Congressman Refers to Obama as 'Boy'

(h/t TPM)

Update Below:

Kentucky politics blog, Pol Watchers, reports that US Congressman Geoff Davis (R-KY) made the following observation about Barack Obama at Northern Kentucky's 4th Congressional District Lincoln Day Dinner Saturday night:

U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis, a Hebron Republican, compared Obama and his message for change similar to a "snake oil salesman."

He said in his remarks at the GOP dinner that he also recently participated in a "highly classified, national security simulation" with Obama.

"I'm going to tell you something: That boy's finger does not need to be on the button," Davis said. "He could not make a decision in that simulation that related to a nuclear threat to this country."

Nice.

In my post about "dog whistles" last week, I addressed how we'll be seeing stuff like this more and more throughout the fall when Obama is the nominee. But this is hardly a dog whistle. This is flat out calling an adult black male - a Senator of the United States - BOY.

The press offices for both the Obama campaign and Rep. Davis were not available for comment at the time of this post. I'll update when I receive replies.

Update: Representative Davis' office returned my call and pointed me to his written apology posted here. The Obama campaign's response can be found at the same MSNBC site.

Dear Senator Obama:
On Saturday night I gave a speech in which I used a poor choice of words when discussing the national security policy positions of the Presidential candidates. I was quoted as saying "That boy's finger does not need to be on the button."

My poor choice of words is regrettable and was in no way meant to impugn you or your integrity. I offer my sincere apology to you and ask for your forgiveness.

Though we may disagree on many issues, I know that we share the goal of a prosperous, secure future for our nation. My comment has detracted from the dialogue that we should all be having on legitimate policy differences and in no way reflects the personal and professional respect I have for you.

Sincerely

Geoff Davis