Apology of the Week: Chris Matthews Apologizes for "Enemy Camp" comment

Following President Obama's Afghanistan speech to cadets at the West Point Military Academy, Chris Matthews said that the president had "traveled to the enemy camp." These words generated much criticism of the MSNBC broadcaster. 

Matthews quickly backed off from that comment and apologized.

Here's a partial transcript of his apology:

I have gotten tough calls from parents of cadets and former cadets at West Point at my saying last night the president going to speak up there to maybe the enemy camp. I was talking about the skepticism I saw on the faces in the crowd as president Obama spoke. How West Point was where President Bush went in 2002 to make his most hawkish speech before the Iraq war.

I have heard too many politicians say that was taken out of context to explain something they wish they hadn't said. Let me say to the cadets, their parents, former cadets and everyone who cares about this country and those who defend it. I used the wrong words and worse than that I said something that is just not right. I deeply apologize.

For the full apology, transcript, and video, click here.

I applaud Chris Matthews for a direct, unambiguous apology.  I specifically applaud him for resisting the temptation to suggest that it was never his intention to offend people. 

As readers of this blog know, I pointedly encourage apologies to focus on the consequences of the words or conduct, not the intentions.  Matthews resisted this impulse.  His apology is admirable for reaching out to the various constituencies his words offended. 

Evaluation

Recognition: A

Responsibility: A

Remorse: A

Restitution: N/A

Repetition:  N/A

Overall Score:  A