Why Jeremiah Wright Is Willing To Destroy Barack Obama; This Campaign Really Is Generational

Remember when Barack first put himself forward? The Obama's not black enough kerfuffle among the old guard civil rights activists? Most of them slowly came around, driven partly by the Clintons' willingness to marginalize Barack after South Carolina but mostly because -- it was just crazy not to. After Iowa the impossible had become possible.

But still. At some level there was this feeling, and it didn't go away. A feeling of -- this isn't fair. It fell into his lucky lap. Look at him, swanning around in front of all those adoring white kids, reaping all the props. And he never paid his dues.

Jeremiah Wright is like the return of the repressed, a last desperate lunge of the undead 60s toward center stage. Wright represents a longing for enduring relevance so deep that it is willing to sabotage the very possibility of setting out on the long road that runs past race in order to preserve the claims of a certain righteousness, a certain rhetoric, a certain stance -- a familiar and heroic sense of self-in-the-world.

It's so hard to get old. It's so hard to watch history pass you by. It's so hard to look out across a public landscape in which your style of being once loomed so large and to realize that somehow -- you are suddenly yesterday.

People who say Obama needs to confront Wright are correct. But he needs to do it simply, he needs to tell the truth. He needs to say, kindly but firmly: old man, I love you and I thank you for your service -- but your day is done.

Comments

[doc1400]

Jeremiah Wright is Barack Obama's worst nightmare, Here is why:
1. Wright's rantings and ravings scare white voters. The fact that Wright baptized Obama's kids and married him will forever link Wright and Obama at the hip. White voters will not put up with crazy black ideas. They don't need to. And they should'nt. They have enough other problems.
2. Wright will split Obama's support among black voters. There are plenty of bitter, radical blacks that will agree with Wright's crazy ideas. Without the total support of the 13% of America's black supporters Obama is dead. And I mean totally dead

[raskolnikov72]

and people like you will continue to benefit from people voting their fears not their interests ...

http://tinyurl.com/68ru9x

[doc1400]

Whether any citizen and voter likes it or not, the idea of any primary and election is to settle on a candidate based on expectatations of the future. Does that make sense to you???

[PPatt]

I "get" Wright. I am white. I am not afraid.

If youu look at the work of Wright's church and see anything other than good works and hopefulness then I question your grip on reality.

What was it that I was supposed to be afraid of? I take it that you are putting your money on racist America.

[WAstateliberal]

Again, this is called projection.

[syrupcore]

Actually, I'd go ahead and call that racism.

[Tropiholic]

does that mean people who were married by and had their children baptized by catholic priests who turned out to be pedophiles are tainted forever too???

[OhMyGoodness]

Wright will not split Obama's votes among blacks and whites were afraid of blacks long before they every heard of him and will continue to be. I guarantee you that blacks will stand behind Obama because we're smart enough to know that what one man believes one man believes. We know that we don't think and feel and react as one. We know that we all have very different ideals and ideas. It's a lot of you folk who don't know that. We're behind Obama and that won't change.

[onceler]

I disagree that this is Wright trying to sink Obama's candidacy, its the corporate owned media who are doing it. Jeremiah Wright does the same shit now that he always has done, there are just cameras there covering it now. why? the media has latched onto the 'blackest' thing about Obama they could find, and are using it to beat him up so that they can keep covering the circus of the primary race, and hopefully, put their preferred candidate - John McCain - into office. Obama has confronted this, forcefully and sufficiently. people having to stop treating our presidential race like cheap tabloid news. and if you buy into any single part of this silly narrative you're helping the process of identifying Obama with Wright as being the same entity in essence, which is just ridiculous. and again, Obama is only vulnerable to this because he is black. can we criticize that fact, instead of either Wright (who really hasn't done anything wrong other than make a few factually specious statements) or Obama (who hasn't done anything wrong throughout this whole non-story)?

[PPatt]

spot on. beware of those trying to tell us who to fear or hate for they are many times more dangerous that Wright, someone I could sit down and have a beer with...tha­t is if he does drink.

[amyd]

Right

[daddyG56]

Obama needs to say:

-The Reverend is an anachronistic, old, cranky conspiracy theorist. He's a good man who has done good works for the community and his congregation, but his type of rhetoric has no place in the politics of the future. I love the guy, but some of his ideas....w­hew!! And BTW, I will never speak of him again under any circumstances, so don't ask.-

Nothing less will stop the bleeding. Wright has a NATIONAL audience now. He'll ride the wave to the end. Look where Sharpton's misguided defense of Tawana Brawley got him.......­a place on the '04 debate podium....­..a job as an analyst on the cable networks..­...speakin­g tours....b­ook deals ! Does anyone think Wright isn't seeing dollar signs in his sleep?

Oh, look, Rev, there's the bus. Now you stand right here by the curb, so you can get a good seat and.......­...whoops!

[JoeTN]

This is typical Huff diversion from the fact that Obama has known this idiot for 20 yrs. Wright married them, baptized and influenced the little kiddies to be extremists like mommy. I bet Ms. Obama picked this church years ago. She is a white hater.
When Americans are trying to understand someone knew to the electorial system, their long term relaionships speak to their character. Obama looks more and more extreme as we finally learn about him.
All you blogger extremist who climbed on board the Obama train and prevented the MSM from doing its job of properly vetting this new candidate have done a great disservice to America.
Now lets get real and get behind Hillary who has great strength and can beat McCain.

[mspost]

Part 2
I

am tired of hearing about Rev. Wright! I want to hear about issues! If it's not Rev. Wright, the media and others will find something else that they hope might throw Obama off track. I am saddened how some folks are acting, how the true hatred is coming out. God bless America, because prejudice is really showing its ugly face. I pray that when my grandchildren grow up, our world will not be as prejudice as it is now.

I don’t understand, Rush Limbaugh has said plenty of divisive as well as prejudice things and there is not much said in the media. He has asked people to tamper with the voting process, and I think that is very unpatriotic. He’s called for a riot at the convention, and again that is CRAZY and UNPATROTIC! But, if that was a Black man saying and doing this it would be talked about constantly. President Clinton said he hated Obama, and we don’t hear much about that, but it’s Obama they’re trying to throw under the bus, not Clinton and McCain.

[mspost]

Part 1


The only problem about Rev. Wright is, Obama is the one running for President, not Rev. Wright. Obama is his own man, and Rev. Wright does not speak or think for him. I don't understand why every time something comes out of Rev. Wright’s mouth Obama has to distance himself from the Rev. He has strongly rejected this man's viewpoints. Rev Wright has also made it clear that Obama was not in church on most Sundays. At any rate, if we are guilty by association we need to look at Clinton and McCain's associates and analyze them as well.

[DianeH]

Give me a break. They haven't even BEGUN on Hillary. And if they're doing this to Barack, with Hillary's help, what will they do when all of Bill's much closer nefarious dealings come out? And come out they will. Believe what you like, but she is far less electable than Obama when her garbage hits the fan and it is much closer to home than Wright, in fact it resides in her bed!

[amyd]

Exactly...­...they have the "folder" with all kinds of stuff ready to use

[WAstateliberal]

Oh please. I am supposed to believe you are a Hillary supporter and not a McCain supporter posing as a Hillary supporter? Your whine about Michelle Obama being a "white hater" reveals your political ideology. You are not a Hillary supporter. Have the courage to be real. Republican trolls, whether here or at the ballot boxes in Appalachia, blow.

[TXfemmom]

Many of the Obama people need to shut up and listen to the speech that Wright gave this morning. Nothing out of context, nothing to the imagination, and nothing which can be misconstrued.

The Rev. Wright is a destructive force, and Obama made him a major part of his life for twenty years. If Obama has the vision and leadership he claims, why in the world did he grace this man and this church with his presence and support during that time.

[mexamerican]

youre the destructive force w/ your attack fangs dripping w/ venom.

[onceler]

you saw a different speech than I did then. if he had been a minister at my church, I might have actually kept going.

[PPatt]

Yeah, there never would have been a dull moment or any sleeping through sermons which would have been enough to fuel active, lively discussion throughout the week until next Sunday. It would be better than tv.

...but that's Wright's church. Others aren't so lucky.

[OhMyGoodness]

What part of his speech was a destructive force? I am assuming that he continued to go to that church partly because of the work that it does in the community and partly because of the fellowship he has with the members of that church. Is that not something you can grasp?

[StillIRise]

If THIS is what you heard in Reverend Wright's speech, then the destructive force that you refer to is in your own mind! Now that most intelligent and thoughtful Americans have gotten to know Reverend Wright, and have become acclimated to his style and delivery, we too grace this man ... for his brilliance and his honesty and the sincerity of his mission. He is an honorable man who leads an honorable church, and both deserve the support of their community and others who are privileged to be a part of the church community.

Perhaps you would be served well to listen to the speech AGAIN.

[VicPerry]

Wow the world is upside down today --- Erica Jong posts something sensible, de Zengotia posts something crazy. Good God, Y'all, Wright is hardly "destroying Obama" by refusing to let other people define Wright (or Obama) by this year's Dean Scream, okay? Wright's proving that Wright isn't crazy. He's doing okay at that. People all over are going, oh, huh, this is the scary guy?? So how could that possibly reflect badly on Obama? (ANSWER THAT OR SHUT UP, BY THE WAY). The idea that Wright should just hide in a hole and let the corporate scumsuckers say whatever they like about him, and by extension Obama, is insulting to us all...

[MNfreeze]

As a bi-racial man and an Obama supporter, I have posted several times over the past few weeks in support of Rev. Wright. I thought his YouTube comments were taken out of context. Even watching him on Bill Moyers on Friday, I thought he showed a different side of himself.

BUT after seeing him this morning at the National Press Club, I was horrified to see what now appear to be his true colors. It was as arrogant, as narcassistic, as callous of a performance as I’ve ever seen. What a bitter old man!

For many months I have worried how Obama’s candidacy would be received by whites. I am so proud of the way this country, particularly white voters, have responded to his candidacy. Irony of ironies, it may be a black man, someone whom he considered a friend and mentor, who ends up purposefully bringing down his candidacy. Unfortunately, Rev. Wright is so filled with anger and hate and vanity, he cannot see the forest through the trees.

Shame on you, Rev. Wright!!!

[mexamerican]

i agree. what a venal old geezer. way to try and scuttle the dream! it won't work though. obama supporters need to keep their eyes on the prize.

[DianeH]

Amen. It is so sad that he will happily destroy Barack to satisfy his own bitter ego and laugh while doing it. However, as a 54 year old white professional woman who believes that Obama is the only hope for this country, it sickens me to see so many Americans and the media delight in attempting to destroy his candidacy. This is a sad, shameful day for America with the world watching. We are a society of piranhas.

[MizLiz]

Well, I'm glad someone else perceived the same thing I did. Wright has his Bully Pulpit; HIS day in the sun...and by God, he's not going to go away quietly. I saw him bouncing and flouncing around, enjoying himself to no end.

Disgusting. If he's a preacher, he should keep his yap shut about politics, lest the IRS take a closer look at his church. He's gone beyond the pale.

[mimaqueen]

Jeremiah has free speech as his birthright. The impact on Barack is because white people can't seem to let go of the mindset that black people are borglike, somehow connected to a hive.

Barack is not changing the paradigm.H­e may become president and it not change the life of people of color in any significant way. He will be afraid to speak up because he will always have to kowtow to the powers that be. It will be nice and symbolic but not much else.

I can say that Rev Wright has changed lives and saved lives in his lifetime. Barack does not have a legacy yet. Chicago, Philly and other cities is in the middle of a killing spree, Barack will not change that. Rev Wright's is not running for office and if Barack can't manage it then too bad for him, he is running to be president not the local school council.

Time will tell if he steps up to be a leader. It would help if he put some effort into counteracting the frame that black people are hatched in a hive. He is complicit in this by saying it is a "legitimate issue" He is doing what it takes to win and I can't rap him for that but I am not expecting it to make much difference, I haven't seen him display that bit of courage. I voted for him and will vote for him but he is a politician.

[bigoledude]

Wright throws out this loony garbage like the AIDS conspiracy, He then claims that anyone who recognizes lunacy when they hear it, is a racist and, wants to discredit his momma and daddy's beliefs. Hopefully, the "Black Churches" will refuse to fall-in-line with this hatred. I hope Obama finds a way of REALLY separating himself from this man.

[StillIRise]

When the historical traditions of the black church are attacked, it is synonymous with attacking the traditions of my black mother and the traditions of my black father. This is not hatred; this is reality. If you heard it as racist, you need to examine yourself.

[katefranklin]

The flapping heads (Gergen, Cooper, Crowley, et al on CNN) seem to think Obama needs to distance himself from Wright further. In this context, I agree with the author. Rev. Wright is speaking only on behalf of Rev. Wright, and Sen Obama should decry the distraction that Rev. Wright has turned himself into.

[VicPerry]

Pundits are never wrong of course.

[thisoldbroad]

Didn't he already do that? I've heard Senator Obama address the Rev Wright "issue" no less than 5 times, how many more times is the "magic" number?

I would take a Rev Wright sermon over some of the negative TV preachers any day of the week.
I would not vote for him for President, but then.. he isn't running.

So, can we please get back to the important issues - healthcare; economy; the wars; trade; etc..? You know.. the stuff we keep telling the media we care about, but they just won't listen.

I remain a tired, old disillusioned republican.

[skibum49]

The problem is that Obama doesn't control the media coverage. The Wright story is simple minded enough that it fits right into the dumbed down level that passes for political punditry these days. Its not going away until the press finds some other sophmoric political story to fixate on.


He needs to hold a press conference and let the press vultures ask questions about this and other 'issues' (his flag pins his putting his hand over his heart, his being a Muslim, his middle name etc etc etc). He needs to publicly state that this press conference will last as long as those present wish to ask questions and will be restricted to only questions that do not actually involve complicated policy matters that might really be important to the future of the United States under his leadership.
Perhaps some town hall meetings that are filmed and put on the internet where people can ask the same kind of stupid questions. I dont know quite how to set up such an event where we can only invite the Nash McCabe voters to attend but the town halls need to exclude anyone who actually already supports the Senator. Once these events have taken place he can simply refer people to the UTUBE archives and the transcripts available on his website and state that we are now moving on to discussions for the "adult" voters of America who are actually concerned about their countries future.

tongue in cheek alert

[thisoldbroad]

After seeing the Reverends Sunday speaking engagements I don't think I'd sit through his sermons either. Apparently God wants him to have 15 minutes of fame & sell another book. How sad that he's tripping over his own ego & vanity.

[skibum49]

Wright is a distraction for the Obama Campaign. I can listen to Wright and understand where he is coming from. I can listen to Wright and even find areas where I agree with him. Wright is not the loon that much of the media has tried to characterize him as. But he is still a major distraction for the message that Obama is trying to convey to the American public.

Earlier tonight I had three different news networks on at the same time (Fox CNN and CNN International) and all I saw was Rev. Wright on the TV screens. Every minute that Wright takes up on those TV screens is a minute that Obama doesn't have to convince Americans that he is indeed the best choice to lead us in the next four years.

[nomobull]

stop watching those idiots do you own research . and if they really wanted you to learn anything about the candidates they would focus on issues and not this. can't find dirt on the man personally. attempt destruction by association.

[BlueAsh]

I am not sure what this is all about: Nothing Rev. Wright has done seems to me to be destructive of anything. This man explained, discussed, expressed, emphasized, asked, answered..­. through parables, examples..­. He wants open-mindedness, understanding, fairness, and social justice.

What's wrong with that?

I watched his speeches, but failed to pick up anything that suggests that he damaged--i­ntentional­ly or otherwise--Obama. Or that he in any way resents Obama.

Really, it's not what Wright has done that is damaging Obama--the damage comes from what others, Hillary or the Republicans, have tried to make people believe what Wright has done.

If Rev. Wright hadn't existed, someone else would have been picked out. The irony here is: Of all the people, Rev. Wright's "crime" is that he said things people don't like. Nobody seems to mind that this man put his life on the line for his country when other "patriots" dodged. Sad when we give draft dodgers passes and crucify Wright. Sad when people get worked up by Rev. Wright, but turn a blind eye to people like Farlwell, Robertson and such.

[tompoe]

This is about Zengotita's absurd need to join the fray and contribute to a nonsensical discussion, as if he then becomes acceptable as a corporate journalist. . . . NOT!

[U4IA]

Why let the MSM off the hook? They are the rabid dogs, always waiting for the next bone.

You are right though; the Reverends words were not at all condemning of Obama. They were especially critical of the government, and to a lesser degree the media. Of course, the media is unwilling to accept any responsibility or take any blame, nor do they have the good sense to even realize they were the ones being indicted.

[daddyG56]

It seemed to me that when Wright made the statement about Obama answering "as a politician" is when he did the most damage. That vague, smug response will set off alarms in a number of camps. Some will see it as meaning that Obama will SAY whatever the whites want him to say to get elected. Others will see it as "code" for -He really agrees with me, he just can't say it in front of whites-. I'm sure that it'll get spun 1,000 ways this week. No win.

It's Wright's right as an American to say whatever the hell he wants, but he's hurting Obama. Bottom line. Any Wright supporters like to explain why he felt the need to do this at 9am Monday morning? C-Span pre-empted the uplifting discourse of Washington Journal, fer chrissakes!

[vsign]

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.

[AjicNYC]

Psssst not everyone is willing to martyr themselves in the name of Obama.

Wright has been doing this for 40 years. He is trying to SALVAGE his legacy. He cant even give a speech somewhere with out getting bomb threats. This was a well respected man who will not go down without a FIGHT. no matter what the cost. THATS WHAT I THINK IS HAPPENING

[BryantG]

Why is Obama being lambasted as if he is responsible for Wrights words?

Why does it not seem to matter that he has never made offensive statements or actions himself?

Guilt by association usually applies when an offense is suspected, but Obama is not under suspician for commiting any offense.

If Obama has known Wright for 20 years and has not been shown to have committed an offense then is it not safe to assume that Wright has no influence on his behavior with regard to the offenses in question?

[aplegrand]

Wright wanting to destroy Obama is a sign of a generational gap between old Blacks and young Blacks? So does that mean that the Clinton's desire to destroy Obama a sign of racism? Seems like that is where you logic is leading.

[Philadelphious]

I think Wright's ego was seriously wounded when Obama said his statements were "profoundly distorted," "wrong," "divisive at a time when we need unity," "racially charged at a time when we need to come together to solve a set of monumental problems." This is Rev. Wright defending himself - this is Rev. Wright coming after to attack Barack Obama. This is not racism or a generational gap.

I think the press just needs to rerun Obama's perfect union speech. Our collective memories forget too quickly.

[nomobull]

you bought richard wolf's bs from countdown.­sell it back because its media bs.