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

[drsmc41]

Jackson just needs to keep his mouth closed about Obama. You would think he would have learned his lesson, but he, constantly, tries to connect with Obama. It's getting kinda' pathetic, really.

[renatam]

Jealousy drives them and Americans should know it when they see it. Senator Obama and Senator Biden would no more choose this man as an intimate for their thinking -- than most of us would. He will, however, keep trying to insert himself where he doesn't belong and try to impose his will where it is not wanted.

He is a Clinton water carrier and surrogate.

They are wasting their time.

[MrBillNYC]

Couldn't agree more. The problem with Jesse as it has always been is that he never met a mirror that he didn't like. And now unlike ever before in his life the mirror is not looking back and he is groveling at every 15 seconds of air that we give him. ENOUGH ALREADY!!!­!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!

[Dandywalker]

Man, you said it perfectly

[GuyFawkes]

Yeah, he's turning into a stalker.

[steamboat]

This goes back to '96 when Obama would NOT drop-out of the State Senate race so that Jesse's friend, Alice Palmer, could keep her seat.

Then in 2000 Jackson worked his rear-end off for Bobby Rush who defeated Obama when Barack challenged for Rush's congressional seat. Jesse used the "he's not black enough-card through the entire race. It got ugly. I live in Chicago and I remember well.

[kissy kai]

I agree jackson keep obamas name out of your mouth. YOU DONT REPRESENT BLACK PEOPLE AND NEVER HAVE. ALL YOU EVER HAVE REPRESENTED IS YOURDELF. OBAMA/BIDEN 08

[amoore503]

Wow. I was kinda shocked at the comments about Jesse Jackson but deep inside I feel the same way. Jesse, McCain, Hillary, Bill and all those other long term political folks have been sideswiped and left at the curb about the rise of Barack Obama and frankly, they don't seem to know where they stand right now. McCain acts as if America owns him the Presidency. Hillary - although she is due - it's just not her time. But Jesse, for all that he's done he will never reach the level of Barack. Shame on you Jesse and um, SHUT THE HELL UP.

[scorpioleidy]

Very well said!

[SpoxLogic]

Isn't this the same Taheri guy who wrote that lie about Obama asking the Iraqi govt to hold off on any troop reductions agreements until AFTER GW Bush was out? And that was shown to be a lie.

If it is the same guy, we shouldn't tke what Taheri says as truthful.

[S1m0n]

Also the same Taheri who reported, falsely, that Iran had passed a law forcing jewish citizens to wear a yellow star. I'm buying the denial; this guy has zero credibility.

[dare2tryobama]

Amazing thing about this statement is that on Rachel's show last night she reported that the Iraq gov is saying that Bush wants an agreement to keep the troops there past December. After December 21, 2008 we are in violation of the geneva agreement or something like that and we will be occupying Iraq in an illegal way. So Bush wanted to have an agreement signed before then that said we could stay longer but the problem is they don't want us there any longer. So if no agreement is made by December 31, 2008 we have to do something, we can't stay there. Bush supposedly did a handshake agreement with Iraq that said we could stay until the new President takes over and takes up talks with them so we will see how this works out.

[HeDeedIt]

That's not his only lie:


Read up on the author: http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Amir_Taheri

[Nia1999]

Statement distored "my &$$". What the h--- is wrong with this man? Does he have too much time on his hands, does he need a hug or more attention, or do we have to make him sit in the time-out chair until after the election. You know, I have an uncle who when he drinks, but one thing I can say about him is that after too many drinks, he passes out on the sofa. Maybe we should all chip in and send Jesse a few bottles and hope that he pass out.

[Buddhabman]

Jessie has made plenty of political and personal mistakes but many of the comments here are way out of line and bordering on bigotted. Rev. Jackson has made an important impact on this nation and the dialouge on race in politics. He has also always been a leader in social & economic justice in this country and around the world. Jessie Jackson was a key instrument in the US and international movement to Free Nelson Mandela. He is owed a huge debt of gratitude for many things, despite many of his fallacies. I will not stand for the patent demeaning of his name.

[robXdion]

You won't "stand for it"? How? Stop whining. We are all aware of what he's done, but the man is anti-Semitic and not particularly self-disciplined or humble. If he was smarter, less selfish and publicity seeking he could have moved the racial dialogue further than it is now. He could have cured cancer, but that wouldn't have excused his words lately.

[UncommonSenz]

It is just like McCain. There was a time I really liked what he had to say. And anyone who was on the balcony with King when he was shot, has been at the forefront of the civil rights movement.

But, like McCain, that person now is unrecognizable. Yes, he has advocated some noble causes, and worked to advance them... in the past. This latest Jesse just says too many irrational things, and has become much more divisive than uniting. And saying things that undermine the campaign of the first african american with a real chance at becoming president (as he has twice now) undercuts all that he stood for before.

His past deeds do NOT excuse his actions now. If you find the comments here "demeaning" it is only because a number of us now have that opinion of him. Respect and Contempt are each earned. He earned the first at the beginning of his career, and the latter at the end of it.

[Schnides]

I agree! Scream at Amir Taheri, not Jesse. Man, a person can't even open his/her mouth anymore with out someone twisting the words for their own personal gain. Very annoying.

[Cleopatrar2dream]

SHUT UP Jesse! You are a wanna be! You've never advised Obama on anything! Remember .. you wanted to cut Obama's nutz off!! so don't try to act like he has any use for you or your so called advice.

Jesse Jackson is a washed up, wanna be, and a fraud!

Again, I can speak for all African Americans I know and say SHUT THE HELL UP! Goo away!

[DrFrescas]

This guy needs to shut the F up.

[justoverit333]

I TOTALLY AGREE. UNREAL

[terragazelle60]

Are we Rethugians to say someone said or did something they didn't? Jesse said he did not say what was atributed to him by a biased reporter. Do we knot say the thing about Billo or Hannety?
Jessee Jackson has made his gaffes, no lie...but he has a history of takeing a stand when his death could have happened. He said he never made the statement, that he does not speak for Obama...

Since Jackson's words were in a very public arena I am sure if he is lieing there will be plenty of folks to call him on it. But calling names and makeing hate statements should not be part of our dialouge..­.

[erick28]

Where can we all write to tell him to SHUT UP, that he will surely can read. Cause, this person does not helping anyone. He is always been nothing but a BIG MOUTH! Where is his son by the way, i guess daddy needs his meds. Jr, tell Sr to go home and stay there for a very looooonnnnnggggg time.

[LeftLeanWing]

JesseJacksonSr.comeJacksonSr.com





.ps
not a real email address

[Aesthete]

Jackson has always sought to see himself as the "logical" successor to Dr. Martin Luther King. NOT! Sure, he could give sitrring speeches, but he never became more to me than a stock black "leader" sent from Central Casting. Now it's time to get off the stage.

[Lotus19]

The NY Post is a lying, racist piece of trash tabloid and I have boycotted them for years. I won't even read a "free" copy of that trash. I wouldn't believe a word they say and I am sure they totally twisted Jesse Jackson's words.

All of that aside, when did Jackson become one of Obama's senior advisers that he can speak for him on his policy ideas.

[PT6]

We Should HAVE KNOWN that the NEW YORK POST would lie and distort as that is their MODE of Operation.

They are the "FOX EM" of the newspaper world!

Thank goodness as I thought Jessie was losing his MIND!

I get my news from the NEW YORK TIMES and other reliable sources! "You know All of them!"

[renatam]

So, today's question is WHY does Jesse Jackson continue to go on Fox "News" (to say he wants to cut his b...ls off) -- and speak to The New York Post??? WHY does he continue to engage Rupert Murdoch's media platforms for his passive/aggressive Clinton triangulating games?

He should be ignored.

FYI, Hillary told us yesterday morning WHY she continues to go onto Fox "News" -- and it is all about their "supporting" her during the Primaries. So, it remains all about Hillary's AMBITION and the Clintons/Jacksons need to insert themselves and distract Americans during the final 20 days.

How nice.

[ThinkAgainMyFriend]

Jesse Jackson Shut the heck Up, you're yesterday's news and you're toxic!! You have nothing to do with Obama, get over yourself and SHUT-UP!!

[renatam]

It's ridiculous for anyone to think this man has intimate or any knowledge about what Barack Obama is thinking after the comments he made on Fox "News." Ridiculous.

Nor should Jesse Jackson be proffering he knows...wh­en he does not.

Jesse Jackson has long been a confidante and water carrier for Bill (and Hillary) Clinton - since the Impeachment. More triangulation and Fox "News" appearances by both Hillary Clinton and Jesse Jackson should be expected.

Neither have anything to do with what Senators Obama or Biden are thinking, or not.

Jesse Jackson needs to remain on the Clinton (triangulation) team. He has no gravitas and he can no longer leverage AAs as his currency. He is having fits and I don't blame him. His money train is leaving the station. In that respect he shares much in common w/the Clintons, Rush Limbaugh, Fox "News," and others who are PASSE and have no influence going forward.

Look for more squeaks because these types know where to go to get traction for their particular agenda(s) to divide and ambush, passive/ag­gressively­. Fox "News" - The NYPost and any Rupert Murdoch-owned media vehicle is where they will get a platform for the next 20 days. They will continue to give talking points -- to triangulate for John McCain.

Jesse Jackson and Bob Johnson should stop throwing red herrings out for Rupert and Hillary's future AMBITION and AGENDAS.

[renatam]

Howard Wolfson and Lanny Davis joined Karl Rove at Fox "News" immediately after NYers ended HRC's Campaign. Hillary Clinton was on Fox "News" yesterday offering "appreciation" for their support during her Campaign (which has been OVER for months, but still paramount on her mind/agend­as.)

Mark Penn hired Karen Hughes (Bush propagandist and Rove mentee) as his no. 2 mid-July, to execute HRC's failed campaign strategy for Sarah Palin/John McCain. Hillary STILL is consulting her friend, John McCain re her Financial Plan. Since McCain doesn't have one and doesn't have anything he hasn't co-opted from either Clinton or Obama's Campaigns -- how convenient to have Hillary advising/consulting Senator Obama's competition (Clinton Triangulation Strategy).

Jesse Jackson seems to hang out exclusively with Rupert Murdoch's media platforms -- Fox "News" and the NYPost. Jesse, as with Bob Johnson -- is a "made man" in Clinton Inc.

Bill Clinton is hanging out (still) with George H. W. Bush. How nice.

Some of us in NYC were not fooled by the Clintons' performances last weekends. We will remember when it comes time for Hillary Clinton -- the JUNIOR Senator from NYS -- to ask for our votes again. She clearly works for Clinton Inc. and just uses NYS as her personal platform.

As for Jesse Jackson...­stay tuned. He has a job to do...and Rupert Murdoch and familia Clinton, where Hillary's Communications team transition­ed...haven­'t finished triangulating Senator Obama. This is not what New Yorkers want. We will not be Senator Lieberman-ed.

[poco767c]

SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP!!!!!

[SeekerOne]

Just remember everyone. The re!ch wing is global. Remember when the Canadians tried to scr ew with our election? We don't really know what Mr. Jackson said. Perhaps his past remarks-- and his race-- just made him the perfect patsy.

[ZimboChick]

ey it was harper's conservati­ves....not the rest of canada

[SeekerOne]

Exactly. The Right-wing government. Certainly not the good people of Canada:-)