Rendell apologizes for AZ GOV comment

Posted: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 3:58 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Lauren Appelbaum
During a news conference on budget reductions today, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D) apologized for a hot mic statement he made yesterday, saying Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano (D) is perfect for the position of Homeland Security Secretary, in part, because she "has no family."

"What I meant is that Janet is a person who works 24/7, just like me," Rendell said in an explanation today.

Here is what Rendell said yesterday: "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."

Some critics have called Rendell's comments sexist and pointed to Michael Chertoff and Tom Ridge, Napolitano's predecessors, who both have families.

Today, Rendell used Ridge as an example, recalling a story by the former Pennsylvania governor and cabinet member about him having to give up golf, a passion of his. He used this to help illustrate his point that the job is a demanding position -- for a person of either gender.

"She works literally 24/7 as governor," Rendell said. "She'll do a great job. You have to live that job every minute."

After being pressed with a follow-up question on the insensitivity of the comment for a working mother balancing career and family, Rendell joked that was "fractured logic," from "Rocky and Bullwinkle."

"I guess, if you stretch it, it could be taken by some people the wrong way," Rendell said. "I certainly didn't mean it the wrong way. Janet is a friend of mine. She's a great, great governor, and she'll be a great Director of Homeland Security. And if anyone out there was offended, I apologize."

Rendell's press secretary, Chuck Ardo, expounded on Rendell's comments.

"He believes that a government official at that level of government, to do the job well, should not have much of a life outside of the office," Ardo told First Read.

Where does that leave Obama, who has two young children and will have the highest office in government?

"The governor believes that President-elect Obama will have to sacrifice some of his family time," Ardo responded. "And it is a credit to him that he is willing to do so on behalf of the nation."

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Comments

Again, as stated earlier some journalist trying to make a something out of nothing. there was nothing sexist by the Gov. personal opinion. Some of us needs to get a life and stop all the criticism of other.

Jes Marion SC (Sent Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:14 PM)

Jeez, why do folks have to make a BIG ISSUE out of a very minor gaffe? Clearly, the Homeland Security Secretary will be a HUGE UNDERTAKING, and it will take a very devoted person to fulfill the responsibilities (like most of the positions in any administration). And as much as I support Barack, he couldn't do what he's about to do without Michelle's (and his mother-in-law's) support. Fortunately, he recognizes that.

Indie Woman in Denver (Sent Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:16 PM)

Lord, why is everyone so sensitive. Ed made a factual comment. He could say the same of Obama that he will have to give up a lot of his time away from his family, asking if Obama could handle it. Fact not insentive or sexist...

Audrey (Sent Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:18 PM)

Oh for crying out loud. He just meant its a demanding job. I got it. Aren't there more important things to talk about?

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:19 PM)

zzzzzzzzzzz - media is sensitive and over-reacts. I have been told I have no life by plenty of people because I work all the time. I guess I should be offended because I am a single AA male!

Web 2.0 is looking better and better to replace this type of non-stories.

George, Memphis (Sent Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:22 PM)

If this was Republican that said this, the media would be on him relentlessly until he resigned. Seeing it's a Democrat, well, he was tired when he said it, and he did apologize. That's good enough, right? See Trent Lott words he said at a going away party for Strom Thurman for details on how Republicans are treated when they misspeak.

Ty Reynolds, MS (Sent Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:23 PM)

Now I would like to apoligize for the Gov. from S.C.
who has no intrest in help for the working class in his state. Gov Mark Sanford is indeed a embarressment
for the people of his state. He has no intrest in health care for the poor, he has no intrest in public education. Gov. Mark Sanford has no intrest in higher wages for the people of his state. Gov. Sanford is only intrested in Tax Credits for people with children in private schools, thats what his entire time in office has been all about. So Gov Rendall its alright at least you care about the people of your state.
marty

marty,columbia,s.c. (Sent Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:25 PM)

Ed will be Ed, which is why he's a Governor and not in the Cabinet right now!

LB, Virginia (Sent Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:28 PM)

What's with Pennsylvania polititians, mostly Democratic polititians, lately? This deal with Rendell, and Murtha calling his constituents 'redneck racists'. And what's stunning is both these morons keep getting reelected. Stupid is as stupid does I always say.

FGump (Sent Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:31 PM)

Some day our politics will allow humor again. If anyone would understand the comment, it would be a working mother with kids. 19-20 hours a day is 19-20 hours a day, no matter what the work. Besides, Napolitano is in politics which entails playing with and educating children anyway. Just among her peers.

Anyone else here think that press secretary Chuck Ardo mucked it up even worse?

Fast Eddy got the short end of the stick on this one. I think if elected officials and the press were limited to 8 hour days we'd all be better off.

Richard, Washington State (Sent Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:33 PM)

\\zzzzzzzzzzz - media is sensitive and over-reacts. \\

Oh, the media won't be sensitive and over-react to this story. It will have a one-day shelf life, if that. Now if a Republican said it, well now, that would be different. The Repub would have to resign from what ever office he held and attend 100 hours of "Sensitivity Training". Then he'd be executed.

Fair Minded (Sent Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:36 PM)

Oh guys jeez louise move on!!!!! This was just a miss step and not NEWS!!!!!

Sheryl, Houston TX (Sent Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:39 PM)

After 8 years of having to do no more than listen to the latest statement by Bush to generate a newsworthy controversy the MSM will now have to work harder at creating one for themselves. Stand-up comics are having the same problem.

Phil VietVet, Pearblossom, CA (Sent Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:47 PM)

Although Rendell is low on my list of "favorites", I understand what he meant and so would Janet Napolitano. Instead of this nonsense, who's keeping watch over George Bush for the next 49 days so he doesn't screw things up even more????

Diane from Illinois (Sent Wednesday, December 03, 2008 5:00 PM)

Gov Rendell is a good and honest man he did not mean anything bad all he ment was this job is very demanding and that the governer would be great at this job remember rendell is very close to sec clinton.

kendall beckett jefferson city mo (Sent Wednesday, December 03, 2008 5:07 PM)

I wouldn't say it's sexist, but it is extremely insensitive. The life a person has away from their job is of no concern to their employer, whether that is in private industry or political office. I would not take such comments from my employer, whether I was married with family or unmarried with no family. Rendell needs to apologize for his apology, and then take a sensitivity training class... or two.

randyman (Sent Wednesday, December 03, 2008 5:20 PM)

Why don't we all take a deep breath and relax? Goiv. Rendell obviously did not mean to insult his friend and colleague; his comment on the challenges of her new, demanding, and critically importanty assignment could apply to a male taking over the task as well. Ms. Brown, still trying to find a journalistic niche jumped on Gov. Rendell's no doubt hoping that her sound bite would draw some attention and generate some excitement, which it did. Now we can all turn the page.

ernest corea, springfield, va (Sent Wednesday, December 03, 2008 5:35 PM)

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