Reid in Hot Water for Controversial Race Comments

Meredith Jessup | January 09, 2010 1:32 PM

A new book coming out about the 2008 election includes some controversial quotes that may be a "game changer" for the public's opinion of Majority Leader Harry Reid. According to the book, Reid had some interesting ways to describe his enthusiasm for the candidacy of then-Senator Barack Obama.

Politico reports:

According to the new book "Game Change," Reid "was wowed by Obama's oratorical gifts and believed 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,' as he said privately.

Though the claim in the book is not sourced, Reid has preemptively issued the following apology:

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 African American community.

Uh, "poor choice of words" would be a considerable understatement. Reid was essentially implying that candidate Obama would do well because he wasn't too black. And yet it's we conservatives who are labeled bigoted racists? Sheesh.