Samuel Wurzelbacher, also known as ‘Joe the Plummer’ from a 2008 political stint, did not have much to say about anti-gay comments he made in 2009 as CNN host Zoraida Sambolin asked the Republican nominee for Congress on his views of LGBT Americans. The Congressional hopeful accused Sambolin of hosting TMZ as opposed to CNN and became defensive when asked about his views on gay people.
At the time, Wurzelbacher had a lot to say about the gay community when he was interviewed at the conservative publication, Christianity Today. As to his feelings toward gay people, Wurzelbacher explained, “I’ve had some friends that are actually homosexual, and I mean, they know where I stand, and they know I wouldn’t allow them anywhere near my children. But at the same time, they’re people, and they’re going to do their thing.”
Wurzelbacher also added, “Queer means something strange and unusual. It’s not like a slur, like you would call a white person a honky or something like that.”
“Have you changed your positions on this at all?” Sambollin asked.
Wurzelbacher avoided the question entirely. “So, this is TMZ,” he said. “This isn’t CNN is what you’re saying.”
“Of course, it’s CNN,” Sambolin replied, while Wurzelbacher laughed. “These are things you said that I would like to know if you still stand by them or if you have changed your positions on them.”
He replied, “No, I want everyone to have a job. Americans—as far as that goes – Republicans…”
Sambolin cut off the Congressional nominee and insisted he answer the question.
“What about these comments that you made? Do you stand by these comments?” she asked.
“Listen, in my dictionary and in everyone’s dictionary from the 1970s, the word queer did mean strange and unusual,” he said. “There was no slur to it. Do you challenge that?”
“No, I’m just — I’m questioning whether or not you still stand by these positions on homosexuality –” Sambolin said.
Wurzelbacher became defensive. “You’re trying to do a gotcha moment, it’s quite obvious!” he said.
“No, no, it’s not a gotcha moment,” Sambolin said. “These are things that you said and I think people voting for you should have an opportunity to understand whether or not you have changed your positions on these two issues here.”
“I’ll tell you what, I have spoken with… GOProud and I am in agreement that I’ll be working towards all Americans – homosexual, straight – they want jobs, that’s what it comes down to. I’m allowed to have my opinions as an American.”
