Jesse Jackson Obama Comments

On July 9, 2008, Jesse Jackson apologized for comments he made about Barack Obama following an interview on FOX News. Jackson said that he didn't realize he was still being recorded when he said "cruel and hurtful" things on July 8.¹

Fast Facts

1. Comments allegedly made on July 8, 2008
2. Jesse Jackson made comments to a FOX News correspondent
3. Issued an apology on June 9, 2008
4. Apology made during an interview with CNN
5. Comments made in reference to Obama's "moral" lectures at some churches¹
6. Jackson was trying to express his concern that the lectures may hurt Obama's image in the black community¹
7. Jackson reportedly said that he wanted to "cut Obama's n**s off"²
8. Jackson's son, Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., said he was "deeply outraged and disappointed" over his father's comments³
9. Jackson Jr. is a co-chairman of Obama's national campaign³
10. Filmmaker Spike Lee called Jackson's comments "unfortunate;" said he doesn't think the criticism will affect Obama's campaign⁴

Obama's NAACP Address

Obama made a speech to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on July 14, 2008. During the speech he reiterated the need for responsibility among the African American community.⁵

Quotes

• "My appeal was for the moral content of his message to not only deal with the personal and moral responsibility of black males, but to deal with the collective moral responsibility of government and the public policy which would be a corrective action for the lack of good choices that often led to their irresponsibility."¹—Jesse Jackson, CNN

• "I'm here to report: I'm not going to stop talking about it,... we ... have to demand more from ourselves."⁵—Barack Obama, Baltimore Sun

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