Pat Robertson, having been hoist by his own petard, is now apologizing for calling for the assasination of president Hugo Chavez of Venezuela. Earlier today, Robertson claimed on his 700 Club television program that he never called for Chavez’ assassination. He also claimed that the Associated Press had “misinterpreted” his remarks. A few hours later he issued a statement apologizing for calling for the asssasination of Hugo Chavez.

Here is what the Associated Press is reporting today:

“I didn’t say ‘assassination.’ I said our special forces should ‘take him out,’ Robertson said on his show. “Take him out’ could be a number of things including kidnapping.’”

“He later issued the apology on his Web site.”

“When the AP had called Robertson on Tuesday for elaboration, spokeswoman Angell Watts said Robertson would not do interviews and had no statement about his remarks. He also declined several interview requests Wednesday.”

Here is the arc of the story so far. Robertson calls for murder. Then he denies it, and tries to blame the media. When the lie is exposed, a perfuctory statement of apology is issued on his behalf, and he refuses further comment.