The Barack Obama edge: Is it eroding?

An odd, somewhat hard-to-reconcile juxtaposition has emerged this week between various overviews of the Democratic presidential race and what polls are showing in the two crucial, yet-to-vote states of Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

On the one hand, several analysts have focused on how, in their view, time and opportunity seem to be waning for Hillary Clinton to overtake Barack Obama in the nomination battle.

Amy Walter, a highly respected political forecaster, wrote in the National Journal that "the events of this week" -- mainly, Obama's speech on race relations -- "seem to leave little doubt that the race has tipped decidedly for" him and Clinton's campaign "has run out of ways to tip it back." (For the rest of the piece, go here.)

Another veteran pundit, Time magazine's Mark Halperin, set up a brief look at the status of Clinton's bid to regain the favorite's position in the contest with this caveat: "Make no mistake: Obama will be the Democratic nominee unless something dramatic happens."

In gauging what he terms the "elements of a potential Clinton comeback," he also adds that "her candidacy is still on life support." (For the rest of the post, go here.)

And the Page One political story in today's ...

New York Times, by Adam Nagourney, is headlined: "Clinton Facing Narrower Path to Nomination" (kudos to the headline writer, tasked with coming up with a substantive one-column topper).

Nagourney paraphrases estimable Democratic consultant Tad Devine, who is on the sidelines in the party's tiff, as opining that Clinton "faced a challenge that although hardly insurmountable was growing tougher almost by the day." (For the rest of the article, go here.)

And yet, we can't help but notice some pesky poll numbers that don't spell good news for Obama.

Based on one new survey in Pennsylvania, here's the lead on a Philadelphia Daily News story: "Could Hillary have a lock on the Keystone State?"

More to the point, could she be headed for a blowout that will make the critiques cited above seem premature at best, and perhaps downright silly?

The Franklin & Marshall poll written about by the Daily News, conducted over several days in mid-March, gave Clinton a 16-point-lead over Obama.

More dauntingly for his camp, a survey by Public Policy Polling, conducted on Saturday and Sunday, put Clinton up by an eye-popping 26 points! The pollsters, in a release, note: "Clinton is aided in large part by a 46-point margin over Obama with female voters, 66-20."

Yes, that's certainly a helpful stat for her. (To read more about this poll, go here.)

True, both of these surveys tapped voter sentiment before Obama used the furor sparked by his personal pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, to deliver his wide-ranging meditation on racial tensions in America. But if a look at reaction to the speech among patrons of a Philadelphia tavern with a largely white clientele is any barometer, Obama hardly improved his standing among this slice of the electorate.

The nut-graph from the must-read story on Politico.com concludes that his address, "although widely praised by the pundit caste and Obama supporters, has only seemed to widen the gulf with the Budweiser class here."

Meanwhile, Obama's fortunes appear to be sagging in North Carolina, the state his camp views as a firewall for it following the Pennsylvania primary on April 22. A survey just out from Public Policy Polling shows the lead Obama had enjoyed over Clinton there has basically vanished: The new numbers put him up by one percentage point, 44% to 43%. (For a listing of all the polling that's been done in North Carolina, which holds its primary May 6, go here.)

We concur with analyst Jay Cost who, in his new post on RealClearPolitics.com, says, "North Carolina could be the make-or-break state for both campaigns."

Cost's piece is headlined: "Is This Race Over?"

The answer seems obvious.

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[Ivan Douglas]

The media is falling over itself to proclaim Obama the winner. His speech was wonderful. He may be wonderful but if polls and upcoming primaries show that Clinton is blowing him away then the super delegates will have to do their job and go with Clinton. That IS NOT stealing the election. That is why the super delegates were put into place. If the Jeremiah Wright controversy doesn't die down--Barack Obama will NOT be a viable candidate in the general election. And for the best of the democratic party, he should step aside before the super delegates are forced to dump him.

[Josh]

Why should we seek to condemn the path God chose to bring Obama to Christ's feet?

[soundbite]

Obama has already won, but the press understandably wants to keep the story alive; it sells papers.

Not to worry. McCain and Clinton have much more baggage than Obama. He'll win in November, once we can concentrate on pulling together.

[Nick DeForest]

Let's get some perspective. Obama will not get the required number of delegates either. So it will be up to the super delegates who must look at each candidate's ability to beat McCain which is shifting in Hillary's favor right now. As for Obama's great speech. Why a speech? Because he does his very best when reading a prepared speech from his always-needed teleprompters. Why didn't he take questions? Is that true leadership? Can we be expecting that he'll have his telepromptersfor every occasion? With few exceptions the media has not been asking any tough questions. MSNBC (Olberman and Matthews specifically) need to get over their man crushes. They act like smitten school girls when they talk about Obama. I hate to admit it but I've had to watch Fox News to get a little perspective as to what middle America might be thinking.

[Anee]

Everyone knows Obama is done. He should concede now, he is un-electable and his division is hurting the Dems.
Clinton is a fighter and that's what we need to beat McCain.

[Sternberg]

His speech was wonderful. I have, though, begun to ask myself, just what has this guy promised us except to bail out of Iraq, and make everything all better? Has he said how he will do those things? I can't remember him doing any of that.

[cbk]

Obama attends a very Racist organization for 20 years, yet say's he only emphisizes this organizations Christian teachings. If McCain had been a member of the KKK (a organinzation that belives in Christ) could McCain just say I only attended the KKK meetings because of the great talks on Christ? The Wright orgainzation is racist to its core. Obama attended some of these Racist meetings, yet he did not try to show his disapointment with the racist teachings, leave the meetings, he only tries to distance himself l in March 2008 when Fox news shows what he has been listening too.

[John]

Four and a half weeks before PA, don't count Obama out. He merely has to show-up to get the nomination at this point. Clinton is the divisive one. She will kill the democratic party rather than concede defeat. And yet she can not legitimately win.

[Goldie]

I see a new problem for Clinton. As reported in the past, including the LA Times I Believe, Clinton is a member of the very secret "The Fellowship" or the "Family" a Bible Study group whose members include Brownback and Inhofe and whose purpose for the decades that it has been operating has been to promote a Christian elite to rule the world. It has in the past done very bad things, being involved with Suharto in Indonesia and very bad stuff in South America, etc. I would hope Clinton comes out and explains why she is drawn to this group and what she agrees with and disagrees with. I think we should know that, especially all the Democrats who might be voting for her.

[Mark]

I'm surprised pundits and members of the press are ready to toss him overboard after holding his feet to the fire through the words of a man whose 40 years of preaching the gospel, have been shrinkwrapped down to a few "soundbites..." I don't remember hearing the uproar over other minister's and their comments on broad and far reaching topics, but then again, they weren't running for president. If America, or those in the media can't get past what one person says, then let's hold each person running accountable for the "lips" of those around them. Let's hold Hillary accountable for Bill and his definition of what "it" is... Let's hold McCain accountable for him forgetting what country he's actually in and the recent anti-Obama video made by one of his supporters... this is absurd and looks like to fox hunt to find something...

[Trojanguy]

The biased far left media are falling all over themselves to make sure that any negative news about Obama is spun correctly to ensure his nomination.....However, I'm sorry to inform you folks that Obama is already political toast. And Michelle Obama, the shrill one, is his biggest liability, and there is absolutely nothing he can do about that!

[frededias]

Rev. Wright is not "racist" and he is not an "America-Hater". Many white people attend his church. They understand him in context. True patriotism requires the strength to criticize the failings of the country you love-- with strong words if need be.

Wright went overboard a few times, but in the end he did more good for his community than the Far-Right-Wing Hannity Swift-Boat Posse ever will. They are where the real hatred is coming from; the Rev. Wright may be bombastic and he may be wrong about AIDS but he is a man of God who loves all races equally. If you listened to more than that 1 minute loop of his worst moments, this would be obvious.

To their credit, most Hillary supporters know this. Too bad a few are willing to jump on the Right Wing Swift-Boat bandwagon to drag a good man down.

[jp spec]

Just use common sense. The country has made a lot of progress in racial problems. However, there is still much to do. So, now thanks to Obama, we have gone backwards instead of forward. (He is a real unifier.) God Dam America.
For twenty years Obama listened to Hate sermons and says this is no reason to not elect him president?

[Jean]

The bomb has dropped on Obama. The seemingly "anti-establishment" insurgent candidate, Obama, now has two major scandals - campaign advisor and 20 year pastor and pal, the racist Reverend Wright and his outrageous hate-filled anti-American "sermons" and the equally shady campaign fundraiser/slumlord Syrian-born Tony Rezko (facing federal bribery and fraud charges for corruption). Rezko helped Obama buy his Chicago mansion that he couldn't otherwise afford (and who contributed and helped raise hundreds of thousands in suspicious campaign contributions to both Obama campaigns). This after Obama helped write letters on behalf of Rezko so he could get government funds which he didn't use to develop the slum properties in Obama's own Chicago senate district. This candidate is TAINTED and cannot win a general election. Americans simply will not put someone like this into the highest position in this country, not someone who uses such boneheaded judgment to employ and surround himself with radical, nebulous, and even criminal characters like these!

[Lee O. Cherry]

Here we go again. If we did not pick on a candidate's race, gender, religion, looks, dress style....what would the media do? Heaven forbid if we pressed candidates on issues.

The media wants to decide who will win Presidencies. I am glad young people have many ways to get information from media sources other than commercial media and make decisions affecting their lives.

[Barbara]

Unfortunately, this is not surprising. He will be crucified by a 24 hour news cycle that plays the Wright tape over and over and over. It won't surprise me if this whole thing continues. Unfortunately, Obama is going on The View, where he will be grilled again. And then what is he not talking about? The economy, etc. This is such a shame.

[Jackie]

I think making estimations about our Dem. nominee right now is ridiculous. Because voter turnout has hit record numbers, there's no telling what could happen, and I think that is absolutely beautiful. I am SO proud to be a young American witnessing a very historic moment for our country! Anyway, VIVA OBAMA!

[salderdice]

There are a lot of us women who read the Bible, and we all are voting for Clinton. Get over it.

[Lorna Hanson Forbes]

Obama lied to us and people now realize that he is a fade---similar to the hula hoop. Time for Obama to go back to Chicago. His past is sketchy.

We can trust Hillary Clinton.

[Sam]

Pastor problems? Oooh the Clinton campaign did it they are sooo evil.

I am an independent liberal but have a major issue with every issue that is brought-up being someone else's fault. If we question Obama we have a right to do so as he is running for the highest office. I wish the Obama supporters would understand that the same kind of "with us or against us" attitude prevailed before our favorite war being propagated by the current administration. I for one don't want to hold anything back from questioning and don't want to hear why it is someone else's fault, especially when Obama spent 20 years under the spiritual guidance of the Rev.

[Obama's edge will disappear]

Obama's edge will disappear. People have begun to realize that when a person, in this case Obama, spends 20 years of listening to racist rants, that that person becomes so influenced by these rants. Obama, if he wins the primary, will lose in the general because of his 20 year association with Wright as well as his vindictive desire to suppress the votes of Florida and Michigan. If Obama gains the nomination because he succeeds in disinfranchisng these voters, then these same voters will support McCain in the general election. If the Dems won't hear their voices, then the Republicans will be more than happy to do so.

[johanB]

It is pretty depressing to read these type of articles in major newspapers. There is such a desperate tone (meaning: We have absolutely no clue, but we just follow the rest of the pact) to this article that you really start to wonder why for God's sake should anyone (Obama) even bother trying to change this corrupt political system. Being intelligent, using your brains, looking at history, will be punished instantly. The no-one can be smarter than me attitude is overflowing the media and ignorance has taken over. Reading some of the above comments, intelligence by any candidate is not rewarded, but arrogance, meanness, lies and a desperate attempt to hold onto the past is the power of the moment.

(FYI, this isn't a newspaper. It's an online blog. Huge difference. Also free.)

[Harry Grace]

Polls notoriously are a few days behind the news story. Let's wait for polls next week, to see how The Speech went over. According to Ed Rendell, there are enough people in Pennsylvania who will never vote for a black person, that the Wright controversy has now given them the excuse they need to vote for Billary. Let's hope the rest of the nation is more educated and enlightened than that. I have my doubts, but we'll see. There's still a month to go, and that's 2 or 3 lifetimes in politics. Who knows? Maybe someone will get their hands on Billary's tax forms and the names of all the Saudis and Mark Riches who contributed to that library. That'd be nice to see the media doing their job.

[Brad Edwards]

I think Mr. Obama threw away his chance to reach across the divide with his speech. And lost his footing in the process. Black or White anger will only continue to divide our culture and institutions. Why has he stayed with a church that clearly has a bias? That does preach hate. I only ask because I personally don't understand why he would stay and continue to " support " the church and pastor. Why he would not have chosen to find a church where color does not rule. ( ? ) Hate is not a color issue. Hate is a human issue for whites or black or any race.

[elaine]

People...Clinton's tenacity not to concede and Obama's shocking rise to popularity during the Democratic campaign has divided the party so deep, that I, as registered Democrat will vote the McCain-Romney ticket. You know what? I distrust and dislike Hillary ethics so much because of the divisive games she displayed that many Demos are doing the same thing I am. What's worse, African Americans will boycott the November elections anyways should Hillary win. We played into the GOP strategy to the tee. How about that. We did it to ourselves.

[GeorgePS]

Mr. Obama's Philadelphia speech, in spite of its eloquent passages expressing his hope for better racial relations in America, is a mastery example of literary subterfuge, the broadening of the scenery whereby an object of inquiry becomes blurred and lost in the background, or more bluntly, the escaping of a slippery fish from a pond into a lake to hide in a wider expanse of water.

His speech is essentially a sophisticated lawyerly defense of Rev Wright's sin on the basis of self-defense. While Mr. Obama's understanding on the root causes of America's racial problems is quite apt, he attempts to portray that it is Rev Wright's racial circumstance, and it alone, that had led Rev Wright, with the inevitability of the fixed trajectory of a massive asteroid hurtling toward Earth, to castigate America and its other race with repulsive profanities. Thus, by Mr. Obama account, Rev Wright is a victim of the circumstance that he couldn't have avoided.

Mr. Obama states: "The profound mistake of Reverend Wright's sermons is not that he spoke about racism in our society. It's that he spoke as if our society was static . . . ," an apt analysis in view of his campaign slogan of "change" that will surely move the country out of the "static" stalemate under his leadership, but the truth is more tragic and personal.

Rev Wright, in spite of Mr. Obama's defense, is not a victim of his circumstance, the circumstance of his race, but of his own hubris, of his own failure to keep hope and faith in what is good in America and other fellow race. While racism still remains in American society, America does not espouse racism as a creed, and while racism still lingers among some white, not all white are racist. The sin of Rev Wright is that he lost his faith and hope in America.

And Mr. Obama's profound mistake in his defense is that Mr. Obama still sees America and its white race from the identity of an angry black intellectual who assiduously, in spite of his bi-racial background, and unlike many bi-racial people who refuse to identify themselves with a race, cultivated his black identity at the exclusion of his white heritage, which he laboriously exorcised out of his soul, as his 1995 autobiography testifies.

His line, "I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community," clearly indicates where his loyalty still lies, to his intellectually cultivated vision of the unified black community, the community that men like Rev Wright mistakenly and pretentiously claim its leadership. But black community, like the white, are far more diverse, far less united than advocates of each race purport, except under the common American value espoused in our Constitution and the sense of patriotism for the land where our families and friends live, of which Rev Wright so flagrantly savaged.

For many black, Mr. Obama's mention of Rev Wright and the black community in the same vein in his own defense grossly misrepresents the entire black community. Indeed, to them Rev Wright represents the past, the past that black community must depart, as much as the white community must from its lingering racism. And Mr. Obama's defense of Rev Wright harks back to that unfortunate past, just as his conscious attempt to identify himself as a wholly black person (perhaps until recently) by abandoning his white heritage harks back to the grievous divisions of races precipitated by each individual's conscious attempt at finding racial identity.

The dismal truth of his speech is that he failed to understand, while acknowledging the damaging nature of Rev Wright's pronouncements to America's racial relations, the obvious fact that Mr. Obama's unflagging support of Rev Wright (that he is like Mr. Obama's family member, that he cannot be disowned) has done further damages to racial relations and will continue to do so.

This is the sin of Barack Obama: he stood there by Rev Wright while the Reverend was caught up in his pride as a stirring preacher, a vainglorious social critic, spewing out his tirade decrying of the injustice of the whole nation, of an entire race, and he said nothing, did nothing, and to this day Mr. Obama still stands by Rev Wright and does nothing, notwithstanding his speech, except to keep his faith in the Reverend.

It is an admirable act of friendship fitting for a private citizen, but it is an act unbecoming of a US president, for he must stand, not by his friend who failed his hope and faith in America, but by his country and all its people. This, in spite of his rhetorical eloquence, Mr. Obama failed, no, refused to do. His speech did neither heal America's racial problems nor of his own. Instead, many Americans increasingly perceive him as part of America's racial problems, not the solution he wishes to present himself. Indeed, Mr. Obama, unwittingly, has become a racially divisive man, the Democrat's November Bogeyman.

[Joe]

Have any of you actually been to a black church before? I'm WHITE, but even I knew of that rhetoric.

It's not hate, though, it's anger. Just like the anger you feel now because you feel that you're being hated unfairly by Rev. Wright. We can't just pretend that that anger isn't there by saying it's all racist and hoping everyone forgets it. I mean, if someone claimed that your anger over this issue was "racist" (it's NOT) and told you to pretend it didn't happen, how would you feel?

And that's the funny thing. People long dead were mad at blacks because of things they never did. So some blacks got angry at whites, even (sadly) ones who never did anything to them. And now many people are mad at Obama, who didn't even make the comments. It's a vicious cycle of people hating because they were hated, and someone has to break it. Nowadays, if I get disgusted by TV coverage, I can turn off the news. I can turn off the computer. But our black fellow Americans can't just turn off being black when things are too much to handle.

That's why his speech was so important, because he made it clear that Obama ISN'T mad at all the people who hate him for hate he doesn't harbor. How can he hate whites, anyhow? He's half-white, too, but it feels like many of them disowned him because he doesn't look it.

As for his pastor, he helps all kinds of people. For all the 'bark', he doesn't have much of a 'bite', and he helps all kinds of people. Helping the poor, people addicted to drugs who need a way out, the sick who have no insurance. Those are how he met Rev. Wright. Those are the reasons he didn't disown him, even though he was wrong. And if you'd read his book, you'd see that Obama did argue with him over those views. And his answer about not having been there was to a question about a sermon just a few weeks ago when he was off campaigning.

So please, don't hate someone for hating you. Especially when they don't. Talk it out instead of letting it simmer. Deal with it instead of holding a grudge. It's the only way to say "not this time" and avoid repeating past mistakes.

[Jonathan]

This is more weak journalism. This article neglected to mention that even with a huge win in Pennsylvania and a tie in North Carolina, and good wins in most of the other states, Clinton will not get any closer than 40 delegates away from Obama's lead, and that's the absolute best case scenario for her.

Granted, in the whole scheme of 4000 delegates that's not much of a lead for Obama, but if he has more delegates, more of the popular vote, and has won 68% of the states (currently 30 out of 44), it's unrealistic to think that the majority of the superdelegates would use their power to make Clinton the party's nominee over him.

Clinton's in an awful position, because she's not far behind, but she's also publicly stated that Obama would make a great nominee and the Dems "will be fine" whoever wins. Which reveals that she's staying in the race primarily because her and Bill want to be back in the White House oh-so-bad.

But right now it looks like she's going down fighting and as a result, dragging down the presumptive nominee with her. The family will not be remembered fondly in the Democratic Party if she ends up scaring all of the Regan Democrats into voting for McCain over Obama.

[Zeck]

I find it appalling that we're still calling this a tight race. Clinton has lost the popular vote. She has lost the delegate race. She has lost twice as many states as Obama. SHE HAS LOST!!!

Why are we seeing this inquisition to keep the nomination battle alive? Why do we see the endless loop of Wright soundbites on Fox and CNN? Why does Fox routinely imply that Obama is a Muslim, terrorist, radical, or the all famous Hitler comparison. That kind of irresponsible reporting is treacherous.

As to Wright's controversial remarks, I believe that some of what he's said is a pretty common theme with those right wing Evangelicals. Did we see a national inquisition into Falwell or Haggard?

I seem to recall Falwell implying that 9/11 was caused by gays. Wright says that it was due to our foreign policy. Well, our CIA did train and fund a young Osama bin Laden to fight the Russians in Afghanistan. So, um, yeah, I think it is plausible to believe that our foreign policy might have had something to do with it.

Haggard was a public supporter of Bush. Do we think that Bush does drugs with gay prostitutes? His religious support and adviser did, so I don't see how the two individuals are any different.

CNN and Fox have made much ado about nothing.

[Fred Thomas]

I love how everyone is talking about the spin and about their unwaivering support for Obama. How can you spin what the Racist Rev said in a positive way. No spin is needed. He showed his true colors when 5 days after 9-11 he told his parish (which includes Obama) that we deserved it. A vote for Obama is a vote for someone who believes that. If you hate your country that much why stay? If Obama truly didn't believe what the Race-hater of a preacher said, then why stay. No self-respecting American could vote for him now. All he has left are the Kool-Aide drinkers who are too ignorant to admit that they were wrong when they supported this coward.

[bob]

none of my friends or family will be voting for Obama.

It seems he should step down.

[Karen]

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Reverend Jeremiah Wright is in the news lately for being Barack Obama's former pastor and for his controversial remarks.

And 4 years ago, Wright was also the keynote speaker at the University of Utah's Martin Luther King Jr. celebration.

As a matter of fact, Wright got a standing ovation at the university's student union.

In his speech, Wright told the crowd that just because people are different doesn't make one group better or worse than another.

And in a KUED - Channel Seven interview afterward, Wright talked about anti-Iraq War comments made during his sermons.

Interviewer: "Do you perceive you will be deemed anti-American or anti-military because of those comments?

Rev. Wright: "Having spent six years in the military, the only person who can think that will be someone who, as my advisor at the University of Chicago said, is abysmally ignorant."

And in his speech, Wright also likened his speaking out against the Iraq war to Martin Luther King opposing the war in Vietnam.

REV. WRIGHT IS NOT A MONSTER..HILLARY IS THE MONSTER.

[wojago]

i dont understand that why some pundits scramble to pull Obama's leg back who already has all but in verg of securing demcratic nomination. I think Obama's honest speech on race issue adressed the concern's many whites and blacks bore about him and draw more trust to him. And any thing that comes on his way, for sure there are many more , willl not be lethal to his ellection.

[gravel kucinich paul nader]

Barack Obama FEAR SMEAR?

Barack Obama
STAND WITH
Ralph Nader
Ron Paul
Dennis Kucinich
Mike Gravel
NOT
DNC Hillary Clinton
RNC John McCain

Eyes wide open
Testify

[Joanna Millford]

How can anyone ever excuse the things that Obama's spiritual leader said? Whatever strife he experienced does not allow him to show such hatred for the very country that gives him the freedom to speak. Obama is guilty. Guilty of doing nothing as his children were taught to hate. Guilty of being a liar when he said he didn't know. Guilty of supporting a church that prolongs the division amongst the different people of our great nation. And it is a great nation. We have a system that seeks to fix problems. Sometimes it takes longer than it should, sometimes people are hurt, but we fix our problems. Stop making a great uniter out of the man who supports open and obvious hatred. I don't care what the reverend said, I care that a man who wants to run this country chose to support and walk with him. I care that Obama's judgement of our country is so totally messed up that in his speech he tells us that we should all understand. I am a former Obama supporter and I am judgung him on the content of his character. Of which I now know he has none. No one who truly cares about this country would support an Anti-American piece of human filth like the Reverend.

[Cataplasm]

While Obama is responding to the race issue (spectacularly well in my view) aren't we ignoring some other issues bubbling up? Did I read somewhere that the recently opened Clinton papers showed her active involvement with NAFTA (and one would presume this implies her support) and that her vaunted experience in foreign affairs was in fact fairly typical first lady activities?

I simply cannot accept that sleeping with the President somehow endows you with the ability to answer the three o'clock phone call or deal with international issues. Hillary has been trying to marginalize Obama by pushing the race card, aided I admit by the Reverend Wright's comments, but Obama has skillfully parlayed this into a very Presidential discussion of the issue of race as it faces this country - something acknowledged by even some right wing pundits. Hillary has taken her shot and now she should be bracing for some counter punches. Obama really has been much more restrained than McCain will be come November. Maybe this is the time to put her feet to the fire on issues such as her true history with NAFTA and her real experience in international affairs.

[Hal Bass]

I'm afraid the Republicans have found their Willie Horton in Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and if Obama is the nominee, they're going to snatch victory from the Democrats just as they did when Michael Dukakis was the standard bearer 20 years earlier. Shame on the press for not picking up on this earlier or, perhaps even worse, for suppressing the Pastor Disaster story so as not to damage the reputation of the fairy tale Cinderella man, the Wizard of Oz, the would-be emperor with no clothes, the half-term dilettante.

[Windfall]

In the Democrats' view, we now live in a "post-racial" society where the rules are:

1. You can say any hateful thing you want to about whites with no consequences whatsoever.

2. Any statement about blacks, no matter how innocuous, can and will be taken as evidence of deep-seated racism especially if there is some political advantage to be gained.

But the real question remains…

Can I put an “Obama for President of the US of KKKA” sign up in my front yard or would that now be considered a hate crime given that I’m not an angry, America-hating, racist, paranoid, delusional Reverend Doctor?

[Sa]

I can't be agree more with Nick DeForest. I also question why Obama chose to give a speech instead of a new conference. He knew he couldn't be able to survive under media's scrutiny. Speech is a one way communication! I don't need him to lecture me on America's racial problems. He is not qualify! Obama has double standards(Imus vs Wright) when it comes racism. He just sat and listened to all the garbage that Wright has threw out to the public over the years and he did Not do a thing. He gave a anti-war speech in 2002, but what has he done over the last 5 years he was in the senate, Nothing! How can a person like him lead America?! CNN, MSNBC, and most of the so called mainstream news media have dissappointed me so much in the primary. I, too, can't believe that I have to tune to FOX news for decent coverage on Democratic party's primary!

[Tom]

I love all the unsubtle ways in which the L.A. Times jabs at Sen. Clinton, giving voice to crackpots like Rosa Brooks, using phrases like "CLAWS her way back" (only women fight like cats, right?) It doesn't surprise me that Obama is finally beginning to slip - he's all talk and no meat. You want a candidate who can survive a Republican onslaught in the election? Clinton's stone has been squeezed dry, and still she's left standing strong. Obama's looks like the giant Blueberry girl in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and when it's squeezed, it ain't gonna be pretty.

[Mike]

Wasn't able to differentiate between right and wrong for 20 years concern me.

Which fathers will subject their daughters to such racial speeches every Sundays?

Lie again lie means un-eelectable!! I believe that is in all Superdelegates's minds now, even the one who had vowed for Obama. I expect to see a hugh turn back to Clinton not far away.

[Rudy J. Cardona]

From reading some of the comments, I get the feeling that people like to be lied, cheated and mistreated. We like to feel good when we are getting screwed. That is exactly what is happening with Hillary and will happen with a McCain administration. As long as they lie to us and make us feel good at the same time, its all good. What is Hillary's 3:00am emergency, that Bill is out screwing around again. Yes, Obama will never be ready to take that call.

[PETER]

How many more of these are to come?
An Obama friend and Delegate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM2M11BsA3g

[Reb Mel]

Even though Joe Lieberman had to whisper the correct response in McCain's ear about lack of a connection between Iran and al Qaeda, there is no way in my estimation that Obama could defeat the Arizona senator. Rezko, Wright and Michelle Obama's gaffe about feeling proud of this country for the first time in her life have turned Obama into a major liability for the Dems. They'd be crazy to nominate anyone but Sen. Clinton.

[Matt]

More pro-Clinton shilling by this blog! Do you guys ever give up? Is the Clinton campaign sending you this copy?

[Cristine Black]

"clawing" her way back? just another example of the media's sexist bias, but it appears that perhaps the lemmings aren't as vapid as expected.

[Barack H]

The Democrats have no viable candidate. Obama has been vetted for a week and he is found to have association with one of the most hate-filled, self-righteous, fear-mongering, hard-core racists the country has ever known. Nothing can mend that.

If you vote for Obama you vote to perpetuate the hatred between races that this country has fought for a hundred years to eliminate.

[lee anderson]

First, though his phrasing might have been unseemly for a preacher, Rev. Wright didn't say anything that was untrue. He's ticked off, that's the basis of his ministry, and rightly so. So to me, Obama's disavowal was weak -- cowardly, even. Obama looks bad indeed distancing his fatherless self from the generous mentor he needed to help him define and hone his humanity. Rev. Wright is not a crazy uncle and to say so is unbelievably disrespectful.

Politically, Obama seems to have peaked too soon. The hysteria-emotion that has floated his candidacy has ebbed and now he has to talk issues like any other policy wonk.

I'm worried about his health plan, which seems to rest too much on trusting the insurance bastards who got us into this mess. He's been environmentally unaware, a tool of Big Coal, but maybe that's changed? Could he please let us know? Can he lend his oratory skills to drive home the seriousness of global climate disruption and the very near-term prospect of millions of climate refugees (think New Orleans all across India and China now that the Himalayan glaciers are all but gone) instead of yammering about race?

The shame of this supposedly egalitarian nation is less race relations than colorblind class-based poverty. People with multiple jobs literally can't afford housing or decent food on the paltry wages corporations grudgingly dole out! This is America, dammit!

And seriously, can we please get some specifics on how Obama will pull out of Iraq, end the U.S.-supported killing and spend that $12 billion per month on something that's not plain evil?

Frankly, either Dem candidate is fine with me, but I have grown quite weary of Obama's New Age blather about transcendence and whatnot. OK, it was a nice speech -- now get real or get lost.

[lee anderson]

First, though his phrasing might have been unseemly for a preacher, Rev. Wright didn't say anything that was untrue. He's ticked off, that's the basis of his ministry, and rightly so. So to me, Obama's disavowal was weak -- cowardly, even. Obama looks bad indeed distancing his fatherless self from the generous mentor he needed to help him define and hone his humanity. Rev. Wright is not a crazy uncle and to say so is unbelievably disrespectful.

Politically, Obama seems to have peaked too soon. The hysteria-emotion that has floated his candidacy has ebbed and now he has to talk issues like any other policy wonk.

I'm worried about his health plan, which seems to rest too much on trusting the insurance bastards who got us into this mess. He's been environmentally unaware, a tool of Big Coal, but maybe that's changed? Could he please let us know? Can he lend his oratory skills to drive home the seriousness of global climate disruption and the very near-term prospect of millions of climate refugees (think New Orleans all across India and China now that the Himalayan glaciers are all but gone) instead of yammering about race?

The shame of this supposedly egalitarian nation is less race relations than colorblind class-based poverty. People with multiple jobs literally can't afford housing or decent food on the paltry wages corporations grudgingly dole out! This is America, dammit!

And seriously, can we please get some specifics on how Obama will pull out of Iraq, end the U.S.-supported killing and spend that $12 billion per month on something that's not plain evil?

Frankly, either Dem candidate is fine with me, but I have grown quite weary of Obama's New Age blather about transcendence and whatnot. OK, it was a nice speech -- now get real or get lost.

[me]

just goes to show how pitifull the american people are...how pitifull the media is. i dont care who you vote for this kind of politics just makes me feel dumber. like we need to worry about what some black pasture is saying. I dont see how obama could possibly see those same kind of views since he was grown up in a white family. If you listen to his speech it all matches up to his message, how many politicions would say im not going to drop this person because he is a friend for a vote. now that is integrety. people are just blindly following what the media is saying and only there favorite news caster who is most likely going to bash or praise obama and realy not look at the message. How many of you heard the whole speech? not the clips that is played then critized.

Great speeches where spelled out, could you rember a 37 min speech without some paper or prompter? so what if he used them, it shows he is organized and wants to get his message across. and not asking questions? does anyone want to stand on a podium and answer the same questions over and over again. If you are a sway voter and take this into consideration...fine, vote for hillary or mcain, all you do is prove his whole point. Even if he doesnt get the election, it was a impressive speech, one worth listing to and i dont think this speech was to gain any type of politcal credits but to adress a issue that is tearing our country apart right now

right wing wants this...they are for the rich, and the rich wants the poor suffering so we dont take our right to bear arms to them. this whole country are blind to the problems we face, this is the stupidest country on earth, not the greatest. (and incase your wondering, im white and saying that, so shutup)

[nagaraj]

All the racists in America are waking up. Let the world see the true colors. Let's everyone know why we all deserve to become third world country from now on.

[Gerrrg]

On the one hand, race isn't an issue with Obama's campaign, but on the other hand, African-American votes are heavily in favor of Obama.

The true test of America's color-blindness is how one's own race votes. White voting for white, latino voting for latino, asian voting for asian, african-american voting for african-american, etc.

Obama's candidacy is trying to take advantage of race from both ends of the stick, and maybe it'll work.

[Tonyd]

As an Australian who has previously lived in Boston & DC for a couple of years and is intensely pro-American, it has been fascinating to observe the Democrat Primary contest.

It's my view that the Republican party are hoping in their wildest dreams that Clinton will be the Democratic Candidate knowing that more Republicans will turn out to ensure that she will never win. On the other hand, Obama is a real threat to the Republicans and, if he is the Democratic Candidate, may well win.

[troy]

Things will blow over. In the beginning, people said McCain had no chance. Then they said Obama had no chance, then they said Hillary had no chance...

The race thing will blow over. Those that are changing their minds were going to anyway. Obama will win the nomination and take on McCain. At that point, if Clinton decides to be on the ticket, then McCain will lose. If McCain selects Rice or Powell, Obama will lose.

The selection of VP will determine who will be our next president.

[Mindtrain]

This is one of the worst excuses for political "analysis" I've yet seen in this election.

You did not write that the election was over when it was clear, for months, that Hillary Clinton had no chance of winning the nomination (even *with* Florida and Michigan). In fact, if she had been any other candidate (such as Huckabee), she would have been relegated to irrelevance by the media (based on her dismal performance -- and neither OH nor TX changed the math equation in any rational way). Now, based on a few days of polling, your declare that the race is over and Obama has "lost" (even though he is still ahead).

Laughable and not worthy of the L.A. Times.

[Kib]

AMERICA IS LIKE PATIENT WITH LONGTIME CANCER DISEASE (race) WHO DOESN'T WANT TO ACCEPT THAT IS SICK, WHAT OBAMA SAID ITS RIGHT AND IS TIME TO HILL THE WOUND ,THIS IS LONG TIME OVERDUE, IS DONE IT , THE USA WILL REMAIN NO-UNITED STATE OF AMERICA UNTILL THIS PROBLEM IS RESOLVE , OBAMA IS LITTLE ANGEL SENT BY GOD TO RESCUE USA, GREAT SPEECH , VERY INTELLIGENT , SMART, HE TALK LIKE A PRESIDENT .

MANDELA SAID NO RICH PERSON CAN SLEEP , EAT,WALK IN PEACE AS LONGER IS NEIGHBOR IS HUNGRY .

OBAMA YOUR ARE MESSIAHHHHHH

[iWonder]

What is it with Barack and white women?

During his speech, he used his white grandmother as a shield. He kept referring to Ferraro. And, he keeps trying to accuse Hillary of being racist.

Why doesn't he just put on a Fedora and bitch slap every white women he sees.

[DAN]

MUSIC IS MY RELIGON, IF I LISTEN TO RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE DOES THAT MEAN I HATE AMERICA!

[John]

>>Cost's piece is headlined: "Is This Race Over?"
>>The answer seems obvious.
>>-- Don Frederick

Really? I didn't find the answer obvious from your article. I would say the Democratic race looks likely to continue until August. Why would it stop? Candidates stop running for two reasons - they run out of money, or they decide their political futures are better served by getting out. The vote doesn't happen until August, regardless of what any superdelgates announce before then, so there's several months to try and change their minds. I really don't see what circumstance will determine this race before the convention.

[jesse]

As soon as Hillary blew away her big popularity leads in Ohio and Texas, that was the end of it. The rest is academics. Even if Hillary was allowed to have a re-vote in FL and MI she would have needed to win all the remaining states including by 60%. Without a re-vote in FL she would have needed 62%. And without a re-vote in MI and FL she needs to win each and every State by 64 %. It is insurmountable task, especially taking into account her spotty performance in this primary election.

She is not staying in the race because she is a fighter or stubborn. It is because she needs money to repay her loan and back wages to her fat cat advisers. With Michigan gone away, Hillary needs to have an exit strategy after the PA primary if she fails to win by 62%. But for the reason stated herein, she will not.

Watch her campaign expenditure from now on. It will be trimmed low in order allow a higher saving level. Politics is a fat cow especially if you have voters who have a stronger passion for their candidate than their party. It is a blind reality while cash is collected from the many poor to a few rich. That sounds like a Republican trickle down policy - - As rich get richer the poor get happier! Let’s not forget, Hillary was a Republican in her early life. This value has never left her.

[Jeugenen]

SHALL LIBERAL OBAMA BE OR NOT BE MOST TRUSTED BY THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO SERVE GOD AND CONSTITUTION FOR THE NEXT FOUR DARK YEARS

Better educated than Neo-Lib Hillary and much better educated than Neo-Con McCain!

Superior intelligence to Neo-Lib Hillary and far superior intelligence to Neo-Con McCain, as judged by education and accomplishment!

Superior emotional self-control than either Neo-Lib Hillary or Neo-Con McCain

Superior family values than either Neo-Lib Hillary or Neo-Con McCain!

Far higher ethical standards than either Hillary or Neo-Con McCain, as judged by their conspiratorial relationships with powerful domestic and foreign lobbies, devious political propaganda, and hate-baiting attacks based on race and culture!

Far superior unifying ability in work with Reagan Conservatives and Kennedy Liberals, compared to the notoriously contentious divisiveness of Neo-Lib Hillary and Neo-Con McCain!

Far superior patriotism and humanitarianism, consistent with the letter and intent of the Constitution, to Neo-Lib Hillary and Neo-Con McCain who supported the un-constitutional and foolish sacrifice of the wealth and blood of the American People in the Iraq War on behalf of Israel!

Superior grasp of immediate priorities, as shown in the focus on using precious time and tax money to try to solve America’s crucial energy, unemployment, recession and inflation, and defense problems instead of foolishly squandering it in imperialistic bloody military interventions in affairs of small nations, while continuing to participate democratically as a member of the United Nations government!

Far broader support from Reagan Conservatives and Kennedy Liberals, and overwhelming support by members of the World community!

Promising beneficial future governmental accomplishments, in contrast to the predictably detrimental future governmental accomplishments of Neo-Lib Hillary and Neo-Con McCain!

[Ronald]

Barack Obama has been proven to be your typical lawyer turned politician. So much for "Change you can believe in."

[smokey]

I'm starting to think most of the posters here are "typical white people".

[T. Manning]

Mr. Dobbs, you are way off base with your comments and questions about the speech that Senator Obama gave today. One thing is crystal clear to me you are unforgiving of Senator Obama. You come out to wanting the senator to say "I hate my pastor". If you and others want that, then I must demand of you and the others to also say I hate the racism white men who sat year after year in our nation’s congress and not under pastor. These “Christian” men were devout racist and were elected in part "because" they were racist; this is our past in this nation and I might add few people left their church, city, state or this country because of them.
Let me name a few of these great leaders Gov. Wallace and Senator Thurmond to name a few and I sure you could add a just a few more if you wanted too. For all the conservative radio talk show and television show host, like yourself, refuse to discuss this part of our history. This leads to my conclusion that you are all hypocrites, demanding of Senator Obama a different standard. Frankly I find now find you all discussing. How many of our great leaders where members of all white clubs, and now you charge that Senator Obama is not fit to be president, give me a break. Once again the media denies its own history as Senator Obama stated in his speech. Senator Obama is not a racist and media and continues to attempt to label him as the “Black candidate”. I choose to as Senator Obama said to move on and forgive the acts of the past.
Let me address the question of if he knew the position of his pastor, then why did he stay? Dr. Martin Luther King asked the same question of millions of white southern Christians during the early days of the civil rights movement. White pastors and their congregations of the South who supported and befriended racist leaders (pastors, relatives, neighbors, co-workers and all others) in my South in his “Letter from Birmingham Jail.”
How many good Christians sat in those churches, in silence, some preaching hatred of Negroes? Dr. King was so disappointed with some the “good Christians” of the South, he said “we will have to repent in this generation not only for the hateful words and actions of the bad people, But for the appalling silence of the Good people…” I dare you to discuss my comments on the air! Many of these same people went on to be great leaders in our nation. They did not hold the values of hatred that was clearly taught and practiced in their churches, lodges, schools, clubs and so forth! Moreover, we have not asked them to express a hatred of their past relationships with friends and family whose views they did accept. I do not recall anyone demanding Senator Thurmond to repudiate his past before support was given to him in several elections.
Let me help you with a church and school that discriminated against Blacks---Bob Jones University. I had Christian friends who attended both I did not condemn them. I met them as individuals and loved them as my Christian brothers and sisters. However, I still rejected teachings and actions of Bob Jones church and university. I also have Mormon friends, I was fully aware that their church leaders, doctrine, and church discriminated against black people. We, together, looked beyond our past and embraced one another as friends. Let's move on as Senator Obama has said, our nation has serious problems that need to be addressed.
The argument you and others are using is false one, and as I said before supremely hypocrite! Once again as Dr. King said before we will have to repent in this nation. CNN has to change, your reputation is at stake as a fair station, I as not seeing the “best political team” reporting all the positions and voices.

[RacerX]

Although I was once, and to some extent still am, a stalwart supporter of Bill Clinton, that allegiance hasn't necessarily transferred to Hillary. I believe her desperation is showing and it's not in the least bit flattering. I have always given Hillary high marks for toughness, intelligence and political deftness but I fear her sense of entitlement is destructive and will serve no one but the Repugnicans.

She overstates her qualifications and since when did we American's care about the most qualified candidate? Statistically HRC cannot win the nomination without the capitulation of the superdelegates. She will torpedo the Democratic party to get her way and ask yourself just who does that serve? Part of being politically savvy is knowing when you're beaten and how to bow out gracefully, live to fight another day.

[Unbelievable]

Who are these people? Everything the "Pasture" (pastor) said is true???? You mean the American government invented aides to commit mass genocide on the black people of Africa? You mean that we deserved 9-11? You mean that we should not support Jews? You mean that we should all sing "God Damn America"? You mean that somehow black people are the only people that suffer? All that is true? For God's sake, are you even citizens of this country. How can you believe that? What racist conspiracr nut job are you guys being brainwashed by?
This will not blow over. Anyone who supports a man who supports this church is in favor of racism, division, and hatred. Anyone who can hear the same words that Obama has listened to and donated money to for 20 years and say "No big deal" has no clue. Do you really want a leader who hates you for your skin color? Do you want a man who acts like he is against racism, but then takes his little children to learn about hatred every Sunday. This man is the worst candidate in history. Yes, in history. If you took Rush Limbaugh, mixed him with David Duke, Charles Manson, and Jim jones he would not be as radical as the man Obama has learned from, has listened to for 20 years, and who he appointed to his campaign staff.

If you are preaching forgiveness for this garbage, then tell me this: Would you be as forgiving if you found out that McCain donated $22,000 to the KKK?

[tina herod]

I support HRC, but Senator Obama was on track with his remarks about race in America. It is hard to believe that racism exists, but it does,even if people fail to see its presence. It is hard to believe it's institutionalized, but it is; the fight for civil rights all throughout the 20th century certainly changed some things (legally, if not in practice), but the stain of racism still exists. Senator Obama's point was that everyone harbors bias, and Rev. Wright's mistake was in thinking that nothing ever changes, when clearly as a nation, the United States has made great strides--but it certainly isn't perfect, and I think that people who are intellectually honest get this. Senator Obama clearly believes that change has occurred and is trying to articulate this. Again, this black American supports HRC because I believe she's a decent, hardworking woman who has always rolled up her sleeves and has done the heavy lifting. So I applaud Senator Obama for his honesty in acknowledging the anger of some (not all) black Americans, and for acknowledging the anger of some (not all) whites who feel that America has done enough to erase the horror of slavery and Jim Crow segregration, and are now in turn, being discriminated against. There is hurt and pain everywhere, but the personal attacks aren't warranted, in my humble opinion.

[jona]

The edge has eroded. The speech he gave on Tuesday was not for the American people; it was teleprompted for the media pundits—a whole 37 minutes of grandiose academic sophistry. That’s not the kind of thing that can ever erase from American consciousness the image of a man screaming “G…D America!” while his parishioners jump out of their seats with glee. The speech may have flattered the intellectual pretensions of liberal commentators but it didn’t change the association of Obama with Wright.

[excel]

It was not a speech about race.
It was a racist speech.
Place this in your coconuts....
I follow my Priest because I am a Christian and Jesus teachings about love,forgiveness,piety and kindness strikes me.
Barack follows a demagogue and a bigot.
I also heard him say, Pastor Wright showed him the way to Christianity 20 years ago.
Boy, how we all differ. But then, Barack must also be a new Christian!
But if Barack follows this man,.....I AM NOT FOLLOWING BARACK.
Thank you for clearing my mind Mr Wright.

[goldenstate]

If Obama's poll numbers continue to go down, he will have no choice, but to step down.

[JFK]

Obama is a fraud and an identity theif. He and Rev. Wright should be allowed to say what they really think of this country and no one should ever ever accuse them of racism. Only those who challenge this ilk, should be accussed of racism. How could so many be deceived at one time??

[John]

Obama and Wright should be allowed to say whatever they want. If anyone challenges them in any way, they should be called racists. Obama is a fraud!!!

[Zack]

I don't think Obama is electable at this point. Leading Hillary or not, the power brokers within the party are going to have to step up. I mean, just listen to what the Republicans are saying. They're drooling over the possibilty of running against him now. I seriously doubt Obama can reconcile some of Reverend Wright's vitriol with a predominantly white electorate. For one thing, it should not be forgotten that a minister's most important job is to teach (and demonstrate) forgiveness and transcendence. Yes America's racial history is obscene. But why use a pulpit to countenance hatred? How does that help anyone? As for Obama, I'm an open minded person, but taking part in that for so many years reeks of ambition and moral cowardice. It's something I can let slide on a personal level. I could be friends with someone who went to that church because I understand that life is complex and nuanced. I understand conflicted loyalties. But is this PRESIDENTIAL? No. And it will sink him and the Dems in the general election if we're fool enough to let that happen. Lastly, Obama has run largely on his judgment. He contends that he had the strong judgment to oppose the Iraq War while Hillary "authorized" it. I like Obama but I never bought into this twaddle to begin with. Now it seems ludicrous. Who would subject their daughters to Reverend Wright on Sundays knowing his "message" was so often wrought with such anger and paranoia, then tell us they have the sound judgment to hold arguably the most important job on the planet?

[Paul Revere]

Here's something I'm thankful for:

Despite being biased towards Obama in most cases, a good portion of the news websites out there(including this one), are allowing people to post comments at length. This is a very objective(and very American) thing to do on the part of the websites that participate. We should be thankful for this form of free speech. Comment sessions on websites that I've seen are running around 400 or more entries per news story.

And here are some even more important things I am thankful for:

I am an American and a Patriot.

I still get a tear in my eye and put my hand on my heart when the National Anthem plays.

I don't associate myself with organizations that try to mix religion with politics, hate, and utter dismemberment of any racial groups, much less G*d D*mning our entire nation.

I still believe in the good ole Stars and Stripes, and it's not just because I've traveled to foreign lands as a soldier in the US Armed Forces, and have seen just how much a divided people can kill, maim, dismember, and disgustingly desecrate humankind alltogether.

America is 200+ years in the making and it's a wonderful place. I'm not going to let anyone take that away from me.

As for Obama, he's not patriotic enough to be our President. Obama hasn't proven himself to be worthy of the job of the #1 Patriot in the land. Furthermore, I don't trust him to carry forward our great country(keeping all of its glory intact).

Obama's 20 years of actions of making a racist and bigot his greatest hero are only exceeded by his utter arrogance in trying to perform a "damage control speech" that only seeks to cause social Apocalypse between Americans everywhere. And for what? America has enough problems today without starting up a whole new chapter in social distress sparked by Obama trying to cover his behind and strong arm entire states out of their rights to vote as American citizens.

McCain is a decorated War hero(Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, etc., etc.). McCain has not only put his life on the line numerous times to protect our great Constitution, he has spent over five years in a POW camp, being beaten daily, just to come out still supporting our Good Ole' Stars and Stripes and our American way of life.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McCain#Awards.2C_honors.2C_and_decorations

Obama has performed non of the afore mentioned patriotic duties, and what's worse is that he scoffs at patriotism. Obama refuses to wear the flag pin because he thinks it's a joke. Obama won't put his hand on his heart during our National Anthem(US Code even says he should). Obama's wife cannot even stop the hatred from last Sunday's session with Pastor Wright from pouring through her lips. Obama is UnAmerican and AntiPatriotic.

Our flag, our country, our people, our will, our failures, our successes, our past, and MOST importantly our future as America is not a joke. Don't Tread on America, we haven't come as far as we are by not being Patriotic.

Obama, with his 20 year association with Pastor Wright's breeding of hate, inflammatory racism, and will to divide America simply cannot stand a chance against someone like McCain. And Obama won't even sorry for it. Has Obama ever said sorry for anything? Perhaps it's not in his character.

The media and political advisors everywhere are already talking about the demise that Obama will experience if he is forced to be in the general election.

Obama needs to bow out, now. His presence is only causing more problems for the Dems., and for America as a whole. Even if he's forced onto the primary, he's toast when he matches up with McCain.

It's now Hillary's turn to carry the Dems forward against McCain, and the Dems need to rally behind her strongly for her to succeed. Hillary has been fighting the battle of her life, against insurmountable odds, and yet she holds strong, she is still in the race for President. Hillary remains the one that we can be depended on to become our next Democratic President.

P.R.

[Get out of Race Obama]

All the obama supporters are defending him staying at the church, ALL the black ministers are defending Wrights preaching, that simply tells ALL Americans they also support his feelings of anti- America and white hatred that the church preaches. No one says Obama cant attend the church for 20 years, or raise his daughters to be racist like his wife, what we ARE SAYING is that HE CANNOT REPRESENT ALL OF AMERCIA AS U.S. PRESIDENT! Rev Wright was and most likely still is a paid advisor on Obamas campaign??? Obama and David Axelrod insisted that Obama be the black candidate early in SC when they tried to spin it on Bill Clinton, it worked for the biased tabloid media like CNN cronies, since then, we ALL have come to realize Obama has problems with the truth and we learned this week for sure where his faith and true beliefs are, its obvious THERES ABSOLUTLY NO CHANGE WITH OBAMA, HE WILL DRAG U.S. BACK TO THE 60'S RACIAL DIVIDE at a time our country needs to unite. He cannot do that, no matter how many black news casts tell you he can

OBAMA STANDS BEHIND SPIRITAL ADVISOR WRIGHT!
“Wright is like an uncle you love and respect” As imperfect as he may be, he has been family to me for so many years, I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community, said Obama. The man who believes and preaches the U.S. government formulated the HIV AIDS virus to commit genocide against blacks also preaches “We bombed Hiroshima, we bombed Nagasaki, and we nuked far more than the thousands in New York and the Pentagon, and we never batted an eye on 9/11. This is the same man Obama had as advisor on his Presidential staff until this week. Rather than break ties with his demagogic, anti-American pastor, Obama used a speech on the non-back race to excuse his behavior and sweep the controversy under the rug. Passing the buck. Obama supposedly condemning Wright's shocking verbal assaults against the U.S and White Americans, but April last year; Obama was the first and quickest to demand Imus' ouster for making a racially insensitive remarks. His opinions and issues change with the weather, he is too UNSTABLE and proven he cannot make a decision or stay with one. Next we have ALL corrupt campaign financers, business and personal friends as indicted Rezko, former Dallas Mayor Hill, Rep. Rick Renzi and Mr. Auchi, leading supplier of arms to Saddam's regime convicted for corruption in France, the same British-Iraqi billionaire lent millions and millions of dollars to Obama all coming out of the woodwork. ALL this from the half black ex-Muslim who touts change and claims to be a uniter of all people? Proof he is just another in-experienced Washington politician that the media has like CNN has given a free pass at the great risk of our great country! There will soon be allot more video of Rev Wright and Obama coming, all this has proven without doubt if he is the nominee the democrat voters he cannot win the general election, just the black vote will not do it. Its time for Obama to leave this race and take his not so proud of America racist wife, spiritual advisor and anti white church with him..

[Jeugenen]

MC-CAIN’S “WINNING” STRATEGY IN THE PRESIDENTIAL BATTLE OF THE AMERICAN CULTURAL WAR

With Hillary now condemned by the Kennedy Liberals to be burnt at the stake, McCain is the presidential candidate desperately supported by both panicked Podhoretz Neo-Conservatives and Leiberman Neo-Liberals. His shrewd puppeteer, that political dirty trickster Charlie Black, to compensate for McCain’s reputation being insanely subversive to both traditional Reagan Conservatism and Kennedy Liberalism, and for Obama’s reputation being honorable, shall depend on deceptive propaganda techniques, for a politically suicidal campaign that will predictably culminate with McCain getting a well earned date with a Democrat and Republican firing squad.

This foolish Marxist strategy is transparently intended to miraculously transform the image of Neo-Con McCain into an acceptable Conservative, while transforming the image of young Obama into an unacceptable radical black Liberal, by hook and by crook. McCain has notoriously opposed the Republican efforts to preserve lower taxes, supported child sacrifice by abortion, rebuked and ridiculed Christian sects, suppressed freedom of speech on the internet, supported illegal immigration of Mexican labor, supported the loss of vital American technology and jobs to China, and supported the illegal sacrifice of the wealth and blood of the American People for the sole benefit of Israel; and he has accomplished nothing noteworthy in his long, contentious, and politically divisive public career. Obama has earned an honorable reputation and a promising political future, by his Harvard legal education and his hard honest work as Illinois Senator.

McCain’s insane disloyalty to his Christian God, his Constitution, his Republican Party, and his military forces will be drowned out by Charlie Black’s incessant propaganda portraying him as the most trustworthy and competent Conservative candidate. Endorsements by Judas ministers and turncoat Conservatives will be bought with campaign promises. Much of the freedom of speech on the internet will be suppressed by continuous complaints and threats. Simultaneously, incessant slanderous propaganda attacks will be launched against Obama’s name, religion, patriotism, and political philosophy. Anti-Semite, black-racist, and political-sleaze baiting attacks will be instigated by Black against vulnerable religious and political groups within Obama’s broad spectrum of supporters, and their vices will be deceptively associated with Obama, as in the recent cases of the real estate crook and the old black racist pastor. And political collusion among millions of Neo-Cons and Neo-Libs will be orchestrated through leading Neo-Con and Neo-Lib commentators in the news and entertainment media. Of course, all of this injustice and persecution of Obama will never be forgotten and will certainly be punished.

McCain’s strategy, based on the assumption that the majority of decent and trustful Americans are sufficiently gullible, is foolish because leading Liberals and Conservatives have long recognized that their real enemies in the American Cultural War are these Neo-Cons and Neo-Libs now entrenched in government, colleges, schools, and news and entertainment agencies. Their incessant subversion of traditional Christian culture and Constitutional government has been intensifying since the McCarthy Era, when politically defeated as Marxist refugees from Nazi Germany, they quickly evolved into two species of Neo-Marxists, the crypto-Marxist Neo-Liberal Democrats and Neo-Conservative Republicans, to resume their relentless ideological politically struggle to gain social and economic power over the America People.

Presently, it is in the vital interests of the Reagan Conservatives and Kennedy Liberals to fight side by side in this crucial election presidential battle of the Cultural War for the imminent defeat of Neo-Lib Hillary and Neo-Con McCain, the expulsion of the Neo-Libs and Neo-Cons from the Democrat and Republican parties, and the patriotic reformation of their endangered traditional Christian culture and Constitutional government.

There are two strategies by which these rather foolish Neo-Cons and Neo-Libs shall be defeated. The first is by a Holy Alliance, whereby both Reagan Conservatives and Kennedy Liberals vote for Obama. The second is by Liberals voting for Obama; and Conservatives voting for Ron Paul, Huckabee, and Romney as write-in candidates. The first strategy offers the additional benefit of quickly re-unifying Republicans and Democrats spiritually, under the shared love of their rich Christian culture and enlightened Constitutional government, against these insidious Neo-Con and Neo-Lib enemies who have so bitterly divided them over the years.

Google: Mearsheimer Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy; Stricherz Why the Democrats are Blue; Wall Street Journal McCain-Feingold Legislation; Ron Paul Human Events Interview; Who Would the World Elect.

[Realista]

Another line of defense is that the Rev. Wright quotations were taken out of context. This is usually the last refuge of the correctly quoted who can't think of a better out. There's no way those statements can be justified or become acceptable even if washed and diluted by six oceans of context.

Another defense offered is that critics don't understand the black church. As Larry Elder, a black talk show host who understands the black church, said, "Rev. Wright sounds like a combination of David Duke, Minister Farrakhan and Moe of the Three Stooges."

This would be a scandal and an association that would wipe out most candidates, but the mainstream media is acting as a campaign manager and cheerleader for Mr. Obama. In one of the great journalistic disgraces and failures in American history, the mainstream media has allowed Mr. Obama to reach the brink of nomination without any vetting to speak of.

[Judgment?]

With his campaign taking such a drastic nose-dive, why doesn't Obama have the judgment to fire some of his high-level campaign managers???

[Carli]

K Dis whole issue shoud be just chilled out or watever. I dunno what why everi-1z freekin out cuz da pollz r not totly da bes stuff 2 pay attenetan 2. Wat I'm tri-ing 2 sai iz: theere'z a war going on ppl! Lets in-creeze da peez n stop waztin r time with retarded meaninlezz pollz!

[Realista]

Obama is a Harvard Lawyer expert using words to deflect and seduce, channeling MLK, JFK, and Lincoln as needed. He understands the core tenants of Black Liberation Theology and HAS CHOSEN to practice it for over 21 YEARS as his personal faith (as has his wife) and adopt it for his children. After Harvard, Obama became a Black Organizer and activist.

The Larger story centers on the faith’ and what the core tenets of that faith are, not merely one of many messengers - Reverend Wright.

The “black liberation” theologians James Cone and Dwight Hopkins pioneered the religion that Obama’s church espouses, and which Rev. Wright both adheres to and preaches.

Some of the main points of this Cult Theology’:

Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him. The task of black theology is to kill Gods who do not belong to the black community. Their Black theology will accept only the love of God which participates in the destruction of the white enemy. What we need is the divine love as expressed in Black Power, which is the power of black people to destroy their oppressors here and now by any means at their disposal. Unless God is participating in this holy activity, we must reject his love. In the black liberation theology taught by Wright, Cone and Hopkins, Jesus Christ is not for all men, but only for the oppressed:

In the New Testament, Jesus is not for all, but for the oppressed, the poor and unwanted of society, and against oppressors. Either God is for black people in their fight for liberation and against the white oppressors, or he is not [Cone].

1. See William R Jones, “Divine Racism: The Unacknowledged Threshold Issue for Black Theology”, in African-American Religious Thought: An Anthology, ed Cornel West and Eddie Glaube (Westminster John Knox Press).

There are some serious issues to be addressed about WHY Obama chose to join this Black Power cult, and its main message of hatred. He’s in it now, and has been immersed in this core doctrine for over 20 years. Black Panthers are part of Obama Campaign.

[Rain]

OMG! If Hillary wins the Democratic nom, I'll vote for McCain!!!

[MikeTucker]

Obama has no one to blame but himself for the position he is in. He has decided that being loyal to Wright is more important than being loyal to all American citizens, the majority of whom are outraged by Wright's lies, defamations and slander, especially Wright's need to ally himself to al Qaeda and declare that al Qaeda's vicious and barbaric attack on September 11, 2001 on American soil was in any way justified. Nothing justifies the bloody murder that al Qaeda perpetrated on September 11th, nothing. Obama's refusal to make a firm, clear, decisive statement repudiating Wright and likewise, Obama's refusal to make firm, clear and decisive statements attacking Wright for the racist and liar and anti-American hate machine that Wright is, speaks volumes! Obama is showing his true colors: gutless and lame. He has lost my vote and if it comes down to him or McCain, I will most definitely vote for McCain, despite my differences with the Senator from Arizona. McCain is many things, but he is not gutless, he is not lame, he does not stand with those who are allied to al Qaeda. Obama is toast.