The Rev. Jeremiah Wright was an early concern, Obama aide admits

After he moved to Chicago in the mid-1980s to work as a community organizer, Barack Obama forged close ties with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright -- joining the pastor’s Trinity United Church of Christ in 1988 and using the topic of a Wright sermon, "the audacity of hope," as the title of his most recent best-selling book.

But more than a year ago -- long before some of Wright’s more incendiary sermons became hot-button videos on YouTube, forcing Obama to publicly renounce his pastor last week -- the Obama campaign had a sense that Wright's sharp tongue might spell trouble for the Illinois senator.  (For a sermon sample, click on the Read more line below.)

That was the word anyway Sunday from Obama’s chief strategist, David Axelrod, who acknowledged during a conference call with reporters that Wright was disinvited ...

from Obama's official candidacy announcement on Feb. 10, 2007, in the shadow of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill.

Wright had been expected to lead an invocation of some kind, but never appeared.

“There was no doubt that there was controversy surrounding him,” Axelrod said Sunday.  “And we didn’t want to expose him … [or] make him the target and a distraction on a day when Sen. Obama was going to announce his candidacy.”

So if the savvy Obama campaign knew Wright was a problem a year ago, why did the Illinois senator, a parish member for two decades, wait until last week to disassociate and denounce the minister's inflammatory statements?

The topic is clearly uncomfortable for Obama and his aides, personally and politically. Axelrod's comments came only after prodding from a reporter and after he had initially suggested that Wright’s absence that day was due merely to the fact that the temperature was in the single digits.

And even as Obama has condemned some of Wright’s rhetoric and distanced himself from his longtime spiritual advisor, doing so has not been easy.  Wright remained on an African American religious advisory committee for the campaign until Friday.

“Rev. Wright married him, introduced him, as he said, to the church, brought him into the church, into Christianity, baptized his children,” Axelrod said.  “So this is a painful thing for him because he condemns the things Rev. Wright said, but he also knows him as a person.”

Wright has proven controversial in the past because of his association with Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who has made anti-Semitic remarks.  But the controversy has grown in recent weeks with the spread of videos from Wright sermons where he condemns the United States for its foreign policy and treatment of blacks and takes on Obama’s rival for the Democratic nomination, Hillary Clinton.

As Wright put it, “Hillary ain't never been called a nigger!  Hillary has never had her people defined as non-person."

On Friday, Obama posted a message at the Huffington Post website, explaining that he had not seen such sermons in person and saying that he disagreed with them.  "I vehemently disagree and strongly condemn the statements that have been the subject of this controversy," he wrote.

-- Peter Wallsten

Comments

[Charles Eaton]

There is no way anyone would stay in a church like that without some knowledge of its racist leanings and anti-american sentiment. To know that the pastor was like that, and the association and admiraton of farrakhan and all the hate that represents, it is unthinkable that someone running for president would be in a church like that. If the democrats want to win the white house, they better find another candidate who has a chance to win.

[Christian Prophet]

The pastor is not the real problem. Barack Obama cannot survive with a spotlight on his THEOLOGY. See:
http://miraclesdaily.blogspot.com/

[Eskew]

Rev. Jeremiah Wright and other black ministers have a mandate from God to speak truth to power. They share a prophetic directive to tell our nation when he believes it has sinned and what the consequences are for those sins. In his 9/11 remarks, he tells America that, in his opinion, America's foreign policies were to blame for the attacks. This is no different than the Revs. Rod Parsely, Pat Robertson, or Jerry Falwell preaching that 9/11 was the result of America's apostasy or pro-choice policies. This is not necessarily hatred for America or white America. I would never had said God damn America but the aforementioned white ministers have said the same thing when they said God's judgement or curse had come on America. Further, when Wright says Hillary doesn't know what it's like being a black man in America, that's just truth.

I believe the strong reaction to Wright's sermon's coming from the White community is white's refusal to face the hatred this nation has demonstrated home and abroad. It's akin to the same hatred that many whites had toward MLK and other preachers when they forced whites to face their hatred in fifties and sixties.

[gil]

Well, here we have it. Looks like straight talk from Obama has gone out the window. So, is this what we can expect from "yes we can," and "change," and "hope"?

I would have respected Obama a lot more if he had simply said-
"look, this stuff goes on in the African American church all the time. Many of our preachers get overly emotional and a bit buffoonish at times, like Al Sharpton. Although many white people take Wright's words seriously, to all of us it's just a bit of a comedy show- comic relief."

Oops! Obama cannot say that, because, according to him, "words mean something." So, he will simply have to let the chips fall where they may, and fall they will. Particularly in every red state, and Florida, and Pennsylvania, and Ohio. At this point, I'm not sure Obama could get Jersey.

Obama seems like a nice guy. Really nice. I've got no problem with his personality. It's his judgement I worry about.

[Kelly Pierce]

I suspect that Wright's commentary is a hit to Obama, but not a fatal one.

McCain is far from "thoroughly vetted" himself. It'll be easy to derail the "Straight Talk Express" once we get down to business.

Above all here is that right wing pastors like John Hagee who have said things like "Hurricane Katrina is God's judgment on New Orleans for homosexual activity", and endorsed John McCain, are not getting nearly the scrutiny that Wright (and by association, Obama) is under.

I don't know if it's a good or a bad thing that the MSM doesn't even take people like Hagee seriously anymore, but I certainly think the flap over Wright's remarks is exponentially larger than it should be and Obama's responses have been more than sufficient.

[jhutson]

I admire Barack Obama for clearly condemning the outrageous words while refusing to throw his former pastor under the bus. I see no evidence of that the words Obama has rightly denounced have been reflected in his own beliefs or actions. I do see a double standard in the press coverage, however. When will the press give equal time to outrageous and bigoted statements by John McCain's spiritual mentors, Rev. Parsley and Rev. Hagee?

[Nadeem]

Tough situation for Obama, the person who intorduced him to Christ, vs. presidential ambitions.

[Ted]

This pastor is a racist pig! He should go back to Africa if he dislikes the USA so much. And this is Barak's mentor. God help us.

[Concerned]

The troubling part is that Wright's white-bashing fits with the anger Obama describes in his book towards whites, and with his wife's comment that she has never been proud in her adult life of our country.

I understand that young people often deal with issues of anger, but this appears to go way into adulthood. How can Obama say that he is for all Americans when he appears to rail against, or approve of those who denounce white Americans?

I am none to proud of our country's actions, but I would not publicly blame one ethnic group. Most disturbing to me, the three people who nurtured, adored and sacrificed for Obama happened to be white. And he seems to have in some ways rejected them, too (his book speaks to this as well). I find it deeply troubling.

[America The Beautiful]

Obama knew his pastor and used his sermon to write his book. He has got to be kidding.

Reverend Wright was involved with Louis Farrakhan and who knows how many other radical leaders.

For Obama to address the American people and say that he didn’t know that Wright had sermons about race and the hate that he has for our country is absurd.

Shame on the media for not bringing this to the forefront.

The media should harp on this news.

Why would Obama admit that he thinks the way the pastor speaks to his congregation.

It’s a disgrace.

This is VERY SERIOUS.

No American should make light of this.

Wake up media! Wake up America!

— Posted by America the Beautiful

[Mandelay]

This, too, is part of the script. Remember first that Gerry Ferraro is no racist. Never has been, never will be. She is a political pro (like Ted Kennedy) who sees Sen. Obama, for what he is. A very lucky young man with a spectacular way with words who has been "packaged" for this "moment,"starting with his being fed others legislation for his own as an Illinois Senator, his speech at the 2004 convention, and his support from Ted Kennedy. By his own admission, this "lucky winner" of the DNC first black man as president lottery, has been running for president as soon as he entered the U.S. Senate, running so hard that he can't even hold a subcommittee hearing. And he's lucky to be black because it gives him plenty of built in teflon ... the media is reluctant to dig and vet this candidate for fear of being called "racist." He has carried entire states with a solid black vote, taken "proportionally allocated delegates" with a solid black vote, and will have yet another "moment" at the DNC Convention in Denver, which is conveniently being run by a black evangelical preacher. Hollywood could not have done better. Scripted to perfection. If he hits a few snags, he gives explanations (in this case Wright/Rezko) on a Friday evening low news cycle and then gets up on Saturday to invoke RFK and cry out for unity. While you conveniently file Wright/Rezko away, you hear the sweet talkin' guy and your mind wanders. Hoodwinked. Bamboozled. Since our guy repeatedly, conveniently, missed all these nasty sermons, maybe he was given a "heads up" that the sermon was gong to heat up and that he should be a no show. That explanation is as good as any other. Quick, time to invoke RFK again. He's been dead these 40 years and you can trash him too.

[Elmer Swaringen]

Something very wrong here: Obama has to be lying. this is one of the things that will cause his downfall. He is good at making speeches and thats it.The congress woman was right when she said the reason he is where he is today is because of being black . iThe musiloms would go crazy if we are crazy enought to put him in the white house

[ChangeWhat]

So many questionable relationships so few answers. And what anwers are emerging are very disconcerting. Obama set his own level of expectation to cast others as less than worthy. He has, it appears, failed. The Obama character has failed its own test.

Hilary may not be perfect but she never claimed to be. Hilary will, as she has demonstrated, fight for Americans, be bloodied for Americans, and win for democrats to build a better America.

God Bless America

[cb]

BIG MISTAKE. I FEEL WE HAVE BEEN DECEIVED. JUST WORDS........G** D*** AMERICA.....JUST WORDS.....USKKKA.....JUST WORDS...CHICKENS COMING HOME TO ROOST....JUST WORDS. HOW DO YOU ERASE ALL OF THOSE WORDS FROM OUR MINDS AND OUR HEARTS? YOU DID NOT WALK AWAY....THAT'S ALL YOU HAD TO DO......WALK AWAY. INSTEAD YOU DONATED $22,500 IN JUST 2006 FOR THE SPREAD OF THESE DISEASED WORDS.

[JanetP]

Obama has totally lost all credibility with his 'denial' of knowledge of Wright's rants. It is totally absurd that this sophisticated, accomplished, and intelligent man could have a close association with Wright and his parishioners for two decades and not know of his hateful and racist sermons. It is like Peter denying Christ three times before the rooster crowed.

[Anna]

Poor Obama. I can imagine that this is really difficult for him. You know...I would never want to be held accountable for everything my pastor (who is extremely, extremely homophobic) ever said. It's just unfair. And I don't think Mccain who has a crazy pastor of his own, will ever be asked to denouce him.

Anyway, I think he's handled this really well.

[peter]

How can people claim the moral high ground? After churches have covered up for pedophile priests, claimed that God put GWB in office, or engaged in genocide and slavery. Who are these people, who blindly follow Ted Haggard, Jimmy Swaggart and Jim and Tammy? Or protest at a soldiers funeral. Or bomb the world for Jesus. And for the record, our corrupt foreign policy is at the heart of why people hate America around the world. One look at South America will show you this. Anyone who doesn't acknowledge this is not fit to be president.
Mr Wright looks more white than Obama. I think they both are trying to find their roots. I would rather have that than a televangelist or door to door god salesmen. He ain't a Muslim, and that is what matters.

[ShirleyD]

For twenty (20) years and Sen. Obama doesn't know the sermons preached by Rev. Wright??? Yeah, right!
A WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING HE IS!!!

Now Obama's campaign is acknowledging that Rev. Wright was a concern before this came out... Why not let the people of America know his objections to some of the thoughts by his pastor before this new information was released? I hope people actually think before casting their votes.

Wake up America,,,
Shirley

[David]

Senator Obama has distanced himself from the Rev. Wright and condemned the Reverend's statements. Making a claim that the senator now has to leave his church to show that he is serious in his denunciation smacks of political grandstanding by his opponents. If Sen. Clinton were intellectually honest, she would say "Senator Obama has addressed the issue, so let's move on." Fat chance of that.

Something else is strange here. I would assume that Rev. Wright would like to see Sen. Obama elected President. Is he so full of himself, so drunk on the media spotlight, that he can't see that he is hurting the Senator's campaign? Can the Rev. Wright not control his mouth for a few months? Is that too much to ask? (Whether there is truth in his statements is another issue entirely. One that could well be addressed *after* November.)

With "friends" like the Rev. Wright and, on the other side, Geraldine Ferraro, which of these candidates needs enemies?

[Mindy Voroshilov]

Do you want president Hilary or an also ran candidate
Obama the republicans cant wait to rip the head off and
defecate down his neck ? Wake-up before we loose
another white house.Our opponents will have a ball
talking about secretary of state Louis Farrakhan and
attorney general Jeremia Wright.Real change that no one
would want to believe in.

[billy buoy]

As a Veteran I am outraged at the Reverends words about our Country. Is this a glimpse into what happens at a typical Black Church these days? The Pulpit is used for Political and Country damnations? Its no Church I know.

I will Not be voting for Barack specifically because of this disclosure. I believe the man is a confirmed Empty suit whose judgement and leadership is without question, Lacking.

[Marie]

Obama is not electable. Wright only makes that more certain. The Democrats better learn this sooner rather than later.

[Charlie Chan Blue Dog]

WOW - The Clinton Folks are sure out in force tonight!

Sorry, as much as you would like to use this to smear Senator Obama - It won't work! You have seen/heard about 2 or 3 Sermons out of 14,000 that Rev Wright might have given and you ASSUME Senator Obama was there - where in fact, while being a Public Figure - he was in Springfield IL or Washington DC much of the time!

What does come out is how much hatred there is in the US for Blacks - Especially if they are Brazen Enough to Run For President!! Don't try and kid any readers - your dislike and animosity towards Senator Obama for preceded anything written in the last 2 weeks!!

You are Sad Representatives of the Clinton Campaign who are attempting another Lynching!!! And Yes That is the appropriate word here!!

Remember God's 8th Commandment - "Thou Shalt Not Bare False Witness Against Thy Neighbor" and that is exactly what 99% of the above comments are doing... Unless you can PROVE One IOTA of your accusations - i.e. he was THERE for these 2 or 3 Sermons - than what you are guilty of is Slander!

[Forthegood]

It is so easy to say that white people have hatred towards black people. If we are to ever get past race, it must not be a topic of discussion--by anyone. People are created equal in the eyes of God. However, with the sermon that was shown seems to be nothing but hatred from the black reverand towards white people in general. It is even worse to get the entire church feeling the same way, jumping up and down. Even if Hillary has never been called a n..., doesn't mean she hasn't been called other hurtful things. Any kind of name calling is not good, and I don't feel that Jesus would be very proud of it. It is a shame that people just can't be nice to each other to make the world a better place. My fear with Obama is what "change" truly means.

[Media Love 4 Obama]

YES HE CAN! I am so glad LA Times took the time to print this. He is a member of a radical racist church. I have known it for a long time and have sent out lots blogs of what goes on within his Church. A church that breaks IRS tax laws by promoting politics and should suffer losing their tax exempt status.

Did he know- Yes you guys have computers there are videos of Minister Wright saying GD America while showing Obama in the church pews - are you blind or just desperate? Electing Obama would be like electing Hitler- No We Can't!

[keep hope alive]

I find it hard to believe that Obama could have know this pastor for 20 years, and never have heard that his pastor believed such garbage. some of the commenters on here seem to suggest that this is not that uncommon a sermon at african american churches. Is this true? Also, Wright states in one speech that Jesus was a black man (there is zero evidence of this). I would be curious if there is a reporter brave enough to ask Barak if he belieives this as well, and if this would have any effect on his white supporters.
By the way, the San Antonio pastor (Hagee) that endorsed McCain (it was not his pastor) has some problems with Catholisism, as do many Protestants. I cannot see how that is even a close comparison to Rev. Wrights outrageous hate-filled diatribe.

[CheddarBoy]

To: jhutson and others with same question:
Q: When will the press give equal time to outrageous and bigoted statements by John McCain's spiritual mentors, Rev. Parsley and Rev. Hagee?
R: Don't need to... we know them already. Obama is running on the "power of words" and those words are powerful. He is also running as a non-traditional politician... but his attempt to cover up and still defend Wright bespeaks his true political identity.

[Clark]

Pastor Wright (for according to the Bible, only God is reverend) is correct. Most of us do not know what it is like to make well over 100,000 a year and still be struggling and poor as the Obamas were in the beginning of their marriage. That 100,000 was only Mrs. Obama's salary from her law work. Mr. Obama made a paltry 70,000 or so in addition to that. Must have been very tough, and to be black on top of that, well . . .

Except for the very privileged of women, most women know exactly what it is like to be a nonperson, Pastor Wright is Wrong about that. Women are still considered nonpersons, and the ugly sexist remarks coming out of this year's election campaigns has brought a lot of it to the surface.

"Iron my shirts!" was the least of it. But I can just imagine if it had been Obama instead of Clinton and the words had been, "Shine my shoes!"

It's OK to say the worst anyone can imagine about any woman, but don't say anything about a black person, not even the facts, because you will be labeled a racist to shut you up.

Obama cannot win the general election. That's because the Republicans have been voting for him in the open Democratic Primaires, and they won't be there to vote for him in November. They'll be voting for McCain then. The only states he's won are red states, and no Democrat will carry those states in the general election. He needs to win Blue States and Pivotal states. He hasn't.

This year's election is proving that the U.S. is not ready for either a black president or a woman president. We haven't gone nearly as far as we thought or as far as we should have. It's a shame.

[SN]

David - all Clinton supporters have done precisely that today (called for the media to move on). My respect for her has only increased as a result. Every one of Obama's surrogates however began their response with a dig at her -- taxes and donor list etc. that she has addressed more than once. Look it up!

This country deserves what it gets if we elect this man. While he has great promise -- I do NOT trust him any more. Worse, supporters like his make me SICK! He has spread his divisive message and subversive tactics (look up what he did to get into the Illinois state senate) to national politics and the Presidency. As many have said before me.. WAKE UP AMERICA!

[Mark]

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

The notion that women don't have souls and are not human has been going around for centuries, if not millennia.

It looks like Obama has condoned Wright's views all this time. What a shame...

[John Smith]

Obama is AntiAmerican and AntiPatriotic. This golden-throated promiser of good will has not passed the American Patriot test of heartfelt love for the land and the Constitution. By being AntiPatriotic, Obama is cursing the hundreds of thousands of Americans that have paid the ultimate price(of life) to make America the place that it is today. We've already suffered 8 years of a terrible president, let's not make it worse by electing a hypocrite of American freedom and tradition.

Obama's God and Pastor "Da*n" America for defending herself:
http://tinyurl.com/3x5md4

Michelle Obama slips and let's out the "Let's Hate America" sentiment that she studies at church:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVLc7B5cLLc

Obama doesn't follow US code, and more importantly shows that he is not a heartfelt patriot by either forgetting or refusing(which is worse?) to place his hand on his heart during the playing of the National Anthem (although all other candidates have their hand on their heart):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccbPVMBKQpA&feature=related
And here's the link to the US Code which shows that government officials(as in senators) should place their right hand on their heart during the National Anthem:
http://tinyurl.com/3346o7
and
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/36/301.html

The President is responsible for upholding the Flag of the United States. Obama's "refusing" to wear the flag on his chest shows there is a problem with his character as he's displaying the hatred he has for America and everything that has happened for the past 200+ years to make America what it is today. No childish game of defacing the flag should be tolerated by a person who is trying to become the #1 Patriot in the land. No person that desecrates our stars and stripes should be allowed the responsibility of protection our Constitution and our way of life. Ask Obama, if wearing the flag does not show patriotism, why are soldiers and presidents that are no longer with us having their coffins draped in the colors of the United States? Our United States Flag is no parlor joke, this is a symbol of America(that hundreds of thousands have died in protection of) that you're making seem like a "pin made in china".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccbPVMBKQpA&feature=related

Everyone makes mistakes and flubs up, but when the same patterns of flubs continue to reappear, it becomes obvious what a person's true character is all about.

Denouncement after Denouncement - after awhile people should wonder how a person got themselves into the situation in the first place. Obama has run out of denouncements, it's time to wake up and smell the Rat America!

[Domingo]

While you or I would never want to held responsible for what our preacher, pastor or what ever, said, if you belong to a church like that and believe in the word of the Lord, you too will be held accountable along with your pastor reverend, or what ever.
McCain's pastor did not say anything wrong against all Americans, just homosexuals. Most authentic religions are against homosexuals also.
Also, why is it that every time a liberal is caught in some embarrassing position, thier supporters always strike back with” Well this guy did this or that"?.
Liberals/Democrats, can't take the blame for their actions. Whimp’s!

[ben in Nashville]

I read people saying "his pastor should go back to Africa" or "he is a racist" or "he is anti-America". In truth, there are patriots who speak out against the war and there are patriots who speak out against injustice and there are patriots who speak out against American leaders when American leaders act contrary to the greatness of the Constitution and our citizens. GW Bush has done unconscionable wrong by lying about WMD in Iraq, invading a sovereign nation that had not attacked us, killing countless thousands of innocent Iraqis, etc. When it comes to 9/11, there is nothing that justifies attacking and killing innocent people. Nothing. Not in Hiroshima, not in Iraq, not in NYC. So, even though you've got a lot of rage and outcry, I think the character assassination of Rev. Wright is totally out of line. He deserves the right to speak his mind. He deserves the right to dissent with our government. And he is a proud Marine who served his nation - he deserves respect and he knows that George Bush's policies are not American.

The thing that upset me was the way that Wright tried to divide on the basis on race, tried to say that Hillary Clinton "fits the mold" when very clearly she'd be a groundbreaking candidate as the first woman in history to hold the presidency. I support Obama, but that remark of Wright's was out of line. Saying G-D America was also pretty extreme, though I understand the context and I recognize that he was interpreting the Scripture, which has some pretty strong statements about condemning those who commit murder and tolerate injustice.

[GayBlackMan]

Rev. Wright's comments is not shocking to me as an ex-X'ian church goer. I hear hate voiced by church leaders all the time. From the white churches, I hear anti-black and anti-gay speech... from the black churches, I hear anti-white and anti-gay speech. To all the black people arguing that "blacks can't be racist" a la Spike Lee... wake up.
I'm a gay black man and I would not support anyone who wears his religion on his collar. GW Bush does this and looked where that got us.

[Cole]

To the Barack "supporters" (I am assuming you are Dems?): You are missing the big picture here. You are talking about sticking to the issues but this is the issue and it is called BAD JUDGEMENT. I am a life long DEM and until a few days a go I couldn't decide between are two candidates. We can’t sweep this under the rug. If you do (by the blog comments I am reading all over the web) you are handing the 2008 election to McCain. Maybe McCain doesn't seem that extreme right now but you can bet his running mate will come from the far right and do you really want this guy or his VP picking a couple of Supreme Court justices? Suck it up and get behind Hillary whether by voting or donating and spread the word to other Barack "HOPE" Obama followers. The only HOPE about his campaign now is for the GOP. They are salivating at this very moment over this - the will energize them and bring them out in record numbers. John Mc Cain will never have to touch this or even have to run a single ad. The GOP 527's are going to do all the work for him. Karl Rove has been offering his services to McCain - if McCain doesn't hire him the GOP 527's will and WE ARE GOING TO SEE ad after ad after ad this FALL of clips of these "sermons" edited with Baracks smiling face and themes of HOPE and CHANGE and JUDGEMENT - it is Karl Rove's dream script. There is nothing Barack can do to distance himself enough from this guy. There are hundreds of quotes of him calling this Wright his mentor, saying he chose THIS church and this man as his spiritual guide and those clips and quotes will be editied together with clips we have already scene of Wright and lots more that have even come out yet and Barack is going to loose big time.

Hillary did not make this mess. She hasn't even commented on it. She is the only answer. Before you go with the macho "I'll just vote for McCain then" line just remember the balance of the Supreme Court. This may be the most patriotic thing you do for a very long time. Please Please listen this will not go away.

[DennisR]

Eskew:

You are only touching the issue superficially. Wright said Obama was "not white, not rich, and not privileged" (close to the original quote). He has told 2-1/2 lies from the pulpit in "church." He also also used the term bull___t in church, hoped that God would damn America. He also said that Jesus was black (He was actually Jewish). So Reverend Wright is spouting both hate and lies in "church." Is this okay for him to do?

[Brad]

there is absolutely no way to equate McCain’s acceptance of the anti-Catholic Hagee’s support with that of Obama’s acceptance of the racist Wright’s. Obama has no excuse to have only suddenly distanced himself form this hate filled, ranter whom he has called his “spiritual mentor.” For decades Obama has known of, and sat in a congregation listening to, the wild-eyed rants by this man. Barack has accepted him as part of his family closely associated with his wife and children. Barack Obama has been very close with Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. for 20 some years.
On the other hand, John McCain has only just met John Hagee.
You just cannot equate the two.

[Eric Roth]

Obama would like to pretend that this is just a personal, private matter. Yet he's running for president on the basis of his judgment - to make up for a lack of legislative or executive experience.

So should I trust his judgment based on his choice of spiritual guides? His pastor? His pastor's style and paranoid conspiracy theology? Can you really know somebody for over 25 years, hold hundreds of hours of conversations and listen to hundreds of sermons, and be "shocked, shocked" at Wright's politics? That strains plausibility.

Perhaps Senator Obama simply deferred to his wife in choice of church and theology. Okay, that only begs the question of whether Obama can lead our united nation to overcome terrible divisions of race, class, religion and religion? Giving militant pastors, devoted to ugly, hateful and false racist conspiracy theories, a place at the table will not help.... especially as we attempt to isolate Islamic zealots and religious bigots.
I'm sorry, but Senator Obama has failed a very basic test of leadership - the ability to choose wise advisers who can calmly and rationally understand and explain political events. As a moderate Democrat who despises Senator Clinton's secretive style and hoped for Obama to lead the party to victory in November, I'm very disappointed. I'm also more than a bit annoyed that the media protected Senator Obama from simple, basic questions - and may have thrown the election to another Republican President. How did the media let personality and style replace experience and leadership skills - and vital issues like protecting the dollar and our homeland - dominant the primary election?

[Mike]

This is an incredible assault on a church, a church that has done tremendous good.

The UCC is not a racist church. Repeat, not. Go read about the UCC on the web instead of acting like Fox parrots.

36 years of Wright's sermons have been distilled for the most incendiary comments. Some of these comments are over the top, some are no different than those stated by Ron Paul for example. It would appear that in recent times Rev. Wright has perhaps even lost his faculties.

But look at this beautiful sermon, "The audacity of hope" sermon. It is a profoundly Christian sermon, one in which there is only goodness. Read it for yourselves and reflect.

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/03/for-the-record.html

[John Lewis]

Very light-skinned older black men like Wright are often the most militant. This guy probably has more white in him than Obama himself, and certainly could pass for white whereas Obama could not. Wright has probably been exposed to less racism than darker skinned African Americans, but the ambiguity over his racial identity has caused him to overcompensate in order to prove he belongs in the black world.

Fact is, the things he said were mostly true. Unless the media has a racial agenda I'd suggest they expose the likes of Falwell, Hagee, Parsely (McCain's spiritual adviser), Robertson, anti-semite Billy Graham, etc, etc, etc.

[eelder1]

How many times have we heard this type of stuff from White evangelicals who are as racist as Reverend Wright. Is anyone really surprised some Blacks have racist sentiments after centuries of discrimination?

[DennisR]

MIndy,

You are correct: neither Democrat candidates are going to survive. Obama (his pastor; his wife; his vote against providing medical care for babies who survive abortion) and Clinton (providing pardons to terrorists; her perjured pervert of a husband getting back into the White House) have too much baggage. Throw in the Democrat party's idiocy in all of the delegate counts, and you might as well start practicing saying "President McCain" right now.

[Alma Ludivina]

Attention Buletin of last minute

If voters have a genuine concern for Pastor Wright words, lets prevents his words to become a prophecy by voting by Senator Obama.

If Senator Obama becomes our next President that will be the proof that Pastor Wright words are not meaningful.

[laylah]

I've seen the CNN and MSNBC interviews and read his HuffPost piece, and never heard him "renounce his pastor." He made it very clear that he was renouncing certain comments made in the short clips that were being replayed ad nauseum. He also noted Pastor Wright's service in the military, commitment to the people of his church, social service in his neighbourhood, among other things. Sounded to me like he was condemning words in the videos and not the man himself. Under the circumstances, I thought that Sen Obama was taking a political risk, and that showed character. It would have been easier to just throw the man under the bus.

By the way, I've listened to sermons that some would characterize as disturbing. I've been a member of "separatist" places of worship. I've heard "racist" comments directed at "the others." Where? At my family's synagogue!

[Marc Vandenplas]

Obviously, and I mean this with the sincerity that comes from drinking an import and fretting about which institution to attend for my next masters degree, there is a gulf between the "white experience" and the "black experience".

The parishioners in back of Rev. Wright are not, by their body language, saying Yah, The US created AIDs to Kill Blacks. They are rather saying Damn It's Tough To Be Thought Inferior: Sure feels good to be in our church having that feeling validated.

I don't know what to think when reasonable educated men and women keep telling me the same thing over and over. It's creepy.

Aye, there's the gulf.

[KYJurisDoctor]

How many of us agree with our Preachers 100% of the time?

http://osi-speaks.blogspot.com/2008/03/on-palm-sunday-jeremiahing-of-obama-is.html#links

[David Adams]

There is no excuse for telling a willing and cheering and
'Amen-ing' crowd that Black Americans should sing; God Damn America.
There's also no excuse for people to excuse it by pretending that all Black Churches hold such a view.
I am a Black American...I will not vote for Obama...and I
say God Bless America.

[Concerned]

Let me understand this: Obama claims to have no knowledge of the Rev. Racists positions, statements or racist rants after attending the church for twenty years.

No knowledge. Never heard a word. Not one word from a fellow parishioner......nothing...twenty years.

And America is supposed to put this man in the White House, a man who hasn't heard or seen anything at all out of the ordinary for twenty years.

Oh, boy.

[bklyn 11211]

This is hardly "hate speech." And this is coming from someone who strongly disagrees with what Wright and other religious figures have said about gays.

He is not urging his congregation to burn crosses on the lawns of white people, to lynch anyone or to deny them their rights. He was in condemning domestic inequality and a genocidal foreign policy in America. Why is this considered racist?

And for those commenting that Wright should go "back" to Africa even though obviously many of his ancestors were white and he was born in America, I would do some serious introspection before commenting on someone else's "racist" views.

[Musemuse]

I'm going to donate to Hillary now, even though I voted for Obama on SuperTuesday in Cali.

[nazcalito]

expect a lot of posts like "I voted for Obama but now I've seen the light" type of thing and remember, there is no way of knowing who the poster is. It's the net, after all.

[JanetP]

If a white minister went on a rant like this he would be: labeled a White Supremacist; put on a hate list by the FBI, be hounded by the SPLC, and sued by the ACLU.

[tony J]

How can Obama be treated this way, Guilt by association is being played out here. How stupid our Americans I wonder!!!. Its time you were reminded of one fact. Ronald Reagan's supported the apartheid government in South Africa and he did everything he could to prop it up. All the time a great man called Nelson Mandela was locked up on Robin Island.

The words and sermons on this Reverend are terrible, but then they are words and sermons not actions , Like those of Ronald Reagan and his government, lets also remember who sold military weapons to Saddam Hussein when he was killing his own people, YES again it was the American government. Why have 500, 000 Iraqis lost there lives in the last 5 years, George Bush is the reason. You cant keep having this not me guv attitude .

[jule]

God Bless America- where we can all be held accountable for other people's actions and words, and we are all GUILTY BY ASSOCIATION!

[Lawrence]

I am NOT African American and have been to Trinity UCC many times when I lived in Chicago. I was welcomed completely and encouraged by many of the members to join. The clips of the sermons on TV/internet are not indicative of the church experience that I had. It seems like a hack job by the conservative media to discredit the Obama campaign. I do admire John McCain for speaking out and telling people that he does not believe that Obama agrees with/condones the inflammatory comments that keep on being show on TV over and over.

[Murgis k Durfy]

Alas for him the Illinois junior senator is beeing viciously
represented as the proverbial slime ball floating in a sea
of puss. Yes ,we can do better and prevent this campaign
going down in history as our party's most infamous
flopsycle.

[gregg]

This Rev. Wright problem will make it impossible for Obama to win the general election.

[Dr. Dave]

For ALL the Obama & Wright apologists....

Nobody put words in Wright's mouth. Nobody did a fake voice-over. Wright’s white America didn't conspire and drug him and hypnotize him before his sermons.

Honestly, when I heard his words I felt nauseous and wanted to vomit. This guy is keeping his folks down with sick, conspiracy; hate filled theories just like Farrakhan. Furthermore, only by going to HIS church and paying attention to HIS sick "charismatic" rantings can "believers” find out the TRUTH. This ABSOLUTELY reflects on the sort of person Obama IS. It's no wonder Barak wants to create "unity". Look at the world view of his divisive pastor who preaches DIS-unity. Wright's a real life, black Archie Bunker and a throwback to ancient times. No wonder Obama wants "change!".

Suggestion: Obama, You want "unity & change? Start at home and end the racism endemic in your provincial community before venturing out into America and preaching to us about "hope” & "change" based on false & empty promises. You've turned out to be just another old fashioned hack black "leader"; The kind that constantly evokes the name of MLK and tries to ride his coat tails. But MLK, HE was a true American hero & PATRIOT. He would collapse in despair if he had to listen through a divisive, racist, hate filled sermon by the likes of Wright.

Personally...I'm nauseous. The last thing I would want to hear on a Sunday morning is some sick clown dancing on a stage and “charismatically” telling me why we deserved 9/11. But the first thing Obama & his co-worshipers want to do on any given Sunday was go see THIS guy.

I wanna THROW UP!!!

[mat]

“The government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes three-strike laws and wants them to sing God Bless America.
“No! No No!
“God damn America ….

The Rev should have said that to my platoon in Iraq back in 2005 after we lost a good friend and buddy. Hmmm I have a feeling that God would not have had to "damn" the Rev Wright!

How can one be a friend of a racist and himself not be one? Something doesn't jive. To come out now and try to distance himeself and yet not speak out earlier.... hmmm!

[jlunz]

I will not any longer support Obama.... Hello Hillary ! Hon ey, I'm Home....

[mikerobinsonpc]

what a croc!

[Cindy]

For 20 years Barry has attended an an anti - semitic, anti - white, anti -American church...for 20 years.
This goes to the core of who he is... an anti -semitic, anti - white, anti-American bigot with a calm demeanor.

[will]

I find it hard to believe that so many people think that Barack should be held responsible for what this preacher said. You can't hold someone responsible for something they didn't say, that's just insane. All this is, is those white folks out there that were praying, and looking for a reason to try and stop barack from winning to come out in full force. It's amazing to me how few people are holding John McCain up to the fire for statements by those white preachers. i guess as long as the statements aren't about white people it's okay.

[sean o]

wright and ferarro are together together to a weak and falling post of the past.
The shallow wake of controversy churned up this week over statements by Jeremiah Wright and Geraldine Ferarro have a common engine that's running on fumes. Both come from, and spoke from, a political and personal perspective born of each's own experience. That experience is their shared one of a generational bond. Having come of age in the era of the struggle for, and against, civil rights, they see the world through race -colored glasses. To be sure, Wright's talk is more plainly inflammatory than that of Ferraro's. Ferarro's statements, though meant to be more politically correct were somehow more pathetic, since she seemed self-righteously unable to recognize the irony of her words. Both are stuck in the now faded print of a history chapter in which issues of black and white, were...well, more black and white. The African Americans of Wright's generation sang 'we shall overcome'; The white America of Ferarro's generation was the object of that anthem. This is not to suggest that Ferarro's politics were prejudiced during her day. To the contrary, she was a symbol of the progressive stance of her party. But she, and he both, more instinctively see race as relevant than do younger Americans.


I am now firmly ensconced in middle age, and as a white male of that vintage, I hardly represent the view of a "new" , post-racial generation. Yet, I sense a lot of Wright and Ferraro lingering (or smoldering) in many folks separated from me by a mere decade of extra age. It shows up even in statements by some highly regarded statesmen of their generation, those who should "know better". Ed Rendell states that Obama can't win in Pennsylvania because Lynn Swann didn't fare well here. What Lynn Swann and Barak Obama have in common, other than the color of their skin, is unfathomable- it is certainly not their politics. Bill Clinton, the most silver tongued diplomat of them all was perhaps the most astonishingly monochromatic in his apparently innocent equation of Barak Obama to Jesse Jackson. These are the "progressive" politicians of the past who are in some ways ironically stuck stuck there in their view of today's elections. They have been willing, and apparently eager, to analyze the elections on the basis of race, not because they are bigots, but because the politics of race was so much more relevant during their day in the political sun. I am inclined to believe that those writers who proclaim that Ferarro was just speaking the truth are, likewise, from a generation that sees race as more relevant than do their younger journalistic peers.

Am I so naive as to think that race has become irrelevant? No, but one can not but see, and be heartened to see, that its relevance has been greatly diminished given the plain facts of this year's primaries. The electorate of today's millennium, thankfully, don't live in a black and white world in the way that these elder statesmen once did. There are, no doubt, parts of the country were the cultural divide is as great as ever, and this has more to do with economics than with race; but to define a presidential candidate by his race is an anachronistic exercise to many of today's new voters, as the votes plainly tell.

No doubt, in another ten years, I'll be stuck on an issue or point of view, that is of little relevance to my child, and of none to hers. The present is never perfect, and sometimes too easily forgets its precedents, but the politics of race are finally and fortunately fading to a thing of the past.

[ssjackson]

Finally reverse discrimination comes home to roost! We all know it exists in all communities-has existed for at least a decade. We have all heard self-appointed replicas of MLK and L. Farracan't, wannabe's spout ever increasing bizarreness to keep anti-white blacks stoked with hate; otherwise these imitators and hatemongers are unemployed.

So, Mr. Obama get ready to face the same unforgiving pressure from whites that blacks have imposed on whites for the past 30 years: every tiny hint or morsel of racism, no matter how miniscule or unintensional will be blown up to size of Mt. Everest, ascribed all manner of conspiracy, given voice by white versions of Jesse, Louis and Al . And the message is this: Mr. Obama, you are a Racist plain and simple!
ssj.

[cyn]

What a shock we have all received. To hear comments that are a result of what the political manipulative players have now allowed to stir up in the imagination of the American voters has caused people who were chomping at the bit to blurt out. Wait; suspend judgment for a few minutes. What we have seen in these clips need to be put into context for us. I need to have a few answers before I make a judgment that will affect how I vote in November. In this video, what was theme and objective of Rev. Wright’s message? What was the topic and topic sentence? What was said after the inflammatory statements? What was said in the weeks before? What has been said for years in this church? I need to have some answers to these burning questions in order to make an informed decision. Who exposed this clip? I can infer that it was not for a good purpose. I choose to believe that Hillary Clinton did not do this. Not after her apology. Who else could have done this? Was the objective met? Let us do more investigation. Who is Rev. Wright? How may I hear more of the sermons that he preached during the last few years? Do all of his sermons have the same overtones? What are the evaluations of his peers in his profession? How exactly do other similar church parishioners behave when they hear something that speaks to their experience? In the secular world, what are the thoughts about 9/11? What theories float as to the causes of the attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC) and the Pentagon? What was the American reaction and response to the 9/11 events? What is the truth about the ratio of black to white in prisons? What should the reaction of African American be to an opportunity to vote for a person who resembles them in at least skin color? What do we want Mr. Obama to do about Rev. Wright? When these questions are answered satisfactorily to my understanding, I will make an informed decision. I hate people jerking me about by a chain; especially a chain of words that has faulty chinks

[CW Goad]

Are these folks for real? Do you really think Obama had no idea his pastor espoused
these beliefs and/or that such sermons had no effect on who he is? People of
faith choose a church with which they can most identify. A pastor helps
shape his/her flock by teaching them.

If one attends church and doesn't in some way relate to or make relative the
sermons and views of the church to his or her own life, what is the purpose
of attending or being a member, other than maybe for personal or political
gain?

I don't pretend to know what the motivations are here, nor do I wish to
judge anyone. It is however, very interesting that the Obama's have attended
this church for 20 years and according to Obama never heard anything but
"Jesus preached." I understand the concept of "social gospel" however,
Jeremiah Wright's use of a pulpit for this type of unfortunate commentary
destroy's any positive impact or attempt for this church to present it's
"social gospel" and is indicative of much greater problems.

This issue is not going away and I'm afraid Obama can no longer carry the
banner of unity legitimately through this election process. Well he can
carry it, but it won't get him any closer to the presidency. His credibility
and commitment to the ideals he espouses is no doubt permanently damaged.

In addition, Michelle Obama's comments regarding America can now be better
dissected and understood considering the views her Pastor and she herself
have regarding our great country.

America may have some skeletons in our past, but at the end of the day, we
all still live in the best country on the planet. I hope we can continue to
elect leadership that loves her as much as the rest of us do.

[Ron Anthony]

I was looking at voting for Obama until this. Now, I will not. You can't be under this pastor for 20 years, be his friend and not know what he believed. I am white and I would never go to any church where the preacher got up and said the cause of the problem was the black people and so, I would expect someone who is black to leave a church when the pastor says the problem is the whites. To me, this is racism in reverse.

[Dora Smith]

Rev. Wright was a guide to Obama in his early years as a community organizer in Chicago, and he had the right mindset to get Obama's mind turning to God. He was able to discuss God rationally and intelligently with an educated man. His church's inclusiveness appeared to Obama over all other Black churches that he might have joined.

However, Rev. Wright is flamboyant, liberal, and given to making very controversial statements, and he has always been that way. That is actually an important role of the clergy in a Capitalistic society.

I thihnk much of the current firestorm is political. Obama is sensitive to the danger of being perceived in terms of anything not run of hte mill about his pastor.

As to the notion that Obama is a Marxist, well, maybe, to a right wing economic conservative. HIs views are moderate and appeal to many moderate Republicans. Such "redistributive programs" as health care are more conservative and less costly than Clinton's proposals to do the same things. He has opposed Bush's tax cuts to the rich, if that takes a Marxist; partly on the grounds of fiscal irresponsibility, and partly on the grounds of common sense. The upper classes cannot afford to appear to be squandering the nation's wealth.

[anthony mckinnis]

Why america can't handle the truth, with conspiracy all the way from top to bottom at every government agency to corporate to mcdonalds and the justice system proves it by comparisons to minority in jails to schools and college with education or with out. America cannot pay what price there is to pay for the wrongs that they done to black men of america. They give you records from an early age from dealing with racist white people which follow you to the day you die and they want you to forget what they have done . Background checks is discrimination tool to keep minoritys in check. It is not helping homeland security it is breeding criminals in the new age.

[Geraldine Ciesielski]

Hard to believe he or his family were not in church on christmas day to hear what the preacher said. This should be checked out. When he was in colledge he listened to all Wrights tapes, Brainwashed. We don't need another liar in the white house after having one for 8 years. Wonder what crooks he will bring to his cabinet from chicago. Would probably pardon Rezko.

[Mirri]

Obama seems to have an irreconcilable conflict between Uncle Wright and Uncle Sam.

[Barbara]

Look at Obama's actions in his life and his words, not that of his preachers. Wow, I cannot believe the way people are getting all upset and up in arms over this.
We have US soldiers being killed every day in Iraq and yet here you all are discounting all the good and unity Obama has accomplished in his life for the words of one preacher. So sad that with a 24/7 media we can't keep things in perspective.
maybe if you had suffered through Jim Crow you might have a different perspective.

[Sunny Florida]

Ok, this Wright stuff is disturbing. We have a need to know Senator Obama from every angle and what he believes when he talks of equality for America. He disagrees with these "surprising" positions of his spiritual advior and mentor, yet asked him to not give Obama's convocation back in Feb. 2007 because of the potential association? To say that Clinton +/or Obama is at fault for the direction the Democratic campaign has headed, is ludicrous and short-sided. America is a melting pot of races, genders, culture, etc. and we each have a personal interest in seeing "ourselves" in our President. With that connection comes passion and emotional investment. Human nature, yes. However, it also must be tempered with information about the candidates (good and bad, without negative "label" attached to said information) so that we can make informed choices, rather than only emotionally-driven ones. After much research, soul-searching and actually listening to what both candidates have to say and what their actual legislative records show, I decided to vote for Hillary. I had to take off the blinders of opinion polls, media spin, mud and excitement and remember what this race is really about: Hiring someone to do the toughest and,arguably, most important job on the planet. Being President of the US isn't about speeches, promises and what-if's - it is about who I believe will get up, everyday, and work their butt off for me and every other hardworking American, because they have a track record of that already. That person is Senator Clinton. She has been thru many tribulations, tests, and challenges in her life and like the Energizer Bunny, just keeps going and going. Where she gets the energy and conviction, I wish I knew. Think what each of us could do in our own lives and communities with just an ounce of her strength! She has worked hard and diligently for all Americans, and spent years building strong relationships because she has a passionate vision of what America can be, not just because she's running for President. Vetted, intelligent, tested and hardworking. Senator Clinton is the right choice for me in '08

[sy]

It would appear that Senator Obama is not above actions that can only be described as political expediency.

Now that he has been shown to be just like rest of "the Washington crowd", I hope the candidates focus on HOW they are going to solve the significant problems facing America, and not waste too much time on who is the best speech maker and mass motivator, and/or their gender and race.

He has run a great campaign and has a tremendously talented team working for him. They should focus on convincing the people why an Obama presidency is best for America, not why he is the best motivator.

[goldenstate]

Obama has raised a lot of money for his campaign. It will be interesting to see if the money continues to pour in. I wonder how many of his supporters are having second thoughts now because of Rev. Wright. Only time will tell.

[Andrew]

I think this will blow over...while I find the over-the-top invectives in this blog saddening. No person, not Sen. McCain, not Sen. Clinton nor Sen. Obama can be held to the standard of being judge by all said by those close to them. Show me any signs that Sen. Obama has ever endorsed the Rev. Wrights fiery words that have offended many, and I'll concede Obama's hope is fizzling. Until then, I still see in him a great chance for our Nation to turn a critical page in our national story, one that contains ugly chapters (past and present) concerning race. Therein lies Obama’s true potential...to further the healing dialog, in respect for all sides, so these long festering wounds can be closed.

[Lorraine T]

Sounds like whoever mined for the "worst of Min. Wright" is having a field day... The politics of fear strikes again! First the Bush administration's shameful use of fear and 9/11 and now the fear that somehow an honorable man, Obama, is racists by association and therefore not at all what he appears...

Politics as usual... When one cannot find anything directly to impeach Obama's credibility...find whatever you can and spin...spin...spin....

[ED]

First of all, let me say that I don't support either of the Democratic candidates. Neither of them has an ounce of credibility. We indeed know who Hillary Clinton is. But do we have any idea who Barack Obama is or what he is about??? NOOOOOOO..All that we know for sure is that he speaks well about various high platitudes. There is no substance people!! He cannot answer a direct question about anything that he has done or provide any substantive answers about the ability to accomplish anything that he says. HE IS A POPULIST PEOPLE!! That is to say, he says what is popular to as wide an audience as possible. Populists offer very little substance to what they offer. WE MUST DEMAND SUBSTANTIVE ANSWERS FROM OUR LEADERS!!!!!

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE WAKE UP AND DEMAND SUBSTANTIVE ANSWERS!!!!

[Nancy]

It is challenge enough for a black man to pursue the presidency. Barack Obama has come this far on a false premise--that he transcends race and other divisions. Obama's choice of Jeremiah Wright as his spiritual mentor for 20 years speakks volumes as to his character. Obama's claim that he is unaware of Wright's racial invective is literally incredible. If he is to have any chance at leading this country, he must explain the dichotomy between his actions and his words without insulting our intelligence. If he does not credibly address this issue it will slowly but surely undermine his credibility and his canidacy.

[doug]

Please people. Don't be as reactionary as the Rev. Or Geraldine Ferrarro, or McCain's supporters Hagee, Falwell et al. They are all firebrands of a certain generation and their time is running out. With your help and mine, Obama can lead us to a better future.

[uncle sam]

I am sick and tired of hearing all these black ministers and politicians beating up on this great country of ours.
If this country is treating them so bad, why don't they go back to Africa and help their fellow blacks from killing each other over tribal differences. No other country in the world has done as much as the USA has done for the African. What other country in the world has the amount of Africans, living and working within its borders? China, Russia, India, Japan, Italy, Germany, etc.
When are we going to start taking responsabilty for our actions, behavior and conditon and stop blaming everyone else, the white man, the system, the goverment. With this kind of thinking and leadership the USA will certainly become a third world nation. I do not believe the founding fathers who signed the constiution forming this great nation would be pleased with the politics and the so-called ministries of today.

[Charles Manning (manning120)]

To voters who don't associate with any of the major religions, the array of Democratic and Republican presidential candidates was a big disappointment. The closest any of them came to expressing a rational idea about religion occurred when Senator Edwards said in a "debate" that as president, he wouldn't rely on prayer to change the weather. I favored Obama early on, but was wary of his relationship with his church long before the recent flare up over Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Eric Roth is totally correct that the media have again failed us, this time by not vetting the candidates as to their religious beliefs. The present controversy should have occurred over a year ago. But as I say, I was suspicious even then. When Edwards dropped out, I was left with Hillary as the least fanatical Christian in the bunch. I still have serious concerns about her religiosity.

Be that as it may, Obama will have to give a "Checkers" speech of monumental persuasiveness to get past this. Otherwise, Pennsylvania will go overwhelmingly for Hillary (assuming Republicans can't vote for Obama) and she'll get the nomination.

[Flatulences ¨R¨us]

Road to the White-house....this is where we are
Bill and Hillary stink

Obama sucks

MCCain wants to bring back the crusades

I will definately travel this road with Ralph Nader

[Irishspacemonk]

Anyone who wastes their time reading all of these comments has to remember that most of the anger towards Obama was already happening, it's just now the people that kept using his full name to disparage Muslims can now use his minister to justify their racist rants. I'd have a lot more belief in their claims if they also denounced the talk-show hosts of the right, and ask all Catholics to give up their church because of how it supported pedophiles.

[somrey]

The unfortunate thing about this whole mess is the impact that "words" have on the youth. Schools across the nation are using this "election time" as a real world model for students. I teach in an inner city high school and I try every day to show my students respect for all people. I teach them that people should not be judged by their color or ethnicity. I teach them that hard work, determination and honesty will take them where ever they plan to go. And I teach them not to rely on excuses but to set themselves apart by taking responsibility and living an authentic life. How undone I feel when I hear Rev. Wright's words and I see him rally his congregation up into a hateful frenzy focused on bigotry and racism. How undone I feel when I see Obama side-step this entire issue instead of clearly responding to it by either defending his point of view or fully condemning Rev. Wright. Doesn't Rev. Wright realize that all people face struggles, all people overcome hurdles, and all people have the option to place blame or to rise above. Lord help the future if we all can't learn to rise above!

[Anna Knapp]

I am afraid that this is not the only place where statements like these are being made in black churches or black newspapers like one published by an attorney on Lake Street in Pasadena. There is a lot of hatred toward the whites which most are not aware of until you encounter it personally. We can't ever lump ALL of any race or religion into one category. I was personally a victim of this kind of discrimination by an L.A. Co. Probation Officer who moved next door to us. She hated whites. Let me tell you. Her mother was a retired judge and she was just as bad. The final upshot was that all I could do was pray for them which is what my pastor always told me to do. We would have been in jail for life if we had done what she did to us and the names she called us. So we grin and bear it and vote for Hillary!

[Peter S.]

Barak should not be condemned by this pastor, in fact, if you would actually listen to the man outside the "the popular political viewpoint", this man is sheding light on something we need to take a look at. We hear from this man affirming African Americans continued oppression, strife and resentment in this country. The wealthy white man has used his wealth to create power and the weilding of that power has never been relinquished for several centuries now! His roar is what I've felt burning inside any African Americans I have come to know as friends. We white people are in denial to think that everythings ok now, just because we may not view African Americans as non-people ourselves. White dominance still marches on, we don't see it because we contribute to it everyday without knowing it. Also, the average American is so totally mind controlled by the retoric of our government it is not funny anymore. Anyone who does not seriously question what seems evident to me that 911 was an inside job from the super wealthy and their secret societies yeilding their sick power on world events for their gain is simply in serious conscious denial! Just look hard at how Bush (OIL) and Cheney (DEFENSE) did to us and world events. I don't know about Obama, but we as a people need to guarantee that our President is not owned by the super-wealthy like Clinton and McCain are. I bet the Clinton campaigne wishes they would have taken this tact on Obama a long time ago. The super-wealthy were stunned that Obama came into the lead and now they have assembled and are pulling out all the stops. Believe me, their plan has been to put Hillary in the White House a long time ago. Believe it or not, Bush and Cheney themselves are well aware of this plan. Wake up people to what is actually going on! This is serious stuff!

[David Giles]

BALACK Obama.

I do not care that his skin color is black. He has a balancing act between the black and white voters.
His beliefs will win the Dems.
His charm will win the Repubs.
This shows us how shallow and weak are the roots of our nation.

Eric, Good Post!
Eric Roth | March 16, 2008 at 06:03 PM
Obama failed a very simple test, poor judgment..

[Vivi]

How could Obama and Ms Obama allow their daughters to sit in church listening to profanity and hate rhetoric? Are children privy to these profanity laced sermons? Christianity is not about hate and intolerance. I've never gone to a church where a minister used profanity from the pulpit. What he said about Natalee Holloway was uncalled for and hurtful. It's misleading to say this is typical in black churches.

[David Spielberg]

Here the proof that Obama is lying when he said he knew nothing of Wright's anti-American postures. Mr. Donahue Pres. of the Catholic Assn. send a letter to Obama warning him of such declarations. Check: http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977285439

The letter said: "Wright has a record of giving racially inflammatory sermons and has even said that Zionism has an element of 'white racism.' He also blamed the attacks of 9/11 on American foreign policy."

This letter is undeniable proof that Obama knew of this.

[LOI]

there is so much things that is outrageous in ths primaries. from the format of primaries itselt to mockery of candidates. people surged in the sides of obama believing he is a hope of change but we found out its merely a word. hillary maybe the last person you want to be friend but ironically she is the most qualified to govern this country. a candidate should have a spririt of a fighter . clear in vision and straightforward .

[Evelyn]

Senator Obama's campaign is in deep trouble over his closeness to his Pastor because of what the central message of his campaign has been-Change, Unity, Words do Matter. David Axelrod has run a great campaign and has branded Obama and the public has bought it hook line and sinker. Like a Nike Commercial- people have bought into the image- the coolness factor of being an Obama supporter and taking over Washington and changing it.
The trouble is, Obama is a seasoned politician. Part of the system that he says he is going to change. And all of this is going to come out over the spring, over the summer.
People are going to be angry that they were sold something that isn't true. And the Dems might blow their chance at the Presidency.

[Ray]

There is a racial furor just beneath the surface of this country that is just waiting to erupt. I see it most every day in the way looks are exchanged, actions are interpreted and words are spoken. Wright panders to a congregation who would rise and applaud if he said that the world was flat, just because a black man said it was so. People like him can say anything they want without fear of intimidation, persecution or criticism. They are surrounded by a surrogate group, like Sharpton, Jackson, Maxine Waters or Cynthia McKinney who fan the fires of victimhood every time the occasion arises. This gives them a job, a steady source of income and a degree of credibility inside of their ingroup.
Obama needs white America to win in November. He will not admit this but it is written in stone. Comments like this make white America livid and will spell Obama's downfall. It will be another two generations before we are ready for a black president in this country.

[I Am Me]

I have believed since the beginning of the Presidential race between Clinton and Obama that the media has been extremely unfair to Senator Clinton. We now have both the Pastor Jeremiah Wright story and Tony Rezko. Yet, the media continues to play it down, with the exception of Fox News and give Barack another pass. I find this to be very disturbing because the voters do not have the opportunity to know who is Obama - his character, his judgment, his leadership ability.

It is not possible for Barack to have a spiritual leader and mentor for over 20 years and not know the character of the man. It is not possible for Barack to be associated with Rev. Wright's church and not know the flavor of the leadership. It does not matter if he was in church when these messages were preached, he heard about these messages. Obama is not as isolated from these sermons as he wants the public to believe.

I have heard so many supporters of Sen. Obama say that if Senator Clinton gets the nomination, they will not vote for her. To me this is foolish, and tells me they are following a man and not what is best for the country. However, based upon what venomous posion that Rev. Wright preaches, I now understand their philosophy.

For the voters who care more about what is best for the country and all the people, please get the word out that Obama lacks the judgment to be President of the United States because he has a long standing relationship with a man who hates America, Senator Hillary Clinton, former President Bill Clinton and White America. Apparently, he hates anyone who is not a "Black" man or woman, rather American born or African. I am African American.

[LiberalMasquerade]

“He that lies down with dogs, shall rise up with fleas,” Benjamin Franklin said.

What a great quote. For anyone who is remotely worried about what lies beneath Barack Obama's driving forces, here is an article that is pretty telling.

http://www.newsmax.com/kessler/obama_wright_farrakhan/2008/01/14/64332.html

..“Barack Obama has been very careful not to position himself as Rev. Jesse Jackson or Rev. Al Sharpton as a promoter of ‘The Black Cause. He has been groomed, wisely so, to be seen more as a unifier, rather than one who speaks only for the hurt of black people," noted Louis Farrakhan in the interview with FinalCall.com...

...Just before Obama’s nationally televised campaign kickoff rally last Feb. 10, the candidate disinvited Wright from giving the public invocation. Wright explained: “When [Obama’s] enemies find out that in 1984 I went to Tripoli” to visit Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi with Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, “a lot of his Jewish support will dry up quicker than a snowball in hell.”

Sometime last year and in interviews, according to Wright, Obama told him, “'You can get kind of rough in the sermons, so what we’ve decided is that it’s best for you not to be out there in public.”

Wright is retiring as senior pastor of the church in May. He asked his successor, Otis Moss III, to speak instead, but he declined. However, Obama and his family prayed privately with Wright just before the presidential announcement....

[josh penso]

i really pray that most americans have sense come november. how can any of you out there really believe that obama is not lying about what he knew about his "pastor"? seriously how could he not know that wright was infact this hate filled venomous low iq dirtbag masquerading as a minister? the obvious answer: obama knew and has known all along about this evil person who he claims inspired the audacity of hope. obama is clearly and shamelessly insulting the intelligence of all of us. we will only elect him if we are the foolish masses he thinks we are and in this case we will deserve what he get. america: send obama home. make him not only lose the presidential election but also resign from that revered body the u.s. senate of which his disgraceful anti-americanness should have no part. let's all get real and wake up. josh penso las vegas out.

[Jonesy]

Everyone knows that the preacher and conregation of millions of christian churches have been pro war, pro bush, pro life, anti gay, anti feminism, anti evolution, ....its time to call them on the carpet for views that are out of time out of style, out of step and out of america...

silliness, silliness

[NR Truman]

oh yeah...because women have had it SO EASY...

Fascinating, how a religion introduced to slaves for assimilation purposes is now being used against a "black" man by a black congregation....

[Rob S]

The Obama apologists out there really are too much. Isn’t it obvious that Obama can’t claim that he “abhor(s) divisive politics” AND simultaneously support this pastor for nearly 20 years (Obama has called Pastor Wright his “mentor”). At the very least it brings Obama’s judgment into question. More ominously it suggests that Obama’s platform is not based on “Change you can believe in” but rather a campaign based on duplicity and hypocrisy.

[jo jo star]

it is not just obama's pastor but his wife that says really stupid things most amerians would get mad at hearing if it were reported widely in the newspapers. both go to that church, so does obama so you wonder why he says he never heard these things before? think what the republicans will do about this in the election if obama is the dem choice.

[Angel]

As a former member of Trinity United Church of Christ, I would like to say that Pastor Wright is not a racist pig nor does he spout hate. What he does do is tell the truth. I would advise that before you judge, play the tape all the way out. That is listen to his sermon in it's entirety and in it's context. Hear it for yourself instead of what others have said what was said. Peace.

[Arredondo]

What's the deal with the "Jesus is black?" I am Mexican-American (or an American as I like to say). I am a Christian too and I've never had a Mexican Jesus picture in my house. Why would I not have a Mexican Jesus in my house? Well because Jesus was not a Mexican. I wouldn't let my 6 year daughter listen to the blatant hatred and racism I heard from the above YouTube sermon. If I were African-American I would be extremely embarrassed.

[Ash]

Oh You Obama supporters are first of all American Citizens . We should be ashamed of what the pastor has to say about America and since we voted for Obama in the Primaries we should be embarassed about our decision. You should now show some sense and turn your back from the pastor and his follower .

[08AMA]

White folks need to get over this. Black folks are not responsible for your emotional wellbeing.

At least nobody thinks Obama's a Muslim anymore.

[Magic]

Obama has disqualified himself. Self-annihilated. This guy is 100% unelectable against a Republican at this point.

[Niki]

OK folks! We are loosing focus... Barrack Obama represents a Candidate who is a Christian! Remember when the folks wanted us to believe he was muslim? Now they want us to believe he's a racist black man. Hello! dont you rember his white single parent mother and struggling grandparents. Don't you remember when the media kept suggesting over and over that he wasn't black enough! Dont loose focus Barrack Obama is just as white as he is black and no one who has grown to be at peace with themselves can hate half of who they are!

[Texas Democrat]

Obama has listened to this spewing of Anti-American slurs by his minister for many years! He is about 20 years too late for denouncing him! And the real "audacity" is Obama himself. He listens to Anti-American slurs from his own mentor and then asks Americans to vote for him to run America! It is truly unbelievable. And the answer Obama is NO! I hope you hear this from the Democrats before June.. I am a democrat, but I am an American first! But if not, you will hear a loud and clear resounding NO come November!

[Mrknave]

I 'm glad this had happened, It truly goes to to show how people were just waiting to rip Obama a new one. You can't stand this black man, can you? The hate that I'm reading from you so called Americans isn't surprising at all. If the government allowed the same things that happened to blacks not so long ago happen to whites, Asians, Latinos
and others you say GD America too. I know you CAUCERS. If Obama loses, so what. The real americans that can only think in terms of skin color, I hope you get what you want.

[Lord Falcon]

The coverage of this issue by half the media has bullcrap. The church is not anti-American. It is not racist. There are plenty of white people who go to the church.

What the church does do is integrate gospel with black culture, adressing issues that crop up in black communities in particular more than other churches.

Not alot of people go to church every week, and Obama is certainly not one of them. He has, by his own admission, been regular in spurts. It is perfectly reasonable to assume he was not present at the time of those sermons, and that other sermons were not anti-American or particularly racist in nature.

Remember, Wright is a respected and popular pastor. He has done much good for the world. Even those most inflammatory remarks do resonate with many blacks (and other colours, they're just too caught up to admit it), and have a good deal of truth in them.

What the hell is wrong, for example, with slamming America for sponsoring state terrorism? The only completely ridiculous statement was the one about AIDS.

Mccain has his own pastor who is even more divisive on many issues, including referring to gays as the "forces of darkness" and that America is a Christian nation founded to destroy Islam. Yet nobody is reporting about it. Shame on the media.

[Sunny F]

This is just another media tactic to make Senator Obama look bad. Well it won't work......... Rev. Wright is not a racist he teaches Black Liberation. White people you don't and won't understand Black liberation because you're not black. I'm not a racist but you just don't understand. There's nothing in Rev Wright sermon that's racist. He is simply speaking the truth. If you all would stop and take the time and listen at what Rev. Wright is saying & if you're intelligent you'll see that he is speaking the truth. The reason you all are so hot under the collar is because Rev Wright sermons are absolutely the truth. The media has overlooked over 30 years of good works coming from Rev. Wright and his church and taken bits and pieces of a sermon and turned the man into a monster/racist/separtist and other crazy things. The truth of the matter is the media had nothing and I mean nothing dirty about Senator Obama so you started digging into the company he keeps. Well the word of God says No Weapons Formed Against Me (Senator Obama) Will Prosper. Oh the weapons will form but they won't prosper so keep writing and airing all of the non sense about Senator Obama - God sits high and looks low and he knows exactly what happening here.