Politics & Government

McKalip Campaign Manager: 'Would Like to See Obama Run Down by a Bull'

Do you think the comment or the stunt at the Missouri State Fair are appropriate?

A clown performing during a rodeo at the Missouri State Fair Saturday caused quite a stir when he came out wearing a mask of President Barack Obama as the announcer asked the crowd if they would like to see the bull run over Obama. 

For Nick Finzer, campaign manager for St. Petersburg District 4 city council candidate Dr. David McKalip, the answer might be yes. 

On a WTSP Facebook post about the incident at the Missouri State Fair Finzer commented, "I think that I would like to see Obama run down by a bull. Except that would make Biden president..." 

After Patch contacted the McKalip campaign, the comment was removed from the post. 

"I have instructed Nick that this sort of behavior will not be tolerated and he must cease immediately," McKalip told Patch. "I have instructed him to remove the offensive comment."

McKalip later commented on the same post saying the act was not appropriate. 

"I think this is in poor taste," McKalip wrote. "We should have more respect for our President as a person, even if we disagree with his policies.”

According to the Kansas City Star, the fair issued a statement about the performance:

“The performance by one of the rodeo clowns at Saturday’s event was inappropriate and disrespectful, and does not reflect the opinions or standards of the Missouri State Fair. We strive to be a family friendly event and regret that Saturday’s rodeo badly missed that mark.”

McKalip, a local neurosurgeon, is not unfamiliar with controversies surrounding Obama. 

In 2009 McKalip was asked to apologize by the The Florida Medical Association for forwarding an email with the image of Obama dressed as a witch doctor.

According to the political website Talking Points Memo, McKalip apologized for the racist image. 

"I genuinely regret the decision I made in passing this e-mail message along. Directly to President Obama, I sincerely apologize for offending him. This was, in no way whatsoever, my intention. The image has nothing to do with my feelings or thoughts on any race or culture. I recognize that this image is offensive and hope that the nation refocuses on assuring all Americans have access to high-quality, affordable health care with no party interfering in the patient-physician relationship."


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