LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Republican Mike Huckabee responded to an offstage noise during his speech Friday to the National Rifle Association by suggesting it was Barack Obama diving to the floor because someone had aimed a gun at him. He apologized later in the day.
As Huckabee spoke to the NRA, a loud noise interrupting his speech. Huckabee said, quote, "That was Barack Obama. He just tripped off a chair. He's getting ready to speak and somebody aimed a gun at him and he -- he dove for the floor," unquote.
There were only a few murmurs in the crowd after the remark.
The Obama campaign had no comment.
Later today, Huckabee issued a statement. It said, quote, "During my speech at the NRA a loud noise backstage, that sounded like a chair falling, distracted the crowd and interrupted my speech. I made an offhand remark that was in no way intended to offend or disparage Senator Obama. I apologize that my comments were offensive, that was never my intention."
Huckabee's comments came during a nearly 20-minute speech in which he suggested gun education should start early. He also criticized the Democratic presidential candidates, saying neither Obama nor rival Hillary Rodham Clinton would fight to defend an individual's right to own a gun.
He said he wasn't sure if either Obama or Clinton, quote, "really get it," unquote.
