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

[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.