Apparently after an interview with a fox news correspondant, Jesse Jackson (who thought his mic was off) said "See, Barack's been talking down to black people ... I want to cut his nuts off." Cnn.com
You can watch the video here.
You know you messed up when your son (Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. of Illinois -- co-chair of Obama's presidential campaign) makes these comments
"I'm deeply outraged and disappointed in Rev. Jackson's reckless statements about Sen. Barack Obama," the younger Jackson said. "His divisive and demeaning comments about the presumptive Democratic nominee -- and I believe the next president of the United States -- contradict his inspiring and courageous career."Cnn.com
Jackson put the remarks into context by saying
"I was in a conversation with a fellow guest on Sunday. He asked about Barack's speeches lately at the black churches. I said he comes down as speaking down to black people." One of the speeches that he is referring to is a speech that Barack Obama gave on Fathers Day in which he said, "We need them to realize that what makes you a man is not the ability to have a child -- it's the courage to raise one." Jackson feels that Barack Obama is not addressing the economic and social problems for the black community and only issuing a "moral challenge."
This is bullshit, Barack Obama is the only candidate committed to maintaining and reforming the social safety net, as opposed to John "social security is a disgrace" McCain. He is the only candidate who will provide relief for ALL Americans, not just black ones. Jesse Jackson took offense to this because finally a Democratic politician did speak about the personal responsibility of families, instead of continually saying its all the governments fault.
If any candidate is qualified to speak about this issue, it is Barack Obama. He knows from first hand experience what the effect of growing up in a home without a father is. He was lucky enough to have other family to support him, but he is aware that not everyone is so fortunate. I think this episode may actually help the Obama campaign. They reinforce his image as a change candidate. Jesse Jackson is clearly the old guard and Obama has moved forward to take his place. Also, I found that when Jesse Jackson is against you most of America is probably for you. This also gives Obama a chance to reiterate a message that is appealing to a wide swath of Americans.
Burton, Obama's spokesman responded by saying
"As someone who grew up without a father in the home, Sen. Obama has spoken and written for many years about the issue of parental responsibility, including the importance of fathers participating in their children's lives," Burton said. "He also discusses our responsibility as a society to provide jobs, justice, and opportunity for all." Cnn.com
This is a winning message for the Obama campaign. The idea that the government will provide equal opportunity and the rest is up to you. That is essentially what the American dream is founded on. Jackson really put his foot in his mouth on this one, but once again Barack will rise above.