I am going to let Tommy Thompson's remarks, as recorded in Haaretz, speak for themselves, except to note that he had time to prepare his apology/clarification:
WASHINGTON - Former Wisconsin governor and Republican presidential hopeful Tommy Thompson told Jewish activists Monday that making money is "part of the Jewish tradition," and something that he applauded.Speaking to an audience at the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism in Washington D.C., Thompson said that, "I'm in the private sector and for the first time in my life I'm earning money. You know that's sort of part of the Jewish tradition and I do not find anything wrong with that."
Thompson later apologized for the comments that had caused a stir in the audience, saying that he had meant it as a compliment, and had only wanted to highlight the "accomplishments" of the Jewish religion.
"I just want to clarify something because I didn't [by] any means want to infer or imply anything about Jews and finances and things," he said.
"What I was referring to, ladies and gentlemen, is the accomplishments of the Jewish religion. You've been outstanding business people and I compliment you for that."
But one of the things one needs in a leader is the ability to think on his feet, and be tactful, etc.
Presidents have to sit down with the most powerful people on earth and they can't make mistakes in those situations. When I despair of the political process in our country, I find some solace in the revelatory nature of our campaign system. It does seem to boot out some of the obvious jackasses, but as we know it's not perfect. :)