Anti-semite? Or just an idiot?
Either way, I’m guessing this isn’t going to do wonders for Tommy Thompson’s presidential aspirations:
“I’m in the private sector, and for the first time in my life I’m earning money,” Thompson reportedly said. “You know, that’s sort of part of the Jewish tradition and I do not find anything wrong with that.”
According to a report from Haaretz, Thompson subsequently apologized, after realizing that he’d upset some people in the audience. We’re not so sure that he made things better.
“I just want to clarify something because I didn’t [by] any means want to infer or imply anything about Jews and finances and things,” Haaretz quotes Thompson as saying. “What I was referring to, ladies and gentlemen, is the accomplishments of the Jewish religion. You’ve been outstanding business people and I compliment you for that.”
Found himself in a hole, and just kept digging.
In seriousness, calling him an anti-semite is probably too strong. I don’t think this necessarily demonstrates anything other than that Tommy Thompson has appallingly bad taste and clumsy political instincts. But still. “Jews love money?” At the RAC?
Oy. I can’t stop giggling over “Jews and finances and things.”
Popularity: 5% [?]
I wouldn’t say anti-semite. I think I’d say “asshat.”
His spokesperson also made an apology that was hilarious…something along the lines of “he just wanted to be complimentary about jews and money and, well, you know.”