Nugent apologizes for Obama slur

AUSTIN, Texas — Ted Nugent has apologized for calling President Barack Obama a "subhuman mongrel," attempting to defuse a political flap engulfing Texas' governor's race.

Nugent was quoted last month as calling the president a "subhuman mongrel." But appearing Friday on WBAP Radio in Dallas, he said, "I apologize for using the street fight terminology of subhuman mongrel."

The musician said he should have called Obama "violator of his Constitution, the liar that he is." He said the president lied about the health-care law.

Nugent has campaigned with Attorney General Greg Abbott, now the gubernatorial front-runner. But Abbott sidestepped questions about Nugent's previous comments — sparking criticism. Abbott said in a statement Friday that Nugent's comment was "not the kind of language I would use or endorse in any way." He said he believed Nugent recognized his language was wrong.

Nugent apologized earlier Friday after Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky disavowed the remark.

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