.

Yikes people!

Let’s test Jackson Williams’ “what if” posturing now – as a Republican calling Obama “that boy”, the angry mob of Democratic media sympathizers should be assembling as we write? And so they should – play on Hillary - one of your "colleagues" was bound to get caught in a brain stall, just surprised it's taken this long.

[Twinkie821]

HuffPost's Pick

I'll admit that when I first heard the comments made by Rep. Davis that I cringed and immediately felt myself stiffen. As an African-American it's difficult not to immediately "go there," given the history of this country and it's treatment of minorities. I don't know what Rep. Davis was thinking but I take his apology to Sen. Obama as genuine.
On the term "racist." I believe that it's a word that is being used much too frequently and with little consequence. Let me state for the record that I don't think that any of the candidates are racists, elitists, communists, marxists, socialists, or any other "ist" that I haven't mentioned here. I honestly believe that in the end, these three candidates for POTUS believe in this country and it's people and want the best for it. They just want to get there in different ways.

Now, my head is not in the clouds. There are people, some in power and some not who have bigotted, sexist, or otherwise non-inclusive ideals, be they against people of another race, socio-economic status, gender, religion, or sexual proclivity. The challenge in this election cycle is how we chose to deal with these flaws in ourselves. Do we keep going the way we've been going? Or do we raise the level of debate to the issues that effect us all? It matters to me, what we do about Iraq, Bin-Laden, the economy, public education, the poor, the veterans, etc.

[fourex]

Twinkie you are looking at the 'boy' comment in isolation. Obama was called elitist, marxist, and boy in rapid succession. I am old enough to know what a smear campaign looks, sounds and smells like. The campaign to smear MLK included J Edgar Hoover calling MLK a communist, listening to his phone calls, and ended with blackmail. The campaigners did not need to be racists, but needed only to play to those fears to wipe out the life of the American hero MLK.

[S1m0n]

All it takes for non-racists to campaign for the votes of racists is a certain flexibility when it comes to 'scruples'.

I dunno about you, but that definitely reminds me of some fairly prominant members of the democratic party.

[4wehttam]

Can we say B-I-G-O-T and G-O-P.....­..........­..Isn't this what their whole platform is based upon?

PS...... I'm sorry, can't help but add: Can't this "man-wannabe" afford teeth whiteners??

[Cathi]

How about man-sized teeth? Anyone who thinks the racial divides in the south (and everywhere else in the US) are fixed -- here's proof it ain't. Small minded folks continue to reproduce.

[UCLAdy04]

Where is the Clinton and McCain outrage police? Anybody...­no four days of pounding this guy for his comments? NO....nobo­dy cares? Oh yeah that's right...ra­cism=good, bitter=bad. Now I got it.

[Brooklynindy]

Nick, you say, "I seriously doubt Rep. Davis consciously thinks in equations like "black man = boy". The operative word here is "consciously". As a southern-born & raised New Yorker, I can tell you that racism is so ingrained in some people that comments like this slip off the tongue quite naturally, effortlessly, without thought - unconsciously.

[kettletop]

So Barack Obama will graciously accept the apology, and do so with characteristic dignity. He may even make some more lemonade out of this and turn it into an insightful and though provoking dialogue.
Anyone who has read the apology has got to think this man regrets his words only because of the negative publicity. In his mind this incident is over and can't we all please just let him get on with the business of being a public servant.
Many of the comments posted here make me sad. That worst is the gilesjp who says 'Geoff Davis is just a harmless drunk. He doesn't even remember saying those things. Please cut him some slack. We have all had one too many.on a Saturday night.'

No, Gilsjp, we have not all had one too many on a Saturday night.
Alcohol loosens your inhibitions but it does not change your character--it reveals it.
There is nothing harmless about what he said.
Look at all the hate that his comments have brought out in the commenters, and that's just the ones that have made it through the moderator.

[averagejoesgym]

I grew up in the south. One thing that people do not realize is "boy" is thrown around fairly regularly there to refer to White or Black adult males. For example, someone might say "That James is a good ol' boy, I like him". Now, having said that, the way Davis used it is used for one and only one reason--a racial slur. Now, throw in the setting, and it becomes even more obvious. Now, if anybody wants to lawyer me and say something like, "You can't be sure that is what he meant" or "Are you a mindreader?" go right ahead. You are right, I can't PROVE anything. But, I firmly believe based on years of relationships and observations in Mississippi, Tennessee, and southern Kentucky, that it is "beyond a REASONABLE" doubt that it was an aggressive racial slur to a receptive audience.

[December7]

Dems must not take their eyes on the ball or distracted by any slurs, The GOP is the party that took this country to war on a LIE. there is no other reason to impeach the whole lot

[damond42tx]

this shows u how white america still see a black person

also, for all the ones that say "thats not me"!

when was the last time you really said what is on your mind? oh, you havent said anything because you dont want to hurt someone feeling. well what do you really feel that you know will hurt my feeling?

[PuritanDescendant]

If there's allowance for Obama to chose words poorly, then so too this person. Whites call other whites "boy" all the time. This is a non story.

That said, what simulation was he referring to???

[antaeus]

Can you possibly be serious? Senator Obama unwisely ventured into the realm of the sociology department and got tripped up while trying to offer an analysis of Pennsylvania culture (which, by the way, he misread). But even I--a youngish WASP from a fairly sheltered background who never lived in the segregated South--know that "boy" as applied to African-American men has an unambiguously racist history. Davis is either one of the dimmest congressmen alive, or he is simply a yellow-toothed chinless racist.

[PuritanDescendant]

Just because it can be racist does not mean that it always is. See my post above in response to Ladeyday.

You're right about Obama. And what was his defense? It was poor choice of words. Seems reasonable. Have the same level of charity for those on the other side.

Yes, it was meant as an insult, but maybe or maybe not a racial one.

I've lived in the South, well after Jim Crow. The word "boy" among white folks was not uncommon. Greeting: "hey boy!". Merriam-Webster gives an inocuous definition: "fellow, person ".

Until Bush came along I was a Republican and voted: Reagan, Reagan, Bush1, Bush1, Dole, Gore, Kerry ... (4 losers in a row, hope Obama breaks the streak). Liberals need to lay off the racist accusation. The accusation can be as damaging as racism itself if its misplaced. Plus it plays into stereotypes about liberals and political correctness.

[sheisme]

What world are you from? "Boy" was meant as an insult, just as the Hooters comment at that same gathering was meant to be insulting. No wonder there are so many Kentucky jokes. How about the word "cracker" to describe Davis. This is the level of politics in America ...the Hillary level ... I hoped we could do better this time. Looks like four more years of cowboy, lowlife hell for all of us "elitists" who dared hope for a better AMERICA FOR ALL ...even for the bitters! Reap what you sow.

[PuritanDescendant]

It could be interpeted that way. It could also be interpreted as an innocent colloquiolism. Show me other reason to believe he's a racist, and maybe I'll interpret as racist. See my comment above....

[ladeyday]

As a 64 year old black woman, it was maybe 10 years ago that I stopped bristling if a white person referred to me as a "girl". Now, that's talking about someone to my face in a friendly situation. But even today, if someone from a southern state (hell, ANY state) was to do that in the context that this guy said it, it would be a total insult.
Davis is an elected POLITICIAN, not a local yokel. He was well aware that Obama is not 100% white, thus, his "down home" "country boy"ism is unacceptable. And it is NOWHERE comparable to the "bitter" ness. If this is what he lets fly in public....­..........­.........

[PuritanDescendant]

I hear what you say. In the past, "boy" was often a racial perjorative. But like Obama said in his race speech, we're not stuck in the past; things do progress. Today, "boy" is used more generically. I'm white. When I lived in Memphis, I would hear it around the office between white men of the same age: “boy, what are you talking about?”, or “that boy is crazy!”. Heck, the theme to the Dukes of Hazard: “Just good ole BOYS never meaning no harm”. How about the “good old boy” networks of lore? They sure the heck weren’t black networks. If I say to you "country boy", do you think of a black man or a white man? Blacks use "boy" too, like the one-word hip-hop exclamation: "Boyyyyyy!!"

Unless someone can show me other reasons to believe this guy is a racist, I'll be charitable and assume, like Obama, people can sometimes choose words poorly.

I'm an independen­t/democrat recently coming over from long time Republican voting, so I can share some insight. Beating the racist drum too quickly is a problem for Dems/liberals. Like the Ferraro thing (Obama said her comments weren't racist, just dumb, but a lot of folks did no good by calling her racist). Somethings can be interpreted in different ways. If you always interpret them for the worst ... in a way that demonizes the speaker ... well it can be counterproductive.

[CTO]

I do admire your passion on this issue after reading more of your posts (and unabashedly attacking me as not being black although I am). However, bringing the country together has to be more than jumping on anyone that misspeaks unless it becomes a pattern. Many good people have stereotypes that, through their experience, manifests themselves in ways that in our politically correct world are construed as bad. If as a people we can learn to not "cling" to our blackness and lash out against words that may just be just misused without any real malicious intent then I think we can help bring down the walls of injustice that have plagued our society. I am by no means suggesting that we should lose our identity as a people but if we tell "white america" this is what you can say and this is what you can't or call people who aren't racist bigots, you'll get a roll of the eye and a dismissive attitude in return. And please stop telling people that their opinions don't matter or they can't speak on black issues if they're not black. I've had white friends with me when someone has used the N word towards me and I can tell you that they can get more offended than me. I've gotten used to it and have enough self-confidence to not let those types of things bother me.

[MrKnuckles]

Well, what's sooooooooooo wrong with Obama's finger? I mean if you're going to destroy the entire planet what difference does it make, especially when the dumb subject is raised by some incoherent drunken Republican shoe clerk ?

[NC4Obama]

He already sent a apology to Obama over this, its posted over at TPM.

[AnninCA]

Didn't he use Obama's own words, "Sorry I chose my words poorly." :)

That's the funniest part of the whole story!

[JFB]

It is sad and concerning that you find any part of this story funny. I am assuming that you are not African American.

Could you perchance be letting your political ideology cloud your better judgment?

Oh my God; I just wrote “perchance­.” I must be an elitist.

[adept2u]

so, thats the funniest part what else was funny

[UCLAdy04]

Yeah because we all know that racism is HYSTERICAL! But you know what is really funny is how you were so outraged over "bitter" and everything that Obama has said...yet racism just makes you want to have a laugh attack. True colors...

[Michale32086]

One has to wonder if ya'all would be so fired up if Davis has said, "McCain?? That boy's finger doesn't need to be on the nuclear button!"..

Would you?? No???

So, who's the racist??? Besides Davis, I mean....

Michale...­..

[cla62]

I'm surprised they even approved your post. Wow a conservative allowed to post here. I know they never approve mine. Oh that's right, we don't want any opinion that may differ from Osamas.

[JFB]

Wow, a racist and a bigot. You must be so proud of yourself.

[ladeyday]

Gee, I thought we were talking about Barack OBAMA. Perhaps YOU are confused..­...

[kgb999]

Is this what passes as an "opinion" for a conservative? No wonder the country is a mess!

[anney]

But he didn't say McCain or refer to him as "boy". It's good he's apologized to Obama, who may be far more willing to forget it than Obama's supporters. His contempt for Obama is palpable and racist, apology nothwithstanding. Pretty sick.

[kgb999]

I don't know ... I'm an Obama supporter, and I'm soooo over it!

WOW! Some republican from Kentucky said something stupid .... OMG .... that's so unexpected!! (dripping sarcasm)

Can we get back to talking about health care, the economy, Iraq and all the other things that we should care about?

[JFB]

Pathetic. Truly pathetic.

[averagejoesgym]

Are you recently immigrated to the U.S., mentally challenged, racist, or just foolish. Do you REALLY believe that calling an adult white male "boy" has the same history and takes the same connotation as calling an adult black male "boy"????? Are you serious????? On top of that, Davis is from Kentucky..­...K-E-N-T­-U-C-K-Y. I know there are probably a ton of great people in Kentucky HOWEVER the state collectively does not have an honorable history when it comes to dealing with Black Americans.

[Michale32086]

A commentary from Mr Horowitz a couple days ago had an interesting comment..

""I respect the right of anyone to be a racist and say whatever they wish about me however, they may not restrict my rights in any way because of my race.""
-Edward Lawson

Everyone has a right to be something. Even if that something is a racist scumbag..

But when you start infringing on OTHER people's rights, that is where problems start..

In short, "The right to swing your arms ends where someone else's nose begins"...

Michale...­..

[JFB]

If you believe what you say, how come you are so critical of people on this post who are exercising their right to be critical of Geoff Davis for refering to Obama as "boy" ?

It seems you believe racist talk should be protected but the words of progressives must be attacked? I wonder what your agenda is.

[PNolan]

While I do not support Senator Obama, I am upset that a southern, white, male has used this term to describe him. It is simply wrong.

[gilesjp]

Geoff Davis is just a harmless drunk. He doesn't even remember saying those things. Please cut him some slack. We have all had one too many.on a Saturday night..

[ladeyday]

Oh, like the HRC Saturday nights....­..........­.....