Did Jackson Vent for Many?

Jackson's crude remarks highlight frustration over apparent shift right

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 11, 2008 10:08 AM CDT

(Newser) – Jesse Jackson is catching plenty of flak for his "cutting" remarks about Barack Obama, but he is unlikely to be the only one feeling some frustration with the candidate, writes Suzanne Goldenberg in the Guardian. Many supporters are angry Obama appears to be shifting to the right as he prepares for the election—and racial issues, now revived once again, are causing further friction.

Jackson's ire stemmed from Obama's recent comments suggesting African-American fathers need to take more responsibility for their children, Goldenberg writes. That angered those, including Jackson, who blame government policies for black poverty. Obama remains controversial among the African-American leadership, but the community is still likely to deliver the high turnout he is counting on. "They sense history in the making," commented a political expert. "They understand that Obama has to do what he has to do."

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

A June 4, 2007 file photo shows Barack Obama, left, laughing after saying goodbye to Jesse Jackson, reflected right. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks during a news conference in Chicago, Wednesday, July 9, 2008. (AP Photo/Russel A. Daniels)

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Jesse Jackson apologizes for comments about Obama. (AssociatedPress)

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Did Jackson Vent for Many?