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

Former president accused of injecting racial division and stoking resentment during speech

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:55am

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Former President Barack Obama has been criticized for his eulogy at the funeral of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, with commentator Larry Elder accusing Obama of being 'America's most influential race hustler' and of repeatedly 'whipping out the race card' and 'injecting racial division' during his presidency.

Why it matters

Obama's handling of racial issues during his time in office has been a point of contention, with some arguing he exacerbated racial tensions rather than healing them as promised. This latest controversy over his eulogy speech reignites the debate over Obama's legacy on race relations in America.

The details

In his eulogy, Obama said '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.' Elder criticized this, saying it was 'Same old Obama' and that Obama 'repeatedly whipped out the race card, injecting racial division into matters large and small while maintaining the image of a racial unifier who would heal America's deepest wounds.'

  • Obama spoke at Jackson's funeral on March 6, 2026.

The players

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States who has been accused of exacerbating racial tensions during his presidency.

Jesse Jackson

A civil rights leader and Baptist minister whose funeral Obama spoke at.

Larry Elder

A conservative commentator who has criticized Obama's handling of racial issues and accused him of being 'America's most influential race hustler'.

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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

“Obama long ago surpassed the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton as America's most influential race hustler.”

— Larry Elder, Conservative Commentator

The takeaway

Obama's eulogy at Jesse Jackson's funeral has reignited the debate over his legacy on race relations, with critics accusing him of exacerbating racial divisions during his presidency despite promises to be a unifying figure.