Etheridge, Caught on Video, Apologizes

Representative Bob Etheridge, Democrat of North Carolina, issued an apology on Monday for grabbing a young man by the hand, arm and neck – as a video camera rolled – as the man tried to ask him whether he supports President Obama’s agenda.

The apology came after images of the incident spread across the Internet.

“I deeply and profoundly regret my reaction and I apologize to all involved,” Mr. Etheridge said in a statement. “Throughout my many years of service to the people of North Carolina, I have always tried to treat people from all viewpoints with respect. No matter how intrusive and partisan our politics can become, this does not justify a poor response.”

He added, “I have and I will always work to promote a civil public discourse.”

A young man, dressed in a jacket and tie, approached the congressman on a sidewalk, saying: “Hi, Congressman. How are you? Do you fully support the Obama agenda?”

Mr. Etheridge, a seven-term House member, can be seen on the video repeatedly asking the young man to identify himself. After a few seconds, the congressman grabs the camera and the young man. “Tell me who you are,” Mr. Etheridge said.

“Tell me who you are.”

Read more: (Jeff Zeleny, “Etheridge, Caught on Video, Apologizes,” The New York Times’ “The Caucus” blog, 06/14/2010)