Days after the Rev. Jesse Jackson apologized for making negative comments about Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama, rapper David Banner is weighing in on the controversy.
Banner, who drew headlines during the Imus scandal for his scathing comments about Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, also rapped about Jackson on the track “So Special.”
Rev. Jesse Jackson came under fire since making what he called “crude and hurtful” remarks about Obama on Sunday (July 6) after an interview with a Fox News correspondent.
The former Democratic presidential contender, who was not aware that his microphone was still on while talking to UnitedHealth Group executive Dr. Reed V. Tuckson, whispered “See, Barack’s been talking down to black people…I want to cut his nuts off” to Tuckson who was also being interviewed on Fox News.
News of the incident dominated morning talk shows and other media outlets since it became public.
“He didn’t literally mean that he wanted to cut Barack’s balls off. So we just need to quit it and move on,” David Banner told AllHipHop.com. “This is one of the most important elections in history and we should focus on what’s right and what’s wrong. We’re gonna mess around and let the same thing happen with the last two elections and then we as American people are gonna be sitting up looking stupid with high ass gas prices again and our troops still at war.”
On Wednesday (July 9), Jackson apologized for his remarks as well as any hurt or harm the comments caused the Obama campaign.
Although a spokesman for the campaign relayed that the Illinois senator accepted Jackson’s apology, Jackson’s son, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., of Illinois was less forgiving as he publicly voiced his outrage and disappointment over his father’s remarks about Obama by calling them “reckless statements.”
While the elder Jackson’s comments may have come as a shock, Banner was quick to point out the importance of looking at the bigger picture.
“I think the thing that we should focus on more is the disconnect between young black people and old black people. And the truth, when it comes down to it, is about what’s right and what’s wrong,” said Banner.
While criticism is regularly thrown at leaders such as Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton, Banner points out that representation must exist for the current generation of voters.
“We need to agree on who our leaders are gonna be. When we go through a generation without representation, who’s representing our generation that comes from our generation? Who is speaking out and pushing for policies for our generation?” Banner asked. “We complain about Jesse Jackson and people like that, but who are we gonna put in those positions? Who’s gonna step up to the forefront and take responsibility?”
Banner’s encouragement for fans to become active on issues affecting them is voiced on “So Long,” a song off his forthcoming album The Greatest Story Ever Told, which hits stores Tuesday (July 15).