Former Trump campaign manager David Bossie on Sunday told a black Democratic strategist that he was “out of his cotton-picking mind,” a comment that prompted Fox News to apologize for airing it.
Bossie’s remark came after Democratic strategist Joel Payne said there were “dog whistles” emanating from the White House, during a heated discussion on civility in politics and discourse.
“You don’t have to be a golden retriever to hear all the dog whistles coming out of the White House these days and from my friend David here,” Payne said, suggesting the Trump administration is prone to bigotry and has fostered intolerance in its base.
In reply, Bossie mentioned a controversial photo Gen. Michael Hayden posted of Auschwitz accompanied by a reference to the administration’s child separation policy. Payne mocked the idea that Hayden was a liberal.
“You’re out of your cotton-picking mind,” Bossie shot back.
Following the segment, Fox host Ed Henry told viewers that though the network enjoys “spirited debates,” Fox wished to separate itself from the “offensive phrase.”
“I’ve known David a long time. I’ll let him address exactly what he said. But I want to make sure that Fox News and this show, myself, we don’t agree with that particular phrase,” Henry said.
A spokeperson from Fox News has since issued a statement calling Bossie’s comment “deeply offensive and wholly inappropriate.”
“His remarks do not reflect the sentiments of FOX News and we do not in any way condone them,” the spokesperson said.
Bossie himself took to Twitter around noon to issue an apology.
“During a heated segment on Fox & Friends today, I should have chosen my words more carefully and never used the offensive phrase that I did. I apologize to Joel Payne, Fox News and its viewers,” he wrote.
During a heated segment on Fox & Friends today, I should have chosen my words more carefully and never used the offensive phrase that I did. I apologize to Joel Payne, Fox News and its viewers.
— David Bossie (@David_Bossie) June 24, 2018
