http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/09/jesse.jackson.comment/index.html?eref=rss_politics&iref=polticker NEW YORK (CNN) -- The Rev. Jesse Jackson apologized Wednesday for "crude and hurtful" remarks he made against Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama after finishing an interview with a Fox News correspondent.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson apologized to Sen. Obama's campaign Wednesday over "hurtful" remarks.
Jackson told CNN's "Situation Room" that a "hot" microphone caught a part of conversation he was having with a fellow guest at the studio.
He said he made a comment about Obama "speaking down black people" followed by a crude remark.
"It was very private" he said, adding later, if "any hurt or harm has been caused to his campaign, I apologize." Watch more of Jackson's apology on CNN »
The Obama campaign had no immediate comment.
Jackson's apology came a few hours before Fox News planned to air the remarks.
"I feel very distressed because I'm supportive of this campaign and with the senator," Jackson told CNN. "I was in a conversation with a fellow guest on Sunday. He asked about Barack's speeches lately at the black churches. I said he comes down as speaking down to black people."
He said Obama's message to black voters must be broader and serve as more than a "moral challenge."
The black community is faced with high levels of unemployment, home foreclosures and violence, "so we have some real serious issues -- not just moral issues," he said.
However, Jackson said after finding out about the open microphone, he immediately contacted the Obama campaign to apologize.
Jackson, whose Rainbow/PUSH Coalition is based in Chicago, Illinois, has publicly endorsed Obama, most recently in a piece published Tuesday in the Chicago Sun-Times, and says he enjoys a close relationship with the Obama family.
His son, Jesse Jackson Jr., is co-chair of Obama's presidential campaign.
