Clinton Backer: Obama Mentor Called Me "Uncle Tom"

DENVER — A black delegate for Hillary Rodham Clinton says she was called an "Uncle Tom" by Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, one of Barack Obama's political mentors.

Chicago political consultant Delmarie Cobb says Jones made the remarks Saturday night while discussing her support for Clinton. She called the remark "fighting words" and unacceptable.

Jones, who also is black, said Monday that he never uttered the slur. He says he referred to Cobb and other Clinton supporters as "doubting Thomases."

Cobb says that explanation doesn't make sense because she confronted Jones at the time and he didn't indicate she'd misunderstood.

A dispute within the Illinois delegation could distract from the unity message Obama is trying to deliver this week.

Comments

[RonNYC]

Again, the dumb and stupid Democratic party. Give the election to McCain already. Why bother with the convention?

[benfunks]

Emil Jones - retired after this year's primary and got his son Emil Jones III put onto the ballot in his place. Maybe he should mind his own state and the corruption and cronyism in illinois before he bashes a person who honestly believed in Hillary more than Barack
- and I'm an Obama supporter (from Chicago)

[storeyy]

If you are from Chicago you know that she's from Chicago too and she's not only a staunch Clintonista she's also a close friend of the Jesse Jackson. He's pissed that he didn't get invited to speak at the Convention. I guess she's the attack dog.

[punkingale]

Isn't Emil Jones the guy that added Obama's name to some bills to help him politically?

[SEQUOIABISON]

Please stay calm everybody the world is watching show some dignity, respect and concern for one another and lets unite to defeat the barbarians at our gate.

Obama/Biden

[Sylmason]

As another black Obama supporter, the shoe does fit. Although, she's more stupid than anuthing else. Actually I fault hillary and slick willie for this crap. THEY knew it was over months before she was forced out. THEY ARE the reason we are dealing with this polarized mess.

[pbarba1969]

They are dealing with this polarized mess, because Obama supporters like yourself played the race card against the Clinton's. You reinforce the message of "if your black you should support Senator Obama not Hillary Clinton. Nice racist message.

Clearly your playing onto the hands of those who will vote McCain not because he is the better candidate but because he is white. Except you really cannot condemn them for basically doing the same thing you are.

[rwe]

NOW has just demanded Jones' resignation

[JackND]

good luck with that

[mnash]

fuel the fire for the Republicans!!!!!

[marc1antony]

gee, it sure feels like the primaries all over again. all of the c lint on rabid supporters are back on the stump. get a life... the primaries are long gone.

[pupbayer]

O has a unity message? Wow. Who knew.

[mypov123]

I'm sorry I misunderstood, I thought Emil Jones called her an Uncle Tom, not Barack Obama.

[thereigoagain]

white and disagree with Obama, you are a racist.
black and disagree with Obama, you are an uncle tom.

Obama is a religion. Disagree and you will be exiled and mocked.

[texanna]

I sincerely hope that the continued vitriolic comments about Sen. Clinton are being posted by trolls. Otherwise, I have to say, the Obama supporters are continuing to do one of the things that turned me off of him back in the primary -- and that's employ the scorched earth policy that they accuse the Clintons of. Frankly, all of this feels very much like the atmosphere of 2000 when the Bushies weren't satisfied with losing they had to destroy their opponents. I don't think that this is going to be the way to bring the party together.

[sueno]

Really, or did he say something that warranted the reply?
He's a politician and I'm sure he's been called worse.
another old skool prima donna wants to sing.
I agree with Soothsayer08, with his record and non-support of Obama in general?
if the shoe fits?

[Betty23]

Crabs in a barrel. It is time to move forward. We have a choice, continue the present course or change direction. It is as simple as that.

[Lindy222]

Isn't there a large stage with megawatt speakers with spotlights and the full media circus trained on the stage where Ms. Cobb could air her complaint?

I'm not sure everyone in Idaho heard her.

[CindyM2008]

Exactly.

[ApolloniaCreed]

So?

[over23]

exactly! so! if the shoe fits!