Perhaps because Chicago’s Mayor Daley came out against him, Senator Durbin has attempted to apologize again. Ed Morrissey says that it’s better than the first one–and he’s right–but it still contains these weasel words:
“Some may believe that my remarks crossed the line,” the Illinois Democrat said. “To them I extend my heartfelt apologies.”
Morrssey writes:
At least this is an apology, instead of a “statement of regret”. However tearfully delivered, though, it still contains qualifiers that shift the responsibility to everyone but Durbin. “Some may believe that my remarks crossed the line, and to them I extend my heartfelt apologies.”
No, no, no.
Your remarks did cross the line, Senator. Why can’t you just admit that, without qualification? This is yet another halfway dodge in putting the onus onto those whom you offended instead of taking responsibility for your own actions and comments.
Color me unimpressed. His fellow party members will now ask us all to move along. I’ll consider doing that if they now will admit that Durbin’s original statement slandered the military and debased the memories of those millions of victims that truly experienced what genocidal maniacs do with their innocent captives. If not, then they are just playing word games until they discover the right combination to climb out of the box in which Durbin has put them.
Somehow, the left has to move beyond the rhetoric of the Class of ’72. Unfortunately, the outrage over Durbin’s remarks won’t do it alone.
Update: Ian Schwartz has video of Durbin’s attempted apology.
Another Update: Rusty Shackleford, after thinking it over, accepts Durbin’s apology.
More: Glenn Reynolds has an additional round-up of links, and be sure to checkout this stinging retort from Will Collier of VodkaPundit.
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