Louis Farrakhan backs Obama for president at Nation of Islam convention in Chicago
Senator has criticized him, says support not sought
By Margaret Ramirez | Tribune reporter
February 25, 2008
Speaking to thousands of members of the Nation of Islam at their annual convention Sunday in Chicago, Minister Louis Farrakhan praised presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama as the only hope for healing the nation's racial divisions.
Farrakhan, 74, the longtime leader of the Nation of Islam, said the war in Iraq, the nation's faltering economy and the increased number of natural disasters were signs of "a nation in peril." He said those problems provide the broader context for Obama's rise.
"We are witnessing the phenomenal rise of a man of color in a country that has persecuted us because of our color," Farrakhan told the crowd of nearly 20,000 gathered at McCormick Place.
"Senator Obama has been clear in his objections to Minister Farrakhan's past pronouncements and has not solicited the minister's support," said Obama spokesman Bill Burton.
Louis Farrakhan backs Obama for president at Nation of Islam convention in Chicago -- chicagotribune.com
Farrakhan "knows" Obama does not want his support.Me thinks Mr.Farrakhan is shall we say,having a little fun at Obama's expense.