When we last saw George Allen, the Republican senator from Virginia was gamely struggling to explain why he’d kept a Confederate flag in his home and what looked to be a noose in his law office. Well, this week, Allen again finds himself struggling to explain — how to put it — a certain lack of sensitivity.

During a Republican rally at Breaks, Virginia, on Friday, August 11, Allen picked S.R. Sidarth out of the crowd and addressed him publicly. Sidarth, who was born and raised in Virginia, was videotaping Allen appearances for Jim Webb, Allen’s Democratic challenger. Here’s what Allen had to say, according to the Associated Press (AP): “This fellow over here with the yellow shirt — Macaca or whatever his name is — he’s with my opponent. … Let’s give a welcome to Macaca here. Welcome to America and the real world of Virginia.”

Priceless! But the subsequent explanation from the Allen camp was even better. According to Allen’s spokesman, “Macaca” is a variation of “Mohawk,” which Allen allegedly calls Sidarth behind the scenes due to his (Sidarth’s) haircut. (His haircut doesn’t really look like a Mohawk, but whatever.) Allen also professed ignorance that a macaque is a type of monkey, and a racist slur used by the French to offend North Africans. But how could a real-world Virginian be expected to know that? It’s not his fault that he knows the language. His mother is French Tunisian!

Allen promised to personally seek out Sidarth the next time he has an opportunity. “I look forward to seeing him,” Allen said, according to AP. “The point of the matter was to chide and poke fun at my opponent, not at any of his staff.” We’re sure he’s looking forward to it too, George.

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