Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan said Thursday that presidential candidate Senator Barack Obamas comments during the presidential campaign where he denounced the muslim leader should not dissuade voters to reject their support.
Farrakhan issued the statement after the Ohio televised debate with Democratic presidential rival Hillary Clinton. Farrakhan sent a statement to the Associated Press that he said was a response to outrage expressed by many over Obamas comments.
Those who have been supporting Sen. Barak Obama should not allow what was said during the Feb. 26 presidential debate to lessen their support for his campaign. This is simply mischief making intended to hurt Mr. Obama politically, said Farrakhan in the statement.
Farrakhan praised Obama during a Saviours Day gathering in Chicago last weekend, where he declared, A black man with a white mother could turn out to be the one who can lift America from her fall.
During the Ohio debate, Tim Russert, host of NBCs Meet the Press, asked Obama whether he accepts Farrakhans support. The senator responded that while both he and Farrakhan live in Chicago, thats where their ties end.
I have been very clear in my denunciation of Minister Farrakhans anti-Semitic comments. I think they are unacceptable and reprehensible, Obama said. I did not solicit this support.
Following an exchange with Clinton, he added, Theres no formal offer of help from Minister Farrakhan that would involve me rejecting it. But if the word reject Senator Clinton feels is stronger than the word denounce, then Im happy to concede the point, and I would reject and denounce.
Advertisement
Advertisement
