Obama targets black South Carolinians

He's after voters in mostly-white New Hampshire and now Barack Obama is targeting black voters in South Carolina with a new radio ad by US Representative Jesse Jackson Jr., the Illinois politician and son of the civil rights activist.

Jackson's ad, which begins airing today on 36 gospel and R&B radio stations across South Carolina, celebrates Obama's advocacy for African-American communities. "Once, South Carolina voted for my father, and sent a strong message to the nation," Jackson says in the 60-second ad. "Next year, you can send more than a message. You can launch a President." Jackson also says, "Obama has a heart that beats for our community. And he's dedicated his life to the struggle." Listen to the ad here.

Obama's campaign unveiled the ad in advance of this weekend's gospel tour through South Carolina. The tour, designed to build support for Obama among black, religious voters, has caused a hiccup for his campaign because one of the performers is an outspoken critic of homosexuality.