MEMPHIS, Tenn. – U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, a white incumbent who represents a majority black district in Memphis, landed the endorsement of President Barack Obama on Tuesday — and harsh criticism from his black opponent in the primary.

Opponent Willie Herenton called the endorsement a desperate political move by Cohen and said Obama doesn't know the voters in the district.

Obama issued a statement backing Cohen for a third term in the House, calling him a proven leader. Cohen and Herenton, who served 18 years as Memphis' first elected black mayor, face off in the Aug. 5 Democratic primary.

"Together, we passed historic health care reform and together we're continuing the fight to renew our economy and bring jobs back to the American people," Obama said. "I am proud to standwith Steve and support his re-election to Congress."

Herenton said Cohen, who is white, is concerned he'll lose the black vote and pushed the Obama staff for an endorsement. He said Obama is disconnected from the district, which roughly follows the city borders, and slipping in popularity.

"Mr. Obama's got to look hard and long to even know where Memphis, Tenn., is, OK?" Herenton said at a news conference.

"I'm going to always be respectful to the president," Herenton added. "He doesn't understand the aspirations of people in this community. He made a political decision."

Herenton, who badly trails Cohen in fundraising, has drawn attention by making race an issue throughout his campaign, arguing with his "Just One" slogan that Tennessee needs an African-American congressman. All nine House members and the two