Barack Obama Sets the Record Straight

At the gym today I saw Fox News on one of the monitors as the Republican mouthpiece constantly ran footage of Reverend Jeremiah Wright preaching followed by footage of Senator Barack Obama with the aim of creating a strong visual bond between the two men.

With Fox News apparently converted to the "all-Reverend Wright-all-the-time" channel, and the Hillary Clinton campaign throwing a "kitchen sink" worth of racially-tinged innuendo his way, Barack Obama gave a brief interview tonight with Keith Olbermann on MSNBC's "Countdown" where he set the record straight on his decision to distance himself and his campaign from the views of Reverend Wright.

Senator Obama spoke of the passion that many African Americans feel, including Reverend Wright, who were among the pioneers of the generation that fought for their fundamental civil rights in America. He implied, (in my impression of the interview), that the injustices of the Jim Crow South are fresh in the memories of many black civil rights activists, which sometimes leads to heated rhetoric. Obama acknowledged the debt he has to those activists who broke open the doors of opportunity for him, and he is clearly deeply grateful for their struggles and their contributions to American life. He reiterated his love for his country and his strong sense of patriotic duty, (which has led him to run for president).

Senator Obama should in no way be held accountable for the impolitic utterances of his former pastor. It is unfair to engage in guilt by association. Obama showed good judgment by distancing his campaign from the more radical views of Reverend Wright and relieving him of any formal connection to his organization, but Obama also showed an admirable character trait by refusing to denounce Rev. Wright the person.

Obama also acknowledged that Swift Boat 527 groups are sure to use Wright's fulminations against him if he were to win the nomination. His interview tonight and actions taken I think show clearly that Obama is better prepared to take on the inevitable Swift Boating than was John Kerry in 2004.

We should recall that the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., who is honored with a national holiday and politicians including George W. Bush and John McCain have paid homage to his memory, in April 1967 called the United States "the greatest purveyor of violence in the world today." In my opinion, Reverend Wright says nothing in the taped vignettes I've seen on TV that is untrue about America, despite the "tut-tutting" of liberals and conservatives among the chattering class. Obama showed that he is nimble in taking care of potential pitfalls in his campaign and that shows he would be a great candidate in the general election against the Republican smear-meisters.

Comments

[sjl106]

Not fair to assign guilt by association? Really, were you claiming the same with Geraldine Ferraro when her statement was taken completely out of context? Or Sheehan, what about Bob Johnson. All the obamabots put the blame on Hillary but obama has gone to Wright's church for 20years claims he never heard these racist and disgusting comments? Michelle O. claims she has never been proud of the U.S., obama doesn't sing the National Anthem or put his hand over his heart as is custom. Obama doesn't allow the rev. to give the opening prayer when he first announced his run for Pres. because he knew wright was controversial. obama's camp played the race card and blamed Hillary and Bill with the help of this blog, others, and the media, obama's camp uses militant style antics to intimidate CBC members to switch their votes, obama supporters use militiant type garb to try and intimidate Hillary supporters, the blogs censor Hillary supporters and have tried to destroy her. Are you serious Joe. Sorry obama will be held to account and he needs to drop out now, he can never win the general and he is finished.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-obama-rezkomar15,0,2968927.story


http://noquarterusa.net/blog/

http://archive.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2007/8/8/194812.shtml

[blessedfrog]

Good Grief - that pastor is disgusting - Jeremiah Wright is no MLK. What did Bill Clinton do to Black Americans? That was repulsive to see - and even more so from a church pulpit. It has all been said so i won't analyze this racist rant. But I wonder - what is Jeremiah's solution as to how the would have put an end WWII? It was ugly no matter what move anyone took. This guy is OBAMA"S spiritual advisor and close mentor? Puke. sjl106 is COMPLETELY CORRECT. Obama plays the race card all the way - very sly and clever with the help of the media.

[dawgfan1]

PAT ROBERTSON,JOHN HAGEE ,THE LATE JERRY FALWELL RIGHT WING MINISTERS
HAVE MADE SOME CRAZY COMMENTS THEMSELVES.

[RButler]

'full Obama' def. (noun). 'to have your campaign play the race card yourself and have your supporters blame others for being racist'.

[PhyloSeFiser]

Wow are you angry. And no wonder; your head is full of nonsense. Militant style antics? I think your suffering from some kind of psychosis.

And Michelle didn't say she's never been proud of her country. She said "for the first time in my adult life I'm really proud of my country. There's a difference between being really proud, and proud. Besides, ever since George Bush took office I've been embarrassed as hell for this country.

[joehigashi]

Militant type garb? Is that what's floating around these neocon tabloids you cite? That Obama supporters have their own official uniform now? It's true, we're really footsoldiers for the same right-wing MSM conspiracy to tarnish your washed up candidate. Loooooon.

Oh, and remember the Gennifer Flowers bombshell when Bill was running? How that was supposed to destroy his campaign? Yeah, funny where that led him.

[joehigashi]

I hope this isn't too scalding of a personal attack, but you're really a nutter. I've seen some embittered Clinton supporters voicing natural anger, but you...yeesh. Do you dress in aluminum foil and horde cats, too?

[Mygodbeatsyourgod]

Wow. Really?

1. Obama never said GF's comments were racist. Please show a link where HE said so.
2. Michelle has stated that she hasn't been 'really' proud. Fox edited the tape they showed to ad-nausea.

Even so, really? So, you ARE proud of Selma? Slavery? Nagasaki? Kent State? The Iraq Occupation? Japanese-American Interment camps? Gitmo? Abu Gareb (sp?) Nixon? Vietnam?
Iran Contra? Invading Panama? Over-throwing democratically elected governments in Iran &Central America? Our 3rd-world infant mortality rate? Our HUGE prison population? War on Drugs?

I got a million more here folks. Please tell this foolish old Liberal...when did criticizing America become anti-American? America stood up and said ANTI-EVERBODY in 1776 and still does....sometimes that pisses people off and they attack us. Image that...people mad 'cause we are so perfect.

3. Intimidate Hillary supporters? Oh, my...the big black man scares the little old white ladies...so Hillary treats him like she's the white Mammy and he has to be polite to the old white lady during these debates.

4. Drop out now? Fuck democracy. Go Hillary!

5. Nice drop of Right-wing propaganda sites at the end

[kunzarina]

In order to stop MORE instances of American cruelty, bigotry and violence we have to actually GET INTO THE WHITE HOUSE. I'm a middle-aged Liberal who actually wants to stop this country from becoming a colonialist monarchy and the only way to do that is to select a candidate who has a chance in hell of actually GETTING to the white house. Yes. THe big bad black man scares little old ladies. Those little old ladies will die out soon enough. Until then, let's try to actually accomplish something instead of just spewing the same college-age protest rhetoric while the Right takes over our government.

[maggipost]

With respect to the Michelle Obama "proud" statement ... much as I hate to defend Fox News, it is not their editing. Mrs Obama actually made the same statement at three different events, two of which were captured on tape. For some reason, some news outlets ran the tape including the words "really proud" while others ran the tape of the speech in which she said "proud".

[TruthBeTold4us]

Where is the disclaimer by Fox news that it's owner, Rupert Murdoch, has held a fundraiser for and donated to the campaign of Hillary Clinton?

Fox "news" has been running stories morning, noon and night both yesterday and today about Obama's minister and the clips from some of his sermons that are controversial.

On July 17th of 2006, Rupert Murdoch held a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton at his Newscorp midtown tower in New York. Roger Ailes was in attendance.

In August of 2006, Murdoch played host to Bill Clinton at a Newscorp retreat in California.

Hillary defended Rupert's fundraiser in an interview with the London Financial Times. She said "He's my constituent and I'm very gratified that he thinks I'm doing a good job."

It was reported on the Huffington post in July of 2007 that Rupert Murdoch had donated $2300 and his son James gave $3400 to Hillary's campaign. Newscorp/Fox executives gave a total of more than $40,000 to Hillary's campaign.

How is that "fair and balanced" news when Murdoch is obviously backing Hillary Clinton?

[mensa999]

That is precisely the reason why I have stopped watching FOX NEWS. I feel as though a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I hadn't realized before how negative and biased they were. I assumed all of the networks were biased but when I saw their "polling guru" Frank Lutz on YOUTUBE and Hannity consistently bringing up Pastor Wright and Ron Paul, enough was enough. For those who are tired of FAUX NEWS just put a block on it. When their ratings begin to go down then maybe they will start changing their tune.

[AreYouFibbing]

Why is it Obamabots always try to muddy the waters, try to flip the blame to Hillary, no matter what the charge? Own the fact that Obama made a mistake, a big one, and move on. Obama wil have more stuff like this coming his way, so you all had better prepare yourselves.

[loria]

What self respecting democrat would watch Fox News?

[SamThornton]

I've been present at many church services and felt sharp disagreement with the words preachers have used, beginning with their use of the term, "God."

I confess to never having publicly denounced and rejected them, however. To set the record straight, I'm doing that now.

[PerryWhite]

Then you might want to reject BO as he recently said that he prays to Jesus Christ every night.

[dtrobert]

A few points:

1. There does not exist a church/religion which is not in some way at least morally degenerate. It is the very nature of religion to encourage hatred, in so far as it creates an I-Thou false separation. There is "us", the so-called "community" of the faithful, and there is "them", everyone else. That is simply unavoidable.

2. There is something fundamentally racist in the media's treatment of Obama's religious ties versus those of Clinton and ESPECIALLY McCain. Both Clinton and McCain have had repeated contacts with WHITE preachers who have made comments that sent chills down my (and most decent people's) spine. The fact that Obama is so often called to radically repudiate his religious idiots in toto, while the white people in the race are simply asked to repudiate their specific comments is fundamentally racist, and I'm quite shocked that more isn't made of this fact by the self-appointed leaders of the Black community.

[RButler]

I don't know how religious the Clintons are but I've been inspired by their ability to withstand the ugly, vile hatred that has been directed to them from the republicans since he took office in '92 and now with the Obama supporters, and yet they are able to work with people such as Tom Delay who was out to destroy them. I couldn't be that forgiving and I seriously doubt that Obama has it in him. Neither does Michelle.

[CBS]

Obama has handled this brouhaha correctly. He has denounced unequivocally the hysterical rant of this Pastor (one can only wonder if his retirement is being forced because of his unChristian behavior in the pulpit) and in a week this will have blown over. If anyone is wondering what kind of President Obama will make just look at how swiftly and calmly he has handled situations like this. The Clintonians seem to be a little too loyal, a little too blind, and a little too slow. There will be more of these "eruptions" before the nomination is settled but I am sure Obama will continue to have a steady hand on the helm.

[Maddy08]

I totally agree with you. It seems to me that if the words of this preacher had even remotely seeped into the mindset of Obama, one would have to ask how it is that he is attracting so many people to his campaign and further, inspiring them in ways no other candidate ever has. People who listen to Obama have something tangible to hold on to - a candidate who offers hope, a new way of bringing people together, and offering a discourse that is inclusive and not divisive.

[em0199]

Exactly I mean is this man such an unbelievable actor that he has fooled millions of people into not seeing who he really is. As I watch this preacher if Obama did hold his same views don't you think he would be speaking them just as forcefully. Do you really think that is Obama is trying to highjack the presidency for some kind of ulterior motive. I can't buy that. I don't think that Obama feels the way his pastor does. I have heard many of religious leaders say many things that were inappropriate do I give up on my church just because I didn't agree with everything the leader said no because my faith is there.

[RButler]

Oh, brother. Wright's ugly rhetoric has seeped into the mindset of the Obama supporters as you can see by their comments on this site for many months. Meanwhile, like a matador, Obama deftly steps aside while others do the dirty work. He's good, isn't he?

[Looplinker]

Yeah but he had no trouble in going to this church on most Sundays and allow his daughters to hear this cacony of racist anti-American drivel. This is not guilt by association. It is guilt by choice.

[AreYouFibbing]

So if Obama were president, accidently pushed the nuclear button, immediately went on television and said he made a mistake and would never make that one again, while speaking calmly, that would be okay? I know that is an extreme example, but it is a valid one. Is this really the person we want in the WH.

[loria]

Considering he was the only one who got it right on Iraq, he'd probably be the one to get it right when the Red Phone rings, despite his association with his pastor.

[JacobSinger]

I do wonder about this...this article...these comments; in all, I think this moment is important for me to remember.

It makes me understand that when I feel politically and ideologically alienated, it isn't just the GOP arrogance or the NeoCon madness--it is also this kind absurdity shown in so many variations by the AMerican populace.

So many of you display such political timidity and ideological cowardice as to make me wonder what it is that is wrong with ME--I mean, surely if I'm so out of step in my view of this flap with Obama's preacher [and many other issues as well], then I must be the one who has a twisted perception of all of this.

Am I in such a tiny minority to think that Obama, in turning his back on these statements, is turning his back on the kernal of truth that resides in them?

In my twisted worldview, we will NEVER make any significant progress in "righting our ship" if we cannot face the facts:

1) Hillary doesn't know what it's like to be cursed as a black man [neither do I, for that matter];

2) If God judges nations by their works, then he is surely damning this country rather than blessing it;

3) Our government IS responsible for the deeds that inspired the attack on 9/11/01;

4) And perhaps the most disheartening truth of all wasn't spoken by the reverend, but clearly illustrated here today at the Huffington Post: we would rather mire ourselves in this sort of hypocritical mudslinging idiocy than to unburden ourselves of the delusional American Self-image; we are not the greatest nation on earth, our government rarely makes sound moral choices--our government has become a danger to the world at large, and even more so to the lesser of us in this modern American society.

Perhaps the reverend's delivery could have been better, but I doubt it would make much difference; we all live in this Glass House, and apparently, we will defend the absurdity of its construction until the last pane is broken.

[Seral]

What kind of God he believes in that would allow him to curse the White people the way he did in a way to affect the future generations by making them becoming more racially sensitive and possibly, hostile against the Whites? Even if it is a reality, that doesn't mean you need to approve them. You can also understand the actions of the terrorists but that does not mean you must also feel the need to support these actions.

He was supposed to build bridges among all the people, that might be enemies of the past, not destroy the ones between the group he belongs to and the other people he sees as eternal enemies. To me, what he did is not different from what is happening in mosques operated by the radical Islamists.

[Benton]

Actually he talked about "RICH" white people who control the country. You know kinda like what JESUS talked about.

[loria]

What kind of God would allow a pastor to curse homosexuals? It happens everyday in America. Those pastors aren't building bridges, but we just aren't that concerned about that. And, please don't compare Obama's church, which you know nothing of to a mosque operated by radical Islamists.

[goldstategirl]

He never cursed Whites plus he's had White ministers in that church for years--plus the UCC denomination is predominately White. Here:

WHITE MINISTER -- BARACK'S CHURCH:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioaChVw_pUw&feature=related

Gee wiz people.

[1dogs2]

Bravo, Jacob. I agree with most of your comment. The part I don't agree with is your assumption that Obama has turned his back on the "kernel of truth" in the statements he has condemned. I base that on his comments on the cable news shows last night in which he noted how the life experiences of Wright's generation of blacks affected their view of America, how the work of that generation changed American society sufficiently for Obama's generation of blacks to have a different view, and how he hoped that this campaign would provide an opportunity for all of us to reach a better understanding of each other so that our future is less fraught with racial tensions than the past. That is a truly audacious hope, but it is one that I will continue to share until forced to give it up.

[LuluDoll]

Your points are correct but the sad truth is that someone has to get elected.and it's a fine line the candidates have to walk. Obama has spoken about the need to change the mindset that got us into the occupation with Iraq. I think that's about as thruthful as we are going to get from a politician. We have to take a leap of faith and hope that Obama will approach foreign policy in a different and more intelligent way. Certainly Clinton or McCain will not approach it any differently. I'm ready to take the leap.

[Jazz42]

I agree with your comments completely.
Thank you for your honesty. This is something many hyprocrites on this blog could use.
(JacobSinger)

[KQuark]

I think you speak for allot of people, especially myself. The real damage to Obama is not the words themselves. If these words had come out in print form people would barely raise an eyebrow. The damage is in the image of a black man yelling to a willing congregation about these terrible truths. People will just mentally transpose Obama's face on Wright and be fearful of Obama. The real shame is that Obama has never run his life by hating America, quite the opposite he is joyful to be an American and feels fortunate for the opportunities this country has given him. Wright was from a past world that is much different than the world Obama grew up in and instead of looking at the progress that Obama has seen people are trying to bring us back to that old world mentality.

[antaeus]

All of you here imploring a nuanced understanding of the context of Wright's message as well as condemning "guilt by association" are missing the point. David Gergen on CNN last night pointed to a Frederick Douglass Fourth of July speech from the 1850s as evidence of the long-standing tradition within the African-American church of challenging America's complacent view of itself. Now if we could only be sure that the electorate in November will be as thoughtful as the students in Gergen's Harvard classes. The truth is that Wright's oratory will be placed alongside Mrs. Obama's claim that she is only now proud of her country in an effort to paint Senator Obama as way beyond the mainstream of American culture. And it will work. If the party nominates Obama then we will have the progressive candidate that many of us have dreamt of, just at it had in 1972.

[rwferr]

Now it is clear that all Hillary has to do is stay in the race. By the convention it will be clear to the superdelegates that Obama is totally unelectable.

[joehigashi]

It's fascinating how so much emotional sustenance can be harvested from one little morsel of delusion. If only we could transfer this characteristic to rice...the third world would never go hungry again.

[coolaid]

I agree. With the now guilt-laden MSM on Hilliary's side, this is beginning to look like game, set and (almost) match! There is a slim chance that slime balls like Hannity, Limbaugh and the spinsters in the Clinton campaign will have to face the music about their past lies, or that the majority of the remaining democratic voters and superdelegates will see through this, but I wouldn' count on it.

[Krazime]

so Obama is the only candidate 'unelectable'....not because of something HE said, but because of something his pastor said??

WOW....then this country really hasn't made any progress. After all these years, black people are the only ones still accountable for the words of others. Well, I guess with the history, that would be fair. geeeez!

I'm voting for Obama, and HIS message....not his pastors message! Don't you think maybe after listening to his pastor, he created the message he has, to help heal the wounds in ALL of us? If this country cannot reach deep and turn the page now, we will never do it. The immaturity of this country will forever linger, and racism will always be the wound...never healing, but always festering underneath the weak band-aid we always attempt to cover it with.

Lets move forward people, not backward! Obama/Webb 08

[deutchs]

We will see. But remember, if this proves to be the attack that sinks the Obama ship then it will ultimately have been his race that was his undoing, and that is a very disturbing comment about this country.

[LuluDoll]

OR another way of looking at it is that it is better that it get out now so he can deal with it. He did deal with it quickly and deftly. That makes him pretty electable. Just as Ferraro is not Clinton, Wright is not Obama. This does not change the fact that Clinton does not have a clear path to gaining more pledged delegates than Obama. Additionally there are plenty of things that may come out about Clinton if she were to get the nomination. She is actually not "vetted". Just one examble, she and Bill have had very large donations from UAE and Saudia Arabia to build the Clinton library. You have to ask yourself, what favors would a President Clinton need to grant the UAE and Saudia Arabian government?

[1dogs2]

Why have these obviously amateur video snippets of Wright's remarks surfaced at this point in the primary season and from whom were they acquired? Just asking.

[harrisjb]

Well, let me tell you. These are not actually amateur video snippits at all. Trinity United Christian Church sells copies of Rev. Wright's sermons to the public. Abc news purchased some of these videos last week and then aired a special on the church on Thursday night. Since then, the snippets have been circulating, as well see. I know some people want to point the finger at HRC, but sadly for Obama, the only person he has to blame for this pr trainwreck is himself. Why he kept going to this man's church, and even financially supporting the church, is beyond me. I thought he was touting his superior judgment as his main qualification for the Presidency... but belonging to this church shows me a serious lack of judgment. At least politically. I can see the 527 ads already... and it makes me want to vomit.

[LuluDoll]

I was wondering the same thing. I guess these are easily accessible. Better now so he can deal with it. Which he has. Although it will continue to be discussed until the next surrogate of either campaign says something controversial.

[maggipost]

Rev Wright himself is selling CDs of about 12 speeches. ABC News bought all of them. Probably Hannity did as well. In addition, there are audio tapes available. These are not unauthorized material but something sold by TUCC. By the way, there are at least 8 other UCC churches in the general area to which the Obama family could have transferred.

[AreYouFibbing]

These "amateur" videos were made by his church....you can even purchase them if you like. And negative things about candidates come up all the time, at least in the last 20+ years where it is all about "gotcha".

[ruffmama]

Obama needs to get a little "Rovian" here. He needs to beat the 527's that are sure to air their swiftboating ads at the pass. He needs to make his own ad that begins with the usual "I am B.O. and I approve this message" and then he needs to either play some of the incriminating videos of Rev. Wright or show some stills with the audio of the Rev Wright and then conclude with a statement of how he "rejects and denounces" these statements. Then he needs to SATURATE the airwaves with this ad so that everyone is just so sick of hearing Rev. Wright's rants and they will be so over it already that they just tune it out. Then when the 527's make their ads and the cable news channels go on and on the public will already be so desensitized to the video and the words of Rev. Wright that the ads by the 527's will have little effect. BO will take something that the other side will undoubtedly try and use against him and bombard our senses with but BO will have already spent all of that ammo before they get a chance to.

[rwe]

and like the Swift boat for truth guys and Karl , and for that matter Ferraro , they will expose the truth and only the Obamabots will decry fact as racism.

[LuluDoll]

Humm, interesting, risky and bold idea. He does need to do something bold and continue to get out in front of things like this. I was happy he responded so quickly and clearly.

[joehigashi]

Okay, so for all you bewildered neocons and Hillary supporters who harp portentously on the implications of Obama's association with Reverend Wright, I have to ask: what exactly are you so afraid of? Specifics here, people. Some of you are most likely just using Wright's outbursts as a new and convenient justification for why Hillary should get the nomination. It's kind of flimsy, but whatever, nothing new in your perennial wishful thinking. I suppose this comment is addressed more to those who keep intimating that these speeches are some ominous indication of how Obama will run the country as president. I'm just asking if you'd care to elaborate on these fears? Because asking "Just WHO is Barack Obama" is getting kind of inane, regardless of whatever shocking new developments Sean Hannity can dredge up. Personally, I think you have a more credible argument whining about Rezko and Obama's ability to bring about actual change than this new approach of suggesting that Obama is pulling the wool over the eyes of the American public and that his intentions for America are very big, very black, and very bad. I don't really know what you're getting at here...is it that the moment he's sworn into office he's going to put white America in one giant labor camp, appoint Louis Farrakhan his veep, make himself ruler for life and beyond, bomb Israel, and sell our children to Iran to build nuclear weapons? That he's really a glib hatemonger? It sounds like you're skirting towards this new allegation that Obama is the antichrist. That his goodness is just a horrifying front, and there's something horribly sinister and world-destroying lurking behind all that appeal.

Look, I love my father. He's a kind, insightful, and generous man. But he grew up in a blue-collar area of Long Island, his father was a railroad worker, and sometimes his opinions on groups ike homosexuals and hispanics, are pretty offensive (he is, by the way, an Obama supporter). Sometimes the things he says make me cringe, but I understand that he grew up in a different time, under different social and cultural influences. He's my father, and he's been my father for a long, long time. He is my mentor and has offered me years of valuable advice, but that hardly means I've ever agreed with him on any of his close-minded opinions. Ever. We've gotten into plenty heated arguments about it, but in the end what's meaningful about our relationship isn't based on an ignorant, bygone cultural understanding from the 1950s. So Lord knows, I am not going to hold Obama accountable for the sins of the father--a man who most likely had it infinitely worse than my own white father.

The HuffPo article 'Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?' got it right. You people need to stop jerking off your visceral fears and examine what you're so afraid of. One user wrote something here like, "I don't want to understand!" Oh, well, I suppose you've learned all you need to know about black people from rap music and basketball to look any further into the history and the feelings of some of those 1960s radicals who had dogs set on them. This man doesn't speak for Obama, and I don't see how on earth Obama is a hatemonger...unless I'm to believe these rather entertaining allegations that he's a *secret* hatemonger with a *secret* agenda for America that he'll *secretly* pass despite our system of checks and balances. Hillary people: stick to dismissing his change. Then we can agree to disagree. But please, please don't go down this looney road. I mean, what's next? He's going to paint the White House black? Please.

And for all of you who keep talking about how this is sounding the death knell for Obama, keep in mind PA is six weeks away. NAFTAgate was one week away, and who even considers that relevant anymore? If this Wright codswallop is as intense and unrelenting in six weeks as it is now, then maybe you little wonky Nostradamuses can start with the predictions. But 48 hours is a little too soon to start consulting your crystal ball.

[Nommo]

The memory of the public is short and grows shorter with each new distraction. With all the media available to us, the distractions come as quickly as they can be manufactured. Now who remembers Travelgate, by way of example, and its implications? How long before former Gov. Spitzer is just a footnote? How is it that no one remembers that Wright was a Marine? In other words, like the men and women in Afghanistan and Iraq and where the hell else our troops are, he'd have fought to preserve our "freedoms" and so many think nothing of denying him his right to say what he is thinks and to say it to his constituents.

America. What a country!

[harrisjb]

I'll tell you what I am afriad of: President John Sidney McCain. After watching these clips and learning that this man is Obama's long-time mentor, I am convinced he just lost himself the general election. I want to win in November, don't you?

[joehigashi]

I do want to win in November, but there's absolutely no evidence suggesting that Obama will suddenly get crushed by McCain because of this Wright imbroglio, and neither is there any evidence suggesting that Hillary will soar to victory by comparison. I mean, will the Republicans attack Obama on this? I am convinced they will, but do you not think Obama can handle it? Clearly he knows it's coming. Hillary will have just as hard a time against Republicans, most likely because they just have to remind people of what they didn't like about the Clintons as opposed to selling them new mud. Frankly, I think both candidates can beat McCain, since this nation's biggest concern is the economy (which McCain professes he knows nothing about), and it's biggest burden is the war (which McCain wants to continue). So, he's pretty ill-equipped to begin with. Add to the fact that the nation is sick to death of George Bush and aren't really looking for a third Bush term, and the Democrats chances are even better. Personally, I think there is more to get Hillary on than Obama--I think widespread corruption, comparatively weak "experience" claims to McCain, and blowjobs in the oval office can be spun far more nastily than spurious claims about Obama being both a black Christian zealot moonlighting as a terrorist. Of course I'll still vote for Hillary should she be the nominee, but I hardly think Obama should resign just because of this. It's been 48 hours, people. The news moves on.

[Zipperupus]

This is a tremendous post. No one is discussing what the real fear is regarding the Reverend Wright. The fear is that Obama secretly believes in Wright's teachings, and even worse, is secretly ANGRY. Not just ANGRY in general, but ANGRY at white people. The fear being stoked is that hope and change is just a fancy veil hiding the secret ANGRY NEGRO.

This is what is known as "color arousal." You watch the Reverend Wright in a snippet, and you think that he is crazy, hateful, and ANGRY. If Obama has attended this church for twenty years, then he has been fed this ANGRY rhetoric. Obama takes his children to this pastor! They too will be indoctrinated in this ANGER.

The problem is: why is Obama so damned positive? If he's the ANGRY NEGRO, then why does his campaign and his rhetoric revolve around change, unity, and post-partisanship? If you are to take his candidacy as an indicator of who he is, then you would be forced to admit that he is at the very least an idealist.

So when I read all this concern trolling that says, without reason, "I could never vote for him now that I know that his pastor hates America," I wonder at their gullibility. Has Obama himself ever EVER said anything remotely like what Reverend Wright has said in these clips? No.

I want to inject a little personal anecdote, even though none of you know me personally. Just humor me or skip the message (since it will be buried in a deluge of paid-for shills of the partisan divide). I have a spiritual mentor named Frederick. A great man who has helped guide me to a place of love. However, he believes in Martians, astral projection, the Great White Lodge on Sirius, the seven harmonic rays, and assorted other beliefs. If, one day, I were to run for public office, this man's beliefs could somehow be ascribed to me, even though I don't hold to them. This would be unfair to the both of us. Frederick is a great man who wooks worth cancer patients, ministers for free, and loves everyone he meets like they are his family. I am my own person who should be judged by my words and actions, not those of my mentor.

I am happy that my daughter attends his sermons. Even when he mentions auras.

I think people who are buying into this load of crap, this guilt by association, are behaving hysterically, in the clinical sense of the word. Obama is his own person who has a mentor with strong beliefs that don't match his own... but they both have a love of community, social justice, and spirituality. Obama's spirit moves him to public service in politics, and the Reverend Wright is staying with the community. They are different people with different agendas, not a good cop/bad cop tag team that will bring in an ANGRY NEGRO ADMINISTRATION.

[jnuno]

You support and praise Obama for rightfully distancing himself and condemning the offensive comments by the pastor. The next move for Obama (because this is not going away), might be to painfully decide whether he also disassociates himself from the church. I do believe that Obama is sincere when he claims that the pastor's comments do not reflect Obama's views, but I find it difficult to believe Obama is being honest when he claims he did not know or was ever never present to hear the damning comments about America. Obama's closeness to the pastor cannot be denied and this will probably damage him politically because whether voters are Dems or Reps, many know that these comments about America are offensive. (It amazes me that you do not find the pastor's comments about America offensive.)

[joehigashi]

To be honest, I'm also likely to think that every time his pastor got fired up, Obama was conveniently not in church. I'm sure that he's heard some of what Wright has had to say, but I don't think that makes much of a difference. I mean, to be honest, those 9/11 comments about America's chickens coming home to roost because of bad foreign policy, while incendiary, are pretty true. As far as other stuff, like the government inventing AIDS, I doubt that if Obama has heard it, it's left much of a profound impact on his way of thinking.

It could hurt him, but I'm not sure by how much. This is still a fresh wound, so we have to see how it heals over time. Clearly, he knows the attacks that will be coming from this, so at least he's prepared. It also makes sense that he doesn't want to say, "yes, I was there when he went on some tirade about America," because it'll be a lot harder to convince America's fear gluttons, "I heard it and don't care about it." So, I think it makes sense for now. Again, I'm not sure how much it will hurt him in the general. I'm guessing it'll be an issue, but I'm not sure how big it will be.

I'm just glad the Clintons are reeling enough after the Ferraro SNAFU to stay away from this.

[shades3]

So, Joe Higashi, when was the last time you stood up during a sermon at your church and said so, when you disagreed with something your preacher, or priest said?

At most, you may have mentioned it at the door, while you were shaking hands with him, on the way home, I'd be willing to bet.

If this series of sermons had not been recorded for posterity, few of us would have known that there are fiery preachers who raise their voices with passion during their sermons.

How rude of Rev. Wright to speak the truth.

Having said that, what he said is certainly not Politically Correct. But no one can deny the truth of what he said.

Yes, Barack Obama must, if he wants to be President, soften the approach to truth-telling.
America's history with regard to race-relations and international aggression is not easy to accept.
But, if you examine history, Rev Wright's views are truths and Americans find it difficult, if not impossible to handle the truth and move on, in a more humane and compassionate direction.
That is not Barack Obama's fault and he will, if he's elected, represent everybody who wants a fair and just society, not just the rich, but EVERYBODY.

It's not about forgiving him for remarks made by his pastor.
It's about realizing that the remarks were made by his pastor and not by him.

Move on. Nothing to see here.

[RButler]

The Clintons are smart to stay away from this even though some on this site have accused of starting the furor. The media will take care of playing those DVDs over and over. I heard that there may be audio tapes of earlier sermons which I suppose Obama also conveniently missed when Wright was ranting. How is someone who is always 'above the fray' going to be president when being president is 'the fray'? He doesn't seem prepared for that on DAY 1.

[rinpochet]

How many Catholics separated from their church when there minister was found to be guilty of molesting children?

Obama has been attending this church for 17 years. Why should he disassociate himself from it now? There is a new minister taking over. Maybe things won't be different but ihe was married in this church, his children were christened in this church and it is asking too much for him to leave it now.

BTW, I agreed with all of Wright's comments. People should remember that we dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese TWICE!! Of course they're "yellow". Do you think we would have dropped them on Germany? Of course not. Caucasians. If you don't see this as racist then you just refuse to see. You can look at the massacres in the Philippines in WWII. Take a good look at US history. It isn't pretty!

[RButler]

The Germans didn't do a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The Japanese wouldn't surrender even after the first bomb. Wise move. Even as a kid, I thought that we should have dropped the bomb offshore or in some uninhabited area to give a demonstration but, heck, as I said they didn't surrender after the first bomb. Some people are stubborn. What exactly were we supposed to do with a country that would not surrender and would fight to the last man? Please tell me, Obama peoples.

[ruffmama]

As a church going christian myself, I beg you to find any person who has NEVER disagreed with something they heard their priest, pastor, or minister say! I love my priest. I love my church. I love my faith. But God gave me a brain and he does not expect me to check it in at the door every time I step into a church.

Where the problem does arrive is with the fundamentalist evangelicals who take the bible as the literal word of God and they would NEVER dispute anything they heard their religious leaders say. So they have a hard time grasping the notion that one can sit in church and worship but not fervently embrace every single detail of what is said.

[belikejeanvaljean]

I have attended a number of evangelical churches and have heard pastors say that the congregation shouldn't necessarily believe what they say, but rather check out the Bible for themselves on whatever subject they happen to be preaching on. A true man (or woman) of God does not seek to be a godlike figure himself. And I have known pastors and congretation members in those churches who were Democrats, contrary to what is written in the mainstream media. Of course some people in any church will just go along with what the pastor, priest, rabbi, etc., say, but please don't characterize evangelicals as a group. When you do so, you are no better than the people you condemn.

And btw, many of the preachers on television are considered so far out of the mainstream by most evangelicals that they are believed to be false teachers and cult-like. In other words, you are not getting a realistic view of evangelicalism when you watch people like Benny Hinn and some of the preachers associated with McCain's campaign.

[BeeOplentee]

The Republicans don't have to swiftboat Hillary or Obama. They are doing a splendid job of it themselves!

The Republicans are going to laugh their way back into the Whitehouse and the Democrats are going to be left with two diminished, muddied former candidates who will be lucky if they can retain their Senate seats. What a waste...

[rwferr]

Obama could clearly lose his senate seat as he basically ran unopposed as Mr. Ryan became embroiled in a sex scandal a couple weeks before the election. I seriously doubt the voters of New York would put out Hillary however. They wont have to though cause it seems more clear than ever that the superdelegates will be forced to decide in her favor as Obama's electability is more in question every day.

[bauersox]

If you are trying to pretend there *isn't* a close bond between Wright and Obama, you obviously haven't even opened either of Obama's books. Which, in my opinion, makes your extreme advocacy irresponsible.