Grapevine: Harry Reid opens mouth, inserts foot
Senate majority leader under fire for comments made to the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce
Now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine...
Stepping in It
Placing foot in mouth -- a practice that politicians know well.
The latest offender -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
Here's what he said to the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce -- the Asian Chamber of Commerce.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader, D-NEV.: The Asian population is so productive, I don't think you are smarter than anybody else, but you have convinced a lot of us that you are.
Unknown male: Can I have Terry Wong here please?
Reid: One problem I've had today is keeping my Wongs straight.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
Reaction has been swift and negative -- following posting of the comments by conservative group -- America Rising.
From the Republican Party communications director -- "Yeah -- that's offensive."
From policy analyst Phil Kerpen--
"Guy who rounded up U.S. Senators to demand Redskins name change-- can't keep his Wongs straight."
Reid tried to benefit from a similar gaffe back in 2010 – trying making political hay of his election opponent Sharron Angle -- who told a group of Hispanic students that they looked Asian.
Reid released a statement today --
"My comments were in extremely poor taste and I apologize. Sometimes I say the wrong thing."
Meanwhile -- Reid's stand against the Washington Redskins has found a local ally -- the editorial section of the Washington Post will not using the team's name calling it a slur.
The sports and news sections will continue to use the term.
America’s Pastime
Is ObamaCare affecting Major League Baseball?
The Chicago Cubs think so.
Tuesday -- the Cubs ground crew struggled to cover the infield with a tarp -- leading to a waterlogged field -- and the game being suspended.
Sources tell the Chicago Sun Times -- seasonal workers -- including the grounds crew -- had their hours cut -- to fall below the full-time worker definition under ObamaCare.
The team denies the allegations -- saying staffing played no role in tarp problem.
Pick a Photo, Any Photo
Finally -- using generic photos is always dangerous.
New Jersey Congressman Scott Garrett is red-faced over a Facebook ad about veterans benefits -- that featured Soviet military medals-- complete with a hammer and sickle.
The Republican's office has apologized -- saying the ad was produced by an outside vendor and is no longer running.
His November election opponent called the mistake – careless.
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