or burnt, personalities. in many had probably

This is the same Bob Johnson doing a joint venture deal with The Carlyle Group. Not long ago, President Bush tried to pass him off as a "small business owner and community banker." I guess being a billionaire is small business to George and Co.

So Bob is hedging his bets with the Obama apology. He will end up close to the people in power. Past behavior is usually a good predictor.

And I agree with Yalindo. Clinton supporters constantly mention how much the Clintons have done for the black community…so let's see some solid evidence. Can anyone give some SPECIFICS on what exactly they have done for the advancement of African Americans? (Other than posing for photo opps and gladly taking their endorsements, that is.)

If people want to dig up youthful transgressions like Obama's drug usage, let's dig up Hillary's admitted support of the ANTI-CIVIL RIGHTS presidential candidate Barry Goldwater in 1964.

I'm not buying this "first black president" nonsense about Bill Clinton…and I surely don't buy it when it comes to his wife.

Chinnu said:

"Fundamentally it is wrong. What about the OTHER people Who are working? UNFAIR Advantage for one side."

It's only "unfair" because Obama received the endorsement of the Culinary Workers Union and Hillary did not. Tough.

"It is NOT a Voting Booth where you have more privacy."

Good. Then it will make up for the stupid "Tom Bradley Effect" that supposedly lost Obama the race in New Hampshire.

Speaking of…despite all the stories of possible voter fraud in New Hampshire
, Obama didn't say ONE PEEP about it. He conducted himself with dignity and moved on. Unlike Hillary, who dismissed the results of the Iowa Caucus and criticized the system. And now you have the Clintons kvetching about the Nevada Caucus before it's even happened!

Just like Obama removed his name from the ballot in Michigan out of accordance with a DEMOCRATIC PARTY RULING, while Hillary did not.

I am BEYOND tired of the Clintons and their shenanigans. Obama/Edwards '08.

TO ERIC IN MASS: GO HANG YOURSELF!

Billary supporters, just admit it, Johnson was wrong and the Billary camp was wrong. they would not have made him apologize if that comment was not shown on the news.

As for Bob Johnson, he cares about no one but himself. he has done nothing for the Black community. He took the news off of the network, and replaced it with nothing but 24 hour booty!

If I were Obama, I wouldn't respond to it. Why bother? We all have done things as teenagers that we are not proud of; he knew that putting it in his book would bring out the CRAZIES FOR CLINTONS who have researched him back to the womb.

the couldn't find anything of substance to use, so they instead showed how sleazy they are by making personal comments about something he did as a teenager. The Billary camp is a joke! HA HA

OBAMA '08!

What a sorry apology. He is apologizing to an elected Senator, not a former rap star of his BET RAP Network, Bob Johnson who peddlled a false dream:

(1) a television network tjhat would be a positive alternative to the network;
(2) a network that would uplift and disperse to the world positive images of our (African-American) rich heritage.

Instead he brokered a station that now ridicules young black women and promotes black men as "gangstas" and "pimps". What a role model!!????

Here is a man, Senator Obama, who had the courage to confessed a youthful transgression in open public and Bob Johnson has the nerve to condemn him. What does Mr. Johnson leave for us to benefit from???

Mr. Johnson leaves a legacy that mocks the very generation, we in education, are trying to reach and turn around before they detroy themselves.

It must be nice to be a Billionaire and forget the obstacles (fear, ignorance, sickness, hate, death) our ancestors had to overcome to give us this opportunity, at this time, in this place and at this moment.

No mention of Chris Mathews sexist stance on Hillary.
Is it ok to insult and degrade just because the subject is a women.
That story deserves as much coverage as this one but then again it is pro Obama and anti Hilary channel.

LadyGeenSlippers-

Welcome to true "equality". Even your own "brothers" can turn on you if it fits in their plans.

Oh, so it is OK for Obama to cry and be mad when he is criticized, but Clintons are not allowed to be upset for being criticized ? This is double standard. Not right.
go Hillary!

Inspirational speeches and past presidential qoutes will not pay my rent or fix our economy… I need to hear him tell America in details how he plans to do everything he promises if he wants my vote.

REMEMBER…YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST!!!

IF Hillary should happen to lose NV and/or SC, I fully expect her campaign (shhhh!) to come up with their own unique version of the "Harold Ford, Jr." ad (remember the commcercial with the very attractive white, young lady beckoning to Harold and at the end winking). The Clintons are just savvy enough to know how that will go over, especially here in the South.

Just remember…you heard it here firs!!!

it seems that after waiting in the infinite "awaiting moderation" waiting room for my blog to post this afternoon, alas, it never did. It also seems that your blog has a better chance of posting if it is pro Obama.

Wolf Blitzer -Situation Room – Headline: Bob Johnson apologizes to Barrack.

What a great way to get free advertisement for Hillary!!!!!!!!!! Bill's strategy even fools Wolf to wringout free advertisement for Hillary!

Wolf -was the coverage for genuinely airing the apology or an excuse to give Johnson an opportunity to pitch for Hillary one more time? That is what your follow up questions did -provide free airtime to Clintons!!!!!

I wonder why you didn't let it go immediatly after airng the apology!!

When is the media going to learn! When will the media figure out the Clintons' tactics to get free airtime!! They always seem to be playing Bill's card or are always being out-smarted by him to get free publicity for his wife!

Wake up and cover the compaign news and issues as it is supposed to be and not be manipulated or outsmarted by a foxy ex-president to get free airtime!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is the way i see these things played out:

Hillary supporter "X" (surrogate) brings attention to something against Obama
The media show it to us in 10 different ways
Hillary clan denies they had anything to do with it
"X" goes on record to apologize (raising the topic again with the media)
Hillary goes on record to make sure we know she cannot control what supports say

Hmmm… can't control surrogates? Give me a break. These campaigns know exactly how to control statements and the media!

I for one, am not fooled!

THIS IS CLINTON MODUS OPERANDI! Throw out race as much as posible, be it in apology, comment, statement, whatever, and hope some of it sticks. Then Clinton will be viewed as the "white candidate", and Obama will be viewed as the "black candidate." This is a dynamic Obama can't win in America!

Why should he apoligize??????????Obama talked about it in his book, .He is trying to run for the presidency you should ask and have answers to questions that may affect his judgement, etc. Look what happened to bush he took drugs and he didn't seem to understand stuff and had people to do the business of the president. Obama says ghe is disorganized and needs to be told stuff just before he is to speak so he doesn't forget things,What!!!!!!!!!!!!! you need someone who understands things who the leaders of the world are , how to run a country.if it was okay for obama to put it in a book to make money, why isn't it okay for people to bring up and aske questions. ?The race card over and over again. People can't ask question unless they are looked over for any hint of preseved racisim how stupid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If obama is this sensitive, he will never make it because the republicans will tear him up. I am sick of them using the race card.Now the fuzz over the black cacaus. they are upset that some of them are with hillary . excuse me i thought you in america were a democracy? that you can vote for who you think is the best person for the job? now they are upset that the y won't come over to obama and be with him because he is black and they should be supporting a black man for president !!!!!!!!!!!!!! you can't have it both ways either barack is running on the race card or he is not!!!!!!!!!!!!!and the fact that people who do not vote for him is a rasicts is just pathetic, free democracy right !!!!!!!!

You people supporting Johnson are clearly misguided. You say he spoke the truth, and point out that the Clintons were fighting for civil rights while Obama was doing drugs. You say that all he did was sign up new voters. What did you do for your community except spew vile hate for a candidate who is exciting new people to get involved in the process and care about their country.

And I think you got it wrong….while Obama was working as a community organizer, then in the state government helping his constituency, Clinton was in office doing you-know-what WITH his constituency. The Clintons had their fare share of scandals while in office. They are not clean either.

Do not villify Obama for his indiscretions, at a time in his life when he probably did not know he wanted to be president, and then praise Bill Clinton as a president who cheated on his wife more than once while in the Oval Office working as president of the United States. Not to mention the "I didn't inhale incident".

Too good, Sly – you are so on it! Clinton gets high in his youth – and we are to believe he did not inhale? How can a voter be so naive? Trust me on this one – Clinton got high. At least, Obama gives us credit for brains – the Clintons honestly believe that we believe them! LOL Too funny, Eric in Massachusetts. Too funny. I can see why people like you are Clinton followers. You are so right, Sly – "What is your point, Eric?"

Bernie Moore-Knowles
Papa'aloa, Hawai'i

I never realised how "black" i was until this: I was NOT exposed to racial tensions, obvious or subtle growing up, I am an American raised outside the U.S, my husband is white, we have two children and i have black and white friends, and i think i came to America lacking this sort of "black pride" as a result of experience, or prejudice towards whites because i have no historical context from which to fear them. but i for days i couldn't understand why it was so painful watching Bob Johnson and Charlie Rangal try to kneecap Barack Obama on behalf of the Hillary Rodham Clinton and her husband.
And then i had it; I finally realised that it was NOT about whites versus blacks.
This is what MLK and all the other pioneers and soldiers of justice fought for, so black Americans would have an equal place in this great country, and to see a black man trying to tear down his own brother, it brought tears to my eyes. I felt like a parent watching a child of mine stabbing his brother in the back. That is what i felt.

Bob Johnson's apology is a load of crap. It was tasteless, and shamful for him as an African American to slander one of his own in order to get Hillary Clinton elected president. Her rebuttal of his comments were weak and inexcusable.

Bob Johnson should apologize to African Americans in general. I don't believe he decided to apologize on his own. I believe pressure from other African Americans was put on him. Because most of them were embarassed by his statements. The Clintons claim that they have no control is total BS. I hope the African American Community sees this for what it is.

The Clinton campaign is trying to make Barack look bad out there. He had nothing to do with any of this and yet the Clintons are trying to put it on his door. Obama has shown he can take the high road.

I hope the voting public sees this also.

Somebody, anybody, please enlighten me, WHAT exactly has the Clintons done for Blacks in their lifetime. Just cite me one.

As far as I know, Bill Clinton kicked off his 92 campaign by attacking Sister Souljah (a signal to southern racist whites that he is prepared to keep blacks in their place). The highest ranking Black person in the Clinton white house was the Sec. of Commerce – Ron Brown. There was no Black in the Clinton inner-circle.
Bill Clinton threw Lani Gurnier under the bus when the republicans opposed her appointment for AG. Clinton signed the crime bill that has nearly a million black men in prison (most of them for non-violent drug crimes); Clinton repealed the welfare program that has plunged over 8million people (blacks and whites) below the poverty line – see 2000 census figures. By the way, these bills were all part of the Republicans "Contract with America".

As for Bob Johnson, I can understand his contempt for black people. He made his money by funnelling garbage and smut into the homes of blacks vai his BET. He, of all people, know that we blacks are stupid. How else could we allow a pimp and smut-peddler to dare claim to speak for us, if we are not stupid?

Memo to Al Sharpton: Lets march on BET, NOW!!!

Attention Bob Johnson: When Barack Obama was giving voice to poor Blacks, you were busy peddling smut to us. So shut up and go to your ornate room in massa's house.

The real 'fairy tale' in this campaign is this idiotic, dubious, and downright fallacious notion that the Clintons have a long record of standing behind blacks. Nobody have ever cited one example. Any wonder why white folks see us as intelectually inferior? We act as if we are!!

4 hours awaiting moderation. By the time you post my comment, no one will be looking here. Coincidence?

Somebody, anybody, please enlighten me, WHAT exactly has the Clintons done for Blacks in their lifetime. Just cite me one.

As far as I know, Bill Clinton kicked off his 92 campaign by attacking Sister Souljah (a signal to southern racist whites that he is prepared to keep blacks in their place). The highest ranking Black person in the Clinton white house was the Sec. of Commerce – Ron Brown. There was no Black in the Clinton inner-circle.
Bill Clinton threw Lani Gurnier under the bus when the republicans opposed her appointment for AG. Clinton signed the crime bill that has nearly a million black men in prison (most of the for non-violent drug crimes); Clinton repealed the welfare program that has plunged over 8million people (blacks and whites) below the poverty line – see 2000 census figures. By the way, these bills were all part of the Republicans "Contract with America".

As for Bob Johnson, I can understand his contempt for black people. He made his money by funnelling garbage and smut into the homes of blacks vai his BET. He, of all people, know that we blacks are stupid. How else could we allow a pimp and smut-peddler to dare claim to speak for us, if we are not stupid?

Memo to Al Sharpton: Lets march on BET, NOW!!!

Attention Bob Johnson: When Barack Obama was giving voice to poor Blacks, you were busy peddling smut to us. So shut up and go to your ornate room in massa's house.

The real 'fairy tale' in this campaign is this idiotic, dubious, and downright fallacious notion that the Clintons have a long record of standing behind blacks. Nobody have ever cited one example. Any wonder why white folks see us as intelectually inferior? We act as if we are!!

Veronica,

What BS! This is the Clinton Machine that is causing all this hatefulness. Obama has shown alot of class through all this spin.

Yeah, same old tired Clinton scheme. Have someone attack Obama before a vote to secure as many undecided as possible. Then afterwards have them appologize as if somehow they were sincere. It was VERY obvious what this joker said and the denial was a sham as well as the meaningless appology. I mean this guy was executive for black entertainment television and what he said was what he said. We aren't that ignorant Bob. Go suck up to the Clintons, your obviously in their pockets for something later down the road. While your at it tell us about all the things the Clintons have done for African Americans. Bill signed NAFTA. Gee that was a big help to all the jobs in manufacturing in this country wasn't it? What else did they do? Hillary turned the health care issue many need into a gigantic boondoggle with her micromanagement skills, that's never accounted for anything and help set this process back years? What else have they helped with? This kinda help non of us need.

It is really sad to see the clintons and their suppoter to go this low. Obama he a good example for all and Hope for others. I love what he stand for and what he belive in

It is unbelieveable to me that Bob Johnson could make a judgement about ANYONE considering how BET has peddled so much SMUT and portrayed African Americans in some of the WORST light than Hollywood ever has. Im embarassed for him.

He's obviously supporting the candidate most like himself. How sad.

black on black violence …

I think the apology is in order and it should be enough. Of course, it won't be. It will be rehashed by the Republican slime factory over and over again.

I think Bob Johnson's comment about having experience is BS. Where does one obtain experience for a high office such as president of the USA. Out of all the white presidents we've had, some good and some bad, we as black americans can at least put one in office. How much worse could that person be? The man's a sell out uncle Tom

It's nothing more than a campaign tactic that johnson did. It's called Hit & Retreat.
It involves invoking a name or event that makes the person being talked about look bad, and sticks in the voters mind, then rescinding the comment as a slip of the tongue, or apologizing for misspeaking or being taken out of context.
The damage is already done, however the person invoking the statement tries to come off as a good person that just misspoke.
When it happens multiple times, as it has happened with Obama here lately, the cumulative effect is significant to the general public… i.e., "Hey, there must be something to this". Multiple small attacks, large accumulative reaction.
It is a proven military tactic, and is used quite well in the political arena.
Don't think for a second that people like Johnson, a very smart african american, that has made millions running businesses , makes a slip of the tongue that easily.
His thoughts and speeches are well thought out in advance. He did not get to where he is by making mistakes.
Being a democrat, and with that thought in mind, I've waffered between Clinton and Obama for president, but I have to say, I'm really getting tired of politics of old, and really leaning towards true new change.

All bow to whatever Obama wants, or else be called a racist! Not!
And his supporter's rants are so childish.
I'll never vote for him if his supporters as seen on these posts are what is in store for this country–more hatefulness. – veronica

Dito what veronica said!

BET helped legitimize music that encourages drug use, drug selling, raunchy sex (often times underage and/or nonconsensual), murder, and a dozen other crimes. They also play a big part in keeping hip-hop and rap artists that offer a more "conscious" and life-affirming message in their music out of the mainstream.

Why would anyone ever look to this man as a moral authority?

Clinton surrogates smear and then after the story has done it's damage in the news cycle, they demurely apologize. Meanwhilte, Mrs. Clinton claims she has done nothing since the smear came from a surrogate. A smear is a smear is a smear and a late apology means nothing. The Clinton campaign is win at any cost. Both Edwards and Obama seem to be taking the high road. Hopefully, the American people will reward integrity over slime. We have endured eight years of Karl Rove sewer tactics. We need leadership that is better and it appears that the Clinton campaign does not meet the standard.

Veronica, Bob Johnson comments were inapproriate and if you think they were okay then I think that speaks to your values and character, not Mr. Obama's or his supporters.

Wow, the liberalism pertaining to drugs is quite shocking. Here we have a man who is running for President who experimented with numerous (yes numerous, he admitted it) types of illegal drugs. "Pot, Cocain when he could afford it, but never smack". Unless I'm mistaken, they are all illegal. For this man to write about it in a book as if he is proud of it…. what sort of message does that send? It says that it is ok to do drugs.

For kids on drugs, well I guess he is a role model of what you can do when you get off them. But what about kids who have not tried drugs yet. They are looking at this race and see a man who wears his drug past like a medal of honor on his sleeve. When their parents find out they are doing coke, they can say "But mama, Baracka did all kinds of drugs and look where he is". Not something to be proud of. Kids will think, hey I can try it and not get hooked.

George Bush is no role model either. Gimme a break.

Stop putting Obama on this pedastal. So, you don't like Bill either? Unless I'm mistaken, Bill Clinton is not on the ballot. Hillary is.

If you don't like Hillary, vote for Edwards. Even he has more experience than Obama. Or McCain. But not Obama. His morals are not proven. His work ethic is unproven. Voting "present" shows me that he could not make up his mind to vote yes or no. This is someone you want to run your country? How does voting "present" serve his consituents?

I don't care if he didn't mean to apologize, he felt the heat and did what he had to do to rectify it.

Welcome to the New Era, we don't expect our candidates to appear perfect like in decades past. Nor do we take the word of any (black) person as if they speak for all of us.

Johnson realized that his comments had the opposite effect of what he intended. That's why I spun it the way he did. Then had to officially apologize (which was correct).

Obama is teflon because he's not running as a black candidate. HE's rising above all that racial stuff. His campaign has a right to defend him if he's attacked. Kerry didn't respond to attacks – what happend. Dukaukis didn't respond to attacks – what happend?? Any candidate has a right to defend him/herself. I payed close attention lately, Obama didn't start any of this. It was clear Clinton's attack dogs were on the move, vis-avis Rangel.

Honestly I would rather see Rangel apologize then Johnson. But don't worry, the calls are in to Harlem for November. Johnson just saved himself a blackout of the Bobcats regardless of sincereity.

Obama is teflon coated so sling your mud. His non stick teflon is his good Charactor ,Honesty, intelligence and likability all these tricks by the Clintons have shown us how low they will sink. I detest the pair of them.

Same old dirty tricks Hill. Have them through the dirt, then ask them to apologise hoping the damage would have been done.

Aint working as planned and I believe the Clintons will get more sharper in their tone and tricks as they get more desperate.

What about Rangel calling Obama "absolutely stupid" on Hillary's behalf??

Mr. Johnson made a terrible mistake, in the interest of advancing his candidate. Given the previous several days of racial tension, it was mor than just rude. He has apologized, which even after the initial denial from the campaign, is a step in the right direction. Barack can elicit civility from HIllary and even a billionaire like Johnson. I think he might even be able to elicit it from all of us out here in the blogosphere.

Think Hope people or we will drown in our own cynicism.

I find that all news media like CNN, FOX NEWS, ABC, NBC, and on and on put Obama first in their coverage. They tend to favor the 'black' race issue to avoid any negative feedback.

It's about time! Although, take note:
1) Clinton should have stood against Johnson's comment right away, but did not!
2) It took 3-4 days for Johnson to apologize.

The damage is done, and that is that. To little to late mr. Johnson, yet Obama takes it like a man and Hitlery knows nothing about it or lets the guy out on a limb, typical Clinton politics. To many problems that concern the Clinton's yet they did nothing wrong according to them, something was taken out of context, or something was left out in the comment, blah blah, blah.

These peoole just think they should have a pass to get by what they want to and become a president of this country becasue they are power hungry.

Mr. Johnson, just keep quiet, that way you won't get yourself into trouble.

Go Obama!

goldietaylor January 17, 2008 11:29 am ET

Bob Johnson owes Black America an apology for the poison he pumped into our community using BET.
Couldnt have said it any better….Bob Johnson should be the last one criticizing someone with his production of the Black Exploitation Television..HYPOCRITE!!!!!!!

I see this as a way to keep the story alive in the press, the Clinton's need to do something to keep the focus off Hillary's campaign, because it's not inspiring people the way Obama's is. The best thing Obama can do is to ignore this and move on…..

all the way to the nomination.

THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING – WE SEEM TO BE LOOSING ALTITUDE ON HIL-FORCE-ONE… MAY DAY MAY DAY.. PLEASE BRACE FOR A CRASH LANDING IN LAS VEGAS – MAY DAY MAY DAY…..

HA HA OBAMA 08

Sorry, but both links go to Bob the fool Johnson's speeches. Would like to watch Mrs. Obama make her appeal. Could CNN please correct the links above? Thanks.

"Bob Johnson! "Needs too sit down,and look at what it took for him to get to the billionaire status that he very must love. "The same guy that allow his network to air negative images of young black man,and woman." So In my eyes your're no different from Obama.whos too say you was'nt getting high and counting your dirty money that you earn from your own sins.Let write a book about your past life stories."So we can see how perfect your life was"! You're fighting the wrong battle, you already loss the first battle, by selling the only way too communcation with our people.He will except your statements you've made toward he,and his family,But I have'nt. Your second disappointment with me,you out of all people should understand how it fell to want too be the first black man in history. your're already a billionaire give someone else a chance at 1st in history.

you know, I as an American citizen thought that the term used when I was a child "Uncle Tom" was really referring to white people that hated Black Americans. I thought that I certainly wouldn't see one in this century with a black complexion. Now I have. This small man who is suppose to be rich, confident, self assured , got everything going for himself etc, you name it he is suppose to have. Money after all does not make you feel like you are hitting on anything, once you get used to it. Its the same as anybody else. But to make himself feel a little bigger, he gets the idea that this world is in love with him for some reason or another. Bob I can truly say that I thank you for allowing me to see just WHO a real uncle tom is. In my day and in my children's day we all have gotten to see who and what you are inside. I tell you what you can do to even out the score. Just like you got up on a public stage to make the first comment where everybody could see and hear you; I am sure since you are a billionare, you can go back on that same same stage or better go on B E T BLACK ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK AND MAKE YOUR APOLIGY, NOT IN A SMALL LITTLE LETTER TO BARACK LIKE ITS TOO PERSONAL FOR THE PUBLIC TO HEAR.
GET REAL MAN.

The letter salutation should have been "Dear Senator Obama". He gave Hillary that respect and he should also give it to Senator Obama.

Clinton just lost my vote! She should have denounced BJ's remarks at the onset but didn't have the back bone to do so. She and the rest of the public knew his comments were slanderous and have no place in our country. The lame explanation was equally shameful and rediculous as was the apology. This crap in not over and the american people will never begin to heal until we get beyond this type of slander. There is no room for this stuff and if Hillary can't see this as a problem for the American people, she does not deserve to be our leader.

Damage control !!!

Charlie Rangel, Bill Clinton, and others, where are you? As it has become a routine. First vomit untrue enormities and flat out lies, then extend public apologies. If bob Johnson did nothing wrong as suggested in the attempted explanation of Mrs Clinton or Bill himself on Martin's program (referring rather to the community work that Barack was doing), how can that be "uncalled-for comments." Charlie Rangel, Clinton was able to twist his "fairy tale" comments into something else, which in very few scenarios could be acceptable even if it surpasses logic and reality, how will you get out of your "stupid … dumb" comments.
I thought Hillary was running, not Bill. i may be leaving in the space, but the media seem to be covering Bill more than Richardson (who i know dropped out), Kucinich, or even Edwards.

All bow to whatever Obama wants, or else be called a racist! Not!
And his supporter's rants are so childish.
I'll never vote for him if his supporters as seen on these posts are what is in store for this country–more hatefulness.

MARIE – if you think Hillary believes Bob Johnson meant something else than you poor, poor misguided person.

STEVEN MCCLAIN – right on. Bob Johnson and Hillary knew exactly what he said and what he meant period. If he meant something else – why did he not say while Obama was out working for the community.
People with money seem to think us middle class and poor are stupid and unintelligent. It did not take even a 3 year old to know Bob Johnson said exactly what he intended to say.

And I want Bob Johnson to come on national TV and make his public apology just as he came on national TV and made that slanderous statement – and by no means was it a mistake. You know if you are for the Clintons that is great, fine, your right as an American but you do not have the right to slander another person whether he is black or white or a candidate or just an American. Have you as an old man learned nothing about or from the past???? You are indeed a very very sad representation of a success black person. You have ceased to be a "man" for many people, including this african american woman and mother of 4 sons, no role model for our young men and women to follow. God Help you and BET because as the sayin goes, "God don't like ugly." And this was deliberatly ugly.

But you know Americans are very smart but unfortunately Bob Johnson is not and I can tell you again today, BET lost me, an african american, from ever watching or supporting BET. AND TRUST ME, I AM NOT ALONE!!! if Bob Johnson is any indication of the tone of BET, wow, as african americans we have all been fooled for years. And this is why african americans cannot progress in business, politics because there is always an uncle tom to pull them down. How could you Bob Johnson. Is Hillary worth it – I hope so to lose your respect, morals and dignity over???? But obviously you have no integrity, morals and class.
BET, you are now on a path to failure in my opinion. and you should be.

I find it hilarious that the man that founded BET, which mostly plays rap videos about drugs, women, alcohol, and what they do is calling out someone for having a past that involved drugs…

yet further still, he supports the wife of an admitted drug user himself who admitted it and helped him win the presidential nod and popular favor…

yet this same guy is smart enough to start a multi million dollar corporation?

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

After surprisingly lose to New Hampshire. Obama starting to play race card.
Hillary Clinton statement about Martin Luther King and Lyndon Johnson got twisted into race issues.
Bill Clinton about “Fairy Tale” remark which everyone knows this is about Obama stance in Iraq. Now get twisted again to race issue.
Why no one is demanding apology from Obama, which start this racial truce?
This country is not anymore about white and black. Now more about multi race and diversity. If Martin Luther King is alive. He’ll be saying “I did-it for everybody not only for may people” and he'll very much happy for the result.
People need stick to the real issue to this country and listen carefully to candidates who have better plan to resolve these issues. Is not about promise of changes is about plan/strategies for a positive changes.
I guest making these kinds of statement. Some black community will find me a racist. For those black who will agree to me, I appreciate accepting my point of view.

Reporters ponder why the citizens of the US do not make platform an important issue. I ask, "Why wound anyone worry about issues, when you cannot believe a word that is uttered? Lack of trust worthiness, dedication to pork and self interests is primary. We cannot worry about issues, just which person is less likely to steal away our lands and freedoms. My son lives in the "Romney manditory insurance state". The bill gives full power to the Insurance Companies to decide that his family of four policy must cost him $1000 per month because "THEY" decide he can afford it.

There is no choice? Where is the logic?

How can anyone afford that assessment on top of house payments, mtg taxes, fuel costs. I think Edwards made a great point in the NV debates when he asked Hillary and Obama what they thought the Insurance companies expected for thier contributions. It shows in Massachusetts and it will be everyones problem is they do not realize what power our representatives are granting to the Insurance companies.

Here in WV they assess road tolls to upkeep the highway. But misappropriation of those funds made it priority for the Dems to increase fuel taxes for road repair the first week they were in power. Why don't they demand repayment of misappropriated funds?

We all know the answer. The only issue on our minds is how do we survive, despite the corruption in our capitals? It seems to me that someone would realize we have just about reached our saturation point for corruption. We are a sinking ship and we are soon going down if someone does not step up to the plate and "DEMAND" accountablility.

When Democrates can look into the camera with a straight face and say, the Billions of dollars in pork attached to a bill is nothing, then complain Social Security is failing, we need a reality check.

And while I am at it! Why does no one ask the Clintons about their Camen Is accounts or their investments in the Domican Republic?

Attacks against the Establishment wrote:

General Robert E. Lee once said, "My chief concern is to try to be a humble, sincere Christian." We certainly have come a long way since that time. Christian, heck people today do not even know what the word means!

Point taken, yet as a native Virginian as Lee, he sure wouldn't be the one I looked towards in explaining humanity. The lesson we learn from troubled men like Lee who eventually found the need to surrend at Appomatox, Virginia was that they saw the world only from the perspective of white males. They believed that their limited view of Christianity was valid, as it certainly did not include the Negro or the mullatoe who they valued simply as chattel.

And, when ever we view our nation today, it is alway helpful to understand that it was this nation of white men who while carrying the banner of Christianity, were able to construct and manifest slavery. The longing expressed in the quote attributed to Lee to be a good Christian is a real lesson to all who like a Mike Huckabee attempt to personalize religion in a way that makes dehumanizing and murdering, isolating and discriminating normal.

Our religion must remain personal, but not dismissive of those who don't believe in it the same way or who simply don't believe in it at all. When we have groups of folks attempting to lasso the mantle of Christianity as a brand name, in which they can determine the playbook for its understanding, we merely devolve deeper into division and hate.

We, Americans have a great nation, one which should have been destroyed from within by its own hypocrisy; yet we still persist and may persist for some more centuries should we learn to allow for the acceptance of other's weakenesses and views and opinions.

Eric in Massachusetts:

Obama may have experimented with drugs in his youth LIKE MOST PEOPLE HAVE but at least he's admitted it and turned away from it. As an adult and in political positions I don't recall hearing about any similar transgressions. I do, however, remember hearing about a certain former president, and endorser of Hillary's campaign, doing a few indiscreet things with a White House intern WHILE he was a married man and while he was the President. So what is your point?

Just more dirty tactics from the vile and filthy Clintons.

He only realized his comment was a mistake after his one little unfunny comment about Obama received so many more about him and lost Hillary some voters.

He only realized his comment was a mistake after his one little unfunny comment about Obama received so many more about him and lost Hillary some voters.

Jenni wrote;

"I am curious. Why was it appropriate to constantly bring up that candidate Bill Clinton smoked pot but did not inhale – however, it is not appropriate to bring up prior drug use by a blank candidate running for the office of president. If there is
no distinction between black and white – then let the good times roll!!!"

Jenni, the difference as I see it is that Bill Clinton tried to cover up his drug use when it was found out by offering an explanation which was really not credible and raised even more questions. Up to thie day, the nature and extent of drug use by Clinton, and even Bush has still not yet been resolved.

Obama on the other hand was honest and came clean about his drug use in a book he wrote way before he even became a senator or a presidential candidate. He voluntarily and honestly admitted to it, described in detail what he did and did not do and took responsibility for his actions. That was in the past and as far as i am concerned that has been resolved. There is absolutely no reason to keep bring it up at this time. NONE!

Regarding comments by Eric from Massachusets, don't you all realize you are all playing right into his sad little game? He is probably a social misfit looking for the attention and acknowledgement he probably cannot get in is real life. just ignore him and he will go away.

Bob Johnson has exploited the African American community for years by providing a platform for negative stereotypes. HRC should ditch him ASAP. The last thing she wants is to be affiliated with an African American that doesn't care about African Americans. His financial contributions to the Clinton campaigns may be helpful but he really screwed up big time.

First it was Magic Johnson and he couldn't deliver off court, then Billy called on Bobby Johnson, to repay an old debt, and he couldn't put out the burning fire that he and Hillary started. I wonder who the Clintons' will turn to next, Hillary is trying to keep her cool but Billy is clearly loosing it.

Eric from Mass…you continue to spew your bile here and I continue to have to call you on your BS. I wish I didn't have to, but I can't let the steaming pile of crap your words represent just lie there: Obama experimented with drugs. He was never addicted, never sold them. Get over it. Has anyone asked Hillary is she smoked pot? Does it matter? Not unless she's currently doing it. As far as Harvard goes, you keep thinking that he got in because he's black… keep with those racist thought. Perhaps they keep you warm at night, I don't know. Obama got into Harvard because he had excellent grades from his years at a private high school in Hawaii, at Occidental College in Los Angeles and Columbia in New York.

"The billionaire Johnson is not a paid staffer, but a high-profile volunteer and wealthy fundraiser."

Good point.

Is this perhaps why Hillary accepted his word and defended his statement until recently? Is Clinton's obvious ability to be bought and controlled by money and power a characteristic we want in a president? What about the PAC's & corporate contributors to her campaign? What type of pressure will they place on her if she makes it to the White house? Will she play blind and death while loyally supporting their interests even when they are wrong and would do harm to the American people?

Let’s not forget that she quickly fired her staffer over the vey same issue that she faced with Bob Johnson. Are some supporters more “expendable” than others?
I started this campaign preferring Obama but I have always been willing to vote for Clinton if she was the Democratic nominee. I have spent a lot of time re-thinking that position lately as I continue to be disappointed with what she stands for. After 8 years of Bush, I really need a president with integrity and vision. Her behavior relating to Bob Johnson and her support of the Nevada vote suppression lawsuit do not rise to the level of integrity that I expect. In fact, it reminds me of Bush. It appears that she might be willing to say anything to get elected, then ignore the needs of her country while she pays back her favors. I know that this is super negative, but I am super disappointed.

Why is the media and others so quick to defend Obama when it comes to drug use? Is it ok all of a sudden to have used pot and coke and have been tempted to use heroin? Also, was it in his "teenage" years that Obama used? I thought he was out of high school by then so let's call him what he was which is a young adult.

It just amazes me how one person steps on a nail, and claims it was put there by the Clintons. Yet when Obama is firing a nail gun at her she is not allowed to tell on him. This is like high school popularity contests. We can watch Gossip Girl on Monday's instead of "The Chicago Stories" of these two.

What he said was a deliberate, intentional slur. It also wasn't truthful, in that Obama only experimented with drugs as a teen, and not while he was a community organizer as Johnson suggested.

He's only apologizing because he has seriously hurt Hillary Clinton's campaign. As a result of *MULTIPLE* statements by the Clinton campaign, black voters are flocking to Obama in the same way that they did in Michigan. Overwhelmingly.

Everyone I know who is black and politically savvy can't stop talking about how betrayed they feel by how the Clintons have behaved, their efforts to prevent blacks and minorities from voting in Nevada, the racial smears against Obama, etc.

Unfortunately, this anger is below the radar of most white Democrats. It might not be for long, however.

This feel of betrayal isn't going away anytime soon. The Clinton campaign's behavior has been so negative and so damaging that it is unlikely that Democrats will have any chance at all in the South should she get the nomination. That's something that Hillary's supporters should really consider, because all of that goodwill that the Clinton's had amongst minority voters is going up in smoke… and she has flat-out lost the youth vote.

Frankly, we're all going to need those voters when the presidential election comes along.

Geez, with friends like the Clintons have they don't need any enemies. Bob Johnson should have just remained silent; his apology does nothing for him or the Clintons. EVERYONE knew that Johnson was referring to Obama's drug use and for the Clintons to pretend they didn't is disingenuous and insulting.

Hillary said that personal attacks, including Obama's drug use, were out-of-bounds. That's why people are criticizing their supporters and staffers for doing just that. Finally, Obama may have questioned Hillary's voting record or her level of experience but he has never brought up either Clintons' numerous legal or personal issues.

although the speech – "The Willie Lynch Law" – maybe fabricated. Bob Johnson's statement clearly shows its pattern of truth. I guess money bring alot of us african americans back into the house.

once the damage has been done you can only repent to righteousness or remain shallow in words with superficial apologies..Apologies in this case should go to all the young blacks trying to get off drugs and now must look at role model Mr. Johnson and see that their imperfection will keep them down.I wonder if his support of the clinton is worth the many lives he just affected

All bow to whatever Obama wants, or else be called a racist! Not!
I'll never cast my vote for him. How childish.

He should not have apoligize if he meant what he said. He should be man enough to own up too them. No one cares about what Obama did in high school or what Hillary (Goldwater) Girl Clinton as she puts it. She proabably did not know that Goldwater was on of six senator segragationist to vote against the 1964 voting rights act of 1964.

Sorry Bob but the "apology" is too little, too late. Barack shouldn't accept them and most of us who witnessed it will not. You are a disgraceful person!

Why didn`t he just say Obama was a community organizer in the neighborhood if that is what he was talking about?
this man is trying to insult our entellect.

Mark my words the Clintons are going to drop Bob Johnson like hot potatoes after the South Carolina primary.

What has America come to…..

We CAN'T forgive an ex-president for cheating on his wife but we SHOULD forgive Mr. Obama for being a drug addict. He can criticize and bad mouth Hillary but don't anyone dare to say anything about Obama because it race related or a lie?! I am begining to think he is made out glass…

If he wants to win he'd better grow thick skin now and quick before the Republicans get to him. His gonna need much more then "inspiring speeches" and alot of Lip Service.

I don't care who you are, what Eric of Mass. said was funny.

all having been said and done l think what a reasonable person would do after such mistakes to be associated with fool hards is just to quit the race because birds of the same feathers flock together. we dont want the white house to be hitting headlines with apologies every week coz four years is too long a time before we can reelct, Sen, Clinton do the most honourable thing before you are embarrased by President Obama, to quit the race.

lts not a matter of color but dignity and intellect, color doesnt think its the human within an individual that matters, l think your piece of the American cake was enough Sen Clinton, maybe your duaghter can try next time.

President Obama, its only a matter of months before Bush vacates your premises he knows that, continue with the good work.

Obama finished Harvard summa Cum Laude (which means with work of highest quality according to Wiki: http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/summa_cum_laude) Look what a C-student (read Bush) did to our country for the last 7 years. Do we want another C-student or some one who is Smart. When you need to have Heart Surgery you go to the smartest doctor and what America is now in is more complicated than heart surgery WE NEED A SMART PERSON TO TACKLE IT.

OBAMA 08

I"m suprised that no one mentioned it, but this is the result of one thing:

MICHIGAN.

HRC's campaign is scared to death the the exit polls in Michigan from black voters could be indicative of the South Carolina black voters' reaction to the back and forth between the Obama camp and Clinton camp. Putting aside who "started it" or who "played dirty" (as we all disagree based on different threads), the significant number of black voters in S.C. will have a lot to say in the last primary before Super Tuesday.

HRC's campaign can't afford to lose 70% of black voters in S.C. (where Johnson made his comments) so they are backpeddling as quickly as they can.

And if I was in Obama's campaign, I would go to S.C. and tell them about the lawsuit filed by Clinton supporters. Blacks in the south certainly remember when people refused them the right to vote and are not likely to take kindly to such tactics.

Ahh, and he was elected president of the Harvard Law Review because he was black too, right? – Leif at Harvard

It's called affirmitive action Leif. And yes, sometimes it does keep the most qualified candidate from getting the job. But Hillary's certainly can't claim that one…

America surely must be tired of liars, cheats, frauds and scams in politics. We must banish all that to the Bill-Hills and such other punky pple. Enough we need the country back to high morals, to hell with Bob Johnson an BET for consistently denigrating blackwood and human decency.

The only dirt they have on Obama is something he wrote himself in a book released in 1995. Wow, this guy is clean.

Oh and to all you Dems out there. if you want a Republican in the white house..nominate Hillary..she is our best chance to excite Republican voters.

IF Obama wins the nomination however..Republicans lose in a landslide.

Obama is asking Johnson to apologize for saying the truth? Obama is asking someone NOT to talk about his having abused cocaine?

That's ridiculous.

Obama organized people to register to vote. That's it. That's not MLK, that's not JFK, that's not a movement – that's signing people up.

That's salesmanship. That's building a political career.

Johnson has nothing to apologize for.

The past operative word being "attempt".

And now, 5 operative words: "A little too late Johnson".

Please note to self: Very lame. Damage already done.

"Johnson said he quickly realized his comments were a mistake "made in haste in an attempt to be funny."

Right, "quickly realized". That's why he and Bill both had enough time to lie about it later. Glad he apologized. Will Bill?

If you were to look at Obama's resume, he was rounding up voters. That's like a salesperson registering people for voting.

How in the world that is community activism, I don't know. That's called building a political career.

I read CNN's very detailed history of Obama. They went to great lengths to make sure everything he ever did was on there. It doesn't impress me. So the guy worked on a few initiatives. So what?

I know thousands of other people who are more qualified than him and have done more for black people than Obama.

I agree with Johnson 100%.

And so what if Johnson talked about Obama's drug use? Whatever he was doing in his book – registering voters and talking about his drug abuse.

This isn't change – this is a guy working on his career.

"Well, Bob has put out a statement saying what he was trying to say, and what he thought he had said. And we accept him on his word on that." What is this clown going to do when OBAMA is elected. Flee the country with the Clintons? He can take with him "Magic" Johnson. " and the rest of the clowns who think selling out America is the way to go.

*sigh*
Everyone, please just stop it. It is amazing to me how self-righteous indignation is so utterly contagious. Enough about race. Enough about gender. Enough about getting offended over things taken out of context by people with no sense of humor but a strong sense of moral outrage and whatnot. We are supposed to be focusing on the respective resumes of the candidates for the job of US president, not determining which ones are destined to end up in heaven or hell. Focus, people, focus.

Mr. Johnson, I take no great joy in this message however, the incredible intellectual dishonesty you portray must be addressed. Mr. Johnson, your letter of apology continues to show you’re insignificant as a human being. That takes real self contempt to achieve Mr. Johnson, especially when you consider that it is purported your financial worth is a billion dollars. Your mindless diatribe of “Plantation Politics,” demonstrates self hatred and lack of ethnic cultural respect. Bob Johnson this will be your legacy in spite of your riches. Sir, “you showed yourself to be one classless nonentity creature.”

Elizabeth, Miami Florida

Why doesn't the media mention Colin Powell is Obama's Foreign Policy adviser and has endorsed him ? Shouldn't that be big news? Colin Powell would be a great VP

The apologies are always coming from Sen. Clinton's campaign because they are the campaign that has gone negative and is constantly on the attack. She stated jointly with Sen. Obama that both campaigns need to put these personal attacks behind them and move forward with focusing on the issues. A mere 3 hours later her most prominent supporter in Congress goes back on the attack and Sen. Clinton never asked him to lay off or issue a statement asking her supporters/surrogates to stop. Sen. Obama has not yet made a personal attack against Sen. Clinton. He's only attacked her record and her platform, or been forced to react to her campaign's attacks.

As far as Mr. Johnson goes, his letter was appropriate in tone and content and was probably sincere. Let's abide by all candidates wishes and move on.

I don’t care that Johnson talked about Obama’s early-life drug-use. It’s fair game in a political race.

I do fault Johnson for referring to it, then lying about referring to it, insulting those of us who caught his meaning by calling us irresponsible, and totally refusing to take responsibility for his remark.

And I fault both Hillary and Bill for pretending to be too dim to understand what Johnson was referring to, and suggesting we should all be so gullible as to accept Johnson's lies.

Chalk it up to another example of how Hillary will sacrifice her scruples and betray her promises in order to maintain her ties to Big Money.

She’s practically a Republican.

As far as drug use goes, Eric, just go back and read about the amount of alcohol consumed by the founding fathers. How some of them managed to walk and talk at the same time is amazing. Nor am I talking about some of the signatories to the various documents of the time. Sam Adams, John Adams, Aaron Burr, Alexander Hamilton (source of the first sex scandal in the history of the US government) and others of equal import.

The time has long since arrived to drop drug use or sex as reasons for discrediting someone. The policy positions and the impact of those positions is what is most important.

The so called black men of this country has shown their true color and loyalty. They are being used by this prior administratasking questions that have never been asked before of us. Know the candidate; take you time and know the issue. Only when a black male enters the race has these type of questions been asked.

Hillary should ditch Bob Johnson just like she did Shaheen. Bob Johnson has done no service for her campaign and that would settle any necessary apology.

Why in the world is Bob Johnson commenting on Obama's past drug use. He probably used drugs in the past and who knows, he may still use them. In fact his attempt to insinuate that Obama will corrupt the nation is like the pot calling the kettle black. Has anyone seen BET and the music videos that are shown? That in itself is corrupting our young African American generation as we speak.

In my opinion he's the last person who should speakout against a person's past behavior when you look at the television programming that his station shows.

Clinton's panic, and that of her supporters, becomes more obvious and disgusting by the day. Rep. Rangel's attack was also an outrage. As a committed Democrat and a strong supporter of Pres. Clinton when he was in office, I am totaly appaled by the conduct of Sen. Clinton, Bill and their surrogates. I think they've hired Karl Rove to consult and set their campaign strategy. If not, it's his clone. I will have to REALLY hold my nose to vote for her if she's the nominee, regardless of my deep conviction that a Democrat MUST be elected. She's a typical politician and we need fewer politicians and more public servants.

Both Mr. Johnson and Hillary Clinton make me puke. Definitely two pea in a pod. Totally reprehensible and tasteless individuals that are not worthy to be mentioned in the news. Hillary, you will never get my vote. I will support Sen. Obama. And even if you somehow you squirm your way to win the Democratic nomination, my vote goes to the GOP (as distasteful as they are). Between you and the GOP, they are the lesser of two evils. They way I see it, your negatives are too high and you are making more people hate you each day.

I think it is funny to see the media make such a big deal about all of back and forth slams. The average American doesn't really pay attention to the negative talk anyway. Give us a little more credit and report he REAL news! It makes the media look really desperate and pathetic.

Well, I think Bob Johnson's apology has no VALUE whatsoever!
I once learned as a child and I quote this from my step-mother… "You are not sorry, because if you were you would have never done it!" at the time she was speaking to my sister for some actions she had taken. I thought about her delivery on the situation and I thought to myself… if my sister had taken time out to think of what effect and/or impact her actions would have caused then she would have felt sorry enough not to commit such deeds. Some people say and do harmful things and are quick to respond, "…I'm sorry" as if that statement makes everything all better.

SORRY to tell you… it doesn't!

Premeditated actions? Don't even bother to apologize… you are wasting your time!

Remember people… PEACE/LOVE '08

I feel Bob Johnson let down the African American people because why would you
attack Obama on national tv in front of Hillary supporter. Bob then you say you was joken this is not a joking matter because the American is in bad shape. We the American people are suffering we need a candidate who can make changes how the government treat American people badly. I am a middle class African American man who is middle class who suffering with high taxes, and the health care, housing, Bob Johnson you should be talking about Bush how he got the country in bad shape. If Bob Johnson regain BET again I would not watch it ever again.

It's a bit too late, but efforts are appreciated.

Obama's mom is white, his dad is black…why is he black? His mother's genes do not count? Not that it matters what his race is…

The man is a billionaire! Of course he doesn't want change! Neither does Earvin "Magic" Johnson. "Change" would hurt their pocketbooks. Come on people, this isn't about race. This is about Economics. This is about middle class/poor and the rich.

Bob Johnson may be a Billionaire but in my humble opinion he is an idiot. I wonder how much drugs he did. Hey – now that I think of it – has anybody thought to check Hillary's background on drug use when she was a teenager? Probably not and I think if you dig into her past you would find some not so nice things.
Go Obama – all the way to the White House

It's so obvious that Obama's drug use was in response to the pains encountered by many youths in America. If America had been as loving a place as it pretends, I'm pretty sure his process of finding and defining himself would have been more painless.

What a great example to so many youths who feel helpless and alone…there is hope. The man personifies hope.

Eric: I take major offense to your comments. I dealt with people like you in my academic career. I was an honor student all the way through school, yet when I received an unsolicited scholarship from the college of my choice, a white classmate responded that she didn't think it was fair that I got a scholarship because I was black. Well I responded I didn't think it was fair she got "everything" because she was white. How is it that because I'm brown my hardwork is overlooked and any strides I make is considered a handout and not due to the fact that I am an intellegent, educated, creative, well-rounded, multi-lingual human being. Resumes don't have races.

Let's not talk nonsense Eric my friend. You may want to be careful until you have a full DNA analysis and make sure you're not related to the brown face you so disdain.

Let's see how honest you are about your past and present indiscretions. And if you can please give me a detailed account of Hillary's 35 years of experience that would be greatly appreciated.

GOBAMA 08!

I am glad to see that the apologies eventually come form the Clinton camp. In fact, this has been Clinton's team attacking Barack Obama, while he is generally the mature observer. One can see as the last week has gone by who is more Presidential and who would make a better leader of the disparate groups of people who make up the United States.

ARE YOU OUT OF MIND !!!!!
How Clinton's Supporters could apologized for Obama's comments ?????
He should apologize Mrs, Mr Clinton'for his out of order comments !!!!!!!!
You're, manipulative media !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's bad when people are not saying the true, lying, manipulating to make somone look better then the other or making somone always bad looking by this untrue reports. You better stop picking up on only one candidate !!!!! It's not fair and showing You as the unprofessional and low category, no class news media.
It will pull me only to vote for Mrs Clinton !!!!!!!

I think the candidates need to realize that eventhough illegal, millions upon millions of americans have/do use drugs. Does that mean the polotico's should ridicule every American for it? Let it go! Mr Obama wrote about it in his book…it's not like he is hiding it…let's congratulate him for turning his life around and becoming an extremely productive member of society. Step out of the bubble folks!

On Meet the Press last Sunday Clinton said, "I think it's important to set the record straight. Clearly, we know from media reports that the Obama campaign is deliberately distorting this, and you know, I think we should just take a step out here for a minute," said Clinton. "This is the most exciting election we've had in such a long time, because you have an African-American, an extraordinary man, a person of tremendous talents and abilities running to become our president. You have a woman running to break the highest and hardest glass ceiling. I don't think either of us want to inject race or gender into the campaign."

But in a telephone interview with reporters following the broadcast, Obama at last responded to Clinton, taking offense at the accusations that his campaign had added fuel to the fire surrounding her comments.

Then Tuesday Obama says this in Nevada:
"I hope that my campaign has inspired the sense that we hold much more in common than what separates us, and that's how I want to move this campaign forward," said Obama, acknowledging his campaign staffers had provoked additional coverage of Clinton's comments about King made earlier in the week.

Interesting the flip flop on Obama's on words and yet not a single apology from him to the Clinton's after all his denials about his staffers! So why should Johnson apologize for a statement twisted by Obama's people for, could it be the Clinton campaign is not as arrogant as Obama and his campaign?

Is this a "UNITER, a CHANGER, a person of HOPE"? One thing is being learned real fast is that should Obama win the Democrat Nomination, in the general election, the Republicans will make minced meat out of Obama and it will be 4 more years of Republicans in the Whitehouse!

For all those people trying to defend Hillary Clinton on this issue…..for your information, MLK's son issued a statement yesterday stating that HRC's comments about his father were WRONG……however, he was benevelent enough to say that the entire situation was overblown.

HRC screwed up allowing Bob Johnson to make those comments unchallenged and the media took it and ran with it….and all of you HRC supporters swallowed it…..Hope it tasted good.

Doug
He answered the question before he was even asked. Case closed.

from barackobama.com, about someone's opinion that matters, unlike Mr. Johnson's.

Today, Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) endorsed Senator Barack Obama for President, citing his unique ability to restore America's standing in the world, end the war in Iraq, provide health care for all Americans, and rally this nation around a common purpose.

Chairman Leahy said, "Barack Obama is the best candidate to reintroduce America to the world – and restore hope in our country. Barack Obama represents the America we once were and want to be again. When Barack Obama is President we will lead with hope, opening the doors of opportunity to all, realizing the potential of our great nation for its citizens and as a leader of the free world. Barack Obama will be a President who once again believes, 'Yes, we can.' That is why I am endorsing Barack Obama to be the next President of the United States."

Senator Obama said, "I am proud to have the support of Senator Leahy. Senator Leahy had the judgment and courage to vote against the Iraq war, and he's been a champion of our rights here at home, and of human rights around the world. He is a leader guided by integrity, respect for our Constitution and a love of this country. I look forward to working with him to stand up to the special interests, rally Democrats and Republicans together to get things done, and bring about change we can believe in."

Leahy was elected to the United States Senate in 1974 and is currently serving his sixth term. Leahy is the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and is a senior member of the Agriculture and Appropriations Committees. He also chairs the Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations.

To be fair, we are not saying no comment on Obama's past drug use is off limits, but to suggest that Obama, isn't fit for the presidency because of past drug use is ignorant, and especially in the spiteful manner Bob Johnson did it. Of course Bob needs to apologize and I am sure the because Barack is an adult he will accept Bob's apology and move on.

Clearly the Clinton surrogates feel threatened because the Barack movement is growing by leaps and bounds. Heck I would be scared too if I wre his opponent, because he has the backing of many people.

The only advice I have for the Clintons besides, "you need to get worried, because this movement is growing too fast", is "keep it professional, afterall you want to our next president and we need to respect you..

Are people blind to the fact that Hillary and Bill are behind all the lies and stirring up conflict with this campaign? How about her past? Do you really feel she won't polorize this country if elected president?

I am a white female republican who votes for anyone I think will do a good job. I think Obama COULD bring this country together! Hillary divides us already!

Since when don't we celebrate someone for turning their lives around? I think that would give hope to those who have lost hope and don't believe in themselves anymore. Some of our best role modles are people who beat the odds, change thier lives for the better! I'm impressed with his honesty and his vision.

I think this country needs a vision and hope!

goldietaylor wrote: Bob Johnson owes Black America an apology for the poison he pumped into our community using BET.

Thank You!

What a joke! The Clinton side show rolls on and on!

It's one thing to apologize for what you said, but what about also apologizing for lying about what you menat? Or is the apology a blanket covering all sins?

"Made in haste and trying to be funny"? What's funny about community organizing….oh, yeah, sorry the hasty/funny explanation came out AFTER we were told the comment was about community organizing.

And how about Hillary? After Johnson said the remark referred to "community organizing" Clinton Inc. says:
"Well, Bob has put out a statement saying what he was trying to say, and what he thought he had said. And we accept him on his word on that."

Of course, now that he confesses to what we already knew, that it was about DRUGS, Clinton Inc. says:
when asked whether Johnson's comments were out of bounds, Clinton acknowledged, "Yes they were. And he has said that."

Talk about a flip-flopper!

If she is so inept at the veiled reference he made and can "accept him on his word" , but then when the truth comes out and that acceptance tacitly implies approval of the slighting, she denounces the comments.

Now her husband's going around talking about people getting 5:1 odds on votes at caucus sites in Vegas….but, there was no uproar about that when the sites were set up last May, not even a peep until the Culinary Union's endorsement of Obama. Then a lawsuit was brought because of the sites. Funny thing is, a couple of the folks filing the suit were AT THE MEETING when the sites were decided upon.

Wasn't 8 years of Clinton shenanigans and the politics of parsing and the "what the meaning of IS is" culture enough?

Eric in Massachusetts wrote:

Nice role model for young african american students. You can be a druggie wacked out on all sorts of drugs and still become President. Now, that's affirmative action in full action. A druggie gets into Harvard because of the color of his skin. Nice role model. No wonder he talks of such vision and going to the mountain. He had lots of hallucinations in his formative years.

Retard, you are a hallucination. I don't even know who you are or what your occupation is but I can guarantee you that Obama didn't get into Harvard because of the color of his skin, he got into Harvard because his I.Q. would blow yours out the water.

Jim Crowe mentality is gone bye bye! Get over it and find a life. I'm sure you are an embarassement to the state of Massachusetts.

How many times are we going to see Clinton supporters insulting and the apology follows. It looks like a game!

Bob Johnson,
It isn't over until you call Barack Obama Mr. President. Shame on you and your inventions (BET).. Now you can live in isolation with your billions and I dare you to ever run for public office, so we can use your billions of dollars to waste.You're worst than a dead beat dad. And you are getting in the way of white and black Americans. White America is ready for change but you uncle tom is not prepared to accept it. Soon you will turn around and blame the white man.

THIS ONE IS FOR ERIC IN MASSACHUSETTS….

OBAMA IS NOT PERFECT JUST PLAIN HONEST. HE IS FILLED TO THE BRIM(AS THE OLD FOLKS SAYS) WITH CLASS AND INTEGRITY AND LOADED WITH COMMON SENSE. WHAT I PARTICULARLY LIKE ABOUT OBAMA IS, "HE KNOWS WHAT HE KNOWS AND KNOWS THAT HE KNOWS". YOU CAN FOOL SOME OF THE PEOPLE SOME OF THE TIME, BUT, YOU CAN'T FOOL ALL OF THE PEOPLE ALL OF THE TIME. THAT ONE IS FOR THE CLINTON CAMPAIGN.

I can't believe that Mr. Johnson apologized to Mr. Obama for what he said or at least implied, whether intentional or not. The fact is that Mr. Obama wrote a book revealing his drug use thereby putting the issue in a public forum, and wide open for discussion. I thought the purpose of this exercise was for people to say what's on their minds and ask hard questions of these candidates. What is this BS with him talking about this in his book but it's taboo for others to bring it up? And Mrs. Clinton should grow a backbone and stand behind her supporters in this regard. It is ridiculous to think Mr. Johnson and Mr. Shaheen put themselves on the line for her in what should be a credible discussion and later made to apologize/resign as she grovels from side of the media to the other. Don't think the republicans won't make it an issue.

That is the problem of being puppet you say anything to attract your master then later you realize you have made a fool out of yourself.This is Clinton style.They are desperate they always attack.Because they do believe White house is their Right to control.I think Chelsea too one day will be dreaming of becoming president like the nightmare hillary has now.Shame on clintons

People are too sensitive and too politically correct in this country. Relax everyone, you're not helping your cause!

AVENUE Q supported all 3 major democratic candidates in Michigan via billboards earlier this week. Maybe we should all get a clue and listen to what they have to say in one of the most famous songs from this hit Broadway musical! …it ends "maybe we could live in harmony!"

Seems like Clinton folks apologies after they already slapped someone. The sting will last for quite a while but that's just how sneaky she is.

WHAT YOU SEE IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU WILL GET WITH HILLARY.

Well this is reminiscent of Bush's Swift Boat attack buddies, another similar feature that Clinton has with Bush. Similar all the way down to the part where she tries to distance herself from the attack.

The after the fact apologies are just cheap political shots.Once the damage is done
to the opponent it doesnt matter if you apologize.It's an attempt to seed the consciousness with a negative. It's the same crap that Bill pulled with his
comments about Obama,Hillary can mount surrgate attacks like this
and stil llook "clean"..It's not different than the Rove whisper campaign against
McCain last go around. It's the same sleeze.

I'm tired of poltical parties and their inhernat corruption and the baggage they
have once they get into office.These people don't get into office to serve the
people, they get into office to serve their party interests and the people
that paid for them to get where they are.

** VOTE NONE OF THE ABOVE ** TIME TO END THE PARTY SYSTEM

first of all jim, it's only slandorus if it's not true. in this case it is true obama has even admitted to it. and second of all, he did more then just weed as you put it. there was cocaine use as well. yes we all know that bill said he didn't inhale which i also believe is not true, so why was it ok to rag him on his use but its not ok to question obama on his use without some kind of backlash. weather or not anyone of us used any drug's is beside's the issue because we are not running for the president of the united state's. as far as i am concerned he "obama " opened this can of worms by speaking to a crowd of high school kid's and telling them of his drug use and writing it in a book. i think it's ok to question him just like its ok to question any of them about anything they did in thier past. your past is what makes your present and future. it CANNOT be a one sided issue and there CANNOT be any backlash for asking anything any of them did in there past.

But didn't Johnson just say last week that he was not referring to Obama's drug use?

These people have no shame.

To late-Hillary you have lost my vote. I am an african american female who has always voted democrat-but-due to your negative campaigning from yourself and your husband I would gladly give my vote to McCain if that was my only option. Johnson started the negative sterotype on BET I have no respect for him or you.

Kinda of hard to "unring" the bell, isn't it. The original statement from Johnson is already on the record and in people's minds…nice try on the apology, though.

For speaking the truth?

Obama was using illegal drugs while the Clintons were advocating Civil Rights.

Why is Mr Bob Johnson apologizing for his comments, wasn't he talking about Obama's community organizing? Who apologizes for commenting about someones community organizing activities. Or could it be…..no say it ain't so! He and The Clinton Campaign were lying….No!

Hmmm…..Clinton's looks like you've been caught again.

Wow. All bow to whatever Obama wants, or be called a racist!
I'll never cast my vote for him. How childish.

The apologies keep coming- and the HRC supporters keep saying how hateful we Obama supporters are. Talk about "spin"! This same old politics-as-usual has got to stop! Hillary takes parts of sentences, or comments and turns them around to make Obama look bad. Her supporters jump on the blogs and try to justify her actions, then end with nasty remarks (often personal) about Obama. This isn't CHANGE Hillary! This is why we need change! Obama 08!

The after the fact apologies are just cheap political shots.Once the damage is done
to the opponent it doesnt matter if you apologize.It's an attempt to seed the consciousness with a negative. It's the same crap that Bill pulled with his
comments about Obama,Hillary can mount surrgate attacks like this
and stil llook "clean"..It's not different than the Rove whisper campaign against
McCain last go around. It's the same sleeze.

I'm tired of poltical parties and their inhernat corruption and the baggage they
have once they get into office.These people don't get into office to serve the
people, they get into office to serve their party interests and the people
that paid for them to get where they are.

** VOTE NONE OF THE ABOVE ** TIME TO END THE PARTY SYSTEM

Seems like Clinton folks apologies after they already slapped someone. The sting will last for quite a while but that's how she sneaky she is.

WHAT YOU SEE IS EXCACTLY WHAT YOU WILL GET WITH HILLARY.

"Nearly 50 percent of the likely Democratic voters in the state are African-American."

Wouldn't that make the other 50% white? Is it a good iea to ignore them? Or what about the hispanic population in SC?

And another question, what are "black issues"? I would imagine they have the same concerns as everyone else in the country.
——————————————-
First, if 50% of the voters are black, the other 50% are not all white. You have to account for all of the other minority groups in that other 50%. As to what are black issues, in addition to America's issues, blacks are concerned about civil rights issues and laws that have a disproportionate impact on blacks (e.g. drug policies). Also, black may be more concerned about "urban development" (i.e. gentrification), predatory lenders who target poor minorities, and a host of other issues.

Doug, the War on Drugs hasn't relaxed at all. From what I hear, over 800,000 people were arrested for cannabis possession last year, the largest number ever. BTW, "cannabis" is what the rest of the world calls "marijuana," a word that was made up in the early part of the 20th century to smear Latinos and raise fear in the hearts of white America, so that the FBI had something to do after alcohol was legalized following the end of Prohibition. After all, no bureaucracy wants to go out of business!

No, Obama's past drug use should not be an issue. Most people in his age bracket have experimented at least once. Why should they be haunted with that for the rest of their lives?

The Clinton camp merely employs Karl Roves time tested traditions, smear as you will, get the message out, apoligize or not, it makes no matter.

Mr. Johnson is tight with the Clinton's for one reason. He does what he is told. It is clear that he violated his 'own good concsience' (if indeed he has one) by slamming Obama then lying about his inference. This kind of behavior is rewarded by the CLINTON SPIN MACHINE.

The Clinton dogma is that 'THE END JUSTIFIES THE MEANS'. SAY or DO anything to achieve the goal the gloss over AFTER THE FACT when the damage is done. These Clintons and their ilk are truly TOXIC FOR AMERICA and serve as a dispicable example to hold for our youth and, indeed, our country to look up to.

ANYBODY BUT HILLIARY in 2008…………………….

to everyone wondering why it was "ok" to bash Bill Clinton for his drug use when he was campaigning…

remember, Billy made the ridiculous statement (read: lie) that he "did not inhale", which people thought was completely ludicrous and created a media storm in itself.

Obama, on the other hand, has been **GASP** honest about his past. I know that word is difficult for Clintonistas to understand…

Shortly after Johnson made the remarks, the Clinton campaign released a statement from him saying he had been “referring to Barack Obama's time spent as a community organizer, and nothing else. Any other suggestion is simply irresponsible and incorrect."

"The billionaire Johnson is not a paid staffer, but a high-profile volunteer and wealthy fundraiser. When asked at a Vegas debate whether Johnson would have to go because of his comments, Hillary Clinton distanced herself from Johnson's remarks, saying, "Well, Bob has put out a statement saying what he was trying to say, and what he thought he had said. And we accept him on his word on that."

"But when asked whether Johnson's comments were out of bounds, Clinton acknowledged, "Yes they were. And he has said that."

LIAR, he was sticking to his story and only apologized later.

Sheep, the above quotes are from the actual story, READ THEM and realize this apology was done ONLY AFTER there was outrage from MANY in the black community as PROVEN by the black vote in Michigan and the court of public opinion as well.

Read what was said in the aftermath by Johnson and the Clinton campaign and the APOLOGIES came LONG after and AFTER they got the message ALREADY ACROSS.

Shaheen, Penn, Johnson and Cuomo to name some of her SUPPORTERS who have said hateful, bigoted and lying comments and have been fired or had to apologize for their comments.

More of the same Clinton BS that we had for eight years where we had weekly and sometimes daily "explanations" of what was meant or done.

This is on the Clintons and their surrogates, it is not Obama's, Fox news, CNN's or the "vast right-wing conspiracies" fault.

Mr bob Johnson behavior, in as much it is wrong, offensive and yea quite irresponsible. Also bears a subliminar message to all African americans over 55years and above. this group like good old Bob does not and subconciously affirm to themselves that a black can never become a president in their lifetime.
Give example of redicule of reverent Jackson and good old Al, therefore it is not an accident that all younger black male and female are fervently following Mr Obama.
Simple reason being that these younger generation of blacks in america throughly believe that they just as equal to the white and all they have do is do what is necessary to achieve such measure of a man. Majority of blacks in america have been tramatise since the jim crow era and it will probably will take someone like the special One Obama to rekindle our spirit into a fighting form.
Keep hope alive

It really is a shame that politics works in such a way as to imply and insinuate things and then later attempt to distance themselves. It would be nice if everyone focused on the issues of this campaign and make more of an effort for democrats to win the white house and attempt to make life a little better for everyone in America.

Obama '08

It seems that the Clinton camp has embraced the strategy of coming out sharply against Obama at critical times (i.e Bill Clinton right before the NH primary) and then backing off a week or so later (after the short term goal is accomplished). Good political strategy…I suppose….but is this type of "honesty" and gamesmanship what we need right now?

hmmm…OKLAHOMA, yes you are right. The media overhypes the importance of the average citizen's vote because they are in bed with Big Government and Big Business, out to blind you with misinformation so that you feel all warm and fuzzy about their having so much power over you. This nation was founded on individual liberty and limited government, so that it wouldn't matter who was elected by the majority or by the Electorial College because, one way or another, you would still have your individual liberties intact and government, small and limited, would not wrench your freedom from you. Now, we fight tooth and nail to have our candidate win the election because we know that the policies that he/she and the newly elected thugs in Congress bring to this Big Government will have a great influence over our daily lives. Democracy is a joke. Majority rule is mob rule. Embrace the Republic and embrace individual liberty and small government. That's the only way to stay free.

It amazes me how the media and White America will exploit and focus on negative aspects of African Americans, just to undermine our intelligence, perseverance, accomplishments, and qualifications. How soon America forgets that Bill Clinton, while President of the U.S. was smoking marijuana. How soon America forgets of Bill Clintons impeachment. How soon America forgets about the many inefficiencies attached to the Clinton name. The allegation of Barack Obama's drug use is just another tactic to divide, conquer, and frighten Americans from voting for him. The "race card" is being played by the Clinton campaign because they are actually realizing Obama has a chance to win. Americans need to wake up and see the manipulative games the media and some of the candidates are playing. While we are focusing on "racial" comments and allegations made my candidates and endorsers of the parties, we are detering from the issues at hand.

In response to Eric from Massachusetts, you are ignorant. The validity of your statements are just not there, and I won't dignify your statements with a response.

Barack Obama is a role model, not just for African-Americans, but for all people who haven't had a silver spoon in their mouth their whole lives. Obama is articulate, intelligent, highly qualified, and understands the struggles of the average working American. Let's not lose sight on what we as voters should be focusing on. The focus should not be on a woman, a man, black or white; but rather which candidate will follow through on issues such as the economy, healthcare, the war, unemployment, the rising number of incarcerated Black men, and better access and resources to education.

My mother use to say, that is you don't have anything good to say, then don't say anything at all..

Eric wrote:

"Nice role model for young african american students. You can be a druggie wacked out on all sorts of drugs and still become President. Now, that's affirmative action in full action. A druggie gets into Harvard because of the color of his skin. Nice role model. No wonder he talks of such vision and going to the mountain. He had lots of hallucinations in his formative years."

Eric, as a not so young African American, the bigger picture is to ANYONE that you can turn your life around and accomplish great things if you work hard and focus. I'm sick of candidates who have had all the privlages of life and think they are entitled to be president. The American spirit is about overcoming the obstacles you face. Interesting that you think he only got into Harvard because of race.

Bob Johnson is a hypocrite! How is Bill Clinton black? Once known as the black president! African-Americans have a chance to really vote for a black president that is intelligent, young, innovative, and ready for change, don't let it pass!

Go Obama 2008

HI

It is good that Johnson appologised . He is gracious.DRUG ADDICTION is NOT a black issue . It is a problem people has to DEAL with ONE DAY at a time.

The case filled by the teacher union in Nevada is criticized by many and calls that Clinton has something to do with it too.
1. If the union was FOR Hillary INSTEAD of Obama, then Obama side would have gone to court.

2. Fundamentally it is wrong. What about the OTHER people Who are working? UNFAIR Advantage for one side.

3.The Culinary worker MOST of them are MINORITES and paid very low. IN a Caucus,they will be HESITANT and may be AFRAID to vote AGAINST the UNION LEADERS in the work site.It is NOT a Voting Booth where you have more privacy.

4.Do they CHECK whether all the people who are voting legal immigrant?
I DONOT think it is FAIR.

Eric in Massachusetts<— Wow dude, can you say ISSUES. Maybe you should try some drugs and pull your head out of your rear end.

Our current "president" was an alcoholic and druggie INTO his 40's. what do you have to say about that?

Obama made mistakes as a TEENAGER and owned up to them. Also you dont become chief editor of Havard Law Review because of affirmative action. But you CAN get into yale because of your grandfather.

Eric in Massachusetts, I have read many of your comments of the past few days. You really need to grow up! You attitude and comments truly illustrate the backwards bigotry and hate that prevent our country from moving past topics such as this. I think that he is a great role model! He shows that people can make mistakes in his or her life, and still achieve greatness.

Everybody makes mistakes. However, it takes true character to come out and admit them openly. Your DARLING candidate has yet to admit any mistakes.

"May he without sin cast the first stone."

WIth all mud being slung, I guess your candidate should run for God!!!

Although i support Hillary Clinton in this election I think its appropriate that Bob Johnson has apologized for his remarks. I think that both candidates got what they wanted out of this race situation which is why they called for the truce. Obama used remarks clearly not racist to turn black voters against Clinton which appears to be working. Clinton fought back, which puts her in a position of not having to walk on egg shells about everything she says because Obama is on notice that playing the race card could be just as detrimental to him as it could be to Hillary. This situation will hurt Clinton in the primaries where black voters have more clout. It will hurt Obama in the general election if he gets the nod because some white voters will be turned off by his and some of his supporters loose interpertation of Hillary's comments for racial gain. He has to realize that Gore and Kerry received more than 90% of the black vote in the general election and both lost or were close enough to raise questions. After 8 years of George Bush and his republicans henchman i think thats its important that we have a Democrat elected more than an African American or a Woman.

"Nearly 50 percent of the likely Democratic voters in the state are African-American."

Wouldn't that make the other 50% white? Is it a good iea to ignore them? Or what about the hispanic population in SC?

And another question, what are "black issues"? I would imagine they have the same concerns as everyone else in the country.

Dear Eric in Massachusetts,

It is out of bounds because it takes a very strong person to publicly acknowledge such a mistake in youth, and to move on from that point to much greater achievements. And it is out of bounds because it inflames people like you who refuse to use their minds and get carried away by slogans and by one-liners.

I believe he IS a nice role model, not just to African American students, but to students and young people of ALL color. Because he can say to them (and has) – here's what I did. It was stupid, it was a mistake. And it was only when I got over my bad habit that I was able to achieve what I have.

Nobody is perfect. I am sure YOU have done some pretty rotten things in your life (as I have too). The difference between a great person and a coward is that a great person LEARNS from his mistakes. a coward and an imbecile keeps on denying and keeps on shouting empty, meaningless slogans to put some spice into his/her meaningless life.

As far as skin color – of course everything he achieved is because of affirmative action! He got into Columbia because of that, got into Harvard because of that, became the President of Harvard Law Review because of that, became a Senator because of that. And on and on and on.

Because obviously a non-white person could never ever achieve anything based simply on his/her ABILITY, right?

Let me ask you a simple question – you seem to be white. What have YOU achieved in your seemingly pathetic life so far? Except write mindless messages on the net to get a feeling of accomplishment and self-importance?

Oh yeah I know. It must be the blacks and affirmative action that have stopped you from achieving greatness.

What a loser!

Ok Eric…

That is ridiculous, legalistic and hypocritical nonsense. So he did drugs, and was smart enough to admit way ahead of time, before Hillary and her gang brought it into the open. Does that mean he can't run? He is not running to be there Pope here man…After all that nonsense, he put in time helping people, working for them in the state senate and in the US Senate. If you still think his past drug use should have any bearing on whether he should be elected or not….then I don't know what else to say.

who cares if he use to do drugs

who cares if he has a muslim name

Do you think moderates will care during the general election. I don't think they will care. And even if he does lose to the Republican- at least we stood up for what is right.

Oh PLEASE! Do your homework! Do you know how many of your…shall we say "NON-affirmative action" high-profile politicians have done drugs, had extramarital sex, fondled a teenage boy, etc.???? Please state your opinions about his drug use with more of a background as to WHEN he did it and don't make it an affirmative action situation when there have been plenty (PLENTY) of white PRESIDENTS who have done the same if not worse. If you're against the drug use, fine. But DON'T make it about affirmative action….by the way, the Harvard grad could probably run circles around the C student President of the United States…(hm…I wonder if HE benefitted from affirmative action–no?–didn't think so!)

The Clinton's are no better by saying " I did not sleep with that woman, while in the Whitehouse." Who is the role model? Where are the morals? Everyone has skeletons!! At least he has shown that he is human before going to the Whitehouse!!

Obviously the people of this country that do vote do not care whether or not their President has any morals or past drug use, etc. You have to wonder if they care about anything, except their own greed!

General Robert E. Lee once said, "My chief concern is to try to be a humble, sincere Christian." We certainly have come a long way since that time. Christian, heck people today do not even know what the word means!

Perhaps Edwards will win South Carolina since he seems to be the least of the three evils as they say in that party.

Perhaps Ron Paul is not the most Christian of all but he sure knows how to run a government!

Oh, Eric. You poor, misguided soul. Every African-American you see only accomplished something because someone gave them a race-based handout, right? Because it's so easy for African-Americans to get into Harvard, right? Harvard University: Howard of the North! It's gotta be killing you watching the Celtics this year…

The last time I checked, intelligent people judge role models by what they accomplish and what they OVERCOME. Wait… I've set the bar too high. You probably don't have any idea what intelligent people think.

Welcome to OZ – "If I only had a brain", it is not the admitted drug use that is an issue…it is the lie about what you were commenting on. Bush 43 is a druggie, draft dodger and a lush…according to reports, but he was "given" the Presidency. Wake up America…we need a new direction, united we stand, divided we get the last 8 years…or even worse…Bob Johnson as a voice in the American Political Process. What next, Hillary will "drop it like it's hot" for the African American vote? Seems like she will do anything now that we are headed to the South!!!

Eric,

I think your statements are completely out of line. You will be extremely hard pressed to find anyone in younger generations who has not at least "experimented" with something. As for his getting high while other candidates were working for our country – he was a teenager. Give me a break!

I, as a WHITE FEMALE, find your comments extremely disgusting, racist and ignorant. I really would like to meet you – I have always dreamed of meeting someone who has never made a bad decision. How do you do it? He wouldn't have been the president of the Harvard Law Review had he not been the best in the class. To say that he has made these achievements because he is black is utterly stupid.

What a jerk! You should see this as someone who figured out he was going down the wrong path and made a positive change that improved his entire life. That is a role model for African American people everywhere.

I am still an undecided voter…but people like you and ignorant comments like you just made convince me that maybe I should vote for Obama.

I accept Bob Johnson's apology, but this is too late and too pathetic an attempt at last minute pandering to be meaningful. Had he apologized on Sunday or Monday then his apology would seem more sincere. The Clinton organization pressured him to apologize so Hillary doesn't lose African-American votes in SC.

Bob Johnson's BET network has become more infamous for playing a lot of rap music that degrades women and African-American men than any other cable network that plays music.

Bob Johnson,

Thanks for nothing. Your abology means absolutely nothing. Your words did their damage and that is on you. And a letter and phone call to Sen. Obama does not make up for your poor choice of words and slanderous statements about Sen. Obama.

Apology not accepted.

Please think before you speak next time.

Jim in Arizona

PS Eric in Mass.

"High on numerous drugs" wrong, just weed, and what 18 year old hasn't been exposed to that relatively harmless substance.

"While other candidates were busy working for our country". Three words "I never inhaled"

And Sen. Obama is a fine role model. He was far from a "druggie wacked out on all sorts of drugs".

And finally, you are obviously ill-informed about the different illegal drugs out there (all but just one of which Sen. Obama has admitted to using).

And by the way: a climb up a mountain seeking vision is something we ALL would benifit from.

I am curious. Why was it appropriate to constantly bring up that candidate Bill Clinton smoked pot but did not inhale – however, it is not appropriate to bring up prior drug use by a blank candidate running for the office of president. If there is
no distinction between black and white – then let the good times roll!!!

Eric in Massachusetts January 17, 2008 11:18 am ET

You can be a druggie wacked out on all sorts of drugs and still become President.

It worked for George W. Bush…

i want to know why we can't make statement's about obama's drug use? it was a big issue when bill clinton was running for office. so are we to believe that was ok then and not now. what has changed? are we relaxed enough that drug's are no longer an issue. and if thats the case then why are we trying to stop them from comming into this country? it does seem to have relaxed alot in this country,or is the real issue really all about race? it's ok to make statements about a white presidental hopeful "bill clinton" but not a black presidental hopeful "obama". i want ot make it clear i am not racest however what's good for one person is good for another. he need's to answer these question's and people need to stop playing the race card. if he can't handle it then maybe he shouldn't be running for the highest office in the land. after all it was in his own word's in a book, so i am to believe you can't even quote his own words without getting some kind of backlash. sounds like a race card to me.

Eric from Massachusetts: You sound like you're on drugs??? Are you? If not, then that means you're just stupid all by yourself with no help! You are a cyber loser! Barack is a great role model unlike yourself and he's way more important than you will ever be. No one will remember an Eric from Massachusetts! You're a loser, living a loser life, making loser comments. Find an argument based in substance b/c you clearly lack the ability to do so! Ignorant people def. make the world go 'round! (Which is why our country will always be in the whole thanks to people like you!) The idea of that and of you and other like minded people totally sucks!

BARACK OBAMA, THE SMART PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY WHO WEREN'T TOO LAZY TO DO THEIR H.W. SUPPORT YOU!!!

Eric in Massachusetts: your comment is incredibly deplorable. Bill Clinton did drugs and I bet you know plenty of people who have experimented with drugs as a youth, perhaps you yourself has or did. Many people experiment with drugs as youth so it's funny for you to say those demoralizing comments about Barack and then mention affirmative action in the same breath as if a lot of other presidents are just that high up on the moral scale that there was never a moment they did drugs as a youth. Give me a break. And for your information since you OBVIOUSLY aren't that intelligent, Barack is half white, and he got into HARVARD b/c he's BRILLIANT (SOMETHING YOU ARE NOT) and you're just a loser on the internet. He's way more successful and intelligent than you are or WILL EVER BE. So why dont you go read a book instead of insult a clearly educated, driven, brilliant man.

Don't these people ever get tired of apologizing?

Bill Clinton also admitted using drugs as a youth don't forget. It means any one can have a second chance with personal introspection. The number of people who have never experimented drugs in America are like sand on your finger nail compared with sand on beaches of the world. No one can denigrate Obama's intellectual capabilities. I 'm sure he did not became the editor of Harvard Law school journal because of the color of his skin.

Obama must have cancelled his subscription to BET on Direct TV. I wonder if the idiot sharpton will picket BET headquarter like he did IMUS. But I guess in the Black world of News there are two standards, whites can't address a racial issue without being called a racist, but blacks are ok to speak their minds.

OMGoodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!How come you cannot see past the past and into the future. For you to assume some one was doing bad things is not something that you can judge. Are you saying that you are a perfect person and that people who run the government are perfect. If that is what you think I would suggest you go back and read up on history, anybody's history. It is amazing how you can twist what someone says to fit your argument. Why can't you see visions that is what it is to be a leader in a leadership position.

Eric in Massachusetts January 17, 2008 11:18 am ET

Funny that you wouldn't see Senator Obama's humongous academic, social and political achievements as 'roles' for young Black Americans to 'model'?

You watch too much negative news.
Most Black Americans DO NOT view Obama interns of TEENAGE drugging.

At this unfortunate time in our history, one is going to be hard pressed to find a young American (regardless of pigmentation) who has not experimented with drugs or some other self-destructive activities.

If the vast majority of American youngsters wake up and model Obama's role, the nation will be better off.

to Eric,

Yeah it's really horrible when an African American boy who started on the wrong path gets his act together, becomes the first African American head of Harvard Law Review, gets elected to the most prestigious governing body in the United States, and becomes the first viable African American presidential candidate since the end of the civil war. What a HORRIBLE example to young African Americans headed in that same direction. It would be much better for them to know that they are doomed to be losers the rest of their lives and will never contribute positively to society. I'm glad to know that you are trying to work hard put people on the right path for their lives by smearing Senator Obama. Your racist diatribes are sure to help people more than a positive example for the African American community.

The fact of the matter is that Bill Clinton did just as much and worse, the only difference between him and Obama is that he LIED about it.

And the other fact of the matter is that Robert Johnson's TV channel makes a lot of its money (but, to be fair, not all of it) by exploiting the classic racist African American stereotypes that seem to also be believed by Eric here. African American men are drugged-up misogynistic gangsters living in the ghetto and African American women are brainless sex objects. Mr. Johnson, you should be ashamed of yourself. You are a vicious leech that makes it harder for the African American community to rise up.

Way to go Eric. What the Clintons prove is that you can be druggie and still be president as long as you LIE about it and viciously misquote and smear your opponents.

Barack Obama used drugs as a young man. Hillary Clinton voted for an unjust war on false pretenses, leading to the deaths of 150,000 to 220,000 Iraqi civilians by latest estimates, and allowing our greatest enemy Osama Bin Laden to go free. She has also voted to label the Iranian Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization, after we already know that, like Hussein, they possess no weapons.

You tell me, which is worse.

The Clintons said anyone making comments like this would be kicked off their campaign. All we know for sure is that the Clintons and Bob Johnson lied to the American people about this at some point, because they have released contradictory statements which cannot all be true. Intentionally lying to the American people is an outrage! At the point that the people do not care if our leaders tell us the truth when they know it, our democracy is doomed.

Too little, too late.

The Clinton's associate themselves with the worst representatives in our democracy. They employ Howard Wolfson and Mark Penn to run the campaign. They have high profile supporters who make inappropriate comments and later apologize, as if the apology means anything.

Just think of the kind of people that they will select to run our government if elected.

I agree…just like getting a DUI by using the drug "alcohol"….oh wait…abusing legalized drugs are okay….silly me.

Barack Obama will accept the apology because he is far mature than the people who surrounds Hilary Clinton.

Barack Obama respect all his oponents and does not involve himself with dirty politics like Hilary does.

I even have more love,respect and support for president Barack Obama.

And make no mistakes he will make an excellent and honest president that America has ever known in history.

Lets join Barack to make America great again!!!

Ahh, and he was elected president of the Harvard Law Review because he was black too, right?

You know what, these Clinton people just need to keep their mouths shut.
Hillary does not need their obvioous "subtleties".
They just make Hillary look worse.
So if you don't have anything nice to say, DON'T SAY IT.

We've all done things in our youth (or later) that we overcame and have gone on to successful lives. At least Obama admitted his mistakes and didn't try to play word games ('I didn't inhale').

As far as Bob Johnson, he is the founder of "BOOTY ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION'. As as I'm concerned that's all that needs to be said of what I think of him.

While Barack Obama was reading the National Intelligence Estimate and concluding that we could not go to war on such faulty Intelligence, Hillary was too busy jumping on the Iraq bandwagon.

Let's think….which should people focus on. What Barack did on his own 3 decades ago, or the decision that has tragically ended 4,000 young American lives and hundreds of thousand of innocent Iraqis? Perspective is improtant.

Dear Eric:

Unless you are about 150 years of age, I would suggest that as an American, it would have been extremely difficult to avoid being somehow involved with illicit drugs during a lifetime. You either knew someone, saw someone or participated in illicit drug use. This is not uncommon behavior among teenagers and those in their early twenties. I think your head is perhaps a coral reef by now, being stuck so far into the sand. This illicit drug use is a non -issue.

Eric in Massachusetts finds high school cocaine use offensive- but has no problem with adult non-inhaling marijuana use and lewd conduct with interns in government buildings.

Clinton supporters seem to share one common value- hypocrisy.

Give it a rest Eric. He's a much better role model than ANY of the other canidates in terms of honesty. Bill Clinton lied under oath, and Hillary continues to lie about her success in the senate and her stance in civil rights back in 1964. I'd take a former drug abuser over an habitual liar as a president anyday.

Wow, you have to give Bob Johnson credit. He launched a television station that didn't serve the African-American community and now is supporting a candidiate that will do little for our community…the Clinton Political Machine will do anything for a vote. Bob Johnson = Carl Rove in a cheap suit…but at least with Karl you know what you are going to get. The Clinton's are starting to make the Bush's look respectable!!!

Eric, did you know that Bill Clinton and George W used drugs as well? Did you know that Obama talked of drug use as a teenager, not during a time where he was "working for our country"?

I completely resent your comments that Obama got into Harvard Law because of the color of his skin. That is absolutely ridiculous and ignorant. Obama is an EXTREMELY intelligent individual and for you to demean him that way is frustrating.

If you really need proof: Obama was editor of Harvard Law Review. You may not know how law schools work, but this is the most prestigious position a student can have. It essentially means he was the most intelligent student at the top law school in the nation.

Take your ignorance elsewhere.

"Now, that's affirmative action in full action. A druggie gets into Harvard because of the color of his skin."

Guess Mass is still full of racists. There is no place for you in the Democratic party.

Erin you are really sad , but it really wonderful that they are less and less people and as narrow minded and stupid as you

I am an african-american who was totally offended my his remarks, I knew exactly what he meant and it was not organizing. He just proved to me that all the money in the world cannot buy class! He has absolutely none! I hope from this moment on he will just keep his mouth closed for the good of us all! There is nothing that he can say to sway me from supporting Barack Obama, because I like my own judgement much better than his. I am an independent thinker and I don't vote according to what other people say, I vote on the merits of the candidates. Barack Obama is much more credible the Bob Johnson!!!!

Bob Johnson owes Black America an apology for the poison he pumped into our community using BET.

He was stupid for saying it in the first place, and I have lost all respect for Hillary for not Condemning the statement as soon as it came out! This only shows that if it works she will use it no matter how or what it says. She wants to be president at all cost. I had the same feelings about George Bush.

too little too late..why is he apologizing now??..i thought he said he meant something else.

The Clinton campaign released a statement from him saying he had been “referring to Barack Obama's time spent as a community organizer, and nothing else. Any other suggestion is simply irresponsible and incorrect."

Okay Hillary, you really think the American people are that stupid? Your lies, fake tears, and dirty politics are taking a toll. Keep on digging your political grave.

Obama is teflon. Not the cheap kind either… the fancy $750 pan kind.

Every time someone says something bad about Obama, they end up retracting their statement and issuing an apology.

Hillary has NEVER received an apology letter. Ever. The apologies always seem to be coming from her.

Anyone who thinks she stands a chance in the general election is delusional. You can't insult a nice smiley guy who just wants to get along with everyone and get away with it. You CAN insult a spiteful politician, and no one thinks twice about how wrong you were.

has anyone considered that many of us actually are undecided and would like all of our good candidates to keep campaigning on the issues so we can make up our minds? i think i prefer clinton, but i might well be okay with obama, or even edwards. i would not be okay with a baptist minister, or a sad old actor, or a guy who changes his mind on every major issue so i don't know what he really intends…

Uh, whatever.
I am sick to death of Clinton schemes. I can't defend her, so makes it hard to support her.

Thats what the clintons lose site of the fact that this man has a family, but like Obama said his kids are above average. We all know we shouldnt bring up what Bill Clinton was doing while he was in the oval office. I wonder what Hillary was doing at that time as well….baking cookies maybe?

Too little, too late.

Question of Judgment and Realism: If HRC says she's "for women and children", how can she then have a super-supporter whose wealth is based on 24/7 airing of videos that debase women and children shouldn't see?

Same ol', same ol'…lies, triangulation, backtracking, misstatements, truth twisting, copying the themes of others…

It is very disturbing that someone would do anything, say anything, etc., just to get elected because she feels she is entitled.

If a candidate could actually stand on his/her own record, he/she would not have to resort to such diversionary tactics.

One apology after another…the whole campaign should apologize for just being.

Why is admitted drug use out of bounds? I think it is important to know that a possible future President was getting high on numerous illegal drugs while other candidates were busy working for our country.

Nice role model for young african american students. You can be a druggie wacked out on all sorts of drugs and still become President. Now, that's affirmative action in full action. A druggie gets into Harvard because of the color of his skin. Nice role model. No wonder he talks of such vision and going to the mountain. He had lots of hallucinations in his formative years.

"Well, Bob has put out a statement saying what he was trying to say, and what he thought he had said. And we accept him on his word on that." —> FLIP

But when asked whether Johnson's comments were out of bounds, Clinton acknowledged,
"Yes they were. And he has said that." —> FLOP

That is the kind of administration we can except to have if Hilary wins the presidency. I just feel like we are going to have the same kind of administration we have had with Bush Jr.; an administration based on lies and deceit.

GOBAMA!!

Nothing can hinder this movement. I believe Obama has had personification to the Bob Johnson comment. He is ready to Lead all americans, and most import he want the American people to play a key role in this change.

Grace is there for all, as we see each other correctly, as we remove that beam out out of our eye, by a change in our thinking.

Good it's about time. He knew full well what he was trying to get at. After all he's a billionair, he didn't get their making odd ball comments and mistakes.

If Johnson Can get his foot out of his mouth on this one he is a better man than me. Johnson inspired folks around the world with his remark. People now know that u can be a complete idiot and rich at the same time. I am waiting on his encore performance.

You were far from being funny Mr. Johnson. You were stupid.

I'm sure he's not 'truly sorry'. He's a billionaire. So I'm sure he's smart and experienced enough to know that what he said was intended to have negative consequences for Obama. Oh yeah, let's bring up past drug use to try and discredit someone…way to be lame. I feel sorry for the Clinton campaign if that's the best you can do to support your candidate.

"In my zeal to support Senator Clinton…"

Overzealous people in any walk of life are obnoxious.

I did not inhale…

Oh God have mercy! someone is attaching Obama…remember that if you do you are a bad person; don't ever forget that Obama is "pure" and is "perfect." LOL
How many times Obama strategists or surrogates have apologized for badmouthing Hillary or Edwards?

So wait, how did the suggestion that he said or did anything inappropriate go from "simply irresponsible and incorrect" to "un-called-for comments" and "inappropriate remarks"? I thought he didn't do anything wrong?

The apology I'd like to see from the Clinton camp is to voters for all their lies. How about a report from the media on all the lies that has come from that campaign? Isn't that relevant considering the potential "First Husband" was impeached for perjury?

Things must be pretty bad for Hillary, if her boosters have to release the "dirt" that comes from Obama's own book. This has all the stylings of George Allen's attacks against Jim Webb's fiction writing as "obscene".

More dirty tactics to come…

Why on earth is he apologizing. WOW, this is really something Obama and his Kool-Aide drinkers whine and cry and it gets results.

Good for Hillary to acknowledge that Johnson's comments were out of bounds and thank you for reporting this.

Actually they were in no way an attempt to be funny, they were an attempt to be spiteful.

It is nice that he apologized, whether he felt he needed to or not. I'm sure Barack will accept, whether he really wants to or not.

I believe that the voting system in this country is fatally flawed. Delegates, just as the Electoral College, really serve to rob the majority of American people of what they actually want. Although, often times, the people in both of these electing parties will go with the candidate of their states' choice, they also have the option not cast a vote for their states' decision on a candidate. Yes, they may face possible penalties from the people (ie. not being re-elected), but the damage is still done if their decision translates into either a party nomination or a presidential win. Honestly, I wonder why this isn't reported on more often…the media tends to "over-hype" the importance of the average person's vote in the race, rather than pointing out that no matter the outcome of the race, the American people lose every time. I call the the voting process "rigged for the establishment." Our people don't choose the president, our government does.