Santorum: Cursing at Times Reporter Mark of True Republican

Presidential candidate Rick Santorum defended cursing at New York Times reporter Jeff Zeleny, arguing that it was the mark of a “real republican.”

“If you haven’t cursed out a New York Times reporter during the course of a campaign, you’re not really a real Republican, is the way I look at it,” Santorum said on Fox and Friends.

Santorum was questioned by Zeleny about claims he made in Wisconsin Sunday that contender Mitt Romney was the “worst Republican” to be pitted against President Barack Obama in the general election.

Editor's Note: Do You Like Romney, Santorum, Gingrich or Paul?  Vote Now in This Urgent Poll.

“You said Mitt Romney is the worst Republican in the country,” Zeleny said. “Is that true?”

“Stop lying,” Santorum retorted, pointing his finger at the Time’s reporter, claiming that he was referring only to Romney’s stance on healthcare. “Quit distorting my words . . . if I see it, it’s bullsh*t”

The former Pennsylvania senator continued on Fox News, “It was just one of these harassing moments, and after having answered the question a few times, sort of comes back with the same old question, the same old spin. I just said, ‘Okay, I’ve had enough of this you-know-what.’ And so that’s what I did. Look, we’re out there slugging away. We’re the candidate out there that’s mixing it up, and we’re mixing it up.”

Santorum’s campaign, looking to benefit from the retort, sent out an email asking for contributions titled “I’m Ready to Take on the New York Times.”