Jackson Pushes Back: I've Never Advised Obama On Israel

Reverend Jesse Jackson claimed that his words were distorted by a biased reporter on Wednesday after it was reported that he had told a foreign audience that Barack Obama would decrease the influence of "Zionists who have controlled American policy for decades." For good measure, he added that he had no relationship with the Obama campaign and therefore couldn't possibly have been speaking on the Senator's behalf.

"The recent column in the New York Post by Amir Taheri in no way represents my views on Middle East peace and security," read a statement from his Rainbow/Push Coalition office. "The writer is selectively imposing his own point of view, and distorting mine... The slant of this writer's article is designed to incite fear and division. It must not be allowed to divert our focus away from the substantive and sensitive debate around the critical foreign policy and domestic economic issues in this critical region of the world."

To drive home the point, his office added the following: "Reverend Jackson is not a representative of Senator Obama. He has never had a conversation with Senator Obama about Israel or the Middle East, and was not characterizing Senator Obama's views on these issues."

In an article published this morning in the Post, Taheri asserted that at the first World Policy Forum, held in France this past week, Jackson said Obama would sharply change the United States relationship with Israel and role in the Middle East.

"The most important change would occur in the Middle East, where 'decades of putting Israel's interests first' would end," the Reverend reportedly said.

Within hours the Obama campaign had put out a statement reminding voters that the Senator has never equivocated in his support for Israel and did not count Jackson as an adviser. For good measure, reporters were reminded that the New York Post was not a friendly publication to Obama, that Taheri was considered a hostile writer to the Democrat, and that Jackson had once been caught threatening to castrate Obama during a hot mic moment.

In his own statement, Jackson clarified his position on Israel, saying he favored "a peaceful, non-violent resolution to co-existing with its Palestinian neighbors."

Comments

[joannericec]

What a pathetic shame he's become. The man has always struck me as an egomaniac and very impressed with himself. He's sure no MLK or Obama. Not even close.

[sdaflm]

Jesse needs to just sit down and shut up.

[jurneeka]

I can't be the ONLY one here who immediately recalls Eddie Murphy's spot-on Jesse J. on SNL doing a Temptations-style "Hymietown": "Don't let me down...Hymietown..."

That said, IMO Jesse is not relevant and has not been relevant for some time. I would hope that Obama knows better than to be 'advised' by him. I agree with those who say it's more than likely at least partially envy-driven on Jackson's part.

[TheGuide]

I hate to think that Jackson is in the grasp of burning envy, but... his son may have a chance as future president and Jesse will have to be satified with that.

[Grissom1001]

I am so ashamed to be a Republican this season! They cannot find anything truthful to go after Senator Obama so they ALL resort to LIES!

[tired of the ignorance]

FUNNY..... Sean Hannity was reporting this last night on his radio show, quoting the article word for word all the while asserting that it was from "an Obama rep". Once again, the right wingers are called out on their use of Scare tactics. If only the poor dopes who listen to his show could know the facts instead of his distorted view, sadly though he will never admit his "error" and the Rubes who listen to him will use this as fodder for the fire. KICK SOME A** TONIGHT OBAMA... WE NEED YOU!!!

[yorkie]

JESSE ===PL EASE,,LAY LOW OUT SIGHT FOR NEXT 3 WEEKS! DO NOT SPEAK TO ANY GROUP..GO TO A MOUNTAIN RETREAT AWAY FROM TVS,REPORTERS ETC!

[aWatchmanOnTheWalls]

Right no, Yorkie....right on!!!! Say it again! I think the same too Buddie! He better get out of town to maybe the caribbean the next 3 weeks with some blondie big-a*zz hood rat! Then, tell his wife he's busy on some "Rainbow/Push Coalition" assignments !

[MarieNat]

I think it would be best for all concerned if Jesse Jackson imposes a gag rule for himself for the remainder of this election cycle.

[Gmoney1]

I think Jess is having a mental breakdown - he is absolutely non-essential - and shall I say considered just plain stupid -

[IcedTee63]

The New York Post! Why don't you just go to Sean Hannity for "Fair and Blanced?"

[luvienne]

Jackson must be in desperate need of attention. He continually tries to inject himself in the Obama campaign. His disruptions are not needed. Jackson is an embarassment. Maybe, he should put more time in revisiting what a reverend should be.

[j2thaizzo]

Thanks Jesse, now please go.
http://blog.reidreport.com/2008/10/enough-already-jesse.html

[apoyo]

Is Jessie Jr going to have to scold his father again?

[renatam]

Why bother? He won't listen. He and Bill Clinton are FUSED.

[TruthfullyYours]

people, taheri works for the new york post owned by rup murdoch who also owns fox news. also taheri is a hostile critic of democrats, obama in particular, and is a second rate (at best) reporter.

also, jesse jackson is NOT a surrogate of the obama campaign, nor is he involved in any way, shape or form in obama's circle of astute and top-notch advisers. after muttering he'll "cut obama's **ts of", i don't blame them.

so relax and don't get too distracted by the 'publicans gotcha.

[ObamaSeeChange]

Jesse you should never have given the interview but there is no MSM opportunity to aggrandize yourself that you won't elbow into like a dumb bull in a china closet. Just shut the f+++ up Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

[DaBluAce]

If you know folks will take your words and turn them against you then shut up......Just please stop talking.......you continue to dig yourself in a hole......what John M. got you in his hip pocket? What did they promise you.....after they have set the fire you will be there to put it out! You are the wrong one! Your words mean nothing anymore......MLK must be twirling in his grave! Mr crab please shut up!

[TroubleNYC]

NY Post?!?!?!? Owned by Murdoch??? Yeah, that paper has very little credibility. It's front page had a picture of Obama and a man discussing something. The article stated that Obama told the man that if he made over $250,000 his taxes would go up slightly. The way the article was written you would think this is some new revelation when it's been known for months.