Top 5 Political Apologies of All Time

Bill Clinton, Tom Feeney make Politico's list
By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 29, 2012 4:42 PM CDT
Top 5 Political Apologies in US History
Bill Clinton, who delivered a highly successful apology long before the world knew of Monica Lewinsky.   (Getty Images)

Freshman Democratic Rep. David Cicilline swallowed hard a couple of weeks ago and apologized for his financial blunders back when he was mayor of Providence, Rhode Island—which inspired Politico to recall their favorite all-time political apologies. Among them:

  • Former Florida Rep. Tom Feeney: His 2003 golfing trip to Scotland seemed typical enough, except that it was paid for by Jack Abramoff. “It was a rookie mistake and I did everything I could to make it right," said Feeney. "I embarrassed myself, I embarrassed you and, for that, I’m very sorry." But voters booted him out of office in 2008 anyway.

  • Former North Dakota Rep. Earl Pomeroy: When blue dog Democrats like Pomeroy were distancing themselves from President Obama before the 2010 midterms, Pomeroy even apologized for voting with his own party: “I know I’ve disappointed you with a vote here or there,” he said. “But you can always count on the fact that I do what I do for the right reason.” No dice: Voters kicked him out of office.
  • Bill Clinton: Surprisingly, Politico didn't pick his apology for having an "inappropriate" relationship with Monica Lewinsky (which is still up on YouTube). His 1980 apology for raising taxes took the cake, coming as it did after he lost a re-election bid as governor of Arkansas. This one worked: Next election, he whipped Gov. Frank White 54% to 45% and got on track to become US president.
For two more notable political apologies, click here. (More apology stories.)

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