The End of a Political Eclipse

The Sun is 400 times larger than the moon. But when the moon aligns itself between us and the sun, it almost blocks all of sun's light and appears as if the two celestial bodies are of the same size. But of course, it appears this way because the moon is almost 400 times closer to us. As such, the media made a moon out of the Rev. Wright story that blocked our view of what really matters in this election, from an all-important five-year anniversary of the Iraq War - a war that should have never been waged - and a near recession economy that has had millions of people cutting back on food, medicine and clothes and losing their homes.

I think most people would agree that Rev. Wright's comments were not particularly flattering about America. As someone who loves the United States deeply, I, too, was frustrated to hear the way in which Rev. Wright talked about this country. But my frustration soon after the surfacing of those clips transformed to irritation toward many of Senator Obama's opponents as well as the media. For two weeks, they beat up on him to not only denounce and reject the comments- which he did immediately before getting any pressure - but to repudiate the man. Instead, Senator Obama gave a brilliant speech on the history and state of race relations in the United States to respond to those demands. I'm not going to repeat what so many journalists and bloggers on this site have eloquently said about the importance of Senator Obama's speech. But there are a few points that I think have not adequately been made, so I want to try to briefly make those points.

By not demonizing Rev. Wright, Senator Obama showed exactly the trait we need in our next president. We're living at a time when the world is rather divided. This division was already deep between the U.S. and a number of its adversaries, including Iran, where I was born and lived until 1999. To use this example, following September 11 and President Bush's poorly thought out policies in Iraq as well as the rise of figures like Ahmadinejad, dialogue has remained nonexistent. This lack of dialogue has not only made it harder for the United States to be effective in its efforts in Iraq, but it has also led Iran to feel more detached from any sense of international responsibility to respect human rights or cooperate more on international issues.

But what's most important to note here is that this continued period of no dialogue has led to the development of the kinds of perceptions in each country about the other that would not have developed had relations been maintained or normalized. When I was in elementary school in Iran, the United States was presented to me as "The Great Satan" and the root of all evil in the world. You can almost never see a government that has relations with the U.S. teach such level of anti-Americanism in its public schools. Shortly after I moved to the United States, American president labeled Iran, which had nothing to do with 9/11 and strongly condemned the attacks shortly after, as "Axis of Evil." Again, this was something we wouldn't do to Saudi Arabia where 19 of the 20 highjackers came from, simply because dialogue between the two countries has led to some level of balance in behavior. Having had the rare opportunity of living in both Iran and the United States for extended periods of time, I don't think either country is either evil or right on everything.

In this context, there are a number of things that one needs to understand. Both Senators Clinton and Obama have expressed interest in increasing the level of dialogue with adversaries, although Obama seems to be more serious about it and has expressed willingness to meet with Ahmadinejad. But one thing is for certain, and that is, just like Obama will have some tough words for Ahmadinejad and his policies, Ahmadinejad, too, will likely have very harsh criticisms of some American policies. So here is a question for those who think Obama should have repudiated Rev. Wright and not just his words: how should Obama act when Iran criticizes American policies?

What we have to understand is that if we want to repair the damage that has been done to our image in the world, we have to elect someone who is capable of sitting through a meeting where the United States is a subject of criticism and still has the willingness to listen rather than walk out the room. When you condemn and walk out the room, nothing changes. And when we don't talk, nothing changes. We retreat to our respective corners and political differences are sustained. If we aren't just saying we want to rebuild the bridges to our allies and take a different course just because they sound good, we need to elect someone who is not going to condemn something or someone instead of trying to understand the roots of anger and tension. The people who wanted Obama to get up and walk out of the church the moment he heard something that was mildly critical of the United States are living in a fairytale if they think we can restore our standing in the world with that kind of self-righteous attitude. We have had a president who name calls, walks out and doesn't listen for eight years. It's time to have a president who listens, and not just to those who agree with him, but to those who disagree.

Yes, Rev. Wright's comments were hurtful. But the reason why African-Americans aren't nearly as shocked as whites are about those comments is that there has been little dialogue about race-related issues that we have never worked through. In that context, isn't what we need a president who embodies both groups and is in the unique position to tell both sides what they need to hear rather than shunning one side against another? Isn't this the very test for someone's ability to bring us together to engage in dialogue about issues we have differences in instead of alienating the minority for the sake of a majority that may not always be initially willing to listen? We need to have a president who refuses to listen to those who ask him to condemn a statement just so they don't have to think.

My second point has to do with the whole issue of Pastor Wright. The story is like the moon during an eclipse. So what I want to ask those of you who have been overwhelmed with this single story to close your eyes, take a deep breath and think about why we're going through this process. Here is the light we haven't seen for the past few weeks: For the past eight years, we have had a president who has divided this country, took us into a far on false pretenses, burnt the bridges to many of our old allies, given tax cuts to the wealthy people and corporations, pursued an economic policy that has led to the loss of thousands of jobs and the worst economic recession in decades, failed to provide emergency response to natural disasters like hurricanes Katrina and Rita, presided over a political justice system and condoned torture in violation to our obligations to the Geneva Convention, just to name a few.

In such circumstances, we cannot afford to get distracted from what really matters when it comes to selecting a president: who is most likely to protect our interests in the White House? Who is most likely to rise to the occasion at a time when the country is divided and call on us to do something for our country? Who is the most trustworthy? Who has run a campaign that has been the most ethical, dignified and disciplined, and what does that say about the kind of president they'll be? Who has spent a lifetime bringing people together to cause change? Who has excited and brought out an entire generation of voters in record numbers by convincing them that as they begin to build their lives, the government is on their side? And perhaps most important of all, who is going to ask us to think?

We cannot allow Blitzer, Matthews, Cooper and YouTube users with too much time in their hands keep us in the dark and decide what our priorities are in this election and what factors should matter to us. Remember why we have elections and what ultimately will matter to you and me and our children and grandchildren. Don't let a two-minute clip cloud your judgment when the stakes are so high. This election is too important.

Comments

[mslindab]

What a terrific and thoughtful post. Thank you. I will be passing it on and hope others do. So many are asking, 'why didn't he walk out' and you have given a better answer than I have heard so far!

[EspritDeVoltaire]

I agree wholeheartedly and the sun/moon analogy is a classic. This entire scenario was nothing but a red herring to distract from more important issues. The very poise and grace with which this was handled is an excellent example of well reasoned leadership. The vitriolic attacks must surely sting even the most seasoned campaigner, but the lack of a response in kind indicates a true sense of good judgement on the part of Senator Obama.

I began supporting the Senator simply because he stood in opposition to the corrupt Clinton dynasty. I view the candidacy of Senator Clinton primarily as an end run around the 22th Amendment as this campaign has shown her leadership skills to be questionable at best and nonexistent at worst. However as time passes, I become more and more impressed by Senator Obama on his own merits. This is indeed the type of leadership required to restore faith in the United States around the world.

[WorkinJoe]

While I won't go so far as to say Obama's speech was the best since King's "I Have A Dream" speech, I certainly thought it was tremendous. When he got into both sides of the race issue, reasonably discussing both black and white perspectives, I had the thought that he's speaking as an intelligent adult and treating his audience as intelligent adults. How refreshing! That is the trait I'm looking for in the next president. I was also impressed by his unwillingness to throw Wright and a 20-year relationship under the proverbial bus because of a few seconds of highly edited video presented in the media. Obama seems to realize and consider the complexities in life. This may serve him well in coping with the resolution of the Iraq war upon taking office.

I think AlejandroK's post gets it completely backward. He notes that Obama's failure is that he sided with his relationship with Wright, ignoring the bigger picture. Actually, Obama proved that he sees the bigger picture. Rather than jettison Wright, Obama sought to understand and explain Wright's attitudes in the larger picture of American race relations from all racial perspectives and not just knuckle under to the ignorance perpetuated by the 30-second sound bite media machine.

I see McCain as simply McBush. I see Hillary as simply the first woman president. I see a chance for greatness in Obama. He got my vote in our state primary, and he got my first ever monetary contribution to a campaign. I'm patiently awaiting for his nomination as I look forward to his candidacy as the Democratic nominee.

[sef2121]

You Obama people are living in deep denial about this and finding every way to turn an unacceptable situation into a plus for Obama because you are so blind to the real issues. Wright demonized Natalie Holloway and said that the American government spread AIDS as a genocide on the black people. He preached white hate. Obama exposed his children to this garbage and gave the church thousands of dollars because it was politically expedient for him to be at that church, and to be a friend of his hateful person. Obama's supporters cannot understand that the speech he gave was in reaction to this. It should have been the speech to open his campaign, but no-he wanted to keep race out of it until he got caught in a very hairy situation. The blogoshpere and the editorial boards of national newspapers can find all the reasons they want to justify Wright through the speech. The majority of the American people will not. If they don't know about it now then they sure will know it when this major problem takes center stage during an Obama-McCain showdown. McCain will not even need to raise the issue, right-wing groups will buy all the ad time they need to bring this shameful part of Obama's life home, all spliced together in 30-second clips. Justify it all you want but make no mistake about it, it is over for Obama and the Democrats.

[AjicNYC]

In such circumstances, we cannot afford to get distracted from what really matters when it comes to selecting a president: who is most likely to protect our interests in the White House? Who is most likely to rise to the occasion at a time when the country is divided and call on us to do something for our country? Who is the most trustworthy? Who has run a campaign that has been the most ethical, dignified and disciplined, and what does that say about the kind of president they'll be? Who has spent a lifetime bringing people together to cause change? Who has excited and brought out an entire generation of voters in record numbers by convincing them that as they begin to build their lives, the government is on their side? And perhaps most important of all, who is going to ask us to think?

You are showing your Typical White Person colors.

How about a president that can provide healthcare for the people , or provide food and shelter. Provide proper education. Your in an Ideal land sorry kid. We need a President that is going to take action and FIGHT for what America needs. Once America gets all these things like what the typical white people have in this country then we can talk Holding hands and singing Kum BY YA

[MarineBugler]

Fight whom? Those who DONT want us to have all that you have stated? Who are we to fight?


I think the answer to that is ... ourselves.


So, yes! Let's get TOGETHER and sing KUM BY YA in order to GET HEALTHCARE, 'FOOD/SHELTER', and a proper education. Otherwise, all we wind up doing is ... fighting.

[JasonEverettMiller]

Sam is Iranian, so right away you are obviously a person who doesn't pay close enough attention to things.

Second, unless we come together and quite emphasizing our differences over our common interests, none of those things you spoke of will come to pass. It is most definitely going to take a national reconciliation - among republicans, independents and democrats - in 2008 to even begin the decades long journey you outlined.

We need to fix the very foundation of government before we can begin building a new house that provides all the services you speak of. We need drastic reforms in the entire business of government to ever begin to even pay for that stuff, let alone get everyone to agree exactly how and what should be done at all. We need a leader who can get all sides to the progressive table, rather than govern for 51% from the center.

That is what is really at stake this year - change or death. The status quo has damn near killed us.

[TinaFreeman]

This is precisely why we need Barack Obama as president. A president "takes action" by bringing people together and working towards solutions...by LEADING. Not by dividing and conquering. We've had enough of that nonsense.

[grrrfren]

You've captured my thinking, exactly. Thanks

[PatConover]

It is the role of Jewish and Christian prophets to challenge his or her own establishment. The great Jewish prophets had harsh things to say about the Jewish kings and about the unfaithfulness of the Jewish people. John the Baptist was beheaded for challenging a Herod. Jesus was crucified for his critique of the Jewish temple establishment and of Caesar's pretensions to being God. It is safe political rhetoric to criticize an enemy, say Iran. It takes courage to challenge your own leaders, your own people.

Jeremiah Wright stands in that tradition. He is no more angry than his biblical namesake.

I was a minister and community organizer for the United Church of Christ on the South Side of Chicago in the 1960's when Jeremiah Wright began his ministry with Trinity. Our small congregation, Essex Community Church, managed to build a 221 (d) (3) apartment building not far from Trinity UCC. I know something about the systemic racist oppression in Chicago housing that made it so hard for Blacks to establish equity in their homes, something about the racist Chicago public schools of that era. I shared some of the fight against slum lords, block-busting, red-lining, and had a small part in the effort to get South Shore Bank to break out and offer loans for People of Color. I remember my anger. I remember the countless demonstrations of that era. And I was so happy when, later on, Chicago broke through some of that oppression with the election of Bill Cousins as an independent black alderman and then elected Mayor Washington.

Obama got it right in his speech. There is plenty of justification for the analyses of racial oppression and there is plenty of reason to hope that the United States can do better. What most probably do not know is that Jeremiah Wright, on balance, was a great builder of bridges, a "pontiff" in the description of John Thomas, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. We honor our parents and our leaders by taking the best they have to offer and leaving the rest behind. Obama has done that and such a spirit is just what we need in our next president.

[erykah]

Thank you for this. And let's not forget that his words were taken out of context. And let's also not forget why there is separation of church and state.

[PoliticalTruths]

It is shameful that the main stream media has followed Fox News" lead in pushing the story of Barack Obama"s pastor. Fox News has purposefully cut Reverend Jeremiah Wright"s sermons, which were mostly factual though in some instances delivered in a vitriolic fashion, in a disingenuous fashion at best and totally deceiving at worst. I have reviewed several of his sermons and while sometimes he uses hyperboles to try to accentuate a point, he is definitely not a racist.

For the most part, he is the kind of pastor many of his very poor parishioners need to help boost their self esteem and pride. While I disagree with his tone at times, all his sermons lead me to believe he has a kind heart. Though most of his congregation is black, they have a fair share of whites, Hispanics, and others that love the church and have never felt slighted. If you want to view his sermons in context visit http://PoliticalTruths.info.

[TinaFreeman]

THANK YOU! I have been saying to my friends since the speech that Obama's handling of this crisis demonstrates character, leadership and vision that is truly rare...and the oft overlooked point that the ONLY way a leader can truly unite people, is that he is willing and able to see all sides of issues, to see the big picture. And perhaps most importantly, to be able to listen to, understand, and work with people with whom he doesn't always agree or may not even like. Else how can this leader bring together world leaders, or even more challenging, members of congress!

Obama's handling of this crisis is a clear demonstration of his ability to do exactly this.

[deb123]

I would like to see your blog printed every day on every available site during the general election. Thoughtful, rational and sensible. Thank you for restoring my faith in who's out there ...

[adl]

I liked your blog here except for one point. You say: "I think most people would agree that Rev. Wright's comments were not particularly flattering about America. As someone who loves the United States deeply, I, too, was frustrated to hear the way in which Rev. Wright talked about this country." The only problem is that they weren't Rev. Wright's comments. He was quoting Edward Peck, former ambassador to Iraq. And, although he did agree that violence begets violence, he also said that he felt very badly for the families and the victims of 9/11 and that his response to it was to ask God for guidance on what we need to do next, the first answer he got being to look deep within.

So, Wright said nothing wrong. The MSM media left out all the surrounding info that would have shown us what Wright was really saying. But, then, of course, it wouldn't have even been news (not that it really was in it's bastardized for either). Wright and Obama have nothing to apologize for. For the MSM and those of us that will condemn another based on a 30 second soundbite...well now that's another matter.

[LizM]

But Sam, Senator Obama has demonstrated that he really doesn't understand the first thing about what is required to end the civil war in Iraq and allow for the withdrawal of US forces without leaving a failed state behind.

But, it does look as though Senator Obama may be on course to winning the Democratic nomination. May I suggest to you that the only hope he has of assuming the Presidency will lie in his choice for running mate.

And, as much as it pains me to say this - for reasons too long and complicated to exlpain here...fodder for a whole other post! - the only logical choice for Barack is to select the leader among Democrats on all matters related to foreign policy, the constitution, and national security and the only one on the planet with a viable and comprehensive strategy to promote and facilitate (not impose or dictate) a sustainable political settlement based on federalism and the Iraqi constitution (not partition) that has already attracted support from all corners, including most of Iraqs sectarian leaders - some of them even publically!

In other words, you should be promoting - at every opportunity - an Obama/Biden ticket (if only you could understand how excruciating that was for me to type - you have no idea!) as the only hope there is for America to secure its future at home and to restore its credibility in the world and regain its global leadership role.

Of course, as the primary condition for accepting the Veep position, Biden would have to be given full reign over the Iraq file - regardless of what the incoming SOS, or anyone else, would have to say about it! Otherwise, what would be the point?

[PlantGod72]

You hit on many valid and valuable points, Sam!

Obama has displayed more restraint and judgment than we have any right to expect given our selections of recent past Presidents.

[karmaburger]

Every time I hear another pundit bring up Pastor Wright I have to wonder if they would be as outraged if he had blamed Hollywood or the 'Gays' for 9/11. Had he not shined a dim light on the dark side of our history but rather cast the blame on the un-Godly excesses of our culture, would we be in the same situation?

If the talking heads came together and agreed that they would be equally outraged regardless of whom or what Pastor Wright chose to blame then we may as well criminalize all speech that does not follow the "they hate us for our freedoms" mentality. To even consider otherwise is obviously un-American.

If they decide that blaming Hollywood or the 'Gays' would be more acceptable then God help us all.

This is a lose-lose situation that serves no other purpose than to distract.

[Purple Girl]

This Ol' White Girl was not offended by anything I saw on those clips.
I've come to beleive there is an intention to creat th eillusion of conflict in this country- where they really is none. Is it due to the media being so far behind the learning Curve, or is it more devious than that - Divide & Conquer. I'll grant you there are some backwards ass MF'er still lingering- but not to the extent we are told.
I feel I have alot in common with Old Scholl Republicans- I want Gov't out of my Daily life too. I want them to focus on theri real tasks and stop subcontracting out to unnecessary Independent Contractors. As for social Conservatives _ I'm all for reducing abortion- lets focus on reducing unwanted pregnancies! I am agaist Abortion as a form of standard Birth control and believe a limit should at least be mandated. As for the other issues regarding Life- we have a common goal to enhance the life expereince for all that are living. I hate handguns but realize the ownership is a Right (still not going for Auto & Semi's though). I hate Billo & Rush et al but acknowledge their right to speak their minds and people to listen. I choose to turn them off. I agree Saddam was an evil Dictator and th epeople of Iraq had the right to be free- but disagreed with the method. I realize we can not jus tpick up and leave (logically or morally) but I feel we must begin to allow this country to stand on it's own (without our further interference, and Provocation). I resent being held responsible for actions I nor my ancestors took part in just becaseu I am white- but I understand the issue of racism has continued long past the abolition of Slavery ( I'm female- sexism is still alive & well too) I have many friends I disagree with whole heartedly on subjects but we are still friends- becaseu we agree to disagree, and never let it effect our relationship (we just keep ribbing each other and hoping we will find comfort somewhere in the middle)

[AlejandroK]

Obama"s enormous failure was that he sided with his personal history, his relationship with Pastor Wright, ignoring the broader fundamental threats our country is facing: 9/11, AIDS, War, Ignorance. Obama"s inability to see the bigger picture in Wright"s rhetoric is fatale because the people who got evaporated into dust in 9/11 weren"t Black or White, or Hispanic. They were humans. Obama"s lack of vision on this fundamental point cannot be reconciled. Race is important but not more important if you are facing a window on some tall, giant building and see a giant 747 coming on to you. No matter how Obama wishes to spin this"he can not. Furthermore, he allowed his daughters to witness Wright's demagogue thus perpetuating the cycle, diminishing the very post-racial America he is trying to achieve.

[erykah]

Apparently you are walking around with your eyes wide open. Obama did everything in his power to keep the racial aspect of the campaign at bay. It was the Clintons and the media which forced it to the fore. As hard as he tried to wave his magic wand and make the reality of race go away, the reality of race remains. Go to you tube where you will find Wright's sermons in their entirety. Wright has been wrongly demonized. You should not base you judgement on a few video snippets taken out of context, but raher should go do your own homework an make up your own mind. That is what I did.

[Fabienne]

All the Iraqis on the other side of our bombs are human too, and there are far more of them than those in the WWTC on 9/11. None of these deaths, either here or there, are justified. Violence is always a short-term "solution" and only gives more support to the idea that violence works. It does not make any profound changes. Cooperation is the only true solution to any problem and only the nations that learn that and act on it will lead the world forward to a better future.

[AnninCA]

I agree. His vision was pedantic and uninspiring. His follow-up comment about "typical white people" explains why. He lacks a real vision on this topic. He chose his mentor poorly, and now his attitudes are such that I can't see how he'll help a lot in this arena. His ego is enormous. He has a huge opportunity, and he squanders it by playing tit-for-tat over Ferarro. She must have truly put her finger on the truth of that story, because he won't let it go even though it served only to make him look petty and vindictive.