Presidential candidate Barack Obama continues to put distance between himself and Louis Farrakhan after a speech by the Nation of Islam leader this weekend.

At last night’s Democratic debate, Obama denounced Farrakhan’s anti-Semitic comments and declined any support the Nation of Islam leader might give his campaign.

This past weekend, Farrakhan heaped praise on Obama. He told a crowd of 18,000 at the annual Saviour’s Day speech that he wouldn’t tell people how to vote. Farrakhan said he didn’t want anyone to use it against Obama.

Today, officials from the Nation of Islam say they have no comment on Obama’s remarks.

Some African Americans say it’s unfortunate that Obama has to deal with a so-called Farrakhan “litmus test.”

I’m Natalie Moore, Chicago Public Radio.