Posted on 07/14/2004 8:06:35 AM PDT by Stew Padasso
Nader says Watt hurled f-word at him
Spokeswoman says lawmaker didn't swear
TIM FUNK
Observer Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON - Ralph Nader says Rep. Mel Watt used the f-word during an "outburst" against him last month and, on Tuesday, the independent presidential candidate said he's asked for an apology.
Watt, a six-term Democrat from Charlotte, would not personally comment on the charge Tuesday, but his spokeswoman denied that he used the obscenity and called Nader's charge that he did "a fabrication."
This is the second time in less than a month that a politician in Washington has been accused of using the f-word during a heated exchange. But Vice President Dick Cheney admitted and defended his vulgarity. Senators and aides heard Cheney tell Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., to "F--- yourself."
Nader's charge against Watt, made in a letter he sent Tuesday to Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., stems from a tense meeting Nader had with members of the Congressional Black Caucus on June 22. Cummings chairs the group, and Watt is a member.
After that meeting, Nader and Watt sparred in separate national radio interviews. Nader charged at the time that Watt -- he referred to him as "Watts" -- had used "abusive language" in arguing against a presidential bid that many Democrats fear will take votes away from Democratic Sen. John Kerry and help re-elect President Bush.
Watt answered those charges by going on National Public Radio. "I told him he was arrogant and that this whole presidential bid was essentially an ego trip," Watt later told the Observer. "I didn't think I was being abusive at all. I was honest with him."
On Tuesday, Nader resurrected the controversy by charging in his letter to Cummings that Watt had engaged in racism and had used the f-word and that he, Nader, was requesting an apology from Watt.
In the letter, Nader wrote that his meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus ended "with the obscene racist epithet repeated twice by Yale Law School alumnus Congressman Melvin Watt of North Carolina." Then, at the bottom of the letter, Nader attached what he says "are the exact words of Congressman Watt's loud remarks, as heard by all in the meeting room without anyone admonishing him."
The alleged remarks:
"Congressman Watt: You're just another arrogant white man -- telling us what we can do -- it's all about your ego -- another f *** ing arrogant white man."
Asked Tuesday whether Watt used the f-word, his House spokeswoman, Melissa Williamson, said, "No, he did not. He wanted to make sure his staff knew that he did not cuss at all. That's a fabrication."
That denial brought more strong words from Nader.
"He said it, shouting. It reflects on his character," Nader told the Observer. "If he didn't say it, would he be hiding behind a spokeswoman? ... I was stunned (to hear Watt say it) -- a man of his accomplishments has to resort to those kind of obscene epithets? He should argue the case -- he's a lawyer. This was an eruption and I want to put a stop to it. He's not going to play the race card with me."
Cummings could not be reached for comment Tuesday. But Candice Tolliver, spokeswoman for the Congressional Black Caucus, said she attended the meeting with Nader "and I did not hear that (f-word from Watt). Unequivocally, I did not hear that. Mel Watt did not say that."
Nader's spokesman, Kevin Zeese, said he was equally sure he did hear it and sent the Observer an e-mail with notes he said he took during the meeting. "I'm glad he's too embarrassed to admit it," Zeese said about Watt.
The Nader group tried to tape-record the meeting, but members of the caucus objected.
Williamson said Watt plans no apology to Nader.
"Congressman Watt: You're just another arrogant white man -- telling us what we can do -- it's all about your ego -- another f *** ing arrogant white man."
And of course Watt is a Saint.
This will certainly get as much press coverage as Cheney's remark to Leahy.
< / sarcasm>
f-a-r-m-i-n-g ???
Nader has got to be all wet. I cannot imagine a Dim using language like that. That type of language is only used by mean-spirited Republicans like Cheney...
Ralph, as much as I believe in the importance of your candidacy in November, you must pick your issues more carefully. The brave opportunity that you provide to allow liberals, like me, a nuanced and real choice in November might be squandered if they realize that you are approaching senility.
Yep. Dems just don't talk that way. Nader must be a liar.
Christ on a crutch, Nader looks like 10,000 miles of BAD ROAD and me on a hardtail Harley! I wouldn't vote him for the neighborhood turd scooper!
Watt, commenting later, said "How dare that f'ing moron Nader accuse me of "f-bombing" him! I didn't do it, but I f'ing wish I had...f'ing lying sack of s**t."
I'd guess F-A-I-L-I-N-G.
"Senators and aides heard Cheney tell Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., to "F--- yourself."
Being from Wyoming I do know that both great and small will call a duck a duck, if it waddles, quacks, and looks like a duck, then it is a duck. And that creep Leahy is a ducking duck. I for one am very proud of our VP
It was Cummings who wore white gloves while he carried the sacred crown and walked six paces behind at the Washington coronation of Emperor/Savior Rev. Moon. So, Ralph, Eli has friends in high places.
The coronation is another story that the ultra-left wing media has covered up. Cummings was mentioned at first but not any more. They also said that, because the Sacred Coronation was held in a Senate space, a US Senator must have signed off on the initial request. This Senator, to my knowledge, has not been identified. That clearly means that it was a dem and his identity is being intentionally concealed. If it had been a Republican, the fact, long ago, would have been leaked to the media and, of course, published.
Awwwww Ralphie, he already has.
"Congressman Watt: You're just another arrogant white man -- telling us what we can do -- it's all about your ego -- another f *** ing arrogant white man."
That is it, I am sick and tired of not having a "White Jesse Jackson" who can lay down the racist smack on blacks for us beige folks.
Down with black racism. Say it Loud, I'm Beige And I'm Proud!
Since Watt was not bright enough to support his position he was left with nothing other than obscenities and name calling. He proved himself to be a crude and lacking in social skills. I also disapproved Cheney's use of the word.
Watt's an idiot and an ass.
Doesn't he come from a gerrymandered district just like Corinne Brown?
It's a f***ing epidemic, I tell you!
GASP
Ralph, that guy Watt has some F'ng nerve. F him.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.