Montana Republican Senate candidate Tim Sheehy acknowledged in Monday's debate that derisive comments he made about Native Americans in 2023 were “insensitive,” but said his comments reflected military culture. He explained that this was the case and refused to apologize.
“Yes, it's insensitive,” Sheehy acknowledged when asked about his Democratic opponent, Sen. Jon Tester of Montana.
“Like many tribal members, I come from a military background. As you know, we sometimes tell jokes that are insensitive or perhaps disgusting,” he said.
Char Cousta News reported in August that Sheehy joked about Crow tribal members being drunk at 8 a.m. at a 2023 fundraiser.
The Republican candidate told supporters at the event that roping and branding cattle with Crow members was “a great way to bond with all the Indians who are drunk at 8 a.m.” Ta.
Tester demanded that Sheehy apologize for those comments during Monday's debate.
“Tim, your comments demean Native Americans across this country,” he said. “You are a great person, so please apologize.”
Mr. Sheehy responded by demanding whether Mr. Tester would apologize for the millions of migrants who have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border during President Biden's four years in office.
Last month, the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leadership Council, which represents 11 tribes in the United States and Canada, asked Sheehy to apologize for his comments.
“Crow people are not your punchline. Native Americans are not your punchline,” the group's president, Bryce Kirk, wrote in a letter to Sheehy.
