Let’s face it: that Republican rebranding effort that was supposed to improve their relationship with minorities and women really isn’t catching on. They just can’t force themselves to say things they don’t believe — and apparently can’t stop themselves from saying what they do truly believe: Mississippi Governor: Educational Troubles Began When ‘Mom Got in the Workplace’.

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant (R) said Tuesday that America’s educational troubles began when women began working outside the home in large numbers.

Bryant was participating in a Washington Post Live event focused on the importance of ensuring that children read well by the end of third grade. In response to a question about how America became “so mediocre” in regard to educational outcomes, he said:

I think both parents started working. The mom got in the work place.

Bryant immediately recognized how controversial his remark would be and said he knew he would start to get e-mails. He then expanded on his answer, saying that “both parents are so pressured” in families today.