Reid apologizes for racial remarks about Obama during campaign
From Mark Preston, CNN Political Editor
January 9, 2010 11:32 p.m. EST

Washington (CNN) -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid apologized Saturday for making racially insensitive remarks about Barack Obama during the presidential campaign.

Journalists Mark Halperin and John Heilemann reported the remarks in their new book, "Game Change," which is scheduled to be in bookstores Tuesday.

The authors quote Reid as saying privately that Obama, as a black candidate, could be successful thanks, in part, to his "light-skinned" appearance and speaking patterns "with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one."

"He [Reid] was wowed by Obama's oratorical gifts and believed that the country was ready to embrace a black presidential candidate, especially one such as Obama -- a 'light-skinned' African American 'with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one,' " Halperin and Heilemann say.

"Reid was convinced, in fact, that Obama's race would help him more than hurt him in a bid for the Democratic nomination," they write.

In a statement to CNN, Reid said, "I deeply regret using such a poor choice of words."

"I sincerely apologize for offending any and all Americans, especially African Americans for my improper comments.

"I was a proud and enthusiastic supporter of Barack Obama during the campaign and have worked as hard as I can to advance President Obama's legislative agenda," the senator from Nevada said.

Reid pointed to his efforts to integrate the Las Vegas Strip and the gaming industry, among other legislation favored by African-American voters.

"I have worked hard to advance issues important to the African American community."

The senator called Obama Saturday afternoon to apologize for the racially insensitive remarks.

"Harry Reid called me today and apologized for an unfortunate comment reported today," Obama said in a statement.

"I accepted Harry's apology without question because I've known him for years, I've seen the passionate leadership he's shown on issues of social justice and I know what's in his heart. As far as I am concerned, the book is closed."

Reid, who waited to formally endorse Obama until after the tough presidential primary battle ended in 2008, is facing an uphill re-election fight this year in his home state.

An aide to the senator told CNN that Reid offered apologies to several prominent African-Americans, including House Democrats Jim Clyburn of South Carolina and Barbara Lee of California; the Rev. Al Sharpton; CNN political contributor and Democratic strategist Donna Brazile; NAACP chairman Julian Bond; and the head of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, Wade Henderson.

Nevada's state Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, who is African-American, reaffirmed his support for Reid in a statement Saturday.

"While I am disappointed in Senator Reid's comment and choice of words, I accept his apology," said Horsford, a Democrat. "I have known Senator Reid for many years, and he has consistently been supportive of advancing the interests of the African-American community as he has for all Nevadans and all Americans."

On the news reporters have been saying that Reid said this publicly, while most Americans would not say this in private conversation. I think most people with a grasp on reality had said during Obama's campaign, in private conversation, "he can win because he doesn't come off that black". I mean, as a politician he shouldn't have said that, but it really wasn't much of a ridiculous thing to say.

Not even prejudice. He didn't say he wouldn't vote for someone with a heavy negro dialect - he implied others wouldn't.

Tell me, if his job was pollster and was asked what are the odds Barack Obama could become president, would it be politically incorrect identifying all the reasons in his favor and against his favor in an objective manner? Of course not.

yeah. i was just talking about using a word that is outdated and seen by some to have prejudiced overtones. it's a stupid comment by virtue of the usage of the wrong term; otherwise, i don't think there's anything wrong with what he said.

In America, objective talk about race is not allowed. Unless it's negative and about caucasians.

I would agree with that, though if he said black instead of negro they would still be outrage right now. I think the main part is that OH MY GOD HE TALKED ABOUT RACE AND POLITICS! But yah, you're right. Negro is an inappropriate word. If he said nigger he would most definitely have to resign.

Not even prejudice. He didn't say he wouldn't vote for someone with a heavy negro dialect - he implied others wouldn't.

Tell me, if his job was pollster and was asked what are the odds Barack Obama could become president, would it be politically incorrect identifying all the reasons in his favor and against his favor in an objective manner? Of course not.

He's so clean!

so fresh

On the news reporters have been saying that Reid said this publicly, while most Americans would not say this in private conversation. I think most people with a grasp on reality had said during Obama's campaign, in private conversation, "he can win because he doesn't come off that black". I mean, as a politician he shouldn't have said that, but it really wasn't much of a ridiculous thing to say.