Washington ( CNN ) -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid apologized Saturday for making racially insensitive remarks about Barack Obama during the presidential campaign . Journalists Mark Halperin and John Heilemann reported the remarks in their new book , `` Game Change , '' which is scheduled to be in bookstores Tuesday . The authors quote Reid as saying privately that Obama , as a black candidate , could be successful thanks , in part , to his `` light-skinned '' appearance and speaking patterns `` with no Negro dialect , unless he wanted to have one . '' `` He [ Reid ] was wowed by Obama 's oratorical gifts and believed that the country was ready to embrace a black presidential candidate , especially one such as Obama -- a 'light-skinned ' African American 'with no Negro dialect , unless he wanted to have one , ' `` Halperin and Heilemann say . `` Reid was convinced , in fact , that Obama 's race would help him more than hurt him in a bid for the Democratic nomination , '' they write . In a statement to CNN , Reid said , `` I deeply regret using such a poor choice of words . '' `` I sincerely apologize for offending any and all Americans , especially African Americans for my improper comments . `` I was a proud and enthusiastic supporter of Barack Obama during the campaign and have worked as hard as I can to advance President Obama 's legislative agenda , '' the senator from Nevada said . Reid pointed to his efforts to integrate the Las Vegas Strip and the gaming industry , among other legislation favored by African-American voters . `` I have worked hard to advance issues important to the African American community . '' The senator called Obama Saturday afternoon to apologize for the racially insensitive remarks . `` Harry Reid called me today and apologized for an unfortunate comment reported today , '' Obama said in a statement . `` I accepted Harry 's apology without question because I 've known him for years , I 've seen the passionate leadership he 's shown on issues of social justice and I know what 's in his heart . As far as I am concerned , the book is closed . '' Reid , who waited to formally endorse Obama until after the tough presidential primary battle ended in 2008 , is facing an uphill re-election fight this year in his home state . An aide to the senator told CNN that Reid offered apologies to several prominent African-Americans , including House Democrats Jim Clyburn of South Carolina and Barbara Lee of California ; the Rev . Al Sharpton ; CNN political contributor and Democratic strategist Donna Brazile ; NAACP chairman Julian Bond ; and the head of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights , Wade Henderson . Nevada 's state Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford , who is African-American , reaffirmed his support for Reid in a statement Saturday . `` While I am disappointed in Senator Reid 's comment and choice of words , I accept his apology , '' said Horsford , a Democrat . `` I have known Senator Reid for many years , and he has consistently been supportive of advancing the interests of the African-American community as he has for all Nevadans and all Americans . '' CNN 's Dana Bash and Rebecca Sinderbrand contributed to this report .
Sen. Harry Reid is quoted as commenting on Obama 's lack of `` Negro dialect '' Obama accepts Senate majority leader 's apology , says `` I know what 's in his heart '' Reid offered apologies to several prominent African-Americans , an aide says . Comments appear in new book by journalists Mark Halperin and John Heilemann , `` Game Change ''