McCain apologizes for saying Tar Baby

[JaJae]

ABC News: McCain Regrets Use of Term 'Tar Baby'

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa Mar 16, 2007 (AP)— Republican presidential contender John McCain on Friday used the term "tar baby," considered by some a racial epithet, and later said he regretted it.

Answering questions at a town hall meeting, the Arizona senator was discussing federal involvement in custody cases when he said, "For me to stand here and … say I'm going to declare divorces invalid because of someone who feels they weren't treated fairly in court, we are getting into a tar baby of enormous proportions and I don't know how you get out of that."

After the event, McCain told reporters: "I don't think I should have used that word and I was wrong to do so."

The senator said he hoped it wouldn't be viewed as a racial remark. He argued that he was trying to say that it wouldn't make sense for him to have a role in something left to the courts.

Last summer, a top McCain rival, Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, apologized for referring to the troubled Big Dig construction project in Boston as a "tar baby" during a fundraiser in Ames, Iowa.

The term dates to the 19th century Uncle Remus stories, referring to a doll made of tar that traps Br'er Rabbit. It has become known as a way of describing a sticky mess and has been used as a derogatory term for a black person.

In the context he used it in, I don't see the big deal. It's not exactly PC, but it was used in its correct meaning. It's not like he was referring to a person as a tar baby.

Nevertheless, he immediately apologized for the use. It seems the upcoming candidates have foot in mouth disorder this upcoming election.