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Jay Nixon owes people of Missouri an apology

April 24, 2009

Nixon’s insult ‘disgraceful’

JEFFERSON CITY—While speaking on the campus of the University of Missouri-Columbia yesterday, Governor Jay Nixon implied that the people of Missouri are unable to understand “multi-syllable” words.  Lloyd Smith, Executive Director of the Missouri Republican Party, released the following statement:

“Here are two multisyllabic words for Jay Nixon: patronizing and condescending.  Nixon’s insult was slap in the face to all Missourians. By implying that the hard-working, resourceful people of our state are not capable of understanding language or policy, his comments reveal an out-of-touch, elitist governor who is perfectly content reinforcing negative stereotypes about the state.  It is beyond disgraceful, and Jay Nixon owes the people of Missouri an immediate apology.  Apologize today, Jay.”

Nixon’s full quote from the Columbia Tribune:Nixon didn’t have to explain details of the legislation to energy summit audience members, who applauded as soon as he mentioned it. “That’s not usually an applause line,” Nixon joked. “ It’s nice to be on a college campus where you can use multi-syllable (sic) words and not feel as though it’s damaging to your message.”