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Rendell: Napolitano Perfect for Homeland Security Because She Has 'No Life'
December 03, 2008 7:51 PM
After a news conference in Philadelphia yesterday following the governors' meeting with President-elect Barack Obama, National Governors Association chairman Ed Rendell (D-Penn.) didn't realize he was standing next to a hot mic.
And listen to what he said about fellow governor and Obama's pick for Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano (D-Ariz.):
"Janet's perfect for that job. Because for that job, you have to have no life. Janet has no family. Perfect. She can devote, literally, 19-20 hours a day to it."
Today, per philly.com, Rendell apologized for his remarks at a news conference on budget reductions.
"What I meant is that Janet is a person who works 24/7, just like I do. She has no life. Neither do I," he said.
-- Jake Tapper and Matt Jaffe
December 3, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (53)
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What a JERK!
Posted by: sisterdearest09 | Dec 3, 2008 11:23:18 PM
...Not only do the comments show that he is from the old school, but also his response. It's as if his honor is at stake if he so much as hints at a public apology or an admission that he made a mistake. Again, this is very similar to the Hillary Clinton approach, and is no wonder that he was a strong supporter of hers in the Democratic Primary.
Posted by: w_roos | Dec 3, 2008 11:18:30 PM
You all need to relax. While it is somewhat insensitive, if Governor Rendall is a friend of hers, it's likely more of a compliment (he does suggest that she will be very dedicated to the role). If they are not friends, it's insensitive and a bit unprofessional, to say the least.
Posted by: DCT | Dec 3, 2008 10:48:17 PM
I'm a Dem from AZ. and that's a good question.
Posted by: Bob | Dec 3, 2008 10:42:12 PM
I'm a Dem from PA, I voted for Ed....... once (the 2nd time I just didn't vote for that office). The man is an @$$, certifiable. Where is my tax relieef Ed? Spending it all running to Philly to announce football games?
I'll never figure out the voters in AZ either. How do you vote a gay woman to be your governor yet continue to support another @$$ in John McCain? I guess lack of water does funny things to people......
Posted by: dk | Dec 3, 2008 10:33:52 PM
These comments illustrate, in case there was still any doubt, that Gov. Rendell is a politician from the old school. No wonder that he was a strong supporter of Hillary Clinton during the '08 Democratic Primary.
Posted by: w_roos | Dec 3, 2008 10:32:41 PM
Just sends me da tax money. be4 we has some kind of attacks here
Posted by: tyrone | Dec 3, 2008 10:22:13 PM
His statement is only a big deal if Gov Napolitano thinks its a big deal. We have no business getting offended on her behalf if she doesn't think it is something to be offended about. Otherwise, we may just be insulting her by claiming that she ought to be hurt by his observation.
Posted by: Question | Dec 3, 2008 10:20:25 PM
I think Rendell should apologize to Janet Napolitano's female life partner. Why is no one talking about her life partner. We need openly gay role models in the cabinet.
Posted by: Louise Riley | Dec 3, 2008 10:19:45 PM
Why didn't Jake include the fact that, apparently during the same event, Rendell semi-trashed Sarah Palin. Something about "She's no genius, but..." Some of the media called it a Rendell compliment. Sounds to me like he's a dinosaur misogynist, but the Democrats will run interference for him. Had a Republican said that stuff, the media, Democrats and feminists would have had a field day. Where is NOW, now?
Posted by: John | Dec 3, 2008 10:12:08 PM
Always assume the mic is hot. A new axiom to live by.
Posted by: Shockolit | Dec 3, 2008 10:07:40 PM
This is typical of Fast Eddie. Please feel sorry for those of us who live in PA. I never thought he'd win a second term. We're still waiting for all of that gambling revenue to make it to our school districts...but wait....it has gone to a couple of airports and is going to build a new soccer stadium - that sounds like education to me
Posted by: ellsbells930 | Dec 3, 2008 9:53:24 PM
Typical Ed. Having lived in both cities, I am well-qualified to say that only the Philadelphians rival the Chicagoans for the ability to open mouth and insert foot. (Though New Yorkers and Bostonians come close.)
Posted by: Eleonora27 | Dec 3, 2008 9:44:05 PM
I don't know what is worse the comment or the fact that we would really never have known how he felt about the position and the candidate to fill it. Maybe this Governor should apply for a deputy white house spokesman job. At least then we may have a chance of knowing some truth!
Posted by: ScooterRN | Dec 3, 2008 9:41:59 PM
janet does have a neck that is bigger than her head-- if that counts for the job.
Posted by: Ford Fairlane | Dec 3, 2008 9:31:50 PM
Funny how Gov. Rendell was co-chair of the Hillary for President campaign. She continues to pick men in her life who look down on women . . .
Posted by: Les | Dec 3, 2008 9:11:37 PM
Here's what I don't get, why do people think that because they said something in a hot mic, that it doesn't count. Oops you weren't supposed to hear me say that, so I didn't.
Posted by: samhiguchi | Dec 3, 2008 9:05:20 PM
Having no family is very different from having "no life." Many people who are single have very full lives, they work, travel, have hobbies and social lives etc.
Besides, even if a person is single, they can still have all kinds of family ties.
What Rendell said seems harsh and unkind. Not to mention condescending....
Posted by: Sara | Dec 3, 2008 9:02:58 PM
Wow! What else does Rendell think when the mic is off? That was just wrong! Isn't Napolitano a Democrat? What does Rendell say about the Republicans when the mic is off? It takes a big mouth to fit such a big foot inside...
Posted by: Sean O'Brien | Dec 3, 2008 9:00:48 PM
I look forward to seeing the dedication and commitment of DHS Sec. Napolitano!
Posted by: Sidney Thurgood | Dec 3, 2008 9:00:20 PM
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