In his speech to the , thenation's oldest civil rights organization, Senator Obama said he wouldcontinue the legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by workingto expand opportunity for all Americans, including blacks. He said ifelected president, he would fight to increase federal funding foreducation, health care and the fight against poverty.
But he also said personal responsibility is key.
"Nomatter how much money we invest in our communities, how many 10-pointplans we propose, how many government programs we launch - none of itwill make a difference at least not enough of a difference if at thesame time we do not seize more responsibility in our own lives," Obama said.
Hesaid black men need to take more responsibility for keeping theirfamilies together and raising their children. His speech was greeted bycheers and a standing ovation. But the comments are controversial amongblack leaders. Some say Obama should focus on government programs tohelp the black community. One in nine black men between the ages of 20and 23 are in prison. And black families on average earn one-thirdless than white families. The debate boiled over last week.
Civilrights leader Jesse Jackson was overheard, during a break on a TVinterview program, making inflammatory remarks about Obama. Hecriticized the candidate's view that President Bush's faith-basedinitiatives should be continued.
"See Barack has been talking down to black people on his faith based (programs). I want to cut his (expletive) off," Jackson said.
Jackson was a contender for the democratic party's nomination in 1984 and 1988. He later apologized for the comments.
But his comments exposed a rift between older civil rights leaders like Jackson and younger moderates like Obama.
The presumptive Democratic nominee said he would not back down.
"Iknow there are some who have been saying I have been too tough talkingabout responsibility," Obama said. "NAACP, I am here to report I am not going to stoptalking about it. "
Political analyst Stephen Hesswith the in Washington says Obama is still anattractive candidate to voters.
"This [the presidency] is a job to represent all of the people," Hess said. "Obama hasthat cast, and that is where he is coming from as opposed to previousleaders who clearly came up through black politics and the civil rightsmovement."
NAACP member Steve Reece says all African-Americans should support Obama.
"Ido not think Obama can be elected without the civil rights community,and I do not think the civil rights community can enjoy the successwithout Obama," Reece said.
Political analysts say, despite the controversy, Obama will win more than 90 percent of the black vote in November.