Barack Obama tackles race in Philadelphia speech

In a moment that sounded oddly like Mitt Romney talking about religion, Barack Obama just directly addressed the undercurrent -- and occasionally main current -- of race in the 2008 presidential campaign, describing the nation's black-white divide as "a racial stalemate we’ve been stuck in for years."

In a 37-minute speech in Philadelphia, Obama again rejected the incendiary comments of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright while placing them within the context of a generation raised amid the pain of the civil rights struggle and the "legacy of defeat" shouldered by African Americans who, unlike those who "scratched and clawed their way to get a piece of the American Dream," still lead unfulfilled lives.

He sought to cast this as a historic moment -- an opportunity to forge change, or to fall back into the stalemate.

"The fact is that the comments that have been made and the issues that have surfaced over the last few weeks reflect the complexities of race in this country that we’ve never really worked through –- a part of our union that we have yet to perfect. And if we walk away now, if we simply retreat into our respective corners, we will never be able to come together and solve challenges like healthcare, or education, or the need to find good jobs for every American."

But Obama sought to put Wright's views, and those of many African Americans -- as well as whites -- within a cultural context, and it was unclear whether his tack would bridge the divide or assuage those enraged by Wright's comments.

Obama argued that class weighs heavily, too. "Most working- and middle-class white Americans don’t feel that they have been particularly privileged by their race. ... They are anxious about their futures, and feel their dreams slipping away; in an era of stagnant wages and global competition, opportunity comes to be seen as a zero-sum game, in which your dreams come at my expense. So when they are told to bus their children to a school across town; when they hear that an African American is getting an advantage in landing a good job or a spot in a good college because of an injustice that they themselves never committed; when they’re told that their fears about crime in urban neighborhoods are somehow prejudiced, resentment builds over time."

In both cases, Obama said, the angers and resentments "distracted attention from the real culprits of the middle-class squeeze," blame he laid at the feet of corrupted corporate culture, "a Washington dominated by lobbyists and special interests" and "economic policies that favor the few over the many.  And yet, to wish away the resentments of white Americans, to label them as misguided or even racist, without recognizing they are grounded in legitimate concerns -– this too widens the racial divide, and blocks the path to understanding."

Obama argued that "like the anger within the black community, these resentments ...

aren’t always expressed in polite company. But they have helped shape the political landscape for at least a generation. Anger over welfare and affirmative action helped forge the Reagan Coalition. Politicians routinely exploited fears of crime for their own electoral ends. Talk-show hosts and conservative commentators built entire careers unmasking bogus claims of racism while dismissing legitimate discussions of racial injustice and inequality as mere political correctness or reverse racism."

So what to do? For African Americans, "binding our particular grievances" over such issues as better access to healthcare and good schools "to the larger aspirations of all Americans -- the white woman struggling to break the glass ceiling, the white man who's been laid off, the immigrant trying to feed his family. And it means taking full responsibility for our own lives -– by demanding more from our fathers, and spending more time with our children, and reading to them, and teaching them that while they may face challenges and discrimination in their own lives, they must never succumb to despair or cynicism; they must always believe that they can write their own destiny."

But white Americans must acknowledge "that what ails the African American community does not just exist in the minds of black people," and that the legacy of discrimination thrives in both personal anger and policy decisions that had led to unequal access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. "It requires all Americans to realize that your dreams do not have to come at the expense of my dreams; that investing in the health, welfare, and education of black and brown and white children will ultimately help all of America prosper."

It was a forceful speech, and a good moment for Obama. The question, of course, is whether it was good enough, and whether he can now move his campaign beyond what has become a major stumbling block for his quest for the Democratic nomination.

-- Scott Martelle

Photo: Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Elena]

I am a 29 white woman who grew up in Idaho, incredibly naive about racial difference and the legacy of racism. After college, I spent 3 years in rural Mississippi teaching at an all black high school in one of the most impoverished parts of the nation. I have lived and worked on both sides of the racial divide and have learned along the way how complicated issues of race, justice, & economic disparity intersect. Obama presents some of the most honest & difficult truths I have ever heard from a politician with candor, humility, & grace. He is not a perfect man — but he has enormous insight & wisdom. This was a courageous moment in American politics. I can’t conceive of voting for anyone else. Even if his campaign should somehow fail, I consider myself lucky to have heard this speech today & to be part of the generation that has witnessed & worked for his campaign.

[R. vasudevan]

Americans will be loathe to admit it...but the fact is despite his impressive showing, Obama will not finally make it tgo the White House, becuase he happens to be an African American. Race and the skin colour does matter for most Americans. For all their lip serivce, the possibility of a Black US President is not palatable to the majority of whites.

R. Vasudevan, New Delhi, India

[R Hudgens]

This is an incredible speech and demonstrates to me why Obama should be our next President. However, if he is not elected then the words of Rev. Jeremiah Wright and the underlying cynicism about racial progress in America will have been solidified.

[Nicholas Lefevre]

The parsing and mischaracterizations of this speech has aready begun. Nobody should rely on the characterizations of others about the content of this speech. You MUST watch the entire speech before commenting.

[Marilyn Prescott]

How could Senator Obama compare his grandmother's ignorance to his pastor's arrogance? You can't compare the two as being remotely similar. The senator needs to remember that some of us "Feel Good" Americans are still capable of rational thought. I'm tired of Obama's rhetoric.
M. Prescott

[anon]

How, and why exactly is this a 'major stumbling block' for Obama? Can anyone really explain this to me? I sometimes do not understand the news I am reading.

[Marvin]

The Conservative HATERS now have to wait for RUSH to tell them how they should digest Barack's speech. Shame, shame!

[blackbox]

A black man talking about race issues......
what a shocker!

"vote for me if you ever felt quilty about the racism black people have experienced"

[James]

For all of his flower speeches, Obama lacks the judgment or the integrity to take the action he describes. What action did he take when he knew he was subscribing and supporting a racist pastor? He did nothing. As a typical politician who will say and do anything to get elected, he waited until his little racist secret was uncovered and then gave a 30 minute history lesson of racism in America, not once apologizing for his complete lack of judgment in continually supporting a man who is clearly a racist. He does not deserve, and should not get, a free pass on this issue because he can decieve people with flowery rhetoric. If McCain, Bush, Gore, or Edwards, had been attending KKK rallies in the South for the past 20 years, we would we let them off the hook by saying, "the KKK does a lot of good in the white community and while I don't subscribe to all of its teachings, I can understand its point of view." No. We would expect that the leader of the free world (or wannabe leader) would have the integrity to stand up in the middle of such a racist rant, or to pull him aside (before he was caught), and say, "I don't agree with these comments. They are racist. I will not subject either myself, my wife, or my kids to such hateful speech." Obama did not have the integrity to do that. He should be ashamed as should all of his apologists.

[Sharon]

Unfortunately racism is alive and well though I can't agree with everything Obama's minister said, I don't feel it is fair to judge him by what his minister said. I worship in a church now where more than half of the congregation all but hates the minister. The important thing is that they are not there to worship the minister but to glorify Jesus. I think the manner in which Obama has ran his campaign demonstrates that he is humble and is not trying to make this thing about race. I guess this does help the ratings on the news programs though. Unfourtunately it has been my experience that most of the black people who are not supporting Obama chooses not to because they fear he will be killed should he become president. I think that is really sad and only validates some of his minister's words. I think the real issue is are the words of Minister Wright true. I really resent a white person telling me how to feel as a minority or to even begin to understand what the struggle is about. I grew up where hangings happened. There are still many people who have lived that who have not forgotten. I don't think the hatred and anger are justified, especially in the pulpit, but I do understand.

[BabyBoss]

where can you find the speech in its entirety? I thought it was passionate and beautiful. I lOVE ALL OF YOU

[bob]

Obama is a highly skilled manipulator. don't be fooled...

[thescoopenator]

Senator Obama showed the American people what can truly be. He showed courage and a true sense of the fears and realities of all races, and sexes. He spoke truth and sometimes truth hurts. The time is NOW!

[Gayguy whose mother left her church]

It is not his race, but his unwillingness to remove himself completely from a man that perpetuates racial divide.
After I came-out as a gay man, my mom left her church for making anti-gay statements. She grew up in this church, her kids were all baptized there, even some of her grandkids... she got married in it, etc., etc., etc., but she eventually left it because it was anti-gay.
There's a big difference about family that you can not reject, versus someone who is "like" family. There's is a power of choice.
He does not reject Wright (the man) because if he gets the nomination, he will need the Black vote. Rejecting Wright (the man) means the Black community calling him a sell-out.

[Dave G]

It is my sincere hope that all of us Americans can finally agree that we still do have major obstacles to unifying our country. Let's not enable one or two speeches by a church pastor prevent us from hearing all the good thoughts and vision of Barack Obama. He really can make a difference. We cannot go on with a Business as Usual" direction. It is time for dramatic change. Let's not fear this change but welcome it. Our place in the global world depends on it and we do not have time to waste.

[Donna]

I am a 50 year old white Republican woman who intends to vote for Barack Obama. I am ready to take that "leap of faith" with him. He is exactly what our country needs.

[ThinkPiece]

This speech will forever be known as, "Obama throws his Grandma under the bus!"

[Dwight]

Legitimate questions have been asked as to why whites support Obama.

I find the quality of his reasoning very strong. I ask myself if I am being duped by a slick guy.

I do find that I take comfort from the Kansas roots of Obama's mother, a woman who clearly seems to have lived a life of thought, sincerity, and dedication.

I went to Yale. My friends aspire high, and have achieved. But I have seen real leadership from few of them. Support for Iraq as a political calculation; Wall Street point winning; these have been more common.

Obama does look like the best of a new generation. My generation (I'm 42).

Where Hillary hid behind her mega-return in cattle futures, Obama says buying a 10 foot strip of land from Rezko was a bonehead move. Here's a guy who can admit an error; she's a person who hides her errors -- not sure she thinks she ever made one. Like George W. Bush. He has Rezko; she has the Asian guy. She wants to fight; he wants to unite. I've thought about it alot. I 'll go with him.

But, America has a big issue that Obama hasn't addressed. How will he really keep us safe?

If he gives a great answer, he will be president.

On security, one day America will realize we win through assuring our enemies of wholesale destruction of all they love if they nuke us. Why? Because it works. That's how Reagan faced down the Soviets, by talking tough but in fact only invading Grenada.

One day we will learn to tell the Islamic Jihadists that if they nuke us, we will obliterate all countries Muslim from Marocco to Indonesia. Only that will stop them from thinking big. And it will: they love the Muslim world and want to run it. But they can't run what doesn't exist. And they don't want to be responsible for it's end.

McCain has walked hismself out on a ledge with his eagerness for more Hot War that bleeds our soliders and our treasury. McCain is eager for more Viet Nams and Iraqs that play to the strength of pesky advesaries.

We Americans want Cold War, where we sit back behind our nuclear shield in relative peace, run our economy well, and let the inefficiency of our adversaries drive their own people batty until they throw them out and take up leaders who are more like us.

The Cold War mantle of wholesale assured destruction as response to an enemy nuke is there for Obama to take.

Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice let the terrorists define themselves as having no country, and thus immune to the wholesale assured destruction that kept the Soviets in check. Hokum. There's are all the Muslim nations.

Obama is a very wise man. If he has the wisdom to assure our adversaries of broad and wholesale retaliatoary destruction, he will have a real chance at carrying 55-60% of the popular vote. Because the America people will see by emulating Reagan's successful approach, Obama is the wise man on defense, and McCain is asking us to support more folly that only our enemies could want.

[char]

This speech was stunning...I am relieved that he was able to verbalize these thoughts in such a meaningful way. There is no hype here; just a man expressing himself eloquently and humbly. His candor is remarkable, I hope his message is not lost to the negative politics from the other candidate who shall not be named.

[ger]

Did'nt like the speech at all,just more lies I was listening to him and I noticed Obama said he knew about the remarks his pastor made,but 2 days ago in a interview he said something different,he said he did'nt know.Obama is like any politician give a good speech,and then the dumbs fall into line.I don't need some butt faced politician who lies with smooth words to represent me,I need a president who has been open to all.Would we elect David Duke if he gave some fancy speech,even though we knew his connections to the KKK,I think not.

[John Grace]

As a high school student in Montana I marched in protest after the Rev. Martin Luther King was assinated urging the passage of the Civil Rights Legislation. It saddened me afterwards to see my black brothers retreat into self imposed segregation to develop a racial pride that needed to exist. As a proud Irish-American I understood the need for identity and pride but also for integration not just in employment and education but also in social settings. Integration is the necessary process of breaking down the fear of difference that divides us. Integration allows us to see that we are indeed all in the same boat and not so very different. Obama's speech has now changed me from a Hilary supporter to an Obama supporter with the hope that we can voluntarily integrate and learn to accept one another. If we are to live in peace in this country and be a world leader its the next step we have to take,

[zammy]

Look for Obama to be a prinicple player in global affairs after he miracously wins the presidential election.

[Chris Green]

Politics in America affects the globe and that's why so many persons outside of the USA are so caught up in this campaign.
I have watched as America squandered its political capital after 9/11, going from a nation that everyone could empathize with and support to being viewed as arrogant aggressors pursuing purely selfish, concocted agendas.

Now with the a clear choice between the politics that got you to this position of economic gloom and an unjustifiable war and a real chance of positive meaningful change. I watch in amazement at how what seems like an easy and obvious choice , is made to seem difficult and trying.

The world watches and hopes that America gets it right this time. We know who we would want as your President. We too hope for change we can believe in.

[Akindele]

Firstly, I have to say that there is no other like Obama. Absolutely none.

To sum up Senator Obama's speech today,

What he is offerring is not for the naive, nor the fainted-hearted, its not for the uncourageous, nor the unchanging.
What he is offering is for the courageous, for those who have the heart to move beyond just dreams, and into realms never experienced in American history.
What he is offerring is beyond hope, hope is just a starting point, like the intimate binding of struggle between his example of the young white girl and the old black man.
What he is offerring is for those who look to the next generation, believing that perfection is not in the eyes of the beholder, but reality which we can't avoid
What he is offerring is a solution for opportunities for more solutions to tackle root issues that have paralyzed a nation fit for perfection
What he is offerring is the antisynthesis to an ideology of hate and a philosophy of inferiority
What he is offerring is an agreement between struggles and a covenant for perfection, in that nothing is impossible if one begins with hope and the assurance of faith
What he is offerring is a contract between the old and the young, black and white, citizens and immigrants, rich and poor, priviledged and the impoverished
What he is offerring is beyond what we think could happen, it is what will happen someday, though the opportunity is one that we can grasp
What he is offerring is enough to make a young man like myself, from distant shores, from a place unlike America, have hope for where I'm from, from righ here in America
What he is offerring cannot be exploited by no one, cannot be politically manipulated by any pundit, cannot be impoverished by any economic struggle, it prevails above all else

I am ready for what he is offering, though I also understand that this time, fate might not be ready, though if indeed our generation's destiny, if indeed this time when we speak of such taboo truths, is indeed the time we've so longed for, to move one step closer towards perfection, then I am ready for what he is offering.

That is all that matters, no matter what the political outcome is, he has tapped into a force greater than what we have ever faced, he speaks directly to our hearts, bypassing our conscience and connecting with the root of our psyche. So that even if we try to hold hard to that which continue to divide us, because of our fear, our ignorance, and our childish philosophies of unchanging solutions; his message transcends our reach.

So on behalf of Senator Obama's message, who is truly the epitome of a dream that can only be dreamt by the likes of Martin Luther King Jr., I am truly inspired that hope, change, and perfection are all means and ends which one day, we will achieve, within this nation and the world at-large.

So I hope you got the message, a very clear, simple yet complex, straightforward yet deep understanding of what we need to do to go to where we need to go.

If you feel inspired like I do, don't hide, express it and let it shine as the gem that it is, immune from our own worst enemies, each other.

God Bless.

[Roger]

All this shows is that he is an eloquent speaker. His choice in associations display quite an array of questionable and despicable characters. Who would be his cabinet?

[Prasoon Tiwari]

I am an american of east indian decent. African americans have always assumed that they represent all minorities. Once, a black CEO of a non-profit organization told me that I would not have been in the US if African Americans had not faught for civil rights. The problems with comments like these are they don't lead anywhere. I have come from India and worked hard to make my life here in the US. In return, I got three degrees from the prestigious U.S institutes including one from MIT. My experiences have been great in the USA. People across all races have been so friendly & nice to me so far. I couldn't agree anymore that the United States have been the fairest country in the world when it comes to providing opportunities to its people irrespective of race, sex, creed, & caste. I have seen the other side of the world and what happens there. There are prosperous asian american communities in California and hispanic communities are catching up. Nobody is complaining. The whole race issue raised by Obama and his pastor has truly upset m e & hurt my feelings because I believe that America can provide opportunities to anyone including a person like me who comes from foreign country.

[Beth]

Obama's speech hit a nerve, one some readers don't want hit. Yes, there is a similiarity between the ignorance of the pastor's hate speech and the grandmothers racial epitaths. I grew up in that era, it was overt then..it is still there but covert. I hear it at work when a black isn't in the room, I hear my son commenting about black people with his friends not understanding why they are poor. He thinks it's a choice. I told him fine, let's go live in their neighborhood and you tell me how many choices you have. Obama showed great understanding of these subtleties and called for all sides to acknowledge the history that led to it, and now move on together to fix the incredible mess that 8 years of Bush and war have left us in. NONE of us are perfect, we have friends and family who said bad things....Barack condemned the bad strongly because it stops us from making a better world. If that's not what you heard, you either didn't actually listen or you are willing to let go of your own bitterness.

[Mandelay]

You can't excuse the rants of a Pastor Wright or the applause he receives from his very large congregation and chalk up the outrage over it to "racism." You can't somehow use your "insights" into John and Robert Kennedy to support your viewpoint. John Kennedy would not have been entertaining a word of Jeremiah Wright and Robert Kennedy would have engaged Wright in a very sharp debate. You can't parade yourself in fromt of 4 very large American flags and expect us to forget your pastor's advice to God damn America. Your mastery of making a fine speech and using images to reinforce your message have been noted all during the campaign. Fact is, you tried to explain it all away last Friday and when that didn't work, you hauled out the flags and made a "major" speech on race. The only major meaningful speeches on race I've ever heard in this country were from Dr. King. I would have gladly listened to them again today than listen to your speech. It was a political speech. A political, stop the bleeding speech. And anyone out there who believes they've heard "the real deal," well, eventually you will come to realize you've been hoodwinked and bamboozled once again.

[Chad]

Again, another liberal politician given a free pass no conservative would ever be alllowed to cash in. As usual, the road doesnt go both ways on race: Align yourself with Black racists and you are fine, align yourself with White racists and you become unelectible...Obama supporters get real with yourselves: You are as complicent as those who stood by the Nazis in the 1930s. Let this man get elected and welcome to the eve of Black fascism....Obama, Wright, and Farrakhan = all the same, there is no difference.

[Obama_is_a_liar]

Wow! It's UNBELIEVABLE how this man can twist things around so his Kool-Aid swigging followers think HE is the victim! He as attended his "uncle's" church and had a CLOSE personal relationship with him for TWENTY YEARS, and now he's trying to turn Wright's pathetic hatred of America and white people into a "poor us, poor black people..." issue. Oh...my...goodness... And his cult members are lapping it up. Unbelievable.

[Jon K.]

One of the most incredible speeches heard in my lifetime. Just amazing. So direct, down-to-earth and courageous. Obama basically has pointed to the 300 pound gorilla sitting in the corner which everyone has been uneasily ignoring for a generation and said, "It's okay to talk about it."

[Jon K.]

R. vasudevan,

Indian society is far more racist than American society. Get off your high horse of self-righteousness and address the sickening perversion of the caste system before you criticize our country.

[fred]

I wish he would have had this discussion at the beginning of his run for office. Seems a bit disingenuous to be doing now.

[KP]

Gayguy, you may be correct in your statement of Black voters thinking Obama somehow sold out by rejecting his former pastor. That is one point he made in his speech. He pretty much said everyone makes quasi racist comments when no outsiders are around, but it doesn't make them a pure racist. He says that we (most of us at some time or another) do this because of our nation's tendency to attempt to ignore one of its congenital issues. You can try to ignore it all you want, but it is still there and will show itself in interesting ways.

Come out about being gay, come out about our xenophobic human tendencies, hey– come out about being vegetarian before coming to my house for dinner. Its always the things we try to hide that jump out and announce themselves for us.

[Jesus Francisco Cardenas]

What Obama fails to realize, is that race is not the greatest issue this country is facing now. The economy and the war need to be addressed as they represent issues for all people not just black people. Rev. Wright represents a militant past that refuses to heal, and Obama is excusing him for it. But, America cannot be held in bondage to their refusal to heal their old wounds.

[KP]

Ger, if I told you something two days ago, you could say you didn't know. Today, you'd know, but two days ago, you didn't. Get it?

[Ted F.]

This was a powerful speech! It showed the leadership qualities of courage to address a topic that is one that most people shy from, and a coolness in the face of adversity that many people speak is a strength he has, but was demonstrated for all who have eyes to see.

His call is to look at the history of racism and racial division and then to move beyond it. It is a call to move beyond it and togehter address the urgent challenges that we as a nation face togther.

It's a powerful call to go beyond a politics of divisions, of wedge-issue manipulation that tear us apart!

Powerful speech from a young man who has the insight and wisdom that few who are much older than him have.

United we stand to face the challenges that stare us with an extra urgency.

Divided we delay our duty to start working on and solving the urgent problems which will now go unaddressed.

Yes We Can - go beyond racial divisions and rise up united to fulfill our founders' great promise to provide a nation where all its citizens are assured equal rights and opportunities. We will rise up united to take head on the challenges that are attempting to stare us down!!

[William Joseph Miller]

Ronald Reagan launched his political campaign by fanning white hatred toward Governor Pat Brown's fair housing law. (At that time, black realtors had to call themselves realtists.) He started his presidential campaign in Philadelphia, Mississippi where three civil rights workers were brutally murdered. The Republican party has bent over backwards courting virulent racists like Strom Thurmond. They are sponsoring voter fraud laws that effectively deny millions of African-Americans and Latinos the right to vote.

In addition Republicans are perfectly happy to court hate mongers like James MaGee. They would not survive politically without the backing of James Dobson, MIke Huckabee, or dozens of other preachers in megachurches who preach homophobia which too often culminates in the murders of gay teenagers.

Does any Republican repudiate the teachings of their religious supporters? Hardly. The controversy over Rev. Wright- whose relationship Obama explained very clearly today- reveals one truth only. That it's OK to hate - as long as the victim is a homosexual, a Latino, or an African-American. Racism is alive and well and resides in the Republican party.

[larryb]

Weather you agree with Obama or not. Listen to his words. Even if you think they are just words, are they not GREAT WORDS. Don't allow stereotypes to impress upon you, allow your actions to strengthen you. Take responsiblity for your sucess, don't fall into the role of a victim. Don't believe that your are doomed to fail, believe that you can achieve to suceed. Weather you like Obama or not, there is no denying that this was a great speech. Some people will never believe that there is 'hope', they will always succumb to what previous generations told them. Let us seek a better future for caucasian, african-american, latino, asian. Wherever your father or mother came from, we all seek the american dream. Let us unite together, we shall overcome.

[revgerry]

I think this is a time of opportunity...to understand each other's connection to our common violent and bigoted history.

You cannot read the blogs and dismiss the depth of the hatred and fear in communities black, white and brown that we are being challenged by Obama to examine and move past.

Some in power and some in the media use the divisive tactics of "Let's you and him fight," pitting Latinos against Blacks against working class Whites, in order to distract from the real issue that the disparity between rich America and the rest of us is continually widening, something that we can only overcome by working together.

If we keep fighting, we all lose. If we work together, we all win.

[Janet V]

I'm glad Obama addressed both the source of black resentment as evidenced in the words of his pastor AND the source of white resentment. As a middle-aged white woman living in an all-black neighborhood, I certainly don't feel that same resentment. I always thought the Reagan era was the most shameful time the country's gone through in my lifetime. But other white people feel differently. And some blacks choose anger and umbrage and victimhood. But most don't. I'm sure there are plenty of black Americans who feel a sense of relief at Obama's speech today. Obama has shown that he's capable of stepping outside of the boundaries that others would set for him because of his skin color and I am eagerly awaiting the chance to vote for him.

[Liah]

I am not Obama supporter but after hearing his speech, he is right.
If any of you read about American history, we'll find out that we had the black Americans under slavery, neglect and indifference. The American Nation can not ignore the reality of his own history!

USA , "the nation of the free men" but we will not be really free until we overcome racism and prejudice.

Truth hurts!

[kur Anyieth kur]

Today's Obama speech will go down in History as a short moment of courage by a Black presidential Candidate. to confront American racial divide. He is in that unique suitation of not being too much of white or black to adress the issue of race. it is now upto the American People to judge whether to believe him or not.

[Young, Motivated, Hopeful, and Ready]

The speech isn't about any affiliations that one person may have, whether is race, gender or political party. It's just about openness. While in the Senate Obama called for more transparency and he has answered all the questions he has been asked without hiding from the issues.

Today he, again, didn't hide from yet another big issue. It was awesome to hear a candidate talk like a "real" person today instead of from atop a platform.

the worst crime is to be ignorant and stubborn. Obama merely asks people to try to learn from one another and in order to do that we must be open... stop being stubborn, stop being afraid, stop being cynical.

[Jerome Thomas]

Civilization is at a turning point. It has been obvious for decades that America, the free world's erstwhile shining light, has lost its moral compass while we Americans struggle to deny it. Typically, we brand visionaries like Paine, Jefferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt, King, Carter and Kennedy as heretics while seeking instant gratification through our national obsession with consumption and comfort at any price while realizing full well the folly of our course. Barack Obama extends the promise of not merely doing things differently, but of doing different things. This is the true definition of the "change" we all seek - real change we know to be crucial and overdue. Clinton and McCain want merely to change the curtains. Obama will try to change the view. It is scary. It requires courage and faith. Barack Obama has mine. Got guts? Vote Obama and enjoy the ride.

[savemygreenbeans]

Again, a GREAT speech by a very charismatic gentleman. But it begs the question...

I wonder if Rosa Parks was on the bus that Barack threw his Grandmother under...?

Sorry, but the guys a good speaker, and that's about it. He didn't tell us anything new, did he? Oh, wait, he did tell us that it's okay for an old black man to be racist. And that old black man will always be a part of his life.

One more thing: Barack again and again, talks about "corporate" America making "changes" all in the name of "profit..." Well, Mr. Obama, that's called CAPITALISM!!!! Wikipedia it sometime...

[Ron J Paul]

This speech was not "good enough"....it was historic! Only sceptics in the goodness of America would have any issues with this speech.

Time to move on to heal this nation.....by changing it.

[Evelyn]

The Obama Campaign and its mastermind David Axelrod operate on two distinct levels: What Senator Obama preaches and what they do behind the scenes are very different.

They had no qualms about going after the 72 year old Geraldine Ferraro- a strong woman, a cancer surviver and someone who has always been a champion of civil rights for all of her career. They took her comment to a little newspaper in California and spun it to the national media as a racist comment-- playing the race card against Clinton and forever scarring Geraldine Ferraro's legacy. With Clinton gaining momentum- they needed to bring up something that had worked in South Carolina- and this had worked before so they brought it up so it could work again to stop Clinton's momentum. What's sad is that David Axelrod, a long time Democratic political operative, knows Geraldine Ferraro. He knows she is not a racist. But he did it anyway to further Obama's campaign. It is sad that not one of the Democratic Party elders stood up to defend the trailblazing Ferraro and her record, knowing that this was spin by the Obama Campaign.

After doing that to Ferraro, It seems like karma has hit the Obama campaign as Obama's too close for comfort relationship with his weird Pastor finally rose to the national media's attention after simmering on blogs and youtube for a year now. This relationship rips a hole through the successful branding that the Obama Campaign has so successfully sold to the American public.

How clever of the Obama Campaign to attempt to spin this their way-- to play the race card again to their advantage by billing Senator Obama's response as "a major speech on race in America". So now it is about race when it wasn't about race before? And the national media has eaten it up, yet again. Free airtime for a long campaign speech, not bad. Am sure there are a lot of high fives going on at the Obama Camp.

[Musemuse]

I just watched the entire speech on MSNBC

[Liah]

I am not Obama supporter but after hearing his speech, he is right.
If any of you read about American history, we'll find out that we had the black Americans under slavery, neglect and indifference. The American Nation can not ignore the reality of his own history!

USA , "the nation of the free men" but we will not be really free until we overcome racism and prejudice.

Truth hurts!

[jay]

I am an Independent and my vote is definitely goes to OB
without a doubt after I heard his todays most emotional expression regarding the recent racist quotes from his pastor.When I heard that I felt like throwing up, just a nausiating feeling.In recent years whites and Blacks are slowly coming together .Stll talking about
old slavery and barabarism by few white crack pots does not warrent to say all nonsense against the present Baby boomers who has never witnessed or joined in hands with OLD WHITE MONSTERS.Presently you can see lots of advancement in Black community in all areas and they are doing much better than any other races.During the healing period of the old wounds again and again Pastors of Both community disturb the wound will end up total chaos in the wound healing.OB wants to unite the Black and whites as one great and unique American community which could only concentrate on further development in Various fields the world is competing each other.All the Fox pundits and CNN pundits should try to heal the wound through dialogue than continuously talking about old sins and frame the pastors photo in the frame.Dr.Desmond Tutu reconciled with whites and Mandela reconciled.Who else other than OB is fit to shed light on race and UNite us all.Vote for OB.

[Terry]

Adolf Hitler says: “Let’s go beyond the atrocities of WWII.” Charles Manson says: “Let’s move on past the old murderous rankles.” Obama, the man who stuck with a pastor that spit venom about White racial injustices over Blacks, (and perhaps the pastor, otherwise a lauder of White virtues, said such hateful words only once when Obama conveniently was not there to hear him say those words just that one time), says: “Let’s move forward and leave our racial turmoil behind us.”
Hey, is the guy answering the phone 3 o’clock in the morning the same man that just brok into the house?

[KP]

Roger, I'm sure no one that he considers "like" his family will have a spot in the cabinet. Especially if they don't have the same academic and political knowledge that Obama does.

I would like to challenge you to not only listen to his speaking, but read the words and analyze what he's talking about.I think you'll see he is also intelligent, not just an "eloquent speaker"

[jay]

I am an Independent and my vote is definitely goes to OB
without a doubt after I heard his todays most emotional expression regarding the recent racist quotes from his pastor.When I heard that I felt like throwing up, just a nausiating feeling.In recent years whites and Blacks are slowly coming together .Stll talking about
old slavery and barabarism by few white crack pots does not warrent to say all nonsense against the present Baby boomers who has never witnessed or joined in hands with OLD WHITE MONSTERS.Presently you can see lots of advancement in Black community in all areas and they are doing much better than any other races.During the healing period of the old wounds again and again Pastors of Both community disturb the wound will end up total chaos in the wound healing.OB wants to unite the Black and whites as one great and unique American community which could only concentrate on further development in Various fields the world is competing each other.All the Fox pundits and CNN pundits should try to heal the wound through dialogue than continuously talking about old sins and frame the pastors photo in the frame.Dr.Desmond Tutu reconciled with whites and Mandela reconciled.Who else other than OB is fit to shed light on race and UNite us all.Vote for OB.

[Tyrese]

Jeremiah Wright's inflammatory speeches werent only heard after 9/11. However, everytime he ever stood on the pulpit he ranted and raved against the United States of America. For Obama to use the excuse that "he wasnt present at the time of the speeches", is wholly unacceptable. By attending the church for 20 years, Obama has accepted Wright's rhetoric as his own. You dont belong to and donate funds to a cause that you dont believe in.

Obama is just as political as any other politician in Washington.
VOTE HILLARY '08.

[Judith]

I am an Orthodox Jew... I am not going to vote for Obama...
Declaring Farrakhan and Wright as honorable people is something that is intolerable for jews and free citizens of the US. We must distance ourselves from haters...
Hillary '08.

[Pat]

It was a brilliant speech. Everyone should listen to it if only to get ALL perspectives of racism in America. He spoke from the heart, like the leader he is, and with the simple truth of an honest man. I can see why he was such a successful professor while teaching Constitutional Law. He certainly has this white female's vote; I believe he can lead us into a better future for my grandchildren.

[kitty]

I hate to admit it but, race is an issue. it has been an issue and will be an issue. Why does the amount of melanin in your skin determine if you are going to be a good president or not?! That's right, it doesn't. We need to look for virtue and honesty within the candidate and these qualities are universal! I am going to vote for Obama. He is incredible wise and not impulsive. He views the world as our friend not our enemy and that in my opinion is progressive thinking.

[Anonymouse]

As a white male, I would vote for Condolezza Rice in a second, but not Obama in a hundred years. Wouldn't vote for Hillary if you paid me.

What does that make me this week? A racist, as sexist, a homophobe, or merely someone that cares about substance over image?

That being said, I'm tired of the double standards involving contemporary American black culture. Obama became a Senator due to a shameful court ordered release of Jack Ryan's divorce documents.

No white man in America could be in the running for President today with a similarly unimpressive political or management background.

I suspect the only CHANGE we'll have left if Obama becomes President will be the coins in our pockets.

Why must we constantly choose between the irresponsibility of the Political Left vereus the arrogance of the Politcal Right?

[jay]

I would like to Comment on the comments of Mr.Tiwari:
African American like Martin Luther king and other African American politicians and NAACP protested against White supremacy and brought racial equality for all(Asians, Blacks, Japanese, Jews etc).There is no doubt over that.There is nothing wrong in getting that information from an African American and they are 100%proud of that.Otherwise whether you are an MIT graduate you will be considered third class citizen in this country.Remember Gandhi was thrown out of train in South Africa eventhough he was a Barrister and wearing a great suit .Mandela and his ANC brought
equality for all in SA including Asians in SA only in 1990s.Do not think that East Indians are treated before 1960 like now.Now the racial,caste ,and tribal divisional wars are more in East India, Sri lanka, Burundi and Rwanda, Mr .Diwari must pray for more Mandelas, Gandhis,Martin Luther Kings to be born to bring equality in this countrys.Recently a East Indian was killed by a white guy in Alabama and the white guy was freed just because he looked white and thought like Mr.Diwari.
We need OBAMA to further tune the racial division in our country.Struggle contues.
However Obamas Pastor must stop this shouting and get
in touch with reality in a gentle and non violent way otherwise there will be more sale on antinasuating liquids in Wal Green.

[Dewtrell]

Someone here mentioned David Duke in comparison with Obama. First of all, David Duke was the head member of the KKK and he won the majority of white voters in Louisiana. Obama is not head of a racist organization, his pastor, Jerimiah Wright is the head, and Wright is NOT running for President, Obama is.

[Gay BLACK man whose mother left her church in support of her son]

To KP,
"Come out about being gay, come out about our xenophobic human tendencies..."

I'm Gay, and I'm Black. No xenophobia here re: Obama. Maya Angelou once said that if we are to move beyond racial stereotypes, racial comments of any kind, in any form must be stopped in its tracks. She told a story (on Bill Moyer as well as on Oprah) about a friend telling a racial joke... she said she demanded that he leaves. She would not tolerate it in her house. Obama is tolerating it... this is my point. Discussing it is positive, but it must be done in a civil manner... not pointing fingers.

[Dew]

Judith,

When and where did Obama delcare Farrakahn and honorable person?

If you're not going to support Obama, fine... but don't make stuff up to justify your reasoning.

[SC]

M. Prescott- why isn't his grandmother's racism "even remotely similar" to Wright's? Difference in degree maybe but not in kind. Both clear evidence of fear and ignorance. It's insane reading all these posts that can't own up to *any* white racism...truly insane. You end up lending some credence to Wright's misguided, paranoid rants.

Obama's combination of brains and guts is game-changing...No pandering, poll-driven Clinton would or could ever make such an honest, poignant statement. It'll be so depressing if those mediocre guardians of the status quo are able to ride white fear and narcissism back to D.C and set up their lucrative lobbying business. One giant step backwards for this country.

[Mike Coard]

Wow, does it get better than this. My father moved his family to another church after attending 4 years at our church we loved at the time, until the day my father brought a friend with him one sunday. The sermon was about the hippies and everything wrong with them. during his sermon he called people with long hair and beards, wierd beards. As miniscule of a comment this sounds like it was enough for my fathers friend to be embarrassed and angered. That day my father quit the church. OBAMA !!!! I pray that you would have done the same. I was voting for this so called patriot until this important association that we cannot disregard. May God bless this election and God bless America. Everybody no matter who you vote for just please take the time to cast your ballot, One day it may be gone. mc

[Beth]

Terry, your words make us all cry. I can only hope your kind are solidly in the minority. Comparing Obama to Hitler and Manson is so irrational that it is frightening to me that a fellow American can have such an off the chart opinion. That's on the same level of insisting there are WMD's in Iraq when 5 years later , 4000 American lives and a world in turmoil it's quite evident to the rational world...it was never the truth.
Obama condemned what was wrong strongly enough and then sought a way to unite us all in the bigger problem of fixing America.
I didn't vote for Obama in the primary, but if given the opportunity for a better America, he will wholeheartedly have my vote after that speech.

[Tim_CA]

Wow....nothing more amusing than watching a group of Obama "cultists" try to spin there way out from under this one – except for maybe watching a fraud of a candidate self-destruct!!
Some of you even say that "everything the preacher said is absolutely correct". Really? African Americans should sing "God Damn America"? Really?? "The government lied about inventing the HIV virus as a means of genocide against people of color." Really??? The Good Reverend also suggests that the United States should bare responsibility for the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks!! Really????
Several of you kool-aid drinkers suggest that Hillary's or McCain's "spiritural advisors" should be "checked out". AGREED! Bring it on!! I want to hear from anyone that a candidate considers a "spiritural mentor"....we can learn alot about a candidate (or anyone for that matter) by who he "respects" or goes to for "spiritural guidance and direction".
Senator Obama spent two decades of Sundays, with his family, sitting in a pew in front of this tired old racist, allowing his wife and children to listen to his misguided vitriolic nonsense and had no problem with it. That says alot to me about his character.
Then, when confronted by audio of the Rev's racist rhetoric, he throws him immediately under the bus. This too is very telling.
All the time that the good Senator continued to ramble about "hope and unity" and told us “words matter” he was listening to the racially divisive rants of a looney Reverend!!
He now claims…”Did I strongly disagree with many of his political views? Absolutely – just as I’m sure many of you have heard remarks from your pastors, priests, or rabbis with which you strongly disagreed.”
Well Senator, I can honestly say that if any “man of God” on the pulpit of my church started spouting racially charged horsesh!t that was diametrically opposed to my belief system, I’d be brave enough to give him a piece of my mind , THEN leave the church. Fundamental beliefs don’t take a 20-year vacation!!
Oh…and the way you called your grandmother a racist in a national speech was incredibly classy (anything for a win huh amigo? )!
Wake up Obamaites, put down the kool-aid, take off the rose-colored glasses and grow up. Your candidate is a fraud!!

[MinorityAmerican]

I submit that racism is a big issue in our society. As a minority-American I have confronted racial stereotypes from all ethnic groups.
Think about this: If our economy is good: race is not an issue. When our economy is bad: race becomes an issue.
I rather our country's leader speak about the economy... which is solvable, than speak about race, which will NEVER be resolved. Accept this truth. Obama admitted he will not solve this issue... so why vote for him as someone who can? Can he solve our economic problems?

[D. Klein]

Bravo! I am voting for him. It IS time for a change.

[cbk]

Obama says he didn't know about his pastors racism, that most of what he remembers is the Christianity part of the sermons. He is acting shocked at what he has heard, however: Wright told the New York Times last April: “If Barack gets past the primary, he might have to publicly distance himself from me. I said it to Barack personally, and he said yeah, that might have to happen.” Now that Wright is a liability, Obama starts lying that he did not know about Wrights resists statements. The New York Times may end up helping McCain get elected by not putting this Wright stuff on the first page so the primary voters would have looked a Clinton more seriously. How can the country now vote for someone who many believe has the same rasists views as Paster Wright?

[D. Hines]

That was an incredible speech as far as I am concerned. Obama more than explained his self as he framed the sin and the chance for redemption of this USA. Someone asked how dare he identify his grandmother as a racist and compare her to his Pastor; how dare you not take more time to process his words and realise that this man can speak on racism on a higher degree than most people.

If you are honest, you can admit that people you know and love express hatred towards others for whatever the unjustified reason... people who make you laugh, maybe, when they talk about gay or heterosexual community... people who grew up influenced by unfounded values and senseless opinions.

Do you condemn them? Do you reject and leave them all? If you do, your Integrity out shines your Love.

This type of mentality is beyond racism, it resembles an addiction to negativity and hatred.

We can agree that the United States Presidency is little more than an Image position. The real power, according to the United States of America's Constitutes, lies in the hands of the people, the USA Citizens . There for, we must look at what we want our image to reflect. Evolution , Intelligence, Integrity, Tolerance, Peace, Love...

It's time replace the addiction to hate with an addiction to Real Love.

[Doug M]

This was an absolutely fantastic speech. We really must elect Obama as the next POTUS. He will be a great leader.

He wrote the speech himself. He meant what he said. The Obama movement- not just Obama himself- is America and the world's best hope for a bright future.

[Jeff]

"How could Senator Obama compare his grandmother's ignorance to his pastor's arrogance?"

It's called arrogance based on ignorance.

[PMC]

Of course Obama cannot "disown" him. He would look like a bigger hypocrite than he already is, as he and his minister and others know full well that Obama was aware of all this hate and slurs BEFORE all of this broke in the main stram media. They even discussed over one year ago that this "may" be a problem. This type of hate spewed from Wright only adds to this "racial stalemate" you "speak" of.
Obama keeps sayiing the vent up anger of the black community, but he is missing the main point. That we do not only have a black community in America, but a lot of people from a lot of races and ethnic origins..and many are now angry! And middle class white Americans are mad, too. And no, it is not their income! It is the slurs of hate about America!
There is no denouncing 20 years later. It is clear to many Americans where you stand in your personal beliefs and not what you speak. Your actions are clear. You are no uniter! So instead of wanting Americansl to overlook the Antiamerican words of your menor and your wife, it is time for Americans to overlook your words and look at your actions.

[rita forte]

Good piece, Scott. You're one of the few I've read who really got the whole "Black anger" plus "White anger" needs to be re-directed against "forces of greed and corruption".

But, "like Mitt Romney"??? Hardly.

[Manohar Ratnam]

One can not bring people together by rejecting anybody - only some or most of their ideas!

[mike coard]

Why is it ok for an African American to be taken out of context, ( Jeremiah Wright ) but there is no way in hell a white person can. Cmon America church is where you develop your morals and ethics. Vote NO for Barak Hussein Obama.

[Bob V. Raval]

Senator Obama is just trying to get an opportunity to get out from the anger generated by Rev. Wright. He just wants to undo whatevever has been the association of Rev. Wright. Really speaking Mr. Obama is an opportunist. He does not have minimum experience of Presidency which all other former Presidents went through. He plunged into the race of White House; because he clearly saw an opportunity that Mrs. Clinton will be rejected by American people as she is a WOMAN. He also saw that there are many people unhappy with President Clinton and First Lady Mrs. Clinton; he saw this as an opportunity. He also knew that he will have almost 99% of African American votes. He does not have experience, scrutiny and sacrifices that other President contenders had. Senator Obama should had waited more years and then delare his candidacy for this highest position in the world. He is eloquent speaker like late Dr. King; that does not mean he would perform the best as a President. Late Dr. King sacrificed his life for the cause; what senator Obama sacrificed? He just used one judgment against Iraque War; and now he is bragginng for that. Like Mrs. Clinton, other Democratic senaors also voted for the Iraque War.

Senatot Obama is using his baby face like Mr. Bush used his baby face to convince American people to rally behind him for the War. Now we know that we are losing trillion dollars and precious American lives of our hero soldiers. Let American people not be deceived by so called eloquent speaker Senator Obams. He still has influence of Rev. Wright; he cannot undo it. He still has association with corrupt real estate man. He still does have Moslem blood in his veins, came from his father. He cannot undo it by becoming a Christian.

I admire him; but I am not going to vote for him as our President. If Senator Obama is nominated, I guaranty you that John McCain will be our next President.

[Nancy]

With this Philadelphia speech, Obama just clinched my vote.

[Karen Cavanaugh]

I am feling very angry about what happened today.
I think the prospect of Obama becoming president of the United States is a very scary outcome to this election.
And as much as many people would love to dismiss my views as racist I must tell you this is not true. I wanted to believe i him and i wanted to trust him. This speech was a very slick attempt to side step a problem that may derail his election.
And I have to tell you I am so sick of black this and black that. Why is it ok for the black community to say whatever they want and explain it away as everyone else's fault? And isn't that exactly how obama explained away the racist remarks by his pastor? I am so sick of tiptoeing around anything that may be a legtimate criticism about anything that has to dowith the black community. Has anyone noticed that obama runs away from reporters asing questions but instead sets up this whole contrived speech so he can controll the situation. i don't care what color you are, if you are running for the position of President and there is a legitimate issue that needs answers you stand there and answer those questions.
Obama as president will not be good for this country.
He is not what he seems. Don't be fooled.

[Jason]

Here is the biggest and most important question: Who is the best candidate to serve the needs of humanity and be a steward of the earth? An earth that is MALE GUN CONFLICTED and where women and children of all colors suffer the most.
1. A military hero, fighter, and social disciplinarian.
( status quo for change)
2. A sensitive, chraismatic, articulate, personnel director/manager. ( social change by re-formation)
3. A durable, intelligent, loving mother, representative, advocate, and activist of the intrinsic and profound values of motherhood pertinent to social change.
( social revolutionary change )

[Peanuts]

Obama has turned the table around and is placing the emphasis on us--the people. Here's how it goes: if you question me after my speech, then you are "racist" or maybe harbor racist ideas even though you will not admit them. Reminds me of Bush and the neocons before attacking Iraq: if you question us, then you are unAmerican.
I have more questions about Wright and Obama's relationship with him. But I guess if I, or those in the media try to ask them, we'll get this response: "Why are you still talking about this? Come on, move pass this... there's no more to know." But oh wait, this is what happened with Rezko as well... but looky... there was more news.
Racism is a problem, a real problem, but Obama is not going to be able to fix it, even if a lot of Obama supporters wish he can. Discussing it will do nothing either... I've heard this discuss so much in college classes, and conferences that by now it is an old record and I'm bored. I don't want to talk about race! I want someone to transform our economy, someone that can make our dollar stronger.
So, if Obama does not disown Wright... that is alright with me, we are in America, but don't count on my vote come November.
P.S. my lover was Black and he kept on saying bad things about white people... at first I thought it was a joke... but after several weeks... I was like... f*** this... who needs this. Difference is we were not both black... like Wright and Obama.

[Warren Richart]

An A Press article dated Dec 1, 2007, stating that all major Democratic candidates agreed not to campaign in the states of Michigan and Florida. A Huffington Post article, dated Mar 12, 2008. Senator Clinton stated that Florida, Michigan primaries were fair and should be honored. How is that for being HONEST???????????

Warren Richart, WW2 Veteran

[Mindy Kaputnik]

How about chänging the title of this piece to a more true
one like ¨Obama embraces class warfare ¨ Congress
realy must come up with a truth in reporting piece of
legislation. Dont expect anything like this from Pelosi.

[Mike]

Until now I thought Obama was a different kind of candidate. He is clearly a skilled orator and I thought he might truly bring hope to the White House. So now he gives a speech about race the way Romney gave a speech about religion, and I'm wondering "Why is he giving a speech about race?" Is someone attacking him for being black the way people were attacking Romney for being Mormon or Kennedy for being Catholic? His speech was motivated by the increasing embarrassment of his pastor's statements, not any attacks on Obama over race. Obama made clear and compelling points about racism in America, but that's not the question.This speech should have been about judgement and integrity.

The question is "Why did Obama and his family attend church for twenty years, have this pastor marry them and baptize their children, if he preaches and thinks this way?"

It's about the hateful and factually inaccurate statements - they're simply absurd and insane. Whether you're black or white doesn't matter. The government created the HIV virus to kill blacks? The bombing of Hiroshima somehow justifies the Al Quaeda attack? God Da!m America? How could someone sit in Church where we are supposed to be learning the lessons of Christ - love, forgiveness, charity, patience - and listen to that even a few times - regardless of whether he preached like that once a year, every week or anything in between?

Obama has a few options.

1. State that he was mistaken not to say or do something about it and apologize.

2. State that he actually believes Reverend Wright and so do most blacks. Then he has some 'slpaining to do.

3. change the subject and say it's about race. Say the required "I don't agree with everything said" but then spend 30 minutes trying to explain why Rev. Wright might believe these things.

I've changed my mind about Obama. He just proved that he is just like any politician who lacks personal conviction and only says what he has to to get elected after he's been "outed".

So long Obama, and thanks for the memories.

[I Saw it Coming]

I've known of Obama's association with Jeremiah Wright for quite some time. I've seen Rev. Wright speak in person when he came to Philadelphia last summer. I knew this would eventually come out, probably around a time when he couldn't afford it to come out. So none of this is a surprise to me. what is surprising is people who say that race isnt the issue here. the comments would have never been made by Rev. Wright if racism didnt exist then and now. not racism like slavery and lynching, but racism as far as the continuing systematic destruction of a race of people, whether real or percieved. There are more Black males in jail than in college. Imprisonment, unemployement, and poverty levels are the same statistically, if not worse, than the day Martin Luther King was assasinated. The improvements made in this ocuntry are strictly cosmetic. Telling a group of people the problem doesnt exist and you need to get past is sounds like you as parents are talking to your children, painting a picture of a flase reality. You may not like or agree with what i am saying, but all of these negative comments about Obama and his ties to Wright would have been about something else sooner or later. Congratulations. You found what you were looking for. Let's vote for Hillary or McCain. Race relations, international relations and the ecomony will remain stagnant. I cant wait for what the next four years has in store. Maybe we'll be looking to a Mexican American to dig us out of that hole in 2012.

[D.C.]

People forget that a black, latino, any ethnic person can not be a racist. calling a black man a racist, empowers white people. Sociology....there's actually a school of thought about this. Social Stratification...its a triangle. with the top tip being white, and the wide base being non-white. non-white racism, or reverse racism does not exsist. However, regualr racism is profound and inbedded in our society. So all you people calling minorites racist, F U. In what way does it affect you. lets get smart people

[Donal Leader]

I live in Europe, yes, Old Europe. I'm Irish. I'm a graduate of Notre Dame. I have always believed in America and its power as a force for good in the world. In recent years that belief has been deeply undermined.

I have read Obama's speech. It reflects what I believe and what is best about America.

Elect this man. Help the world to believe in America again.