Morsi: References to Jews as 'Pigs' Taken Out of Context

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi is trying to convince Washington that he didn’t mean what he said when he described Jews as “pigs” and “bloodsuckers.” 

U.S. Sens. John McCain (R-AZ) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) have expressed specific concern over the comments, even asking Morsi to clarify or explain them. 

In response, Morsi claims the statements were simply part of a broader denunciation of Israeli policy. He said they’ve been taken out of context by critics.

This is the same explanation he gave for saying Jews were “the descendants of apes” and for calling on Egyptian mothers to instill a hatred of Jews into their children.

Although citing “strong disapproval” for these comments, McCain continues to press for $480 million in aid for Cairo.