On the April 9, 2008 broadcast of CNN’s The Situation Room, asked to comment on the United States’ relationship with the United States’ relationship with China, Cafferty responded: “I think they’re basically the same bunch of goons and thugs they’ve been for the last 50 years”.[10] The Legal Immigrant Association started an online petition calling for a formal apology, indicating that Mr. Cafferty’s rant was anti-Chinese and has had the effect of exacerbating negative attitudes held by Americans toward Chinese and Chinese Americans. On the April 14, 2008 broadcast of CNN’s “Situation Room”, Jack Cafferty clarified his remarks: “Last week, during a discussion of the controversy surrounding China’s hosting of the Olympic Games, I said that the Chinese are basically the same bunch of goons and thugs they have been for the last 50 years. I was referring to the Chinese government, and not to Chinese people or to Chinese-Americans.”[11] CNN allegedly issued a controversial apology on April 14, to “anyone who has interpreted the comments to be causing offense.”[12] Not satisfied with CNN’s response, several thousand demonstrators picketed CNN’s Atlanta, Georgia[13] and Hollywood offices and demanded that CNN remove him from the network.[14]

A protest was held on April 26, 2008 in front of CNN headquarters in Atlanta.[15] On the same day, a few thousand Chinese and Chinese Americans protested in front of a CNN office in San Francisco. [16] [17]

On May 15, 2008, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang, CNN President Jim Walton sent a letter to Zhou Wenzhong, Chinese ambassador to the United States: “On behalf of CNN I’d like to apologize to the Chinese people for that. CNN has the highest respect for Chinese people around the world and we have no doubt that there was genuine offense felt by them over the Jack Cafferty commentary.”[18] CNN, however, denies that an apology to the Chinese government was ever made, stating that it was meant for the Chinese people alone.

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I am so sorry to hear about your wife Carol. Everyone who watches you on the Situation Room feels some lose. You are a very strong individual. Believe that, I am sure with all your family, friends at CNN and friends from the viewers you will, in time, come through this. I am a Canadian, but I watch you as much
as my job will allow. I enjoy your question
and answer period. Especially, your views, strong and honest, right from the heart. Take care and be strong.

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