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Obama accepts Jackson's apology
Barack Obama has accepted Jesse Jackson's apology for the distasteful remarks Jackson made about the presumptive Democratic candidate last Sunday.
Jackson said he didn't realize his microphone was on during a break in his appearance on the TV program "Fox & Friends." Read the Associated Press story.
Watch the video below to see the (censored) remarks:
What do you think about this incident? Post your opinion below.



Jesse Jackson should know better than to trust Fox News to turn off a microphone when they have a chance to get some dirt. I'm sure they play the clip as often as they can. Divide and Conquer!
Can't remember what show is was, maybe South Park? But the funny line went something like "Who voted Jesse Jackson the President of Black America?"
Obama did the right thing by accepting his appology, but like a lot of older political hacks (white, black, liberal and conservative) Jesse needs to realize his time is coming to an end.
That was a silly thing to do on Reverend Jackson's part. Ultimately though I don't care.
That figures, Fox and Friends, would not turn of the MIC at a break. That is not a
very classy move to do !! Way to go Fox news.
Jackson is disgusting, and it is a miracle that he is still given a platform after this comment and his past comments, especially about Jews. If Don Imus ever said a fraction of what Jackson has gotten away with, he'd be hung in Times Square.
Jackson is jealous that Obama is being embraced by America, and does not need to speak to black people like they are victims or pander to "white guilt."
We all love moments like this because the high polished, shiny public figures that work so hard to create and spin their image are shown to have feet of clay. Its too bad that there really is not the freedom to speak your mind in this country. It would be great if Jesse Jackson and everyone else could "tell it like it is" without fear of reprisal. Of course they might not get elected or be so important anymore, but it would be wonderful!
WOW! WHAT A GREAT NEWS STORY! And a dirty, stinking cheap trick leaving on the mic, and a silly whoopsee by the former presidential candidate. You folks slay me. Anybody who runs for office, BIG office, polarizes. You can't please all the people all the time so all this hoopla is about this comment is total BS. What about FISA? THAT'S News. Sheesh!
much ado about nothing
Woooow What was Jackson thinking? How could you have not known that fox news was going to record you? This is just another form of black on black crime.
I think the whole episode was staged as a way for Obama to distance himself from Jesse Jackson and the "old guard" of African-American political leadership, which is generally not well-liked by the white voters Obama will need to win the election. Jesse agreed to fall on the sword.
Obama should apologize for talking donw to black men at every chance, when are jobs coming to the city any city, crack treatment like meth treatment, equal justice under the law, police brutality etc. I don't need a lecture from obama, I raise my kids because thats my responsibility. Obama has time and ideas for every grouip but african americans.
Jessie Jackson needs to go away. Even his own son can't stand this kind of behavior. And no one with a brain cares what Jackson has to say.
Not really a big surprise!
Obama represents everything that Jackson claims is impossible. That african americans can succeed and rise to the top.
Jesse Jackson is a loser, and does absolutely nothing to help black people in this country. He buries his head in the sand and keeps blaming "whitie" for everything that the black people go through. He promotes racism by acting like that, not helping. It is true what Obama says about the black population. Jesse - take your loser head out of the sand, you cheating, bad father you. Yes, there is more crime in the black community, more single parent families and more unemployment. It is about time that some leaders in that community look in the mirror.
Jackson is only partially correct. Obama "talks down" to EVERYONE; black, white, green and purple. It's that liberal, elitist mentality.
I wonder how many "surgical knives" Jesse will receive in the mail?
What a man says "off the record" demonstrates better the true person he is than when he knows "the mike is open." We have a chance to show our true character every time we utter a word or make a gesture. Jesse, once again, has given us a glimpse inside Jesse's true character.
I think that Amercia is so caught up in race that it will always be dragged down because of this. We spend too much time debating race and diversity. We are constanctly trying to seperate and it is wrong. We call it celebrating diversity and race when we have all of these so called months or days that are supposed to celebrate a particular race or culture. Our economy is sinking because our businesses in America only perform at 60 pct of what they could. We are too concerned with law suits and diversity training and thus production and real substance are lost. I go to stores and restauraunts accrosss this country and always pick up on racial tension and I see many employees just doing the minimum the place is dirty and employees justs standing around with attitudes. I have traveled the world and in many places such as Japan you just do not see all this senseless nonsense. They get along and are very productive. We have to move past all this crap and talk about real issues at hand. Obama was correct in his statements to the black folks at the church. But when the truth comes out it hurts and folks do not want to admit it. I remember Bill Cosby being slammed by just making responsible comments and trying to help. We need to move on from all of this special interest crap and stop this whole minority and majority stuff.
Once again, I believe that Reverend Jackson's comments are based on his underlying problem which is his wish to be center stage and his basic feelings of frustration that he is twarted in this pursuit. Obama is succeeding in gaining the respect of Americans of all colors, Jesse Jackson is seen by many as a pontificating bag of air.
I can't find out who Jesse is talking to. I recognize him though. Obviously not comfortable. Does anyone know his name?
Jesse Jackson (much like Al Sharpton) is consumed by jealousy that Obama has obtained the party's nomination. Aside from Obama's ability to inspire millions of voters who relate to him, I think the thing that angers Jackson most is the fact that Obama's primary focus is what is best for ALL Americans, as opposed to what is best for any one particular group of people.
Lastly, perhaps Rev. Jackson objects to Obama's call for accountablilty and responsiblity because he feels it doesn't apply to him. He is, after all, financially supporting his out-of-wedlock baby.
I think of it this way. Jesse would be out of a job if Obama is successful! Jesse does not want to be out of a job, so the best thing he can do is point out where Obama is "talking down to black people." Get a grip Jesse, Obama is putting forth some facts that you do not want to acknowledge.
I think this showed Jesse Jackson's true feelings about Obama. Seemed like he is not a fan. I don't think that is something you would say about someone you call a friend.
I believe Jackson's comments are comming from jealousy.
He has defenitely done himself a disservice with this one.
I am not necessarily an Obama supporter, but I believe that Jackson's remarks only further illustrate that the black community should not have him serve as the standard of deportment or advice. This type of "jealousy" does not enhance the cause of any group.
Kind of funny how Republicans say the candidate who's mom had to go on food stamps, and only recently paid off his college loans is the "elite" one.
And not the guy who keeps insisting on tax cuts for the top 2% most wealthy people in the the nation, and insists on removing estate taxes from the most wealthy
Jesse Jackson says it -it's o.k. I a white person of any prominence says it - it's considered racisim. Can the double standard be any more obivious.
Jesse Jackson once said that Obama is acting like a white person... What do "white people" act like? Is there something wrong with acting like a "white person"
Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are nothing but raciest. I'm sick of the double standard.
Fox said on air that this was a small part of what was recorded and by no means the worst part. Fox said if they wanted to stick it to Jesse, they would have shared the rest of the recording.
I bet the lefties would be crying to Fox to play the balance of what was said if it was negative about a Republican.
What exactly is Jackson's job?
As a Rev., he is a hypocrite.
How does he make money and besides putting his own face infront of a camera, what exactly is his purpose?
How is asking black men to take responibility for their kids, and asking and expecting folks to pull themselves up instead of waiting for someone to do it for them- talking down to black people?
It needs to be said out loud from within our own community and I think coming from someone that has done it, it should be praised, not criticized.
If the African Americans actually did that, jackson, would be out of a job.
Blame Fox News you idiots, not what the man said. Typical liberal crap. Always the victim.
Jesse Jackson is a tired old black man who needs to go away and stay away. His time has already come and gone. I knew Obama would graciously accept his apology.
I just don’t understand what Jessie Jackson was talking about. He should know that he cannot castrate Obama. Hillary already did that over the last fourteen Democratic primaries.
The people that blame Fox are pathetic. Don't blame the guy that says the words. Never any personal responsibility. Liberals, all the same.
What hypocrisy! Everyone is getting so bent out of shape over Jackson's remarks. It's he's opinion, whether people like it or not. It's freedom of speech. Maybe he has good reason to think that way, maybe he doesn't. Either way, it's he's personal opinion.
I can just picture Al Sharpton crying "Appologize"!! Anyone seen the South Park episode?
maybe the simple truth is this, if Jesse Jackson feels the way he did, why not jst stand up and admit it? oh i know its because he wants a black president, it doesnt matter what you belive in i guess its just about the color of your skin?
Is that what minorities keep telling white people that we do?
i.e. if you vote for someone based on skin color, your a racist. and we just heard and saw the proof that there are blacks that dont like obama but will vote based on skin.
Heres to America, the land of Hypocrisy.
Jesse should be ashamed of his latest antic. His blunders over the past few years are embarrasing, especially for his family.
I knew when I first heard Barack Obama years ago. That he would be the president one day. He is a amazing man and our country needs someone like him to run our country. Jesse Jackson is completely out of touch with the American people. He should be ashamed of his self. I don't care if Mr. Obama is white, black or pink. He is good for our country, which is in the worst shape it has been in years. He is a truly amazing man. And I respect him. And by the way, I am white and a grandmother.
How does one apologize for such a gaffe? It has always puzzled my as to why the greater media provide a forum for the like of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. Anything with racial overtones, real or imagined, the media rushes to Jesse or Al for an opinion. They are like a bad cold, ignore them and they will go away. of course, it isn't news any more...it entertainment!
Jesse's comments were simply hurtful for the African-American community. and the Democratic Party. I think it is time for Jesse to step down and pass the torch to a new generation of 2lst thinking leaders. The Civil Rights Movement has come and gone. Obama speaks for America not a particular race of people. Thank god, Jesse's son has common sense and confronted his father about those ugly comments.
Jessie, like everyone, is ultimately concerned with one color...green. Obama's success demonstrates that race is a non-issue. He is going to need to find work that is not based on encouraging segregation.
Through out Obama's campaign, people just could not resist but add racial nonsense; just because he happens to be of African descent. When are you people going to get over the race card crap!
Surprised at how many people are more appalled that Fox left the mic on than are appalled at what Jesse actually said. Will the public demand that he be fired from his "job"?
And the headline is:
Obnoxious Race-Hustler JJ Found Carrying Dangerous Weapon (Mouth) Without Permit; Shoots Self and Bystander.
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