McCain campaign targets Jesse Jackson comments
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/10/15/art.jackson.gi.jpg caption="Jackson is a supporter of Barack Obama."](CNN) - The McCain campaign is targeting Barack Obama over recent comments from the Rev. Jesse Jackson suggesting the Illinois senator would fundamentally change U.S. policy toward Israel.
"It should not surprise anyone that Obama’s supporters see what others, from the terrorist group Hamas to Iranian President Ahmadinejad, have seen: an Obama presidency would bring real change to America’s policy of support for Israel," said McCain senior foreign policy adviser Randy Scheunemann.
Jackson's comments came at the World Policy Forum in Evian, France last week and were quoted Tuesday by New York Post columnist Amir Taheri. According to Taheri, Jackson reportedly said that under an Obama administration, the "Zionists who have controlled American policy for decades" will come to an end and as would America's policy of "of putting Israel's interests first."
"Obama is about change," Jackson said. "And the change that Obama promises is not limited to what we do in America itself. It is a change of the way America looks at the world and its place in it."
Officials from the Obama campaign immediately distanced themselves from the comments, noting Jackson is not an adviser to the campaign and does not speak for the Illinois senator.
"As he has made clear throughout his career and throughout this campaign, Barack Obama has a fundamental commitment to a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, and he is advised by people like Dennis Ross, Daniel Kurtzer, Rep. Robert Wexler, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Senator Joe Biden who share that commitment," Obama national security spokeswoman Wendy Morigi said in a statement.
But the McCain campaign, who has long sought to portray Obama as naïve when it comes to foreign affairs and capitalize on the fact some Jewish voters have yet to warm to the Democratic presidential nominee, said Jackson's comment is telling of the kind of foreign policy Obama would pursue.
"Barack Obama expressed support for Jerusalem being the undivided capital of Israel and switched his position 24 hours later in the face of criticism from Palestinians," Scheunemann said. "Barack Obama has said it is a 'disgrace' that the United States has not met unconditionally with leaders committed to Israel’s destruction. Now, Barack Obama claims to be a strong supporter of Israel but his supporters - here and abroad - know better."
From CNN Politics
- Pressure builds on Biden to act on guns in wake of Colorado mass shooting March 23, 2021 12:16 pm
- Sidney Powell argues in new court filing that no reasonable people would believe her election fraud claims March 23, 2021 12:15 pm
- Postmaster General set to announce 10-year plan including longer mail delivery times and cuts to post office hours March 23, 2021 12:02 pm
- Progressive group launches $3.2 million advertising buy to push federal voting law March 23, 2021 11:01 am
- US and allies announce sanctions against Chinese officials for 'serious human rights abuses' against Uyghurs March 23, 2021 10:32 am
- Analysis: Trump's army takes aim at 2022 touting his election lies March 23, 2021 05:01 am
Jesse Jackson need to keep his mouth and pant shut. By the way will when will people get it Jesse Jackson do not speak for all black people.
I see that the Obama apologists and excuse makers are back in full force. While it is true that one cannot control what someone else says, this latest Jesse Jackson comment is just one part of a larger pattern that continues to develop in regards to Obama. We are continuing to see more and more people who are connected intimately to Obama revealing Obama's true character. This is what we conservatives have been saying all along. Obama's record is completely opposite of what he has been telling the American public. How does that make you good little Liberals feel, knowing that this man has to pretend he does not hold your beliefs in order to appeal to independent voters to win an election?
Since when was Jessie Jackson a credible source for any news, let alone on Obamas' positions.
Jessie Jackson only speaks to get attention for himself.
Obama is a friend to Israel and all American allies.
I can't wait to vote for President Barack Hussein Obama!
Jesse Jackson is not an Obama surrogate. McCain truly is grasping at straws. Does McCain want to be held responsible for everything one of his famous supporters says or does? I doubt it.
Jesse Jackson is acting like Omarossa.
Jesse,
Every time you open your mouth out comes trouble for Obama.
How do you know what he is thinking, are you a mind reader?
For once PLEASE "Shut the Hell Up"
I guess this is Jackson's way of making good on his threat to try cut Obama's nuts off. Jesse has now beoming a sad figure
McCain 2008:
Ignorance first...Country LAST.
Palin first.......McCain LAST
Erratic Behavior first......Country LAST
Obama FIRST.....McCain LAST
Obama/Biden '08
McCain is desperate and throwing mud and kitchen sinks. Who wants a 72 yr. old angry man and a 44 yr old beauty Pageant in the White House?
This is a time for all the "supporters" to reign their comments in. I know they want to help, but the McCain campaign is desperate and they are grabbing at straws. They will take anything anyone says and turn it around to benefit McCain. It won't work, but they will try. They need a magic bullet, and the supporters should not give it to them.
Why do you liberals blame McCain for pointing out what Obama's supporters have said??? Blame Obama for having shady alliances. Blame Obama's friends for making stupid comments. You always want to play the victim. You blame everyone else for Obama's faults. It is sad and pathetic
Oh Right!!! What does Jesse Jackson know. Is he any authority on Barack Obama? I think not.
SO does McCain have to answer for all the radical right-wing talk show hosts that support him?
Ahhh – McCain now wants us to believe that Jesse Jackson and Obama are "one in the same" (because they're both black? – well, even though one guy has a white mother, people will see him as "just black" anyway).
McCain – this culture war garbage is totally out of control. By the way, your running mate (Palin) makes Dan Quayle look like a Nobel Laureate.