Barack Obama's pastor's words echo through campaign

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright may have stepped down as pastor at Barack Obama's church in Chicago, but his sermons are still echoing through the presidential campaign -- some rather vile ones, as captured in a video that recently made its way to YouTube.

As our friends at The Swamp reported a little while ago, Obama's campaign is trying to put some more distance between the senator and the preacher, but given the focus on race and gender this week, expect this to simmer for a while. 

"It just came to me within the past few weeks, ya'll, why so many folk are hating on Barack Obama," Wright said in the video of a Christmas sermon at Trinity United Church of Christ. "He doesn’t fit the model. He ain't white. He ain't rich and he ain't privileged. Hillary (Clinton) fits the mold."

This from CNN, attributed to an Obama campaign spokesman: "Sen. Obama has said before that he profoundly disagrees with some of the statements and positions of Rev. Wright … Sen. Obama deplores divisive statements, whether they come from his supporters, the supporters of his opponent, talk radio or anywhere else."

He may deplore them, but he'll likely be forced to deal with them. Among Wright's comments about Hillary Clinton: "Hillary was not a black boy raised in a single parent home, Barack was. Barack knows what it means to be a black man living in a country and a culture that is controlled by rich white people. Hillary! Hillary can never know that. Hillary ain't never been called a n-----! Hillary has never had her people defined as non-person."

-- Scott Martelle

Comments

[Umbria]

From today's WSJ:

Meeting with Jewish leaders in Cleveland on Feb. 24, Mr. Obama described Mr. Wright as being like "an old uncle who sometimes will say things that I don't agree with." He rarely mentions the points of disagreement.

Mr. Obama went on to explain Mr. Wright's anti-Zionist statements as being rooted in his anger over the Jewish state's support for South Africa under its previous policy of apartheid. As with his previous claim that his church gave the award to Mr. Farrakhan because of his work with ex-offenders, Mr. Obama appears to have made that up. Mr. Wright's statements denouncing Israel have not been qualified in any way. Mr. Obama nonetheless told the Jewish leaders that the award to Mr. Farrakhan "showed a lack of sensitivity to the Jewish community." That is an understatement.

As for Mr. Wright's repeated comments blaming America for the 9/11 attacks because of what Mr. Wright calls its racist and violent policies, Mr. Obama has said it sounds as if the minister was trying to be "provocative."

Hearing Mr. Wright's venomous and paranoid denunciations of this country, the vast majority of Americans would walk out. Instead, Mr. Obama and his wife Michelle have presumably sat through numerous similar sermons by Mr. Wright.

Indeed, Mr. Obama has described Mr. Wright as his "sounding board" during the two decades he has known him. Mr. Obama has said he found religion through the minister in the 1980s. He joined the church in 1991 and walked down the aisle in a formal commitment of faith.

The title of Mr. Obama's bestseller "The Audacity of Hope" comes from one of Wright's sermons. Mr. Wright is one of the first people Mr. Obama thanked after his election to the Senate in 2004. Mr. Obama consulted Mr. Wright before deciding to run for president. He prayed privately with Mr. Wright before announcing his candidacy last year.

Mr. Obama obviously would not choose to belong to Mr. Wright's church and seek his advice unless he agreed with at least some of his views. In light of Mr. Wright's perspective, Michelle Obama's comment that she feels proud of America for the first time in her adult life makes perfect sense.

[Wright's NOT Right]

Obama "disagrees with some of the statements" from Wright???

Give me a break! To sit and listen to ANY of that crap for 20 years makes Obama just as dirty as Scumbag Wright (don't call him Rev. again; he ain't no man of God!).

For Obama or anyone else to sit in that cult "church" and listen to that evil B.S., just lends a false credibility to such an imposter.

Now we see where Obama's wife feeds her hatred from too.

I don't care how many "good" things a person has to say. When their "evil" finally shows through, it's time to stay away permanently.

Obama displays TERRIBLE JUDGEMENT!!!!!! He should NEVER be allowed to make decisions for this country!!!

Hey Obama, try explaining what parts of Wright's message you DO agree with!

[veritas]

What a a joke- this has been out there but the press had refused to explore it. Rev. Wright has been the 20 year spiritual mentor to Obama- You have no choice with uncles with whom you disagree- ministers-you can just walk out the door. For me the most offensive part is that the Obama's have chosen to expose their daughters to this spewing of hatred towards white America. As a parent I find that unforgivable. The Obama's donated over $20,000 last year to the afro-centric church whose website boasts the mother country as Africa. Not the United States.
Freedom of speech is just swell but we're talking about hiring someone to represent all of America-not just black America. There is not just this one speech but many, many over the years. Wright has a position on Obama's campaign. He hasn't retired -just stepped down-temporarily- seems like someone (perhaps David Axelrod) wanted him out of the way so that the American people could be hoodwinked and bamboozled-Okey dokied (althought that code word is unfamiliar to me since I've been excluded from those terms-I don't fit the profile.) Our press is hurting this country by biased reporting- We need the truth and we need it now- All of it-not just what fits the corporate demographic of the youth that they would like to appeal to raise their ratings, sponsors and thereby money made. Corporate greed cannot be allowed to control who we elect to lead us during this frightening time in history.

[Tracy]

If Hillary Clinton's minister and spiritual advisor of 20 years had said anything approaching this kind of hate-filled rhetoric she would be eviscerated by the Media and the so-called progressive blogs (like Huffingtonpost) to no end. It's a double-standard and it's not right.

[andy]

For months I dismissed all the rhetoric about Obama's preacher and mentor as political garbage, however now after seeing and hearing this hateful nut recently on MSM I've learned my lesson about so easily dismissing these investigative articles. Hearing Rev. Wright was very concerning. He makes Hitler sound like a choir boy.

If Obama really deplores this hate, why has he stayed with this nut for 20 years?

[Kim]

After watching last nights O'Reilly Factor and reading today's news, Obama is in a hole to deep to craw out of. Twenty years of listening to the crap Rev. Wright is spouting has got to get into your heart. If American's continue to support Obama they are just stupid!!!!

[Hillary All the Way!!!!]

Barrack Obama along with his America hating wife and their America hating, racist preacher who HATE America and white people are NOT what America needs! VOTE FOR HILLARY!! Before it is too late. THIS is an OUTRAGE.

Obama's Mentor --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAYe7MT5BxM

[Chris]

Obama is such a great and powerful speaker, that I think he's managed to deceive everyone, including the media. However, the sheepskin covering is beginning to rapidly deteriorate and we are now learning who Obama _really_ is. Let this be a lesson to the left. A great speaker does not by default make him a great person, rather it makes him all the better at deception.

[Sidmore]

This is a really terrible time for Obama. I don't know how he will recover if he does not explain his church and his relationship with the pastor in great detail. I am seeing it on these message boards; the very people who voted for him are starting to lose faith in what he offers the country. In case you didn't know it, this is OBAMA's SWIFTBOAT- this attack came directly fron the Republicans and it is a good one with the ability to SINK his campaign. The thing you have to focus on IS because the Republicans have said this does it make it TRUE- does it make Obama a different candidate from the one you knew before. Was John Kerry different in his being after they ran the swiftboat ads? No, he was the SAME patriot he has always been. This country fell for Republican dirty tricks and lost the election in 2004. Are you going to fall for them again? Are you going to think that Obama HATES his white mother who gave him life and his WHITE GRANDPARENTS who raised him? Take out his pastors inflammatory language and get to the core TRUTHS he is espousing. America has made foreign policy decision that have maimed and killed people living outside of this country (this is FACT). We are doing this right now in IRAQ. His pastor believes us being attacked on 9/11 was retaliation for our foreign policy decisions that have killed and maimed- think about it for a second- IS that really so out of the ball park? Don't we WANT a foreign policy that is JUST for all of humankind? One that WILL ENSURES we are not hated enough to be attacked in the outrageous way we were on 9/11? If you as a white person can truly think for a second and try to join your black brothers and sisters (we are ALL HUMAN BEINGS) in this journey and I KNOW you have the decency in you to understand- BLACK AMERICANS have had to LOVE this country when it DID NOT LOVE US. This is the ULTIMATE ACT of love for your country. THAT is the BLACK EXPERIENCE. WHITE People do not have that UNIQUE experience. In the pastor's words WHITES hear HATRED because that has been your experience- to hate and terrorize black americans from slavery to Jim Crow. If you listen closer, you will find what you ACTUALLY hear is ANGER at being SOUGHT OUT for the bad things in country and being EXCLUDED from the goog things in the United States. ANGER comes from injustices. If you dig deep into your souls, you know that we can address these SOCIAL INJUSTICES so we can become the HUMAN FAMILY. Whites seems to think Obama sat there day after day and absorbed HATRED or even ANGER- Have you EVER thought he sat there day after day and said I WILL REPAIR this breach of TRUST that has occured between America and its citizens AND Americans of different races. Obama has said his presidency could bring about racial reconciliation and he is abosolutely RIGHT but do you think it will be easy? Of course not, we as Americans will have to face some UGLY truths about America and then seek to stamp them out. This is our chance to make a MORE PERFECT UNION- one where Pastor Wright can ONLY say GOD BLESS AMERICA for the way she has served her citizens. Are you going to let the REPUGNICANS take this away from you? They WILL you saw it in 2004!!!!!!!!!!! OBAMA 08!!!!!!!

Barack Obama have the strength of character to weather this storm and CREATE A MORE PERECT UNION in the vein of the GREAT AMERICAN Presidents that have come before you- Lincoln, Roosevelt, Kennedy....

[Sharon]

Come on people act like grown ups. I'm sure you have had people in your life that you were very close to (parents, grandparents) who had a lot to say that you did not agree with. You still loved and respected them. Everyone has an opinion. You don't have to agree with them or they are just out of your life.

[Julie, Burbank]

Frankly I see nothing wrong with a pastor or anyone saying "Hillary was a never called a n..." because odds are, she wasn't LOL. Okay, she didn't grow up black or a boy...right.

Every minority group in America expresses some set of frustrations about how larger society relates to them--and for white people, we can't get riled and all "scared" because they don't sound happy all the time.

Not only is this retired neighborhood preacher not a big, the tapes are old and put in context of whatever was going on at the time of these sermons? He's reacting to stuff like plenty whites/non-blacks I know, who are frustrated with some key US policys, can criticize heavily and still love our country. That's what Americans are supposed to do.

We can't go back to the Freedom Fries-era of the earlier days of this Bush Administration when any question of our imperialistic jaunt into Iraq got anyone branded "unpatriotic." Look where that's gotten us -- almost 4000 American soldiers dead and we're dissecting what some southside Chicago preacher said on old videotape? Stop it already.

He's no worse than McCain's John Hagee and his other nutso spiritual advisor who's out to "destroy Islam"...way to go there and demonize a whole religion, sheesh.

Obama's still got my vote and in every way when you see Michelle Obama say what she said, you know she was marveling at how hordes of people have engaged themselves in the political process. This is creating a DIFFERENT kind of pride and ENGAGED patriotism.

Hopefully, our soundbyte culture won't ruin it with intolerant, buzzkill posts like these.

[Jenna]

I thought Jesus was Jewish.

[George]

The double standards are scary, if you go after or say something negative about Obama you are a racist, even if it's a fact. If Mc Cain or Hillary would have been just for minutes listening to some sick white supremacist their career would be over, but Obama stand by this sick guy for 20 years and didn' find anything upsating about him.
HELLLLOOOO!!!!!

[lina]

Hillary is a candidate supporting pro-choice, correct? This is a hypothetical story;

A strong-willed woman looks back at her political career and could have had a son who would have been a renowned physician, or a president just like his dad. We'll never know, the fertilized egg in her body threatened her conveniently planned blueprint of personal goals. She's a modern woman with her own agenda and a political ladder to climb, therefore she aborted the nagging tissue a couple of months before it evolved into life. She is the first woman president ever elected to the Oval Office. However, she's very depressed because she wondered what that fertilized egg or nagging tissue could have been.

Some people say she's a murderer, some people say it was her choice.

You could listen to someone and may not agree with their take on LIFE....Likewise, Obama can go to a church service and may not agree with everything he hears.

Remember that ol' saying, when you go to the dance, you don't have to dance with everybody, just somebody...when you see a menu, you can't order everything, just the one dish that you wish to order.

[BL]

I watched that Vedio everyone is freaking out what did he say that was not true.. is it now hate speech to say whats true. This country is run by rich white people.
If not tell me who then
DA

[hhkeller]

Obama is fake. He'll attack Geraldine Ferrraaor who has geiven the country 50 years of public serivce. But says nothing about the pastor who foments hate and real devisiveness.

Obama's words are empty rhetoric.
He needs to lose in order to grow up.
He also need some time in the Seante learing that difficult choices dont make for good one liners.

[bill Carson]

If members of a congregation had to agree with and belieive in every word their pastor utters over a 20-year period or walk out, our churches would be empty or filled with mindless cattle.

And I recall some of the right-wing Republican "reverends" - Pat Robertson & Falwell - also blaming America's woes as the results of America's "sins".

So stop being so hypocritical by demonizing Wright. African Americans have every right in the world to be less than swooningg over what a fabulous country this is. Until you've walked in another man's shoes, your criticism is no more than blind hate - exactly what you condemn Rev. Wright for.

[Bill in NY]

Someone should remind the reverend nutcase that women were "non-persons" until 1920!!!

[Susan]

Are you kidding? Obama chose this church; he has been a member for 20 years. The pastor married him, baptized his children. You can not tell me this Pastor developed his views of the world overnight and it just so happened Obama never sat in the pews and heard these sermons.

What kind of judgment are you displaying if you maintain a relationship with a church and pastor with such radical views?

If we forget Obama for a moment and think about his young daughters, it's okay for Obama's children to be exposed to this kind of hate?

Do the Obama's believe at some level that any of what this man says is true? Is that why Michelle Obama states in her speeches that "America is mean" and "I am proud of America for the first time in my life"? Have these views formed because of this Pastor?

[Dylan]

I wish we could just have an atheist or agnostic president, one who is not aligned with any of these cults. I don't see that happening in my lifetime unfortunately.

[Darrell Tiner]

Hussien Obama was raised as a muslim, he claims to have converted to Christianity. We see the type of religous conversion that he had by his pastor/mentor--it's not Christ-like it is pure black radical islam--Obama is still a muslim and if America puts him over her, just start looking to the Arab countries to see what direction he will take us.

[JR Hudson]

This is one of those clear differences between the Black and White communities. It is almost common conspiracy theory about what Rev Wright said about 911 and other things. Many people in the Black community feel that way so Rev Wright was expressing a commonly held view. I know you can't validate this statement to your belief standard but it is still true. Also, what Rev wright said is no different that those types things comminly said by White so-called Conservative ministers using larger tv audiences pulpits. Your problem is what was said doesn't fit your perscriptive definition of American Society because your view is the only standard to be observed and the only one allowed to be espoused.

[Tim B]

It's disingenuous for Barak to distance himself from Wright. Wright baptized his daughter, he provided the title of "Audacity of Hope" that has proven central to Obama's campaign, and more importantly, he was the man Barak chose to listen to Sunday after Sunday, for many years.

Those who willingly support an organization are rightly held responsible for views the organization upholds. This is true whether we are a member of a political party, a gun club, the KKK, an advocacy group, or, as in the case of Obama, a church.

Barak cannot now cast away his long association with his church's teachings for the sake of political convenience.

[bill anderson]

It didn't occur to me but as one commenter noted, how could parents not only willingly take their children to be indoctrinated with such hatred but also let this angry, hate-scorning so called man of the cloth, baptize their children and be a political adviser on Obama's campaign to boot. Obama's 20 year commitment to following and financially supporting this hate-monger underscores his judgment or lack thereof.

[mj]

I don't get it. This man's words only make me like Obama a little bit more. Martelle and the commentators on this post have a twisted supremacist point of view. Good to know I should avoid the LA Times like Faux news.

[joel]

@andy:

To say "he makes Hitler look like a choirboy" is foolish. No speech, especially an afro-centric paint-by-numbers derivative job like this, can compare to one murder, let alone a holocaust. Don't vote for Obama, fine. But leave the radicalized exaggeration and sloppy thought to the "nut jobs" rather than becoming one of them in your response.

[charles higgins]

Can you imagine if a conservative said anything even approaching this. Look for the press to cover this up as their darling gushes forth. Can you imagine a USA hating black couple 'repairing' our image abroad. Can you imagine the divide it will cause-probably decades. Obama is so far left he will never be a uniter. If the press does it's job 'fair and balanced' he will go quietly away.

[emjade]

I don't really see the hate in the clip. I hear a lot of comparing and contrasting and a very fiery rhetorical style

[soleil]

"Hillary! Hillary can never know that. Hillary ain't never been called a n-----! Hillary has never had her people defined as non-person."

Wait a minute, haven't women been constantly portrayed as objects in the media? Isn't it an impediment to our personhood to still have these preachers around who believe that women should obey and not have control over our bodies?

[Kevin]

Though it may offend, and even frighten you white Christian kids, The scary old black man has made some good points, and perhaps making a few good points about our society, and social issues, is better than making a slew of bad points
just because a book says too. If what he says is rhetoric, and "evil" (retarded Christian close minded fearful statement by the way) then what is in that book. All im saying is the freedom you have decided to care so much about is in action. who are you to tell him he cant say what he wants?
I guess having another opinion gives you the right. Try to be rational people.

[soflindie]

If u are a Catholic - Do you agree with everything your Pope says ? If so , then u can not be a Democrat . Do you believe blindly in everything the church has done ? if so, u are a horrible Parent ! You are willing to allow your children to be Alter boys when the Catholic Church has done TOO LITTLE TOO LATE when it comes to pedophilia.

This is a year old story - was addressed in 2007 . The Pastor is NO LONGER with the church and Obama disatnced himself from the Pastor.

Looks like Fox news needs to find something , anything to get people to stop talking about Geraldine Ferraro.

[Dr Coles]

No, matter your political party affiliation, and setting aside your thoughts on issues. We all need to remember what it is to be an American Citizen. We need to make sure our elected representatives obey their Oath of Office and keep their Oath of Allegiance. See http://tinyurl.com/2znnvl Know whom you are voting for.

[Frosty Cupcake]

Is there some quote in here I'm supposed to disagree with?

"a culture that is controlled by rich white people."

Check.

"[Obama] doesn’t fit the model."

Double check.

"Hillary has never had her people defined as non-person."

Technically a triple check.

Is there something outrageous here that I'm missing?

[McClum]

None of you understand the oppression that has happened in this country and how we are viewed by the world at large. You are egocentric selfish people afraid of anyone that doesn't look like you.

Obama is not Rev. Wright and I'm sure does not agree with him on many issues.

[Joe]

Haven't women been treated as non-persons longer than blacks have been slaves? Did black men get to vote before women? Hillary Clinton did not grow up privileged.

[Wayne]

Isn't everyone sick of this game of guilt by association? Don't we all want to bring the focus back to where it belongs -- on the actions of the actual candidates? We can play this guilt-by-association game all day long and bury everyone, eventually. Why do we play it? Because we're bored and because the candidates are so similar? It's sort of satisfying but, in the end, pretty empty. Let's move beyond all of this and settle on a Democratic candidate who can win in the fall. It's time to get moving on this.

[ginaswo]

I am DONE with Obama as a potential candidate in the General Election. Rev Wright-This is the man who brought Obama to Christianity, this is the man who baptised his little girls, this is the man who he prayed with the night before he announced his candidacy, this is that man. This is hate not love, vengeance not forgiveness, separatist not inclusion, all coming from that pulpit. The profanity and hip grinding on Christmas eve as children attend this sermon. I am a lifelong Dem I will not vote for a candidate who refused to repudiate these comments and donated 20,000 to this church last year, tis Rev Wright is the head of Obamas campaign African American Religous Committee. BUt Gerry Ferraro couldnt talk about sexism? Gimme a break, the end, done, fini. Say goodbye to the dem base DNC, you are creating a new generation of Reagan Dems, the McCain Dems.

[brian]

is this guy black???

the cup is half full. rich white people enslaved africans, but they also freed the slaves and changed policy to give africans a fighting chance. it isn't easy being black, but success is possible. he would better spend his air telling blacks how to live healty productive lives to change public opinion and reach success, vs. hating on whites

[Joshua]

Now I have an Idea why Obummer doesn't recite the pledge of allegiance and his wife Michelle not being proud of being an American.

Who is really Barack Hussein Obama?

An old adage says, Tell me who your friends are, and I'll tell who you are.

[Julie]

Why is every body crying over what Obama's former pastor said over a year ago.

Listen, He is only saying what is true. Alot of black children grew up in America without any real role model and most of them end up in prison. Obama could have been one of them.

And most of our political leaders turn blind ears to the problems facing majority of Black children, latino and some white children in our society. Because barack Obama has lived and experienced it, he will help to make live better for folks who have lost hope.

Barack Obama is not his pastor and barack Obama is half white and half black and he understands both world and he will heal this wounds between us (white and black).

Barack Obama is all about inclusiveness and let us not get cheated out from the gift of this great man.

Barack Obama '08

[Pete Lawson]

Hate-filled toward America or white America? I don't really think so. Frustrated, angry? Certainly. I've been spit on for my color (white) in another country. Until that happened, I had no idea what the kind of treatment felt like. In the service, I couldn't eat publicly with members of my squad in certain areas of the country. Wonder how the black members of my squad felt about that... I didn't hear Dr. Wright say anything that didn't resonate as true from my experience.

Is that upsetting to me? Yes! But not because it's hate-filled towards America, but because it's a reminder of how far different we are in our behavior from what our espoused beliefs are. We have a long way to go to live up to what I've always believed America stands for. Can we do it? I think so. But not by denying that the worst of our failures need to be acknowledged and changed.

[andy]

Seriously folks, America is a racist country. That's all the man is saying. It's the truth. White people just have no clue what it's like to be nonwhite in America. Until you walk in our shoes and learn about our history, shut the hell up!

[PJ]

Obama should step down and away from this "religion" and then try to rehabilitate himself. He needs to wander in the desert of the Senate for a time and then try again. Why would anyone want a president who hates...dislikes...whatever, the country he will lead?

Obama's 20-year support of this racist man is unforgivable.

[cluephone]

The minister isn't running for office, is he.

When in the name of everything sane will you people get some perspective and insight? A wealthy, myopic populace is nothing to be proud of. It's dreadful. When comments and actions are blown into cartoon hyperbole at the drop of an opinion, it's time to reasses your connection to what's real. The world is looking at this behaviour they same way it would watch a schizophrenic stand in the intersection and yell at cars.

[Joshua]

Now I have an Idea why Obummer doesn't recite the pledge of allegiance and his wife Michelle not being proud of being an American.

Who is really Barack Hussein Obama?

An old adage says, Tell me who your friends are, and I'll tell who you are.

[HS]

Wow, he sure seems to put stupid people around him. His wife has a big mouth, the advisor who called Clinton a monster quit. Remember the scandal involving an advisor and Canada? Now this? If this guy puts so many "dim blubs" around him, he must be just as dim himself.

[alee21]

Obama is a hypocrite, decrying Ferraro's comments which are rather harmless compared to what Wright has been spewing for so many years.

Do we really want a nominee who belongs to such a divisive church for so long?

What does that say about Obama's plans (and presumably Michelle's) for the US?

[Ron]

These guys commenting are just nutty. Lots of preachers say equally inflammatory things. These people are just itching to stick it to Obama.

You can tell you're dealing with real new junkie nuts when they use abbreviations like MSM (Mainstream Media) and referent O'Reilly.

[Jon]

I'm a white non-religious male, born and raised in America. I was expecting an extreme video, but this seems pretty mild. It must be that O'reilly and Ann Coulter have desensitized me to ignorant statements.

Anyway, it is true that America is run by rich white people. However, after the civil rights movement, women and minorities have gained ground and continue to do so. This old man is still living in the past and he appears to still be pissed off. Obama is younger and absolutely much more calm. I judge a man for what he says, not what his associates say.

[Eric]

Look at where the economy is today, everything is bad! How did we get here? George Bush and his cronies. It will be years, maybe decades before we dig out of this mess. We need to stop fighting and fix America. Ron Paul is/was the best candidate but people are so ignorant that they won't listen to new ideas. America is paying the price and it is going up.

[scott]

birds of the same feather flock together- in other words humans of the same thoughts think together.

[Alma Ludivina]

I am more in shock with members from the USA goverment who we trust with our taxes and they are acting racists and had monopolized all the congress and goverment positions, we minorities almost 40% of the USA population are ill represented, first time a black tries to be a president and the porcupine skin hair of people who feels entitled gets up. We minorities have embraced Reagan with his dementia, Clinton with his unfeathfullness, Ferraro with her ignorance and nazi philosphy, I had embraced to give my 33% of my salary a year to the goverment, why you people with entitlement do not accept what is obviously good: Senator Obama.
Latinos with Obama

[John Dowd]

I don't know why Obama is being asked to explain for Wright when:

a. He's his pastor, not his campaign manager. Is a candidate accountable for the political leanings of his professor's in university? What is the standard to which Obama is being held and where did it come from?

b. McCain isn't being asked to explain two clergymen who have endorsed him even though their opinions are on the fringe and one of them called the Catholic church a whore and said Katrina happened because God doesn't like gays.

How about some balance?

[Rose]

If Obama is "not guilty by his association" with his eloquent pastor (what a piece of work), then the hooker that messed with the governor of NY is 'not guilty by association with her profession'.
Who goes to a church for ten years, has their children baptised there and is married there and then has any form of disagreement with the pastor's policies and thoughts? Vote for McCain, even Hillary ! But these Obama folks are dangerous!!!

[outtathebox]

This will do in Obama. Though only ABC and FNC have covered this to any degree on TV, the other networks and cable guys will be forced to because of how incindiary it is. Most who hear the rants will be offended, and question how the Obamas could listen to that for 20 years and then be post-racial unifiers. It also is a relevant issue since the Democrats' cultivated racial-identity constituencies are now pitted against each other.

People, get ready for the race riots, either after the DNC convention when Hillary gets anointed, or, should they still go with Obama, after he loses to McCain in November.

[JohnDoe7]

i think hillary is the greater of the two evils, she is in bed with all the political elite and secret societies, with her in power the rich majority will be over-represented, at least Obama will help heal some of the wounds caused by decades of psuedo-desegregation.

[Wendy]

Talk about racist, this is really alarming. Making Oboma the Democratic candidate is going to give McCaine the White house. I'm a Republican, that wants to vote Democrat this election, one thing for sure I will not vote oboma. People need to wise up before its to late.

[CP Cook]

Ferraro got it right. If it was Clinton, not Obama, who was listening to this crap, Clinton would have been crucified already. If Obama were a white man listening to any KKK-like organization, he would not even be considered for a US Senate position.

Why does the media allow this double standard to continue?

[Cindy]

Confronting is a Judeo-Christian tradition. The prophets and disciples do it all through the Bible.

Sounds like you all just want to pat yourselves on the back and pretend you're just perfect.

[Todd Campbell]

You have got to be kidding me. When is this LUNACY going to register with the American population? These comparisons to Kennedy and all this superficial 'He offers change!!!" hype has got to be checked against the very ugly and hate filled reality of Obamas long term, chosen and close personal influences. Liberals see themselves as the party of tolorance...well if that is true, then Obama should be summarily rejected by all of them. Is influences by way of this guy Wright is no less toxic than a guy like David Duke on the far right.

These are very dark days for America when someone of his "caliber" is the democratic front runner. Unbelievable.

[Cynthia]

This is absolutely disgusting. I had a bad feeling about Obama from the beginning, especially with his wife's hatred, but this just tops the cake. It makes me feel sick that someone who is filled with such hate and racism (YES, it is racism that the "reverend" is spouting) has been counseling a would-be president for so long. I believe that Obama has just crafted his image to brainwash people and he is not the great man he claims he is. This sort of stuff creeping out from behind him proves it.

[Crystal]

Uhm lets talk about how Obama has already addressed this issue and that McCain has not rejected or denounced his affiliation with Haggey.

So as McCain would say "My Friends", why isn't O'Reilly talking about tha?

[JMH]

Why is religion part of this campaign? How come when nutjobs like Falwell and Robertson have made crazy statements the religious right isn't indicted as well? Go into any black, christian church in any urban area and you'll find the same thing. Does any sane person honestly believe that Obama is going to get advice from this kook? This is nothing more than fear mongering. It appears that is all the Hillary and Right Wing camps can use now. They have no progressive agenda. Their only mantra is "fear the unkown". That's a great way to go about fixing a country. Keep doing the same crap over and over again and expect a better result. That's called insanity and it's brought to you by the Right Wing wacko's.

[AJ]

Let's try this:

"HIllary knows what it means to be a woman living in a country and a culture that is controlled by men. Obama can never know that. Obama ain't never been called any of the names thrown at women every day. Obama as a man never had his gender defined as non-person."

[Sasha]

Actually, Hillary -has- had "her people" defined as "a non-person". Remember, African Americans had the right to vote before women did. Women are treated as slaves and lesser humans (if even humans at all) throughout the world, in the Middle East, and third world countries.

[Amanda]

Mr. Obama, you attend your selected church because you believe in what the church stands for as well as its moral understanding as do most Americans. And to know that you are affiliated with a church that relevant uses race in its message is not the "change" our country needs. "Change" would be you standing up for the Christian beliefs and that would represent a God or higher power, depending on your belief, that did not judge you based on your color or gender. Your pastor had one thing right, True, Hillary has probably never struggled like most Americans, including me, but she has achieved some "class." "Classy" enough to know that in order make change you must distance yourself from thinkers who still carry the torch of injustice and racial standards from years past. So, I ask you, why can't your ideas of "change" spark change within your own church? I am sure you have been a member for years at this church and have continued your faithful membership. Those who truly want change...have a VOICE...even when you are the lone man in the crowd. And obviously you have had no voice within your own church. You have said many times, a true leader will fight until change is made. Tell me, how can you make change in America if you can not change things on a local front in your on church? Your own church views America as if they were still in the 1960s. I have read that the pastor has stepped down, which is wonderful. But for how many years has he tainted the pulpit with these racial judgments’ of the60s? Maybe the resigning is too little to late...the hate message has been delivered and of all places to be delivered…it was in a church!

I am Truly Heartbroken about this message. If the election was today and it was you and John McCain, I would cross party lines and vote Republican. This country does not need a leader who will keep quiet to get votes from your own church or community. And then sell himself to America as the man of CHANGE.

[Viki]

Obama is going to this church for 20 years. It not his” old uncle”. It is his minister.
Obama could choose a different church if he disagrees with Rev. Jeremaih Wright.
Obama didn’t, he got married din this church, and he baptized his kids in this church.
One thing is your supporters saying something, another thing you go to church every Sunday and listen to this.
I am shocked. I didn’t pay attention to stories about Obama church until I saw this.
It is not acceptable.

[Ernie Nucup]

As a take off from an old adage goes, tell me who your pastor is and I'll tell you who you are.

[N Saha]

Sad part is Tim Russet, Brian Williams, as well as, CNN and ABC news gurus knew all about these and they never dared to bring it out. How can we trust these jokers.
These millionair corporate employees are doing dis service to the country and they should be ashamed.
Where are the Walter Conkites?

[Playmaker]

Well it is true the associating with ministers my indicate some consensus on the part of the candidate. After all, look how George Bush used his religious to get us into a war -- a crusade, as he called it. This was OK with the neo-cons when it was Pat Robertson, but some how the rules don't apply to the poor black kid from Chigago?

It is this kind of guilt by association that is so divisive. Please, for the sake of the Constitution and our country, let's talk about getting the country back into a state of goodness and charity, rather than perpetuate the nasty, fear mongering, muck raking politics of the right wing.

[Disgusted in Staten Island]

The quote at the bottom of this blog posting, the one described as "deplorable," is 100% factually accurate. When it is "deplorable" in the media for people to state facts, the media have become pathetic parodies of themselves.

[steph]

how is obama not rich? he lives in a one million dollar mansion? how is he not privileged? as a child he went to a private school that cost $14,000 a year. he also went to harvard obviously. Wright's just lying in his sermons and twisting facts to suit his inflammatory screeds.

[Stewart Nusbaumer]

Are those comments supposed to be shocking? It's another wind-bag on the pulpit letting loose. Wait, give me a few hours to work up my outrage. Come on people.

You want to hear fire, listen to me after a bottle of Jack Daniel's when I get into my anti-Semitic tirade. Until a buddy stops me and say gently, "Take it easy Stewart, you're being too hard on yourself."

As for all those out there in America shocked, try dipping your toe into a little reality, and slowly taking a walk down the dark side. There you will see shock!

[Joseph]

""He doesn’t fit the model. He ain't white. He ain't rich and he ain't privileged. Hillary fits the mold."

Not nice, but true, no?

"Hillary was not a black boy raised in a single parent home, Barack was. Barack knows what it means to be a black man living in a country and a culture that is controlled by rich white people. Hillary! Hillary can never know that. Hillary ain't never been called a n-----! Hillary has never had her people defined as non-person."

Also not politically correct, but true.

As a white kid myself, I was never called a names because of who I was, either.

I don't think I would like my pastor to talk that way (I prefer that he stay out of politics entirely), but then again, I don't think many people in my (majority-white) church are Democrates.

You may not like the way black preachers talk about politics, but they have led that community from powerlessness (just 2 generations ago) to a position where they may actually make a difference in this primary election.

Until someone shows me something that Pastor Wright said which was simply crazy or wrong, rather than overly frank or offensive, I think I will cut him some slack.

[Paul in NY]

This guy is a NAZI. Obama admits he has been with this guy for 20 years. Combine that with his Hole-in-our-Soul, mean-America wife, and with these two large character in his life, I can see now the sort of beliefs Obama has, and am starting to see through the Obama charade.

[Sue]

I don't understand what everyone is all upset about. America is controlled by rich white people. What is wrong with stating the obvious? Look around. There are a lot of black people who make money as well, but for the most part it is rich white people. I don’t see that he is preaching hate. I think he is just stating the obvious. And this is coming from a rich white American.

[algibbs]

It is absolutely incredible that there are people excusing all of the hate speech that this man has put out! If America is stupid enough to vote a person into the office of the presidency that has attended a church pastored by a hate monger like this I fear for the country!!
The tape above isn't the vilest of those he has made! he even claims that our government created the HIV virus to kill black people!
Barack Obama should be toast!!!

[sifta]

First they went after Obama claiming that he was a secret Muslim. Now they are going after the Black church. This whole thing is obviously a canard.

However, the more cunning attempt to push racist buttons in the Archie Bunker crowd smacks of a Republican hand. Too bad Hillary didn't throw in the towel sooner, since the Clinton organization is built to counter-punch against this kind of stuff. And Obama (i.e. the democratic party) needs that.

This is kind of like going after John F. Kennedy by "highlighting" Catholic dogma in the pre-Vatican II period (obviously out of step with mainstream WASP values at the time).

[Freddy Jenkins]

Don't know why folks are more afraid of an angry black reverend--and not the kind of anti-catholic, apocalyptic ranter who endorsed John McCain--and wants to launch a war against Iran (that I doubt anyone will want to fight at the rate things are going)....

[Obama's Bad Judgment]

Obama's judgment, and the "CHANGE IN TONE" he wanted to inject into Washington and the "DISAGREEING WITHOUT BEING DISAGREEABLE" and the "RACIAL AND RELIGIOUS UNITY" are all being shown to be JUST WORDS.

This guy's 20 year long relationship with the most vicious, hate speaking monger who hates this country so much he's trying to create a separatist movement within it is BAD JUDGEMENT. His 20 year spiritual mentor says America deserved September 11th!

Obama's JUDGEMENT is now shown to be TERRIBLE. He should truly withdraw from this Presidential race. For the first time thanks to the lovestruck wing of the media we are seeing what should have been revealed months ago.

But thank God we're seeing this window into his philosophy now. And from what I understand, there is so much more. Barack really wanted to have an All Arab conference to show America's new relationship to them based on Samantha Powers ideas about how to give away American strength. She believed America should be ashamed of it's strength and start to power share like we are a member of the European Union (and we can't even be Britain in the New World Order, we get to play the part of Sweden and pretend our economy is the size of Lichtenstein).

Anyway, give up the Presidential race Obama, and let two people who at least love their country and won't give away American strength and have All Arab Conferences with a minister who thinks Americans are zionists who deserved September 11th run for the Presidency.

[AJ]

Well, as you all know, Africa is a model of democracy, freedom, and especially the equal treatment of women.

[Shannon]

I just do not understand why people support Barak Obama who not only made her wife feel proud of US for the first time but also called "God Damn America", who not only took cocain but also took birbes, who not only plagiarized but also lied. Such a political opportunist does not deserve the president.

[Walt]

Finally, America is waking up to the fact that Media Darling, Obama, is not as squeaky clean as they would suspect. How in good conscience could you spend 20 years with a radical like Wright and not be affected in some shape, form or fashion. Like other readers who've commented here, I too would like to know exactly WHAT Obama agrees with Wright on? The snow job is over, time to start damage control. Hillary and McCain are poised to pounce on the radical association of Barack Obama. Hey Thanks Wright for exposing your man for being your friend and prodigy.

[Kevin]

all valid statements!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kate]

I find it amusing all the hate directed at Obama for something his minister has said and that he has not repeated. I understand that you are grasping at straws for something to hold against him, but he can not be responsible for what that man says.

Likewise, Hillary Clinton is should not be held responsible for something that Ferrero said. Or that pasture in Harlem that has been spewing venom towards Obama for the last two months.

My grandfather was a racist, but that does not mean that I am one. My grandfather was a lot more influential on me than any man of god.

Perhaps all those judging should repent now, less you be judged yourself.

[Trenton Daily]

It appears the ignorant Hillary supporters have taken over this web site. Luckily, most Hillary supporters can't read so will never have to suffer through this drivel.

[Dave]

I took Obama at his word that he profoundly disagrees, rejects, repudiates etc. the negative things that Minister Farrakhan has said. But now that he says the same thing about his spiritual leader of the past 20 years, I'm starting to feel like a putz..

[AndyB]

This man is his "SPIRITUAL LEADER" folks. Did you get that? His "SPIRITUAL LEADER."

Please! Tell me! How do you distance yourself from your "SPIRITUAL LEADER?" Is like having an out of body experience?

[Ian]

Are we in denial or what that America is run by rich white Americans. The Fed: rich white Americans. Bush and Dick: rich white Americans. If it's the truth, then why do we refute it. The comment's on Hillary are a bit ridiculous, but Obama should not be responsible for things other people say. Religion is taken far too seriously in this country. I agree that we need an atheist president.

[Dingus]

First off, I am a 55 year old white guy. Being raised in suburban America, I was immersed in an ocean of prejudice toward black people. This preacher is RIGHT, boys and girls. Stop watching so much TV, find a way to spend time actually talking in depth with black people, and you'll start to see what I mean. You're furious at what this preacher says because he's telling the truth, and nothing hurts worse than the truth.

[Ken]

I'm very shocked at the number of extremely gullible people on this thread. So we're going to be duped again, are we people?

Attack a person's greatest strength - that's the Atwater/Rove approach to campaigning - and this is the perfect example. Obama's strength lies in the fact that his message resonates with whites and blacks... and he's proven it in election after election since January.

So we are now to be convinced that presidential candidates are indistinguishable from their pastors? They are incapable of independent thought? Their own opinions?

To suggest a black man raised by a WHITE mother is somehow a "black supremacist" is so far-fetched, so ridiculous... only the "idiot class" of the voting public would believe it. But hey, there's plenty of 'em out there, I guess -- if people were willing to believe John Kerry intentionally stepped into the way of shrapnel to receive minor injuries so he could run for President as a war hero 30 years later, then I guess they'll believe this garbage.

Welcome to the Idiocracy. Seriously, rent the movie... it will explain some of the simple minded posts on this non-story.

[KL]

Mr. Wright has been spewing hatred for the last 20 years, and now, when the black community have a chance to elect a black man to the highest post in the country, his vitriol has come back to haunt all of the hate mongers! You have blown it for Mr. Obama, and Mr. Obama, you have blown it for yourself by not denouncing the hate coming from your preacher's mouth. Shame on you for subjecting your children to this hate, as well! Very typical Democrat behavior...you are keeping the black man in the "victim" role, which allows his to let the government "take care of poor little him" and not be a responsible member of society. Every black child born into this system can be kept dependent on the government for their existence, and thus, another democrat is born! Shame on the black community for allowing these democrats to put you in that position, and KEEP you there! Stop blaming "rich whitey" for your problems, pull yourselves up, get an education, and dump that horrible Democrat party!

[feydakin]

well, is there anything that ISN'T true that the preacher was quoted as saying? besides, obamas religion or his preacher sould not be in question here. A persons faith is their own business. I didn't hear anything offensive in what the preacher said. anyone who would take offense to those statements obviously does NOT read at a third grade level OR they base their opinion on whatever sean hannity tells them to think.
Our society is so weak and p.c that you can't say anything anymore. if you are ofended then don't listen. Since most americans have to idea what context is, let alone comprehend what they read why is it any surprise that his statemnts offended......we americans are so ignorant/stupid I am ashamed to call myself one. (cant wait for the blind faith followers to comment on that).

[jodi]

Posted by: BL : Since you heard nothing that wasn't true or so you say. Please name one thing Bill Clinton did in his 8 years as President and Gov. of AK that deserved the comment about how Bill did the samthing to us that he did to Monica Lewinsky and then the motions of humping the air........in a church?????

And if truth is what Obama wants then why did he not come straight to a microphone after the media began claiming Bill's comment to be racist with help from Obama...Bill said, "Jesse Jackson won SC too." His statement was absolutely true and certainly not racist. Ms. Ferraro's comment was also perfectly true....just look at the votes from blacks in MS, SC, Georgia.....all 3 of those states would have been won by Hillary if Obama was not calling these hard working Clintons racist. Hillary will be elected and I think the blacks and their reps better start asking themselves why President Hillary should concern herself with the issues of these people when they call her names like racist after a lifetime of both Clintons fighting for causes that benifit the black communities.

[gil]

What shocks me is that Obama, as intelligent as he is, did not release this stuff a year ago. Did he think it wouldn't come out? Did he think that he wouldn't go through the same vetting process as Senator McCain or Senator Clinton?
Although I'm voting for McCain, I like Obama. He seems like a nice guy. But now comes his test: in the wake of these comments of his pastor, he will have to prove that he can bring skeptics, like me, over to his side. If he cannot, then his entire campaign theme- bringing people together- holds no water.

[John adams]

I don't see how this pastor is perceived as racist. Every time there's a black leader that talks about self-empowerment, they are labeled as sepertist and racist. Even if this guy was to be a sepertist, there was never a time in American history where black people ride into white neighoorhoods and killling men woman and children on the level that white Americans have. White Americans have the law, the majority, and the money to never be effective by racism because the system will always be on their side. A black person could not be racist unless it's to another person of color.

[R. Vincent]

Wow! After reading some of the comments, I am lead to respond. This is just what Rev. Wright is addressing. Racism is still alive and well in America and especially in many of the above responses. I've read some of your comments and it doesn't mean that I want to distance myself from you, or that I believe most of the inane comments posted. Until you stop talking about race, religion, sexism and how you feel others should live their lives according to your "standards" please don't expect others to stop reminding others that there are people like you out there just waiting to espouse hatred. Don't take some of the words out of the sermon and make it something that it is not. Listen to several before you pass judgement. God is love and He did not give one man superiority over another.

[Richard Ray]

What am I missing? I don't see any hate here. Just the facts. The founding fathers? Rich white guys. Almost, (and I mean almost), everyone who runs for office in Washington D.C.? Rich white guys. Hilary doesn't know what it's like to be poor and black. Neither do I. It's a fact. Most of the comments seem like fear based emotional responses and I see more evidence of hate there than in the preacher.

[You people are nuts]

Excuse me, but I don't understand what in this video is such an "outrage"! I was expecting to hear something like "women aren't as intelligent as men" or "we should ethnically cleanse America of white people". That would be an outrage. All I hear is this guy saying that America is run by rich white people. Which is true. It's not propaganda or a conspiracy theory. It's just a fact that I thought (up to this moment anyway) that everyone knew. Most people in this country are white, and the richest ones run everything. Anyone who's ever been to college and has learned about capitalism knows that. Who are you people?? 5th graders?

[mrrich]

id have to agree that what this guy is saying isnt really all that crazy or hatefull. america is and has been run by rich white people. the government still veiws minorities as a lower class, you only have to go walk around the rubble in the lower 9th ward to realize that. the governments foreign policy is the cause of the rest of the worlds disdain for us.

at no point does this guy say he hates whites, wants to kill whites or anything else along the lines. whats far more frightening to me is mccain singing "bomb bomb bomb" iran. thats hatefull.

[Owen Scott, III]

Jeremiah's Complaint.

On September 7, 2005, Bill Moyers gave an address to Union Theological Seminary entitled “9-11 and the sport of God” wherein he discussed the Jewish, Christian and Muslim prophetic traditions of evil raining down upon the corrupt nations of the world. Among other things, Mr. Moyers said,

“Let's go back to 9/11 four years ago. The ruins were still smoldering when the reverends Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell went on television to proclaim that the terrorist attacks were God's punishment of a corrupted America. They said the government had adopted the agenda "of the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians" not to mention the ACLU and People for the American Way.”

http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0909-36.htm

Rev. Wright, agree with him or not, delivered a number of sermons preaching within this tradition, showing that the right-wing fundamentalists have opposite numbers on the left whom MSM seldom publicizes. Consider that the Old Testament or Torah has many prophecies speaking of not only how Pharaoh will be laid low but of the devastation God is planning to bring down on the nations of Judah and Israel, the kingdoms of his own chosen people (see, e.g., Jeremiah 12 :10 “Many shepherds will ruin my vineyard and trample down my field. They will turn my pleasant field into a desolate wasteland, parched and desolate before me. The whole land will be laid waste because there is no one who cares. (NIV).” Read the entire chapter to get an even more extreme statement of how angry God is and what he plans to do about it. Back in those days, I doubt that you invited one of the prophets to your dinner party unless you wanted to get a non-PC earful of harsh and frightening predictions and judgments. I think it’s important for all of us to keep this in perspective when we condemn Sen. Obama or any candidate because his minister or supporter preaches hellfire and damnation from his or her socio-political point of view.

[Jeff in Orlando]

Obama portrays Hillary's vote on the Iraq war as poor judgement and that his is better since he instinctively knew it was bad from the start. Where was his good judgement and instinct once he heard a few of Reverand Wright's anti-white and anti-US sermons? Does it take 20 years before it dawns on you that you need to start distancing yourself from a guy like Wright?

[RABO]

Look people, this is the competition's attempt to play the racist card against Obama. They are mad over that white supremacist, Geraldine Ferraro. There's a fundamental difference though. Ferraro was a part of the campaign, Wright isn't. He is free to say whatever he wants to. While I disagree with the pastor's words, I can't honestly say that I would completely discredit his basic message - that blacks in this country have had a hard time of it for far too long.
The Pastor may be controversial but he's not the one running for public office - Obama is. And I will still support OBAMA in November.

[GooseGuy]

So what? This man is clearly all fired up about what HE believes -- be it Jesus, Barack Obama, or a deepseated resentment toward perceived racial slights. This in no way reflect poorly on Obama, or his campaign. Last time I checked, we still had freedom of speech in this country; the man can preach until he's blue in the face, may god grant him strength.

[Keith]

Kevin
Nobody said that he "can't" say it, they are giving their opinions on what he said. You sound very closed minded in your description of people, "glass houses maybe".
Good luck with your GED classes.

[rachel]

I totally don't believe Obama is uniter. It just cannot be true. If he really believes what he said, he cannot stay in that church for 20 years and don't feel anything wrong about it. Any normally people will freak out right away.

[bozz]

Unfortunately, race has already become such a divisive issue in this campaign that the candidates are unable to even discuss their policy plans. Both Obama and Clinton are forced to run around putting out little fires that are essentially meaningless but blown out of proportion by the media and some of the public. Obama can only be hurt in the long run if he doesn't address this decisively, and soon. I do NOT look forward to 4 years of the country fighting over race.

[Michael Novotny]

Like most Americans, I am disturbed by Reverend Wright's pronouncements. I want to always think America is the best and has the best intentions. Nothing in my mind justifies commandeering airliners filled with innocent civilians and flying them into buildings.

And I know that the US has (selectively) intervened on behalf of desperate people, in some instances Muslim people, such as in Bosnia.

All that having been said, what is the truth about Reverend Wright's assertions? For example, apartheid in South Africa was a terrible institution. A small group of privileged whites benefited from the misery of an exploited indigenous black population. We honor Nelson Mandela for being a champion against apartheid.

I won't speak for anyone else, but personally I sometimes feel uncomfortable about saying anything critical about Israel because I am afraid I will be perceived as anti-semitic, which I'm not. Did Israel support apartheid? I frankly don't know. Is Reverend Wright speaking the truth?

Ben Laden has said repeatedly that his hatred for America stems from our presence in Saudi Arabia and to a lesser degree, the treatment of the Palestinians. Is there any substance to any of Reverend Wright's comments here? Should we be snuggling up to the Royal Family of a country that is the number one exporter of radical islam to the rest of the world?

I think the matter of what he has said is very complex in today's world. It is like members of a family -- they may speak about other family members in a very direct and even critical way. But the family also has to present a united front to everyone else, especially if the family is under attack.

There may be SOME elements of truth in what Reverend Wright says -- and as I understand it, he has been saying things like this for a long, long time, and there was no national concern about it.

Now, however, he is the spiritual leader of possibly the next president of the US, and his very inflamatory criticism of "the US family's" behavior to be viewed by the rest of the world is certainly compromising and suddenly takes on a far greater importance.

I think it is an interesting experiment in objectivity to take some of his pronouncements and see how much truth they contain. There probably is some. The reality is that politics is global -- every country moves in a path dictated by not necessarily its own self interests, but even more so the self-interests of its leaders. Seven years of the US bogged down in Iraq certainly substantiates that.

[Ruth Henriquez Lyon]

I watched this video. I wonder how many of the previous posts were written by people of color?

I am a Latina woman, raised outside the D.C. area in a black neighborhood, and married into an upper middle class white family--I've seen it all as far as race relations. I have to agree with the preacher. Hillary never went through the trials of being racially disadvantaged. To say this is not "hate," rather, it is an uncomfortable truth.

I have a black friend, a professional, who freezes in fear when he walks down the street and a car alarm goes off and he's the only black around. All the whites look at him as if he's a criminal. Do any of you know what that's like?

Did anyone notice the white people in the audience of that church? Perhaps they were there because they understand that the power dynamics in this country are loaded in favor of whites, and it doesn't threaten them to hear their preacher speak plainly about it. Why are so many other white people threatened by that truth?

I encourage white people to learn more about the black (and brown) experience. Read novels and watch movies, check out biographies. Because there is still racial prejudice in the U.S., coupled with a great deal of social disadvantage. If you learn more about black folks, maybe you'll understand that what you term "hate" is really anger, and that even in 2008 it is still often justified.

[Sunny Florida]

Ok, this Wright stuff is disturbing. We have a need to know Senator Obama from every angle and what he believes when he talks of equality for America. You know, I am trying to cut through all the media spin, the off-handed comments and the accusations and just focus on two people and their two resumes. Afterall, we are trying to hire someone to be the CEO of our country. Someone with experience, someone with fortitude, intelligence and whom will work really, really hard for every American out there. For anyone to say that race and gender are not factors in this campaign or in the US is to be, well, out of touch. So, that said, how do we look at these two people fairly (without filters for race or gender) and pick the best candidate to beat McCain and win back the White house? Race is a factor, as is evident when prior to Senator Obama's arrival on the scene, African Americans, showed a strong support for Senator Clinton. Then, almost immediately, 80+% of African Americans threw their support behind a candidate with less experience, and did so why? Hmmm. Also, there are many men (and women, oddly enough) who, when asked flat out if they would ever vote for a woman for President, say no. No reason, even if she had a better resume. So, that's gender bias. Ok, that said, we still need to cut through the clutter and the crap being flung by both sides and really figure out who we want to get things right and on track for our country. Just electing someone "likeable" who will "be a uniter not a divider" may just get us what we got last time someone said that (ie - Bush, for all you really young folks) - and is that worth the risk? Only each one of us can answer that for ourselves, after honestly researching the candidates' resumes. This decision and election is too important not to.

[Jorson]

You listen to someone you idolized for 20 years I know for a fact you will adopt a lot of this persons views. What else is this guy hiding 10 years in a muslim country living with a known extremist step dad. NOW OBAMA GIVES ME THE CREEPS

[Rich White Honky]

Just another reason to just gather all those who disagree with America and ship them off to Irag and let them deal with those A-holes for a while. Maybe then those oppressed feeling will leave this "Pastor's" heart. Maybe having ad AK-47's bullets whizzing by his head will knock those racist thoughts from his mind. It's amazing how people are so gullible to still stand up for Obama even when it is evident that he supports racist radicals.

[Progressive]

I am also a white non-religious male, born and raised in America. I do practice and study Buddhism. I do not condemn nor condone Pastor Wright's preachings and rough words, as that is his Constitutional Right. Continuing to spew hate against Obama and make it sound like Obama is a terrible person because he's affiliated with this person, is utterly ridiculous. Obama does not control what this man says, and Obama has been there for 20 years. This is just another attempt by the anti-Obama supporters to hate against him and relay information that has nothing to do with who Obama is and represents. Obama has long ago said that he doesn't agree with Wright on a number of things, but that doesn't mean you cut ties with that person.

I have friends that won't vote for Obama because he's black, or won't vote for him because he's a Muslim. Both completely ignorant, and the Muslim piece has never been true. Just haters trying to smear Obama. I'm not befriending my friends because they say ignorant things or are just uneducated on specific topics, but I am distancing myself from them to a certain degree. It sounds like Obama has already done that, and we should give him credit for that, instead of being quick to judge a book by its cover. Which a lot of people are doing instead of looking at Obama's proven track record and history of hard-work and success.

It's like you folks equate Wright to Obama, which is like equating terrorists to muslims. Completely stupid and just ignorant thinking in my opinion. Oh well, nobody can change you but yourself.

[mathew hill]

A lot of people suspect that Sen. Obama is a Muslim. He says he is not, but I have never heard him say I am a Christian. Now we found out that he attends a Church, the pastor of which preaches hate and racism and denounces the United States. He even believes the mother land is Africa, not the U.S. Would it not be to the benefit of every Obama supporter and the benefit of the Senator himself, if he shows America any proof he may have of his Baptismal records? All politicians are required to divulge even more personal documents including health reports and tax returns. Why not a Baptismal record?

[I am me.]

That preacher is breeding hate and racism. If that was a white church, it'd be called a Klan meeting! Are we all not God's children? Why do we try to fight hate with more hate? This preacher disgusts me.

[George]

As my father used to say "Tell me who you hang around with and I will tell you who you are"

[PaulMo]

Darrell Tiner - You are exactly what is wrong with this country, bigotry. Anyone who is educated and actually takes time to listen to the facts, knows that Obama is not a Muslim. His father was a Muslim, and he left Obama when he was 2. You are not born into religion, nice try.

And so what if he was Muslim? It's individuals like you that equate Muslims with bad, or that they are terrorists. Religion is not a pre-requisite for being President. You can be an Atheist and still be President, even though that will never happen.

All I can say is that you are deeply misinformed, and probably not the smartest cookie in the jar. Fear and smear tactics will not work this time around, I guess you're just going to be stuck with a "Muslim" President for the next 8 years.

Ignorance is bliss.

[sarge]

why thosnt the IRS check this church money matter to see were the hide all the money the collet each week and to this day I said there in no GOD OR JC what ever u call him so why we got to pay tax and those asso dont ??????? anser america Do u still wathing for the massaia ???????

[Bruce]

The Rev. Wright isn't just Obama's pastor and spiritual guide for decades, isn't just the man who gave Obama the title of his book (The Audacity of Hope).

Wright is also a member of Obama's campaign.

This this Dec. 4, 2007, Obama press release of his "African American Religious Leadership Committee":

http://www.gwu.edu/~action/2008/obama/obama120407pr.html

[ted cory]

To answer your question on “so tell me who then”, there are plenty of black rich people & black leaders too “DA”. Wasn't Merrell lynch’s CEO a black gentleman. Ken Chenault, Stanley O’Neal (CEO Merrell Lynch) Dick Parsons (CEO AOL). Colin Powell was the highest ranking military officer for a few years. Isn't Condoleezza Rice the 4th or 5th in line for the presidency? You sound like to go to this “Church” too because you make these broad sweeping, inflamatory statements that are not true.

[J Morris]

I wonder how long it will be before the IRS audits the church and tries to revoke the tax exempt status for violation of 501(c)(3) .

[wm. musson]

its the enviroment, stupid,,,,earth first.......always.....

[Jay]

This falls more under un-patriotic, than hate. Hate wishes to destroy, and what he said doesn't destroy anything, it does bring to light a few things some of you should take a second to look up for yourselves instead of taking Bill O'Reilly's opinion for it. Read some of the comments on here about Mr. Wright, that is hate and un-Jesus like. Spreading lies, is un-Jesus like. Swiftboat ads all over again. Everyone else gets a pass to distance or not distance themselves from a reckless talker, but since it's a Black man he has to live and die by those words. You guys are ridiculous. When Obama doesn't become President and McCain leaves us in this war, tanks the economy even more, gas goes over $6, you don't have a job or insurance, your home is foreclosed, but your taxes are low. Complain somemore then about how evil Obama is and how much worse off we would have been.

[Democrats 08]

Obama says his pastor is "like and old uncle" what does he mean by that exactly? none of my old uncles ever said anything filled with usch racism and hatred the way Obama's preacher and friend of 20 years has. Obama, his racist preacher and church are absolutely despicable. You just don't hand the Presidency over to someone like this.