Neal Boortz, talk-show idiot, attacks Obama on Twitter for Aurora theater shooting statement

Update below: You'd think that even partisan zealots would know when to muzzle themselves following a tragedy on the scale of the shooting at the Aurora Town Center Century 16 during a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises. But not Neal Boortz, a right-wing talk-show host heard on five...

By Michael Roberts

July 20, 2012

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Update below: You'd think that even partisan zealots would know when to muzzle themselves following a tragedy on the scale of the shooting at the Aurora Town Center Century 16 during a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises. But not Neal Boortz, a right-wing talk-show host heard on five Colorado radio stations, who took to Twitter this morning to attack President Barack Obama for offering condolences to the victims of this dreadful event.

Here's the Obama statement:

Michelle and I are shocked and saddened by the horrific and tragic shooting in Colorado. Federal and local law enforcement are still responding, and my Administration will do everything that we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time. We are committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our people, and caring for those who have been wounded. As we do when confronted by moments of darkness and challenge, we must now come together as one American family. All of us must have the people of Aurora in our thoughts and prayers as they confront the loss of family, friends, and neighbors, and we must stand together with them in the challenging hours and days to come.

And here's Boortz's Twitter reaction:

Obama has made a statement about Colorado shooting.Whew.Everything is OK now.Obama is "shocked and saddened."
— Neal Boortz (@Talkmaster) July 20, 2012

Really? Now?

By the way, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney issued a statement about the shooting, too -- one early enough that the casualty total is off. (At this writing, the Aurora Police Department has confirmed twelve are dead, after originally putting the total at fourteen.) It reads:

Ann and I are deeply saddened by the news of the senseless violence that took the lives of 15 people in Colorado and injured dozens more. We are praying for the families and loved ones of the victims during this time of deep shock and immense grief. We expect that the person responsible for this terrible crime will be quickly brought to justice.

Should we expect a snotty tweet from Boortz (his show airs in Greeley/Fort Collins, Glenwood Springs, Basalt/Aspen, Grand Junction and Cortez) about Romney's sentiments? Of course not. Because for people like him, there's apparently never a time to take a break from bashing to think about those ten bodies currently still laying in an Aurora movie theater.

Update, 9:24 a.m. July 20: Moments ago, I received the following e-mail from Neal Boortz. It reads:

Michael...you are EXACTLY right. My Tweet was flat out wrong. Certainly it is the role of the President to lead the mourning at a time like this. I've apologized on Twitter as well.

Here's the apology tweet:

Does the last line above -- "He just affects me that way" -- seem like Boortz's way of excusing this incredible gaffe by sorta blaming it on Obama for making him feel the way he does? You be the judge.

Update: Here are photos of the shooter, James Holmes, 24:

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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