DC Trawler

Hilary Rosen provides a valuable lesson in how not to apologize

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No, that’s not fair. She’s providing a valuable lesson in how not to use human language for any purpose whatsoever.

Here’s what CNN has inaccurately labeled as Rosen’s “apology” for her comments on Ann Romney and stay-at-home moms everywhere:

Let’s put the faux “war against stay at home moms” to rest once and for all. As a mom I know that raising children is the hardest job there is. As a pundit, I know my words on CNN last night were poorly chosen. In response to Mitt Romney on the campaign trail referring to his wife as a better person to answer questions about women than he is, I was discussing his lack of a record on the plight of women’s financial struggles. Here is my more fulsome view of the issues. As a partner in a firm full of women who work outside of the home as well as stay at home mothers, all with plenty of children, gender equality is not a talking point for me. It is an issue I live every day. I apologize to Ann Romney and anyone else who was offended. Let’s declare peace in this phony war and go back to focus on the substance.

This is just another variation on that old classic: “I called you an idiot and I’m sorry… I’m sorry you’re an idiot!” When making an apology, one does not call one’s critics “faux” and “phony.” One does not wrap oneself in victimhood to deflect their criticism. One does not say, “I’m sorry I told you to shut up. Now shut up.”

We know your pride has been grievously wounded, Hilary, but this is very shoddy work. D-. The only thing keeping you from a failing grade is that you’re so awful at this, I feel guilty for enjoying it so much.

P.S.