Jesse Jackson: Obama Just Turned Crisis Into Opportunity

JULY 9, 2008 UPDATE: Jesse Jackson's vulgar comments about Obama caught on tape...

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Reverend Jesse Jackson, who is no stranger to America's racial battles and whose own runs for the White House have been, on occasion, used as a barometer for Sen. Barack Obama, offered effusive praise for Obama's address today on the topic of race and politics.

The head of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, who supports Obama, claimed the Illinois Democrat had averted "crisis" and created "opportunity" by laying out a unifying vision to confront racial and political divides.

"I thought it was a culmination of tough-minded, tender-hearted and a clear vision," Jackson told the Huffington Post. "It really was warm, filling, captive, reconciling and comprehensive and it displayed real true grit. He was forthright not evasive and used it as a teaching moment in American history: America's struggle to overcome its past and become a more perfect union. And once he made the case about the past and the complexities of Reverend Wright's life or [Geraldine] Ferraro's for that matter, he made the case that we are here now, but this time we will go forward by hope and not backwards by fear."

Earlier in the day, Jackson appeared at a Take Back America conference on the legacy of Martin Luther King, in which the topic of race on the 2008 campaign trail came up with some regularity. Asked if he thought voters would respond well to the nuance and broad vision of Obama's address, Jackson said he had not doubt.

"I think American saw an even deeper and more profound view of him today," he said. "He has turned crisis into opportunity."

Comments

[EuroRant1]

HuffPost's Pick

I live and work in Europe. My job allows me the privilege of coming into contact with many citizens from many Western European countries here. I am constantly inundated by questions about our next president Barack Obama. It has been a long time coming but I can actually say that I am really proud to be an American again. The world is well aware about our election primaries and they are hoping that we have finally “grown up”.

My fellow Democrats - do the math, it’s over.

Senator Obama, this speech on racism, has proven to the world that you are not one to run from your problems but face them head on and address them. This is exactly what our nation so desperately needs at this time and is so looking for in a leader.

Once again you have proven to be are a true gentleman and a great statesman, and throughout this campaign you chose to take the high road. Senator Obama, you have run a masterful national campaign against a rival whose nomination was said to be inevitable when you began, and you have had to rely on your own powers of inspiration and persuasion to get this far. The polls and results now overwhelmingly indicate that you have sealed the nomination and the conclusion is quite inevitable and apparent in your favor, to continue supporting Senator Clinton at this point is folly.

As reluctant supporters, we will now put down our weapons and words of anger towards our fellow Democrats and take that same energy and fury and aim it towards the true opposition, John McCain.
From one whom views his homeland from afar or as I like to say, “outside the fishbowl” my country is at this moment is targeted by the most destructive machine ever allowed to destroy and/or weaken the Constitution of the United States.

We must now through November focus our energy and everything that is in us to stop this, the greatest of all threats to the American people, the Republican Party and the Neo-Cons who are hell-bent on destroying us … for the simple reason of power and wealth.

So let’s all calm down and swallow our pride, roll up our sleeves and put our boots on. We have a bigger and larger threat pending to finish us off.

[rwferr]

Its over but its over for Obama. He cannot win the general election. Speech or no speech middle America is not gonna vote for him. We fight all the way to the convention to save the democratic party from a terrible loss in November.

[ARundle]

Wake up! HRC can not win, unless she steals the nomination from Obama in which case she will lose in November. Obama is the last great hope for this nation.

Obama '08

[Carlo0220]

Thank God that voters don't just consist of "middle America". There is a whole new generation of voters who aren't tarnished by old school politics and hang-ups.

BTW, what exactly does "middle America" mean? Please elaborate. I'm hoping you're not going to characterize like I think you're going to, but I won't intefere with your predictable response.

[Nezua]

If you fight all the way to the convention, I think you actually will bring about that "terrible loss" you speak of. Just my take. Though I'm sure one or two others agree with me....

[Sumocat]

What America do you live in? According to American history, the more charismatic candidate always wins, and Obama is definitely that.

McCain was a strong pick in 2000, but these past eight years have worn him down. His fire has faded. Name recognition propelled him ahead of his Republican opponents, but he won't have that edge in the general, and he's a status quo candidate in a time of unending war and a floundering economy.

Likewise, Hillary thought name alone would put her on top in the primary, but she lost that once Obama got his name out there. In a panic, her campaign whipped up a theme of experience, which, if effective, is great for McCain. If Hillary convinces people that experience matters most, then people will vote for the most experienced candidate, and guess what, that's not Hillary.

If Hillary wins, her campaign will have to go full reverse. If Obama wins, his campaign needs to go full forward. Hillary might be the better candidate, but her campaign is tragically flawed and she's certainly not the only one who can beat McCain.

[Quicklund]

Middle America already IS voting for Sen Obama. Middle America will give tis man a landslide victory in November. What you meant to say is the die-hard bigots of America will never vote for Sen Obama. Well pal, those generations are dying out. Welcome to the Twenty-First Century, and come next Janurary, welcome President Barack Hussein Obama.

[sandiaview]

That was inspiring!

[WillMontgomery]

Clintonistas, rejoice in your sleaze. Republicans, huddle next to McCain. Launch your 527s.

I'm supporting the best candidate: Barack Obama for President!

[foreffectivegovernment]

HuffPost's Pick

Someone ask Jesse Jackson Sr. if he agrees with the Mafia-like, strong-arm tactics that his son, Jesse Jackson Jr. is using against the Black Caucus members of Congress to force them to denounce lifelong friendship with the Clintons to support Senator Obama.

The stated aim is to elect the "First Black President" and not the best president.

Super Delegates back Obama

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/02/AR2008030202434_pf.html

"NBC's Andrea Mitchell interviewed Lewis about his decision to switch his endorsement from Clinton to Obama. Lewis told Mitchell that the decision was extremely difficult, "much tougher" than when he helped lead the famous march on Selma, Alabama in 1965.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/27/civil-rights-icon-lewis-o_n_88757.html

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri had this to say;

In an interview, Cleaver offered a glimpse of private conversations.

He said Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. of Illinois had recently asked him "if it comes down to the last day and you're the only super delegate. ... Do you want to go down in history as the one to prevent a black from winning the White House?

"I told him I'd think about it," Cleaver concluded.

Jackson, an Obama supporter, confirmed the conversation, and said the dilemma may pose a career risk for some black politicians. "Many of these guys have offered their support to Mrs. Clinton, but Obama has won their districts. So you wake up without the carpet under your feet. You might find some young primary challenger placing you in a difficult position" in the future, he added.

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/02/16/black-superdelegates-threatened-pressured/

[S1m0n]

"Mafia-like"???

What does that even mean? Is he using cement boots? An offer they can't refuse? Death threats?

~~

Dude, an elected official's responsibility is to vote on behalf of -- and in the best interests of -- their constituents. They're NOT there to vote for their cronies on the basis of old friendships. That's corrupt.

If you think that being reminded of this--their primary duty, after all--is 'Mafia-like', both you and they are in dire need of a new line of work.

[kevenhusseinseven]

Gee. I'm shocked. A Chicago politician wheeling and dealing. I never expected to live to see it.

Meanwhile, the congressmen representing the farm belt move heaven and earth to pass farm supports.

Or let us look at military contracting?

Or shall we stick to electoral politics? OK. let's talk about how HRC has been running for the presidency for the last 20 years and did whatever she could get away with to scuttle Kerry's run.

How about Clinton locking up party machines in the Big Blue States? Is that somehow wrong? Or locking down 200 SDs before January? Is that wrong somehow?

This is politics. Get over your bad self.

[anniewade]

Another point: since Jesse Jackson's quote in the article above mentions Geraldine Ferraro, (she's still being batted around for her remark that Barack's career has benefitted from his race) its only fair to bring out into the open the following two articles which began circulating the web yesterday & will no doubt make it into the news cycle. In them, Obama admits being black has helped his career. Check them out, Huffposters:

http://obama.senate.gov/news/050626-when_it_comes_to_race_obama_ma/

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/24/washington/24obama.html?_r=1&sq=obama%20third%20senator%20reconstruction&st=nyt&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&scp=10&pagewanted=all&adxnnlx=1205814418-c8BhsJNXK3fLbHSn/StHLQ

For someone who seems like such an intelligent, good-hearted person, Barack Obama seems to have a way of surrounding himself with combative associates. Geraldine Ferraro is an elderly woman who has worked her entire life to promote liberal causes, and has been eviserated by the media & Obamas followers for making one remark, which Obama apparently agrees with. Look into your hearts people. Calm down. The supporters on both sides have become way too thoughtless and hyper.

[newunderground]

It aint beanbag, pal. Bravo to Jesse Jr, our second black president.

[realitytrumpsbull]

I don't like Rev. Jackson, either, and for the same reason I don't like Rev. Pat Robertson. If you pick up the Bible, that means you have foresworn wordly pursuits in the name of aspiring to the Kingdom of God. Obviously, there's some sort of philosophical disconnect on the part of both of these gentlemen. Maybe, maybe, if they actually were to STUDY the Scripture, instead of trying to use it as a tool of public influence? Just a thought...

[gomonkeygo]

"Crisis into opportunity" - That's the kind of President we need and want! Bush turned crisis into catastrophe. McCain would turn crisis into cataclysm. Clinton would turn crisis into cash...somehow, someway Bill would make money off it!

[kevenhussienseven]

I'd be OK with Jackson keeping a low profile on this one.

[rwferr]

Gee why is that?

[Trollstakeyourmeds]

Agreed. With all due respect, because I have long been a fan of Reverend Jackson, even gone to see him speak several times, but he and every other person considered to be the least bit controversial need to back on out of this. Senator Obama did fine with his speech, and now people need to just leave it alone.

[Nommo]

It's ok, if white politicians do that sort of thing. It is how LBJ got a lot done and he is Hilarion's hero.
What is the real issue here besides that of which how quickly the tables turn? Johnson got all kinds of praise here for strongarm tactics, re: The Civll Rights bill. Do you remember that?

You know as well as I do that a lot of Black politicians have gotten a free ride for sitting on the f*cking asses and doing much of nothing. They ought to know that somebody is watching them and we ought to be that somebody.

[RobertaInCT]

I agree, both Jackson and Sharpton should keep a very low profile. Why fan the ambers of a dying flame.

[DavieB36]

Politician=liar guess you will never vote again wow you really are stupid. The good Rev was not far off regardless of your beleif. Perhaps you should pick up a book that takes you past your own neighborhood.

[venicesurfer]

if obama is the nominee its over for him. there is no way he can run from this.

republicans wont be so nice as the clintons have been with obama.

[skw2755]

So no true - good luck with that. He's a better candidate than both of them.

[DavieB36]

In case you havent noticed the Repubs are already campaigning against Obama and lets be fair it already is "not nice" If you are implying that Something magical will comeout in a general election; not going to happen. Neither the Repubs or the Clintons want him there and they are doing everything they can to get rid of him. So far it hasn't worked. Right now Obama has twice the ammount of republican votes in the primary alone than McCain. If he wins the nomination he wins the presidency and he will win by the largest margin in recent history. This thing is already over and Obama is your next president. Get used to it.

[Seattlelite]

And what do you think republicans have in store for the Clinton's a tea party? They've got a ton of material they only need to recycle on those two. Monica will once again become a house hold name, along with his lying under oath and impeachment. They business deals, and don't think for one second the republicans won't get his library records.

[Trollstakeyourmeds]

And the saddest thing is that they are doing under stealth, safe in the fact that everything they do will be blamed on the Clintons, further angering the Obama supporters, and driving an even bigger wedge in the party. I'm sure as I'm sitting here, that Rove's hands are all over this one.

[Roose]

What can't her run from? That the US is full of race-baiters and narrow-minded bigots?

BTW: Monster Inc. have been nice? Have you heard of the Kitchen Sink Strategy employed by the Clintons to diminish Obama as a candidate and hand the election to McCain?

http://www.mercurynews.com/nationworld/ci_8365559


Honestly, I can't see the difference between Monster Inc. and the Rethugs, they're just as vile and nasty as I've ever seen.

[SAMMY7]

This is not a racial issue, Barack made it one to defend the inexcusable remarks made by his spiritual advisor. His advisor said after 9/11 "God damn America" , Barack made it a racial issue by excusing away this inappropriate beavior with racial refenenes and imagery. How dare someone say that about our country. I may criticisze our leader nd policeis but I would never disparage my own country, and would never listen to anyone who did, particularly after 9/11, when our country was really united.

[pheepher]

What makes you think the Clintons have been "nice"? What makes you think the Clintons didn't assemble the clips for cable television? You must not remember the Clinton years.

[indc]

He didn't run from anything, nothing whatsoever... it is the Bush-Cheney-Roves-Clintons that always have their sneakers ready to flee or hide or stonewall, or act contemptuously and indifferently, sending other people kids to war, voting against kids health care, giving $200B bailout to the rich on a moment's notice, playing cheap with unemployment, good schools job training, health care, stonewalling on WH papers, erasing emails, not providing tax returns, getting 500M for a library and not being publicly accountable, giving large energy company tax breaks while the make 10 of Billion a quarter in profit, pretending to care about anyone but the super wealthy only when there is an elections, the well being of everyone else be damned...

He didn't run from anything!!! You got to take you head out of the water... too much time submerged causes brain damage resulting poor perception.

[the964kid]

This was the crucial moment when the typical politician would have faded, and Obama, because he is so uniquely qualified, was able to give the most important speech on race since MLK's 'I have a dream' speech. I couldn't agree more with Rev. Jackson, this sppech was extremely informative and will hopefully be a learning experience for both black and white america. We're all here in this country and we have to decide if we're going to move forward together, or continue in the 'racial stalemate' that Barack says the country has been in for many years. It is our choice to move forward together...

[AguynamedWayne]

NO, OBAMA JUST ADMITTED THAT HE IS A LIAR.

He said previously that he had NEVER heard Rev. Wright give any anti-white anti-american speeches, and that he had never heard Rev. Wright speak badly against any race. BUT NOW he says that these speeches were common place.

A LIAR IS A LIAR.

[skw2755]

LAIR = Hillary Clinton

[JasonEverettMiller]

You didn't even read or watch the speech. He said he was "Present when his reverend made remarks that might be considered controversial." Obama lied about nothing. Finally, though it won't make any difference, what Reverend Wright said was the truth, whether you want to face that truth or not.

[lilith1]

I think you might consider re-reading the speech--it is available in full text. Acknowledging that Rev. Wright used words that may seem controversial is a FAR CRY from "anti-white or anti-American."

I realize the temptation to read what only you want to read, but I also think it is intellectually dishonest and yes, even lazy to automatically equate the word "controversial" to mean something that it does not.

[kevenhussienseven]

Nonsense. Utter nonsense. This is all going to be old news as Obama takes the oath of office.

[Trollstakeyourmeds]

There's that little thingy called counting your chickens...remember?

[AlaskaJunkie]

Hillary female supporters are desperate. loool

Obama said he heard contraversial statements before and views but not these particular sound-bites from FOX. DON'T DISTORT FACTS TO HELP HILLARY THE CROOK.

Obama got my $75 donation today. I will keep recruiting in Alaska for this great American.

FoxNews, eat you heart. The speech was a bad news for FOX.

[dsmyre]

I put the Parental Block lock on Fox News Channel.
I don't want to hear it, even by accident.