Barack Obama thought O.J. did it

In his much-publicized and hashed-over speech on race relations Monday, Barack Obama made a brief reference to the notorious O.J. Simpson murder trial, citing it as an example of the predilection to "tackle race only as spectacle."

Less noticed was the elaboration he provided in an interview aired Monday night on ABC's "Nightline" on the question that once so divided many whites and blacks: did Simpson butcher his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her wrong-place, wrong-time friend, Ron Goldman?

"You remember when, during the O.J. trial ... black and white culture just had these completely opposite reactions and nobody understood it. I'm somebody who was pretty clear that O.J. was guilty," Obama told "Nightline's" Terry Moran.

He continued: "And I was ashamed for my own community to respond in that way, but I also understood what was taking place, which was that reaction had more to do with a sense that somehow the criminal justice system historically had been biased so profoundly that a defeat of that justice system was somehow a victory."

For the full transcript of the interview, go here.

For Obama, the jury remains out on whether he has defused the controversy that enveloped him as attention turned late last week to inflammatory comments uttered over the years by his pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright. But ...

the latest daily tracking of the public pulse by the Gallup Poll shows he's definitely taken a hit. Among Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters, Hillary Clinton is on the upswing (she's now backed by 49%), while his support has dipped (to 42%).

Notes the Gallup release on the results:  "This is the first time Clinton has held a statistically significant lead in over a month. She last led Obama in Feb. 7-9 polling, just after the Super Tuesday primaries. Since then, the two candidates have usually been in a statistical tie, but Obama has held a lead in several of the polls, most recently in March 11-13 polling."

-- Don Frederick

Photo: O.J. Simpson (Associated Press)

Comments

[joanjay]

well, obama seems to be willing to say anything once he found that the black card isn't working anymore for him. what's next? come out and claim that he's not actually black?

[Dorian]

I am 100% behind Barak Obama. I am white and 69 years old.

It makes me sick to my stomach to read the slander put out by the press.

[Chuck]

I'm somebody who was pretty clear that O.J. was guilty," Obama [said]...

It's interesting that Obama will pass judgment on a man without hearing all the facts. The jury, who did hear all the facts, had reasonable doubt. Get over it.

[George]

What did Barack say about OJ at that time? That is the measure of the man.

[Jason C]

Nice work Mr.Fredrick. Serious, politically neutral reporting about a topic easily turned to "spectacle." New Yorker that I am I have not been a frequent LA Times reader, but I now will be.

[jeannie]

It'll self-correct -- give it time!

[Bookwert]

Yawn. So freakin' what. Save this stuff for the tabloids, okay?

[Van from Seattle]

Don, anyone with any measure of neutrality and a lick of common sense thinks OJ was guilty.

[tom]

For God's sake, reporters, why can't you act like you are covering a presidential race? How is O.J. relevant to the primary? Is this what you really wanted to do when they assigned you to cover a presidential race?

[chi#40]

Sooooo, labamba thinks oj was quilty?? wow, no shot sherlock.. make a good prezzz, got my vote!!

[Angela]

"Barack Obama thought O.J. did it"

Well jeez, who didn't? Really.

[Carol McFarlane]

Ah yes, Clinton is experiencing some success as a result of dividing the country with the S.C. primaries. The first mention of race came when she referred to Obama's likely success among black voters! It will be disappointing in the extreme if the country follows her example, not one that smacks of true leadership, but one that will put America further down on the global rung, in a host of ways.

While other countries have got over the gender and race issue, we in America are still 'struggling' with it? I thought we were the New World, but it seems as it ye Olde Worlde is way ahead of us, as well as points east and beyond. These countries are voting for people of all backgrounds, color and appearance, but we are not only stuck at this issue, we are actually moving backwards.

Any Clinton success will be so tainted with bad feeling, not just in America, but across the world.

Anyone reading world news and reports? People are wanting Barack Obama (in Germany, France, Britain and many other countries) more than we appear to. Do you really think Hillary Clinton will be a popular leader, worldwide, that she will 'promote' unity and diplomacy? She has clearly shown that she does not know how.

This is a dark hour in America, if we can't get beyond race.

[Mike - Sammamish, WA]

Great - now the Press is degrading the campaigns to questions about who thinks OJ Simpson is really guilty. Next I guess we will ask who knows where Jimmy Hoffa is buried (and which candidate knew the guy that killed him -- maybe it was Obama's preacher). Does anyone have the integrity, the intelligence and the strength to deal with the real issues in this country.

[macy druff]

Obama's deceptiveness has been exposed. He talks about race but the real problem in America is HATRED that his pastor, Wright, is preaching in the church. What a person of integrity and honesty will attend such a church? Obama has made his candidacy on honesty, judgement and transformation. On all three counts he has failed. He did not show judgement when supporting either the slumlord or his pastor Wright. He supported for the early release of sex offenders in Illinois, he tells us that he is against NAFTA and then his senior advisers tell the Canadian embassy that that is just posturing. He wants to change Washington but coddles corruption in Illinois. He votes to keep porn sites close to the schools and churches. Obama and his wife are both influenced by pastor Wright that manifest in their actions when his wife tells us that she was not proud of America until her Adult life. He does not respect the American flag and when does not put his hand to his chest when singing the Allegiance to the American Flag. Obama's church is nothing diffferent from the Madrassas in Pakistan or other fundamentalist countries.

[Marks]

During that interview, Terry Moran asked Obama:

MORAN: Well, let me press you on that. If I went to a church where white supremacy was preached, what would you think of me?

This is an accusation not a question! Obama and his family sat a thousands of church services where damning politics didn't likely occur.

Nightline has slipped in valued discussion, since Ted Koppel and his associates were fired. I don't watch it anymore and for years that was my favorite show.

It portrays media isn't interested in good qualities of Rev. Wright and those exist. The Pastor blamed government for ills of society and used God's name in vain.

His vanity was video taping those rantings! Rev. Wright needs to explain his words and views. He can branch out and gain new associations. His mind can broaden and become less intolerant eventually. Or he can stay intolerant and act negatively to progress. His retirement could be more bitter than he ever imagined.

The media won't leave alone Rev. Wright now on.

Obama's church wasn't a pit of hatred being ranted and raged. He's not guilty of any bad association. Obama loves the building and what it's done to his family, being married there and children baptized.

Find another church some demand? It's people that have to find new values in themselves. The Church building isn't to blame!

I don't value polls they are meaningless. I do watch closely the repeated accusations by media, the repeated showing of Rev. Wright ranting and what that does to society.

We can go back in history and find a lot of other ranters damning the Federal Government, Supreme Court, Congress, Governors, Mayors, a lot of folks get unpatriotic sometimes.

White hatred of the Federal Government exists.

[yo yo]

What an idot Barack Obama is to have that guy as a pastor. Going to come back to bite him just like we all knew. YOYO

[Bob Cozzi]

OJ was guilty of killing or conspiring to kill his ex-wife.
Obama is, once again, correct in his observations.

It seems to me that a President Obama would be the only one in the Whitehouse press room not talking about race at every turn. What's wrong with the main-stream media? No sex scandals to giggle about so they turn to the school yard "your skin's different. so you must be different" mindless "journalism" we're getting out of CNN, Fox and MSNBC?

Grow up America! We've got far to many real problems that are only being ignored so that a few in the press can play "giggle and point" with our candidates.

[ObamaOsama]

It's interesting how Obama's response to the charge that Wright is racist is, my grandmother is racist as well.
Wow.
This is the dude who claims to be a uniter.
Obama will confront racism with more racism.
Obama=racist crook.

[Bob]

I think that in this time in history, it is about time to shed the stigma of racism in my country. With Obama we have the right person and the right time.

[bob]

Who cares?

[Dave]

If all you really need to do to retain the black bloc vote is be black.. with all respect to Obama, I'm thankful that O.J. isn't running.

[Ruscle]

Ohhh. BIG NEWS DAY TODAY. Obama Thinks OJ did it!!! Stop the Presses!

I was hoping for more depth from the LA Times.

[JaKKKe]

Only a racially-biased all-black jury would have reached a "not guilty" verdict in the OJ trial. We live in sad times--God Bless John McCain!

[Carlos Lopez]

Please,
Let us, s a Natin, acknowledge the relevance of this moment in history. Why not invite people to listen to the full speech and ponder about possibility of actual addressing sensitive racial issues in a harmonious and respectful way, intelligently and humbly. That how can bring the possibilty of healing our social fabric. PLease , let us not linger on issues that can insite affective responses instead of insopiring people to introspect, to think of what is possible. News media plays such an important role in building public opinion and social beliefes. Therefore, this responsiblity requires a strong moral stance and an intelligent editing board.
What is the goal of the LA times ?, to attract public by raising potentially scandalous issues, or to actually participate in the process of a new social conversation leading towards understanding and healing.
humbly yours,
Carlos G Lopez MD

[henry landis]

As a former Obama supporter I find his carefully crafted (and partial) rejection of Rev. Wright "a day late and a dollar short". It's inconceivable to me that, in twenty years of close association, he was unaware of his mentor's hatred of America and support of the hate-monger Farrakhan. His failure to confront Wright, at the time, with the fact that 300,000 americans died in a war to end the evil of slavery does little to enhance his image of either courage OR integrity.

[CPC]

To Carol McFarlane... The issue with Obama has never been his race. Before it was just his thin resume that was causing hesitation. Now, I question his judgment, courage and integrity. He got caught lying. He funneled taxpayer money to a friend and attempted to funnel to his wife. He lied about the extent of his relationship about Rezko. He consistently tried to use diversionary tactics rather than address the issues at hand, e.g. earmarks, Rev Wright. He also got caught double-talking about NAFTA.

If he is not different than what he accuses Clinton to be, I would rather have Clinton. Even assuming (granting without conceding) that Obama was correct in his portrayal of Clinton, at the very least, she was not hypocritical about it.

[John]

Obamas racist preacher is going to cost him his nomination now.

[Chris A]

He makes his great speech about how race is always being brought to the front of every issue with his candidacy, and how the media is the ones who continually perpetrate this 2 steps forward one step back fight. It is as though you only heard "OJ" in that entire speech, what is wrong with you?

[Canuck in WA state]

He took a difficult situation and came out with direct honest answers. He did not blame anyone else. He answered truthfully and fully. I thought it was a great speech.

These journalist who claim high and mighty aims that protect our democratic society all jump on the nearest tabloid crap the second they get a chance.

I like Hillary just fine, but I think Obama might be the best president in 100 years. Race should be a very minor issue in all of this.

[Carlos Navarro]

Now that presidential candidates are being compelled to renounce, reject, repudiated, disown, disclaim the fanatical ravings spewed by pastors of churches they have attended, other politicians, news commentators and pundits ought to do same as regards the Godless twists in the annals of their mainstream religions.

To wit:

--The thousands of alleged heretics racked, dismembered, burned at the stake, fried in oil by the Roman Catholic Church; the Church’s pagan worship of icons, in blatant violation of the First Commandment; their high incidence of pedophile priests.

--The witch hunts and attendant torture and executions, mainly of menopausal women, perpetrated by Protestant churches during the Reformation. “I should not have compassion on these witches. I would burn all of them,” declared Martin Luther. And John Calvin had no qualm about arranging the slow roasting of anyone who dared question his theology. (Check what he did to Michael Servetus).

--The racist teachings of the Mormon Church. As narrated in the Book of Mormon, the good guys, the Nephites, were fair-skinned, whereas the bad guys, the Lamanites, being descendants of Cain, were punished by God with a dark skin. (Nephi 5:21, Alma 3:6) According to Brigham Young the “flat nose and black skin” of African Americans were likewise the stigma of Cain. It wasn’t until 1978 that an African American was accepted into the Church priesthood. Then there’s the Church’s history of polygamy and sexism. Only two women figure in the Book of Mormon, and only in minor roles.

--The genocidal mandates of the Hebrew Jehovah in the Old Testament (Joshua 11; I Samuel 15:1-35). The disparaging comments against Gentiles in the Jewish Babylonian Talmud: “All Gentile children are like animals (Baba Kamma 113.a), “Gentiles prefer sex with cows” (Abodah Zarah 22 a.)

--The degrading treatment of women and barbaric problem-solving tactics of Muslim fundamentalists.

All man-made religions under the sun have their ugly, irrational side. As Voltaire so well put it: “Religion was created when the first scoundrel met the first fool.”

[Louis Rich]

Dems, get it together! I am a Republican and even I can see that Mr. Obama has a date with destiny. Does this have anything to do with race? Of course it does. But not in the tired old sense of "Us vs. Them." Mr. Obama's Presidency will change the race paradigm in this country for good. Blacks will no longer have the convenient, worn-out excuse that they can't get ahead because they're black. And whites will lose their distrust that a black person won't fairly represent the interests of all constituents. Get Hillary the carpetbagger out of the way and support a truly historic Presidency. You Dems are your own worst enemy, which is why I'll never count myself as one of you. You want the Presidency? Go get it.

[Eeekster]

One reason that OJ has become relevant is because talking about cutting Bush`s tax cuts,ie raise taxes,suddenly in this horrible economy doesnt add up.

[BW]

The real question is WHO WILL OJ VOTE FOR? He is a black man, but had a white wife.

This may be the most important question of the entire race.

Which race am I talking about?

If you answer the question are you being racist?

[MarvinW]

B. Obama Fact Sheet - Do you want this man as a leader?

• In his book, he admits to being a reformed drug abuser, having used alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine heavily during his teenage years to "push questions of who I was out of my mind". Hopefully he matured and completely ceased his addictions long ago and limits his drug use to nicotine these days (he is an avid smoker).
• He refuses to wear an American flag pin on his lapel, as has been tradition for all politicians since the 2001 terrorist attacks. He explains that he prefers not to show his patriotism that way.
• At a 2007 gathering of the Democratic presidential candidates, he was the only one who refused to place his hand over his heart to pay tribute to the American flag during the National Anthem.
• He belongs to a Chicago church that promotes an extremist separatist black agenda (Trinity Church, led by Reverend Jeremiah Wright, who honored anti-Semite Louis Farrakhan with a lifetime achievement award), and when this became public, he distanced himself from the church and its pastor. Why would he hide his religious association with Reverend Wright and his church?
• He has little overall political experience, zero foreign political experience. This lack of qualification is extremely dangerous, especially at a time of war.
• If you change one letter in his name, it contains the exact names of two of the most powerful figureheads of islamic terrorism. Not surprising, as his father is muslim – something from which he has attempted to distance himself. Being muslim, of course, does not make someone a terrorist, but given that the US is at war with militant muslims, you have to question why he is trying to bury his background rather than embracing it and openly discussing islam and its implications.
• He defends the New Deal social welfare policies of Franklin D. Roosevelt, associating Republican proposals to establish private accounts for Social Security with social Darwinism.
• Obama told the health care advocacy group Families USA: "I am absolutely determined that by the end of the first term of the next president, we should have universal health care in this country.” “Universal health care” is literally government-run socialist-style health care – inefficient and expensive. See Canada for a good example of how it works.
• Campaigning in New Hampshire, he announced an $18 billion plan for investments in early childhood education, math and science education, and expanded summer learning opportunities. In other words, a decision for mass expansion of government-run education that has failed miserably despite having a much higher cost per student than most superior privately-run education.
• He stated, “Businesses don’t own the sky, the public does, and if we want them to stop polluting it, we have to put a price on all pollution." He proposed a cap and trade auction system to restrict carbon emissions and a 10 year program of investments in new energy sources to reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil. In other words, he wants to further tax and regulate businesses, rather than privatize the environment to let the market solve pollution problems.
• As we head towards recession, his plan calls for massive increases in income, corporate, and capital gains taxes – more so than any other candidate. This is economic suicide. America’s economic downturn is largely caused by corporate taxes that are higher than in other countries (most of whom learned their lesson and have been lowering their rates to beat us). Additionally, his tax hikes are targeted to cripple those who produce jobs and to redistribute income even more unfairly than it is already… he isn't content with those who make twice as much paying four times as much - he wants them to pay huge multiples.
• He said, “I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without strong international support will only fan the flames of the Middle East, and encourage the worst, rather than best, impulses of the Arab world, and strengthen the recruitment arm of Al Qaeda…I'm opposed to dumb wars.” In other words, he believes the US should only go to war when other countries want us to. He doesn’t want to see us fighting the militant muslims because they might become upset and try to murder even more people.
• Obama took an HIV test and wants to spend a disproportionate amount of funds on AIDS research despite the fact that much more widespread diseases such as cancer and heart attacks affect the populous and cannot be controlled through behavior, as AIDS transmission can.
• Though it is rarely talked about, a huge percentage of his support are kids who are lured by his simplistic message of “change”. Historically, this sort of empty promise has served to lure uneducated and idealist youth. Also, many of his supporters are blacks voting for him solely because of his color – not because they understand nor support his positions and policies. If Obama were white, no one would pay attention to his extremely liberal and shallow views. Voting for someone solely because of their race is, by definition, racist (though many doing so will deny this and assert they actually do understand the details behind how he will implement his policies). This is reminiscent of those who proclaimed that OJ was innocent despite being found guilty and a preponderance of DNA and other evidence against him.
• He moved from a Hyde Park, Chicago condominium to their current gated $1.6-million house in wealthy and neighboring Kenwood. The house purchase and subsequent acquisition of an adjoining strip of land drew media scrutiny in November 2006 and in January 2008 because of financial links with controversial Illinois businessman Tony Rezko. This is the tip of the iceberg regarding Obama’s financial improprieties. He also owned stock in various companies that donated to his campaign and only sold them when it was disclosed. He has more dirty money and special interests behind him than any candidate in decades.
• Obama is a classic empty idealist… he is a preacher and emotional activist, not a leader with actual ideas that are realistic and beneficial. Listen very carefully to his speeches… they are full drivel akin to “We will change the world, we want everyone to have everything they desire and we will put an end to all that is bad… unite and fight!”, but devoid of “I will fight to improve economic growth by introducing a plan to XYZ by lowering ABC and changing the DEF”. He appeals to emotion, not reason, which is why many of his supporters tend to be young or uneducated or both.
• Obama, like many extreme left-wingers, promotes an ideology that assumes the average American is a victim who needs to be taken care of. The means of care is big government providing all. Listening carefully to his speeches, you can easily boil down the majority of statements to “if you don’t have XYZ, you should, and the government will provide it for you if you elect me”. In a fantasy world where resources weren’t scarce, this would be wonderful. In reality, everything costs money, and because the government is amongst the most inefficient means of production, the result is less for everyone. It would be wonderful if the government could, for example, pay everyone’s health and mortgage costs – and Obama panders to the ignorant who think this can be done by sheer will without cost – but the implementation of his ideas would drive America into the ground – all of us together. In the midst of his depressing and negative message, he poses himself as the savior of all that is wrong, blankly proclaiming “yes we can!”, implying that together, Americans can overcome their shame and horrible past. This is in stark contrast to a proud American history of greatness, freedom, and self-responsibility.

PS - At least he is open about his hatred of the US and his separatist black agenda: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8QCkgg5Kjo and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmHtGQq-z_Y

[R. Kidde]

Are you kidding me? Is he trying to backpedal with white people now?? The nail is already in the coffin.

[Joyce]

This guy has just won my vote. My hats off to him for saying what so many of us are afraid to.

[dave]

Obama is looking more and more daily like a man who is not a leader , but a man who is on top of what we all want to hear at this time. Any comment about O.J. is completly out of context and when will we judge people but what they bring to the table and not the colour of their skin.

[thebob.bob]

Bread and Circus...and the fall of the American Empire.

[Eekster]

The other reason he says this crap is because he has been around the Clintons just long enough to start lying himself.He has realized that Bill lied for 8 years and is still admired by approx 50 million voters.Its not like CNN or CBS is going to call him out in an election against McCain.

[David Caputo]

It was a brilliant and moving speech. I come from a mixed racial family myself and can relate to his polychromatic experience. "ObamaOsama" is wrong in his "analysis". Barack was discussing how EVEN his white grandmother who loved him dearly (even though he was a black boy) was afraid of some black men on the street and would occasionally make comments that made him cringe. This is honesty, not "more racism". No one has ever accused HIM of saying racist things, and nobody is discussing how George W. Bush's top spiritual adviser was in reality a crank-sniffing, gay-prostitute using lying sack of schisse. Let's compare those two guys if we want to talk turkey. Bush didn't even disavow the Rev. Ted when he was outed. One must also realized that the "flack machine" is now in high gear. No network played endlessly the snippets from "Jesus Camp" where the Rev. Ted Haggard said some very provocative things on camera, before he was busted and proven a fraud. Race relations are very complex, and Obama hit the ball out of the park with his clarity and conviction. The people I know think it was a very powerful speech. The negative comments here only prove what a violent and disturbing reality still exists in America on this subject. Don't forget, Jerry Falwell himself said that "America brought 9/11 onto itself" by allowing Feminists and Gays to run amok. Why don't we show those clips side by side with Rev. Wright? Because the game is rigged, that's why. Which of course is what R.W. was alluding to in the first place. I trust Barack knows what he's talking about when he speaks to the better angels of our nature. I hope the fix is "out" this time, and we can move into a greater level of national enlightenment. Great speech. Powerful message. Unprecedented clarity. Go O Go!

[Texas Democrat]

Obama stading behind the "pulpit" with the sign reading "Judgement to Lead" is almost satire! What judgement? "Boneheaded" Rezko, Ayers, and of course, 20 years with Wright! Lose the sign!

[WHite Men Sheesh]

Funny how Barack was not Black enough a few weeks ago.....Now every White man women and child are terriefied that he may be too Black! What's the litmus test...WHere's the threshold......He can not meet all of your impossible objections and most of your objections are mainly based on racially charged perspective.....No white man can unite a multi ethnic country.....Truth.....Just as no White man can sit by as another man of any other race attempts to do what many white men either failed or ignored! Truth!!!!!

[Willie Faulkner]

Who thought that there were more than two races in America? Every issue in America seem to boil down to race, and it's always black and white. Who thought the presidential race would not boil down to race? We can forget health care, the mortgage crisis, the loss of jobs, the war on terror etc. The ugly spectacle of race is endemic in American society. The press is guity of continuing to posion the society with issues of race. "Obama only got 15% of the Latino vote, and 25% of white male votes, and 90% of the African American vote". Who would really care if these numbers are not reported? Who really cares that they are reported? What is the significance if they are left un-reported? Some would say these numbers are significant. Yse to a scholar, but to the larger society, to the man on the street, do they really matter? Any one with any level of intelligence, knows that the press has placed a significant role over the centuries of keeping the racial conflict brewing. If America can't get beyond it own racial issues, how does it expect to get along with the 90% of the worlds people that are non-white? There appears to be some neurosis at work especially on the part of whites as it pertains to race. It is really sad that America the most advanced society, may still be the most tribal on the issue of race.

[Ashin Gandoo]

All about racism!

[BuzzEd]

Well Mr. Don Fredrick, what is the point of your article and what is it's intended purpose other than to continue driving a wage on an issue that frankly you can't dare stand up and face it like Obama did. After all you should be holding Jeremiah Wright accountable for his own words and not somebody trying to bridge the gap. Why ostracize Obama? However, I can read between the lines which is that you want to celebrate the controversy which seems to work in your favor as you alluded to the new Gallop polls showing how Clinton has taken the lead in the latest polls released. Nothing wrong with that although it depends on which side of the campaign you alien yourself with. Nevertheless, should you want to blow the whistle do so without scratching healing wounds or trying to mislead public opinion by throwing in another issue that does not offer a solution to the current problem that has dogged many generations. To make matters worse you plaster a big picture of O.J to purposefully promote resentment of Obama by association which is a trap for an average person. That is what I call manipulating the readers mind so as not to allow people make an independent judgment of the two candidates. However, I understand your fear which is that if people made an independent judgment of Obama's character, he wins and you lose and I don't think you would like that to happen.

[Alex Patterson]

Never mind OJ, who does he think is going to win American Idol?

[cv]

Obama is not qualified to be POTUS, if his church was an all white country club he would be forced to resign his membership. He must leave this pit of racism and hatred or he will lose all the moderate voters. Watch him get wiped out in Pennsylvania in a couple of weeks.

[lou webb]

I'm guessing by reactionary comments by obamaOsama and macy and others with their belief, is that these people have no clue what racism is or is not. To call Wright a racist because he tells the truth, what truth he does tell,as opposed to dealing with the manner in which he says it overshadows the point. This country for African-Americans was founded and socially and economically built on principles that included the legal racist exploitation of African-Americans. This is an inescapable historical fact that must be dealt with because comments like those by ObamaOsama and macy prove we have not come very far from Jim Crow in terms of our dispositions on race. You people are hypocrites!

[Matha Davidson]

Almost EVERY black American holds the same opinion. Another barber shop/beauty shop conversation, not for mixed company. Why should that be a surprise? If you have to be black to understand that you must live in a bubble. Take it from a 50 something white Canadian. Can't say as I blame them, if race were reversed I'd feel the same way. I wouldn't be able to help it. OJ will get his someday I'm sure.

[Shelly]

Yes I agree with some posts. What kind of reporter are you? Where are the reporters? Are there any "real"journalists left in this country or have they all gone to the National Enquirer school of journalism. I am so sick of this garbage that is being presented as "news"

The stuff about Obama's pastor was around for a year but just now it is getting press. Interesting.... Well it is obvious that the media loves the pot stirred because they sell papers and ratings go up and they make money and the gullible population takes in distorted sound bites as if it is the truth.