Congressman’s Sidewalk Scuffle Captured on YouTube

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Posted on Jun 14, 2010

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Someone needs to remind North Carolina Rep. Bob Etheridge that this here is the Internet age, that he is a public figure, and that high jinks like this scuffle, which hit the Web on Monday, should be avoided at all costs. Too late this time, Congressman.

Etheridge later apologized at a press conference and on his official website, saying, “I deeply and profoundly regret my reaction. ...  I have and I will always work to promote a civil public discourse.” The man the Democrat grabbed in the sidewalk incident said he was a student, but his identity was not immediately known.

Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, who once worked for Etheridge, said in an e-mail, “... I’m proud of Bob for taking responsibility and apologizing. ...” —KA

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By Zane, June 15, 2010 at 3:51 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

The kid should have punched that bastard in the face!

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By Samson, June 15, 2010 at 9:28 am Link to this comment

What this shows is the following ....

These days, politicians don’t need any skills to rise up the ladder. Its only money they need now, and they use the money to create whatever phony image of themselves that they think the voters will buy.

Once, anyone who made it to the level of Congress would have easily developed the political skills of how to handle this situation without resorting to a choke hold.  Even if he thought he was being set up, a old-school congressperson could have handled this.

These days, it only takes money to get to Congress, and its clear that this guy hasn’t developed the basic verbal jousting skills for the job.  Or, he’s so used to being a political bully with his money backing him that this seems like a normal reaction to him.

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By RGO, June 15, 2010 at 5:32 am Link to this comment

It’s clear the congressman acted inappropriately for someone in his position.  You would have thought he could have handled it more deftly.

On the other hand, does anyone with a camera and microphone think they have a right to question anyone (even public servants like congressmen) walking down the street.

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By ardee, June 15, 2010 at 4:54 am Link to this comment

Squeeky, June 15 at 5:45 am

I canot help but wonder what it would take to wake your dumbass up?

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By bogi666, June 15, 2010 at 3:41 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

With Democraps like this we don’t need Repubicans.This dolt is afraid to pick on someone his own size and should be sued.

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By Squeeky, June 15, 2010 at 1:45 am Link to this comment

Ever stop to think that this kid never identified himself to the congressman, what project he was participating in, or for what school he was a student of? Things that make you go hmmmm?

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By ThomasG, June 14, 2010 at 9:29 pm Link to this comment

I don’t like the Democrats, but I do like them better than the Republicans; this type of behavior is a good example that the populace is not represented and needs representation.

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By richard roe, June 14, 2010 at 4:19 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

NO ONE has the right to physically assault another person, and that is exactly what this congressman did by twice grabbing this young man, first by the wrist and then by the neck.

I hope this young man realizes he has solid evidence for a lawsuit here and proceeds with pressing charges. 

Public officials, by virtue of their office, should be accessible to the public, particularly when they are in public. 

This violent outburst in response to an inquiry made by a taxpayer is completely out of line and totally unprofessional.

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By Jim Yell, June 14, 2010 at 12:29 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

The way the Senator looked would lead a person to think he was either drunk or hung over. Either way he was a jerk and living on the American Taxpayer doing it. One Democrat I would like to see lose his office.

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By JLSR, June 14, 2010 at 12:23 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

Looks like the Congressman had a 10 martini lunch. First rule of politics—NEVER, ever approach a Congressman when he is highly intoxicated. NEVER! I hoppe that kid learned his lesson.

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By Peter Knopfler, June 14, 2010 at 12:02 pm Link to this comment

Man I FEEL bad for both, the Senator no excuse for this behaviour, student not strong enough to stand up to the senator, Sad day for America, How we treat the young is our future, our destiny. Formal appology, everyone has their wild moments, I know this, but not in public and not to a well dressed student, Two suggestions, Senator needs my STRESS management program, very successful and the young man a suggestion , for next time, Hand someone a card, introducing you, NO ONE over 50 likes surprises, introduction is protocal, simple card, name, school. that would give the Senator time to think. Everyone can do better, no judgement on one isolated incident. Looked like the Senator, did some high school wrestling, imagine if you surprised Donald Rumsfeld a real pit bull! Next time do better forgive and forget!

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