Dem Sen. Invokes Slain Journalists to Argue Against ‘Impulsive’ ISIS Approach

Senator Mark Udall spoke about ISIS in a debate with Republican opponent Cory Gardner recently, and made some striking comments about the two American journalists beheaded by the terrorist group. In comments flagged by National Review, Udall said, “I can tell you, Steve Sotloff and James Foley would tell us, ‘Don’t be impulsive.’ Horrible and barbarous as those executions were, don’t be impulsive, come up with a plan to knock ISIL back.”

Udall instantly received a storm of criticism, especially from Gardner. The House Republican put out a statement reading, “It’s outrageous that Senator Udall would put words into the mouths of dead Americans. Furthermore, it’s deeply troubling that he views a terrorist organization like ISIL as not an imminent threat to America.”

Udall ended up apologizing in a statement just hours after National Review posted the video. He said, “When addressing ISIL during this weekend’s debate, I should not have invoked the names of James Foley and Steven Sotloff. It was inappropriate and I sincerely apologize.”

Watch Udall’s comments below:

[h/t NRO]
[image via screengrab]

— —

Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!