Jeremiah Wright, Obama's Pastor, Leaves Obama Campaign

Politico reported Friday night that Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Obama's controversial former pastor, is no longer with his campaign. Wright's comments about 9/11 and other inflammatory remarks have drawn increasing scrutiny and media coverage in recent days.

The statement from the Obama camp:

Spokesman Tommy Vietor emails:

"Rev. Wright is no longer serving on the African American Religious Leadership Committee."

MSNBC adds that it remains unclear whether Wright left voluntarily or was asked to leave.

Obama did not clarify whether Wright volunteered to leave his African American Religious Leadership Committee, a loose group of supporters associated with the campaign, or whether the campaign asked him to leave.

Obama made the rounds on the network news shows Friday night, speaking on CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News. Watch his interview on MSNBC with Keith Olbermann.

MSNBC

Comments

[jstock]

We are in at least two wars, the national economy is in a death spiral, we are disappearing and torturing people, and our standing in the world has probably never been lower. And we're spending time worrying about what somebody's minister says? We've got BIG problems, folks. Let's grow up and show some sense of perspective, before it's too late.

[raskolnikov72]

strong post -- agreed.

BUSH-CLINT­ON-CLINTON­-BUSH-BUSH­-?-?

I'm not sure which candidate will fill in those question marks, but I do know that choosing a Clinton or a McCain would make the chain look awfully depressing.

It would be interesting to see a reporter and historian team up to do an educational piece in the context of past candidates, their promises, and how they compare to the the current candidates that covers:

* the last time the average American could live comfortably and support a family on one salary
* the last time a college-educated student did not graduate from college eye-ball deep in debt
* empirical/­quantitati­ve evidence of how many democracies have been established by invasion and conquest
* Our China connection and how much muscular diplomacy has been used to gain concessions on the oppressed Tibetan people (btw, we did not seem to have any compunction about "negotiating" or talking with this oppressive regime yet the Media and other candidates are terrifically excited to criticize Obama for speaking yet coming from a position of seeking concession­s/movement on intractable issues)
* The contamination of our food/water supply
* The overreaching and profit-minded pharmaceutical industry and the number of people that die every year because of faulty/tox­ic/knowing­ly dangerous drugs ...

But, that would be too much of a story, so instead of picking an item that means something to the average American placed in the context of history, priory candidacies, and future plans ...

we pick this, and Geraldine Ferraro, and Jeremiah Wright ... Buddhist Monks were gunned down in China today .. what do the candidates think about that, media/MSM/bloggers? What do their histories suggest about how they might handle China?

[dolberg]

Good point.
But how about we apply this reasoning acros the board. This applies to Geraldine Feraro as well. And John agee. And thrw in Samantha Power for good measure.

It'd be a fine day here when we center on who would b the bes candiate for the Dems ad the best president for America instead of hoping our candidate cold win if we only got offended stronenough frm their associates.

[beright]

I couldn't agree more ... we are in the "urgency of now." When will we come to terms with the stark reality of what's going on? Do we need to experience another Great Depression before we realize that sh-- is as bad as our guts are telling us?

[dolberg]

That's a good idea to the extent that it applies accoss the board. Geraldine Ferraro anyone? And yes, we should throw in John Hagee and Samantha Power into this discussion.

The question ought to be who the best candiate for the Dems is and who would be best president, not some manipulative indignation at what some half-witted associate of a candidate has to say. Just be sure to apply this reasonng not only when it serves Obama.

[rwferr]

Because what his minister says reflects on him. He has been going to this church every sunday for 20 years. Get a clue. I mean if he had been going to Nazi rallies every sunday for 20 years would you make the connection then?

[NexusSix]

So when can we expect Keith Olbermann's special comment on this issue. After all, during the course of the campaign Obama was, admittedly, informed of his pastor's comments by reporters and had still kept him in the campaign. I mean if KO can scold Hillary for not asking Ferraro to step down for a couple of days after denouncing her statements then he should hold the same standard for Obama right?

[rojo7449]

I emailed that very question to MSNBC tonight. That was the softest interview I've ever witnessed on a topic that really begs for some tough questions and demands honest answers.

[ibsteve2u]

A pastor - just like a President - carries additional gravitas with some people far beyond what a consultant or a friend does.

People hold back their criticism in such cases; for instance, consider the number of people who withheld justifiable criticism of Bush for months and even years solely because he was the President.

Obama, at least, has taken the right steps.

Would that Congress would.

[AnninCA]

I can't wait to hear the show! There's an article on here now suggesting that he's the new standard bearer for racial equality issues. So surely he will, indeed, be fair-minded. *haha

[ivana]

THis isn't about surrogates - this is about Senator Obama - and how he "set up" America for a fall.....b­y dividing our fragile country into "A WHITE AMERICA" and "A BLACK AMERICA"..­.. how creepy and ironic in light of his DNC SuperSpeech which sought to unite this country.

As President of this great country, Hillary - along with Bill Clinton - will heal America again, as only they can do in a post-Bush era ..... and they will start on DAY ONE with shared economic prosperity, an explosion of NEW JOBS, fairness in the workplace for minorities AND women, healthcare for ALL, and solid partnerships between the public and private sectors which will bear fruit by mobilizing this country once again to MOTIVATE, EDUCATE and INNOVATE. Exactly what they did in the 90's - by with the TECH SECTOR. This time, it will be the ECO-ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY, LIFESCIENCES & HEALTHCARE SECTORS. The Clinton Global Initiative is already globally engaged in these efforts around the world - there is ALREADY A FOOTPRINT. FOLKS, if you can stop for a moment and imagine being able to put these resources and skills to work for America. This appeal is for the lefter part of the party to join less passionate, more pragmatic center - it is the only way to win in the fall.

It's time to move on from this sideshow and get serious with REAL SOLUTIONS.

[AguynamedWayne]

You're sadly spot on! Kieth Olbermann has now proven to be a TOTAL OBAMA TOOL!!!! What a Sanctimonious Hypocrite!

[flasher3838]

do you think olbermann has any dignity left at all after that sleazy assault on clinton. i think at that point respected journalists washed their hands of him.

[Susan1968]

Keith Ol-bama-mann will remain silent on this subject.

He's comfortble with his own hipocracy. Just as Obama is.

Ever time Keith says, "Good night nd good luck" Edward R. Murrow spins in his grave.

[jrterrier]

let's not all hold our breath. keith olbermann lost his standing as an impartial observer in the obama-clinton campaign long ago. let's see if he tries to regain any self-respect.

[Chrisanne]

Keith Obamaman will never do a negative "special comment" about his guy. Even when one of his lackeys, like Jon Alter or Howard Fineman, occasionally dares to go off message, Keith always ignores the renegade remark. There must be a sign over MSNBC's door these days: Abandon Objectivity All Ye Who Enter Here."

I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I've begun to switch the channel to the other blowhard who's on at 8 o'clock. "Fair and balanced" Faux ain't, but it's more fair and balanced than the new and unimproved MSNBC. But then anything would be.

[fredamae]

i dont think olberman will, this is not a balanced, unbiased media..

I used to like Olberman..­..he was the last MSNBC show i watched...­.i dropped mathews for his BS...CNN aint doing any better

[Mattie]

I will never watch Olberman again after his attack on Clinton, and his softball acceptance of what Obama said. It was disgusting to watch, and MSNBC is off of my list as a news source.

[electress]

Unca Wright, say it ain't so!

[cosmicfish]

good riddance to bad rubbish...­..........­........

[Faye12]

To little to late. I don't trust this man and certainly don't want him in our White House.

[verlaine]

In 1 statement, Rev Wright says "Hillary ain't never been called the N-word". If he wants to use incendiary rhetoric he should at least have had the common sense to use the proper grammar and said "Hillary has never been called the N word".

On a serious note, the MSM should be ashamed of itself. Have all of the politcal reporters been in a coma for the last 6 months? Why did it take them so long to find out that Wright made these delusional and insane remarks? Once again, the MSM has fallen down on the job.

[westreal]

Commander in Chief

Obama 08

[Savanarola]

I just saw the CNN interview with Obama regarding "Reverend" Wright's sermons and , as an Obama supporter, I can state that Obama hurt himself more than his association by his ambivalent remarks.

I think Obama has a great Chance to say " I can see by Rev. Wright's reamArks that I am no longer welcome at my church so I will effective today will find a black Church that represents my love for my country and my hope for bringing people together" Instead, he hemmed and spun like a Clinton. OBAMA IS FINISHED AND HE DID IT TO HIMSELF...­.A SAD DAY.

[Xspackle]

Excellent.

Clear, concise, straightforward, and humane.

This is the kind of person I want as President.

[disgusted48]

It's about time.