Word on the street here in Chicago is that JR and SR do NOT get along to use SR words. Jesse SR should have known better. He was miked up in a TV studio. Shame on him. Obama 2008!!

Why do you allow Jackson to get away with another one of his wordy, lame explanations? Hold him to the fire. He said what he said, because he meant it. He says it was just trash talk. Remeind him he is a leader in his community, and the last thing his community needs is another trash talker. Make him explain exactly why he thinks Obama has talked down to the A-M community. Jackson is jealous because he couldn't get elected to the presidency himself. Come to think of it, he has never been elected to anything. He wants to be a "player". Instead, he is… well… past his time. Way past.

This is the kind of self destruction that keeps blacks from ever being able to get and hold onto anything. Blacks would fare far better if they would stop letting racists attention hungry preachers speak for them. No one can take them seriously.

It seems every black civil leader keeps trying to be the next MLK Jr and the fact of the matter is there will only be one and the rest of you should go find real jobs or else do what a minister is supposed to be up to according to your own bible- preaching the message of salvation through Christ-period. No sitcoms-No politics-No corporate consulting.

While I understand why the media is going whole-hog over this, I getting very, very tired of this endless, mindless nit-picking over things that don't matter. And getting very, very tired of the constant dissection of minutae of Obama while letting McCain getting away with his "exporting of cigarettes to Iran comment as a way of killing them" as a cute episode of his wife trying to correct him.

What I'd really like to see is the media doing their job! How about dissecting the candidates stands on issues, examining whether their plans will work so that the American people can make an educated decision about their country and their future. And I'm not talking about the "talking heads" spouting their spin. I'm talking about indepth, difficult reporting that takes time, research and creativity.

The issue of race in America has moved beyond Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton - in the forms of Barack Obama, Condoleeza Rice, Colin Powell, Thurgood Marshall, and so many more African- Americans who have furthered the discourse on matters of race so far beyond the divisive rhetoric of Jackson and Sharpton. If the discussion moves towards participation and away from division - who stands to lose income, entitlement and status? hmmmmm, Jesse and Al….no more spotlight for Jesse and those that espouse the same ? that's an improvement in my book….

And thrown under the bus? Wrong is wrong folks - you don't hold up someone who is wrong; period. Not even your own grandmother or father.

Point #1 ->An ordained minister who wants to "chop his nutz off"? Maybe he should be un-ordained!!!! Seems rather un-minister-like to want to hurt somebody like that. Point#2->Is Jesse Jackson Sr even relevant anymore?

The real issue for Jackson is that if Obama were to be elected president, his self professed role as THE black leader would become secondary.
Based on other comments, I am curious as to whether Jackson has taken care of his out-of-wedlock child? I would hope so.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, no matter how ridiculous Desiree. In this case, it perhaps revealed more about the good reverend that we had previously known (but suspected anyway). Case closed.

Had a non-black person said the same thing, would Al Sharpton not have been all over the perpetrator like a cheap suit?

Any notice how Jesse Jackson resembles the Rancor from the 'Return of the Jedi'? You know the creature that Luke has to face when Jabba sends him through the trap door into the Rancor's lair.

Jesse said exactly what he was thinking. Hard to spin out of this one. He's getting off to easy.

Jesse, OH Jesse, you're like a professional athlete in the twi-light of your career, The applausee stopped a long time ago. You deserved every ovation. The American dream lives on. Please recognize when your time has past, it's not that you have been de-valued. It's just that times and circumstances have evolved, and you didn't.

Jacksons comments were just a small sign of how alot of Obama's peers maybe feeling. One's own people usually holds more ill will then the that of another group of people expected to oppose his success. In short, Jesse is jealous

"Personnally I think Fox News tricked Jesse into thinking his mic was off. Fox is known for hating Obama. I believe because of comments Jesse has made earlier, they tricked him. If he didn't saying something juicy–the "hot mic" issue would have just died a natural death.

Jesse, I still respect you and also still supports Obama. Haters, news organizations etc… stop it– wouldn't work, WE AFRICAN AMERICANS RESPECTS JESSE AND SUPPORTS OBAMA."
—————————————————————————-

Keep drinking the Kool-Aid.

Jesse Jackson has grown more rediculous in his waning years. Who is he to talk for anyone. His background is dubious at best and he grows more offensive- I am sure Dr King must be rolling in his grave- what a shame

Hell to pay .. well he works for himself .. who is gonna fire him ? DOH

Jackson needs attention so he opened his mouth again. This is very typical of him, every few years he makes some kind of statement to get a minute of media attention and nobody cares.

Personally I think he IS jealous because his presidential bids failed and Obama’s has been so successful. If he truly supports Obama he would never have even said those words whether he knew the mic was on or not.

Finally he has show who he is.

What would happen if a white man had said this? Would he not be branded a racist and be forced to lose his job? If Imus had said this what would have happened?
Jesse Jackson is a racist!

I'm not surprised…sure I agree we're supposed to get over it and my brief moment over a decade ago is water under the bridge…but, again…I'm not surprised. We live the problems and fight the struggle…its easier when you were keeping that dark side close to you and your cronies…keep hope alive.

Actually, I think it was said in jest. This sort of comment not unusual went someone is frustrated with an issue with a friend. It is 99 1/2 % of the time said in Jest.

Please disregard this blog: Roberts: What was Jesse Jackson thinking?
This is a gossip column. Better to put your attention on the real news which is far away from CNN.

That's just it, does Jessie ever really think? What would he do if he had to get a real job? Would anyone hire him? Obviously not. It's too bad the press keeps giving the Jackson's and the Sharpton's of the world coverage. If they didn't get coverage, they would just go away. I think Jessie's new motto should be "Keep racism alive!"

WE DON'T CARE WAS THAT MR. JACKSON WAS THINKING. I HAVE TO REMIND HIM THAT BARACK OBAMA IS RUNNING FOR ALL AMERICANS NOT ONLY AFRICAN AMERICAN.

THIS IS NOT A CIVIL RIGHT ELECTION.

YES WE CAN

BARACK HUISSEIN OBAMA 08 AND 12

Personnally I think Fox News tricked Jesse into thinking his mic was off. Fox is known for hating Obama. I believe because of comments Jesse has made earlier, they tricked him. If he didn't saying something juicy–the "hot mic" issue would have just died a natural death.

Jesse, I still respect you and also still supports Obama. Haters, news organizations etc… stop it– wouldn't work, WE AFRICAN AMERICANS RESPECTS JESSE AND SUPPORTS OBAMA.

Reverend? Not so much.

Ancient proverb: "As a man thinketh in his heart so is he."

P. M. Guther
Canada

Charlotte: What about Madonna, Angelina Jolie, Brittany Spears sister, and a whole host of celebrities having children out of wedlock? It happens in all races and we all should take responsibility.

Janey /Michigan does standing up for truth means any thing to you?

Jesse Jackson has a right to air his views. He has done alot for this country. History seems to have overlooked his service. Remember the hosteges in Iran, I do, and I don't care what anyone says I say Jesse Jackson negotiated thier release.He is a patriot in my book. Obama08

Jessie who?

I cant believe that old man……..he is jeaulous as many are,, he and clinton would make the great team..

lets think for a minute, why has Jackson accomplished so little and why people wont support him, ???
mmmh

Jackson and clinton they might go well together,
two oldies,
afraid that a young smart senator is taking ALL they "fought for,"

hahjahahah

oh clinton
oh jackson
oh mcbush

you all belong in the past.. none wants to remember

Jealousy is an ugly demon, and Mr. Jackson is obviously possessed by it. I won't call a man who utters such contemptuous comments "reverend" any longer.

I am sorry, but this Jackson attitude personifies how people prejudge many African-Americans. Jackson criticizes Obama for commenting on personal responsibility (Obama directed this message at Black fathers, but I feel it could easily apply to many other people too!)
and says Obama needs to focus on what the government should be doing for them.

I dont think the government should have to do anything for ANYBODY who isn't at least willing to help themselves in whatever way they can.
No tax system could afford that if everyone had that attitude!

If you bring a child into this world, you need to care what happens to it, and work as best you can to provide for it. Then, you can EXPECT your hard-earned tax dollars to be well spent on quality public education, healthcare accessibility, economic prosperity and safety in your neighborhood.

Clearly, it was a private moment. Barack Obama said this week in Georgia, that people are not going to agree with him on everything. We may agree on 95% and need to agree to disagree on the other 5%. Now, Rev. Jackson doesn't agree with Obama's faith-based programs. Ok. Let's not act like we have never said anything negative about someone we like. Rev. Jackson obviously made a terrible mistake, he got ahead of the news media and apologized. Obama accepted the apology. Let's move on.

Lucky for Jesse, that he is black.

There are no double standards in America. right lol

This is generational issue and is a case of jealousy as well. Jesse is not the only "Civil-Rights-era" figure who is envious of this "newcomer". People like Jesse have made their living on the MLK style of leadership and over the years have convinced the media that they somehow "represent" black people. We in the African-American community know this to be false.

Jesse and others like him (AL Sharpton) have many, many detractors in the black community. I wish the media would stop putting these guys on TV to expouse the "black" persepctive when we are just like every other ethnicity in America, as in we all have differing opinions, and if that doesn't prove we as black people don't always agree, then take a look at black-on-black crime, starting in Wash, DC.

Obama did not bow down and kiss the rings of these self-anointed succesors to MLK, nor should he. Again, he is running to Prsident of the United States, not just of black Americans.

Jesse is for Jesse. Unfortunately, there is an issue with a segment of the black community with regards to drugs, crime and fatherless families. In some areas, it is very high in those three categories. There is not any government program or whites to blame for that. As a young black male, I see too much of this. I did not grow up with much money but I was determined not to become involved in crime, drugs and becoming a young father. I worked hard to get a college degree and get a decent job. Excuses need to end. Personal responsibility needs to happen with a segment of the black community. Jesse and others need to stop being dismissive of people's wrong decisions and start with some tough love. I thank Bill Cosby and Barack Obama for saying what should be said. I am not perfect, but at least I accept that my choices will either help me or hurt me.

Jackson has the same discontent for Obama's agenda and rhetoric many of us have. For 3 years now he's been the wunderkind of the left and way-left flank of the Democratic party–in the realm where Jesse Jackson and many others have always resided.

Now that he appears to be the nominee, he is blatantly moving his rhetoric and platform towards the moderate/conservative center. While his words may sound more moderate even a little conservative–his agenda (the most socialist in America's history) still remains.

With good reason, Jackson and others are shocked that he distances himself from old liberal allies in favor of appearing more centrist in his ideology. Jackson feels duped and that the people he has been fighting for his entire life are being led down a flower garden path that doesn't exist in the reality of an Obama administration.

Reality sucks.

Well i still dont care about what jesse jackson said. He need to understand that things are changing. We are trying to go foward not back ward.

Debbie just because Jesse Jackson is black doesn't mean he has to support Obama. I'm an African American women and will continue to bash Obama everyday. He messed with the wrong person and that was my girl Hillary!!!

PUMA-SF: Puma Power SF

Take a trip to Zimbabwe and spend some time witnessing true electoral injustice at work. There you can share your expertise and knowledge in the fields of governance and fair elections. For your efforts, perhaps you’ll receive a well-deserved machete welcome party.

Cretin

intresting i think the disgrace are the people that dont believe in change not BARACK OBAMA.

OBAMA 08.

You know I would really Really like to put Rev Jackson, Hannity, Rev Wright, Limbaugh, and the rest of those Ignorant dopes on a desert Island.

America is trying to get past this divisive crap. In all honesty Obama's message was right on point. If you don't agree try looking up statistcs.

Can we talk instead about what Phil Gramm, McCains top economic advisor, is thinking when he called us a 'nation of whiners’ regarding the economy? Can we please get our priorities straight and stop bailing out Senator McCain on the real issues? Please stop acting like a tabloid?

He was ticked and shot his mouth off. Big deal - everyone shoots their mouths off once in a while. Who cares?

Sen Obama has not pandered or flip-flopped on these issues. In the father's day speech, he was talking about all absent dads, but he did qualify that it was very apparent in the African-American community.

It's true. Fisa was a compromise. We still need to be protected. I do not personally agree, but I understand his reasons behind it.

Democrats, we have to understand that Sen Obama will be a president to all Americans, not just the so-called far left democrats.

Understand that we will all never agree on any one issue, but we will be able to work together for a reasonable solution.

PUMA-SF:

So you are going to go with McCain who's top economical adviser says the economy is failing due to peoples "Mentalities" and we need to stop "whining"? I am going with the person that understands that we need long term solutions and that we need to break the current cycle.

JESSE JACKSON DEEPLY ENVIOUS OF BARACK OBAMA? THAT IS
ONLY HALF OF IT.. HE HAS BEEN IGNORED . AND NO WONDER.
WHAT HAS BEEN ON HIS MIND ABOUT OBAMA CAME OUT UNEXPECTELY AND UNAWARE OVER AN OPEN MICROPHONE.
HIS APOLOGY , LIKE HIS FAILED CANDIDACIES CANNOT BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. HE SAID WHAT HE SAID AND MEANT THEM.

Obama will use all of the AA like he used Rev Wright, until he no longer needs them. Right now he is looking for more white votes. He knows he has the AA–they have no one else they like. i don't blame the great leaders of civil rights–he is giving them no credit for all their years of work, including the Clintons. Yet he uses Race as a Mantra whenever he needs it!

Will people now start to realize the "black vote" that Obama received during the primary was more to support "our guy" that support for him and his policies?

If more cracks appear in his black support wil the supper delegates rethink their vote at the convention? Or does the money spent on getting a NFL stadium, sorry convention hall not good enough for " I am one of the people", to make a nice photo op preclude that?

interesting. Blacks aren't mad at Obama for flip flopping or anything of the sorts. There are blacks who never supported Obama. And it is sad to say that we as a Black race have always had problems supporting one another. I'm not saying you have to vote for the guy just because he's black but you don't have to partcipate in trying to bring him down, like the BET owner, whatever his name is. Everyone is entitled to his opinion but Blacks have enough people hating their progress so we don't need to be stomped on by our own race.

Its a good thing it was Jessie that blundered and not some "white persons" remarks. There would be riots in the streets for days, firing of that person, name caling of that person. That person woudl have to "pay" big time. Jessie is getting off easy.

I don't know why Jesse Jackson can say and think such things about Obama. It is beyond me. Throughout the human history, those who work and fight for better tomorrow very often don't recognize it when it comes because it often comes in much unexpected way. This is the problem of Jesse Jackson and many of his generation.

If you can make a child, then you should do your best to take care of that child. There is nothing wrong about saying it.

Seem like everyone is getting thrown under the bus. The grandmother, The Kids, Bill, Hillary, even Obama got threw under himself by Jesse Jackson!!

Many men like Jackson, who try hard to obtain a goal and can't reach it for whatever the reason. The reasons can be of their doing or just the time isn't right, they want to hurt the person that does make it.

This often happens in many cultures, but the problem has particularly destructive effect among the African American males. Jackson's statement truly reflexes envy, a hard thing for many people to deal with effectively and positively.

Jackson is annoyed that Obama isn't preaching the same tired sermon he and Sharpton have been for the last 45 years. That message is that all black problems are caused by white people. That was probably more true than not in 1960. Today the opposite is true. You can't fix a problem before you admit there is a problem.

"Jesse Jackson" and "thinking" should not be used in the same sentence.

It appears not everyone is on board the Obama train as it steams onwards without concern for criticism

Jessie Jackson said what he said, apologized for it and Senator Obama accepted the apology - so let's move on. I agree with what Senator Obama said about fathers being fathers and it applies to all communities - there are absentee fathers in every community.

I want to hear more about Gramm's comments about our mental ression - I'd love to hear his explanation of that one.

This was an accident, Jesse Jackson did not know his mic was on. I can understand that Jesse Jackson wants Obama to talk more about poverty issues and other issues he doesn't feel Obama is addressing, he just said it in front of a hot mic, he did not mean for the whole country to hear what he said. BTW, this is America and he should be entitle to his opinion.

Jesse Jackson wasn't thinking at all and hasn't done so for some time.

Jackson needs to seek help.

Jesse Jackson wasn"t thnking anything.

Jackson, a pastor, civil rights activist, who has fathered a child out of wedlock, whose other son is a co-chairman of Obama's campaign made these hateful ugly remarks? How can he not realize that he hurts more than he helps by opening up his mouth??

What we all think, Obama panders worst then anybody. He needs white votes now. The percentage of black unweds and missing fathers is the highest. More of them are flakes then any other race..

From my sources, Jackson let a private issue get made public. Like many far left wing liberals, there are blacks who are VERY MAD at Obama from what I hear.

They don't like his flip flop when it comes to FISA, DC Handgun Ban and the 2nd Amendment, Refining Iraq War Stance, Support of Bush's Faith Based Initiatives.

Like Rev. Wright felt for 20 years, many people feel that Obama has used him to get where he is at. But, when you fall for anything, you are perceived as a fool.

So let those who picked this disgrace, suffer the consequences.

Ok. Jesse Jackson, this arican american woman officially has NO respect for you!!!

Obama '08

Jackson said exactly what he thinking. There's no way to spin out of this. He doesn't trust Obama nor does he like him. He's being forced to tow the line just like everyone else but at least he's Black so he won't be accused of being a racist. Obama remains unqualified to be president. If he is on the top of the ticket my vote will go to McCain.

Puma Power

Simply put, Rev. Jackson is jealous of Obama.

Jackson was thinking about himself and his own illegitimate child and affairs while married. Obama's views must have stung him. That and the enduring limelight Obama seems to have captured.

It doesn't matter whether he thought the mike was on or off. What matters is what he believed, as evidenced by what he said.

Yo Jesse, who's next on the hit list, Bill Cosby?

This isn't news!!!! Hey CNN!!! How about talking about the McCain camp calling americans whiners and claiming we are in a mental recession??? How dare he call me a whiner when I am a hard working american, who doesn't just spend, but am having a hard time with rising gas prices. You have some nerve!!!

Jesse Jr threw Jesse Sr under the bus with Obama's Grandma. It must be getting crowded under there! So much for family loyalty-I sure would stick up for my parent over a politician!

And I found out that the Jackson family lives in the same neighborhood with Obama. Which means he lives near Ayers. Hm, maybe Jackson should apologize for living in the same neighborhood, just like they expected Obama to apologize.

Jesse jackson just wanted another 15 minutes of fame, and it got out of hand. He should have just melted back into the distance, but he's been on CNN today several times. He should just become unavailable and it will all blow over, unless he continues to contact CNN about it.