Posted on July 11, 2008

Spike Lee Takes Jackson to Task for Obama Comments

Newsmax, July 10, 2008,

Spike Lee says the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s crudely phrased criticism of Barack Obama won’t affect the Democrat’s campaign, which the filmmaker expects to succeed at bringing “seismic” change to the world.

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Lee predicted Obama would be elected in November.

“When that happens, it will change everything. . .&nbsp. You’ll have to measure time by ‘Before Obama’ and ‘After Obama,’” Lee said during the panel. “It’s an exciting time to be alive now.”

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“Everything’s going to be affected by this seismic change in the universe,” he said.

Lee attended the TV group’s annual summer session to discuss documentaries he’s making for ESPN Films, including one about Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

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Asked if there was any validity to the criticism of Obama, Lee replied: “No. Here’s the thing: I don’t know why people are questioning whether Barack Obama is black enough. For me, that’s an ignorant statement.”

“There are middle-class, educated black people who speak the way he does. . . We have to try to move away from this so-called image of what black is, which is largely influenced by rap and that type of stuff,” Lee said.

“I’m for Mr. Obama,” Lee said. “I think he’s gonna win. And it’s going to be a better day not only for the United States but for the world.”