From The Road
By

Maria Gavrilovic /

CNET/ July 12, 2008, 1:15 PM

Obama Camp To Bernie Mac: "We Are Not Amused"

Comedian Bernie Mac shocked the Obama campaign last night at a high-dollar fundraiser, where the Chicago-native introduced the presumptive Democratic nominee with some colorful comments.

Mac, who is known for his crass standup routines, joked about having a black First Lady and offered some unsolicited campaign advice.

"Being a president is tough 'cause you're not just running the county. You got to run your family too," Mac said. "Having a black first lady is different. You're still going have to do the dishes and the laundry and all that …you got to pick up the kids. You didn't pick up the kids? I just came from Korea, talking about nuclear weapons. You were on Air Force One and you couldn't stop to pick up the kids?"

Mac also told Obama to be cautious of the rumor mill. "People like rumors. They are going to say things like, you know, you was in the club with Lil' Kim and you and Kanye West got in a fist fight."

During the 10-minute introduction, Mac was heckled and asked to step down from the stage, particularly after he made some offensive comments about women.

"Calm down," Mac said, and went on to introduce Obama as a friend. Obama graciously greeted Mac, but later tried to smooth things over.

"We can't afford to be divided by religion, or by region or class. Or by gender," Obama said and joked, "That means, by the way, Bernie you got to clean up your act. This is a family affair. I'm just messing with you!"

Shortly after the fundraiser ended, the campaign issued a statement denouncing Mac's comments. "Senator Obama told Bernie Mac that he doesn't condone these statements and believes what was said was inappropriate," spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.
© 2008 CBS Interactive Inc.. All Rights Reserved.
12 Comments Add a Comment
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yeske24 says:
I really think they chose the wrong comedian for such an event. Bernie Mac isn''t capable of better, classier material than the same old stereotyping and he or someone should''ve used better judgement. After all, this is the Potential next President! These comments, in another setting are different. But in this situation they go against Obama''s core values and insults the people to whom he represents. If he hadn''t responded, the media would''ve been all over it saying Obama spports this material. Also, NEVE, EVER insult the potential first lady!! Who the hell decided to use Bernie MAc? Bad bad choice.
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dythompsn says:
...AND THIS IS NEWS? Man, I thought he had really let it rip like he did on "Kings of Comedy" or something.

Who in the hell did they think they were getting when they got Bernie Mac? Like Bill Cosby says - "COME ON PEOPLE!"
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mikalango says:
what''s wrong with the black support of Obama?It seems to be a lack of support. Is he the wrong man,for the job of president.With Jackson comments and Bernie Macs comments.It going to make people wonder!!
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md318 says:
I couldn''t agree more with the person that says here "A man who believes in everything believes in nothing. Thats Obama". How is a mine without spine enough to stand by his decisions able to run a country? As a person he seems like a nice guy. Maybe too nice. We need some spine to match that nice to run this country. He needs to stop cherry-picking his stance on things. Bernie Mac is a comedian, he was making jokes. They knew what they were getting beforehand. Obama will do anything just to look good, but he''s got no real credentials.
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msmith2020 says:
Obama would make and no one wins the presidential preminaries by flook or else it could have been hillary or you or me. He is the most deserving candidate and i''m sure he would come out victorious out of it.

............................
Micheal Smith
a href="http://www.addictionrecovery.net/hawaii" Addiction Recovery Hawaii /a
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love234ameri says:
A man who believes in everything believes in nothing. That''s Obama
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kjamm61 says:
Bernie Mac was offensive? Really? I think people need to get a life! Too many people in today''s society get ticked over something! The Black Hole response earlier proves my point ~ and everyone around me wonders why I want to live on an island by myself!
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love234ameri says:
Obama just can quit changing his mind or saying he is sorry about his actions. This was his action to have this man tell jokes at his fund raiser. Another bad decision, Obama. He just is not a rational man; he lies too much too.
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ariel133 says:
The Best choice is John McCain. The other choice is just nonsense. Obama just won the primary out of sheer luck. Bottom Line: Obama is NOT a leader, of this country, ( USA) by any means.
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bullleemc says:
"I am just messing with you" says it all. Nader in 08. Thow the Dems and Repus. out in 08
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