Jeremiah Wright At National Press Club: Watch Video

Rev. Jeremiah Wright appeared at the National Press Club on Monday morning, speaking out in what he called a defense of the traditional black church, and charging that he will "come after" Barack Obama if he is elected president, since Obama would represent a government whose policies harm the poor.

"How long do you let someone say something about your faith tradition before you speak up and say something?" he told a packed crowd of journalists and supporters, many of whom stood and cheered throughout his remarks and Q&A session.

In the clip below, Wright addresses questions about his patriotism, his thoughts on Louis Farrakhan, and his relationship with Obama.

Some excerpts from his appearance today:

_ "I stand before you to open up this two-day symposium with the hope that this most recent attack on the black church is not an attack on Jeremiah Wright; it is an attack on the black church. ... The most recent attack on the black church, it is our hope that this just might mean that the reality of the African-American church will no longer be invisible."

_ On Obama's denunciation of some of his past remarks:

"Politicians say what they say and do what they do based on electability, based on sound bites, based on polls, Huffington, whoever's doing the polls. Preachers say what they say because they're pastors. They have a different person to whom they're accountable. As I said, whether he gets elected or not, I'm still going to have to be answerable to God November 5 and January 21. That's what I mean. I do what pastors do. He does what politicians do. I am not running for office. I am hoping to be vice president. ...

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"He didn't distance himself. He had to distance himself because he's a politician. From what the media was saying I had said, which was anti-American. He said I didn't offer any words of hope. How would he know? He never heard the rest of the sermon. You never heard it. I offered words of hope. I offered reconciliation, I offered restoration in that sermon, but nobody heard the sermon. They just heard this little sound bite of a sermon."

_ On whether he should apologize for shouting in a sermon "God damn America" for its treatment of minorities:

"God doesn't bless everything. God condemns some things. And dem, D-E-M, is where we get the word damn. God damns some practices and there's no excuse for the things that the government, not the American people, have done. That doesn't make me not like America or unpatriotic."

_ On anyone who says he's unpatriotic:

"I feel that those citizens who say that have never heard my sermons, nor do they know me. They are unfair accusations taken from sound bites and that which is looped over and over on certain channels. I served six years in the military. Does that make me patriotic? How many years did Cheney serve?"

Comments

[rainydaypeople]

Step aside, Al Sharpton.

[Rosey]

Yes, he is the new Rev Sharpton trying to keep his 15 minutes of fame going no matter what.....right or wrong....

But I will say that those who condemn Wright as unpatriotic are small minded. We are fighting for the right to say whatever we want to say and each person is entitled to think whatever he/she wants and we are free to disagree. And that is what makes America great.

Someone should tell Rev Wright that he is pandering to McCain and his constituency by running off at the mouth in times like these. How sad for him and for us Obama supporters that Wright is acting the fool and turning off so many people with his rhetoric. I want to scream "stop" every time I see or hear Wright's name. I no longer care whether anything he has to say has merit., I just want him to shut up!

[ErikW65]

I agree that it's Wright's morph into a more Sharpton-like character recently that is the relevant diff here, and the one the neocons are remaining willfully ignorant of, so they can wonder if Obama's ignorant or lying, when he says he's offended by it!

[Trueheart]

"God doesn't bless everything. God condemns some things. And dem, D-E-M, is where we get the word damn. God damns some practices and there's no excuse for the things that the government, not the American people, have done. That doesn't make me not like America or unpatriotic." (From article above.)

Okay, great point--except he's wrong. "DEM" is a Greek suffix and it means "PEOPLE."
"DAMN is from Old French, derived from the Latin noun "DAMNARE" meaning to damage, create loss, to hurt.

Sounds good, Reverend Wright, but it's incorrect. How many other of your inspired pronouncements are based on misinformation like this?

[GWP]

Wow, what a great study in etymology. However, it's one that enitirely misses the point. Let's look at what Wright said... CONDEMN, then he referred to the DEM part of CONDEMN. Well, if you look at the etymology of the word CONDEMN, then it would be clear that the DEM is NOT derived from the Greek "PEOPLE".

In fact, the DEM (or DEMN) part of CONDEMN derives directly from the FRENCH "DAMNARE", which you correctly identified as the origin of the word DAM(N).

So, basically you spent your time to say EXACTLY what Wright said (basically that CONDEMN is nearly synonymous with DAMN in terms of what God appoves/disapproves of. The fact that you present your case as contrary to what he said is a perfect example of analysis completely devoid of context, that is part and parcel of what "passes" for intelligence these days. You wouldn't be related to Karl Rove, would you (no offense, Trueheart, but this fruit was too easy and low-hanging to leave unplucked).

Be Blessed

[jplass]

thank you, GWP

[DeanLowe]

The Rev. is NOT a stupid man.

[Ipanemagirl]

I think this Jeremiah is a real splinter for Obama. Why does he not just know his place, and realize that he is hurting blacks more than he is helping them with this kind of exhibitionist rhetoric. He seems to be enjoying the spotlight too much. Send him on a vacation to the bahamas for some 6 months...unless he wants to kill Obamas campaign! He's not very smart since he will be helping McCain, who has little or NO plans for the poor and blacks. His best candidate would be Hillary or Obama , so why is he hurting them
and shooting himself in the foot at the same time??/
maybe he should have been a COMEDIAN instead of pastor.

[nestici]

Can someone please tell my why the Clintons being sued by Peter Paul in LA on Friday is NOT news?

There are allegations of false filings with the Federal Electoral Commission in Clintons first senate run, and a campaign director might have even been convicted.

Go to www.lasuperiorcourt.org (Los Angeles Superior Court) and look in the CIVIL Column, then Click on CASE SUMMARIES then enter these numbers in the box BC304174. It is an active case and has been since January.

[Porter]

As an early supporter of Barack Obama for President, I'm deeply distressed by his inability to dismiss attacks - especially the noxious attacks from this whacked-out preacher - in a few sentences, and move on.

Bob Herbert makes it clear in today's New York Times that Wright is all about himself, and not Obama. He's basking in the spotlight, thrilled to be on the national stage and sucking all the oxygen out of Obama's campaign.

Hillary doesn't have to do anything at this point to win Indiana, North Carolina, and the super delegates. Wright is doing it all for her and if by some miracle Obama manages to gain the Democratic Party nomination, the tempo of attacks will pick up. What will Barack do then? Both Gore and Kerry were slow to respond to attacks and more often than not acted as though no one would believe such nonsense from the right. But voters did, and both Democrats went down to defeat.

Obama might not make it that far. But not terminating his relationship with Wright and dismissing him soundly and effectively, by not taking on criticism and attacks with a solid, razor-sharp response, he's demonstrating not only that he won't win but that if he does become President, he'll just be a deer in any headlights that are shining in his direction.

[pertello]

It was an ardent Hillary supporter who booked Wright to speak at the National Press Club

[huffy2001]

Give it a rest. Hillary is NOT responsible for the Wright fiasco. That's all on him...and Obama, for ardently supporting him for 18 years.

I know you want to blame Hillary for this, but it doesn't wash. And if fully exposes your denial and inability to accept any responsibility for the lackluster campaign and hollowness of your candidate.

[Ipanemagirl]

I agree with you totally! I could not have said it better...it is a real issue to weigh....in the meantime someone should send the reverend on a long vacation to Darfur...where he can see how the blacks treat other blacks even worse than the white men did! Maybe he would shut up or at least just get out of the way! see my comment before yours above. ipanemagirl.

[KarenZipdrive]

As a radical left-wing lesbian Democrat, I like Wright and what he has to say.
But he's fucking up Obama's chances and putting a major dent in his electability.
Fortunately, we have an excellent second choice in Hillary Clinton.

[huffy2001]

As a moderate, straight, 54 year old male democrat, I couldn't agree more. Though I think Hillary is a stronger candidate. Either way, we are way better off than if McCain gets in.

Do me a favor and convince the rest of your radical left wing buddies (gay or straight) that job one is to defeat McCain, and that Hillary is NOT the same.

One more thing...not having to do with you personally...a lot of us Hillary supporters have been angered at the way the Obama wing of our party have so gleefully piled on with the Repulsives' abhorrent attacks on Hillary. I have seen the most putrid remarks on this and other Democratic blogs about her...many just outright name calling...­Bitch...c#­nt..."spre­ading for," etc., etc. Many of us are feeling so bruised by this that we are threatening to stay home if he wins. I have actually looked at him as a possible candidate myself (first time I would ever consider voting for a repug in my life!). We really need to lower the heat. Good discourse is good. This isn't good...it's damaging all of us and threatening to rip apart the party.

[vsign]

I think Rev Wright just claimed Obama as his adopted son and he will claim his place in history next to Obama. That bully pulpit that the President has is so so intoxicating to these two men. I cannot see Obama any differently than his adopted father now. He developed his whole identity with this man.

I have always seen Obama as the new preacher man. This is toxic to America.

Rev Wright declared himself the father and Obama the son - today. 4/28/08

Rev Wright will not be denied his place in prophetic history.

He will keep coming after Obama to live up to him as a good son. He will not stay in the basement. That was interesting to find out Rev Wright was still at Obama's coming out announcement for the Presidency. He gave the prayer in the basement before Obama and his family appeared on the Capital steps.

He will not stay in the basement.

[HumeSkeptic]

I think Rev Wright just claimed Obama ...
-------

That's a straw man. In fact, it is a lie. Consequently, the rest of the post is bunk.

[huffy2001]

How can you say, just because you can poke holes in one part of an argument, the whole argument is moot? When Christopher Columbus was trying to convince Ferdinand and Isabella the world was round, he made the argument that if he just kept sailing west, he would hit India. We all know how that worked out. But he was still right about the spherical nature of our planet.

From what I can see, even if Wright didn't claim Obama as the son, he has no intention of staying out of the fray. It looks to me like he's eating up the media attention. From Clinton's standpoint, as I've said before, he's the gift that keeps on giving...

[StillAmused]

After exercising its fangs on the Clintons, the stenographic press has now decided to take a few bites out of Obama. AS with any feeding frenzy, things tend to get out of control at the trough.

It's become clear, from the pious wimpering of the talking heads -- white AND African-American -- that they're unnerved by Wright's violation of the 'new rules': we should all keep our heads down, avert our gazes and walk on tip-toe where race is concerned.

It preserves all the comfortable, grandiose illusions of cultural enlightenment in America, the only condition under which the media is willing to promote Obama.

Expect these morons to confront reality? They're the same quivering handmaidens who helped sell you the invasion and occupation of Iraq.

[HumeSkeptic]

Well said. Thank you.

[huffy2001]

Right. But where were you when they were feeding on Clinton? Seems to me I saw you at the trough, too.

[ptarantino]

Wright say's things that stir the pot. However, many things that come out of his mouth his true....

America is in dumb-dumb mode this week & wants to pretend we are not try to take over 2 foreign countries & kill anyone in those countries that will not bow down to us.

[TrollsTakeYourMedstoo]

It doesn't matter if they are "true" or not. To the average Joe Sixpack, they are unpatriotic. These are the same guys who gave us Chimpy for eight years. Remember, "if you aren't with us, you're against us"? This is how they perceive it, and this is why they would never support Obama.

[killlthekingg]

Thank you Reverend. Please keep talking. Your slowly killing Baracks candidacy. You are doing all the americans who are not herding with the rest of the sheep behind Obama a favor. Hey, maybe you do speak some truth. Rev, when you said Obama's words only being politician rhetoric inspired me to smile knowing you were only stating the obvious. You were right when you said he only distanced himself from you for political reasons. I am so glad you are here to help the black community, now that you have million(s) dollar mansion maybe you will provide shelter to the needy & donate some of the profit this new media book tour is racking in.Exploiting obamas candidacy for personal greed is truly inspiring.

[TrollsTakeYourMedstoo]

I want to know why there is no thread on this site showing the new AP poll that has Clinton ahead of McCain by nine percentage points. There is also an article in my newspaper here, (ATL.) that quotes Rep. Tom Cole (R), the GOP's campaign chief, as saying that the house republicans would rather the Democrats nominate Barack Obama for president because they believe Hillary Clinton would be more of a threat to John McCain among moderate voters. He says that "it's Obama's inexperience and ideological background" that would help repubes most. Why isn't this getting front page coverage. Oh yeah....it's not favorable to Obama.

[mesuki]

Let the man speak! this country allows freespeech so let him say whatever the hell he wan'ts.You don't have to agree with him,you don't have to listen to him .This country is stuck on stupid!...We need to move on.The world is falling appart right before our very eyes and we're worrying about what an old preacher is saying. wake up America!......quit letting the media mess with your head.

[2manymonkeys]

This isn't just a matter of free speech, What Rev. Wright said was a childish, narcissistic payback to Obama for his previous defense/criticism.

Obama needs to get in front of microphone and camera and tell the nation: Old man you are a fool. I defended your right to say what you've said but now you're attacking me. I am NOT just a politician and I TOO answer to God first and final.

It is now essential that Obama distance himself from this ego maniac. The media is just going to keep going to this idiot and loving the spotlight like he so obviously does, he'll just keep making imflamatory remarks that will only have negative consequences for Obama.

[starrianna]

OMG Bitchfight!

Wright v. Obama!

Not pretty.

[blackjackjackson]

OBAMA/WRIGHT
OBAMA/WRIGHT
OBAMA/WRIGHT

[LinkerDNA]

We ought to be alarmed that the agitators on CNN and other MSM outlets would have white America believe that Rev. Wright’s remarks were made against the American people. They are wrong. In his remarks, Rev. Wright rebuked US government transgressions at home and abroad. To be sure, Rev. Wright’s comments have irked many: white, black and every shade in between. But it is ironic that the punditocracy, who cheered the senator for “transcending race”, pronouncing him the one who would lead the absolution of white America of its historical transgressions against its non-white citizens, are now baiting him to be angry enough with Rev. Wright and “throw him under the bus”. Sen. Obama, to his credit, maintains that only when Americans - black, white and brown - look inwards and see their frailties, only then can they move forward as a nation. In this, Sen. Obama makes no racial distinctions. Thus the constant drumbeat to whip up white skepticism and even anger at Obama over Wright’s remarks is dismaying.

In taking the conciliatory path, Obama has chosen what seems to be the only right path. The fact that some in America don’t recognize this, illustrates that perhaps America does not deserve this visionary man.

[Trueheart]

"We ought to be alarmed that the agitators on CNN and other MSM outlets would have white America believe that Rev. Wright"s remarks were made against the American people."

I watched his speech to the NAACP, I watched his interview with Moyers, I watched some of the Press Club speech. Agitators from the media didn't make me squirm--Reverend Wright did that on his own, with his half-assed liberation theology and thoroughly unChristian inability to forgive and move forward.

Referring to Nation of Islam Minister, Louis Farrakhan with reverence increased the level of my alienation. This is the man who called Malcolm X a traitor and said that he was "worthy of death," when Malcolm X revealed in 1964 that Nation of Islam Leader, Elijah Mohammed, had committed adultery and made some of his teenaged secretaries pregnant. Malcolm was assassinated within a few months of those remarks. History has a place for you, Minister Farrakhan, but it's not on a pedestal with the likes of Reverend Martin Luther King.

This guy has shafted Barack Obama for the sake of his Pride. As they say, "Pride goeth before the Fall." Unfortuntely, it looks like the wrong man is going to fall.

[mamoyo]

So he should forgive even though the US govt has never asked for forgiveness for slavery? If we're really into turning te other cheek why not do it to Bin Laden, Saddam, Al Qaeda etc. He made you squirm because he was speaking the truth. That's what men of God do. With regards to liberation theology which part of it do you disagree with on Biblical grounds?

[linquistic]

I somewhat defended Wright and thought the media was unfair to him, but after watching his speech today, i have no sympathy for this man. He seems arrogant and self absorbed. After he said Obama's race speech was simply him being a politician, i was like what an a*shole. A typical politician would have thrown his ass under the bus, which Obama didn't. Obama is still taking heat for this man and right now he is doing nothing but screwing Obama over. This whole Rev. Wright fiasco has turned into a media circus. This speech was covered by all the major cable news networks. This man isn't even a candidate, yet he gets all this coverage. The more you pay him attention the more he acts up, he's like a lil kid. Obama needs to come out and be more assertive. Enough is enough. Obama needs to come out and throw this man on the railroad tracks. Your candidacy is on the line Obama, show some leadership.

[paciere]

That's his "uncle", pastor, and mentor. Or else, he wouldn't have written a book "Audicity of Hope". Which made Obama millions of dollars.