Harry Reid apologizes to Obama for racial remark

Wow…That is quite a statement. I wonder what would happen if he was a Republican. It is so unfortunate that over 85% of African Americans vote for this party. He is the Majority Leader Folks

so, you think African Americans are so stupid that they would base political party affiliation on the statement of one individual in that party. (regardless of status within that party.) i think that African Americans (like all Americans) vote for the party that have policies that greatest benefit them. maybe it's about time that you European Americans realize that LMAO

how many more white people, especially older white men, are going to have to apologize for doing stupid stuff like this? (even VP Biden had to apologize to Obama during the campaign and lindsay lohan called him "colored"). it just seems to be a cultural or genetic inclination for whites to offend blacks on a regular basis. unfortunately, Obama will probably be insulted a few dozen more times before his term ends.

@ "wow" and "not surprising at all": I agree. If a conservative had said the same thing, no doubt democrats, and especially Black democrats, would be calling for resignation right now. But it also speaks to a deeper set of concerns which Obama's rise is provoking amongst certain folks who are yet to come to terms with Race and its many implications.

that was extremely vague

i actually agree with "not suprising" on this one. but i do realize that the sensitivity is there for a reason. an i would not want to justify the statement of those (on both parties) that would try to degrade any race. i think this is one of the occasions where it is better to error on the side of caution. (maybe you guys don't agree)

Harry Reid has done more in one year for the Black Community then for example John Mccain has done for Blacks in the entire time he's been in public service. He can say as much as he wants as long as he's also helping the cause. The problem I have with politicians is when they can make a difference but choose not to. We blacks don't expect white people to love us but we do expect fairness. Reid is a fair man. That's all we really want at the end of the day. Feel however you want but if you are fair then you got my vote. I'll be bold enough to speak for the majority of Black Americans when I say you are a one of a kind when it comes to having this Presidents back and the Black Community really appreciates your commitment, drive, and determination to the First Black President. God Bless.

For any of you who don't know it. Blacks say racially prejudiced things against whites too! I was the token white in Junior High and was called more names than most of you can imagine. So grow up it isn't a signal race that does calls members of the other stupid things. Even others of the "same racial" background can be and are prejudiced against others of like color. Grow up, get over it, and stopped dwelling on it, which is one of the main things that teaches it to our children.

So, as long as Democrats give out welfare checks and give out urban goodies,they can call black people "anything"? This is crazy, the question should not be "what have the Democrats done for blacks" the question really should be what have blacks done for themselves? It's shameful that Harry Reid can be given a pass.

I am a black american and I find the comments made by Harry Reid to be totally true and as far as I'm concerned, he has nothing to apologize about.

@ Joyce: You're fine with being described as "Negro" in 2010?

From ABC The All Barrack Channel: Political Punch Power, pop, and probings from ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper Title: To Err Is Human, to Forgive Divine January 09, 2010 6:57 PM My, my how generous libs are with each other. Well, maybe. Me thinks the Chicago dealers in the back room are sure to extract something from this. It does make one wonder though how devine libs would have acted if it had been released that Dubya or say M. McConnell had made those racially charged statements. Can you say “two faced?” How about “five faced?” Like all politicians, we hear what they really think when they mumble in the parking lot. Beware a lib in lib's clothing.

I think that Harry Reid, like most whites, express opinions such as this towards blacks and other minorities in private. The reason is they never expect for these remarks to be made public. In fact this is the second time Harry Reid has made a private comment related to blacks that became public. If anyone remembers during the Rod Blojovick(Former Gov or IL) fisaco, Harry Reid approached the Former Gov strongly against nominating African Americans such as Jessie Jackson Jr or Danny Davis for Pres Obama's vacant senate seat because he felt they could not win statewide elections due to whites not voting for them. Also, look at how Roland Burris was treated by Harry Reid. Only when the Former Gov of IL revealed the comments by Harry Reid did he change his tune towards Sen Burris. I think this is a serious pattern with the Majority Leader- the only reason he is coming clean now is because of the comment appearing in the book. In each of these cases his private comments have come back to haunt him. I also find it interesting that he issued apologies to all of the major black figure heads- Rev Sharpton, Barbara Lee, and Jim Clyburn-to ensure he keeps the black vote in his corner. In my opinion the President was too quick to accept the apology- why comment at all and let Harry Reid fend for himself. Why are so many of Sen Reid's private comments becoming public. I am very interested in knowing who leaked this comment. Seems as though the Senator is letting his guard down in front of the wrong people.

Joyce, I respect your comments however are you comfortable with the fact that in 2010 African Americans still have to fit into a certain image in order to be accepted by whites and not vice versa? What about being accepted for being yourself!

Joyce, I respect your comments however are you comfortable with the fact that in 2010 African Americans still have to fit into a certain image in order to be accepted by whites and not vice versa? What about being accepted for being yourself!

@jose it's not about welfare checks (but the fact that you instantly go there speaks volumes about your character). it's about your personal vision on which direction is best for this country. like 8 yrs of letting the "free market" govern itself. is not what i would call a good thing. but you might

I never thought I'd have to come to the defense of "White People" on racial statements, but if the truth deserves an apology then we are doomed. Tolu in this blog used the N word and he has the audacity to stir the pot on the truth. Obama is "Light Skinned" and he doesn't use "Ebonics." It's the truth, but Obama can still "Get Down" with the best of us. Obama is "Old School." The fact that he is what he is made it possible for him to win. Never apologize for the truth. This article was planted here and used to attack the Senate Majority Leader. The GOP wants to "Daschle" Harry. Sen. Majority Reid has been a tremendous leader. I'm in Nevada, our other Senator is in trouble. This story is a Distraction from the harsh reality that Harry has been effective, he cares, and he listens. He's not listening on healthcare, but that's Obama's problem.

I believe that if he where republican democrat's would be shouting fire and brimstone.

I said before Obama even won the nomination for the Democratic party that if he had the skin complexion of Djimon Hunsu (African actor of Amistad) there's no way he would've gotten that far. Even subconsciously, white people feel more comfortable with lighter skinned blacks. We are not in slavery anymore but yes in 2010 its the same thing that occurred with the darker skinned blacks in the field and the lighter skinned blacks being able to be in the house. Its sad and unfortunate but not surprising at all. Harry Reid chose different words, but meant the same thing Joe Biden did when he said Obama was "clean" and "articulate". I'm light skinned and one of my best friends is dark skinned and I see how we are treated differently in public. And guess what...its not just something thought by white people. Many latinos and many blacks tend to have the same color issues. Its ashame that we still have to deal with it but thats the way it is. And because thats the way it is I am the grammar police around my younger relatives, correcting any foolish language that would make them looked at as ignorant in school. Now many people can use proper grammar in the boardroom and then "be down" in private, but many don't know how to separate it. There is a double standard though. If a Republican had said it, there would've been a lot more outrage. Glad to see Sharpton being consistent this time.

If it was Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, or other Republican, they would not apologize, and rather will milk the situation to please its conservative voters.

I always voted democrat ever since I was 18 years old, and from what I heard throughout the years is that, Harry Reid is known in the democratic party to have racist views toward minorities. Of course he is not the ONLY democrat that have these racist views, but my problem is that we black democrats tend to go after the republican party when they spread (sometime NOT ALL THE TIME) their select racist views, SO my question is, HOW IS HARRY REID DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS WHO SPREAD THEIR RACISM?

DCALPHA I agree with you. I think this is the norm for Harry Reid as evidenced by the number of instances.

SEX, and RACE. Those are two subjects that America is the fakest about. Everbody claims christian morality until the get caught with their pants down. Everybody claims tolerance until they have a Michael Richards moment where whats inside of them magicaly pours out, and we here things like this and we say, wow. Didnt know you felt that way. The truth is our attitudes about sex, and race will destroy this country if we dont decide to be honest about our un-healthy obsession with sex. And our deep-seated racial hatred in America. And dcalpha is right he's not the only one. Thats why Obama has hit so many road bumps from his own party!!!!

One comment on here from Lordcron disturbed me: "Harry Reid has done more in one year for the Black Community then for example John Mccain has done for Blacks in the entire time he's been in public service. He can say as much as he wants as long as he's also helping the cause."

I don't care if he gave us our 40 acres and a mule, I would still hold him accountable. Our children are watching these "so-called" leaders. So, to allow him to get away with a simple apology tells the young ones that this type of Jim Crow ideology is acceptable. Some of you really need to get a grip and act like you know what the hell is going on in this country. Sleep today, suffer tomorrow.

Reid, do the honorable things and step down. I don't need racists like you determining my future, especially as one of the top democratic law makers in the country.

I have read all of the comments above mine. Well, Reid is getting in trouble for telling the truth. I'm a proud African American and I said the same or similar things during the Democractic primaries of 2008. I said that Obama is doing well because he's light-skinned and that makes him more acceptable to whites. The sad truth is that mulatto's like Obama (Halle Berry and Shamar Moore) often get better treatment from whites (and often blacks) than black people do. (The sad truth is that blacks often marvel about their "good hair" and "light eyes" and other European features) (And the sad truth is that dark skinned black women have a much lesser chance of being married than a light skinned one. And that the richer a black man is the more likely it is that he will mate with or marry a mixed or other than black man. The truth hurts but it's still the truth.)If Obama had grown up with a "typical" African American background with a discernable African American accent, there is no way that he would be a acceptable to whites. So Obama wins because he's biracial (light skinned) and not black and he wins because he has no discernable "Negro" (read African American) accent. That is all true and no apoligy is needed for the truth, which truth I told in early 2008 to many black friends of mine with no objections. And one more thing: Obama is not African American. That is a term used to describe those descendants of slaves of African descent who are American. Obama might be called a Kenyan American or a part Kenyan American--but not an African American. Just like he's mixed, biracial or mulatto and not black. And I'm not apoligizing for the truth. I'm not going to appolize for using the term mulatto or mixed or biracial. As far as I know they are not negative terms--just descriptive.

** Rolls Eyes ** Chile Please!!! Somebody call me when Health Care finds it's way back into the news. These seemingly timely Distractions such as the attempted Xmas Day Attack, and now Harry Reid are pressing my damn patience!And they seem suspect as well!*sighs*

His racism was spoken like a real Mormon, since they still call blacks Negro's and worse in private, not at all shocked knowing his so called faith and the disdain his faith teaches about blacks and the curse of black skin.

This is a non-event. Fox News, Rush Limbaugh et al, say more racist things than that on-air on a daily basis. This was a casual, though clumsy remark made behind closed doors. Obama did not demand an apology, Reid took it upon himself to give one. It's quite different than when Republicans make racist remarks and then complain about political correctness. Its not just their words, but their deeds.

Look at all those Black women appointed by Obama in his administration. How and why is it that they are ALL Light skinned Blacks? That's the dirty little secret no one wants to touch, explaining how ALL of those high level Black female appointments are light skinned. Rather clear and obvious the "Paper Bag Test" is alive and well in the Obama administration...

These comments don't surprise me coming from Harry Reid. After all, he is old school and a Mormon--a religious group with a notoriously racist theology, especially against Blacks. My only problem with what he said is the use of the term Negro and Negro Dialect. That is quite offensive. The light skinned portion of his remarks is true. Many White Americans find lighter skinned Blacks more "acceptable". As for "anonymous" complaining of a "paperbag test" in the Obama Administration, you are full of crap. Obama's wife is a beautiful chocalate toned woman. There is no obvious bias for light skinned women.

I've read other articles stating that the head of the GOP (the nerve) is calling for Reids resignation. For What? Why is anyone shocked at the statement? I am so sure more than that comment is said daily in many circles by others black and white. Some things you kind of expect growing up American. No one is saying it's right, but it is reality. Even blacks get into the light skin, dark skin thing and use the term "Negro" when they don't want to use the real "N" word.

Cecil, what does Tolu using the term "N-Ger" in an article he WROTE have to do with Reid talking about Obama's convenient NEGRO dialect? Nothing at all.

If the silly excuse African-americans want to use is that "we say it too," then why on earth do we get ourselves hyper when a white person, who's not a democrat, says it too? Why would we get upset that Bob Johnson called Obama a drug dealer when we think that all black men are drug dealers anyway. Why oh WHY were we upset when Isaiah Washington used the term "f_ggot" when gays use it too?

Whatever! Some democrat could call Obama a porch monkey and most of you would find a reason to consider that a compliment because he "could've" been called a tarbaby.

Sickening.

Does Colin Powell have a Negro Dialect? Condoleeza Rice? Eric Holder? Michelle Obama? Susan Rice? Al Sharpton?

@MIDWESTGUY.....SORRY, I DEEPLY APOLOGIZE! (LOL)I didn't mean to go off on a rant, I didn't know if that was the real you or the "cyber troll" trying to be a smart @ss, I've been tricked by him before in two other post... But to answer your question I guess I'm a "Brown Educated Negro" probably not light enough to work in Massa's kitchen. LOL!

We've been Negroes, colored, Black, Afro-American, African American,and some until called out recently have been using the "N" word quite frequently. So, when we finally get what we want to be called right, everyone else will get it right, because then we will have shown some respect for our collective selves and not wait for others to label and tag us.

What is Negro dialect? I take great issue with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's comment. I think some of the posters here are missing the point, or maybe some of you are agreeing by default. I only say that because the issue that I have with this statement or have had with my people (colored, Black, Negro Afro-American or African American) making similar comments is the implications that one speech pattern or way of being is in some way better than the other and the worst of the two is associated with African Americans. By pointing out the president's lighter skin complexion and non-Negro dialect the Senator is making a deeper statement. He is indicating that lighter skin is better than dark (or darker) skin. In addition, he is stating that President Obama’s speech pattern is better, simply because it is not “Negro”. Moreover, this is no different from our people making statements to other African Americans who are articulate, that they are "acting" white. I have heard this many years from my people, to which my usual response is, "What is acting white”. My surprise is, based on Senator Reid’s comment, white America seem to have the same thoughts on the matter. So for White and African American's who make these type of statements they are saying that being white is that of carrying oneself with dignity, respect, and have a speech pattern of words that are clearly annunciated and articulate. Conversely, the same groups of Americans mentioned above are also saying that being African American is being the antithesis of what they equate to being white. Oh yeah and lets not forget that if you are African American and you don’t fit these views, to African Americans who think like this, you are "acting" white, and to Caucasians who think like this, you are an "exceptional" African American.

WOW the ignorance here on a Daily Black News is amazing. Color this, Color that. If youre so proud of yourself, why dont you focus on your morals and values in life besides COLOR. If you want black to be black and white to be so white then go paint something. I SUPPORT OBAMA AND YOU AINT CHANGING THAT! CALL ME WHAT YOU WANT AFRICAN NEGRO WHATEVER! I KEEP MY HEAD HIGH! GO OBAMA!

>Cecil Jones, Oh, ok, so, "Ebonics" is now the official "dialect" for the entire "Negro" community? Speak for you’re self! That may be your truth but it most certainly is not my truth! >Eve, CMoney, & H.Smart, AMEN, AMEN AND AMEN! >Dean, Could you please explain what a "discernable African American accent" is? Is this "accent" the same as the "Negro Dialect" mentioned in Senator Reid's statement? >ShaQuita Fairchild, Midwestguy, & Stefany I am LMAO, at your very, very funny postings.

Divide the Democrats and conquer? United we won! We got past the Clintons. We missed the sex trap offered in the Edwards camp. We avoided McCain's old age and Sarah's unqualified beautiful body. Wow! Cecil is credited for making Ebonics the Negro dialect? How do you figga? Makes me feel like that Saturday Morning Black Action Hero...Verb, that's whats happening. I put my thing in action! I did.

I happen to be white.

I am astounded by how one simple statement by another white man can cause such heated and emotional arguments among blacks. Reid, being an older man (though perhaps not older than I am) simply used language to which he had become accustomed when he was young. I am quite sure that he intended no offense.

If you black guys are at each others' throats about such a minor thing, how do you expect ever to pull together on important matters? I believe in full equality, but this turning a trivial incident into a confrontation of international proportions is not the way forward.

Fre, as a white person, did you happen to miss what happened during the recent election cycle? Jeremiah Wright happened. Jeremiah Wright began the entire story of racism during the campaign. Did you ever notice any white people or black for that matter defending his "poor choice of words?"

I found it amazing that the words of an old pastor, who used language he had become accustomed to, caused such a rift in America. Everyone from Obama to the congregants of his church were called racists, not by black america, but by your group of whites. So don't give me bullsheet about how blacks overreact when the most recent example of whites doing the same has never been up for discussion.

I am black and I have no doubt that you will find 9 for every 10 whites who thought Wright was a racist. In contrast, 1 of every 10 whites find nothing offensive about Reid's statement. Yet, you complain about blacks introducing Race. No, the man leading the US Senate introduced race and he, like you, bear the color of those more likely to be in a position to act on their color prejudices.

Harry Reid's problem is not what he said but got caught saying it in private. Doesn't make it right but he was honest. I just don't by his sincerity act.

Jeremiah Wright may have been a reasonable person at one time, but it seemed obvious to me that he had gone off the deep end. Perhaps it was the result of the understandable frustration of dealing with oppressive racism for most of his life. But his inflammatory statements served no useful purpose, understandable though they may have been. His statement, "G D the United States of America" surely was not comparable to senator Reid's using dated terminology which, by the way, is still used by the UNCF, and other dated terminology is still used by the NAACP.

Obviously it made no sense that Wright's utterances caused such divisions in America. Surely no thinking person would agree with everything uttered by his pastor, minister, priest, rabbi, mullah, or whatever, so any thinking person would understand that not all members of Wright's congregation would agree with every position taken by Wright and that Wright did not speak for all blacks. Wright's fumings were used as an excuse to accuse Obama of being a racist, and I do not believe that Obama is a racist, that he was born in Kenya, or is a closeted Muslim. I see him as an exceptionally competent man whom we are fortunate to have as president during an extremely difficult time. His being black may even be an advantage where foreign relations are concerned, but it is making it more difficult for him to deal with Congress.

The irrational response of many whites to the fulminations of Wright in no way makes the reactions of blacks to a statement made by senator Reid rational. In any ethnic group one can find many people who habitually over-react and turn the most innocent statement into an insult.

midwestguy - come on! black liberation theology is all about hate and racism. wright's words and the blt doctrine are indefensible. it's not even a matter of poorly chosen words with wright and blt, it's about a dangerous ideal and questionable affiliations. wright and his church awarded louis farrakhan their trumpeter award and called him a man who "epitomized greatness". bho attended for what, 20 years? he was married there. i believe his children were baptized there. you think it was an overreaction for people to question obama's affiliation with that church and his belief in its doctrine? are you really comparing harry reid's use of "negro" with wright's lifetime commitment to, and preaching of, a doctrine of hatred?

Brooklyn, I think that it was an over reaction for white to condemn BHO for his church membership, and I happen to be white.

No thinking person will agree with every single position taken by the leaders of the religious organization to which he belongs. BHO had been a member of that church for many years. Probably Wright was more reasonable and level-headed when BHO joined the church, and BHO and Wright may have been good friends. There is such a thing as loyality; one just doesn't immediately drop a friend who becomes a bit nutty.

BHO's actions and statements clearly indicated that he did not agree with Wright. Had BHO actually shared Wright's beliefs, he would have been more likely to change churches quickly to conceal what would have been unacceptable political beliefs.

There have been so many nutty statements made about BHO that I am inclined to discount all of them without even a second thought. We hear that he's actually a citizen of Kenya and was born in Kenya in spite of all evidence to the contrary. We here that he attended a madrasa in Indonesia, whereas he actually attended a school that, although owned by a Muslim organization, was non-sectarian and had students of several different religions. We hear that he is a closeted Muslim, and on and on and on ad nauseum. Hence, my ignoring derogatory statements about him.

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