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!