President Obama has been called many names over the past 7 years, but being called an “animal” is first.

 “Unfortunately, for seven and a half years this animal we call president — because he’s an animal, OK? … has surgically and with thought and very smart, intelligent manner, destroyed this country and dismantled the military under not one, not two, but three secretary of defenses.” –Carlos Beruff

Beruff’s remark was not left unnoticed, as both of his Democratic and Republican  senate campaign rivals took issue with him.

Here is what they said:

“Mr. Beruff’s statement is not only offensive, but extremely disrespectful to President Obama’s incredible service to our nation…I call on Mr. Beruff to immediately apologize for his disrespectful comments. In the U.S. Senate, our diverse state deserves better than Mr. Beruff’s clear record of bigotry.”-Rep. Patrick Murphy (D)

“Like many Americans, I believe with the strongest conviction that the President’s policies the last 7 years have weakened our leadership on the world stage and have weakened us economically here at home, but referring to the President of the United States as an ‘animal’ is an alarming insult of questionable intent and has no place in American politics. Carlos should immediately apologize.”-Rep. David Jolly (R)

“It’s clear that Carlos Beruff will say just about anything to try and distract from his record of supporting liberals like Charlie Crist.”-Brad Herold, Rep. Ron DeSantis’ campaign manager

Beruff responds, sticks to his statement:

 “When liberals like young Congressman Patrick Murphy cannot defend their views they resort to name calling and the politics of racial division…Carlos was making the point that President Obama has destroyed our country’s strength abroad.  Congressman Murphy and the rest of the career politicians in Washington should apologize for aiding President Obama in making America weaker.”

Something tells me that this senate race is finally going to be the slugfest that many have been expecting.