Before anyone even knew what he was apologizing for, Rev. Jesse Jackson this afternoon said he was sorry for crude comments he made about Senator Barack Obama.

"They were hurtful and wrong. That's the whole point and when you make mistakes. And when you make mistakes you should not equivocate. You should be quick to go on the offensive and not try to be evasive," said Jackson.

On Sunday, Jackson -- unaware his microphone was on before an interview on FOX News-- expressed disappointment that Obama had in his view been talking down to African Americans by delivering messages critical of black society.

This was Obama just yesterday in Powder Springs, Georgia.

"You are probably not that good a rapper. Maybe you are the next Lil Wayne, but probably not, in which case you need to stay in school," said Obama.

Jackson thinks Obama singles out black males without looking at larger societal problems, which Jackson said - thinking his remarks private - made him want to rip off a sensitive part of Obama's anatomy.

Jackson's son, Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. said he was "deeply outraged and disappointed in Reverend Jackson's reckless statements.

"I thoroughly reject and repudiate his ugly rhetoric. He should keep hope alive and any personal attacks and insults to himself."

For his part, Senator Obama -- who was dealing with a different tense relationship today, flying to New York for a fundraiser with Senator Hillary Clinton had no comment.