If you\’re going to make a derisive joke about a member of the other party, maybe the time to do it is not when the member of the other party has just lost his son, who is not yet even in the ground.
Ted Cruz, speaking before a crowd in Michigan yesterday, said this:
“Joe Biden … You know what the nice thing is? You don\’t even need a punch line. I promise you it works. At the next party you\’re at, just walk up to someone and say, \’Vice President Joe Biden,\’ and just close your mouth. They will crack up laughing”.
As Senator Cruz spoke those words, Joe Biden\’s son, Beau, was laying in state, a victim of brain cancer at the age of 46 – leaving a wife and two children.
Cruz\’s comments could not have been more stupid and insensitive.
Afterwards, he issued the following apology…
“It was a mistake to use an old joke about Joe Biden during his time of grief, and I sincerely apologize. The loss of his son is heartbreaking and tragic, and our prayers are very much with the Vice President and his family.”
…which is belied by the claim of Detroit News reporter Chad Livengood that, when he asked about the joke immediately afterwards “the Texas senator turned and walked away.” Does that come across as sincerely contrite to you?
In previous blogs, I have written that I would not vote for Ted Cruz — partly due to his lack of qualifications and partly due to his positions, especially on social issues, which are way to the right of mine.
Based on the Biden comment yesterday, add his nasty, insensitive streak to the pile.
