Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is under fire for a controversial statement he made about President Obama during the presidential campaign.
In the book “Game Change: Obama and the Clintons, McCain and Palin, and the Race of a Lifetime” it has been revealed that during a private conversation discussing Obama’s candidacy, Reid stated 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.”
Reid apologized on Saturday, saying:
“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.
Moreover, throughout my career, from efforts to integrate the Las Vegas strip and the gaming industry to opposing radical judges and promoting diversity in the Senate, I have worked hard to advance issues important to the African American community.”
The White House released a statement from President Obama, saying:
“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.”
Although the latest polls show support for the Senate Majority Leader at an all-time low, Reid says he will “absolutely” run for re-election.
