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Rev. Jesse Jackson in the Hot Seat
Published by Pamela Gentry on Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 12:15 pm.
By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer July 10, 2008 – The Rev. Jesse Jackson is no stranger to controversy, media spotlight or the ground rules when speaking with the press. But if he had forgotten, his latest slip of the tongue will serve as a pungent reminder to remember past lessons.
On Sunday, while in the FOX News studio waiting to be interviewed, Jackson leaned over to another guest, Reed V. Tuckson, the former chief medical officer for the District of Columbia and President of the Charles Drew University in Los Angeles, and whispered, “Barack has been talking down to Black people. …I want to cut his nuts off.” In a rapid response, the founder of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition issued a statement denouncing the “crude” nature of his comments and apologized to the presumptive Democratic nominee.
“I apologize,” Rev. Jackson said Wednesday. “My support for Senator Obama’s campaign is wide, deep and unequivocal. I cherish this redemptive and historical moment. My appeal was for the moral content of his message, to not only deal with the personal and moral responsibility of Black males, but to deal with the collective moral responsibility of government and the public policy which would be a corrective action for the lack of good choices that often led to their irresponsibility.”
Still, his actions brought swift rejection from the civil rights leader’s son, Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.), the national co-chairman of Obama’s presidential campaign. In rallying behind his candidate, he proved that political alliances can be stronger than family ties. “I’m deeply outraged and disappointed in Reverend Jackson’s reckless statements about Senator Barack Obama. His divisive and demeaning comments about the presumptive Democratic nominee – and I believe the next president of the United States – contradict his inspiring and courageous career,” Jackson Jr. wrote in a statement.
Jackson said his comments were in reference to visits Obama has made to Black churches during his campaign, at which the 46-year-old senator has said Black folks are responsible for their families and their communities. While Jackson has also been outspoken about Black America’s responsibility to play an active role in improving its plight, he has been careful to highlight the government’s responsibility to provide equal opportunity and racial justice.
But, Jackson knows that everything one says while wearing a microphone in a television studio is on the record. He also knows that a careless remark – even one he thought was off the record – can be costly. After all, it was his clumsy reference to Jews as “Hymies” and New York as “Hymietown” during his 1984 presidential bid that nearly destroyed his lifelong work within the Jewish community. And his gaffe late last year about Obama “acting White” perhaps revealed Jackson’s latent belief that the Illinois senator’s political perspective was out of line with that of the traditional civil rights establishment.
Granted, this was a careless move on Jackson’s part, but I also know it was not intended to do harm to the Obama’s shot at being commander and chief. After hearing his comments had been recorded, Jackson appeared on CNN to publicly apologize, issued a statement to the press and called the senator’s office with his apology.
His immediate actions may slow his roll on political chatter, but what it won’t stop speculation about some underlying dissention among old-school Black leadership regarding Obama’s candidacy. The topic wasn’t on the radar before this and support for Obama appeared unwavering.
Bill Burton, spokesman for the Obama campaign, suggested that the brouhaha was being blown out of proportion. “Of course” the senator accepts the reverends apology, he said. Jackson’s son’s wasn’t so forgiving. “Reverend Jackson is my dad and I’ll always love him,” he said But, “he should know how hard that I’ve worked for the last year and a half as a national co-chair of Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. So, I thoroughly reject and repudiate his ugly rhetoric. He should keep hope alive and any personal attacks and insults to himself.”
Whew, I bet the next family dinner will be a bit tense at the Jackson’s house.
You guys must understand… as long as we continue to blame everyone for our plight and not ourselves, people like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton will continue to have jobs. When we decide to police ourselves and take a stand, there will be no need for the Jesse Jacksons of the world. It was bad enough that he had to share the spotlight with Brotha Al, but now Barack!?! Jesse is one unhappy dude.
Yo, this is the pits of black self hatred as a group. Why are the so-called “Reverends” hating on Barak Obama? Jesse Jackson wants to cut Barak’s “nuts” off? Reverend Wright. Reverend Sharpton. These are not good leaders. And they know that a new style “Black Leader” has arrived and that’s what they are hating on. Barak unites all people. Barak can represent me any day. Those others, “the rev’s” don’t represent us or all that can be right with America anymore.
Quite simply put, Jesse Jackson, shut the f**k up and take a seat. You’re one of the crabs in the bucket.
Rev Jesse Jackson did this on purpose because he cannot let go of the microphone. With his experience he should have known better and on Fox News. Later he appears on Greta Van Sustern (FOXNEWS)who always spews hate towards Barack’s candicacy. I hope the money he received was worth it.
It would be best if the Reverend would consider his role that he plays in putting “Blacks” down.
How many men flaunt the mistress in the wife’s face and has a baby by her and flaunts that in the wife’s face? How many ministers do this? Who really needs their “baby sacks” cut off?
Yesterday there was a call for a Black man in the public arena to represent.
Today there is a call for any man in the public arena to represent.
Tomorrow there is a call for human compassion.
Reverence:
NOUN:
A feeling of profound awe and respect and often love; veneration. See Synonyms at honor.
An act showing respect, especially a bow or curtsy.
The state of being revered.
Reverence Used as a form of address for certain members of the Christian clergy: Your Reverence.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition.
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Jesse Jacksom is a pathetic, ignorant, arrogant, shiftless, jivin kanivin, has been. He as for years painted himself as the “black savior” of every black person in America. I have always found distaste in the egeneral publics ascertion that the good reverend represents me as a black man. He is a utter fool for his undaunted efforts to further his personal causes over that of an entire people. He used to talk a good game however, people have known for years that he is only out to further his personal standing in the minds of our people as if he alone is the remedy for our problems. He is notheing more that a lazy, shameless pimp. What a hater he is. The man hasn’t worked a DAY in his life and for years has been lived to life of a high class executive. Yea, he shows up for a photo op every once and a while, does his song and dance and away he goes until the next ‘crisis’. MLK would be ashamed of this “pimp”. What a pathetic loser. I wouldn’t pee on him if he was on fire.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/max-bergmann/the-week-that-should-have_b_111983.html
Interesting info. on the 2008 presidential race
If asked “Who died and left you in charge?” Jesse Jackson might’ve replied Dr. Martin Luther King.
Personally, I can’t figure out why Jesse Jackson was selected for any sort of leadership position. He’s just a hypocritical race-baiting troublemaker who has, in his own way, undermined the dream of Dr. King’s.
He is jealous that he couldn’t be the first black president, and he’s also plan evidents of why it’s hard for blacks to get ahead,we move quick to keep each other down. Not only will he be remembered for the baby he made while still married to his wife, ” but the dumb ass nigger” should also be castrated for the remarks he made about a man whom I’m sure had respect for him until those remark came flying out of his mouth! PS I wonder how he really feels or felt about Dr. Martin Luther King.
Jesse, sit yo ignant a_ _ down and shut dahell lup. Stop being a hater. Its a economic crime when you dont let yo light shine, stop kickin Obama in the gut and shut the F – - – up!!!
I AM VERY UPSET WITH JESSE JACKSON ABOUT THE REMARK HE MADE TOWARD MR. BARAK OBAMA. IT NEVER FAILS, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE THAT IS GOING TO TRY AND BRING YOU DOWN. WHAT MAKES ME MAD IS, IT IS ALWAYS, YOUR OWN PEOPLE. WHY CAN’T WE JUST BE HAPPY THAT MR. BARAK OBAMA IS GOING TO BE THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN PRESIDENT. I FEEL THE SAME WAY Dnt h@t3 N 2008, JESSE HAD HIS TIME TO SHINE, LET MR. BARAK OBAMA DO HIS THING NOW.
JESSE JACKSON IS THE LAST PERSON TO SPEAK ON PERSONAL AND MORAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF BLACK MEN. DID HE NOT HAVE AN AFFAIR AS WELL AS A CHILD OUT OF WEDLOCK? SO, HOW CAN HE SAY ANYTHING?
WHY DO THE CLERGYMEN ALWAYS HAVE TO SAY THINGS TO HURT MR. BARAK OBAMA? IT IS BAD ENOUGH THAT HE IS FIGHTING THE RACE TO BE PRESIDENT BUT WHY DO HE HAVE TO FIGHT HIS OWN PEOPLE TOO!
I KNOW THE REPUBLICAN NOMINEE (HILARY CLINTON TOO) IS HAVING A FIELD DAY WITH THIS.
LET’S ALL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT MR. BARAK OBAMA BECAUSE HE IS WHAT WE (AFRICAN AMERICANS) NEED TO HELP US FINALLY GET THE RESPECT THAT HAS BEEN LONG OVER DUE TO US. JESSE JACKSON IS JEALOUS THAT HE DIDN’T MAKE IT THIS FAR.
MRS. B
i am glade that Jesse is not my pastor i don’t think he really is a man of god and i fill bad for his church. if he was a man of god them words should not have came out of his mouth. Jesus need to have a little talk with him i don’t think he prayed be for he came out there. OBAMA 4 2008 and Jesse go home and go to bed and don’t get up and say anything can you do that for us how u going to give the man wife something for mothers day and than say that bout her husband i just cant believe it and i fill bad for your son my god help u is my prayer. AMEN
I’ve read a few people’s comments that have said we all make mistakes. We do..nobody is perfect. But the comment Jesse Jackson made gives us insight into his character. I don’t think Obama would “slip” and make that kind of mistake because it’s not in his CHARACTER. He doesn’t think that way at all. Obama is about unifying the country. He’s black and white. He’s international. Thank you Rep. John Lewis, thank you Maxine Waters, thank you Al Sharpton, thank you Jesse Jackson, thank you Andrew Young and so many others who worked so courageously during the Civil Rights era. But now it’s time for a new type leader. We need a leader to tell us the TRUTH…we need a leader for ALL people…we need a leader who feels connected to people because of our values not because of skinn color. Black men need to do much better. Black parents need to make sure their children are reading and learning how to write. They shouldn’t wait on the schools to do that. We need to be more responsible for ourselves. Stop hating on foreigners who come over and open businesses. Stop hating on Mexicans and saying they’re taking our jobs. Stop using the exuse of the white man as a reason for your failures. The shackles have been broken and doors have been open. It’s time now for us to take advantage of those opportunities. Jesse Jackson is now officially of the past, still important for his work, but now it’s time for a new type of leader. It’s time for a CHANGE!
Well, Jesse really struck a nerve this time. He is a prime example why other races look at us Blacks and laugh. He is an embarrassment. First of all, of all shows he had to go on O’Riley’s show. By looking at some of his shows, he really doesn’t care for Blacks. Second, those comments should have just stayed to himself. It is sad to say but he is acting like a “house nigga”. Hold up, what was the apology for? Jesse is not sorry for what he said, because if so, he wouldn’t have said it. Jesse is just sorry that someone heard him. Obama be careful, this is just a warning to let you know, the ones who you think are in your corner may not be. I commend Obama on his response to this whole ordeal.
I am not a fan of Rev. Jackson. I think he is a arogant man, but my comment is this; Rev. Jackson has every right to say what ever he wants to say about anyone. The remark was meant to be private.
Everdently someone in Rev. Jackson camp heard him ttalking about Obama before and decided to sell him out. Even at Operation Push there is no loyality. Kind of sad you can’t make a private off color remark about someone. I am not a fan of Obama either, but people need to stop throwing stones. How many people situp and talk about one another behind their backs and while in their faces smile, joke, donate money for unexpected causes, go to parties together even church. So, Rev. Jackson did absolutely nothing wrong. Just because Obama is a canidate for president do not mean you can’t express your opinion. Now you people want to hang Rev. Jackson out to dry for what, because of his off color remarks. Obama is not God, he too make mistakes. Someone need to catch some of the off color remarks he makes, then what! I’am sure someone in his camp is waiting for the right moment to sell him out for a dollar too. Be careful of the glass stones you are throwing we all live in glass houses just a matter of time before its broken. Tell Rev. Jackson to keep on being himself. One thing for sure he knows how the game is played.
Black people in this country represents 12% of the population, but Jesse Jackson wants Barack Obama to spend 100% of his tike talking about black issues, like how to stay in welfare rather than to learn to be independent. No wonder, rev Jackson failled in his two attempts to win democratic nomination
Every last one of you people are hipocrites. I read all of your comments on this page. The problem is you are tring to turned Obama into God! He is only a man with the same weaknesses we all fall short of in life. You may not like Rev. Jackson. I don’t, but that do not give any of you the right to talk about his lifestyle. If any of you were all that rightous you would not feel threaten by Rev. Jackson’s comment. Rev. Jackson helps and give support to Obama. A man is going to be a man even if he is a Rev. He is a human being first. You people can not be so neve to think a man of cloth isn’t a human being (flesh). What is with all this holy than thou recterick. News Flash, wake up call everyone that claims they want Obama for president do not. There is a plan in the making for Obama and now is not the time to get all bent out of shape over a comment Rev. Jackson made about Obama. You need to be focusing your attention on the real agenda getting your favor person (Obama) elected. The attention is being drawn away from your candidate and this is something you should not allow speak up and say enough is enough put the focus back on Mr. Obama. Don’t allow the focus to be taken off the ball otherwise you might lose it. Be careful bashing Rev. Jackson all of this is part of a plan. Just to see how united you people really are. Calling Rev. Jackson a #$?#$$ is so insulting. This is what the racist people want and you are playing right into their hands. Save your candidate by backing him up don’t let others take your eyes off the prize.
Has anyone taken note of the fact that this is a “Reverend” making such a repudiating statement. Barack is right when he challenges us to take responsibility for our families, communities and country. We must also recognize that everybody that wears the title of Rev., Pastor or Leader is not called to be that! Rev. Jackson’s statement is repulsive and It is time for him to learn from his son Rep. Jesse Jr. and realize that his time has come and gone and a new generation of leadership is here and we dont get down loke that! This is our time to shine as a people and as a country and we have garbage like this coming out. If you control your tongue all the time, garbage like this dont slip out!
Barack The Vote Dont Tip The Vote Over!
Obama is right about what he said about black men/fathers taking responsibility for the offspring. This has been a crisis in the black community for quite some time, and Obama had enough back bone to stand up and say something about it. The longer we sweep this up under the rug the worst it will get. Apparently, child out of wedlock Jesse has some skeletons in his own closet, and maybe Obama hit a nerve. But Jesse, please get real, if massa’ was going to do something about this and free us from this mental slavery, he would have done it a long time ago. No, its going to take our personal responsibilty and a revolution of the mind(set), meaning WE, not the white man, have to heal ourselves.
WHAT A GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT! What is the “problem” black community? Why are we ALWAYS AND I SAY ALWAYS having controversial outbursts amongst each other. Now is not the time to get “jealous” and punchy over personal opinions. At least our future President “IS CONCERNED” about the well-being of the father-child bond. It hurt my heart to hear what Mr. Jackson said about Obama. He’s not talking down to “black people”. He’s talking “directly to us” because he knows that right now, while he is standing in the light of a possible Presidency, we are looking and LISTENING to him. Whether Mr. Jackson is jealous or not, he should dismiss himself from any visible or verbal contact with Obama. PLEASE, LET THE MAN STAND AND WIN!!!!!
I’m hlping that he will abolish the term “MINORITY” for the black community. I HATE that wording when referring to african americans.