Jesse must be bored.

Please Jesse go away! You have had your time and now it's time for others to lead. The black population is not the only group in this country.

Democrats are speaking about all people not just blacks when it comes to healthcare, social security, immigration reform, etc.

Get over yourself!

By the way, whatever happened to the apologies to the Duke students who you and Rev. Sharpten marched against and declared them guilty? I know I'm still waiting for that apology to those kids. You're a hypocrit!

No Jesse, they are just ignoring you, because you are cancer to anyone's campaign because you have made a fool of yourself enough to alienate your own self from the black community you so adamantly claim to represent when in reality, they are embarassed of you and your buddy Al Sharpton. Please, just ride off into the sunset quietly and please try not to screw this up for Obama or Edwards you attention whor…… uh. slu….. no. dang. floozy!

shut up

Please stop giving this man a forum.

"African-American issues"?????
Why are the issues they are concerned about different thatn other Americans? Are African-Americans not concerned about the economy, the war, jobs, education, and health care?

The Democrats can ignore African-Americans because they are 100% assured that at least 90% of African-Americans will vote for whomever the Democrat nominee is next year.

Democrats know African-Americans will always vote Democrat no questions asked.

If I am not mistaken, all the proposals and ideas that I am hearing from the candidates are for ALL Americans, that would include African Americans. Poverty and crime effects all races! And I am African-American, or you can say (and I prefer) I am an American!!

Wrong again Rev. Do you ever wonder why no one pays any attention to you? You and Bush are alike in one way, every time you open your mouth, you say something stupid.
Instead of slamming Democrats, try naming anything any Republican has done for a minority.

Why don't YOU get into the race Jesse? Not that you'd win, but put your money where your mouth is! P.S. Have you publicly apologized to the Duke lacrose team yet? You certainly owe them a BIG one.

Sorry Ms Jackson.

Create your own party then. The whites did… it is called GOP.

I'm getting tired of people like Jackson who's a complete joke and
Opra playing the race card.
I'm sorry but the entire world isn't
black.

jackson needs to go fly a kite. He and Sharpton keep racism alive and well in this country. Is it not racist that he says Obama is acting white? Hey Jessie that is your name right? Not Martin Luthor!

Nah….this jerk is just ticked off because he is being ignored as irrelevant…which he most certainly is. He should save his breath for breathing, not proving how stupid he is.

Let's all do America a favor and ignore Jesse Jackson!!!!!

Jesse if you'd just shut up maybe people would take your issues seriously.

The Democratic Party and it's candidates most likely are tired of being hijacked by ths whiney little portion of the population. Dems lose elections because they pander to clowns like Jesse Jackson.

I am ignoring Jackson and Sharpton as I find their comments generally divisive and unproductive. I note that I have been working since I was 15, and neither one of these bums has ever worked for a living, not a single day of their lives.

blah, blah, blah…..

not even the african-american community listens to this boffun anymore, why is CNN paying attention to him??????

My interpretation of Jackson's comments are that no democrat is sharing their photo op time with Jackson.

Soooo, do you support Edwards then? Why would you back Obama if you agree with Edwards?

I really think that all these black civil rights leaders need to shut up. I am an african american woman and they are making me sick speaking for everyone. This is what is wrong with this country today. We are soo segregated that we need a canidate to preach to BLACKS ONLY. How about every family that is in poverty and stress that needs aid not just blacks. They are making me utterly sick

It's wonderful that Jesse Jackson and John Edwards have addressed the black poverty problem.

Who's taking care of the white poverty problem, or is there no such thing?

We can be sure this problem will be ignored by Hillary Clinton. Her major objective is to "beat" the GOP.

I don't even listen to what Jesse has to say. He is a racist to the greatest degree. I he would spend his time and energy in a positive way it could make a difference. He just wants to turn blacks against whites and draw attention tom himself while living off black supporters money. He and Sharpton are two peas in a pod all they do is stir up anger in whites as well as blacks. They live and thrive off controversy.

Here we go again, Jesse Jackson bellyaching over the plight of Black America and why the world is not paying attention. Presidential candidates must consider ALL of America not just the needs and wants of a minority group. I am an African American woman and frankly I am tired of seeing demagogues like Rev. Jackson blaim the world for the plight of African Americans when the majority of problems stem from a 70% birth rate of children to young single mothers, and a 50% high school drop out rate of African American males. Instead of pointing to politicians maybe we need to point to the African American community itself, making better decisions and choosing to take advantages of the opportunities our parents and grandparents fought for.

Jesse Jackson is irrelevant. His opinions ought to simply be ignored by CNN. Civil Rights advocates like Jackson merely prolong the enmity between people of different races, contrary to their intentions.

Jackson decries "entrenched racism", yet he chides Obama for "acting like he's white."

Is he saying that black Americans only problem are white people? Is he saying that only black Americans can provide solutions to black people in America?

Character counts, color does not. I certainly hope that black Americans don't feel that Jackson speaks to their character.

Hi dee ho, here we go. Jessie just cannot stay out of the limelite. Everyone is going thru hardships right now, black and white.

Rev. Jackson and Sharpton need to get over themselves. The biggest issues that are troubling today's African American community are the same as those troubling the white, Asian, and Hispanic communities.
Health care for the young and the elderly, the constant battle with improving upon the education system, upgrading this country's infrastructure, and maintaining credibility in the global arena are the priorities that are at the forefront of this election year. Not one of those issues has a lick to do with race. The way the two of you conduct yourselves is no better than the Westboro Baptist Church. Hell, I'm still waiting on on Al Sharpton's apology for his anti-semitic remarks/generalizations that he made back in 1991… I have a strong inclination that I won't ever hear it.

IT IS TIME THAT THE AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILY TAKE RESPONSEBILITY FOR OUR OWN PLIGHT IN THIS COUNTRY RACE IS NOT THE PROBLEM! IGNORANCE IS AND A LACK OF EDUCATION! IT IS NOT THE WHITE MAN WHO CAUSE YOUNG BLACK TEENS TO GIVE BIRTH TO CHILDREN THEY CANT TAKE OF NOR ARE THEY THE REASON BEHIND BLACK DEAD BEAT DADS AND FATHER LESS CHILDREN IN THIS COUNTRY! BARACK OBAMA IS RIGHT EDUCATION IS THE ONLY SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM AS WELL AS THE RACE RELATIONS IN THIS COUNTRY! WE ALL BREATHE AIR AND NEED TO DRINK WATER AND EAT HEATHLY FOOD TO LIVE IN THIS WORLD! IT DOESNT MATTER IF YOU ARE BLACK WHITE BROWN YELLOW RED! I BELIEVE BARACK OBAMA HAS THE SKILL AND INTELLIGENCE TO BRING ABOUT CHANGE AND UNITE THIS COUNTRY AS ONE!

Of course the Democratic candidates are generally ignoring the black voters. Why bother courting a constituency that will vote for the winner, whoever it is. The effort is to pull in swing voters. Edwards is using the black vote as a strategy but will quickly ignore them if he is nominated. Then the goal will be to pull in the general population. What need is there to kowtow to a group which will deliver a 90% vote.

There he goes again… Jesse is missing the campaign trail but nobody's campaign is missing him. He's old news before print deadline.

Please stop giving this man a forum.

Posted By Ellis, NY, NY : November 27, 2007 10:28 am

After they stop giving a forum to Pat Robertson and James Dobson - two of the sorriest excuses for human beings of all time.

How would you like the candidates to address poverty? Everything from affirmative action to just plain handout for blacks in America? Poverty is not just a black issue; it affects blacks, whites, latinos and every other race. Instead of demanding the government fix all of this issue, how about trying to work hard, get educated and help yourself.

Why does CNN give this guy any credence?

Jesse:

Get over it. The "plight" of the African American in this country is no different that that of the white man, the yellow man or the red man. You are always crying about division in this country, but you seem to seperate yourself, using these created titles such as "African American". Were you born in the USA? Were you parents born here? Unless you are a naturalized citizen that has come here from Africa, I believe that you are just a plain old American. If that is an insult to you…one of your freedoms is the ability to leave! If being a plain old American is an insult, I'm sorry you feel that way. I don't believe that candidates should address specific groups of people because that, to me, is discrimination. They need to have the interest of the "American People" as a whole in mind.

Oh…by the way…you made such a big "to-do" about the Duke Players, and guess what! It was the "African-American" woman that lied…now, I don't see you on TV apologizing to these innocent white men! I can guarantee you that if the tables were turned, and someone that was white was all over TV accusing a black person of a crime, and it turned out that the black person was innocent, you would have your face ALL OVER THE PLACE demanding a public apology….well Jessee, We're waiting!!!!!

GET OVER IT!!!!!

Obama at least gets some good news from the latest general election poll that has him leading Republicans (though he is tied with Giuliani), even crushing some of them! Link.

Jesse I'm black and a Dem who grew up in a poor neighborhood! Jesse please SHUT UP! I am also a strong Obama supporter! He needs to dump you! You are not helping blacks by putting down someone who can build us up mentally. WE ARE TIRED OF THE VICTIM CRAP! Jesse GO AWAY! PLEASE! CNN Please stop it and bury this nonsense! WE all know CNN hates Obama! WE are not stupid!

Give me a break. It's about time the candidates start looking at the whole picture and not be swayed by the Jesse Jackson and Al Sharptons of the world, who do not have the interests of our entire country in their minds.
Take a look around–we have big problems to deal with. Maybe people should start taking responsibility for their lives and stop looking for handouts.

Exactly what was accomplished in the Jena march? The "plight" of African Americans needs to start in the home and there wouldn't be Jena marchs. We as African Americans must stop blaming others for our problems. We must learn when, where and how to fight our battles. Our black churches are financially strong enough to make significant contributions for change in our communities. If we can build churches, why can't we build our communities; many that don't have grocery stores but a church on every corner. Our pastors and pastors families live in mansions, drive rolls royces, own airplanes and travel the world $$$$. Criticizing democratic candidates is not the answer.

Why doesn't he endorse Edwards if he thinks Edwards is the only Democratic candidate speaking for the Black population? Why is he endorsing Obama? This guy makes no since! It's kind of funny actually.

But in all seriousness everyone who posted have made some good points. That this guy needs to go away, that this guy segregates this country by using the microphone that CNN should not give him, that this guy is in need of getting so much attention and is jealous because we now have other black leaders such as Obama who does not reflect Jackson's ideologies.

And yes, I, too am still waiting for the apologies to the Duke students that Jackson and Sharpton so ruthlessly hurt their reputations and honestly could have potentially forced those kids in prison for something they did not do. Both these "Reverends" spit out hate evertime they speak.

Jesse Jackson needs to realize that with accusations such as this he no longer can claim status as a respected voice of mediation between the African-American community and public officials. Bill Clinton famously denounced certain fringe African-American "activists" in '92 and it proved to be a brilliant move. Hopefully, the Democratic nominee (Go Barack!) will do the same. Mr. Jackson is in effect harming the African-American community by making outrageous claims such as this. Leave this nonsense to Kanye West.

When he's he going to protest an injustice done to a white or Hispanic person? Do injustices only happen to black people?

A big reason may be that there are not large populations of African Americans in Iowa or New Hampshire, which are the only states on the candidates' minds right now.

As much as I respect Rev. Jesse Jackson, the African American community needs to start caring about ourselves before we ask others.

The President is not the President of the minority but the President of America. Yes, the President should not ignore the middle class and low income but until we fight back as a community but more importantly as citizens, we will continue to "ignored".

So Jesse can accuse Obama of "acting white" and no one raises an eyebrow. If anyone ever accused a white of "acting black," Jesse and Al would be out there fanning the flames to start riots, demanding that person's job and a punitive payment. The two of them ought to be ignored. No two were more irrelevant than Jesse and Al. They are a good example of how and why racism remains today.

Get over Black issues it ets old hearing about people complainging about people treating Blacks badly.

Jackson is focusing his anger in the wrong direction. If you have a African American within striking range of becoming the Presidential candidate & this is still an issue that speaks more to the fault of Obama than anyone else. He needs to hold Obama's feet to the fire. Blacks sgould look at that before they vote.

When will people stop listening to the likes of Jesse Jackson. He and others like him (both Black and White) only make statements to keep themselves in the limelight. Whether it be Al Sharpton/Al Sharpton or Ann Colter/Bill Oreilly it is the same. They capitalize the moment and try to use it to put money in their pockets
When will we stop being divide and be ONE Country. It is the only way to survive

so john edwards is acting black? Is that what Rev. Jessie is saying? MLK must be turning in his grave as every principle he held dear is twisted and exploited by someone from his inner circle. To quote Dr King, " Judge people by the content of their character, not the color of their skin"

I mean, what, exactly, is the government supposed to DO? How can the government (or the current candidates) make them stop shooting each other, and stop robbing from everyone, and stop fathering kids indiscriminately with no means or intention of supporting or "parenting" them, and start saving money instead of blowing it on frivolous bling, and start focusing on education, and start abandoning the pervasively misogynistic, self-destructive, and violence-prone subculture?

He is at it again, When thousands of African Americans marched in protest in Jena, Louisiana they came by bus why didn't he have those same buses show up during Katrina…he & Al hurts this country…I guess if you have a kid out of wed lock it helps to have money like Jesse….Thanks Jimmy Austin tx

I am glad someone called out Obama about his recent inability to take a hard stand on anything. I am a little bothered by the fact that he applauded John Edwards for his "kickoff" in LA. Though a noble gesture, it doesn't really do anything special, other than make him look good.

I only wish that he had pointed out the billions spent on what is now generating Iraqi poverty that could have been donated to reduce US poverty.

Jessie is upset because He can NEVER be president!

The more we have these complaints about "black people", the further it segregates our cultures. If people like Jesse Jackson would keep quiet, we would probably start to see some of those social barriers come down. The race card is old and boring, and I think it's because it's not an issue. The issue is not about race here, it's about poverty and crime. Stop using black people as the face of poverty and crime, and maybe we might see some progress!

The Chicago Tribune has thousands of job listings for which people in poverty can qualify. Every Sunday there's another wave of the thousands of jobs listed. But Jesse Jackson's answer isn't "get a job" , it's "let the government take care of you." Democratic candidates would continue the tradition of ripping off the hard-working taxpayers to increase the welfare doles. That's why we need a new conservative to show that education, strong family ties and personal responsibility is the key to bringing people out of poverty, not lifelong hand-outs.

Always the victim. Preach victimhood and that is all you shall become.

Ignoring blacks??
WHAT A JOKE.
How can you ignore blacks when they're IN YOUR FACE all the time.
History Month
Black TV
Black Howard University
GROW UP AND STOP WHINING

Blacks are being ignored again? Come on!
Now you are going to march on LaSalle street because of "unscrupulous mortgage lenders"?, yet you complained how blacks were unable to receive loans a few years back…which is it, higher rates for people that don't have good credit ratings or couldn't afford a regular loan, don't pay their bills? Fannie May and the NAACP joined forces to get blacks and minorities their loans. People of all races make choices, we all make our own beds…
Next what, you're going to bring up family values again? By the way, how is your illegitimate child the media never brings up, or have you been to "hymie town lately"? Made any apologies to anyone latelor ever?
We are all so tired of you, how about getting a real job or you can just work for your sons that have control of "the beer contracts" in Chicago….
Why does the media give you a platform?

Yet 95% + will march in lock step to the polls next November to vote for whatever quasi-socialist the Democrats decide to nominate.

Yet another useless rant from the country's number one ambulance chaser. We are tired of your empty rhetoric Jessie. Get a job! You don't speak for us.

Agreed!!!

I think Jesse's time is–and has been up. I also like the comments on here today.

Not a lot of racism, just pure truth. Frankly, I can't believe it, but it's great. Persons are starting to understand that injustice PERIOD, regardless of race, is WRONG. Yes, all races are struggling– Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic, etc. Poverty, lay-offs, and a bad economy are not issues experienced by one race.

Oh, and to the ignorant comment about how "white people have their own party[GOP], go start your own"– that is simply stupidity. Folks, do you know how many African Americans voted for Bush in 2004? Do your homework before spewing this nonsense. Unfortunately, that was one of the reasons he won–Evangelical, African-American Christians.

Take care.

Wallace

I'm a Liberal, a civil rights advocate, affirmative action supporter, and, more topically, a condemner of the treatment the Jena Six have received– in terms of both the racial intimidation they faced at school and the draconian sentence that they received for dealing out a well-deserved beating.

However, it's pretty hard to take an anti-semitic "civil rights leader" like Jackson seriously. Ditto Al Sharpton and Louis Farrakhan. In fact, the rampant anti-semitism among black leadership and some segments of the black community makes me sick.

More propaganda from on outright racist called Jesse Jackson.

Jackson, Sharpton, and Oprah are all racists, no other words to express what they do.

their are more than just blacks in poverty the whites are to get over yourself jesse………

JUST SHUT UP, JESSE !

Well, I'm so glad that poverty is now only a 'Black' problem. I think I should now go and tell all the Whites and Hispanics in the nearby communities that they are not in poverty, since only Blacks are.

This is the problem that faces Blacks in America today. Pandering, lies, and racism from their so called leaders like Sharpton and Jackson. Its not poverty, violence, unemployment, or lack of education / opportunities. These problems know no bounds, no race is immune to them.

These people are separatists, not looking for equal rights. If they want to be a divisive as they are, take their followers and go so that the rest of us can collaborate and work together on solutions to these problems.

Jesse…you are no longer relevant to any issues in America, a country you love to hate. You are a hipocrit and a scam artist who scams the blacks for your on gain, people have wised up to you Jesse so go away…make sure you continue sending the child support….Get on the Ron Paul bandwagon…Ron needs the cash for his campaign.
{Please excuse the spelling, as there is no spell check in this comment window…CNN is to cheap to supply one} maybe Jesse can rattle the Dems on this issue too.}

To Joe, from Boston: learn how to spell (e.g.it's Sharpton, not 'Sharpten'; it's hypocrite, not 'hypocrit).

You're welcome.

ummmmm….yeah….tell me, how is it you can "fight racism" when your whole platform is racist and serves to further divide people?

Jesse Jackson does not "back" Obama. He said he would vote for him because they are neighbors. He has said repeatedly that he is not officially endorsing him as a candidate.

Sorry to say, Jesse, but your 15 minutes were up several years ago.

All you're doing now is hurting your son's chances to advance within the party.

Jesse is like a nightmare that you never wake up from. As soon as you close your eyes…..there's the monster again. Why is he still using the term "African American". I don't call myself American Indian-Amercian. And think how bad the American Indians have gotten the shaft over "Afican-Americans". Can't we all just be Americans with the same agenda….To help out the less fortunate Americans?

And to JW Canadian who asked to name one republican that has ever done anything for the black community….

Here's one….President Abraham Lincoln was a Republican.

Jesse still has some pull among African-Americans especially in some southern states. I do applaud Jesse for his involvement in the Civil Rights movement and politics in general. But its time for Jesse to let go! Jesse can no longer claim to be the voice of "black" america. All the Democratic candidates are proposing policies that include all Americans. It is up to the state and local politicians to work at organizing state plans for successful implementation, be it education or social services. Instead of Jesse pushing at the state and local levels of government as well as gaining grass-roots support, Jesse is still trying to be relevant on a national level by accusations and catch phrases. He is too full of himself to realize this.

Jesse and Reverend Al:

There are three, former, Duke lacrosse players who are waiting to hear from both of you……..

…and when do you, two, begin to excoriate the alleged victim there?!

Most of the people that have offered their thoughts clearly have no clue about constituency politics. African Americans do represent a unique constituency because we have a unique history in this country, which in turn creates unique issues which require unique solutions. Rev. Jackson is correct in stating these candidates are not addressing these issues, and they do so at their own peril. There may not be much risk of a mass defection to the Republican Party, but their innattention could certainly produce apathy come next November, and Democrats can ill afford that!

This guy will exploit race until he's dead. It's the only way for this lousy excuse for a human being to make money. While most in the country are trying to move forward in a race-neutral way, this scumbag continues to drag everyone backward. Black voters should be insulted when he uses "our votes" to describe the thoughts of an entire race. He's truly a joke and shouldn't be featured as credible in the mainstream media.

Why do they keep giving Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton the opportunity to speak, all they do is keep stiring up Racism.

Do you agree with Jesse Jackson that all the Democratic presidential candidates are ignoring African-American issues except former Sen. John Edwards?

http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=1101

.

"try naming anything any Republican has done for a minority." — jw, canadian,ok

It's call the Emancipation Proclamation there jw and it was written by, Abraham Lincoln, the very first republican. Republicans have always wanted equality to mean exactly that, equal rights for all. It was the Union army that was led by a republican commander and chief..

A simple review of history shows that the Dixiecrats supported the union’s split and separation by race. Just ask grand wizard Robert Bird. You see, it is the democrats that have proven themselves to be users of race and religion as hate tools to achieve political goals.

Where has that donkey taken you Al and Jesse? Will you blame it when you finally realize the social dead end it has brought to the American black family??

Why does Mr. Jackson's every second thought read as "African American"? Back in the melting pot era of the early 1900's Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson took a bi-partisan stance that there were no 'Italian-Americans', 'Welsh Americans' or 'Chinese Americans' but we were in fact all 'Americans'. Americans with ancestry in Africa have been on this continent basically as long as Americans with European ancestry, why are they then 'segregated' by Mr. Jackson as "African Americans" instead of 'Americans'? I don't believe he considers the discriminating candidates he refers to in the article as 'European Americans'.

The Dems have been ignoring them for over 40 years.

the only thing I want to hear from this piker Jesse Jackson is that he is fed up with America and is leaving and moving to africa to take up the plight of those in that country, they could use a voice like his to help them…so please Jesse feel free to go, we will make it with out you. The only one you have helped is yourself and that phoney Al Sharpton.

Where is Jesse Jackson when there are drive by shootings where the blacks are killing each other over drugs and gang issues!!! SHUT UP ALLREADY !!

I work full time, attend college part-time. I am on time to both everyday. I am having a hard time paying for health insurance and my tuition and books. Gas is thru the roof. The city and county have raised my personal property taxes again. The company I work for posted record profits in the 3rd quarter. I got a raise but they took more money out of our backpay to backpay health insurance I already paid for. The CEO and top tier of our company cashed millions in bonuses. I feel ignored lets hold a press conference.

well i dont agree with jesse on most everthing - but clearly here he is right!

Living in DK's district, I am very happy that he has resolved all of our problems and is running for the highest office. He will be sorely missed by all of his local constituents. His plan for utopia is nothing but genius. Gotta love that Department of Peace!

Like always. Jackson is counter productive to his own movement. Of course BRIBES come nto play. He looks to be a sabotuer, for the d's and Sen Obama.

If he would talk about the plight of poor people in america, as opposed to ONLY african americans, I might be with the guy. He hurts his own cause.

Dem's aren't ignoring the black vote. They just realize that they don't have to work anymore to get them. Their focus will increasingly be on the hispanic vote. That's not rascist, just politics.

Jesse Jackson, like his pal Al Sharpton, is racist of the first order and any comments made by him should be given no coverage and no creedance,

What does "Acting Like He's White" mean? Just another black man who hates white people. Jesse Jackson is just another common racist who keeps racism in this country alive for his own personal agenda.

yeah.. why do we have to mention the black community.. whats done is done for Americans.. There are poor hispanic people in the inner cities, dont here them pissing and moaning. There are more poor white people who live in rural areas then there are blacks in the inner city so what is the govt. going to do for them!
Bottom line Jesse.. you work hard, take advantage of govt. grants, education.. things dont just get handed out… he is useless!

I love Hillary,….no just kidding,I just wanted to see what I had to say to get posted on here after having posted 10 spots and each got censored.They were clean posts but I guess CNN DOES NOT BELIEVE IN HEARING The TRUTH!

Funny how Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are always first in line to complain, but I never see them putting their shoulder to the wheel to actually accomplish anything. More armchair quarterbacks without the chutzpah to back it up. What hypocrites!

Posted by Rick - Maryland. "I'm getting tired of people like Jackson who's a complete joke and Ophra playing the race card. I'm sorry but the entire world isn't black." You forgot to mention Obama and Michelle. They are guilty as well.

Posted By Rick Maryland : November 27, 2007 10:31 am

Jesse should shut up.

Jesse please be quiet. No one is listening to your rant and rave. Go silently into the sunset or whatever hole that will keep you from bringing attention to yourself. Don't go away mad, just go away, you ambulance chaser and womanizer!

"Who's taking care of the white poverty problem, or is there no such thing?
We can be sure this problem will be ignored by Hillary Clinton. Her major objective is to "beat" the GOP.

Posted By Ahtram, Oakton, Virginia : November 27, 2007 10:42 am"

Yeah sure, maybe by electing a president who is African American, you'll solve the white poverty problem!

Hillary is concerned to 'beat' the GOP because they contribute to the problem. Don't you get it?

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1108/p09s01-coop.html

"Blacks must Drop Victimhood and Reclaim Dignity"

by Bill Cosby and Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint

published by Christian Science Monitor, November 8, 2007 edition.

I find it interesting, as I see others do as well, that Rev. Jackson, like so called Rev. Sharpton ( a proven bigot and liar ) only comes out when the cameras are rolling. ( I too am awaiting that apology to the Duke University students !)It is true, the cities are a mess and there are many issues affecting the black community. BUT, I sense it is about time to belay this segregationist rhetoric and talk about Americans ! Maybe then and only then will some real progress be made

At some point, the media will realize that Jackson and Sharpton are not 'black leaders' and do not represent 'the black community'. African Americans are not a monolithic entity in this county any longer. We are not all any one thing except of African descent. Anytime something happens that involves an African American, the media runs to Sharpton and Jackson. Who appointed them as spokesmen? Nobody I know, and certainly no one in my generation. To the media at large and certain members of society at large: stop being lazy in your opinions of African Americans. Jackson and Sharpton do not represent us as a whole anymore than rappers and athletes do. We are as varied in this society as any other group, so the next time you need an opinion, don't get it from the same old attention seekers.

i cannot at all see myself supporting barak's candidacy for the presidency. i believe he is a set up and a plant by the republicans and they throw in that good looks mess to cover the real white republican agenda. bama is being used and is a tool and is totally unable to see it himself,therefore we have to make him see it ourselves

Why does CNN pay any attention to this media attention starved gasbag? There is real news to cover out there.

Nothings ever good enough is it?

Makes me sick.

Jesse Jackson is such a hypocrite, he might as well get his own show on msnbc. Out of one side of his mouth he supports Barack Obama (hint: because he's black) and the other side he commends a different candidate for being the only one with a clear agenda to address poverty (unfortunately, said candidate is white). Mr. Jackson should stop trying to acheive the symbolic "first black president", and side with the candidate who is most closely aligned with his stated priorities. As a side note, I wonder what JJ would have to say if Chuck Norris said Mike Huckabee is "acting like he's black"?

Mad at Obama for "acting white"…. he's just as much white as he is black, he's mixed.

Ah the "Reverend" is at it again… Why, again, are African-Americans so different from the rest of us? Oh wait- they aren't. If Jesse Jackson is complaining about specifically African-Americans not being talked about enough yet, as hopefully most of us do, sees them on an equal footing with everyone in America, why do they get special attention?? There aren't "white issues", etc… Oh and since when did being white become a problem? When should "acting like he's white" ever be bad?? If someone said "Acting like he's black", Jackson, Sharpton and the NAACP would be all over that faster than you can say "hypocrisy". Thanks again, Reverend, for proving your iddiocy and irrelevance

great another 6 billion program that will probably cost 10 billion or more. Just who do they (the govt) expect to pay for this. Jessie, wake up govt handouts are not the way to a bright future. Only a persons character and self determination can do that. If you want socialism and more and more social programs, move to France, last time i checked things are going great there.

Jackson seems incapable of seeing anything beyond the color of someone’s skin. He freely admits that Edwards was the only candidate that had a plan to deal with the plight of African-Americans as part of his platform yet continues to support Obama. The color of a person’s skin (or their gender) should not be the basis used to determine the best candidate for the presidency.

Roberta of Sarasota, there was a lot of criticism of Jackson for saying "obama is acting white" you must have missed it. He had to step away from that ridiculous comment. Jackson and Sharpton are so one-dimensional, divisive and outdated in their vision. They are not showing good leadership. The African Americans I know, including myself, do not subscribe to their extreme views or methods.

Shut up Jesse. You are the ultimate racist.

Dear Rev. Jackson,

The Democrats ignore your community because they can get away with it. Your community's blind devotion to the Democrats, regardless of what they do, is the sole reason for being ignored. If you ever decided to get a brain and approach other political groups with your votes, then maybe you'd get something back. This is politics. It is not some morality play. Grow up and USE your power instead of whining about it.

"catastrophic crisis that engulfs the African-American community" Wow, where have I been.

Leave it to the race pimp Jackson himself to try to hold down his own people by making the candidates commit to "giving" impoverished more stuff.

Please Bill Cosby, if you are out there please tell Jesse that this is not the best way to deal with the plight of African-Americans.

This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. How can you say African Americans are forgotten. They have nice homes, nice cars, college educations, good jobs. If you want nice material things you have to work for it. That goes for African AmericansY, whites, and any other color. Jesse why don't you preach and stay out of politics. The blacks and whites get along fine until you get involved. All you do is spread hate and discontent. You are the one prejudish. You people get up and call us names like white honkies, crackers, and all sorts of nasty comedians talk about us. How about your Mayor in New Orleans saying he was going to make that a chocolate city? Was that not discrimating ? I think it was. Like I say you are very discrinating yourself.

Before Jesse "unleashes" on the Democrats, he needs to come clean about how he holds Wall Street hostage with the race card - then they cut him a check and he is forever silent on the issue afterwards.

I'm all for calling people out, but not when you're benefitting from the call outs and those who you identified as victims, continue to be victims.

FYI, Coretta Scott King was disgusted by Jesse after MLK died because she believed he used MLK's death as his personal stepping stone. Once upon a time, Jesse Jackson used to be relevant, and there are ways to continue being relevant, but unfortunately, for Jesse, he used those methods to become nothing more than a corporate extortionist.

Is it me or is Barack Obama under constant sabotage by Jesse Jackson? Every major endorser for any campaign consults with the candidate privately first. What exactly is he aiming to achieve without even the courtesy to consult with the Obama campaign before making outlandish accusations? If South Carolina wasn't as important in the Democratic primary as it is this year, this would be an endorsement that Obama could easily stand lose. A Jackson endorsement pays dividends there, and there only.

One sad thing is that about the only result of the Jena situation was the cutting down of a tree. I am still trying to equate the stupid display of a noose with the intentional kick to someone's head. Forgive my insensitivity.
I wish Jesse Jackson would talk of the issues of jobs and education and healthcare but apparently those are "white issues."

I wish Jesse Jackson would keep his big mouth shut. I don't see what he has done for blacks, either. He actually advocated letting black children speak a ghetto language while his children went to some of the best private schools.

Keep raceism alive,start a riot, follow Jessie Jackson… how does the guy call him self a reverend.

Good for you Jesse! He's basically saying you can't expect our vote unless you're prepared to pay for it with cash. Not surprising, considering that the Democrat Party has promised just that for all these years. Nothing new here. Only problem is the Democrats promise isn't helping matters, it's only hurting them.

Dear Jesse and Al,

You're both friggin IDIOTS!
You're hurting the blacks in this country more than anyone or anything else ever has! The only reason you guys are constantly running around causing trouble is because neither of you can get real jobs….MORONS!

Oh and yea……SHUT UP!

Poverty has no color! People are people, Jesse Jackson is an idiot.

Has this guy even considered who is the best candidate for the job? Seems to me he is putting his vote on Obama based race alone. This should come as no surprise to anyone however; Jesse and Al and their ilk need to keep a strong racial divide to sustain their very existence. The WORST thing that could happen is that all Americans get along, thus eliminating the need for their opinions. Keep slammin Jesse. The Dem's need ya.

Rev Jackson just needs to recruit Oprah into his daily plight's, then the people might stand up and listen!

Why is cnn censoring comments again? Oh well , my point was Jesse Jackson isn't about leadership through example and he isn't about empowering people through personal accountability. He's about looking at successful people who whether by luck or hard work have become wealthy and saying I want what you have for my people, and Im going to use the GOVERNMENT to make it happen.

Vote conservative !

And what's wrong with "acting like he's white." Jesse, go away until after the elections because you're not helping Obama.

Why does he talk? Does he know that my generation doesnt even respect him as our black leader anymore? I think he spends too much of his time talking to the communities that will never research Barack Obama and his policies for urban America. My question to jesse jackson is what has he done for urban America?

Jesse proves once again that dinosaurs still do exist.

Person like Jesse Jackson is not suitable to be called Reverend. I know there are many, but Jesse is one of them. He is not only very hypocrite, arrogant, bad tempered, bossy, full of hatred, etc but also oftenly showing how racist he is. He likes to condemn other ethnics except black, always praise the black community and never praise other ethnic groups. What such a disgusting behavior.

There is some relevance to what Jackson is saying, but the Democrats can't drop whatever they're doing everytime they hear the world 'African-American' in the media and STILL expect to win elections. AND YES, I AM AN AFRICAN AMERICAN!

Please Jesse, your mantra is getting old. Just shut up and go away. We all have issues. Black, white, Hispanic, middle class, poor, taxes, insurance, health. Be a real champion for ALL the people and ALL the issues like the candidates are trying to be.

I really respect Rev Jackson. If were not him black people could be ignored in this country and will not be heard. I think what he is saying here is, why are candidates campaigning in other states, florida, boston,Philadelphia and texas and not other places like Mississippi, lousiana or see African American clouds been cheered up? Are they not Americans or have issues to be addressed like global warming? I think I have heard about immigration which is latinos issue. Sometimes we need to sit back and be realistic! I am a white republican voting democrat and I think there are many people who Cnn pay attention to like former clinton adviser who is always on cnn. I don't see outrage with that. Mr. Jackson has a right to tell his story. Period!

sorry, cnn gods. My comment didn't get censored after all. I was just impatient. THANK YOU

You know, for the most part I have respected what Rev. Jackson has done for civil rights and humanity as a whole, but one question really does come to mind: Where do you draw the line on fighting for the rights of the disadvantaged minority and being apart of a racist ideology? It goes without saying that if his comments about Sen. Obama are accurate,then they were highly inappropriate. Imagine if someone said a white person was acting black in the public spotlight. They would have been dismissed as racist and derrogatory towards the African American community. And this article quotes him as saying that the candidates will not reap "our" votes? Isn't that filled with racial overtones, that apparently 1)Rev Jackson is the spokesman for all blacks in the U.S. 2)that all black care about the same issues 3)all blacks are the same political party and 4)that he even has the right to claim that an race is to be given special considerations. It is understood that the white majority would get most of the attention, as it is the majority and thats not necessarily fair, but again can you imagine if Sen Edwards got up and said "Time to deal with issues for white people"?

I a white and I know the priority of this country is out of line. I would think may be that is why we need to kill people like Kenneday. I strongly think instead of starting the flight to the moon or putting all our resources on global warming we should try and help the poor in this country,not meaning black poor but all poor people. I am glad Edward did and showed some backbone in his party. Without Jackson probably you could not have payed attention just like America hasn't in many years.

Obama drops 9% in the past 10 days:

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_2008__1/daily_presidential_tracking_polling_history

I'm surprised to see so much venom in the comments against Jesse Jackson.

C'mon folks, this is America and he has a right to fight for and end to discrimination and racism.

what is wrong with people, that they don't believe racism is still a HUGE problem in our country?

I love America, and I want to see it healed from the wounds of slavery and racism. Mr. Jackson is only trying to bring about higher consciousness and a solution to the problems that we need to solve.

We would do well to hear him out, instead of acting with derision toward him.

Typical desparate attention seeker: full of nonsense. I am undecided as yet who to vote for, but I KNOW what I hear and I have heard Hillary talk about Black American issues (especially women) for years! Does the 'Rev' think we're deaf, or just stupid? Shame on him…

I am so sick and tired of people like Jesse thinking his group is owed something others are not. Many of us, including myself, are working 3 jobs to make ends meet and to save our homes. No one gave us a home or education…we worked for it and are struggling to save it. I am a widow to young to retire hoping I can hang on to see the middle class come back. In the mean time, I don't have time to ask for anything, I need to go to work.

I would like to point out Mr Jackson that it is not only the Blacks that are being forgot about it is the middle class as a whole.

Why exactly should a presidential candidate show up to a Jena 6 march? Symobolic hatred is A LOT LESS horrifying than actual physical violence. I don't agree with the guy who put up the noose, but I'll tell you what. I'll back that guy over the guy who tried to kill a guy. COME ON! Those African American kids lost all sympathy the minute they used their fists to physically beat someone. You don't kill someone because they offended you with a symbol! And shut up Jesse Jackson. You're an opportunistic attention monger.

GO AWAY…if you are not happy with the dems vote republican….you know they really really care about you and your concerns…it is sad to say but black people DO NOT need you to speak on their behalf…people do not like your message or support what you say…GO AWAY

As a young African American woman I am sick and tired of Jesse and Al thinking that they speak for the entire African American community. If people would just ignore them they will fade into oblivion. Now that I have gotten that off of my chest. To address some of you: To Rick in NY if you actually understand how some of the laws are written especially as far as Welfare Programs you would understand that the only way you can government support as a parent, the father cannot be in the home or provide support for it. And Matt in California, NO we aren't in different than you but dear step out of your vaccuum and understand that there are minority(black, hispanic, asian)issues that you(as a white man) will never understand.

When will Jesse Jackson just go away? He causes more harm than good and does nothing but keep the country from moving forward…

Does this guy ever have anything positive to say about African-Americans? He's constantly equating African Americans with plight and poverty and 'catastrophe'. That guy sets back the race relations clock every single time he opens his mouth.

This character has done more harm than good for our country. He spends his time trying to stir up fires wherever possible to get media coverage and has had no real positive contributions to our society.
He reminds me of what Lou Dobbs stated about George "W". "He is more like a character that came out of a Bonanza episode"!
Give us all a break!

I cannot believe it, someone is actually talking about healing the wounds of slavery and racism. I mean slavery has not been legal for well over 100 years. I was not there and it is not my fault that people were forced into slavery, get over it! You were not slaves yourselves, get over it. Blacks have just as many rights, if not more because they are always playing the race card, than anyone else so get over it!!! Jesse Jackson is a moron. I have black friends and they can't stand him. Vote Clinton in '08.

Jesse Jackson and his comments are no longer relevant. He provides no leadership to his own community. He simply snipes and points out the shortcomings he "observes" in others. We will unfortunately have to listen to his grandstanding thoughout the campaign. Then he will once again submerge into obscurity until another perceived racial slight gives him something to blather about.

Jesse, get a real job and stop professing to be the voice of "black" America.

You say John Edwards cares and supports African American issues, yet you're voting for Obama. Now THAT sounds like racism.

Who is Jesse Jackson?

Seriously is this guy even relevent anymore, sorry Jesse nobody is even listening to your racist views anymore.

Wheter you agree with him or not, Rev. Jackson is the conscience of Black America still. Black Americans are still followers of him in some respects. It is too bad that the Reverend feels the way he does about most of the candidates, but be assured that all the candidates will look at some of his recommendations and try to implement them in the best interest of Black America and all Americans.

Jackson is hardly in any position to pass judgement on anyone! Adultery, lies,need I go on?! The guy is a loser and hypocrit. He is a disgrace to the human race.

The Rev Jesse Jackson just needs to retire and go sit in a rocking chair and let it all go. I am so sick and tired of seeing him and Al Sharpton continue to slash out at anyone who is not totally committed to their beliefs. Get over it.

Justice was served with Jena 6, so why would a candidate get involved? You don't try to kill someone just because they made a symbolic gesture of hatred.

Dave in New York….
Women have been slaves to men in this country (or in all of humanity) A LOT LONGER than any race, color or creed. Women are left to raise children of men who run to greener pastures instead of facing and accepting their responsibility, women have been under-paid for the same jobs, women have been given less of a voice because men see women as weak. Don't talk to me about racism and discrimination….Women have been singing in that choir for centuries.

Does Jackson even work for a living or just shoot hid mouth off and expect everyone to support him? What has he done to improve anything except talk? It is about time, Jackson with the other big mouths work to improve the conditions and stop tellimg everyone else waht to do. Talk is cheap!

I think the time for racist Jesse Jackson is over. Obama is "acting white"? What does that mean? So is he saying that my Black friends are really my White friends? Or am I now Black because I have Black friends? Or should I just not have any friends of difference races, according to Jesse? We are all Americans and his continued diviseness is racist and ugly. We're all struggling and we need to be just Americans and stop being divided by race or religion or ethnicity. It's disgusting.

As I respect the intentions of Mr. Jackson and the need to address the poverty of this nation, his tactics, and comments, only lead to increased separation between races. We are all Americans and a line should not be drawn as he does when he says, "our votes". He is separating by race and not by the needs of individuals.

Guess Hillary, et al, forgot to kiss the might one's ring. Shame, shame. Where's his little buddy? Don't want to leave Al out of the limelight….

You're going after the wrong folks Jesse.

Why does Jesse Jackson expect whites to take care of the African-American population. They should do as the white population and get out and work and pull themselves up and stop expecting hand-outs and have the way paved for them. The white population are the ones being discriminated against. We have to go to work everyday so we can pay our way. Jesse likes to keep the racial pot stirred and then blame it on our candidates and everyone else in this country. He needs to crawl back under his rock and stay there.

Jesse,

In today's America we working men and women all get the same deal. I'd agree that it's a lousy deal but it's not exclusively a black situation.
Why don't you start arguing for the rights and freedoms of all Americans? The majority of this country has gotten past this petty racist stuff and those who haven't are a dying breed.

Jesse claims that John Edwards is the only African American supporter, YET he's backing OBAMA. What does that say about Jesse? RACIST MUCH?

Plight? Get out of bed, go to school and get a job. Your "plight" will be over when you stop waiting for a handout and quit being violent.

Hey Jesse, looks like you don't have many supporters on this forum.

Go Duke Lacrosse!