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Harry Reid
Harry Reid as he prepares to outline the Democrat agenda for reform in the wake of the scandal involving former lobbyist Jack Abramoff in Washington. Photograph: J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Harry Reid as he prepares to outline the Democrat agenda for reform in the wake of the scandal involving former lobbyist Jack Abramoff in Washington. Photograph: J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Democrat resists calls to quit over Obama race comments

This article is more than 14 years old

One of the most senior members of the Democratic party, Harry Reid, resisted calls for his resignation today over racially tinged remarks about Barack Obama, including a suggestion that one of the president's strengths is that he does not speak with a "Negro dialect".

Reid spent time at the weekend on the phone apologising to Obama, fellow Democrats and leading African-Americans after it was revealed that in an interview in the run-up to the 2008 presidential election, for a book to be published on Tuesday, he said he was wowed by Obama's oratorical gifts and believed that the country was ready to embrace a black presidential candidate, especially a "light-skinned" African-American "with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one".

Reid said he was convinced Obama's race would help him more than hurt him in a bid for the Democratic nomination.

Obama and the others accepted his apology, which will help shore up Reid's position, at least in the short term.

But the Republican party chairman, Michael Steele, called for Reid to resign as Senate majority leader. Steele said that if a Republican had made such a remark, the Democrats would have been demanding a resignation.

Reid is already in political trouble, with polls showing support for him tumbling in his home state, Nevada, before November's Senate election.

In a lengthy apology, Reid said: "I deeply regret using such a poor choice of words. I sincerely apologise for offending any and all Americans, especially African-Americans, for my improper comments."

Reid, 70, said he had been a proud supporter of Obama and, throughout his political career, he had worked for racial integration and "to advance issues important to the African-American community".

The senator is scheduled to speak at a conference in Nevada tomorrow, in what could be his first public appearance since the row started. If it goes ahead, he will face a scrum of reporters.

Obama, describing the racial comments as unfortunate, said: "I accepted Harry's apology without question because I've known him for years, I've seen the passionate leadership he's shown on issues of social justice and I know what's in his heart. As far as I am concerned, the book is closed."

Democratic party chairman Tim Kaine said Reid's position as Senate majority leader was not in jeopardy. Prominent African-American leaders such as house majority whip, James Clyburn, and the Rev Al Sharpton also came out in support.

Sharpton, who discussed the comments with Reid over the weekend, said: "While there is no question that Senator Reid did not select the best word choice in this instance, these comments should not distract America from its continued focus on securing healthcare or creating jobs for its people. Nor should they detract from the unquestionable leadership role Reid has played on these issues or in the area of civil rights."

Reid is the key figure in Obama's battle to get a health reform bill through Congress. A bill was passed by the Senate on Christmas Eve and negotiations are ongoing between Reid and house speaker Nancy Pelosi on how to iron out differences between the Senate and the House of Representatives versions.

Reid's remarks are contained in the book Game Change by journalists Mark Halperin and John Heilemann.

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