While promoting his latest album, "Duets II," Tony Bennett appeared on Howard Stern’s Sirius XM radio show on Monday, Sept. 19. While the interview has landed Bennett’s name in the headlines, it may have also earned him some controversial publicity.
According to ABC News, the World War II vet (who described himself as “anti-war”) expressed disdain for the U.S.-Iraq war, calling it “a tremendous, tremendous mistake.” When challenged as to how America should deal with terrorists, specifically those involved with the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, Bennett gave an unexpected answer.
“But who are the terrorists? Are we the terrorists or are they the terrorists? Two wrongs don’t make a right,” he said.
“They flew the plane in, but we caused it,” he continued. “Because we were bombing them and they told us to stop.” After a few moments of contemplative silence, Stern agreed that his guest had made “some good points.”
Bennett also noted that during a meeting with President George W. Bush in 2005, the head of state disclosed his opinion on the polarizing war. “He told me personally that night, he said, ‘I think I made a mistake,’” Bennett recalled, adding that President Bush “had a special liking to me.”
Bennett’s "Duets II" released on Sept. 20 via Columbia Records. The album features the last compete recording by Amy Winehouse prior to her death, as well as collaborations with Lady Gaga, John Mayer, Aretha Franklin, Josh