Lynn Jenkins looking for a ‘great white hope’

Kansas Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins got super stupid in Hiwatha last week when she told conservatives that a “great white hope” would stop President Barack Obama’s political agenda. According to The Topeka Capital-Journal, Jenkins told the crowd:

“Republicans are struggling right now to find the great white hope,”

Jenkins said to the crowd. “I suggest to any of you who are concerned

about that, who are Republican, there are some great young Republican

minds in Washington.”

Then Jenkins listed off a bunch of white Republicans as her “hope” for the future. Real nice.

As for “great white hope,” the term dates back to the early 1900s, when Jack Johnson won the world heavyweight boxing championship. Racial tension flared to the point that white fighters were actively sought to unseat the African-American champion. Jack London wrote: “Jim Jeffries must now emerge from his Alfalfa farm and remove that golden smile from Jack Johnson’s face. Jeff, it’s up to you. The White Man must be rescued.”

Jenkins has apologized:

“There’s no doubt the Republican Party has gone through some dark and challenging times in recent years, but thankfully bright young leaders have stepped up to lead the party into the future and she hopes to be a part of it. That was the intent of her comments — nothing more and nothing less. Congresswoman Jenkins apologizes for her choice of words.”

Guess that makes everything better.

To hear Jenkins promise a “great white hope,” watch the video below.