Irish-Catholic organization says McCain’s Irish joke was ‘an insult to a whole nationality.’
Irish-Catholic organization says McCain’s Irish joke was ‘an insult to a whole nationality.’
During a town hall in Scranton, PA on Monday, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) declared that “there’s only one ethnic joke that can be told in American politics and that’s Irish jokes.” McCain then preceded to tell a joke about drunk Irish twins. Watch it:
Politico’s Ben Smith reports today that Seamus Boyle, the president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, has taken McCain to task in a public letter:
It was a great meeting but when you began your speech with a joke about the Irish, I and many of our fellow Irish Americans in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, were shocked. It was really an insult to a whole nationality to be stereotyped as drunks. The Irish are a jovial people who enjoy life, work hard, help the needy, support our community and our country yet get depicted as drunkards and partiers. As you stated in your speech yesterday the Irish have a great education and work ethic. Senator, I was not the only one offended and I received numerous complaints from a variety of people throughout Pennsylvania and other parts of the country. On behalf of these people, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and myself and my family, I wish you would refrain from demeaning the Irish or any other ethnic group by telling such jokes in the future. I think an apology is in order to those millions of Irish in the United States who were offended by your joke.
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69 Responses to “Irish-Catholic organization says McCain’s Irish joke was ‘an insult to a whole nationality.’”
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So funny I forgot to laugh...
¶ AIO
September 26th, 2008 at 1:20 pmMcKeatingFiveHousesSevenCarsThirteen Reply:
Sure, ya paddy!
September 26th, 2008 at 1:20 pmGramps' metamucil was spiked. Yes, that joke was an insult.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:21 pmIf you're going to offend an ethnicity, at least make the joke funny. Lame.
Also, does anyone find it disturbing that McCain can remember a joke like that, but he can't seem to remember anything about the economy or the state of America?
September 26th, 2008 at 1:22 pmhey my crazy old grandpa liked telling 'ethnic' jokes too.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:23 pmMcCain is the oldest joke in America.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:23 pmMaybe he should just still to telling jokes about Chelsea Clinton.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:25 pmMcCain's entire campaign is an ethnic joke -- it's anti-American.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:25 pmIrish-Catholic organization says McCain’s Irish joke was ‘an insult to a whole nationality.’
- - Yes, but look at the positive aspect; at least McCain didn't use an Irish song that he didn't have the rights to.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:25 pmThe Irish are a jovial people who enjoy life, work hard, help the needy, support our community and our country yet get depicted as drunkards and partiers.
I'll drink to that!
*rimshot*
(c'mon, if I hadn't said it, somebody else woulda...)
September 26th, 2008 at 1:26 pmthat's just mccain being mccain.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:27 pmMcStain is offensive on so many levels.
What jokes do you think he has prepared for tonight's little get together? Bet he can't stop himself from using his pet phrase "call a spade a spade." Of course, as unglued as he's become lately, I won't be surprise if he calls Obama uppity, or worse...
PEACE
September 26th, 2008 at 1:27 pmI believe McCain would respond:
"Some people don't have a sense of humor...get a life!"
September 26th, 2008 at 1:29 pmThat is hilarious. Will the press qualify and apologize for him on this? - These ain't Iranians we're talking about here!
September 26th, 2008 at 1:30 pmGrampy was just warming up for when he tells Obama that he's tired of catching his spears tonight.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:31 pmThere goes the Irish vote...
McCain should really stop while he's behind.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:32 pmAnd to top it all off, his campaign is ALREADY running ads declaring
"McCalin Wins Debate!"
September 26th, 2008 at 1:32 pmI grew up when Polish and other jokes were all the rage. Anyone who took offense was just lambasted as lacking a sense of humor. But, by God, you had better never say anything bad about my family's background. McCain shows that same lack of empathy that allowed such jokes to go on, usually from a supervisor or boss who could get away with it. This race has become a farce.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:33 pmI took your lead, humor is a must these days.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:34 pmHey Johnny, is it acceptable to start telling senility jokes now?
On the other hand at least this time he didn't offer a rape joke or demean the appearance of a rival's teenage daughter. For Uncle Nutzi this one was almost tame.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:35 pmAt least it wasn't an Irish gorilla rape joke.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:42 pmMy friends, let me begin with a story. A Wall Street executive, a Republican senator and a lobbyist were in a bar, talking about the need for greater regulation and accountability in the financial sector....just kidding!
September 26th, 2008 at 1:42 pmGood one, mary!
September 26th, 2008 at 1:43 pmIncorrect:"The only joke you can get away with telling during a campaign is an Irish joke."
Correct:The only joke you can get away with being during a campaign is John S. McCain.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:43 pmThe old Navy pilot is "augering in" yet again.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:44 pmDoesn't McIIIrd have a tailhooker scandal he needs to be at tonight?
September 26th, 2008 at 1:46 pmMcCain just doesn't get it. He lives in a time past and His time is past. But he just doesn't get it. And you can't teach an old dog new tricks.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:46 pmI'm half Irish. I thought the joke was funny. I wasn't offended, but maybe that's because I like to drink.
In an ultra politically correct world, maybe there is no ethnicity that should be joked about. Point taken.
But, if you're seriously outraged by this, you'll have to admit that Clinton's 'cracker' comment on Larry King live is more outrageous.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0908/Bill_Clinton_Will_respect_Jewish_holidays_then_hustle_up__cracker_vote_in_Florida.html
I don't think Clinton should have to apologize and I don't think McCain should have to either. But, I respect those who disagree.
BTW, It's a shame that the focus of Clinton's appearance on Larry King is the 'cracker' comment. He gave very reasonable (seemingly heartfelt) support for Obama, without resorting to disparaging McCain and Palin. I think his take on this election, and his support of Obama, was very compelling.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:47 pmBREAKING NEWS:
McCain being rushed to proctologist in emergency effort to dislodge his head prior to tonight's debate. Prognosis is not good.
Stay tuned, more to come...
PEACE
September 26th, 2008 at 1:47 pmbackup Says:
Update: Clinton isn't running for president.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:51 pmDude, that joke was older than McCain's buckskin rubber!
September 26th, 2008 at 1:51 pmThe 'Straight-Jacket-Express' strikes again!
September 26th, 2008 at 1:52 pmJackie "The Jokeman" Martling tells it so way better than that lame ass version.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:53 pmThanks Gummitch! I'll be contacting the David Letterman show shortly.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:53 pmShouldn't it be the McCain twins, John and Sarah?
September 26th, 2008 at 1:54 pmI'll throw this out there. Some here have suggested that those in the black community can use the 'N' word (ie Jesse Jackson), while it's inappropriate for whites to use the word.
I've agreed that whites shouldn't use the word or tolerate those that do, but I've also suggested that blacks should also not use the word, because it sets a confusing double standard for whites to navigate.
I think McCain is of Irish decent. If he's Irish, wouldn't the same logic apply that he would be permitted the joke because of his bond with the ethnicity in question?
September 26th, 2008 at 2:00 pmWhy am I remimded of the scene in Blazing Saddles where the cowboy negotiates with the town on immigration:
Olson Johnson: All right, we'll give some land to the n****rs and the chinks, but we DON'T WANT THE IRISH.
September 26th, 2008 at 2:00 pmbackie, Yeah, but he's not just Irish, he's a presidential candiate. Ya'd think he'd show just a little sensitivity?
I'm French/American, but you bet your ass I wouldn't be out there on the campaign trail tellin froggy jokes...
September 26th, 2008 at 2:02 pmThat and apparently Polish jokes.
Guy's a tool.
September 26th, 2008 at 2:08 pmBackup, I know most African Americans find that word as objectionable as I do.
Being a member of an ethnic group doesn't give one the right to smear all other members of the same group.
Offensive is offensive. But we still have the right to free speech, so that word can and is used by many.
PEACE
September 26th, 2008 at 2:08 pmSo these two Irishmen walk out of a bar...
Hey, it could happen!
September 26th, 2008 at 2:12 pmi'll throw this out there.
mcsame's working overtime
at losing this election,
isn't he?
*
palin/mcsame '08
^
September 26th, 2008 at 2:13 pmFred. you're right. the fact that he's running for president puts him under more scrutiny than Clinton. (although, I would argue Clinton's remark could be more inflammatory).
and RUCerious. Although I wasn't personally offended by the joke, other people were or could have been. McCain would have been smarter to avoid the joke.
People often lament that we live in a world becoming devoid of jokes, but I think it's just reality - especially in politics.
September 26th, 2008 at 2:13 pmbackup
Jesse Jackson aint running for president.
Why do you find this concept so hard to understand?
September 26th, 2008 at 2:14 pmI'm half Irish and I'm outraged, even though my other half thought it was hilarious. Unfortunately for my other half, my hunt-and-peck typing hand is on the Irish half.....uh oh, the other half is trying to horn-in....
AmxurLYjkdqidgdtvwel*%$khm..!
Heh..that half doesn't type too well...
September 26th, 2008 at 2:15 pmJust introduced on the market, the Irish Palm Pilot:
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l237/I_Love_Chows_77/IrishPalmPilot.jpg
September 26th, 2008 at 2:19 pmWhat would handler and BFF Joe Lieberman's reaction have been if McBane told a stereotypical Jewish joke?
September 26th, 2008 at 2:20 pmspencers mom. you're right. although the 'N' word is kind of in a place, or coming to a place, beyond free speech. (Don't get me wrong, we're better off without the word). Like 'fire' in the theatre.
Like I said, I'm half Irish. I know alot of people of Irish decent. The stereotype of 'drunken Irish' doesn't offend me or those I know. Could just be ignorance.
I'm curious to hear from those here that (Irish or not), that are offended by the joke.
September 26th, 2008 at 2:22 pmbackup Says:
People often lament that we live in a world becoming devoid of jokes, but I think it’s just reality - especially in politics.
*
from last nite's letterman show:
TOP TEN SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT SARAH PALIN
10. Sometimes Sarah calls McCain "Grandpa"
9. She stole that sexy librarian look from me
8. Recently passed legislation to build a bridge to Funkytown
7. Does great impressions of Tina Fey
6. Favorite meal: Moose nuggets and beaver jerky
5. Working on a "Knight Rider" spin-off about a talking snowmobile
4. Favorite book? The Late Show Fun Facts -- available at fine stores everywhere
3. Once spent a week in the hospital after attempting to put lipstick on a pit bull
2. To improve her foreign policy experience, she recently went to the International House of Pancakes
1. Only person I know who's not afraid to go hunting with Dick Cheney
*
i didn't lament but i did laugh.
:)
September 26th, 2008 at 2:22 pmSee, here's where we have a problem. You seem to think that for it to be funny that it must be at someone's expense, that someone must be humiliated....sad dude, just sad.
A man running for president can't afford to make these kind of gaffes. mccain isn't smart enough to keep his bigotry under wraps. Clinton never made such a gaffe while running for office or while president.....
September 26th, 2008 at 2:22 pmJohnny Boy McDepends;
September 26th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
upside99 Says:
Johnny Boy McDepends;
A 20th Century Man in a 21st Century world.
Bingo! The joke was lame and oh-so-last-millenium.
September 26th, 2008 at 2:32 pmAh, the sensitivity and couth equal to Bush III
September 26th, 2008 at 2:35 pmbackedup is acting like this is the only stupid thing McCain has done recently. Isn't their more important issues you could make excueses for him on. Are you so stupid that you think anybody here would vote for him except for the Irish joke? Maybe the RNC offers a remedial trolling course you could take.
September 26th, 2008 at 2:36 pmjoe. That is funny. My three favorites:
Sometimes Sarah calls McCain “Grandpa”
Once spent a week in the hospital after attempting to put lipstick on a pit bull
To improve her foreign policy experience, she recently went to the International House of Pancakes
Nice.
September 26th, 2008 at 2:43 pmShayne. Maybe you're right but Thinkprogress decided to make a whole thread about it.
Usually I get blamed for being off topic.
September 26th, 2008 at 2:44 pmbackup Says:
Usually I get blamed for being off topic.
*
is that a joke?
:)
September 26th, 2008 at 2:45 pmFred. Maybe I miscommunicated. I think that it is reality that jokes are less appropriate in politics.
I don't suggest that jokes should be made at the expense of others.
Although the stereotype or jokes of 'drunken Irish' don't offend me (as half Irish), I agree that McCain should have avoided the joke.
September 26th, 2008 at 2:47 pmFred.
How is McCain showing bigotry, when he tells a joke about the Irish when he's of Irish decent?
September 26th, 2008 at 2:51 pm.
This is not how Johnny McAmnesty woos the Irish...
September 26th, 2008 at 2:51 pm.
Classy move, Walnuts.
September 26th, 2008 at 2:55 pmBackup
I’ve agreed that whites shouldn’t use the word or tolerate those that do, but I’ve also suggested that blacks should also not use the word, because it sets a confusing double standard for whites to navigate
A confusing double standard? Huh? This is asinine...
September 26th, 2008 at 3:09 pmNot nearly as hilarious as his "gorilla rape" joke. He's a real stitch.
September 26th, 2008 at 3:40 pmCan we have legislation pass a law that a conservatives cannot tell a joke in public. It can instill serious damage on small children and animals.
September 26th, 2008 at 4:08 pmaw cmon, I am irish and who cares? But heres a better joke, what is the difference between a hockey mom and a flower? One has both male and female sex organs and the other is a flower. I stole that from somewhere but i already forgot where.
September 26th, 2008 at 4:26 pmI'm Irish, and I've lived here my entire life. That joke was not offensive to me at all. I'm not sure about Irish Americans, but the homeland Irish are well able to laugh at themselves (provided it's not English comics making the jokes; that usually doesn't go down so well) and that was a pretty funny joke.
I'm not sure if a presidential candidate should be telling ethnic jokes, or questioning why it's distastful to mock certain races of people, and I personally detest McCain's grovelling at the feet of homophobic, xenophobic, ignorant Christians (and I abhor Sarah Palin), but that joke was not offensive and I don't think it's fair to say that McCain has "insulted an entire nationality".
September 26th, 2008 at 4:44 pmSay, B-cup... are you in the media?
Because you've got that "playing up the trivial while decrying its influence at the same time" trick down.
September 26th, 2008 at 5:41 pmWhatever you do, don't watch Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Seamus!
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