[Posted Mar. 5, 2008]

Farrakhan Discounts "Mischief Makers"

Special to the NNPA from the Final Call

   CHICAGO (NNPA)—Minister Louis Farrakhan, speaking in his annual Nation of Islam Saviours' Day address Feb. 24, commented extensively on the U.S. presidential race, which included remarks specifically about the candidacy of Democratic hopeful Sen. Barack Obama. Min. Farrakhan spoke to an estimated 20,000 people at McCormick Place Convention Center.
    Although the Minister did speak complimentary of Sen. Obama, he said he would not tell any one of his followers how to cast their vote, but he did say they should vote “their own self-interest.”
    Min. Farrakhan said that the litmus test concerning himself given to Sen. Obama should also be given to Sen. Hillary Clinton and other presidential candidates.
    The Minister said he did not want the “mischief makers” to use his words to try to hurt Obama or himself.
    Min. Farrakhan is expected to accept invitations that he has received to talk to certain members of the press in the near future.
Separate from his Saviors' Day Address, in response to outrage expressed by many, Min. Farrakhan issued the following statement regarding remarks made by Sen. Barack Obama during the Feb. 26 presidential debate in Ohio.
    NBC's Tim Russert questioned Sen. Obama regarding Min. Farrakhan's Saviours' Day address and his complimentary remarks concerning the Obama campaign.
   “Those who have been supporting Sen. Barack Obama should not allow what was said during the Feb. 26 presidential debate to lessen their support for his campaign. This is simply mischief making intended to hurt Mr. Obama politically.”

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