Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Clintons Try Easing Racial Flap

Bill goes on Sharpton's show, explains 'fairy tale' remark

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 12, 2008 5:33 PM CST
Email

(Newser) – Bill Clinton was in damage control mode yesterday, going on Al Sharpton’s radio show to clear the air over remarks that some have called racially insensitive. Clinton offended by calling Obama’s campaign a “fairy tale,” but Bill says he was referring to Obama’s statements on an Iraq vote. Clinton backers meanwhile attacked Obama for aggravating the issue, the Washington Post reports.

A memo turned up yesterday listing racially-charged comments from the Clinton camp, including Hillary’s statements praising Lyndon Johnson over Martin Luther King. Obama’s people deny involvement, but Clinton surrogates accuse them of fanning racial flames. “I personally was offended that they think the African American community is going to be blinded,” said black Ohio Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones.

Democratic presidential hopeful, U.S. Sen., Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., right, and Rev. Al Sharpton, left, look on during the 9th annual National Action Network convention Friday, April 20, 2007 in New York. Hilary's campaign has run into racial trouble lately, and Bill went on Sharpton's radio show to...
Democratic presidential hopeful, U.S. Sen., Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., right, and Rev. Al Sharpton, left, look on during the 9th annual National Action Network convention Friday, April 20, 2007 in...   (Associated Press)
Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., takes the stage with area church members during a campaign stop in this Nov. 27, 2007 file photo, in Spartanburg, S.C. Clinton picked up endorsements from dozens of black ministers Tuesday in South Carolina. With nomination contests in lily-white Iowa...
Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., takes the stage with area church members during a campaign stop in this Nov. 27, 2007 file photo, in Spartanburg, S.C. Clinton picked...   (Associated Press)
Presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., shakes hands with supporters after speaking during the National Convention of College Democrats during their convention in this July 26, 2007 file photo, at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C. With nomination contests in lily-white Iowa and New Hampshire settled, minority...
Presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., shakes hands with supporters after speaking during the National Convention of College Democrats during their convention in this July 26, 2007 file photo,...   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Race moves from subtext to plain 'ol text
The Atlantic

Clintons try to end race issue
New York Times

Obama's boost means trouble for Jesse and Al
Yahoo

 
Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • Al Sharpton • Bill Clinton • race relations • Election 2008

More Newser Stories

Bill Sank Hillary's VP Chances: Plouffe

Campaigns Call in Big Guns for Final Fireworks Shows

Clintons Surface for Home Stretch

Clintons Cool to Obama After Hillary Snub

Fear of Lefty Obama Gets Bill Behind Mac
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne