What were they thinking? No presidential campaign season is without its occasional head-scratching moments. But amid e-mail hoaxes, "gay-bash tours" and several instances of questionable decision making on the parts of both Democratic and Republican presidential contenders, the 2007 campaign season has been rife with gaffes and blunders. Here are 12 of the biggest missteps.
1) Biden's 'He's So Articulate' Moment
Memo to Joe Biden: Articulate is not a compliment. But Biden apparently didn't get the message before referring to Barack Obama when saying, "I mean, you got the first mainstream African American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy, I mean, that's a storybook, man."
The remark was made the same day Biden filed the official paperwork to launch his presidential campaign. Biden later apologized and clarified he should have used the word "fresh" instead of "clean."
Better yet…perhaps next time Biden should say nothing at all.
2) Clinton Staffers Resign Over 'Obama Is a Dangerous Muslim' Hoax E-Mail
Mitt Romney's not the only one fueling the "Obama is a Muslim" urban legend. In recent weeks, Hillary Clinton's campaign has requested the resignation of two staffers who were responsible for forwarding an e-mail that read in part, "Let us all remain alert concerning Obama's expected presidential Candidacy … Please forward to everyone you know. The Muslims have said they Plan on destroying the US from the inside out, what better way to start than at The highest level."
Clinton later apologized to Obama at a Democratic debate.
3) Obama Drug Remark Forces Clinton Co-Chair Resignation
More staff follies for the Clinton camp, this time from Clinton's New Hampshire Co-Chair Bill Shaheen. When referencing Obama's admittance to drug use while in high school in his 1996 memoir Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance, Shaheen said such an admittance would open Obama up to further speculation from Republicans should he win the Democratic nomination.
"It'll be, 'When was the last time? Did you ever give drugs to anyone? Did you sell them to anyone?'" Shaheen said. "There are so many openings for Republican dirty tricks. It's hard to overcome," reports ABC News.com.
Shaheen resigned. Clinton apologized … again.
(See also: Commentary: 'Black Enough,' Drug Rumors & Quid Pro Quos)
4) GOP Candidates Blow Off Latino, Black Debates
It took some time, but the top GOP candidates eventually changed their minds and decided to participate in the Spanish-language Univision debate on Dec. 9. The sudden change of heart came shortly after Fred Thompson signed up for the debate, joining John McCain, who previously had been the only Republican presidential candidate to agree to participate. Democrats held the first Spanish-language debate, also hosted by Univision, in September. The Republican debate was postponed because the top three GOP candidates had refused to participate, citing "scheduling and fundraising" conflicts.
Republican contenders Rudy Giuliani, Romney, Thompson and McCain were also no-shows at a debate at Morgan State University, a historically black college that was moderated by commentator Tavis Smiley, reports The New York Times.
(See also: Who Cares About Tavis Smiley? Top GOP Prez Candidates Diss 'Customers' of Color)
5) Osama? Obama? Why Can't Romney Get it Right?
In the midst of accusing Obama of urging terrorists to congregate in Iraq, Romney said, "Actually, just look at what Osam--Barack Obama--said just yesterday." Slip of the tounge, or can Romney really not tell the difference? Obama spokesman Bill Burton took the slip in stride, taking the opportunity to take a poke at Romney.
"Apparently, Mitt Romney can switch names just as casually as he switches positions, but what's wrongheaded is continuing a misguided war in Iraq that has left America less safe. It's time to end the divisiveness and fear-mongering that is at the heart of Gov. Romney's campaign," said Burton, according to MSNBC.com.
6) John Edwards: 'Can't Build Enough Jails' for Black Youths?
Did he really say that? When asked what he would do to "eliminate inner-city kids partaking in violence," Edwards said: "We cannot build enough prisons to solve this problem. And the idea that we can keep incarcerating and keep incarcerating--pretty soon we're not going to have a young African-American male population in America. They're all going to be in prison or dead. One of the two."
Taken out of context, it would appear that Edwards had a full-fledged Howard Dean meltdown. But when listening to his entire remarks, Edwards was saying incarcerating black youths isn't the answer, whereas focusing on strengthening educational opportunities would keep those young black males off a track that would lead to prison.
7) Obama's 'Gay Bash Tour'
Obama found himself in the midst of a quandary when the Human Rights Campaign urged him to cut ties with Donnie McClurkin, who was among a host of gospel singers scheduled to perform in South Carolina at various fundraising events. McClurkin has reportedly made anti-gay remarks in the past, reports The Hill. Some critics had gone as far as to call on Obama to end what was dubbed the "Gay Bash Tour".
8) McCain Welcomes Back 'Old Friend' Don Imus
McCain was among the first guests to welcome Don Imus back to the airwaves earlier this month. McCain was a frequent guest on Imus' show before the shock jock was fired by CBS Radio and MSNBC for referring to Rutgers University's women's basketball team as a bunch of "nappy-headed hos." Signing off, he said to Imus, "Thanks for having me on. Welcome back, old friend."
(See also: Is Imus for Real?)
9) Romney's 'Macaca' Moment
While campaigning in South Carolina, Romney was seen shaking hands with supporters holding signs that read "No to Obama, Osama and Chelsea's Moma." TMZ.com, the celebrity-news web site, was first to capture the pictures. There's even a photo of Romney holding the sign. Kevin Madden, a spokesperson for the Romney campaign, made light of the encounter, saying: "The governor stopped briefly for a picture with a supporter who just happened to be holding their own sign with an alliterative play on words. I don't think it was equating or comparing anyone."
10) McCain Backpedals From 'Christian Nation' Comment
Several Jewish and Muslim organizations criticized McCain after the Republican candidate said he would prefer a Christian president over someone of a different faith. In an interview with Beliefnet, a multi-denominational web site that covers religion and spirituality, McCain was asked if a Muslim candidate could be a good president. "I just have to say in all candor that since this nation was founded primarily on Christian principles ... personally, I prefer someone who I know who has a solid grounding in my faith," McCain said.
11) John Edwards: Vote for Me Because I'm a White Man?
Huffington Post blogger Francis L. Holland imagines that's what Edwards actually means when he receives e-mails from the Edwards campaign that read in part: "Can you imagine what it would be like to have a Democratic candidate who can compete and win anywhere in the country? A candidate who can connect with people in Columbus [Kentucky] and put states like Oklahoma in play?"
"Now, why would a man who's polling at 10 percent among Democrats nonetheless argue that he can put white Southern states in play?" asks Holland. "In fact, he's saying 'vote for me, because I'm a white man, and some places will only vote for a white man.' If that's not what he's saying, then what IS he saying?"
12) Michelle Obama Spills Barack's Personal Secrets
Many Obama supporters were dismayed when Michelle Obama described her husband as "snore-y and stinky" in a Glamour Magazine article. "We have this ritual in the morning," she told Glamour. "[Our daughters] come in my bed, and Dad isn't there--because he's too snore-y and stinky, they don't want to ever get into bed with him."
