Politics

New Video of ‘Violent Overthrow’ Comments Suggests Candidate Right About ‘Context’

New tape of a Texas congressional hopeful’s interview with a Dallas TV station shows the candidate making it clear he was not advocating “violent overthrow” of the government in 2010, and suggests his claim of being taken out of context may have some merit.

Pastor Stephen Broden, running for a U.S. House seat in Texas’s 30th district, came under fire last week for his comments that violent overthrow of the government is “on the table.” And while he never denied making the comment, he did claim he made it clear to interviewer Brad Watson of WFAA-TV that such an option is only viable in extreme instances, after means such as voting have been exhausted. Just-released tape of the full interview seems to substantiate Broden’s claims.

Toward the end of the raw tape (released by WFAA on it’s website), Watson asks Broden to clarify comments made in 2009 that once constitutional remedies for governmental change have been exhausted, revolution is an option.

Watson: “What do you mean by revolution?”

Broden’s initial response includes nothing about violent overthrow:

Revolution is a part of the statement that is made, that when governments become destructive … to the end of protecting the liberties and the freedoms that we have, … it is the right of the governed to alter or abolish it. … And the abolishment of that is through change, through reform, through revolution.

Watson continues to prod: “Are you implying that if a change at the ballot box can’t be made to your satisfaction, you’re urging some violent uprising or overthrow of the government?”

Broden: “No. I am not saying to my satisfaction at all. I’m saying that if in fact we have a government who becomes destructive to the end that the founding fathers identified with in the Declaration — and that has to deal with our liberties, our unalienable rights, those rights that are given to us by our Creator –  if in fact government becomes destructive to that end, it is the right of the governed to alter or abolish it, and abolishment there means to change to it, and change has to do with revolution.”

Watson : “What do you mean by revolution? Do you mean a violent overthrow of the government?”

Broden: “It doesn’t have to be violent at all. It can happen at the ballot box when we change our leadership.”

Watson: “But you‘ve kind of excluded that where you say ’we have a constitutional remedy’ — the ballot box — ‘and the framers said if that that don’t work, revolution.’”

Broden goes on to reiterate that only if government becomes destructive and tramples on citizens’ liberties should it be changed, and at that point the American people have the right to “get rid of it by any means necessary.” Watson uses that statement to try again to have Broden admit he’s in favor of violent revolution.

Watson: “So you would include a violent overthrow of the government by saying, if the framers said that don’t work, revolution?”

Broden: “No, I would say that to whatever extent that we can alter, or adjust, or abolish it –”

Watson: “Well, what does by any means necessary — doesn’t that include violence?”

Broden: “Well that’s part of the scenario, but that is not the first option. And it obviously wasn’t the first option with the Declaration of Independence.”

Watson: “So you would include some kind of violent overthrow of the government by including revolution?”

Broden: “It is not the first option –”

Watson: “It is an option, though, in your eyes –”

Broden: “The first option is to alter it or abolish it, it is a part of the scenario. And we as Americans must understand that our founding fathers included that in the scenario.”

Watson: “But violence is an option as you view –”

In response to that question, Broden offers the quote included in Watson’s original story — the quote that has now become infamous.

Broden: “Our nation was founded on violence. We violently resisted King George, and revolted against his tyranny.”

Watson: “In 2010 you would urge that as an option, though?”

Broden: “The option is on the table. I don’t think that we should ever remove anything from the table as relates to our liberties and our freedoms.”

Watson’s news story ends the quote there. However, Broden continues on, attempting to make it clear that violence isn’t the first option and there are other means to affect change:

However, it is not the first option as the founders framed. And I think what we have in the Constitution is a process through which we can alter what may be tyranny that’s happening in our nation, at that ballot box.

On the video, Watson seems to end the the interview after Broden finishes that quote. But the camera keeps rolling and Watson asks some more questions, including one that could be the the most relevant of the interview:

Do you think some of your remarks could hurt you in this election?

Broden’s response seems prophetic given his later claims:

If it’s not given the context, and if someone like you would lift it out and make it seem as if I’m some kind of radical, I think it could potentially.

This afternoon, Broden sat down and watched the full interview. After finishing, he e-mailed his reaction to The Blaze:

It appears that my remarks were misrepresented and were a distraction from the real issues. I hope I can share my vision for the 30th District, which includes economic development, supporting small business growth, and educating a workforce to take advantage of a 21st century economy.

Ambushed?

In an interview with The Blaze over the weekend, Broden suggested that his campaign was unaware that the interview was going to take the format it did. Broden said he and his campaign were under the impression that it was going to be a question-and-answer regarding his views on health care, social security, and entitlement reform.

So when he showed up and was greeted by a TV monitor playing his former remarks, he was shocked.

The Blaze has new information regarding how the interview was set up that could explain the confusion.

According to phone calls with campaign officials and an an e-mail obtained by The Blaze, the interview with WFAA was setup up through a third-party public relations firm familiar with, and frequently used by, Broden’s campaign.

A phone call to the firm  which produced both of Broden’s TV commercials, confirmed that WFAA did contact them to set up the interview. The company official who worked as the contact person confirmed he was told by WFAA that Watson wanted to play back old remarks and have Broden respond to them.

Yet in that official’s e-mail to the Broden campaign,  he leaves out any mention of old remarks or playing them back.

“Brad Watson at Ch 8 wants to interview Pastor Broden tomorrow AM around
11:30AM at Ch 8 studios,” the official writes on October 20. “Knows that he has some strong views on the health care bill, social security, the mortgage and banking crisis, end of life counselors, etc.”

The e-mail ends shortly after that with no mention of format.

Debbie Georgatos, who heads media for Broden’s campaign, told The Blaze that she and others based their interview preparation on that e-mail. Accordingly, they never prepared anything regarding revolution or violent overthrow.

The failed communication between the third-party firm and the campaign, then, could be why Broden thinks he was misled about the interview.

Even so, that misunderstanding doesn‘t explain why his numerous clarifications and caveats regarding revolution were never included in WFAA’s final story.

Comments (91)

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  • Diamondback
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 7:52pm

    Let me be clear and simple for Mr. Watson.

    It’s elementary dear sir, YES, VIOLENT OVERTHROW OF A TYRANNICAL GOVERNMENT IS ON THE TABLE!!! Always has been and always will be in a FREE AMERICA.

    If the people ever give up their fundamental right to keep and BEAR arms for self-defense, we will not long be FREE!!

    Check history for confirmation.

    Report Post »  
  • tp2tp2
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 7:44pm

    Brad Watson should get the badgering award for his left leaning interrogation. WFAA, Watson and Dallas Moron News should apologize, ASAP. The Moron news needs to reienstate their endorsement. Broden is an honorable man and he has been trashed. Eddie Bernice Johnson can’t hold a candle to the good Pastor. If you’re in District 30, a vote for Pastor Broden is a Vote for America.

    Report Post »  
  • axel@25
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 7:29pm

    Reminder to all…Just as Broden is sneak attacked by progressives operating through the media using selective editing using repetitive baited questions, we all must be aware of the way your comments can/will be used to make this site look like violent wackos.

    Please, for the love of your country refrain from the dire warning of coming inserection or retribution in your comments. we are here to support and enlighten each other and by example to prehaps change a few minds to join us as conservative patriots. Our job isn’t to alienate those whose eyes were closed until now, or to push those on the fence to the other side. Let’s try to keep things on a more reasoned, measured, mature, course. It takes more spine to respond with simple truths and a good example and determination, than by returning their attacks with the same.

    Fighting fire with fire may be a good idea for fighting an actual fire, but, we’re not putting out a fire here…we’re trying to make a positive change.

    Report Post »  
    • 123gone
      Posted on October 26, 2010 at 11:27pm

      Well said Alex, but please understand, most of these people are venting pent up anger and are ready to fight. Perhaps you haven’t gotten to that point yet, but we each have our line in the sand and that SOB has crossed over theirs and mine. You are witnessing an example of good, God fearing, hard working Americans who feel they are being victimized by a traitor and his henchmen in Washington.

      Report Post »  
  • Charles Catalano
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 7:26pm

    Pastor Broden
    May God continue to bless and protect you and your family.

    Report Post » Charles Catalano  
  • Everett Bennett Jr
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 7:24pm

    I agree with Pastor Broden. At some point, non-violent revolution if necessary should be attempted. I personally am ready to no longer support the Fed Gov monetarily. It is time to shut down the gun, the IRS . This one act alone would return our Constutition. Without the money, these people would not be empowered. Forced distribution of wealth and earnings is theft.

    See http://www.constitutionalincome.com/

    Report Post » Everett Bennett Jr  
  • Sgt.Murph
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 7:18pm

    I would vote for this man if I were in his district. No “Demo/progressive pivot” in his answer. No reverting to talking points. Just straight forward clear, concise answers to each badgering question. The truth is this. The federal government is unresponsive to the electorate and is usurping our freedoms. This man “stands” with the people. The close minded useful idiots on the left are perfectly at home letting others dictate the condition and direction of their lives. They will never understand the founding principles of this nation or the fragile condition we are now in. This man understands! They are content to live a soundbite existance and could care less if it is based on lies. This man isn’t! I hope this man wins! America needs him! Good luck Paster! May God be with you always!

    Report Post » Sgt.Murph  
  • American_Woman
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 7:01pm

    That reporter made me yawn. I’ll pray that Pastor Broden wins in this election. Pastor Broden: if you (or you know someone) who’s looking for an awesome, EXPERIENCED CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR LOOKING FOR A JOB, please contact me at TeaPartyTami@gmail.com

    Report Post » American_Woman  
  • BoilitDown
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 7:01pm

    Ed Schultz is making too much of this without filling in the context. Broden’s actual intent is not making the real news.

    Report Post »  
  • olikikflip
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 6:58pm

    My Goodness!!! that dude just pushed and pushed and pushed until he got Broden to answer the question about violence they way he wanted him to answer it. In the end, I don’t think any LIb or Pub could disagree with Boden and his answer…. it was a good answer when you hear the entire interview.

    Report Post »  
  • mike1962walsh@aol.com
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 6:58pm

    When the Left Wing Loons don’t have anything to run on, they have all the time in the world to suck on their Pacifier, Whine, Cry and Moan about the Bad Bad Republicans. They ought to be ashamed of themselves, but they have no integrity.

    Report Post » mike1962walsh@aol.com  
  • Jack
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 6:56pm

    This reporter is clearly a Socialist / Communist, and I would bet he is an Atheist as well. At the very least he would not admit that there is a God but probably rattle on about some type of force that is out there… somewhere, it’s just all very cosmic. WAKE UP YOU IDIOT!!!! Rocks, gases and whatever else did not just happen to collide, and we are not decedents of BIG FOOT!!! GOD made us in his own image and thats the end of the story. The fact is these people want an easy way out they do not want to be held accountable for lying, cheating, stealing, committing adultery & being immoral. They want it all just to be OK and its not. I FOR ONE AM VERY OFFENDED

    Report Post »  
  • thepatriotdave
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 6:48pm

    I stood with Broden when he made the comment and I still stand with him.

    The Democrats have already fired at few shots at we Americans, and today the President of the United States of America called me, and millions of other patriotic Americans the… “ENEMY”. If we keep our guard down we are going to get our heads blown off. Stand and be ready, our country may need us sooner than you think!

    PatriotShops.com

    Report Post » thepatriotdave  
  • Sam the Casual Movie Guy
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 6:42pm

    We already know the founding fathers were right-wing violent extremists. Each one would be on a no-fly list if they lived today. Secession, anyone?

    Report Post » Sam the Casual Movie Guy  
  • ChiefGeorge
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 6:41pm

    Bravo to this American. Where can I donate to his campaign?

    Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
  • Stuck_in_CA
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 6:25pm

    “New Video of ‘Violent Overthrow’ Comments Suggests Candidate Right About ‘Context’”
    Most of us at this forum had enough common sense to already know this. Pastor Stephen Broden is a very smart guy. He’s a great American, too! Wish I could vote for him.

    Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
    • neverending
      Posted on October 26, 2010 at 7:37pm

      Me too – still so sad to see that he was dumped on by other then the usual MSM. As if that wasn’t bad enough – just pour more on???????????

      Report Post »  
    • tiredofdeception
      Posted on October 27, 2010 at 1:17am

      He is a good man. I attended several rallies and heard Pastor Broden. In June of last year, I heard him speak at the America’s Awakening rally near Fort Worth. I thought I heard a Founder speak that night and every time I hear him speak I feel the same way. Whether he wins or loses this election -Pay attention to him.

      Report Post »  
  • jackiekay
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 6:25pm

    I live in the Channel 8, WFAA viewing area but I will no longer watch their newscast due to their left leanings. “Gotcha journalism” in my opinion.

    Report Post »  
  • youngwitty
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 6:23pm

    I very rarely have a feeling of inspiration, the thought that this guy could potentially represent people for governement I feel good, I feel inspired. I have been brain washed my whole life by the progressives. If the fathers that built this country believe violence is a viable option, I believe violence is a viable option. Were not cavemen because we eventually turn to the stick, were desperate to protect our rights, were desperate to protect or children, were desperate to protect our liberties, and desperate for the pursuit of happiness. The stick is still so far from neccessary I agree the time for it is getting closer and closer though.

    Report Post »  
  • byehlik
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 6:20pm

    Jimmers46, I got your back if this situation gets out of control.

    Where is the troll on this one, waiting for his brilliant insight. OBUMMERWORSHIPER where are you?

    Report Post » byehlik  
  • Jimmers46
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 6:12pm

    When the psuedo president of America goes around recruiting illegal aliens to canvass for votes,inciting them to “Punish our Enemies” ie: Republicans , It’s treason plain and simple He should be arrested and tried immediatly! If it comes to force to remove him so be it.

    Report Post »  
  • Hobbs57
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 6:12pm

    I knew this would be the case… I was very dissapointed in Glenn for his intial remarks. However, Glenn did retract them, as Stu did as well, as they rethought about the whole thing… but I know Glenn is trying to keep a clean name, especially for Tea Party backed canidates… He knows how the media will trash anybody anyways they can. This is why we never have normal, average Joe’s run for office, atleast, until now. Because the Media willpick them apart on BS, that we all hae in our lives and say. Like O’Donnell and the witch stuff, the forclosure, and the rest of it…. All of us are real people and have stuff in our pasts…All of these media outlets, and I even wonder about Fox at times, are influenced by the Fed’s, the Money Makers… We need to take that power to print our money and makeus pay great amounts of interest on our own money, making them richer than rich… That is who these Liberals are in Bed with. They want to take down big bussiness because they got their hands on the money that they believe is theirs, truly. They don’t want ot give us a cut of it, they want it to be controlled by them, privatly getting wealthy.. The world is sicker than I first suspected. I have a feelng Glen’s book will Tell the story about alot of this…

    Report Post » Hobbs57  
    • ccrabill
      Posted on October 27, 2010 at 7:18am

      Glenn should know better than anyone that you had better find out the whole truth before you join the attack. Knee jerk reactions are always regretable.

      Report Post » ccrabill  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 6:09pm

    this is another out-of-context smear against thsi guy Broden.

    we are still reeling from obama calling US AMERICANS “the enemy” and that we have to sit in the back of his bus.

    that african commie has got to GO.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • 5
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 6:04pm

    The Democrat party of your Grandparents are DEAD.
    This is the New Progressive Party like the one from 100 years ago.
    The Rinos are no better, but the people more like all of you are Tea Party people.
    I didn’t think so until I met with about 20 of them. They think like You and Me.
    Not Pelosi, Reid, McCain, Obama, Ghramm, Grassley etc.

    THEY ARE LIKE YOU & ME! – – – – Not these fools.

    Report Post »  
    • oldoldtimer
      Posted on October 26, 2010 at 7:43pm

      Wrong! Democrat Socialist Party.

      Report Post »  
    • GRuss
      Posted on October 27, 2010 at 1:16am

      When did being liberal go from being Open minded to being a Radical Leftist Socialist. Marxist Communist?? Sadly the majority of democRats don’t even realize their party was taken over, they just go with the demonisation of republicans

      Report Post » GRuss  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 6:02pm

    Watson: “Well, what does by any means necessary — doesn’t that include violence?”

    ————————————-
    Well D’uh
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwaAVJITx1Y

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • oldoldtimer
      Posted on October 26, 2010 at 7:42pm

      I believe he was talking even then of unionizing all police in one controlling union. My brother is a deputy sheriff and he says this is their objective so they can control all police collectively. He says he will quit first.

      Report Post »  
    • StonyBurk
      Posted on October 27, 2010 at 10:09am

      IMO the good Pastor spoke from the sermon preached in 1776 by Rev.Samuel West “On the Right to Rebel” and history shows that Mass. appointed him a position in that States ratifying convention.
      I would happily attend this Pastors church– and I wish I was a Texan in his district for I most certainly
      would support him for public Office. He appears the kind of Patriot I wish we had as President and not the poser Not the FRAUD who is Not even a natural born citizen-not qualified.This house has added Stephen to our prayer list.

      Report Post »  
    • RantNationDotCom
      Posted on October 28, 2010 at 2:15am

      It’s ALWAYS on the table. Whether or not it is a good idea is something else entirely.

      Report Post » RantNationDotCom  
  • MAULEMALL
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 5:58pm

    Why even talk to the MSM…
    They invent any thing they can to get a decent person….

    Report Post » MAULEMALL  
  • HKS
    Posted on October 26, 2010 at 5:57pm

    I think some people just want something to distract us from the real issue, blasting these commies out of office at the polls.

    Report Post » HKS  
    • pajamash
      Posted on October 26, 2010 at 6:53pm

      I don’t understand – People in the media like Joy Behar and Whoopi, etc. can call conservatives Nazi’s and nothing happens. This man is being crucified.

      Report Post »  
    • Nightstalker
      Posted on October 26, 2010 at 7:01pm

      The Inquisitor continues to rephrase the question attempting to paint the canidate into the corner.
      This was a partisan ambush interview.
      Mr. Broden handle himself very well.
      Much better than I would have!
      Well done, Mr. Broden!!

      Nightstalker  
    • pajamash
      Posted on October 26, 2010 at 7:07pm

      Prototypical reporter trying for the “Gotcha” momment!!!!

      If one reads history they find that our Founding Fathers did not utilize revolution as the first, second, third, etc. option. Revolution was far down the list and was far down the remedies they worked at with the king. Revolution only became an option when they knew there was no other way after trying numerous other options toward the same rights as those that lived in England were given.

      Report Post »  
    • untameable-kate
      Posted on October 26, 2010 at 7:59pm

      Boy ol’ Watson there really tried to get him to spill, didn’t he? He asked twenty ways till Sunday trying to get him to admit wanting to revolt violently.

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on October 26, 2010 at 10:07pm

      Libs will twist everything conservatives say. And when that fials, they’ll just make up stuff. So live and learn, brother Broden. You saw what Assange did on CNN. Conservatives need to start walking out of these pseudo-interviews too. Flip them off — nicely.

      Report Post »  
    • Steve Smith
      Posted on October 27, 2010 at 5:11am

      All Broden was doing was explaining why we have a 2nd Amendment.

      Report Post » Steve Smith  
    • OBAMAWORSHIOER
      Posted on October 27, 2010 at 11:48am

      I’m getting a tickle up my legs with all this MACHO talk. Great that you people are listening to Glenn Beck. He’s right when he says ALL violence is wrong. I tought you were just robots butb defying Glenn Beck is encoraging me. Keep ponding your chests and speking tough. As long aas it’s all talk… which you’ve proved to me that it is.

      Report Post »  
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