Mike Huckabee Apologizes After Insulting Intellectual Disabilities on Fox News

On Sunday, Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas, went on Fox News to share his thoughts regarding the White House’s new chief of staff General John Kelly, and in the process, ending up insulting those with intellectual disabilities.

Huckabee: "I think [John Kelly's] going to be great. You can't get 4 stars pinned on your shoulder without being an extraordinary person." pic.twitter.com/W2tVRN1HJb

— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 30, 2017

During the segment, Huckabee remarked, “If you have four stars on your shoulder, you’re not a slow learner, you didn’t ride the short bus. He’s going to be fine.”

Huckabee apologized for his comment later that evening on Twitter, stating:

A comment I made on Fox this am was undeservedly harmful and disrespectful to many people. No ifs or buts-I was wrong-period. I apologize.

A comment I made on Fox this am was undeservedly harmful and disrespectful to many people. No ifs or buts-I was wrong-period. I apologize.

— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) July 30, 2017

Implying Kelly will succeed at his job because he does not have an intellectual disability hurts those who do. People with intellectual disabilities can be just as successful as their “typical” peers, and they often are. Just like anyone else, people with intellectual disabilities can run their own businesses, star in movies and have long careers doing jobs they love.

While some were satisfied by Huckabee’s apology, others took to Twitter to share their dismay over the incident.

Mike Huckabee says Gen. Kelly good choice because he didn't "ride the short bus." Still not ok to insult people w/ disabilities. POS.

— Teresa ❤️???????????? (@teresa3llen) July 31, 2017

I have a grandson who will ride the short bus due to CP. Its a shame they get mocked by a man of God Mike Huckabee & Donald Trump.#Shortbus pic.twitter.com/g8Cm1dU3jU

— Norm Jenks (@StorminSpartin) July 31, 2017

Where's Sarah Huckabee Sanders' stmt repudiating Mike Huckabee's hateful remarks about children who ride the "short bus?" Terrible parents.

— PatriotDames (@PatriotDames) July 31, 2017

People in government, representing all the people, should stop using special education analogies.

— Polly Karr (@karr_pe) July 31, 2017

Growing up, hearing comments like this were common, but no one who has spent time w/ DD folks (& more pols should) would say this today.

— Brian Stewart (@BrianStewartOH) July 31, 2017

I also am a former teacher who works at my local school distrct to help teachers in spec ed a tough job

— Lane Zane (@LaneZane1) July 31, 2017

What’s your take? Let us know in the comments below.