Easter Sunday: Voters ponder Obama and Rev. Wright. What do YOU think?

One of the most remarkable things about the ongoing controversy over Barack Obama's angry pastor is the sharply differing reactions, even among those who seem to have so much else in common.

New polling suggests the wildfire Internet spread of the newly-retired Rev. Jeremiah Wright's most inflammatory sermons has scorched off some national popularity of Obama, who's based so much of his political message on being "post-racial," not militant, not angry, pro-unity.

But that now can seem contradictory to many with Obama's intimate 20-year association with a black nationalist who rages about "the U.S. of KKK-A," suggests the country invited or deserved the 9/11 attacks and believes the AIDS epidemic is a government conspiracy to kill blacks.

For a sample video of Wright's sermons, click on the Read more line below.

Then, Obama continued to expose his two young daughters to such views In a congregation whose loud, demonstrative cheers clearly endorsed such extreme statements, while claiming he'd not heard them.

(UPDATE: In his sunrise Eastern sermon at the Trinity United Church of Christ, titled "How to Handle a Public Lynching," the replacement for Rev. Wright, the Rev. Otis Moss III, did not mention his predecessor by name but likened his recent public treatment to that received by Jesus, who was crucified. "You picked the wrong folk to mess with," a defiant Moss told the enthusiastic holiday congregation. He also appealed for donations to a special "Resurrection Fund," which he did not describe.)

As reported here last week, Obama's chief political strategist, David Axelrod, admitted being sufficiently worried more than a year ago that they un-invited the pastor from giving the invocation at Obama's campaign announcement in February, 2007.

At the same time, some black and white voters say they were moved by Obama's ensuing speech as a long-awaited invitation to begin an honest, calm and cleansing national dialogue on race.

It's a topic clearly on the minds of voters in Pennsylvania, one of the largest....

states to weigh in on race and the race for the Democratic presidential nomination between Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton, who's trailing in money, delegates and the popular vote but leading in Pennsylvania and using Obama's success to raise more money.

Recent items on the issue in The Ticket have elicited many hundreds of Comments, baring feelings of sympathy and support, naked anger and even racism that had not been expressed in that forum before the sermon videos unlocked the issue for public debate. To see such Comments, click on virtually any of the links in this item. And check that section at the end of this item.

Just as talk radio and television are preoccupied with the matter, so were a surprising number of shoppers and employees this weekend in the mega-mall known as King of Prussia, in the Pennsylvania town of the same name.

Dereck Cummings is an openly gay man and a former Jehovah's Witness who says he isn't in the habit of judging other people on their lifestyles or religion. But Cummings can't shake the disturbing feeling there's something worrisome in the incendiary sermon highlights, something that keeps nagging at him as he tries to decide how to vote in

his state's Democratic primary election April 22. "If that's been your priest for that many years, it affects who you are," said Cummings, an assistant store manager in the suburban shopping mecca outside Philadelphia. "Those thoughts come across, Sunday after Sunday, and that just scares me."

His co-worker, Stacey Hermann, couldn't care less, saying the statements fade given her concerns over taxes and education. "He isn't responsible for what another person says," Hermann said, shrugging.

King of Prussia mall is the commercial center for a sizable population of swing voters, whose willingness to go back and forth between Republican and Democratic presidential nominees makes them crucial in general elections.

So their take on the latest bruising to Obama matters for the upcoming primary and signals how fertile the ground is for Clinton or, later, Republicans to try to take advantage of the issue politically. Since the controversy erupted, for instance, polls show Obama support plunging sharply among white males.

In the mall's food court, several self-described swing voters said they were not bothered by Wright's words, though they did not like them. "It's unfortunate," said Judy Wolstenholme, a retired phys ed teacher.

"You don't want someone out there with a history of preaching hatred. I think it might hurt [Obama]. He should have been a little stronger in putting down those theories. But it only bothers me if I believe he isn't smart enough to rise above that message, and I don't think that right now."

Still, Wolstenholme, a registered Republican, said she likes both Hillary Clinton and likely Republican nominee John McCain better than the Illinois senator, as does her husband.

Joshua Snyder, a theology professor at nearby Villanova University, said he thinks the Wright sermons probably sounded very different in church than they do blasting out of computer and television screens.

"When people preach, they tend to get bombastic," Snyder said. "You can use it as a sound bite, and especially in white suburbia, that helps to perpetuate a stereotype."

But in the construction site of a new jewelry store in the mall, union workers said they were deeply offended. "It was unbelievable the way the reverend was talking," said David Terrano, a carpenter. "It makes me worry that, if Obama's president, he's going to be thinking about things that way."

Cummings and Hermann work together at the Ann Taylor store, where another co-worker said the off-duty conversation frequently veers toward politics.

"I listen to what Rev. Wright said, that we brought 9/11 on ourselves," said Myisha Upshur, a Philadelphia resident. "It sounded very callous. If I were listening to that and I lost someone in the 9/11 attacks, I would be very hurt."

Still, she said, "I appreciate that Sen. Obama didn't say, `I'm never going back there to church.' We all have friends we don't agree with. That doesn't mean we should turn our backs." Hermann said she's voted for Republicans and Democrats and that her decision next month won't be affected by Obama's church history.

But Cummings' gay life experience teaches him differently. He said he was "dis-fellowshipped" from the church of his childhood when he came out of the closet but that he still finds traces of those early influences in his thinking. He wondered, can Obama really avoid being influenced by Wright's angry words the same way?

"It rubs off," said Cummings. "And that doesn't go away easily."

Now, it's YOUR turn. Click on Post a Comment below here and let's see how you feel and what others have to say.

--Christi Parsons

Christi Parsons writes for the Swamp of the Chicago Tribune's Washington Bureau.

                                        Photo Credit: AP Photo/Trinity United Church of Christ

Comments

[Saltwater Jim]

I find truth in Rev Wright's speeches. America has not taken stock of Herself lately and needs too. She has become the evil force for many smaller countries and people. Why? Because we want stuff and don't care how we get it.

[Donna]

I think that Americans had better think long and hard about whether they want Obama as president. I don't know what the man truly believes but am fearful that he is racist. He has supported the controversial preacher for 20 years; he throws his white grandmother under the bus to explain how whites - even his own grandmother - are prejudiced. I think he has resentments toward whites that he is keeping quiet right now. I doubt those resentments would remain so quiet if he was elected President.

[Frank]

All I hear everyday from the media is denial, denial, denial. I am tired of the kid glove treatment Obama is getting, just because he is black and a good orator. Yet, we are not allowed to say that he is "a fortunate black man in fortunate circumstances," as Ms. Ferraro clearly and correctly stated ! How can one RESPECT such a politician, when we know that he is not be judged by the same rules that other politicians must abide by? How can one TRUST such a politician? How can one VOTE for him? How can we even EMBRACE someone who has been mentored by a "god damning" preacher? Has America gone insane, after eight years of Bush?

[DJ]

Harley - If you are an example of Hilary Clinton's unification effort, then she needs to start sending out a new message. That is one of the most divisive posts I've ever read!! In case you haven't kept up with current events, Obama is half white. Would you feel better about him if he had a white wife or attended a white church? The race issue has been thrust upon him whether he wants it or not. Personally, I think it works against him and I think he has been forced to respond to it. I firmly believe he would like to most past it and deal with the real issues at hand as well. We'll see if that is what happens going forward.

[Paul]

I have changed my party affiliation from Democrat to Republican and will be voting for McCain in the general election. Obama's use of rhetoric is frightening and I can't trust that he really loves this country. I am concerned that he wants the presidency to somehow get revenge against white people.

[Debra]

Barack Obama is the best thing that has happened to America. At least we know that he is able to confront any issue put on the table, and is not afraid of anything. I love you Barack. Hillary gets in, and you have dead bodies dropping with no explaination, remember "Vincent Foster". The strange Suicide. Barack should not be held responsible for another man opinion or another man sound bite. I total agree to what Reverend Wright said, I listen the entire sermon. It was taken total out of context. I invite all of you to listen to the sermon.

Debra

[Jim MacDonald]

It's my understanding that Rev. Wright is now a former Pastor of that Church.

Given that the central theme of the Easter Message is God's forgiveness of all of us made possible by Christ's substitutionary death for us, it would seem that Sen. Obama was well taught in the Christian basics and he would be seen as outside of those basics if he were to not forgive Rev. Wright.

[Julie Riegel]

Our country was founded on dissent - and we pride ourselves on the notion of free speech. I don't think Reverend Wright's comments should impact Obama's viability as the President. I really don't. As a person who remembers the "Mothers March Against Vietnam" I recall the impassioned and vitriolic anger mouthed by mothers whose sons and husbands were killed or being killed in Vietnam. G...D... America was mild by comparison. Wright's tone was off-putting but his words reflect opinion debated in universities and homes across America. Lastly, I am not a black man, but I suspect that if I was, I would be as angry as Wright. The media needs to give this a rest ... stop inciting riot ... and give the people in the country credit for having a brain to figure this out for themselves. Please stop.

[Don Dantin]

Does Obama really expect us to believe that he didn't hear any other attacks by Rev. Wright during the 20 years he has been a member of that church..You can sleep in church only so long. It is apparant that his wife WAS NOT sleeping by her public comments. Why hasn't he not cut ties with that church? It's not like that is the only church around. He could find a church more in line with his beliefs OR IS IT that the church he is in now DOES mirror his beliefs.

[lynn]

Barack Obama is running for office, not Rev. Wright.
Obama has eloquently addressed any concern brought about by these sound bites. His honesty is refreshing. The media should be the one guilty of giving the people bits of info of Rev. Wright. How about a documentary of the mans whole life and not 30 second clips? Let's move on to the issues that ARE important, housing, the environment, ending the war.
HRC, should have some class and self respect and step out of this race. She is only asserting she can win, the numbers do not say she can. At least not without back room dealings. Leave the low blow politicking to the republicans. But 'low-blows' and lack of self respect are what the Clintons are all about. How much national pride and patriotism did we have when the first Clinton got caught with his pants down in the Oval office? And people are questioning BHO not wearing a pin and having a pastor that challenges his congregation to take responsibility for the choices of its governments foreign policy? The US has done some awful things around the world the Iraq war being one of them. Where are the stories about that?
I by the way am a 40 year old white woman.

[Miriam]

Once again the media reels its ugly head in the campaign. You know, Malcolm X is right....the media is the most powerful force i our society..it has the power to make the guilty innocent or the innocent seem guilty.
It seems that Obama is flawless,and these people want anyway to tear him down. I think theyre intimidated by him because they know he is the most worthy candidate for presidency. The media is strong because it stirs up emotion...they never bring the whole picture...just 20-30 second soundbites for viewers to determine their whole view.
I dont understand why Obama has to be stepping on eggshells just to please every single person in america. If he says something...it may offend black ministers...blacks themselves....whites...or any other race who wants to jump in the picture. Its ridiculous. It seems that they are sitting and waiting for him to say something that might spark controversy. We will never get anywhere as a nation if we continue this.

[Tony]

My feeling is simply this ; because the Defenders of Freedom deserve to hear US speak because they are fighting for US to do so , and all of US to be free to speak , today in Iraq and Afghanistan , regardless of how WE may feel about the efforts, waged , WE have a duty to thank them for the courage they give US to speak OUR mind , to say I am sorry when I miss speak my mind , but Never will my fellow patriots of Freedom deny US the right to ask for forgiveness this Easter weekend to OUR God , and Never will my Fellow patriots on news networks deny US OUR Dignity to speak OUR mind and be forgiven for OUR mistakes In Due Process , and thats how I feel the fellows on the news have made me feel about the pastor , right or wrong hes got the Right to Speak his mind , and be forgiven , not persecuted , and I think they should not be using this to cause the pain of stepping on the toes of Freedom of Speech , by not allowing first a aspect of debating the fact that we are Human beings , and that our feelings may come out STRONG and wrong , but that we deserve a chance to say we are sorry , but not in a Coliseum of not our choosing , and paraded around to be destroyed before we get the honor of due process , under the law of Freedom of speech . I am really troubled by this thats going on , and I want to sure make my feelings known about this . Its fine to use the power of the press to report , but to be tossing this out there night after night , for what , to make people think Obama's a bad guy so you can do mind manipulation on people to get them all worked up and twist their way of perceiving a certain candidate running to President , , or that when people say bad things in ways that are ONLY WORDS , that is the 1st Amendment right , and then use the same right to destroy another Citizen of your only society , and we wonder why we got problems in this Country ??? and I don't think the Framers intended the 1st Amendment to be used in this manner . I am a Simple little Iron worker in a simple little town trying to compete with a IMPORT POLICY CALLED NAFTA and it sucks big time because I can't compete with a Wall mart that brings in products made at 15 Cent to our Dollar , which by the way we are getting closer to being equal with a 70 cent dollar great move crash the dollar , but wait we don't have the same cost of living , I wonder how thats going to work , but we sure are having to cough up allot more dollars to pay for our LIVING NOW too , but , it doesn't effect you NEWS People because of your way Of business , but if it did I bet you would be trying to twist people perceptions around about that now wouldn't you , but it sure world be nice to Talk about some ISSUES LIKE FAIR TRADE , have some FEEs deducted out of these Imported products to pay for SS and Medicare, which think how better off we would be right now if this would have been the case rather than ALL the INCOME going into the Importers hands , and then this makes the GOVERNMENT have to Tax the heck out of us to pay for these insolvencies , whose writing these POLICIES Man ???? IT might be better to talk about this kind of stuff than to destroy each other on a fear of what might happen if someone new got elected , instead of making sure we don't reelect someone that we no sold us down the river to NAFTA before , and now just wants to get back in and rewrite it and HISTORY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[John B Sheffield]

On this Easter Day I reflect that it is my Hope that I can't be held totally responsible for every sermon or statement my Pastor may or no make and this is clearly the same for Barack Obama.

Yes initially after the videos where first released (I wonder who was behind releasing the, I am sure we all know!) people had to think, then we had Barack Obama's speech, Just after the video's where released in the Democratic Party polling Obama slipped be being 7 points behind Hillary, yesterday Barack Obama is once again back in the lead.

It is my Hope this Easter Day that this Democratic Campaign of dirty personal attacks can stop, it is both damaging the Party and also people are watching throughout the world are shocked! at the way we can behave.

[Brian Jennings]

You mean like the actions of the first lady ole Hillary "Sniper Fire" Clinton herself. PLEASE, this woman is telling the american public that she was under sniper fire and had to run to saftey. While the truth is a video is being spread all over the internet and starting to show on TV, thanks to The Washington Post reporting the truth. The truth in a young girl reading her a poem instead of the sniper fire she is claiming. While our soldiers are actually getting killed and maimed in IRAQ "sniper fire' Clinton is making up stories about herself being endangered. I would vote for anyone else ! If she isn't finished now. People are just plain stupid.

[Linda in New York]

Let's not let race distract us this time.

ANY ONE who has experienced discrimination in this country - race, religion, sex, class, credit or otherwise - should be able to understand Rev. Wright's anger and his urgings to get things changed!

Instead of being fearful of that anger - why don't we look at it "as a gift" as the Rev. Cecil Williams used to say - a gift that might point us in the right direction - finally, truly changing the way we operate - in politics and about race issues.

Let's do the right thing here - judge all the candidates by the "content of their character" And, I for one, have a bit in anger in my character at all the inequities I see in our society that are not being addressed!

An Angry White Woman

[JP]

As a African American it is funny to me how some people refuse to accept Obamas speech as the answer in which it truly was to his controversial pastor. And that also summarizes the racial state America is trapped in now. Most blacks who have been on political shows and even the republican politcal shows can relate to it and yet some people refuse to accept this(for political reasons) even though we are pouring our heart out to you and America on this matter that is real. Your refusal to accept this as an answer outlines a much bigger issue in America that some people unknowingly reflect because they were never truly educated on the effects of slavery.

If an individual were assaulted physically or sexually for that matter they are placed in therapy. Well guess what the slaves never were. The freed slaves were made so they couldn't progress, couldn't purchase land and when they did progress politically it was taken from them. (look up reconstruction in North Carolina) They were simply given freedom and thrown to the wolves!!! Never even given the 40 acres and a mule promised????By certain people not acknowldging the speech that Obama made they are truly not acknowledging the post traumatic slave syndrome and the struggle of African Americans who are your FELLOW AMERICANS. Then you act like "I wonder why some blacks feel this way,Humm beats me"!! You wonder why we feel isolated. Hummm!!!


I am not saying blacks dont have the same chance NOW but I am saying that racism has taken a huge toll and the people that refuse to admit it seem to not accept the Obama Speech whether they actually realize it or not. Such as the Hannity's, and Gingrich's!! You possess that old mentality that is successfully being bred out of White Americans with every generation just as Pastor wright possesses some negative traits that are successfully being bred out of Black Americans. Thank GOD for the YOUNG AMERICANS WHO CAN SEE THINGS FOR WHAT IS REAL AND NOT WHAT SOMEONE OLDER WHO EXPERIENCED MORE HATRED HAS EXPLAINED AND HELD ON TO!!! That is why the young flock to Obama! Does it justify his Pastors comments NO but it gives clarity and resolve to where he was coming from and how blacks can agree and disagree but we never disown!!!

My father served in the Marines and my Grandfather in the Army AirCorp. My Father served in Vietnam, Da Nang to be exact and hangs the Stars and Stripes on his porch but understands how some blacks feel this way and sympathises that their "AMERICAN" experience may have been harsh!! And wouldn't walk out of Church because of the comment by Pastor Wright Also even though he may not have agreed with it. Pastor Wrights comment was more idealogical as opposed to this is what i truly mean.


LET ME EXPLAIN SOMETHING TO YOU ALL HERE, MY GRANDFATHER RODE FROM GEORGIA ON A HORSE TO AVOID BEING LYNCHED BY THE KKK BECAUSE HE DIDN'T WANT TO WORK ON SUNDAY LIKE EVERY OTHER WHITE AMERICAN. BECAUSE HE WANTED TO THE SAME DAY OF REST THAT THE WHITE AMERICANS WERE ENTITLED TO HE HAD TO LEAVE HIS FAMILY AND KIDS AND NEVER TALK TO THEM AGAIN!!! CAN YOU SAY YOU CAN RELATE TO THAT HONESTLY SEAN HANNITY? NEWT GINGHRICH? THIS MEANS I HAVE FAMILY I HAVE NEVER KNOWN AND PROBABLY NEVER WILL KNOW BECAUSE OF SLAVERY ITS ITS RESIDUAL TOLL. THAT IS WHY US BLACKS TAKE ON NEW FAMILY BECAUSE IN SLAVERY OUR FAMILY WAS RIPPED FROM US SO WE HAD TO CREATE NEW FAMILY. NOT ALWAYS BY BLOOD BUT BY TRUST!! AMERICA NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT AND MOVE ON!!! AND YOU SAY PASTOR WRIGHT WASNT HIS UNCLE? BY SAYING THAT YOU DENY THE ENTIRE SLAVE EXPERIENCE WHETHER YOU AGREE OR NOT. IF THAT IS THE CASE THEN NO BLACKS ARE TRULY RELATED!!!! I HAVE BI RACIAL COUSINS AS BLACKS OFTEN DO THAT HAVE EXPRESSED THAT WHEN EVER THEIR WHITE MOTHER'S SIDE OF THE FAMILY GETS UPSET WITH THEM THEN THEY BECOME NIGGERS AND THEY HAVE EXPRESSED VERY REAL PAIN IN REGARDS TO THIS. SO HANNITY AND GINGRICH YOU MEAN TO TELL ME OBAMA USING HIS GRANDMOTHER IN HIS SPEECH MEANS NOTHING!!!!HOW DARE YOU!!!!

THERE IS A NEW GENERATION OF AMERICANS OF ALL NATIONALITIES AND WE ARE NO LONGER HOLDING THE VIEWS OF THE HANNITY'S AND EVEN OF PASTOR WRIGHT IN A POLITICAL SENSE JUST LIKE OBAMA DOESN'T HOLD PASTOR WRIGHTS POLITICAL VIEWS. WE WANT TO BE ONE COUNTRY WHETHER WHITE BLACK BROWN ONE LEGGED OR KICK STAND WE DON'T CARE AND WE ARE SICK OF THE MEDIA DIVIDING THE PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!

SEAN HANNITY AND WHO EVER ELSE EXPRESSES THOUGHS NEGATIVE AND UNRECEPTIVE THOUGHTS ON RACISM WE NEED YOU RIGHT NOW TO HUMBLE YOURSELF AND YOUR EGO AND YOUR POLITICAL INTERESTS AND LOOK AT IT FOR WHAT IT IS!!! BUT IF YOU CONTINUE TO HOLD THOSE NEGATIVE VIEWS THEN YOUNG AMERICA NEVER FEAR BECAUSE THOSE NEGATIVE UNCOMPASIONATE NON QUALITIES WILL BE BRED OUT OF YOU NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY TO INSTILL THEM IN YOUR SEED!! I TOO HAVE CURSED AMERICA JUST AS ALMOST EVERY BLACK HAS VERBALLY OR SILENTLY!!! BUT ASK ME AM I PROUD TO BE AMERICAN? YOUR DAMN RIGHT I AM!!!!

Signed a proud African American. NO A PROUD AMERICAN!!!

JP

Some of you truly need to read this link about Willie Lynch who was a motivational teacher on how to control your negro slaves
Willie Lynch letter: The Making of a Slave


I DARE YOU TO GOOGLE IT!!!!!!!!

THERE ARE GRAMATICAL MISTAKES IN THIS EMAIL AND THAT LEAVES THE OFFENDED LEVERAGE TO CHANGE FOCUS FROM THE CONTENT OF THE LETTER AND FOCUS ON THE SHORT COMINGS OF MY PENMANSHIP JUST AS OBAMA'S SPEECH. I THINK HANNITY BRINGING A PERSON ON ANALYZE THE WORDS OF OBAMAS SPEACH WAS AN EXTREME AND BLATANT ATTEMPT TO OVER LOOK THE ISSUE OF WHAT THE SPEECH BROUGHT UP WHICH TRULY ANSWERED ALOT OF QUESTIONS. CAN WE NOT BE POLITICAL JUST ONCE AND SEE SOMETHING TRULY AS IT IS!!!! THAT IS MY CHALLENGE TO AMERICA!!!!!!!!

[John]

If anything, these comments have revealed the true nature of many so-called Democrats. Suddenly Hillary supporters, who would otherwise champion the cause of civil rights and racial equality in the United States if they weren't faced with this uppity negro running for office, are using language that would cause Rush Limbaugh to glee. All this talk of "white guilt" and "reverse racism" seems to contradict the years that the Clintons have spend courting the black vote and appealing to black sensibilities without ever accomplishing anything for black people (tell me how the "three strikes and you're out" crime bill and welfare "reform" during the 90s helped folks in the projects?). Finally the chance arises to elect a black president, and Hillary's die hard fans will find any excuse to tar and feather this historic first.

As far as the two major parties go, I consider myself politically neutral. This year, however, I'm especially appalled by the way the Hillary Clinton camp has run their campaign. Their dirty tricks have widened the racial divide in this country more than any black preacher ever could. A lot of my friends agree. I personally know more than a handful of registered voters who will vote McCain if Clinton wins the Democratic nomination. Hillary fans, watch what you wish for. You will lose the 2008 election.

[Penelope]

The whole Wright thing was political crafted by the Clintons... BILL has been to Wright church he knew the old guy... churches and religion for everyone is a difficult thing... because they are so different... I don't judge others Obama or anyone else by what other people do... Obama will make a good president... The Clintons have already shown what they are about... Turn the page and lets move on... and let's stop those old politicans and newspapers from trying to get over on us... using our parents stuff to keep things the way they have always been... LET'S ROLL THE DICE...

[Iwonder]

I believe White America don't understand how Black America feel far as the disadvantage we have. The church is basically somewhere to go and feel the genuineness of reality that goes on in our society, I praise Wright for his integrity because a lot of so-call role models in today's society lacks it. The media should not speculate and call him a racist because he isn't, I met him before and the man is too intellectual and I wonder about people who are so in denial with him telling the truth, after all if Bush didn't invade the country prior, the world trade center catastrophe wouldn't of happen. So before people try to take things out of context, don't kill an alien if you don't know what it's characteristics are--after all it may help.

[M. Godard]

Harly you hit the nail right on the head.

[Jacquelina Rickarda]

Why are we discriminating against a person because of his or her religion? So Obama belongs to a church headed by a loudmouth who misspeaks every so often because of his forcefulness. Big deal - Obama disagrees with that loudmouth on the misspeaks and agrees with him when he's not going about putting his foot in his mouth. If you're still bothered by Mr. Wright's talks, look carefully at what said pastor is saying and what he means by that, instead of sound bites.

Moreover, discrimination against someone based on religion is pretty medieval to me, and the Republicans who voted against Romney solely because of his Mormonism were, frankly, in the wrong as well. Look at the person's works, not just his or her faith. In act, works count much more than faith.

[David in WHFD]

There is a sermon written by Rev. Wright at the New Republic. I'm white, retired, and conservative. I would be proud to be a member of Trinity United. In my opinion, the clintons, in their insatiable quest for power, have clearly demonstrated how low they will stoop to garner support. When they or their supporters who speak in their name utter coded racial messages to the electorate it is proof positive that the vaunted judgement that they claim makes them ready to rule on day one is inferior. The clintons and their mouthpieces have, in the last three months, wiped out half a century of gains in the area of civil rights- civil rights for everyone, not just the group they have been attacking. The governor of PA actually gave white folks permission to not vote for Obama because he's black. I think he's a bigoted pig- just my opinion, mind you. It is monstrous.

[Alex]

Incredible. You Americans have tghe KKK and the so called Rev. Wright keeping racism alive and well in the U.S.A. This man is a hate filled racist.

A Canadian who is shocked at what he heard.

[Eric Scott]

I'm still amazed that this is news. I'm a Republican planning to vote for Obama, and none of this has changed my mind about him. Quite the contrary. Obama was faced with a political bunker bomb: a raving pastor expressing his rage publicly, caught on video for all to see, coupled with the implicit interpretation that Obama somehow supported and/or reflected that anger and rage. Just about every other politician out there today would almost certainly have ducked under or around such a PR nightmare, especially in an election year. Obama not only didn't duck, he took it head-on, AND used it as an opportunity to encourage more open dialogue on racism in America. How's that for leadership? How's that for the sort of cool level-headedness and initiative you want answering the White House phone at 3 a.m.? Obama still has my vote, if he gets the nomination. If he doesn't -- well, apologies to Hillary, but after her amazingly arrogant, incompetent, and divisive campaign, she's not worth crossing any aisles for.

[Quark]

For me it is pretty simple. As my mother taught me, when your words and your actions don't match, you are lying. Obama is showing that he is just another politician. Nothing new here except gullible voters wishing so hard to see something new that they fell into his clever trap. Such a pity, too.