(Image source: The Week)

BY ALYSSA CARTEE

A federal judge is under fire after hitting the forward button. U.S. District Chief Judge Richard Cebull, who presides over the 9th district in Montana, admitted yesterday to forwarding a racist email about the President.

The email begins with Cebull saying he doesn’t normally forward emails but this one-quote “touched his heart.” Politico describes the rest of the email.

“The text continues on to this joke: ‘A little boy said to his mother; ‘Mommy, how come I’m black and you’re white?’ His mother replied, ‘Don’t even go there Barack! From what I can remember about that party, you’re lucky you don’t bark!’’“

The email eventually made its way to a local newspaper. Cebull said he was surprised it was forwarded with his name still on it. He admitted sending the email, saying he regrets its racial undertones, but that his problems with the President are purely political. WFLD reports.

“Cebull admits the email is racist, but says he’s not racist. He apologized to anyone offended by it.”

But a blogger for MSNBC says that doesn’t cut it.

“That's not an uncommon line, but it's also not a real apology. Genuine regret in a situation like this means apologizing for sending racist garbage, not apologizing to those who happen to be offended by racist garbage.”

And liberal news blog Think Progress still isn’t buying it saying the “purely political” defense is just as bad.

“At best, Cebull has admitted that he despises President Obama so much that he lacks the ability to exercise basic judgment when confronted with an opportunity to insult the president. This is hardly a suitable trait in a man whose sole job duty is to exercise judgment.”

But The Great Falls Tribune reports Cebull is pointing to his record in court as his defense.

“Cebull said he does not consider himself prejudice against people of other races or ethnic backgrounds, and that his actions in his courtroom have demonstrated that.”

President George W. Bush appointed Cebull as U.S. District Judge in 2001.