Jesse Jackson apologizes for comments critical of Obama
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/07/09/art.jackson.gi.jpg caption="Jackson apologized for his comments about Obama Wednesday."](CNN) — The Rev. Jesse Jackson issued an apology to Barack Obama Wednesday for making what he called a "crude and hurtful" remark about the Illinois senator's recent comments directed toward some members of the black community.
According to Jackson, a Fox News microphone picked up comments he meant to deliver privately that seemed to disparage the presumptive Democratic nominee for appearing to lecture the black community on morality.
Jackson, who has endorsed Obama, didn't elaborate on the context of his remarks, except to say he was trying to explain that Obama was hurting his relationship with black voters by recently conducting "moral" lectures at African-American churches.
Watch: Jackson apologizes to Obama
Jackson's apology came a few hours before Fox News planned to air the remarks.
Speaking to CNN Wednesday, Jackson said he feels "very distressed" over the comments.
"This is a sound bite in a broader conversation about urban policy and racial disparities. I feel very distressed because I'm supportive of this campaign and with the senator, what he has done and is doing," he said. "I said he comes down as speaking down to black people. The moral message must be a much broader message. What we need really is racial justice and urban policy and jobs and health care. That's a range of issues on the menu.
"Then I said something I regret was crude. It was very private. And very much a sound bite," he also said.
In a statement issued earlier Wednesday to CNN, Jackson said, "For any harm or hurt that this hot mic private conversation may have caused, I apologize. My support for Senator Obama’s campaign is wide, deep and unequivocal. I cherish this redemptive and historical moment."
Over the course of the campaign season, Obama has at times directed criticism directly to the black community, most sharply in a Chicago speech on Father's Day that criticized some men for failing in their duties as parents.
"They have abandoned their responsibilities, acting like boys instead of men. And the foundations of our families are weaker because of it," Obama said then.
"You and I know how true this is in the African-American community. We know that more than half of all black children live in single-parent households, a number that has doubled — doubled — since we were children. We know the statistics: that children who grow up without a father are five times more likely to live in poverty and commit crime, nine times more likely to drop out of schools and twenty times more likely to end up in prison," he also said.
The Obama campaign had no immediate comment.
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Jessie, even if you thought you were off mike, it still was wrong to talk about Obama behind his back, if you are a so called supporter.
No black person owes ANY apology to Obama. Jesse Jackson was at least part of the Civil Rights movement. Obama? He doesn't even have American slaves in his ancestry! All he ever did was exploit the white guilt, play the race card, and pretend to be the victim.
It's disgusting!
Mr. Jackson! DON'T apologize to this pretentious exploiter!
Jesse Jackson only wants publicity.
Obama's statement about the black male during his Father's Day speech was true. Too many of ous sons, brothers, are fathering children and not being responsible. Where is the stand for morality; marrying some man's daugther instead of dropping it like it's hot! Many of these young men have nice cars, fancy clothes, and living in their parents homes. Like a very well know music artist said "moma's talking about "that's my baby"; yes; making babies in your house!
From the man who brought you "Hymie-town'
That's too funny.
Jesse Jackson, It is over for him, and no one will listen to him.
Jesse, we have all made comments about Obama and will continue to with his farce and Obamabot following.
Three goes FOX News again trying to drum up a story. These guys are worse than pathetic.
*yawn*
It's all about race, right?
I realize racism isn't completely dead in this country, but give it a break. So tired of hearing about it. The only way it's going to die is if leaders, teachers, parents, *ahem* and news networks stop fanning the fire!
Welcome back Ted.
Go to Georgia and register voters Jesse that's how you can help instead of hurt.
Why is it that when someone like imus says something people di-sect it. We dont even know what jackson said because it is being thrown under the rug.. we should be able to know what he said, and he should have to face the consecquences just like everyone else.
Jesse Jackson = epic fail
Why am I not surprised. A Fox News microphone picked it up.
this could only be good for Obama. But still voting for Barr.
Is the Obama campaign and his surrogates going to accuse Jesse Jackson of racism? I doubt it.
"According to Jackson, a Fox News microphone picked up comments....."
ha ha ha.... evil catches evil.... or an idiot catches an idiot!!! LOL!!!
"My appeal was for the moral content of his message to not only deal with the personal and moral responsibility of black males...."
This coming from a man who had a child with his mistress.
Give me a friggin' break. Obama is a saint compared to this man.
He needs to follow his own advice.
As an African American this is very upsetting. The only thing he is sorry about is that he got caught. Why is he even still around? Hows your illegitimate child?
Well ... what did he say?
Why post an apology without noting what he apologized for?
its all right Jesse we dont have to agree with Pres. Obama on everything to know he is the best man for the white House.
Jesse, know your place and be comfortable in it. Don't do more harm than good. Not only should your support be unequivocal, but so should your words.
Well what did Jackson say? Stop trying so hard to protect Obama and report the news!
The democratic nominee, Mr. Obama will set the policy and his speach on Father's day was dead on target.
Back up off him Jesse.