Jan 07, 2004: Hillary Clinton: Mahatma Gandhi used to run a gas station in St. Louis
	ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton apologized for joking that Mahatma Gandhi used to run a gas station in St. Louis, saying it was "a lame attempt at humor." The New York Democrat made the remark at a fund-raiser Saturday. During an event here for Senate candidate Nancy Farmer, Missouri's state treasurer, Clinton introduced a quote from Gandhi by saying, "He ran a gas station down in St. Louis." After laughter from many in the crowd of at least 200 subsided, the former first lady continued, "No, Mahatma Gandhi was a great leader of the 20th century." In a nod to Farmer's underdog status against Republican Sen. Kit Bond, Clinton quoted the Indian independence leader as saying: "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win." The director of a U.S. center devoted to Gandhi's teachings on Tuesday called the remarks stereotypical and racially insensitive, while an educator said the flap underscored the need for politicians to be cautious when trying to get laughs. "Political speeches can't be like episodes of the Simpsons," said David Robertson, a University of Missouri-St. Louis political science professor. After being approached by The Associated Press to clarify the remarks, Clinton said in a statement sent late Monday that she never meant to fuel any stereotype -- often used as a comedic punch line -- that certain ethnic groups were synonymous with operating America's gas stations. On Tuesday, she told reporters in Albuquerque, N.M.: "It was a lame attempt at humor and I am very sorry that it might have been interpreted in a way that causes stress to anyone. I have the highest regard for Mahatma Gandhi and have been a longtime admirer of his life." ...... ............ .................. ........................ Hillary Clinton regrets Gandhi joke at fund-raiser STL Today Associated Press 01/06/2004