Comments on: Roberts: What was Jesse Jackson thinking?

By: Jim

Jim — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:23:22 +0000

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!!

By: Keith

Keith — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:22:37 +0000

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.

By: Tom Stallings

Tom Stallings — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:22:28 +0000

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.

By: Very very tired

Very very tired — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:22:19 +0000

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.

By: Richard Bird

Richard Bird — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:22:12 +0000

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.

By: Tom

Tom — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:22:07 +0000

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?

By: Robert

Robert — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:22:05 +0000

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.

By: robb

robb — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:21:42 +0000

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?

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:20:14 +0000

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.

By: Beer for my Horses

Beer for my Horses — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:20:10 +0000

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

By: LNJ , Houston

LNJ , Houston — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:19:04 +0000

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.

By: jesus

jesus — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:18:42 +0000

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

By: African American Woman?

African American Woman? — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:18:37 +0000

"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.

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:18:34 +0000

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

By: Michelle

Michelle — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:18:09 +0000

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

By: Noah

Noah — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:16:36 +0000

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.

By: somename

somename — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:16:04 +0000

Finally he has show who he is.

By: Every white man alive

Every white man alive — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:15:24 +0000

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!

By: KenB, MI

KenB, MI — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:15:13 +0000

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.

By: mzbond

mzbond — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:15:05 +0000

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.

By: MoonCaptain

MoonCaptain — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:14:52 +0000

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.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:12:51 +0000

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!"

By: jean HUISSEIN

jean HUISSEIN — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:12:49 +0000

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

By: African American Woman

African American Woman — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:12:05 +0000

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.

By: P. M. Guther

P. M. Guther — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:11:09 +0000

Reverend? Not so much.

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

P. M. Guther
Canada

By: OBAMA MAMA

OBAMA MAMA — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:11:00 +0000

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.

By: Ez

Ez — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:10:42 +0000

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

By: John Wilson

John Wilson — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:10:14 +0000

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

By: jay

jay — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:09:53 +0000

Jessie who?

By: The US abolishes century old clinton dynasty

The US abolishes century old clinton dynasty — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:09:37 +0000

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

By: Chuck Paugh

Chuck Paugh — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:09:21 +0000

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.

By: ac

ac — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:08:58 +0000

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.

By: Tasha from Houston, TX

Tasha from Houston, TX — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:08:28 +0000

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.

By: Len

Len — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:07:28 +0000

Lucky for Jesse, that he is black.

There are no double standards in America. right lol

By: slkwly

slkwly — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:07:11 +0000

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.

By: Glad to be an Independent

Glad to be an Independent — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:06:48 +0000

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.

By: Praetorian, Fort Myers

Praetorian, Fort Myers — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:05:11 +0000

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.

By: randy

randy — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:03:49 +0000

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.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:03:21 +0000

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!!!

By: arc, Lugano CH

arc, Lugano CH — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:00:13 +0000

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

By: spice

spice — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:59:27 +0000

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

OBAMA 08.

By: Independent Fred

Independent Fred — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:58:49 +0000

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.

By: Abby

Abby — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:57:33 +0000

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?

By: Joel

Joel — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:57:28 +0000

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

By: proud army and navy mom

proud army and navy mom — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:57:18 +0000

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.

By: Tori, Oregon

Tori, Oregon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:55:41 +0000

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.

By: jimmy velman

jimmy velman — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:55:34 +0000

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.

By: Carole

Carole — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:54:58 +0000

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!

By: Rob Kole

Rob Kole — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:54:50 +0000

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?

By: Debbie,Ewing,Nj

Debbie,Ewing,Nj — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:53:04 +0000

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.