Rev. Jesse Jackson Apologizes for Barack Obama Comments, Remarks

Rev. Jesse Jackson apologized for his "crude and hurtful" comments against Sen. Barack Obama on Wednesday.

Jackson apologized on CNN, saying that the remarks were "a side light in a broader conversation about urban disparities." Jackson was not aware that his microphone was still on.

“For any harm or hurt that this hot mic private conversation may have caused, I apologize," said Jackson in a statement. "My support for Senator Obama’s campaign is wide, deep and unequivocal. I cherish this redemptive and historical moment.”

CNN's Wolf Blitzer said that Jackson's remarks could not be aired on the network, because they were too vulgar. However, Fox News' Bill O'Reilly, the host of "The O'Reilly Factor" said that it will air the comments on Wednesday night.

Jackson was recorded speaking to Reid Tuckson, an executive vice president at United Health Group, when both men were about to be interviewed on "Fox & Friends" Sunday morning.

Jackson comments were in reaction to a recent speech Obama gave on Father's Day in which Obama assailed the prevalence of single-parent black families because of absent fathers.

“I’m deeply outraged and disappointed in Reverend Jackson’s reckless statements about Senator Barack Obama," said Jackson's son, Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. "His divisive and demeaning comments about the presumptive Democratic nominee — and I believe the next president of the United States — contradict his inspiring and courageous career."