Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said he forgives MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry for an offensive segment last week that took aim at his African American grandson.
Romney, appearing on Fox News Sunday, noted he has seen Harris-Perry's apology and believes it is genuine. However, the former Massachussetts governor added although political attacks on family are "beyond the line" he thinks "they understand that and feel that as well. I think it's a heartfelt apology":
CHRIS WALLACE: Governor, this must be hurtful and I know you are a classy guy and you don't want to get into it, I got to ask you, honestly, from the heart, how did you and quite frankly how did Mrs. Romney feel when you heard your baby grandson Kieren was the target of political ridicule.
MITT ROMNEY: Let me first note, Chris, we love this little guy a great deal. He was an answer to prayer and we love that he is a part of our family. He is a part of our family. That being said, I recognize that people make mistakes and the folks at MSNBC made a big mistake. They've apologized for it. That's all can you ask for. I am going to move on from that. I am sure they want to move on from it. Look, I've made plenty of mistakes myself. They've apologized for this. You know, I think we can go on from there.
WALLACE: Let me just ask if I can press a little bit on this, sir, you tend to speak from the head. I know Mrs. Romney tends to speak from the heart. I suspect she took this somewhat more personally. The idea that political discourse would include going after a little baby.
ROMNEY: Well, you know, I think people recognize, and the folks at MSNBC who've apologized recognize people like me are fair targets. If you get in the political game, you can expect incoming. But children, you know, that's beyond the line and I think they understand that and feel that as well. I think it's a heartfelt apology. I think for that reason, we hold no ill will whatsoever.
Full exchange: