Bob Johnson Apologizes to Barack Obama
Tommy Christopher
Contributor
Posted:
01/18/08
The AP reports, in the midst of a swing through Compton by Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, that Clinton supporter and founder of Black Entertainment Television Bob Johnson has issued an apology to Senator Barack Obama for remarks that Johnson made over the weekend.
She went on to say of her Republican opponents that she would mix 'em and cook 'em in a pot like gumbo, but stopped short of saying that she was down with a "jack move."
It is tempting to rehash the whole episode, complete with fresh recriminations and outrage. The Clinton camp stood by Johnson's initial denial, Johnson himself didn't acknowledge his denial while apologizing, and judging by reactions I've seen from black folks, he has a lot to answer to them for.
Instead, I would like to take Bob Johnson at his word, and let this thing rest. To be fair, Hillary displayed admirable loyalty to Bob Johnson by not hanging him out to dry. Whatever the merits of these 2 people, it seems fair to assume their hearts are in the right place. In the spirit of moving past this, and put in mind by the name of Johnson's network, I'd like to share with you one of the great moments in Black Entertainment History. (From the film Wattstax)
"In my zeal to support Senator Clinton, I made some very inappropriate remarks for which I am truly sorry," Johnson said in a written statement. "I hope that you will accept this apology. Good luck on the campaign trail."Meanwhile, Senator Clinton talked about "birthing" a new Compton:
"I know something about birthing," Clinton said. "You need a president who will be a partner. Who says, 'What is it I can do to make sure this birth is easy and successful?'"Compton replied by requesting some ice chips and an epidural.
She went on to say of her Republican opponents that she would mix 'em and cook 'em in a pot like gumbo, but stopped short of saying that she was down with a "jack move."
It is tempting to rehash the whole episode, complete with fresh recriminations and outrage. The Clinton camp stood by Johnson's initial denial, Johnson himself didn't acknowledge his denial while apologizing, and judging by reactions I've seen from black folks, he has a lot to answer to them for.
Instead, I would like to take Bob Johnson at his word, and let this thing rest. To be fair, Hillary displayed admirable loyalty to Bob Johnson by not hanging him out to dry. Whatever the merits of these 2 people, it seems fair to assume their hearts are in the right place. In the spirit of moving past this, and put in mind by the name of Johnson's network, I'd like to share with you one of the great moments in Black Entertainment History. (From the film Wattstax)
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