Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009

RSS |

Twitter

analysis

Book Tour Shows Palin
Hitting a Nerve

'Going Rogue' phenomenon may foreshadow something bigger

Nov 22, 09 2:46 PM CST
Matt Taibbi

Palin: Our First WWE Politician

Pick an asshole, any asshole, and she'll rock the house

Nov 22, 09 10:44 AM CST
ROLLICKING RHODE ISLAND

Zip It on
Communion
Ban: Bishop
to Kennedy

Tobin thinks Patrick's spiritual matters should be left private

Nov 23, 09 1:21 PM CST
DAVID FRUM

Pundits Lie, Numbers Don't:
Women Despise Palin

Frum: So stop telling us how popular she is with 'the people'

Nov 23, 09 9:26 PM CST
Once-Profitable Services
Are Killing Local Budgets

Utilities, transport, even gambling, are now $3.5B drains

Nov 23, 09 11:52 AM CST
Debt-Happy US Faces Payback Time as Rates Rise

Cost of debt to skyrocket $500B in next 10 years

Nov 23, 09 7:29 AM CST
First State Dinner to
Reveal Obama A-Listers

Mad scramble for invitations

Nov 23, 09 1:42 AM CST
Ethics Panel Charges Sanford With 37 Violations

Civil committee slams SC gov for travel expenses

Nov 23, 09 2:25 PM CST
the big plan

Beck Will Host Conventions
to Educate America

He's shifting toward political organizer, plans big DC rally

Nov 21, 09 5:06 PM CST
editorial

NYT to Blankfein:
Your 'Apology'
Is Bull

Editorial board schools Goldman CEO in true meaning of 'sorry'

Nov 22, 09 4:53 PM CST
Jim DeMint Becomes Hill's Top Tea Partier

South Carolina senator throws weight behind conservative insurgents

Nov 23, 09 7:47 AM CST
Congress' New
Whipping Boy:
The Fed

Bernanke & Co. run into populist ire over Wall St bailouts, unemployment

Nov 23, 09 8:54 AM CST
Palin Pulls in Big Bucks
—for Democrats

'Going Rogue' boosts Dem fundraising to new high

Nov 21, 09 6:50 AM CST

|NEXT STORY »

GOP Hopeful: I Was Kidding About Hunting Obama

At event, would-be Idaho governor said he'd buy 'Obama tags'

By W. McCahill| Posted Aug 27, 09 8:53 PM CDT|

(Newser) – A Republican gubernatorial candidate is under fire tonight for an offhand remark that he’d buy a license to hunt President Obama, the Twin Falls Times-News reports. Asked at a GOP event Tuesday about “Obama tags,” Rex Rammell replied, “Obama tags? We’d buy some of those.” Today, he backpedaled: “I was just being sarcastic. That was just a joke. I would never support him being assassinated.”

Rammell, a veterinarian and former elk rancher, said the newspaper misquoted him, though the Times-News is sticking by its reporting. “If people read into my comments I would want him assassinated then I apologize for that,” he tells KBCI-TV. “That was not the intent of my comment.”

Rex Rammell, Republican candidate for governor in Idaho. (AP Photo)

Rammell's campaign site. (RexRammell.com)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

11.23.09

Books Are Bad for You

11.20.09

The Health-Care Wars Have Just Begun

48 comments

VIEWING:

scootersrockin
Aug 27, 09 8:54 PM CDT

Oh great here it comes... Reply

-2

IN RESPONSE:

Reader60610265
Aug 27, 09 9:11 PM CDT

Scooter how many comments do you think this will get LOL

-4

IN RESPONSE:

Doctor_Zaius
Aug 28, 09 6:06 AM CDT

And tell me why it shouldn't come Scooter. You claim to be buddies with presidents, tell me under which previous administration a comment like this would not have been met with derision and outrage....

| 0 minutes ago

Reader60610265
Aug 27, 09 9:01 PM CDT

You'd better believe it I don't think either side going to let this one go .Do you? Reply

| 0 minutes ago

gnieberg
Aug 27, 09 9:01 PM CDT

He was just kidding about hunting the President of the United States? Forgetting the lunatic fringe that we've let spew with abandon their toxic rhetoric, since when did it become acceptable in this country for the candidate of a major political party to joke about killing the President? Reply

+19

IN RESPONSE:

OWLWOMANXXXX
Aug 27, 09 9:05 PM CDT

I agree...but I did not spew that fringe of nut cases......the republican party did

IN RESPONSE:

freethemall
Aug 27, 09 9:23 PM CDT

When, indeed! This is unconscionable.

| 0 minutes ago

rajanKazhmin
Aug 27, 09 9:10 PM CDT

They want him out of the way by any means necessary. These people are serious. They want to kill him because they are sore losers. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Reader60610265
Aug 27, 09 9:17 PM CDT

I'm sorry ,I can't let rajans comment go . Now that's a pretty stupid assumption. Only an idiot would want him killed .The resulting turmoil would be horrendous

IN RESPONSE:

freethemall
Aug 27, 09 9:27 PM CDT

Were I not witness to numerous posts on this site confirming what you assert, I would accuse you of gross hyperbole.

IN RESPONSE:

Cat-Lover
Aug 27, 09 10:12 PM CDT

I think they want to kill him because he doesn't LOOK LIKE the right-wing loonies -- if you catch my drift.

IN RESPONSE:

Doctor_Zaius
Aug 28, 09 6:00 AM CDT

Isn't the "idiot" the core demographic of the Republicans right now?

IN RESPONSE:

rajanKazhmin
Aug 28, 09 10:40 PM CDT

I agree that only an idiot would want him killed and the resulting turmoil would be horrendous. I stand by my statement. That is exactly what the radical right wants.

| 0 minutes ago

odowd80
Aug 27, 09 9:13 PM CDT

There's no controversy here. What he said was clearly referring to political competition, not assassination. Reply

-6

IN RESPONSE:

Jayster999
Aug 28, 09 12:46 AM CDT

odowd80: You may be the only person on the left here to show a modicum of objectivity on any given day. I commend you.

-4

| 0 minutes ago

Fondue
Aug 27, 09 9:21 PM CDT

I'll say it nicely: there is a pattern emerging from the republicans. Vile comment followed by "just kidding". Reply

+15

IN RESPONSE:

UrUndertaker
Aug 27, 09 9:28 PM CDT

Fondue, you and I both know that this is just what the Royal Right, the Great Party of NO thinks about almost constantly. After all, a party of Birthers gun strapped Right Wing Bible Thumper s would just say it was God's will and for the good of the country

+17

IN RESPONSE:

freethemall
Aug 27, 09 9:28 PM CDT

Right on!

| 0 minutes ago

Reader68389796
Aug 27, 09 9:28 PM CDT

I hope some crazy fool would make that statement about hunting your wife or children and you would just call it a joke! Every time you republicans open your mouth all you do is put your foot in it. Thanks it gives us more time to consolidate our win for the next 10 decades. Reply

+11

| 0 minutes ago

Cat-Lover
Aug 27, 09 10:10 PM CDT

What I think about Rammell, and being aware of the voting record of all Idaho Republicans, my comment would be and should be BLOCKED on this blog. So I'll just leave it to your imagination! Reply

| 0 minutes ago

jamerican
Aug 27, 09 10:36 PM CDT

This comment has been removed by Newser’s community. You must be logged in to view this comment. Reply

-10

IN RESPONSE:

Forderon
Aug 27, 09 10:45 PM CDT

What context? Explain

IN RESPONSE:

daveand42
Aug 27, 09 10:49 PM CDT

Yea sure, a comment about being willing to get a license tag to hunt and kill the POTUS is ha ha ho ho such a hysterically funny sidesplitter. OK, I'm lightened up, now that I get the joke and context, um I think I get it, hmm maybe not, help me here, what's the context again, and how is it funny?

IN RESPONSE:

Rocket448
Aug 28, 09 12:21 AM CDT

Context? Well, that's the problem. The context is: African-American President, racist right-winger. See, it's too easy for racists to say these sorts of things, because they don't have good internal censors. So, the chances that someone like Mr. Rammell is going to say something like what he did are good to excellent. Then, when the comment pops out, everyone looks horrified for a second before we hear: "oops, I sure didn't mean that." Sorry. I've heard it too often not to recognize it for what it is. The one thing we will NOT hear is the press taking Mr. Rammell to task for it, leading to the long-awaited national discussion about race. At least we know who the racists are. Its a shame they bring prejudice into elected office, isn't it?

| 0 minutes ago

alkaseltzersammich
Aug 27, 09 10:43 PM CDT

Wow, stay class San Diego. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Forderon
Aug 27, 09 10:45 PM CDT

Before Clinton even stepped in the Oval Office, the far right was plotting his downfall. And Clinton was basically a centrist. Imagine the things they have planned for Obama. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Snarfeh
Aug 27, 09 10:45 PM CDT

I can honestly say that as much as I despised Dubya, I defended the fact that Air Force One flew him around a bit right after 9/11. A lot of lefties called him a coward, which he is, but not for that. In my opinion, on the heels of 9/11, our President being attacked and killed would have been devastating for our country. If he had died while in office, I would not have mourned (actually, I don't mourn anyone famous dying since I don't know them personally; I just think "awww, damn, that sucks" and I'm done mourning) but I never wished him dead and never will.....it would be unfair to hell, anyway. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Jayster999
Aug 28, 09 12:44 AM CDT

First: Rammell said nothing about Obummer, he merely responded to what someone else said. You libs are so edgy, you look for any and every opportunity to blow things out of proportion. Second: You're a bunch of hypocrites. Every day there are hateful remarks made in this forum toward conservatives. I've heard people wishing death and harm to Bush and Cheney over and over. Cut the crap you whiny wussies. If it's good for the goose it's good for the gander. Reply

-5

IN RESPONSE:

Rembrandt_Q_Einstein
Aug 28, 09 1:49 AM CDT

Yeah you wussy libs! Lighten up why don'tcha! It's not his fault that the only way you can get elected in Idaho is to advocate hunting African Americans for the purpose of sport or for meat. They like to hunt up there. I'm with Jayster on this one you guys are a bunch of pussy liberal fascists.

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Aug 28, 09 8:51 AM CDT

That's rich. As if the Liberals have a monopoly on "edgy". Which one of you easy-going rightwingers was the one all bent about Obama not recognizing his "white half"?

| 0 minutes ago

lonewolf17
Aug 28, 09 1:12 AM CDT

The fact that right wingers are even in the POSITION right now that they have to backpedale on, of all things, remarks about ASSASSINATION speaks volumes about what the GOP has become. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Doctor_Zaius
Aug 28, 09 6:02 AM CDT

Exactly!

| 0 minutes ago

oldgoat
Aug 28, 09 3:02 AM CDT

I hate that the irresponsible remarks that these people make. They make it then say that they didn't mean it or they were just kidding. BS!!! We have a lot of people running around that listen to these lunatics and then you wonder why people are concerned about guns at a rally. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

happiness
Aug 28, 09 5:27 AM CDT

He knew exactly what he wanted to say...and he said it. Tired of people like him, wanting to "backpedal," when many find out what has been said. Once again...there are MANY out there, who absolutely have NO respect for the president...and CANNOT stand to see him in powere. Why? Very simple: the color of his SKIN!!!! Period. End of story!!!!!!! Reply

| 0 minutes ago

DarkFrancis
Aug 28, 09 5:36 AM CDT

Oh he was kidding? In this climate? Sure, that's fine then, Mr Politically Astute. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Doctor_Zaius
Aug 28, 09 6:04 AM CDT

Isn't this a federal crime? I know of people who were questioned by the Secret Service during the Bush years for MUCH, MUCH less. Maybe a visit from the Secret Service would calm his ass down. At the end of the interview they could say "HAH- JUST KIDDING!" Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Jayster999
Aug 28, 09 7:52 AM CDT

Have you read the full account of the exchange? Obviously NONE of you have or this wouldn't even be a topic of discussion. Go find out what was actually said before you sound off. Rammell wouldn't be hassled by the SS because there was no threat, real or implied in his words.

-4

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Aug 28, 09 8:58 AM CDT

You obviously don't understand that it is not Rammelamadingdong that people are worried about. It's the "proud right wing terrorist" (Bert Stead) that folks like Rammel and Herger are so proud of that are the potential threat.

IN RESPONSE:

Doctor_Zaius
Aug 28, 09 11:36 PM CDT

Jackasster999 quit making excuses. The Secret Service takes these things extremely seriously. "I'm Joking" at the end doesn't cut the mustard.

| 0 minutes ago

Jayster999
Aug 28, 09 8:02 AM CDT

Read the newspaper account here: http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvba-aug2709-rammell_obama_tag.12119938c.html Reply

-1

IN RESPONSE:

daveand42
Aug 28, 09 9:06 AM CDT

So I guess your point is that when someone makes a threat exposing their position, it can be covered up later simply be saying that it was a joke. The effort to retract or cover up confirms that the he realizes that it was indeed out of line. I can't wait for more. I especially like this one: Rammell says, "I'm probably safe. I'm not the one that started the whole thing." This reminds me of a child caught playing with matches: "But Dad, Jimmy started it!"

| 0 minutes ago

sache
Aug 28, 09 8:57 AM CDT

The man's brain is up his ass. Anyone making a comment of that nature is too damn stupid to hold office. The idiot does not have common sense. You can not blame it on being sarcastic, just plain dumb is more like it. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Adapt-Overcome
Aug 28, 09 9:26 AM CDT

The Party of Lunatics! This is now what the 7th member of the GOP to either call for his "assisnation" in jest. Does anyone see a pattern forming among the GOP? These are some sick individuals that know exactly what the hell they are doing, that's why they brought on the "Artic Mouth Piece" to create the lunatic fringe. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

kansas1946
Aug 28, 09 7:14 PM CDT

“I was just being sarcastic. That was just a joke. I would never support him being assassinated.” ************************** Gee that is big of him. Just another idiot Republican. No biggie... Reply

-1

| 0 minutes ago

LibertyMan
Aug 28, 09 7:43 PM CDT

Oh the fake outrage and crocodile tears of the Left. I seem to recall the Left doing ten times this amount of assassination fantasy game playing when GW was in the White House. In fact, they took it to such an extreme, THEY made a Hollywood movie called "The Assassination of George W. Bush" which was nothing more than a feeble left wing attempt to create self fulling prophecy. It is so funny to watch this mock outrage from the very same liberal knuckle draggers who a short time ago were calling for the deaths of Bush and Cheney. In fact many of these posters often still call for their deaths when a particular news item pops up on Newser that sets off their left wing morality meter. So spear us your confused and mis-placed concerns. Reply

-2

IN RESPONSE:

Doctor_Zaius
Aug 28, 09 11:30 PM CDT

Blow it out your ass. Right wingers invented fake outrage and crocodile tears. Yes I am outrages when right wing douchebags make jokes about killing a president. Deal with it you dipshit.

IN RESPONSE:

Doctor_Zaius
Aug 28, 09 11:33 PM CDT

And believe me, nobody legitimate on the left ever, EVER called for the hunting of Bush or Cheney. I dare you to show me a link to someone who did. I DOUBLE DOG DARE YOU. It's a fucking felony to do so. Don't believe me? Call up the secret service and tell them you are going to kill the president, then say "Just kidding" and hang up and count the minutes until they kick in your door and arrest your sorry, stupid ass.

| 0 minutes ago

LibertyMan
Aug 30, 09 11:22 AM CDT

Are you serious Doc? Come on you friggin leftie, you troll Newser every day and well know your Commie brethren are on here every day spewing hateful and death wishing onto my buddies Cheney and Bush. You telling me you don't remember your left wing nut job Archtower or whatever his names was before he was banned? Or Caps, or Lulu? You want names? You want dates? Please! They are on here every day walking a fine line between being banned, earning a visit from the S.S. and everything in between. Your fake ass moral platitudes and outrage is pathetic and confused. But then that is just you being you isn't it Mr. Liberal Elitist! Reply

| 0 minutes ago

View all 48 comments »

Idaho • hunting • governor • gubernatorial races • President Obama • Rex Rammell • hunting license

from our news partners

What Would 'Seinfeld' Be Like If It Came Back Today?
(Nov 23, 09 4:09 PM CST)
Body of 'Housewives' Ex Will Be Exhumed
(Nov 23, 09 3:56 PM CST)
Fiery and Fabulous: Hollywood's Most Riveting Redheads
(Nov 23, 09 3:30 PM CST)
Was Lambert's AMA Romp Too Much?
(Nov 23, 09 1:01 PM CST)

Charges dropped against dad who drove a drunken intruder away...
(38 minutes ago)
The Public Option, which was alive, then dead, then alive,...
(1 hour, 39 minutes ago)
If you are the person who stole more than 1,...
(Nov 23, 09 11:44 PM CST)
Caption President Obama and his staff overlooking a computer [Caption]
(Nov 23, 09 11:31 PM CST)

Hugh Jackman To Promote Robots In Real Steel
(Nov 23, 09 11:49 PM CST)
Exclusive Video Interview: Ninja Assassin Star Rain
(Nov 23, 09 11:41 PM CST)
Tommy Lee Jones Quits Lincoln Lawyer
(Nov 23, 09 11:26 PM CST)
Judd Apatow Will Make Aziz Ansari A Star
(Nov 23, 09 10:50 PM CST)

Associated Press

President Obama, taking a page from Nixon, backtracks after saying 9/11 mastermind...
(Nov 19, 09 2:11 AM CST)
President Obama presses for individual freedoms during town hall in China
(Nov 15, 09 11:58 PM CST)
President Obama orders intelligence review on alleged Fort Hood shooter
(Nov 12, 09 5:58 PM CST)
President Obama to speak to small business leaders Thursday, hold health insurance...
(Oct 29, 09 2:23 AM CDT)

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most important stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

GOP Hopeful: I Was Kidding About Hunting Obama

At event, would-be Idaho governor said he'd buy 'Obama tags'

Obama Is Minimal Factor in NJ, Va., Exit Polls Show

Majorities say president has no influence on vote

MORE ABOUT:
Jon Corzine • New Jersey • Virginia • exit polls • gubernatorial races • President Obama • Creigh Deeds • elections • Christopher Christie • Bob McDonnell • Election 09

Robo-Palin Gets Into
Va. Gov's Race

We didn't know about robocalls: McDonnell campaign

MORE ABOUT:
Virginia • governor • robo-calls • election • Sarah Palin • gubernatorial races • Creigh Deeds • Bob McDonnell • Christian Coalition

NJ Gov's Ads Target
Opponent's Waistline

Corzine spot says Christie 'threw his weight around'

MORE ABOUT:
obesity • Jon Corzine • New Jersey • fat • overweight • governor • attack ad • gubernatorial races • Christopher Christie • Election 09 • election day November 2009

Idaho • hunting • governor • gubernatorial races • President Obama • Rex Rammell • hunting license

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

from our news partners

Associated Press

About

Help

Tools

Site Maps

What is Newser?

GOP Hopeful: I Was Kidding About Hunting Obama

At event, would-be Idaho governor said he'd buy 'Obama tags'

Related Newser Stories

ELECTION DAY

Obama Is Minimal Factor in NJ, Va., Exit Polls Show

Majorities say president has no influence on vote

MORE ABOUT: Jon Corzine • New Jersey • Virginia • exit polls • gubernatorial races • President Obama • Creigh Deeds • elections • Christopher Christie • Bob McDonnell • Election 09

election 2009

Robo-Palin Gets Into Va. Gov's Race

We didn't know about robocalls: McDonnell campaign

MORE ABOUT: Virginia • governor • robo-calls • election • Sarah Palin • gubernatorial races • Creigh Deeds • Bob McDonnell • Christian Coalition

NJ Gov's Ads Target Opponent's Waistline

Corzine spot says Christie 'threw his weight around'

MORE ABOUT: obesity • Jon Corzine • New Jersey • fat • overweight • governor • attack ad • gubernatorial races • Christopher Christie • Election 09 • election day November 2009

Idaho • hunting • governor • gubernatorial races • President Obama • Rex Rammell • hunting license

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

from our news partners

Associated Press

About

Help

Tools

Site Maps

What is Newser?

MORE ABOUT:
Jon Corzine • New Jersey • Virginia • exit polls • gubernatorial races • President Obama • Creigh Deeds • elections • Christopher Christie • Bob McDonnell • Election 09

Robo-Palin Gets Into
Va. Gov's Race

MORE ABOUT:
Virginia • governor • robo-calls • election • Sarah Palin • gubernatorial races • Creigh Deeds • Bob McDonnell • Christian Coalition

NJ Gov's Ads Target
Opponent's Waistline

MORE ABOUT:
obesity • Jon Corzine • New Jersey • fat • overweight • governor • attack ad • gubernatorial races • Christopher Christie • Election 09 • election day November 2009