Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

General Discussion

yardwork

(69,111 posts)

1. I listened to it and I think he was starting to say "government n-word" because he says that a lot.

Reply to DefenseLawyer (Original post)

Sat Mar 31, 2012, 11:20 AM

Mar 2012

My read is that he started to say a phrase that he's clearly said a lot, in company that agrees, and he suddenly remembered that he was making a speech to a large group and he panicked and tried to stop himself. First he stumbled into trying to substitute "African American" - another tell that proves what he had in mind - then realized that that too would sound racist to this audience so then he floundered around for a minute.

How did this happen? Rick Santorum is used to using and thinking the phrase "government n-word" and momentarily thought that he was talking to a small group of like-minded people, instead of this bigger group where it wasn't "safe" for him to say that.

edit for clarity

Click here to purchase valentine hearts!

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

25 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

What to make of this latest Santorum "slip of the tongue" [View all] DefenseLawyer Mar 2012 OP

I listened to it and I think he was starting to say "government n-word" because he says that a lot. yardwork Mar 2012 #1

Yep, that is how I see it too. Rex Mar 2012 #14

Really? MNBrewer Mar 2012 #23

Yes, apparently "government n-word" means the same thing as "welfare queen." yardwork Mar 2012 #24

It wasn't calculated. Tobin S. Mar 2012 #2

I think "anti-war frogmarch Mar 2012 #3

Can anyone say... Icicle Mar 2012 #4

Were it the sixties, I'd think the guy needs to be introduced to LSD saras Mar 2012 #9

The sixties or the 80s or 90s, as it was popular then too. Quantess Mar 2012 #20

I don't remember anyone dosing strangers in the 80's or 90's saras Apr 2012 #25

what is this about? I guess I haven't been paying attention but I missed this. CTyankee Mar 2012 #5

here is a video rurallib Mar 2012 #21

yup found it...things sure happen fast around here... CTyankee Mar 2012 #22

Calculated dog whistle, imo. Greybnk48 Mar 2012 #6

It was on purpose. HopeHoops Mar 2012 #7

I think he IS an ardent racist, uses the "N" word when referencing President Obama... Spazito Mar 2012 #8

He's been in public life for so long DefenseLawyer Mar 2012 #10

No, he was not in the public eye after he was defeated in 2006... Spazito Mar 2012 #13

He was about 30 minutes into his speech ... trying to fire up his base. JoePhilly Mar 2012 #11

The only difference is, DefenseLawyer Mar 2012 #16

He almost said the n- word but cut himself off, then blabbered on, trying to cover it. AlinPA Mar 2012 #12

I think he says "n****r" every day and he just slipped. Iggo Mar 2012 #15

I remember politicians using the word "nigra" on TV back in the 1960s. aint_no_life_nowhere Mar 2012 #17

He's a racist....used to using the word all the time..behind closed doors HipChick Mar 2012 #18

I think he was going to say "terrorist negotiator" taught_me_patience Mar 2012 #19