Jesse Jackson dodges Obama questions

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, in Atlanta this week to tape a pre-arranged interview, is known for his candor. But prior to his appearance on veteran journalist Maynard Eaton’s “Newsmakers Live!” program, the civil rights icon let it be known that certain subjects would be off limits.

A spokesman said Jackson would not respond to questions about Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama or the Middle East. Jackson stirred controversy Tuesday after comments critical of America’s relationship with Israel were published in the New York Post.

“I was torn about not being able to do my job, to be restrained from asking certain questions,” Eaton said after the interview Thursday night. “What would people think if I interviewed Jesse Jackson and didn’t ask about this election?”

A few minutes into their sit-down. Eaton asked Jackson – a Democratic presidential candidate in 1984 and 1988 – if he was “passing the torch to Barack Obama.”

Jackson demurred.

“You were the man – have been around the world,” Eaton persisted.

“Each of us must in our own day serve while the sun is still high. [Ronald] Reagan became president twice, and he was older than I am now,” replied Jackson, who turned 67 earlier this month.

Eaton then asked if racism would play a role in the upcoming election.

“He [Obama] won South Carolina,” Jackson said. “He won the Democratic nomination. We’re finishing the unfinished business. It’s great to be alive in this day to see it unfold.”

And that was it.

Jackson left abruptly after about 20 minutes, shielded by his representatives. His spokesman, Maceo Williams, didn’t respond to a reporter’s question as he escorted Jackson out.

The exchange, taped before a live audience at the Uptown Restaurant and Lounge in downtown Atlanta, will be viewable on the Newsmakers Live! Web site, www.newsmakerslive.com.

“I think he was instructed to settle down, don’t rock the boat,” Eaton said after the taping. “I mean, this is Jesse Jackson. Who tells Jesse Jackson what to say?”

Jackson has been dogged by controversy throughout Obama’s campaign.

Last year, he accused the candidate of “acting like he’s white.” In July, Jackson was caught on a live microphone accusing Obama of talking down to African-Americans. Jackson also made a crude comment about what he wanted to do to the candidate.

This week, the Post quoted Jackson saying that if Obama became president, “Zionists” would lose their influence with the White House.

Jackson’s son, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.), in July publicly rebuked his father for his off-the-cuff comments about Obama. Jackson Jr. is a co-chairman of Obama’s presidential campaign.

In a prepared statement issued Wednesday in response to the Post article, the congressman affirmed that under an Obama administration, “the United States of America’s relationship with Israel will remain rock-solid, strong and unshakable.”