Top Democrat apologizes for ‘poor choice of words’ towards ObamaDuring the 2008 presidential campaign, Senate Democrat leader Harry Reid made a private racial comment towards Barack Obama. Reid said that Obama should run for president, and could possibly win the election, because he is a “light skinned” African-American "with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one."Harry Reid apologized to President Obama on Saturday, January 9, 2010. President Obama was quick to accept the apology, saying "As far as I am concerned, the book is closed." The comments that the Nevada Senator made are included in a yet-to-be released book about the long campaign. Excerpts from the book appeared on the website The Atlantic. Reid then released a statement expressing his regret. His statement apologized for "using such a poor choice of words.” He went on, saying “I sincerely apologize for offending any and all Americans, especially African-Americans for my improper comments." After Harry Reid's statement, President Barack Obama issued his own statement saying he had spoken with the Senator. "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," Obama included in his statement.Reid's racial comments are not helping him with his re-election. He's currently trailing in polls. Obama relies on Reid heavily to try to pass a health care overhaul. If Reid is not re-elected, that would be very bad for not only the President but also everyone who is working for health care reform and the ones that are depending on it happening.If I were Senator Harry Reid, I would have thought very carefully before I spoke. We all know and must understand that things may slip out while we're having private conversations, but at his level he should know that word will get out. Of course his statements could have been a lot worse, but nevertheless they were still racist. From the comments made on both sides it's clear to see the men have a very strong relationship. Reid's apology, in my opinion, was very sincere and heartfelt. President Obama doesn't seem to have been too bothered by the words. He's doing the correct thing by worrying more on having Reid re-elected then the words that came out of his mouth so long ago. Also on the subject of Reid's re-election, I think he really needs to be re-elected. This health care deal needs to be passed! So many of us Americans don't have health insurance or know someone who doesn't because we can't afford it or we're not being accepted because we're ill. I'm sorry, but isn't the point of having health insurance is that you are ill? Anyhow, Reid's statements will be going down in the books, weather he likes it or not.
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