Jesse Jackson who not long ago expressed his support for then presidential candidate Barack Obama by wanting to “cut his nuts off,” has now turned his attention to supporting health care reform legislation in his own inimitable way. Via Talking Points Memo:

The Rev. Jesse Jackson on Wednesday night criticized Rep. Artur Davis (D-Ala.) for voting against the Democrats’ signature healthcare bill.

“We even have blacks voting against the healthcare bill,” Jackson said at a reception Wednesday night. “You can’t vote against healthcare and call yourself a black man.” Source: Jesse Jackson: ‘You can’t vote against healthcare and call yourself a black man’, The Hill

The obvious stupidity of Jackson’s comment is amplified by the fact that the bill is so flawed. The restrictions on recision and the public exchange for the uninsured are important reforms. However, I am troubled by the unconscionable Stupak Amendment and continued linking of employment to health insurance access. All people should have access to the public exchange, regardless of employment status or citizenship status. I live in California. And if the plan excludes undocumented migrants, our emergency rooms will still be overwhelmed with sick workers and their families needing health care. It is shortsighted and pandering to not allow everyone access to the public insurance exchange. We’ll pay another way.

Rep. Artur Davis demonstrated admirable restraint in his response:

Davis referred to Jackson’s 1988 run for president in a statement, issued through his office, that said he would not engage Jackson on his criticism.

“One of the reasons that I like and admire Rev. Jesse Jackson is that 21 years ago he inspired the idea that a black politician would not be judged simply as a black leader,” Davis’s statement said. “The best way to honor Rev. Jackson’s legacy is to decline to engage in an argument with him that begins and ends with race.” Source

And then of course, Jesse Jackson backtracked pointing out that he hadn’t actually named names and that he was merely suggesting that representatives should vote in the best interests of his constituents. That’s a fair and reasonable point. Artur Davis is Alabama’s only black congressional representative and he’s running for governor. So, like every other politician, there’s good reason to question Davis’ motives.

As Jackson should have learned by now, once you make it unnecessarily all about race, your argument is nullified.

READ: Jesse Jackson: ‘You can’t vote against healthcare and call yourself a black man’, The Hill