Reid Defends Himself From Racism Accusations (VIDEO)

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was forced to defend his support for African-American politicians in a testy exchange with David Gregory on "Meet the Press" Sunday.

In a discussion of Senate appointee Roland Burris, Gregory repeated a claim of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich that the Nevada Senator had opposed three other black potential replaces for President-elect Barack Obama. "He's making it up," Reid said.

Gregory went on to say that people close to Burris were suggesting that "Reid doesn't want an African-American to succeed Obama." Reid gave a lengthy and impassioned defense of his history of promoting black Senate politicians. Anyone accusing him of racism, he concluded, is "part of the Blagojevich spin." Watch:

Comments

[Unruh]

I think Reid and Durbin are racists. even if only unconscious. They don't think Burris can win because he is black. They seem to have projected their own racism onto the citizens of Illinois who already have elected two black senators. In addition, Reid seems to think he is above the law. A big problem with Reid is his lack of intelligence and judgment. Why him, when there are so many talented Democratic senators?

[stell]

They are probably refined r ac is ts. That is the worst kind. GOPers have never pretended to give two f**ks about black people. You saw the Klinton campaign.

[Hurrikan]

Do I believe that Harry Reid is a racist? No but I do think he needs to go. I don't think he fits the CHANGE model of the Democratic Party. He does not pick his battles well. This fight over burris will alienate more people, especially those of color, than if he would have proclaimed he wasn't happy about the situation but that his hands were tied because the Gov. has the authority and Burris appears to be qualified. He seems to want to pick fights with everyone and his harsh rhetoric is unecessary. Do I believe that Harry Reid is a racist? No but I do think he needs to go. I don't think he fits the CHANGE model of the Democratic Party. He does not pick his battles well. This fight over Burris will alienate more people, especially those of color, than if he would have proclaimed he wasn't happy about the situation but that his hands were tied. He seems to want to pick fights with everyone and his rhetoric is unnecessary. Everyone knows Bush was a horrible President and it will be said by so many commentators and less powerful members of the party; we do not need Harry Reid flapping his trap. Oh and he isn"t that much of a liberal anyway.

[readmewell22]

I think once OBAMA can breathe, he will deal with guy accordingly, and he did come across very clearly. It was what we saw, he had trouble hiding it. It was disturbing and alarming to see, but at the same time a good thing to know. I am sure OBAMA is fully aware of this man, and who he truly is.

[readmewell22]

One has to be very careful these days to dissect carefully a person's real persona. That is why Dems and Repubs anyone for that matter has to be judged by who they are, what they stand for, and what they are about and their deeds.... The flack that OBAMA got about choosing Repub's never got to me and I understood his moves on that score. You have judge a man by his deeds....not color, nor political claim. This man, disturbingly came across loud and clear......... it was disturbing to see. I agreed with him on one point and one point only and that was.... his statement about Bush... that Bush was the worst president ever. He is to be watched. OBAMA plays chess extremely well, and this pawn will have to watched well.

[readmewell22]

One has to be very careful these days to dissect carefully a person's real persona. That is why Dems and Repubs anyone for that matter has to be judged by who they are, what they stand for, and what they are about and their deeds.... The flack that OBAMA got about choosing Repub's never got to have judge a man by his deeds....not color, nor political claim. This man, disturbingly came across loud and clear......... it was disturbing to see. I agreed with him on one point and one point only and that was.... his statement about Bush... that Bush was the worst president ever. He is to be watched. OBAMA plays chess extremely well, and this pawn will have to watched well.

[WarrenPease]

Anyone who Blagojevich nominates will carry the taint of Blagojevich's corruption to the Democratic party and the Senate. No matter how qualified Burris may be, the Senate Democrats must fight the Blago nomination.

[mikemedeiros]

Harry Reid makes Joe Lieberman look like a dynamic speaker.

[Pastprologue]

Reid's racism comes across loud and clear.

[readmewell22]

Yes it did, despite his Democratic standing. It did!

[readmewell22]

One has to be very careful these days to dissect carefully a person's real persona. That is why Dems and Repubs anyone for that matter has to be judged by who they are, what they stand for, and what they are about and their deeds.... The flack that OBAMA got about choosing Repub's never got to have judge a man by his deeds....not color, nor political claim. This man, disturbingly came across loud and clear......... it was disturbing to see. I agreed with him on one point and one point only and that was.... his statement about Bush... that Bush was the worst president ever. He is to be watched. OBAMA plays chess extremely well, and this pawn will have to watched well.

[sixletters]

You're delusional.

[GeorgeKaplan]

This is getting old. Did you ever hear the story of the boy who cried wolf?

[naturallight]

Reid's hands are soaked in blood. Both Arab and American. And you guys are quibbling over whether he might not be 100% absolutely politically correct.

Reid is mormon
Gregory is married to a lady who made MILLIONS off of the Fannie Mae fiasco.

[steamboat]

I'm no Reid fan...The black leaders and media have a double-standard. Imagine had Trent Lott said this?....And you are totally correct about Gregory's wife. Who gave herself millions while Fannie bellied up.......But insinuating Reid is bad because he's a mormon is wrong. Please, don't be guilty of stereotyping people.

[GardenerNorCal]

I agree. His comments on the bombing of Gaza made me ill.

[lobear00]

Reid along with the so-called Democratic leadership of both the house and senate are nothing but "True blue republicans", these are not democrats, both house and senate leaderships could not stop voting to give bush and cheny everything that they wanted, and this is where these republicans have brought this nation. To its "Knee's".

[rudiy]

Rush backed Obama's white opponent in the Illinois Senate primary but now cries racism when his buddy Blago's in your face appointment is rejected. I see no response from Rush as to why when Obama was running he did not back the African American candidate. His now using the race card is hypocritical and divisive.

[qdog112]

Reid made a serious error when he said Burris will not be seated. Ultimately, he may not, but there is a process that will be followed.

Apparently, some of us want Burris summarily barred without letting it play out. I predict that will not happen.

There's something called:"Due process" is a fundamental part of American liberty with deep roots in our system. Volumes have been written on its meaning. It boils down to this: due process says that a man's life, his property - or his seat in Congress - cannot be taken away unless four steps are followed:

1. He is given a specific set of charges, or bill of particulars.
2. Those charges are heard before a court or tribunal properly empowered to hear them and take action.
3. The party charged has notice of the charges and the trial.
Page 4

4. He is given a fair chance to appear and defend himself.

[plymkr]

Sorry Mr. Reid but this Democrat isn't buying your baloney.

[sixletters]

Which Democrat?

[Pulemerci]

Reid will go the way of Tom Daschle ( Senate Majority Leader loses in the general election).

[GeorgeKaplan]

That is one way, but I think the other Democratic Senators could vote for another Majority Leader if they wanted. I think this is the process... so... if I am right its the Democrats that put him where he is today... all of them.

... he's not my favorite Senator and he does seem a little feeble - sometimes a lot - but I just don't see him being replaced.

[qdog112]

As a black person I wonder why the phrase "as a black person" is supposed to shield against criticism of any comment made.

It's getting so that whenever I read those words, I know that the individual now feels an authority on "things black". The next thing said is usually "race card".

I consider it using the race card when your statement is prefaced with " as a black person".

As someone once said in a song, "it don't matter if you're black or white."

[nomobull]

THE TROLLS LOVE BURRIS, THEN THEY CAN HAVE HIM.

[qdog112]

Wait a minute, is it Blago or Burris you hate?

Maybe it's the law that allows the appointment you hate.

Maybe it's all three.