Dr. Paul Song stepped down as Chair of the California-based Courage Campaign Board Monday after his controversial remarks at a rally for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.)
During a New York rally last Wednesday, Song referred to "corporate Democratic whores" right after talking about Hillary Clinton, Sanders' opponent in the Democratic primary.
"Medicare-for-all will never happen if we continue to elect corporate Democratic whores who are beholden to big pharma and the private insurance industry instead of us," he said.
Later that day he tweeted an apology:
"I am very sorry for using the term ‘whore’ to refer to some in congress who are beholden to corporations and not us. It was insensitive."
However, Sanders denounced the comments made by his supporter:
"Dr. Song's comment was inappropriate and insensitive. There's no room for language like that in our political discourse."
Most people's first reaction was to assume that the comment was made about Clinton, but Song promised it was not intended to target her.
According to the release about the resignation, Song had served as chair since 2013.
Full release about the resignation below:
CALIFORNIA -- The Courage Campaign announced today that Dr. Paul Song has resigned as the Chair of its Board. Dr. Song has served in this role since 2013.
Eddie Kurtz, who has served as executive director since 2014, will continue to lead the organization day to day and take on more responsibilities.
Kurtz joined Courage Campaign in 2011 and previously served as the organization’s political director, leading the effort to pass the California Homeowner’s Bill of Rights in 2012 and the Lifesaving Intelligent Firearms Enforcement Act in 2013. He also directed online operations for the Millionaires Tax of 2012, the precursor to the historic Proposition 30.
Originally from Kansas City, Kurtz has lived in California since 2004. He currently lives in Oakland with his wife Cassie and eleven-month old daughter Lou.