Morning Buzz: Does diss do damage?
Morning folks...
Almost lost in the uproar over a somewhat obscene whisper – did the Rev. Jesse Jackson tap into a feeling among African-Americans that Sen. Barack Obama is talking down to them with his emphasis on faith-based initiatives, and his calling on the black community to pick itself up?
By the way, do Obama's inspirational urgings to African Americans bear more diplomatic traces of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's self-help message to parishioners?
In any case, Obama's efforts to inspire African-Americans are different from the message of civil rights leaders like Jackson. And that's why there's tension here. Jessica Yellin will report on that for us tonight. What's your take?
Randi Kaye is looking into Rev. Jackson's struggle to remain relevant. When he speaks up – how many are listening? He expresses as much frustration as inspiration these days, in private and in public. Has he been upstaged by a younger generation with a different take on how African Americans can make progress? Not just by Obama, but others, including his own son who criticized his father's remarks and who works for Obama.
Dana Bash is on McCain watch. Interesting tidbit from the campaign trail: National reporters were left out of a Q/A with local reporters yesterday, sparking protests from those who follow the candidate all day and night across the country. That prompted some to ask whether the Straight Talk Express will keep talking straight? Or was it a one-off? Stay tuned.
We're also watching the fires in California. After gaining some control, firefighters now find new flames blazing in Butte County, near, yes, "Paradise, California."
AND speaking of paradise, Gary Tuchman on South Carolina's effort to recognize it – right there on auto license plates... offering an "I believe" vanity plate if people want to pay for it. No comparable plate's been offered for people of other faiths. Those seeking to preserve the Founding Fathers' intended separation of church and state are calling foul. There's always the fish symbol bumper sticker for those who'd like to remind tailgaters of the hereafter that's so much closer than they might realize.
We've been talking about this story in the newsroom for a few days, in the morning we plan on getting it in the program, but then other news happens. We'll try again today.
|
|
Filed under: Rev. Jesse Jackson • The Buzz |
About this Show:
Anderson Cooper goes beyond the headlines to tell stories from many points of view, so you can make up your own mind about the news. Tune in weeknights at 8 and 10 ET on CNN.
Questions or comments? Send an email
Want to know more? Go behind the scenes with AC361°
Subscribe to the podcast
On Twitter
Search the AC360 blog
I am surprised that Michelle Obama has not responded to what was a vicious attack on the entire Obama family by Rev. Jackson.
Jesse Jackson is straight hating on Sentor Obama, for the simple fact that Sentor Obama was able to secure a Presidential nomination..something he tried and failed at.
Jessie Jackson really disappointed me with his comments.However it has long been known in the Black community that younger black males are not as respected for their views,as older males.Jessie must look back at his own youth when he marched with MLK, they too heard the whispers of the ole guard saying that they were misguided and were not working for the black community.What hypocrisy ! I also think he's jealous.. Barack can accept his apology but I won't.
Jesse Jackson is as relevant to today's hyphenated african americans as Sen. Obama is to the Civil Rights movement ( which was led by the religious leaders of the hyphenated african americans).
When Dr. Bill Cosby PhD Educ. U. Mass, called upon the black community to take personal responsibility for self-inflicted problems he was ostracized by the hyphenated african american leadership.
Sen. Obama is taking Dr. Cosby's motion to all americans, and if you happen to be a hyphenated african american then you will have to accept that when Sen. Obama says there are no black, brown, white, red or yellow americans, there are only americans; that he means it.
It's Back my morning buzz.I was going into withdrwals.Itlike not having coffee you need a jump start. I can't believ Jeese Jackson went on the crude side with Obama ,he's not eaaxcly the pot calling the kettle black is he ? What will this do for his reputation in the Black community and will he have not only applogize to Obama but the black comunity as well. I
I feel that jackson is being a hater right now obama said something that black people neede to hear we do have the highest rate of our fathers not being around the truth hurts and nobody wants to hear it and for jesse jackson to say something so ignorant on live tv i dont care if it wasnt live or he didnt know his mic was on keep your mouth shut this why i dont like him or sharpton they always open there mouth when not need to i think this another case of jealousy on jackson part what a idiot to bring down a man who is trying to make a change and become the first black president as i recalled didnt he call jews blood suckers when he tried to run for president thats bring people down was he talkin about cutting his balls off.
Let's get this clear, Jesse Jackson does not speak for Black America on any issues. We have our own voices and the right to speak as individuals. It would be nice for the media to stop grouping Black America as one voice. We are well educated people who are capable of expressing our views, voting for the candidates of our choice, and making decisions that impact us everyday. If the media could give us a chance to speak for ourselves, they would see that Black America has evolved into a dynamic and intelligent people. We are also America, therefore we represent every aspect of this great nation.
Jesse Jackson has not been relevant for many, many years...
No, Jesse Jackson expressed his own, demonic feelings. If my memory serves me correctly, Jesse was suppose to be the front man for the "African-Americans", addressing such issues all along.
Jesse needs to repent, fast, and pray, he is a Reverend first.
With 70-80% of unwed single mothers in the African American community, Jackson and Sharpton have done absolutely NOTHING to address that problem. Children are being raised without a father figure and because Obama is addressing this problem he is condemned for it? This goes to show what a real man Obama is in confronting issues within the African community versus Sharpton and Jackson who are quick to blame the white man for the community's problems instead of addressing their own faults.
Bill Amsden wrote:
"... the deadbeat dad problem, which is particularly common among African Americans."
You make it sound like Dad's just down the street, and he's just cheap.
70+% of black children are illegitimate. It's the "poppa was a rolling stone" problem, also known as the "mother abandoned to raise the kids" problem.
I feel that Jackson's comments reveal just how antiquated his views are. Obama's ascendency has shown that at this point most of the problems blacks now face are not being exerted by the white power structure, but they are due to internal factors, namely the disintegration of the black family. I feel that this is at the epicenter of a myriad of problems faced by african-americans today. Obama, like Bill Cosby, is simply stating the obvioius; it is time for black men to .'man up' and accept the inherent responsibility which comes with fathering children. Jackson's own acts of infidelity detract from his message, because he is supposed to be a leader. His criticism is akin to those who state that it's ok for blacks to use the n-word but not for others. In short, it seems that the reason why Jackson has been so stung by Obama's rhetoric is that they have hit so close to home.'
It's about time somebody said what Obama said. Bill Cosby tried and was skewered by the black community for airing their dirty laundry in public. it's about time blacks take responsibility for what their own actions do to hinder true equality. You can't have 70% of black children born out of wedlock and expect to achieve economic parity. You can't call staying in school 'acting white' and achieve economic parity. You can't commit black on black crimes at the current rate and expect social justice. Jackson's message was fine in the 1960's, but it doesn't reflect the America of today. Stop blaming whites for your problems. Frankly we're sick of it.
Jesse Jackson should be so ashamed of his comments. I am glad everyone now knows how he feels about Senator Obama. If he has or had issues with Obama he should have came out and said so, not get caught dissing Obama on a hot mic. And is whatever he said that serious that he wants to mutilate Obama. Reverend Jacksons needs to pray, and not forget he is a pastor. Jesse Jackson Jr. said everything that was on my mind, I am glad to stood up and said that. On another note, Obama needs to know more about people who claim they support when they really don't. There is no room for fake people in Obama campaign, he needs to filter out people who are jealous of him.
I have a million dollar question that is likely on the minds of
others. If Jackson was not aware of being recorded who
tipped him off ? I would love for someone to give us a timeline
as to how these events unfolded. There is more to this than
meets the eye. I was tuned in to CNN when Don Lemon made
the announcement about Jesse Jackson. Funny thing I could
not find his comments on the web until much later in the day,
I have no doubt that the "Fair and Balanced" people at Fox News knew exactly what they were doing when they left the mike hot. They were hoping to catch some comment that would be derogatory either to Jackson or Obama and they got it. They are too slimy!
Jesse Jackson sounds like he was stung by Obama's aspirations to higher standards and ideals. Let's not forget that Jackson has admitted to extra marital affairs and fathering children outside his marriage ( while married). He is part of the old guard and while he should be given credit where due for achievements, Obama has broken the mold and is leaps and bounds ahead of he same old stereotypical characters who have also benefitted from the cultural and attitudinal ghettos.
I am a little bit skeptical of this so-called tension in the black
community with regards to Obama. I think the media just does
not get it. Eric Dyson was on CNN earlier today with some very
insightful comments . I hope CNN/360 is smart enough to talk
to people involved with urban radio and magazines. I am not
even sure people care what Jesse Jackson says these days.
Even Lil Wayne takes a shot a Al Sharpton on his lastest CD.
I am sure the same issues Obama raised have been written
about for ages in Ebony or Jet and other publications geared
toward black audiences. I love to know what people had to
say this morning on Tom Joyner and Steve Harvey radio
programs today.What does Jeremiah Wright have to do
with this ? Absolutely nothing. By the way I really respected
David Gergen comments on 360 last night. He was honest
about what he did not know with regards to the black community.
Now if maybe others in the media would do the same we could
have a real discussion on the matter.
Hey thanks for bringing the morning buzz back 🙂
I think it’s really sad that instead of being glad a new generation has come along Jesse Jackson is holding on to dear life by shear bitterness. I want to know what kind of Reverend wants to cut someone’s ___ off anyway?
He is not relevant; this is not the civil rights movement anymore. Best for him is to just maintain his legacy and retire.
When McCain talks I never heard straight talk, really what politician does?
What happened to freedom of speech? If people want to buy the license plate they will and those who won’t can have a regular one. There are so many more important issues to debate than getting all up in arms about a religious license plate.
I admire Jesse Jackson because has done an incredible amount for our country, but he should not be bitter when Obama talks straight about a genuine issue among the African American community. There may still be barriers out there, but there are also issues that can only be solved by the African American community itself. Sorry, but no amount of protests aimed at the white establishment can solve the deadbeat dad problem, which is particularly common among African Americans. I am not saying that there is no longer prejudice, but you need to discern between external barriers and problems originating in your own midst.
Diss does damage in this case because Jesse is one of the top black leaders. And if he feels like Obama is doing the blacks wrong then people will start listening to it and really start wondering. That is why Jesse was so quick to come out and try to nip everything in the bud before it got out of hand. But too late...the cats already out of the bag!
Cindy...Ga.
I personally think there was nothing wrong with what Rev. Jackson said. In fact, I totally agree with him. I've long heard the manner in which Mr. Obama talks to blacks and whites. With blacks he has a distinct "drawl" in his speech pattern. With whites, he becomes quite the eloquent speaker. Free speech = America. Is it just me or has anyone else noticed how often African Americans are making day- after apologies?
As for Rev. Jacksons relevance these days, he fell down off his throne when he had the affair and illegitimate child. He was such a beacon of HOPE for African Americans, but alas, he fell. Doesnt nullify him, just "changes thangs".
On the vanity plates: I live for the day I see a cross / sign of faith on a plate and get cut off in traffic or flipped off by the driver 🙂
On the Cali fires: someone somewhere has GOT to have a better idea at how to put out these fires quicker and safer. We have tons of good inventors and thinkers in this country. ^5 to the firefighters, stay safe.
Jesse "I can do no wrong because I'm BLACK" Jackson should grovel, apologize and debase himself, and they have his apology thrown back in his face, told "its not good enough, its not sincere enough", and then forced out of his job, fired, publically denounced by all the "compassionate media heads seeking justice for the downtrodden". In other words, he should be given the "white man" treatment. See how he likes having his rights to free speech and right to employment violated!
I feel Jesse Jackson is more consumed with his career than actually fighting for the causes of African-Americans or justice in general. This has finally become plainly displayed by this clear jealousy of the fact there is a new breed of leadership being Barak Obama. How can you fully support someone but want to chop their balls off? Mr. Jackson is plainly just jealous or perhaps he feels Obama is airing the dirty laundry of the black community which is often met with much criticisim much like the negative feedback Bill Cosby received a few years back. I haven't heard Mr. Jackson claim anything Obama has said about the black community as being untrue. It is important to acknowledge our issues first before they can be fully confronted with and resolved. Sugar coating or refusing to talk about it publically only makes the problems worse.