Boehner Thought Steve King Was An 'Asshole' For 'Cantaloupes' Comment

[DonViejo]

Source: TPM

TOM KLUDT – JANUARY 17, 2014, 10:26 AM EST

Rep. Steve King (R-IA) infamously compared young undocumented immigrants to drug mules last summer, a comment for which House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) branded the tea party congressman an "asshole." Boehner strongly denounced King's remarks, earning praise from Rep. Joaquín Castro (D-TX).

In a piece published Friday for Texas Monthly, Castro recalled his gratitude for the speaker.

On a day not too long after Boehner’s political body check of Steve King for his immigration comments, the speaker was milling around the aisle walkway in the middle section of the House floor where the Democratic and Republican territories meet. Another Texas Democrat and I were standing a few feet away, and as the speaker passed us we thanked him for denouncing King’s offensive comments. He slowed his stride and then paused to turn toward us. “What an asshole,” he said. My thoughts exactly, Mr. Speaker.

King contended that it was unwise to give legal status to undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children because for "everyone who's a valedictorian, there's another 100 out there that weigh 130 pounds and they’ve got calves the size of cantaloupes because they're hauling 75 pounds of marijuana across the desert."

Read more: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/john-boehner-steve-king-cantaloupes-asshole

[Mass]

1. Note that he did not denounce King spontaneously, but when he was asked.

This is the problem with these guys. They do not have the courage to lead. They follow until cornered.

Same goes for Gohmert's words about gay marriage. If asked, Boehner would probably denounce it (not that he is pro-gay marriage, but because he understands it is offensive), but he will avoid saying anything if not cornered to do so.

[Enrique]

3. i don't think that's true

I think Boehner fairly quickly denounced King's remarks, without being asked, because he differs clearly from King on the substance of immigration reform.

[Mass]

6. You're right. I did not realize that he had issued a statement concerning the comment and not just

answered a question.

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/313385-boehner-cantor-blast-king-for-comments-on-drug-mules

[jwirr]

2. Now there is one thing Boehner and I agree on.

[CoffeeCat]

4. King is so over the top stupid...

...and the fact that he remains a politician in my state--makes me sick. Yes, that part of the state is farming community and is populated by conservative, religious nut jobs. However, he's a freaking moron.

Those people in NW Iowa would support Jeffrey Dahmer if he campaigned on 'hating the gay'.

[Bluzmann57]

5. Boehner was right. King is an asshole.

But it still doesn't change the fact that Boehner is an asshole as well.

[DainBramaged]

7. What do you call an asshole calling another asshole an asshole?

Just another asshole

[TeamPooka]

8. Takes one to know one. nt

[waronxmas]

9. Even a broken clock is right twice a day

How about that, Saint Shithead isn't a complete douche.