ABC Admits Gramm Accurate on Economy, But Portrays It as Gaffe --7/11/2008

1. ABC Admits Gramm Accurate on Economy, But Portrays It as Gaffe
Proving the old saw that a "gaffe" is when a politician stumbles into the truth, ABC's World News, which has showcased Americans whining about the inability to afford "joy rides" or breakfast, on Thursday night led with former Senator Phil Gramm's observation that "this is a mental recession" and "we've sort of become a nation of whiners." In relaying the comments from the economic adviser to the McCain campaign, anchor Charles Gibson conceded "the fundamentals of the economy may be sound," but: "There are a lot of people suffering right now. So, Barack Obama was quick to pounce, and John McCain was quick to renounce." David Wright featured a soundbite of Obama asserting "we need somebody to actually solve the economy. It's not just a figment of your imagination. It's not all in your head," and then backed him up: "That certainly's what voters seem to think." Wright concluded with how Gramm's "point seems to be that while consumer confidence has been at record lows, other economic indicators are pretty good -- that the fundamentals are sound." Wright, naturally, countered: "That's no consolation to folks who worry about their mortgages and who are paying these high prices at the pump."

2. GMA Tries to Understand Jackson's 'Colorful' Remark
Over the course of three segments, various Good Morning America reporters and hosts attempted to understand and explain away Reverend Jesse Jackson's vulgar assertion that he would like "to cut [Senator Barack Obama's] nuts off." During the show open, co-host Diane Sawyer referred to the comments, made while Jackson was prepping to do an interview and not aware his mic was on, as "colorful and cutting remarks." Co-host Chris Cuomo interviewed the reverend and bizarrely insisted: "Clearly, you're a big supporter of Barack Obama..." Clearly? Again, Jackson's assertion was that he would enjoy cutting the "nuts" off the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. Would a conservative be given such leeway in dismissing any consideration of real anger? The ABC program acted as though Jackson's meaning and intent were unclear. During a second segment, which featured This Week host George Stephanopoulos discussing the issue, an ABC graphic read, "Jackson vs. Obama: What Did Jesse Jackson Mean?"

3. CBS's Harry Smith 'Sad' Over Jackson's 'Cut His Nuts Off' Comment
On Thursday's CBS Early Show, co-host Harry Smith reacted to Jesse Jackson's controversial comments about Barack Obama by sympathizing with the left-wing activist: "Honestly to me, as somebody who sat in an Operation Push [Founded by Jesse Jackson] meeting some 30-plus years ago in an old theater in Chicago, hearing this and seeing this, there's something a little sad about it." While Smith was "a little sad" about Jackson wanting to "cut his [Obama's] nuts off," liberal guest Keli Goff observed that Jackson was suffering from "...an illness that I said is plaguing certain aspects of the black community, which I called JNS Syndrome...Jealous Negro Syndrome...I won't call it epidemic because it's only a certain group of people-" Smith then finished her thought: "These guys laid down their lives, or bled the blood, and others are taking-" Goff continued: "Right, right. Are reaping the benefits. You know, the Barack Obamas of the world who've had it, compared to our parents, so easy, in some respects." Apparently Smith "bled the blood" with Jackson and others.

4. CNN Re-Airs Glowing Look at Jackson, No Mention of 'Hymietown'
Thursday's Newsroom program on CNN, in a report promoted to be about how "controversial comments are nothing new to Jesse Jackson," was actually a retrospective from two years ago that largely glowed about Jackson's affiliation with Martin Luther King, Jr., and giving the man a platform to answer his critics. Co-anchor Don Lemon, who interviewed Jackson in the report, remarked of his career: "'How far soon we forget' could be theme of Jesse Jackson's last decade or so. After all, it was him, marching or sitting with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in all those civil rights photographs." Lemon did mention the leader's extramarital affair in which he sired a child, but omitted the former Democratic presidential candidate's bigoted "Hymietown" comments from 1984.

ABC Admits Gramm Accurate on Economy,
But Portrays It as Gaffe

Proving the old saw that a "gaffe" is when a politician stumbles into the truth, ABC's World News, which has showcased Americans whining about the inability to afford "joy rides" or breakfast, on Thursday night led with former Senator Phil Gramm's observation that "this is a mental recession" and "we've sort of become a nation of whiners." In relaying the comments from the economic adviser to the McCain campaign, anchor Charles Gibson conceded "the fundamentals of the economy may be sound, as Gramm argues," but: "There are a lot of people suffering right now. So, Barack Obama was quick to pounce, and John McCain was quick to renounce."

Reporter David Wright featured a soundbite of Obama asserting "we need somebody to actually solve the economy. It's not just a figment of your imagination. It's not all in your head," and then backed him up: "That certainly's what voters seem to think." A man on the street insisted: "I think it's way more than just our imagination. It's in our face. And we need help." Wright concluded with how Gramm's "point seems to be that while consumer confidence has been at record lows, other economic indicators are pretty good -- that the fundamentals are sound." Wright, naturally, countered: "That's no consolation to folks who worry about their mortgages and who are paying these high prices at the pump."

Meanwhile, on the CBS Evening News after a look at Gramm/McCain, Jeff Greenfield suggested that Jesse Jackson's violent intentions toward Barack Obama -- "I want to cut his nuts off" -- will benefit Obama:
"Well, think back to 1992 when candidate Bill Clinton went after a rap singer, Sister Souljah for anti-white remarks and did it in front of a black audience. It was a signal to some people that Clinton might not be beholden even to a loyal Democratic group, a kind of independent. So here you have Barack Obama trying to argue 'look, I'm not the black candidate.' Being attacked by kind of a symbol of an older race-based identity-based politician and being attacked for calling on the black community to be more personally responsible. It's the kind of attack I'm sure the Obama campaign would welcome every single day."

[This item, by the MRC's Brent Baker, was posted Thursday night on the MRC's blog, NewsBusters.org: newsbusters.org ]

ABC's World News has delighted in highlighting silly whining from hapless Americans. Two examples:

The May 20 CyberAlert item, "ABC's Latest Gas Price Victim Can 'No Longer Take Joy Rides,'" recounted:

Six days after ABC's World News fretted over a New Jersey woman who said she must skip breakfast to put $4 a day toward gas, Monday's newscast featured an even more hapless woman, a Massachusetts resident who to afford gas sacrifices a "much needed" $45 prescription, says she can "no longer take joy rides on my days off" and, horror of horrors, has been forced into "buying store brands instead of name brands." Rosaria Giamei complained in a soundbite: "I don't get out and enjoy things anymore. I just kind of sit at home and only go to and from work and, like, grocery shopping and that's it." How about taking a walk or riding a bike?...

See: www.mediaresearch.org

The May 14 CyberAlert posting, "ABC Showcases Hapless Woman Who Skips Breakfast to Afford Gas," reported:

A week after ABC focused a story on two pitiable Minnesota families living in the dark because higher energy and food prices mean they "can no longer afford to pay for electricity," Tuesday's World News highlighted the replies from sad case stories solicited on ABCNews.com, starting with a woman who says she must skip breakfast to put $4 a day toward gas. ABC displayed "FEELING THE PAIN" on screen as Charles Gibson set up the story that David Muir started by fretting about "the price of a gallon of gas jumping more than a dime in just the last week" -- which is a piddling $2 more to fill a 20-gallon tank. Nonetheless, he asserted "the e-mails we've received show the pain is being felt far and wide. Single mother Caroline Saunders wrote to us from New Jersey." He read aloud from her e-mail with her quote on screen: "I now skip breakfast to save the extra $4 per day. That gives me an extra $20 added to my gas budget."...

See: www.mrc.org

And ABC's Good Morning America has repeatedly made up "recession" news. The June 26 CyberAlert item, "ABC Talks Up Non-Existent 'Recession' Eight Times in Three Days," began:

The U.S. is not in a recession, but viewers wouldn't know it from watching Good Morning America. In the span of three days, the ABC program has eight times proposed cures in its "Recession Rescue" segment. On June 24 alone, GMA fretted about the "recession" five times. This is despite the fact that America hasn't had one quarter of negative growth, let alone the two necessary for there to be a recession...

See: www.mrc.org

The Thursday, July 10 stories on ABC and CBS (NBC Nightly News also aired a full piece on Gramm/McCain, but not as its lead):

# ABC's World News:

CHARLES GIBSON: Good evening. So, how bad is the economy? Not all that bad, says a key economic adviser of John McCain. Former Texas Senator Phil Gramm said today, America is in a "mental recession. You've heard of mental depression," said Gramm, "this is a mental recession." Adding, "we've become a nation of whiners." Well, the fundamentals of the economy may be sound, as Gramm argues. But there are a lot of people suffering right now. So, Barack Obama was quick to pounce, and John McCain was quick to renounce Gramm's remarks. David Wright reports, tonight, from Washington. David?

DAVID WRIGHT: Good evening, Charlie. This isn't the first time in this race that a top adviser has stepped all over his candidate's message. And for John McCain, it's a serious consideration because the economy is the number one issue for voters. And he has been working hard this week to show people he gets it.
McCAIN: How are you? Nice to see you.
WRIGHT: Today, John McCain was in one of the hardest-hit areas of the rust belt, trying to convince voters he feels their pain.
McCAIN: People are hurting. People are hurting very badly.
WRIGHT: But one of his top economic advisers was sharply at odds with McCain's message.
PHIL GRAMM, IN WEB VIDEO: You've heard of mental depression. This is a mental recession.
WRIGHT: Former Senator Phil Gramm suggested to the Washington Times that the bad economy is just a figment of people's imagination.
GRAMM: You just hear this constant whining, complaining. [edit jump] We've sort of become a nation of whiners.
WRIGHT: The former Texas Senator enjoys cult status among many fiscal conservatives.
McCAIN, FEBRUARY 29: There is no one more respected on the issue of economics than Senator Phil Gramm.
WRIGHT: But today, McCain couldn't distance himself quickly enough.
McCAIN: Phil Gramm does not speak for me. I speak for me.
WRIGHT: Knowing his rival, Barack Obama, would be ready to pounce.
BARACK OBAMA: America already has one Dr. Phil. We don't need another one when it comes to the economy.
McCAIN: You're talking about Dr. Phil, he's Dr. No. And I've been leading us forward, with plans of action to address our economy and our need for energy independence. He's Dr. No.
OBAMA: We need somebody to actually solve the economy. It's not just a figment of your imagination. It's not all in your head.
WRIGHT: That certainly's what voters seem to think.
MAN: I think it's way more than just our imagination. It's in our face. And we need help.
WOMAN: What do I whine about? High grocery prices, you know, the price of milk and eggs.
ANOTHER WOMAN: It's real, not just mental.
WRIGHT: Today, in light of the controversy, McCain was asked, is he still seriously considering Phil Gramm to be his Treasury Secretary?
McCAIN: I think Senator Gramm would be in serious consideration, for ambassador to Belarus. Although, I'm not sure the citizens of Minsk would welcome that.
WRIGHT: But Gramm himself is standing by his remarks. And his point seems to be that while consumer confidence has been at record lows, other economic indicators are pretty good -- that the fundamentals are sound. Of course, Charlie, that's no consolation to folks who worry about their mortgages and who are paying these high prices at the pump.
GIBSON: David Wright reporting from down in Washington tonight. Thanks.

# CBS Evening News:

KATIE COURIC: Phil Gramm, the former Texas Senator, is now a top member of the McCain economic team and in an interview with the Washington Times he suggested the economy's not as bad as we've been led to believe. Gramm said: "You've heard of mental depression; this is a mental recession." He went on to say, quote: "We have sort of become a nation of whiners...complaining about a loss of competitiveness, America in decline." Barack Obama wasted no time responding.
BARACK OBAMA: America already has one Dr. Phil. We don't need another one when it comes to the economy. We need somebody to actually solve the economy. It's not just a figment of your imagination.
COURIC: And John McCain made clear he doesn't agree with his old Senate colleague, either.
JOHN MCCAIN: Phil Gramm does not speak for me, I speak for me.
COURIC: After a town meeting in Michigan, Senator McCain was asked if there might be a spot for Gramm in a McCain administration.
McCAIN: I think Senator Gramm would be in serious consideration for ambassador to Belarus.
COURIC: Jeff Greenfield is our CBS News senior political correspondent. Jeff, John McCain and Phil Gramm go way back. Is this a case of loyalty, personal loyalty trumping political strategy?
JEFF GREENFIELD: Well, in fact, John McCain endorsed Gramm for President in '96 and knows that Phil Gramm's passion is economics, which is not John McCain's passion. The problem is what Gramm says about economics is in direct contrast to a lot of what McCain has been arguing about CEO pay and Wall Street greed. Gramm is a passionate deregulator, thinks that this is class warfare. And when your top economic advisor is talking about a nation of whiners when your message this week is "I feel the pain of the average American," not so hot.
COURIC: Yeah, the McCain campaign did not need this. Meanwhile, as you know, one of Barack Obama's allies is having to apologize for something he said about his own candidate. Let's listen to that.
JESSE JACKSON, WHISPERING IN FNC VIDEO (words of text on screen, most of "nuts" bleeped): See, Barack been, um, talking down to black people on this faith based. I want to cut his n_ts off."

COURIC: Yikes, hand gesture and all. I mean, there's been a lot of talk out there though today in the stratosphere that this might inadvertently help Barack Obama. How so?
GREENFIELD: Well, think back to 1992 when candidate Bill Clinton went after a rap singer, Sister Souljah for anti-white remarks and did it in front of a black audience. It was a signal to some people that Clinton might not be beholden even to a loyal Democratic group, a kind of independent. So here you have Barack Obama trying to argue "look, I'm not the black candidate." Being attacked by kind of a symbol of an older race-based identity-based politician and being attacked for calling on the black community to be more personally responsible. It's the kind of attack I'm sure the Obama campaign would welcome every single day.
COURIC: All right. Jeff Greenfield. Jeff, thanks so much.

GMA Tries to Understand Jackson's 'Colorful'
Remark

Over the course of three segments, various Good Morning America reporters and hosts attempted to understand and explain away Reverend Jesse Jackson's vulgar assertion that he would like "to cut [Senator Barack Obama's] nuts off." During the show open, co-host Diane Sawyer referred to the comments, made while Jackson was prepping to do an interview and not aware his mic was on, as "colorful and cutting remarks."

Co-host Chris Cuomo interviewed the reverend and bizarrely insisted: "Clearly, you're a big supporter of Barack Obama..." Clearly? Again, Jackson's assertion was that he would enjoy cutting the "nuts" off the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. Would a conservative be given such leeway in dismissing any consideration of real anger? The ABC program acted as though Jackson's meaning and intent were unclear. During a second segment, which featured This Week host George Stephanopoulos discussing the issue, an ABC graphic read, "Jackson vs. Obama: What Did Jesse Jackson Mean?"

[This item, by the MRC's Scott Whitlock, was posted Thursday afternoon on the MRC's blog, NewsBusters.org: newsbusters.org ]

Reporter Jake Tapper repeatedly called for looking at the "cut his nuts off" statement in a broader context. He asserted: "Jackson's vulgar language notwithstanding, he is far from alone in thinking Obama needs to put the struggles of black America within a larger societal context." Tapper also observed that Jackson "gave voice to a frustration among some in the black community with Obama's Cosby'esque, tough love approach to black America."

After remarking that Jackson's comments most likely won't hurt Obama as he tries to appeal to whites and moderates, Tapper reiterated, "On the other hand, Obama will address the NAACP next week and he might want to keep in mind that Jackson's frustrations are not just Jackson's."

During an interview with the civil rights activist, Cuomo also attempted to see the broader scope of the reverend's vulgar phrasing. He queried: "Let me ask you a question about context here. Is the emotion that you betrayed in your comments about Barack Obama, is that represent [sic] a larger frustration with him within the African-American community?" And he closed the segment by asking how embarrassing the whole controversy was when, clearly, Jackson would rather be talking about the "bigger issues."

A transcript of the Jake Tapper segment, which aired at 7:01am and a partial transcript of the Cuomo interview, follow:

7am tease
DIANE SAWYER: This morning, Jesse Jackson caught on an open mic with colorful and cutting remarks about Barack Obama. A new interview this morning and we have it here.

7:02am
SAWYER: But let's begin right now with the race for '08 and those words about Barack Obama from Jesse Jackson, one of his main boosters and of course one of the most prominent leaders in the African American community. Senior political correspondent Jake Tapper is in Washington to launch it all. Jake?
JAKE TAPPER: Good morning, Diane. Well, you know it's said in Washington a gaffe is when a politician accidentally tells the truth. Well, I think we need a new term for when an open microphone catches the private conversations of a public official as happened with Jesse Jackson talking privately, or so he thought, about his view of how Obama talks to the black community.
JESSE JACKSON: See, Barack been talking down to black people on this faith based -- I want to cut his [bleep] off.
TAPPER: Unaware his microphone was on before an interview, Jesse Jackson expressed anger that Barack Obama has, in Jackson's view, been overly critical of the African-American community in a video that aired on "The O'Reilly factor." Listen again to Jackson's comments.
JACKSON: See, Barack been talking down to black people on this faith based -- I want to cut his [bleep] off.
TAPPER: Jackson quickly apologized for his remarks.
JACKSON: They were hurtful and wrong. That's the whole point. And that when you make mistakes, you should not equivocate. You should be quick to go on the offensive and not try to be evasive.
TAPPER: But Jackson also gave voice to a frustration among some in the black community with Obama's Cosby'esque, tough love approach to black America.
SENATOR BARACK OBAMA: More than half of all black children live in single parent households. Only we, as parents, can make sure that when our sons grow up, they treat women with respect.
TAPPER: Jackson's vulgar language notwithstanding, he is far from alone in thinking Obama needs to put the struggles of black America within a larger, societal context.
DONNA BRAZILE (ABC News consultant): What he is trying to offer to Senator Obama is, hey, let's talk about all of the issues facing urban America, all of the issues facing the African-American community.
TAPPER: Obama's campaign said the senator accepted Jackson's apology, but Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. was not so forgiving, saying of his father, quote, "I'm deeply outraged and disappointed in Reverend Jackson's reckless statements about Senator Barack Obama. He should keep hope alive and any personal attacks and insults to himself." Now, the politics of this are complicated. It probably does not hurt Obama as he tries to appeal to white independents and moderates to be seen as alienating Jackson for doling out tough love to the black community. On the other hand, Obama will address the NAACP next week and he might want to keep in mind that Jackson's frustrations are not just Jackson's. Diane?

7:01am tease
CHRIS CUOMO: And a big political headline this morning: Jesse Jackson is in a TV studio, on mic but not on camera yet. Heard discussing Barack Obama, accusing him of talking down to the black community.
SAWYER: Yes, it was another one of those comments, caught when he thought he was off microphone and we are going to get a chance to talk to Reverend Jackson. He is standing by an exclusive interview coming up now.
CUOMO: Clearly a big supporter. Wants to clear this up as soon as possible.

7:06am
CHRIS CUOMO: Reverend Jackson is at our Indianapolis affiliate, WRTV standing by to try and speak to us today. Technical difficulties. Hopefully, he's hearing me on a phone. Reverend, can you hear me?
JESSE JACKSON: Good morning, I can hear you.
ABC GRAPHIC: Jesse Jackson Responds: Apologizes for Verbal Flub
CUOMO: Beautiful. Great to have you here. The situation is obvious. Clearly, you're a big supporter of Barack Obama, but clearly you used some very tough language. Basic question, do you like Barack Obama?
JACKSON: Very much. And I'm a long-standing supporter and because of my commitment to what he represents and the campaign, I was quick to apologize for any offense, any harm, any hurt. He was quick to respond very graciously and that's the good thing. My anguish is over. The limitations of the most fervent faith-based programs, because there is the issue of faith, hope and substance. With bridges collapsing and levees being overrun we need to focus on the cause item of some real commitment to reinvest in urban and rural America.
CUOMO: You're bringing up-
JACKSON: And that would be government-based and in some sense private sector based.
CUOMO: You're bringing up primary issues that are certainly very important to the African-American community. Let me ask you a question about context here. Is the emotion that you betrayed in your comments about Barack Obama, is that represent [sic] a larger frustration with him within the African-American community?
JACKSON: I don't think so. I think he enjoys great support because he is the leader in this rather transformative, redemptive moment and yet within the black community there are some severe structural crises -- Infant mortality rate is higher. Life expectancy is shorter. The most children in school with teachers less than three years experience, the highest murder rate and now the need to revive a ban on assault weapons, I mean, these things of great substance must be addressed, I think, with more passion and he is committed to that proposition. I think it deserves to have a greater emphasis.

CBS's Harry Smith 'Sad' Over Jackson's
'Cut His Nuts Off' Comment

On Thursday's CBS Early Show, co-host Harry Smith reacted to Jesse Jackson's controversial comments about Barack Obama by sympathizing with the left-wing activist: "Honestly to me, as somebody who sat in an Operation Push [Founded by Jesse Jackson] meeting some 30-plus years ago in an old theater in Chicago, hearing this and seeing this, there's something a little sad about it." While Smith was "a little sad" about Jackson wanting to "cut his [Obama's] nuts off," liberal guest Keli Goff observed that Jackson was suffering from "...an illness that I said is plaguing certain aspects of the black community, which I called JNS Syndrome...Jealous Negro Syndrome...I won't call it epidemic because it's only a certain group of people-" Smith then finished her thought: "These guys laid down their lives, or bled the blood, and others are taking-" Goff continued: "Right, right. Are reaping the benefits. You know, the Barack Obamas of the world who've had it, compared to our parents, so easy, in some respects." Apparently Smith "bled the blood" with Jackson and others.

[This item, by the MRC's Kyle Drennen, was posted Thursday afternoon on the MRC's blog, NewsBusters.org: newsbusters.org ]

Smith's other liberal guest, Michael Fauntroy, defended Jackson: "You know, we have this thing going on in the black community where if you're not comprehensively for Obama you're seen as against Obama. And therefore, some legitimate concerns or criticisms that are raised are seen as being jealous or being hateful or not supporting him in the way that he possibly should be." Fauntroy did also explain: "You don't need to use the language that Reverend Jackson did...But you should -- you ought to be able to have honest disagreements with the guy and not be seen as a sell-out or somebody who views -- who is sort of hating on Obama, so to speak."

Later in the show, co-host Maggie Rodriguez interviewed Jackson and challenged him on his comments: Are you sorry that you said it, or are you sorry that it's been heard publicly?...But how do you think he is talking down to black people? Do you feel that he is?...Given the fact that you disagree with how Senator Obama, or the topics that he's choosing for these speeches, do you support him and his campaign?...So I just want to ask you quickly, do you feel that you have hurt this campaign that you say you support unequivocally?...Have you spoken with Senator Obama? Have you apologized personally?

Here are the full transcripts of the 7:02 AM segment and the 8:13 AM interview with Jackson:

7:00AM TEASER:

JESSE JACKSON: See, Barack been, um, talking down to black people on this faith based...I wanna cut his n-ts off.
MAGGIE RODRIGUEZ: Dangerous whispers. Jesse Jackson apologizes but will his crude comments hurt or help Obama?

7:02AM SEGMENT:

HARRY SMITH: First though, let's get to our top story this morning, that's the Reverend Jesse Jackson. He has apologized for the firestorm he has created over comments directed against Barack Obama. CBS's Joel Brown has that story.
JESSE JACKSON: If I've done any harm or hurt, for that I have deep regrets.
JOEL BROWN: Jesse Jackson apologizing for crude comments he made Sunday while taping a TV program, comments made when he says he thought the microphones were off, about Obama's speeches at black churches about morality.
JACKSON: See, Barack been, um, talking down to black people on this faith based...I wanna cut his n-ts off. Barack...he's talking down to black people.
BROWN: When Fox News decided to air the tape, Jackson rushed to clarify his position on the likely nominee.
JACKSON: My support for Barack and his policies are long-standing, broad-based and deep and unequivocal. He and Michelle have taken America to another level.
BROWN: For its part, the Obama campaign was swift in its acceptance of Jackson's apology. Joel Brown, CBS News, Washington.
SMITH: Joining us now is Michael Fauntroy, author of 'Republicans and The Black Vote,' and political analyst Keli Goff, author of 'Party Crashing: How the Hip Hop Generation Declared Political Independence.' Good morning to you both.
KELI GOFF: Good morning.
MICHAEL FAUNTROY: Good morning.
SMITH: Yeah Michael, let me start with you. Who does this hurt?
MICHAEL FAUNTROY: I think it hurt Reverend Jackson more so than anyone else. You know, rule number one-
SMITH: Because?
FAUNTROY: Well, I think his reputation has been -- has been in trouble for years among some African-Americans. And this is just one more in a long line of miss steps that he's made, that I think cast him in a very bad light amongst those African-Americans who are in my generation, some of whom -- some of whom view him very differently than those who come from his generation.
SMITH: Yeah. Keli, who does it help?
KELI GOFF: I actually think it helps Barack Obama. Because if anything, the criticism that Jesse Jackson was lodging at him was for the very issue that will help Barack Obama with some conservative and swing voters, specifically him being critical of Barack Obama's comments about the need to take more personal responsibility in the black community. And this is the type of rhetoric. And also, furthermore, the faith-based initiatives, I mean, that's something that's a very big issue, especially when you look at the numbers that younger white evangelicals are becoming increasingly up for grabs in terms of party identification. So, this is good-
FAUNTROY: But Harry, there's a point that heeds to be made, then. And that is, it's my fear that the consternation over Jackson's words obscure what may well be a legitimate controversy -- legitimate criticism and that is with regard to the faith-based initiative. You know, it was sold in black communities as something that would help get more resources in the black communities.
SMITH: Right.
FAUNTROY: And here you look years down the line and you see that really hasn't happened. So I think an argument could be made that less, and not more money, should be put in the faith-based initiative.
SMITH: Right.
FAUNTROY: And I think that's a legitimate criticism.
GOFF: But often we know that the way the message is delivered is just as important as the message itself. And first of all, who knew that ministers talk like that. You know, I mean, how many of us knew that that's -- that's how our pastors talk.
SMITH: And there's no such thing as a microphone that's off though, either.
GOFF: Right.
SMITH: Nobody doesn't know that.
GOFF: Right, well that's what's sort of-
SMITH: Honestly to me, as somebody who sat in an Operation Push meeting some 30-plus years ago in an old theater in Chicago, hearing this and seeing this, there's something a little sad about it.
GOFF: It is. It's extremely sad, it's extremely sad. You know, I wrote a piece after the whole Reverend Wright debacle at the National Press Club that we're all very familiar with for the Daily Voice in which I diagnosed Reverend Wright with an illness that I said is plaguing certain aspects of the black community, which I called JNS Syndrome-
SMITH: Which is?
GOFF: Jealous Negro Syndrome. Which is very unfortunately -- Michael touched on something that is sort of a largely unspoken but sad, I won't call it epidemic because it's only a certain group of people-
SMITH: These guys laid down their lives, or bled the blood, and others are taking-
GOFF: Right, right. Are reaping the benefits. You know, the Barack Obamas of the world who've had it, compared to our parents, so easy, in some respects.
SMITH: Michael does that ring true at all to you?
FAUNTROY: Yeah, but there's a part of me that sort of resents that as well. You know, we have this thing going on in the black community where if you're not comprehensively for Obama you're seen as against Obama. And therefore, some legitimate concerns or criticisms that are raised are seen as being jealous or being hateful or not supporting him in the way that he possibly should be. And I think that's unfortunate. We ought to have a position or a point where you can have honest disagreements. You don't need to use the language that Reverend Jackson did.
SMITH: Right.
FAUNTROY: But you should -- you ought to be able to have honest disagreements with the guy and not be seen as a sell-out or somebody who views -- who is sort of hating on Obama, so to speak.
SMITH: Got you. One would think anyway. Michael thank you so much. Keli Goff good to see you too.
FAUNTROY: No problem.
SMITH: Do appreciate it.
GOFF: Thank you.

8:09AM TEASER:
HARRY SMITH: Still ahead, the always controversial Jesse Jackson. We'll talk to him live in just a couple seconds.

8:13AM SEGMENT:
MAGGIE RODRIGUEZ: The Reverend Jesse Jackson has made a public apology to Barack Obama for comments he made in a television studio on Sunday, when he thought the microphone was off.
JESSE JACKSON: See, Barack been, um, talking down to black people on this faith based...I wanna cut his n-ts off.
RODRIGUEZ: The Reverend Jesse Jackson is with us this morning from Indianapolis. Good morning to you, Reverend Jackson.
JESSE JACKSON: Good morning to you.
RODRIGUEZ: Are you sorry that you said it, or are you sorry that it's been heard publicly?
JACKSON: Well, that I said it. In part because I'm such a fervent supporter of the campaign and the message, and the messenger as a matter of fact. And so I have a great passion for the campaign and for the redemptive moment it represents. On the other hand, I have anxiety about the faith-based thrust and its limitations unless it's really expanded, which I think Barack does, but the media may have less interest in it. For example, if you have a faith-based program for day care, the parents are unemployed, are facing home foreclosures and plants are closing, the government-based and private sector initiative to go along with the faith-based initiative. And so that is a -- that's a valid concern.
RODRIGUEZ: But how do you think he is talking down to black people? Do you feel that he is?
JACKSON: I really don't. I think the limitation I have if you go to a given church and focus on responsibility, well that is a very universal issue-
RODRIGUEZ: So, why did you say that if you don't think he is?
JACKSON: Let me make my point. Whether he is in a black church or whether you're in a labor union hall, we all must share responsibility. But that limited message must address the structural crisis in urban America where you have the highest infant mortality rate, the shortest life expectancy. Most children's school teachers are less than three years experience. The amazing murder rate because of free-flow of guns. So there really is beyond faith-based and very heavy government lifting that must be done.
RODRIGUEZ: And you don't think he's doing that?
JACKSON: Well, I think it needs to be more visible. If you've talked to Barack as I have, he has very definite plans about -- that reinvest in America. But the emphasis must be that and the media must be sensitive to the issue just beyond personal responsibility because we all believe in that because we need faith to get us up in the morning and the hope to sustain us. But we need the substance to go along with it. At a time when bridges are collapsing-
RODRIGUEZ: Have you mentioned this to Senator Obama?
JACKSON: -When bridges are falling and levees are collapsing, we need, in fact, serious economic investment. It's not enough to end the war in Iraq, we must also reinvest in America. Now, that really is my passionate appeal, frankly.
RODRIGUEZ: Given the fact that you disagree with how Senator Obama, or the topics that he's choosing for these speeches, do you support him and his campaign?
JACKSON: Unequivocally. Let me make it very clear that you need the faith. I mean, faith is the substance of things hopeful. And so you need the faith. But you also need the substance. And that's where, if we're going to deal with structural inequality, that's going to require investment. Faith does not require an investment, nor does hope. But substance does. And of course I think he'll be surrounded by people along with his own vision to engage in the reinvestment. How can we ignore Katrina? How can we ignore cities overrun in downtown Illinois and Missouri-
RODRIGUEZ: You've already explained this, Reverend Jackson. So I just want to ask you quickly, do you feel that you have hurt this campaign that you say you support unequivocally?
JACKSON: Well, I certainly hope not. And that's why I was quick to respond and he was quick to respond very generously as well. So our relationship is intact and good news, the campaign is intact and we look forward to this magnificent redemptive transformative moment in Denver and beyond. But to regain this nation we must change the course and substance and direction and now.
RODRIGUEZ: Have you spoken with Senator Obama? Have you apologized personally?
JACKSON: We talked with his campaign yesterday, but we talk quite often because of a long-standing friendship.
RODRIGUEZ: Alright. Reverend Jesse Jackson, thank you very much.
JACKSON: Thank you.

CNN Re-Airs Glowing Look at Jackson,
No Mention of 'Hymietown'

Thursday's Newsroom program on CNN, in a report promoted to be about how "controversial comments are nothing new to Jesse Jackson," was actually a retrospective from two years ago that largely glowed about Jackson's affiliation with Martin Luther King, Jr., and giving the man a platform to answer his critics. Co-anchor Don Lemon, who interviewed Jackson in the report, remarked of his career: "'How far soon we forget' could be theme of Jesse Jackson's last decade or so. After all, it was him, marching or sitting with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in all those civil rights photographs." Lemon did mention the leader's extramarital affair in which he sired a child, but omitted the former Democratic presidential candidate's bigoted "Hymietown" comments from 1984.

[This item, by the MRC's Matthew Balan, was posted Thursday evening on the MRC's blog, NewsBusters.org: newsbusters.org ]

Prior to the report's rebroadcast, which took place just after the bottom of the 3 pm Eastern hour of the Newsroom, co-anchor Kyra Phillips, gave a promo for the report: "Straight ahead: Controversial comments are nothing new to Jesse Jackson." File footage of Jackson, probably from one of the Democratic convention he addressed in the 1980s, accompanied the promo. Lemon's report began several minutes later. It started with a glowing look at Jackson's early activism in the 1960s: "Whatever you think of the Reverend Jesse Jackson, there's no denying he's been there....In the company of kings." Jackson, via file footage, named the "kings" Lemon referenced -- Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Lemon also reminded viewers how Jackson was "[e]ven on the balcony when America's most famous 'King' was assassinated."

The CNN correspondent then referenced Jackson's 65th birthday, which took place in October 2006, indicating that this report was nearly two years old (Lemon admitted this at the end of his report). He also included excerpts from an interview he had with Jackson. Prior to this, Lemon gave another reminder of Jackson's connection to MLK, and a list of charges from his critics. During the interview, he let Jackson answer some of these charges without any follow-ups.

LEMON: 'How far soon we forget' could be theme of Jesse Jackson's last decade or so. After all, it was him, marching or sitting with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in all those civil rights photographs. But lately, he's been called everything from an opportunist to a philanderer to an agitator.
LEMON (on-camera): So when people say Jesse Jackson plays the race card too much, your answer to them is?
JACKSON: Well, it is not true. It is true that blacks have higher infant mortality rates and a shorter life expectancy. That's because of structural conditions that must change.
LEMON: When people say Jesse Jackson inserts himself into every big news story, that he's enamored with the media and publicity, you say?
JACKSON: The media is the outlet for ideas. No African-American leader or journalist has a prime-time show to get our ideas out. And so, if I go to Syria or Iraq or Cuba or Yugoslavia to bring Americans back home, I didn't have chase the ambulance. The ambulance chased me.
LEMON: People would say, well, what is -- what is his job? Does Jesse Jackson have a job? Has he gotten a job yet? And then your answer is?
JACKSON: It's an attempt to demean our work. The Rainbow/Push Coalition is a -- is a human rights organization. People who speak that way are speaking in pejorative, demeaning terms. You have to dismiss it and consider the source.
LEMON: Jesse Jackson is a reverend, yet he had an affair and he's got a kid.
JACKSON: We have all sinned and falled short of the glory of God. But if we are honest and open, God will forgive and redeem and allow us to move on and get back up again.
LEMON (voice-over): Even one of the largest black-owned publications, Ebony magazine, recently asked the question, 'Does the Reverend Jesse Jackson Still Matter?'
LEMON (on-camera): Does Jesse Jackson still matter?
JACKSON: You see that they asked that question.
LEMON: Absolutely. That's the question.
JACKSON: And the people answered.

Lemon then aired celebrity endorsements of Jackson, ranging from Bill Cosby's wife to the Obamas. He closed with another glowing look back, this time about Jackson's two failed presidential runs and his legacy.

LEMON (voice-over): Answered -- and many came to his defense.
CAMILLE COSBY, BILL COSBY'S WIFE: Of course, he still matters. He has always mattered. You cannot eradicate all the wonderful work that he has done throughout his career.
MICHELLE OBAMA: That's obvious. I mean, he is teaching us in everything he does and says. He can take -- still take the kind of risks to say things that a lot of us can't. He's in a position to use his leverage and he does it every single time. I mean, we wouldn't be here if it weren't for Jesse Jackson. That's just a no-brainer.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That's true.
LEMON: Even Michelle Obama's husband, Barack Obama, agrees.
SENATOR BARACK OBAMA: Reverend Jackson continues to be one of the most powerful voices on behalf of the disaffected, the dispossessed. You know, wherever he goes, he makes news.
LEMON: Before there was a Barack, addressing a Democratic convention and hinting at a presidential run, there was a Jesse. Run, Jesse, run -- remember, 1984 and then again in '88?
JACKSON: You hold on and hold out. We must never surrender. America will get better and better. Keep hope alive. Keep hope alive. Keep hope alive.... Keep hope alive. Keep hope alive. Let me hear you scream. (crowd screams and applauds)
LEMON: Times have certainly changed since Jesse Jackson first uttered those famous words. His children are grown and accomplished. Jesse, Jr. is a U.S. Congressman.
JACKSON: I am delighted to have lived long enough to see now two generations direct beneficiaries of our work continue to grow. So when I look at these fruits of our struggle, the beneficiaries of our work, it's a good feeling.
LEMON: No regrets, he insists, but admits he's a bit battered, but not broken, by his journey and today, still dogged about his message of hope.
LEMON (on-camera): That was two years ago -- two years ago, for his 65th birthday in Chicago, we did that story -- just to add a little context....

Not once did Lemon bring up how Jackson, in a 1984 interview with Washington Post reporter Milton Coleman, referred to the Jews as "Hymies" and called New York City "Hymietown."

-- Brent Baker