Obama Criticized for 'Race-Hustling' Eulogy at Jesse Jackson's Funeral

Conservative commentator Larry Elder argues Obama has a history of injecting race into controversies and dividing Americans.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:00am

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In a commentary, conservative radio host Larry Elder criticizes former President Barack Obama for delivering what he calls a 'race-hustling' eulogy at the funeral of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson. Elder argues that throughout his presidency, Obama repeatedly 'whipped out the race card' and 'stoked resentment' by injecting race into controversies, despite portraying himself as a unifying figure who would heal America's racial divisions.

Why it matters

The commentary highlights the ongoing debate over Obama's legacy on race relations in America. While Obama was celebrated by many for being the first Black president, critics like Elder argue that he actually exacerbated racial divisions through his rhetoric and actions.

The details

Elder accuses Obama of cozying up to figures like the Rev. Al Sharpton, embracing the 'police-are-out-to-get-blacks' rhetoric of the Black Lives Matter movement, and making controversial comments about incidents involving Black individuals like the arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. and the shooting of Trayvon Martin. Elder argues that Obama's actions contradicted his image as a unifier, and that he kept 'the race grievance industry alive and well oiled' throughout his presidency.

  • In 2009, at the beginning of his presidency, Obama declared that the Cambridge police 'acted stupidly' in arresting Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr.
  • In 2012, Obama said about the shooting of Trayvon Martin, 'If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon.'
  • In 2014, Obama invoked the case of Ferguson, Missouri to enlighten the world about America's supposed deep-seated problems with race relations.
  • In 2015, Obama proclaimed that racism is in America's 'DNA'.

The players

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States, who is accused by conservative commentator Larry Elder of repeatedly 'whipping out the race card' and 'stoking resentment' during his presidency.

Jesse Jackson

A civil rights leader whose funeral Obama delivered a eulogy at, which Elder criticizes as 'race-hustling'.

Larry Elder

A conservative radio talk show host and commentator who authored the piece criticizing Obama's eulogy and record on race relations.

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What they’re saying

“Every day you wake up to things you just didn't think were possible. Each day, we're told by those in high office to fear each other, and to turn on each other. And that some Americans count more than others.”

— Barack Obama, Former President

The takeaway

The commentary highlights the ongoing debate over Obama's legacy on race relations, with critics arguing that despite his image as a unifier, he actually exacerbated racial divisions through his rhetoric and actions as president.