CNN

I supported him to until my brother Seaman Apprentice Webb had the audacity to hope that Mr. Obama was more than smoke and mirrors. You see he came to help after having been abused in boot camp in Mr. Obama's home state and he did nothing. Only Senator Clinton guided this young Sailor back to shore until he could find his way home again...

That sounds like a racial slur. Jesse should be fired. Oh that's right...what is his job?

When will people realize that if the issue of racial inequality keeps being brought up, it will continue to be an issue. I think that we all need to take care of ourselves and not worry so much about what other people do, say, or feel. We are only responsible for our own actions. I think that Rev. Jackson's comment is a reflection of his heart, and it seems as though he desires conflict. You have to face the implications of that comment, Rev. Jackson.

what I want to know is , how did Jesse pronounce unequivocally ??? ;P

Civil Leader or CIVIL LOSER! I know more realistic people, no matter the race are leaner towards...LOSER!

Jesse Jackson is a racist has-been. Yes, Wallace, it's always a "race thing" with "these people." "These people" being Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton.

Jess Jackson is a disgrace to his God and to this nation. He is always around when the media is there. I am curious as to if he ever said "I'm sorry" to those guys at Duke?

What does Jesse Jackson write as an occupation on his W4 tax form anyway?

Jesse Jackson...you call yourself a man of God... Do not insult the creator of us by putting yourself in the same catagory of people who love God and try to do right. How is that Child of yours and your wife's? Oh sorry Mrs. Jackson, it is not yours!

Why is this idiot still makng headlines? He is nothing but a jerk!!!! Al Sharpton, You are the same. Nothing but an idiotic jerk. You two want equality, why don't you guys take a stand and act like it. Both should step down at what ever you call you do and act like an American; someone who loves to be FREE.

I am dumb-founded at all the people that favor these two. Please go hide with Osama Bin Ladin and all the rest of the terrorists.

Jesse Jackson is a fullblown idiot. He is nothing but a racist himself. What if the the role was reversed? RACIST RACIST RACIST!!!

I don't listen to anything Jackson or Sharpton have to say!!!

What is going down there in the US. This is 4 days in a row where race is a big story. Donovan McNabb says life harder as a black quarterback. Rev. Jackson says Obama is "acting white". African Americans in Louisiana protesting, crime is crime, doesn't matter what color the accused is. I just read that certain cities are banning wearing baggy pants so low you can see underwear or worse, and African Americans are complaining it's targeting them. And yesterday the commentary about OJ Simpson stated most blacks think OJ is innocent of the murder of his ex-wife and Ron Goldman, yet most whites think he is guilty. As a person from a country without an obvious, deep racial divide, can someone explain how so many issues in the states come down to, or arise from the race issue. I'm not judging, purely curious.

If this was a bunch of rich white kids accused of raping a black woman, Jesse would be screaming for their heads.

Oops, never mind, he already did that.

Jesse Jackson is and always has been more a hundred times racist than any stupid white kid who ever thought it would be funny to hang a noose from a tree (but didn't commit any physical violence unlike some other degenerates we could name).

Wallace, Chicago,,

I understand your flinching at "those people" comment.
However, racial division is enhanced by the likes of Sharpton and Jackson. Every opportunity to showcase the differences between black and white is met with the Al and Jesse show. Perhaps if those two didn't pour salt on a festering wound, it would heal of its own accord.

you said it.you cant take it back.its official, you are a racist. but dont worry at least your not a fraud like al sharpton. you do remember tawanna brawley dont you al? well the american people do,and as soon as the black community gets rid of you as a representative the better off they'll be!

Acting White??? What does that mean?
I should be insulted, Jackson makes being white sound like a bad thing. Color isn't the problem, the way people of all colors act is. I have am not insulted because I consider the source and the company he keeps and that is the problem. Stop keeping the hate alive Mr Jackson and Mr Sharpton.

Obama Statements on Jena 6

CHICAGO, IL – U.S. Senator Barack Obama released the following three statements on the Jena 6.

September 19, 2007 | Obama Statement on the Jena 6

"Outrage over an injustice like the Jena 6 isn't a matter of black and white. It's a matter of right and wrong. We should stand as one nation in opposition to this and any injustice. That’s why I’ve previously spoken out and demanded fairness in the Jena 6 case. That's why I've fought against injustice as a civil rights attorney and public official, and why I'll continue to fight to heal the wounds of division in our nation as president. My statements on Jena 6 were carefully thought out with input and support from one of my National Campaign Chairmen, U.S. Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr."

September 14, 2007 | Obama Statement on the Jena 6
"I am pleased that the Louisiana state appeals court recognized that the aggravated battery charge brought in this case was inappropriate. I hope that today's decision will lead the prosecutor to reconsider the excessive charges brought against all the teenagers in this case. And I hope that the judicial process will move deliberately to ensure that all of the defendants will receive a fair trial and equal justice under the law."

September 10, 2007 | Obama Demands Fairness in Jena 6 Case
"When nooses are being hung in high schools in the 21st century, it's a tragedy. It shows that we still have a lot of work to do as a nation to heal our racial tensions. This isn't just Jena's problem; it's America's problem."
"There are a number of signs that the system is not working in this case. It's a problem when criminal charges are brought against some students for fighting, but not others. It's a problem when a public defender doesn't call any witnesses. And it's a problem when a prosecutor decides to try teenagers as adults for a school fight, a charge that could leave them in jail for the majority of their lives. That is why I join my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus in calling on the judge to consider all the relevant factors and calling on the District Attorney to drop the excessive charges brought in this case. And I, along with other members of the CBC, will continue to monitor this case closely."
"Going forward, we have to fix our criminal justice system. Whether it's Jena 6 or Genarlow Wilson, it's long past time for us to admit that we have more work to do to ensure that our criminal justice system is fair. We must ensure that both victims and defendants can receive equal justice under the law, regardless of race, wealth, or other circumstances."

The crimes committed in Jena, Louisiana are a local matter. There is no reason for any national candidate to get involved. If having common sense is “acting white” then I wish Mr. Jackson would act “more white” and butt out. Of course, if the cameras weren’t rolling, we all know Mr. Jackson would not be interested either.

Obama's not just getting people to sit down and sing Kum bah ya. He's actually creating a seriously lethal movement. He's organizing and he's bringing people off their butts for a change, no small feat when it comes to us jaded Americans.

The dude has more legislative experience than Hillary Clinton and John Edwards combined, coming from Chicago, the toughest political waters in the nation.

I went to Nevada with about 60 L.A. volunteers last weekend. None of them had ever done canvassing for a campaign before. I personally talked to 200 undecided voters and NOT ONE said they didn't like him. My wife and I got three signed pledge cards for people to caucus for him, and we heard ONLY ONE hardcore Clinton supporter. I heard the same stories from the other 60 L.A. volunteers and I'm sure the other 150 or so Nevada volunteers doing the same thing that day would say the same, and I know they got waaay more pledge cards than we did.

Over and over again I heard that people are fed up with politics as usual and feel that Obama may be the only candidate that can actually pull off real change.

How can you argue with a dude that could have had any six figure job he wanted out of Harvard but went and organized on the Southside for 14 Grand instead.

How can you argue with the first Senator both in Chicago and on Capitol Hill to pass meaningful ethics reform in a generation?

How can you argue with the fact that only Obama has found a really loyal following that continues to grow and grow based on, not fear and loathing, but hope and real ideas for our future?

How can you argue with a candidate that goes to Detriot to talk about the environment and to Wall Street to talk about tax cuts for the middle class and finally making the richest .1 percent of this country pay their fair share?

Myself and four other Obama supporters showed up at Bill Clinton's book signing in Pasadena day before yesterday. Not one Hillary supporter was there with a sign and several people in line confessed they were Obama supporters.

This guy WILL NOT lie down. He is a fighter in the truest sense of the word. He rises above the tag of politician and is A LEADER.

Not only can he get elected, but he can foster the movement he's started into a political machine unmatched since the days of FDR. He's slowly but surely creating political will, despite constant and baseless attacks by the corporately owned media that for sure knows that once he's in office, their days of vertical integration and monopoly of our airwaves and newspapers are limited.

I am sick and tired of seeing a handful of rich old pigs feeding at the trough that is the Washington beltway establishment. It's time that we had someone in office for a change that is motivated by action and people rather than money.

Y'know, that's just the thing with pigs… Today's pig is tomorrow's bacon.

Can you smell what Barack is cookin'?

Obama 08!!!!

Through out all of this I feel most for one Obama and then his entire family. To be the first black president you see what you will go through. We as a country hasnt changed in fact I think it's worse. To have my people black people refuse to see the bigger picture and work together for once is sad. To see our media as a can of gasoline that is now used to slash and burn anyone just to gain viewers is just as bad. And to see white Americans say some of the stuff they say within this page just shows that as gods people that we have so much to learn. There is only one planet earth and if we learn to work with one another we all will be happy. That more then ever looks like a dream just as MLK said "I have a dream" well sir I say that dream of yours is just that a dream. I pray that we can come together and you know what maybe this is what Obama will do. Not to put any more added pressure on this brotha however, if he is the uniter that he say he is then maybe he will unite this country. And then the world, now is a perfect time to organize this country at a time of racial,social,economic divide. Whites dont like whites, blacks dont like blacks republicans dont like democrats is there an end? Maybe I just pray that it does in my life time or my kids! What example are we setting for them if any? I support you Obama and commend you for who you are. Good luck brotha Good luck

Obama 08

Coming from the man who also said
he was 'sick and tired of hearing
about the Holocaust', I'm not surprised.

The same man who called Jewish people
"Hymies" and referred to New York as "Hymietown".

Now it's Obama. He's not black
enough? He's acting white? Huh?

Having issues with color, Jessie?

Jackson is a jerk. Quit picking on Obama and saying he's not black enough or acting white!

Obama is a great man and does not deserve this type of mud-slinging or slander.

Jackson owes him an apology.

Obviously somebody is lying...

Either the newspaper columnist or Jackson.

I tend to believe the newspaper columnist more than Jackson. This is the same man who made anti-semetic comments in the past.

Jessie Jackson needs to take a serious step back and look at what he is saying. Instead of focusing on the major issue, which is the fact that there are some serious issues occurring in Jena, albeit America, he has to attack a "black" presidential candidate. Then, on top of that, go back on what he said and says he supports Obama 100% due to the fact that "he is black, authentic and brilliant.” So instead of supporting Obama for the fact that he might or might not actually be brilliant of his own merit, according to this statement Mr. Obama can only be brilliant and “black” at the same time.

Mr. Jackson, please throw in the towel now. All you do is cause unnecessary drama to an issue that needs a serious response.

It's always fun to watch these people try to back peddle from their remarks.

People, People of the Earth
Take your face from out of the Dirt

We (Americans are becoming/if we are not already) seen as the Idiots of the Earth!

We can't read and summarize a 1000 word paragraph correctly. We accept a 30-second news bite as enough to explain a given issue.

Our children (both black and white)can't find our own country on a world map.

Whew.....AMERICA...GET A GRIP!

Martha, the Jena six didn't kill anyone. You might want to check your facts before commenting.

Jesse just needs to come out of the closet and admit he is a racist

this whole Jesse Jackson thing just make me sick, he is a hipocrit, racism exist in all communities, Jesse Jackson just prove it. If someone kill another human being just because of a comment, then, the problem is bigger than just a words, it seems that these young men killed because they are violent, that simple and they deserved to be punished.

Ahh, yeah, Barak? He's black right? Sure, I ah, support him.

Just out of curiosity, is Barack Obama really "black" or really "white". I mean, his Dad IS black... his Mom IS white... so which is he? Why would he choose to be designated one race over another?

I'm just surprised Jesse Jackson jumped on the Obama band wagon so quickly considering that Obama is, after all, half "white". I figured that alone would turn ol' Jesse off.

It's such a shame that the public and or media expects the candidates to jump in and pander to every social event. They can't win really, they're criticized for not commenting fast enough, or commenting to fast, too strong or not strong enough or coming down too far left or too far right on Imus, Moveon and Jena 6 and who knows what else I can't keep track. Just let them tell you where they stand and you'll know what they think of any issue, they shouldn't have to be ambulance chasers.

"LINDA SAT" Oprah has been criticized for pandering to white women and now you're accusing her of only caring about black people. It's sad that you can't see her genuine nature is to embrace all people. I think if you don't have an inclusive nature yourself you're not capable of seeing it in others.
I give up on CNN, I read it now for entertainment not as an unbiased news source. But they probably don't care as long as they get read. Their one sided negative coverage of Obama is disgraceful. Visit barackobama.com if you want to know the facts about his campaign, if you want to make a truly informed decision.

You know, I really tried to give Jesse Jackson the benefit of the doubt over the years because he appeared to be trying to do some good for people who were struggling to get a leg up in this country. But he's sort of become a rubber stamp anymore. It seems like he doesn't care about facts anymore... just the color of your skin. I really suspect if someone asked him hard questions about Obama's platform vs any of the other candidates, that he couldn't give you a straight answer for beans.
Jesse, you & Oprah & Al have sort of become poster boys for "reverse" discrimination.

Of course Jesse supports Obama- just like Oprah and Al Sharpton. It always is a race thing with these people. I wouldn't expect anything less.
Posted By Linda SAT : September 20, 2007 2:02 pm

Miss Linda, I am wondering who exactly are "these people" you don't expect anything less of? Something I learned in the 5th grade (many moons ago) is to "never throw mud...some of it always sticks to your fingers"!

he supports him no questions asked. Talk about voting based on race. the best candidate for the job should win and in America we have a role in choosing who that is.

Politics isn't so much different than the media – it's all about the show and capturing people's attention. Jesse Jackson constantly plays the race card because it keeps the focus on him – nevermind that he is actually aggravating the situation.

As for the situation in Jena, there's no doubt that it is racial – I'm sure the white boys accused of hanging the nooses didn't decide to use nooses at random. What they did IS despicable, and I hope they understand someday just how hurtful what they did was. However, while the school would be within its right to punish them (and they should have been expelled or suspended for longer and forced to do community service or some such), they were not prosecuted because there is no law against poor taste. I think all of us can understand (or imagine) the pain the 'Jena 6' must have felt which drove them to attack one of their white classmates, but they crossed the line and broke the law by assaulting someone else.

Everyone seems to downplay the fact that SIX of them beat up ONE classmate, knocked him unconscious, and then beat him while he was out on the ground. People frequently die from those type of beatings or suffer life-long injuries from them. The 'Jena 6's charges were not out of line depending on the extent of the victim's injuries (the article I read did not elaborate). Do we even know if the victim was one of the boys that hung the nooses?

Now if the roles were reversed, and it was six white boys who beat one black boy unconscious, don't you think Jesse would be right there screaming racism and demanding the worst possible charges for them? He is the worst type of hypocrite.

Where was Jackson when 3 white women were beat up by a group of up to 30 black youths in Long Beach Ca? It was a hate crime, but I guess he can only be bothered when it is a hate crime against blacks. Isn't he supposed to be fighting against any kind of racism?

Does this man ever admit to anything and just apologize? He would impress me if he ever publicly acknowledged how wrong he was in the Duke Lacrosse case. What he said about Mr. Obama was pathetic and he needs to atone for it. It's all going to catch up to him one day, that's for sure.

Many on here missed the whole point. Barack Obama doesn't have to act white. His mother is white. That is part of who he is. If you focus on what was said and its accuracy, many would seem to be on point. Bringing up the relevance of Mr. Jackson is against the point. He was wrong. Attack his accuracy, it is more effective.

But since it already started and I have made my point, why did Mr. Jackson say Mr. Obama is Hispanic. Maybe, like another blogger said, he got him confused with Mr. Richardson.

And those who bring up people outside this story are ridiculous. Mr. Sharpton and Mr. Jackson are not the same person. Anyone who brings one into another's story shows their own inaccuracy.

Those who bring up the Duke lacrosse players, are you joking. Let that die before you realize that someone assualted that girl. You may not like the answer as to who did it.

I could go on, but what would be the point. The bottom line is, Mr. Obama is the son of a white mother and balck father. He is multi racial. I hope Mr. Obama is able to not comment on this. Mr. Obama should focus on real issues like terrorists, health care and the like.

Since you deleted my truthful statements the first time:

An "unfortunate misinterpretation" eh Jesse?

You sound like the lying liberal that you are, not being a man about it and flatly stating "I did not say it", you gutlessly need to somehow put the blame on the writer for incorrectly "interpreting".

I believe the writer is black, so you can't play your usual race card.

There is no "gray" area here Jesse, you either said it to SUPPOSEDLY denounce a VERY honorable man and at the same time slam a race of people, or you simply didn't say it.

Coward.

CNN, I'm ashamed with you. All day yesterday I refreshed the CNN home page, and all day, the front page 'Ticker' news was about Jackson's comments. Now, when he tries to explain himself, you hide the story below all the rest. You have a responsibility to American people and you are not living up to it.

To Who do you care, MO: Of Course Jena is about race. But not in the way you are implying. I agree, what they did was wrong. Just as what was done preceeding was also wrong. But for each person who commits a crime, they should be punished accordingly. They should be tried for the crime which they committed and get a fair trial. The issue with Jena is that those who committed the crime were originally being tried for a crime MUCH more severe than the one committed. AND the reason for this was race. Now, almost everyone agrees that this is the case. But, if it hadn’t been for the public outrage, they might have gone to jail for something much worse than what they did. And that is not how things are supposed to work in America.

Why do we listen to and report on anything Jesse Jackson has to say?

Oh goody Barack. Rev Jackson LIKES you. There goes your credibility.

Tell me, how the hell was Jackson's comment misinterpreted?!? Sorry, but you're only fooling yourself on this one Jesse. Furthermore, you can bet your rear that if someone like Imus said that in reverse, Jackson would be the first on the soapbox, calling up verbal arms. What a friggin hyprocrit.

Jackson is nothing more than a lying racist that continually attempts to separate races. When this country stops seeing "color," then we can get over the bull that most of us had nothing to do with in the first place.

Stop the childish race wars.

Linda SAT,

You're comment is so misguided and you obviously do not choose to use reason. Are you related to James, Phoenix AZ by chance?

"Of course Jesse supports Obama- just like Oprah and Al Sharpton. It always is a race thing with these people. I wouldn't expect anything less."

"These people".
It's always a race thing for someone who is black huh? It can't have anything to do with Obama's qualifications or stance on the issues.

So since you support a caucasian candidate, is it a "race thing?" Is it always about race or do you have some underlying issues that you need to address? I think it is the latter.

Racism is real Linda, whether you want to believe or not. Apparently it upsets you when you, or anyone that has the same narrow-minded view of the world is called on it.

Wallace

What a joke Jesse Jackson is. I'm embarrased to claim him as being apart of the Human Race. He needs to find a job like the rest of us and make a real living instead of "ambulance chasing" Racism will continue as long as men like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are around.

The pathetic run of MSM continues. You folks surprise me every day. And you are extremely unfair in not covering Senator Obama's campaign.

He made some major picth in last couple of days on economy. MSM covered crappy news like Senator Crig or OJ Simpson case with pictures and headlines. But not much on Obama's major policies. This man is running 2nd in national polls for future president. He is running almost tied in early states. His policies and proposals should be known by people so that they can evaluate him on substance with other candidates and choose whoever people believe should be their president. Obama had a rally in the middle of Washington DC on a weekday afternoon that local Fox5 channel reported 4,500 people attended. There was no word on MSM TV/online. If there is a corporate decision that MSM made not to cover Obama campaign with appropriate coverage and hide good news or spin them to bad news then PLEASE post an announcement as such on front page. We will stop coming to you guys for news and also ask rest of the country that they should look elsewhere to know about Obama.

When he talks about hope and change, you guys criticize he does not talk about policy or substance. When he talks about policy or substance, you don't cover. When Hillary Clinton deliver her healthcare speech (which is almost a copy of Edwards's), you guys run 2 day long headline. Once again, simply pathetic!

Come on, Jesse. Don't stop there. How about your apology to the players and their families of the Duke lacrosse team?

I am not American.

Damage control in full swing.
Unfortunately, some damage has been done. Several European newspapers, 3 in Africa, and the Hong Kong Herald have short, lower-left-side front-page titles about the acrymonious, discomfiting mentions of the comment.

Usually, something so low in the page will not be reported again.

Of course Jesse supports Obama- just like Oprah and Al Sharpton. It always is a race thing with these people. I wouldn't expect anything less.

Jesse Jackson says, " have not in any way engaged into the degrees of blackness debate."

No, Jesse – you weren't addressing how BLACK Obama was... you were talking about how WHITE he's acting. I see...that is SO different. (eyes rolling)

Jackson is a horrible racist – who has single handedly pushed race relations back 100 years....No Jesse – its not about the color....its about the crime...you are backing the wrong people....and Hillary is on board with you...fortunately...the rest of the country isn't that stupid...

I understand that Jena is a HUGE racial issue, but when it comes down to it, it is boys hurting boys. I understand that the African American boys had MORE than a right to react, but what they did was just as wrong. You don't potentially kill others to make a right....Two wrongs don't make a right. And Obama is in a political race, not in a civil rights race, so isn't Rev Jackson's response politically incorrect? How can you tell someone he/she is acting "white" or "black" what does that mean? Come on! Who's throwing racial slands here?

Hispanic? Since when did he turn into Bill Richardson? Funny, funny, CNN...

I'm so sick of Jackson always fanning what he calls "racial"... Lord knows HE would be UNEMPLOYED if he didn't keep playing this card. Jackson...let it go...it will "die" if you stop resurrecting it...go get a REAL job if you can!

Reverend Jesse is a has-been racist blowhard whose relevance as a spokesman for the black community is nil.nada/zippo. "Acting black" is what he and Sharpton do regularly as talking heads. "Acting white" is what Obama does when he's not issuing his platitudes about hope and actually addressing issues in detail.

The problem is Jackson acting like a idiot.Like Sharpton.White Americ needs to wake up and stop taking their crap.

He was so quick to judge and push for the prosecution of the Duke lacrosse players . . . where's the apology there, Misters Jackson and Sharpton!!