The broadcast news divisions and cable news networks have been talking today about TVNewser’s report that Rev. Jesse Jackson used the N-word while chatting with a guest before an appearance on Fox & Friends.

On The Early Show, CBS’s Harry Smith, interviewing Rev. Al Sharpton, called the comment “disheartening.” Sharpton agreed:

I think that we have to be consistent. We have denounced the N-word at the National Action Network and other groups. Those of us, and many of us, who have used it privately said we must refrain from it if we’re going to challenge people using it publicly. You must be consistent and I think this is very disappointing.

Jackson responded with a statement last night:

I am deeply saddened and distressed by the pain and sorrow that I have caused as a result of my hurtful words. I apologize again to Sen. Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, their children as well as to the American public. There really is no justification for my comments and I hope that the Obama family and the American public will forgive me. I also pray that we, as a nation, can move on to address the real issues that affect the American people.

The situation even brought tears to the eyes of one of the hosts of The View this morning. And
Bill O’Reilly, whose program was the first to air other portions of the tape last Wednesday, appeared On the Record with Greta Van Susteren last night to discuss the fallout.

Click continued to see the segment (via Johnny Dollar)…