The billionaire co-founder of Black Entertainment Television has apologized for mocking the speech impediment of the Democratic candidate for governor at a campaign event in Virginia last month.Sheila Johnson, who has long been a major donor to President Barack Obama and Gov. Timothy Kaine, stunned the state's political observers in July by endorsing Republican Bob McDonnell in the race for governor. Democrat Creigh Deeds is running to replace Kaine, who is barred by state law from running for a second consecutive term.
In a 32-second YouTube video, posted by Democratic blogger Ben Tribbett from a Sept. 25 McDonnell event, Johnson is seen telling a group of wealthy donors that Virginians needs a governor "who can really communicate, and Bob McDonnell can communicate."
Johnson then says, "The other people I talk to, especially his op-op-op-op-opponent, di-di-did this all through my interview with him."
Groans and muted laughter can then be heard from the group of wealthy donors.
"He could not articulate what needed to be done," Johnson continued. "So communication is hugely important."
In a statement e-mailed to The Associated Press on Monday, Johnson said she sought to highlight Deeds' inability to "clearly communicate effective solutions" on important issues.
"I shouldn't have done it in the manner in which I did and for that I apologize for any offense he, or others, may have taken," Johnson said. More at Foxnews.com
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