Website says Obama attended anti-white Wright sermon; campaign says no

In a posting this evening, Newsmax.com reports that its correspondent witnessed Sen. Barack Obama attending one of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's anti-white sermons on July 22 and nodding his head in agreement with the black congregation.

The report on the conservative website directly contradicts the Democratic presidential candidate's recent statements that while he denounced the pastor's controversial anti-American and anti-white rhetoric, he had never heard such declarations himself in church or in private.

Ben LaBolt, a spokesman for the Obama campaign, immediately denied the Newsmax report, saying Obama was in Miami that day.  He referred to an item hastily posted on the Obama Fact Check website saying simply: "Fact: Obama did not attend services on July 22."

The lengthy Newsmax report by Ronald Kessler said its correspondent, Jim Davis, attended services on July 22, 2007, at the Trinity United Church of Christ on Chicago's South Side and saw Obama in attendance.  Kessler's story states:

"In his sermon that day, Wright tore into America, referring to the 'United States of White America' and lacing his sermon with expletives as Obama listened.  Hearing Wright’s attacks on his own country, Obama had the opportunity to walk out, but Davis said the senator sat in his pew and nodded in agreement."

(UPDATE: On Monday the Newsmax site issued a statement with the Kessler story that it stands by the account, despite campaign denials that Obama was in church that day. It points out that he could have attended some services and still traveled to Miami that day and that its correspondent attended several July services and saw the senator and his Secret Service detail witness the service as described in the article. It says Obama spokesmen declined several opportunities to comment before publication of its initial report on the sermon.)

The Sunday night Kessler story links to Davis' original account of the ...

July 22 service, which was posted on the Newsmax website on Aug. 9, 2007, and headlined: "Obama's Church: Cauldron of Division." In it, Davis describes being initially blocked from entering the church, how few whites (except for Obama's Secret Service detail) were among the 2,500 people in attendance and how skilled an orator the Rev. Wright was.

He describes the now-familiar anti-white rhetoric, the excitement of the congregation, Obama's two decades of close ties to Wright and how another congregation member and a prominent Obama supporter, Oprah Winfrey, had joined the church in 1984 but withdrew her membership some years ago allegedly over Wright's preachings.

It's an extremely touchy issue for the Illinois senator's campaign.  The minister coached and counseled Obama during his early community organizing days, and one of his sermon titles led to the title of Obama's best-selling book, "The Audacity of Hope."  Wright married Barack and Michelle Obama and baptized both of their daughters.

In a Sunday conference call, Obama campaign manager David Axelrod admitted that the campaign recognized Wright as a potential problem more than a year ago and had disinvited the pastor from giving the invocation at the announcement of Obama's presidential candidacy on Feb. 10, 2007, in Springfield, Ill.

On Friday, as the issue and videos of Wright's statements flamed across the Internet and his campaign realized the scope of the controversy, Obama posted a statement on HuffingtonPost.com denouncing Wright's "inflammatory and appalling remarks."

The senator added: "I vehemently disagree and strongly condemn the statements that have been the subject of this controversy. I categorically denounce any statement that disparages our great country or serves to divide us from our allies. I also believe that words that degrade individuals have no place in our public dialogue, whether it's on the campaign stump or in the pulpit. In sum, I reject outright the statements by Rev. Wright that are at issue."

Later in his statement Obama added: "The sermons I heard him preach always related to our obligation to love God and one another, to work on behalf of the poor, and to seek justice at every turn.

"The statements that Rev. Wright made that are the cause of this controversy were not statements I personally heard him preach while I sat in the pews of Trinity or heard him utter in private conversation. When these statements first came to my attention, it was at the beginning of my presidential campaign."

Kessler's story tonight, headlined "Obama Attended Hate America Sermon," also said: "If Obama’s claims are true that he was completely unaware that Wright’s trademark preaching style at the Trinity United Church of Christ has targeted 'white' America and Israel, he would have been one of the few people in Chicago to be so uninformed. Wright’s reputation for spewing hate is well known."

Newsmax.com, which also publishes the magazine Newsmax, was founded in 1998 by Christopher Ruddy, a former journalist who describes the Florida operation as "the leading independent online news site with a conservative perspective."  Its early investors reportedly included the family of the late CIA Director William Casey and Richard Mellon Scaife, a well-known conservative publisher in Pittsburgh.

-- Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[KT]

It doesn't matter if he attended. He has been close to this man for 20 years and close to this church. A president must be preceived, right or wrong, as able to govern all of America without coming into it angry at a certain segment or angry at America itself. By associating with Wright so closely for so long, we now can't know what Obama believes and he can't be trusted to be our president. If we democrats are dumb enough to make him our nomineee, he will never win. His judgment here was appalling.

[JHardy]

Kevin--this is not a non-issue..and the rest of America doesn't agree with you who are blindly following Obama. It's a very real issue and one that has done damage that can't be repaired. It speaks to judgement. It speaks to the ability to heal. He has lost both. He knew Wright was controversial when he asked him to not show up last year when he announced his run for the presidency. The heartland of America will not accept him now. He made a bad choice and he hasn't handled it well because all he can do now and say things that don't matter. He can denounce as long as he wants..he accepted this man and supported him for years. You can't denounce that.

[Joan]

I've often sat in church and listened to my pastor say things I don't necessarily believe. My friends sometimes have opinions I don't share. Obama is a wonderful man, and he wants to get past the racial thing and uplift America and its people. He truly is the great hope. For Heaven's sake, his mom was white and he said the best things about him came from her. Please don't drag him down like this. You're dragging yourself down when you do. Barack Obama will make a wonderful leader! He will bring his light to the whole world. I'm a 73 year old white woman and I've been around long enough to know a good man when I see and hear one.
I wish you a fair wind at your back, Mr. Obama.

[Leslie]

Obama was in Iowa the day before...so perhaps he went home to Chicago for the night on Saturday.

The first Sunday Service at Trinity is at 7:30 AM. (Central)

Obama appeared in Miami at 1:50PM (he started 20 mins late). (Eastern)

If he left church by 8:45 AM and flew from Midway by 9:10 Central, or 10:10 Eastern, could he have arrived in Miami for his 1:50 talk?

The flight time according to online flight time calculator is 2:07 at 550 MPH.

So even if he took off at 10:30 AM Eastern, he would have landed by 12:37 PM in Miami.

It may be tight but perhaps that's how he got there.

[Leslie]

There was time for Obama to go to church in Chicago and make it to Miami for his talk.

Obama was in Iowa the day before...so perhaps he went home to Chicago for the night on Saturday.

The first Sunday Service at Trinity is at 7:30 AM. (Central)

Obama appeared in Miami at 1:50PM (he started 20 mins late). (Eastern)

If he left church by 8:45 AM and flew from Midway by 9:10 Central, or 10:10 Eastern, could he have arrived in Miami for his 1:50 talk?

The flight time according to online flight time calculator is 2:07 at 550 MPH.

So even if he took off at 10:30 AM Eastern, he would have landed by 12:37 PM in Miami. That's more than one hour before he spoke.

It may be tight but perhaps that's how he got there.

[Leslie]

Regarding Obama being in church in Chicago in the morning on July 22 and appearing that afternoon in Miami

There was time for Obama to go to church in Chicago and make it to Miami for his talk.

Obama was in Iowa the day before...so perhaps he went home to Chicago for the night on Saturday.

The first Sunday Service at Trinity is at 7:30 AM. (Central)

Obama appeared in Miami at 1:50PM (he started 20 mins late). (Eastern) http://www.hispanicmpr.com/2007/07/31/clinton-obama-appearances-highlight-of-2007-nclr-conference/

If he left church by 8:45 AM and flew from Midway by 9:10 Central, or 10:10 Eastern, could he have arrived in Miami for his 1:50 talk?

The flight time according to online flight time calculator is 2:07 at 550 MPH. Includes 15 minutes for "bias"...so actual flight time could have been less, depending on winds.
http://www.airrouting.com/scripts/tdcalc.asp

So even if he took off at 10:30 AM Eastern, he would have landed by 12:37 PM in Miami. That's more than one hour before he spoke.

It may be tight but perhaps that's how he got there.

[Pete]

Of course it's possible to be in Miami the same day, especially if he was using a private jet. How could a journalist reporting on it last year and publishing the article last year get this wrong? Why didn't Obama correct the article last year? This is more nonsense coming out from the Obama campaign to cover his missteps.

[tommy]

Bottom line is that a person is not guilty by association. Please people let us think a little. who cares what his church sermon said. the fact is that he does not have the same beliefs. you would understand that if you read both his books.

[SoCalRefugee]

Trinity's services are typically 2 hours long. I'm not sure how many people would leave in the middle of a service rather than just avoiding it altogether

[Pat]

I have a dream. That one day people will realize that racism is a two way street (or six lane highway.). Then we will truely be created equal.

[RIch]

I believe that it's entirely possible that Barack Obama's prescient timing prevented him from ever sitting through any anti-white tirades. I am POSITIVE that every sermon he ever attended or nodded his head in agreement with was about uncharacteristically innocuous and non-controversial topics, like Baby Jesus or The Sermon on the Mount. He's just that fortunate!

[SusanL]

I find it inconceivable that Barrack Obama was not aware of Wright's views.

In thinking about this, how is Wright's behavior any different from what the Islamic extremists, like the Taliban, have said about America? Both are spewing hate and anger at the U.S., both are blaming America for the ills of their group, both are stirring up their followers. How is it different? It isn't, yet how is it that we the public are not more outraged by Wright's comments? Is it guilt? Can you just imagine if Wright was a Muslim? People would be calling for his head, not to mention the head of the presidential candidate he was the spiritual advisor to, mentor to.

Obama and Wright both depend on words to promote their agenda and move their followers, Obama just uses a different tone.

[Jimmy Ruffin]

I never hear of anything being anti-white. Can you give some other examples? I don't want to take a leap of logic.

[Ms J]

Obama thinks we are so stupid to believe he hever knew Wright's hateful speeches. Is he in la-la land? Have all of you Obama supporters gone nuts?
Whether he was THERE or not for that specific hate speech is NOT the point. I would bet ANYTHING that he has known about this for years. The tapes were sold in the Church, for G-d's sake! Even Oprah had the decency to stay away from this den of evil called the Trinity United Chuch of Christ.
And now we are hearing that this goes on in many Black Churches? How are we supposed to get united when this vile despicable speech is cheered by the crowds. And a possible president knows about this and never takes a stand. This Church sounds like they are too WEAK to stop these hateful anti American, anti white, anti-semetic rantings and end up as guilty by doing nothing, not to mention cheering . Let's call it like it is and stop making excuses!

[Ann]

You guys lie to easily.. Its so sad. Our economy is going to hell and we are worried about ministers.. To heck with you people.

[alicia]

Hillary has her own crazy Rev. problems too. This guy is a paid supporter in Harlem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgtIqeV-6mk

[Leslie]

There was time for Obama to go to church in Chicago and make it to Miami for his talk.

Obama was in Iowa the day before...so perhaps he went home to Chicago for the night on Saturday.

The first Sunday Service at Trinity is at 7:30 AM. (Central)

Obama appeared in Miami at 1:50PM (he started 20 mins late). (Eastern)

If he left church by 8:45 AM and flew from Midway by 9:10 Central, or 10:10 Eastern, could he have arrived in Miami for his 1:50 talk?

The flight time according to online flight time calculator is 2:07 at 550 MPH.

So even if he took off at 10:30 AM Eastern, he would have landed by 12:37 PM in Miami. That's more than one hour before he spoke.

It may be tight but perhaps that's how he got there.

[lance sjogren]

While the Wright stuff is disturbing (contrary to the sentiments of the Kool-Aid drinking Obamaniacs), the fact is we have three really crappy candidates for President.

Personally, I still think Obama is not as bad a candidate as McCain.

And I'm a Republican.

[ty]

I would have thought that when one donates tens of thousands of dollars to the church, that one would get the 'Best Of' dvds as a premium or thank you. That way the sermons can be enjoyed in the privacy of one's home again and again.

[Justamom]

How any real journalist would give Newsmax the time of day is beyond belief?

Because of BO our country is being afforded the opportunity to look into our past, to examine our own personal views of faith and faith based institutions, and discover various theologies surrounding them. Because of BO our country is being allowed an opportunity to dream, create, and actualize, a yet to be written future. Will we turn the page? Will we write a new chapter or will we continue to repeat the patterns of the past that have us strapped to predictability. It is evident that this blog has chosen the latter.

Obama is not he; is Obama Pastor Wright? No.
Has Obama intelligently, mindfully and through faith in his creator been able to become his own person? The answer, to me, is “Yes.”
Taking bits and pieces of our history, good and bad, our heritage, our upbringing, influences of media and culture, haven’t we all been allowed to become our own persons. Am I bound by my parent’s words? Am I bound by the words of another? Was it out of line? Sure, but who drew or draws the line. As a ready and fully capable leader Obama has drawn that line. No one else has. He has spoken it in his interviews and statements. Has anyone listened? HRC could have done something similar and proactive with Ferraro’s comments. Something as serious as Ferraro’s comments should have been addressed mindfully instead she poo-poo'd them and GF. Allowed GF to make her rounds in the MSM... HRC threw her under the bus; is this the type of action we want to see in a POTUS? Or was it a calculated and strategical move/tactic?


Much of Rev. Wright’s statements are theological and philosophical arguments. I think some were sarcasm leading to humor to retain the attention of his congregation.

“Euro centrist,” is a true and real concept. It is no secret. Historically speaking the treatment of blacks is no different than that of the treatment of Jews by Hitler. Do we hide it? Racial prejudices are real but is the fight to be fought the fight of the past.

I see a great emphasis on, “false-pride,” in our country. I saw it in one of Rev. Wright’s statements and have to keep myself from allowing false pride to fester.

Rev. Wright’s, “GD America.” I would have been more comfortable with a statement closer to lifting up America or a plea for prayer for our country rather than against it. Obama has been speaking of lifting up or a hand up. These are Obama’s words. I have heard similar words in my family and so have many others. Geez! ...a retired WWII vet, who later worked for companies with defense contracts. This same man had told us all to not bring any more children into this world while explaining in front of his own two children that they were accidents. He was an Uncle. Barack has said that there should be no tolerance for statements such as these. Rev. Wright may have crossed a few lines yes but Obama addressed these specifically and with dignity and class. The other question is did he lie. I do not believe he did. He said he was aware of specific statements at the beginning of his campaign. The overall tone of the church is not defined in these cherry picked statements. Did his staff dig deep enough through every sermon? Hmmmmm...30 years of sermons or should they have gone through 20 years of sermons? My goodness how long would that take…

Look in the mirror folks. YouTube: atlas talking about toxic. Hagee; talking about toxic, What about Francis Schaeffer -- denouncing America and calling for the violent overthrow of the US government, and he was invited to lunch with presidents Ford, Reagan and Bush, Sr.

I can’t help but think that these few heated words of Rev. Wright and the dialogue and controversy they are creating are a gift. I embrace the dialogue and hope to see something good come out of it. Exactly when who knows... Obviously not now.

Obama continues to prove himself a strong and capable leader throughout this campaign. Is vetting is good? Why is it not happening to all other candidates and while they are at it why not vet all the major American religious institutions. The Pope today, “Enough of the violence in Iraq.” Let's get it all out folks.

Another attempt to brand the man a, "Liar." First Nafta-gate and now Church-gate.

The Nafta spin before the March 4 primaries allowed by all MSM equates to complete failure. So eager to be the first with the, "breaking," news or as Faux news puts it up, "Alert, Alert, Alert." Be on "Alert" people! (see factcheck.org Nafta-gate) Obama admitted a mistake on his part. The only mistake was the timing of the communication. It was pure timing but they got their sound-byte and that was all that mattered. I like how Obama slows things down a bit. He is mindful in his responses and dialogue. We could all think before we think a little more.
Oh ya, is he still a muslim-terrorist out to destroy the world? and How's Pinky and the Brain doin' Anyone? Haven't been keepin up on that one.

Newsmax is nothing but a 527 in disguise. This is the last time I will acknowledge or even allow myself to be part of the desperate attention seeking behavior of Newsmax.

[jdf]

Are we to believe the Reverend Wright only ever said offensive things when Obama was absent the church. Just how frequently did Obama attend services? The question has broader implications as to Obama's character, use of the church to promote his political career, political expediency and political positions, including opposition to the Iraq war. From what basis was his "opposition" to the war derived. To what extent will liberation theology guide him as president. All legitimate questions since the resume is so thin and we know so little else about the candidate.

[KO]

Could he not of been in the two places in one day. "WE HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY"!!!!!! Services in the morning to get your racist, America hating blood flowing, then off to Miami? Something to think about!

[Sampson S. Kamit]

I have been a democrat all my life. i can't believe that all you democrats can have the wool pulled over you eyes by a slick talking motivational speaker with no political experience like Barack Obama. Well the chickens are coming home to roost. All you bleeding heart Obama Liberals, now can support a candidate who is part of a ministry that openly states "God Damn America" and calls us murderers. Rev. Wright and those of his supporters who agree with slamming the US and their fellow citizens, should pack up thirr bags and ggo to a country they don'. Are you latte sipping Obama liberals so dumb as to believe that Obama never sat in on any these sermons. If you do, you better ask your colleges for a refund. Better switch to Hillary, because if you don't, you'll be singing hail to the chief to John McCain.

[KO]

Who cares if he as there on July 22?????? He's been there for the last 20 years!!!! Whenever someone insuates that he may have islamic views, he is very quick to defend himself by bein an active member of this church for the last 25 years!! He's had a relationship with the reverend for the last 25 years! What....he didn't know his pastor is racist and anit-american??? Come on, grow up!

[cosmosis]

Ronald Kessler is a proven liar. He is lying again. Obama was campaigning and not in attendance. Correct your story containing Kessler's lie.