Barack Obama denounces Jeremiah Wright's 'ridiculous' notions

The break between Barack Obama and his onetime pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, is now official.

In comments in North Carolina today, Obama noted that he had given Wright the "benefit of the doubt" when the furor over the preacher first erupted in mid-March, based on YouTube snippets from past sermons in which his incendiary comments included a condemnation of America.

No more, the Democratic presidential contender stressed, following Wright's remarks Monday at the National Press Club in Washington.

Obama began his response today by saying that a belief in racial reconciliation "is in my DNA" (and given his biracial bloodlines, of course, that resonates as more more than just a symbolic phrase).

"Yesterday, we saw a very different vision," Obama said of Wright's Washington appearance, which at one point he termed a "performance."

He could hardly have distanced himself farther from the man who officiated at his  wedding ceremony  and baptized his two children.

Obama described himself as "outraged" by many of Wright's remarks and "saddened" by what he termed "the spectacle of what we saw yesterday."

He characterized as "ridiculous" Wright's notion that the AIDS epidemic may have been a conspiracy inflicted on blacks by the federal government and that Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan should be considered a leading voice in modern times.

Such views ...

"offend me. They rightly offend all Americans. They should be denounced."

And in line after line, he did so.

"When I say I find (Wright's comments) appalling, I mean it," Obama said.

And during a Q & A with reporters following his statement, Obama came back -- unprompted -- to Wright's opinions on AIDS and other matters, calling them "rants that aren't grounded in truth."

Obama really had no choice but to take this step. Asked why he did not do it on Monday, in the immediate wake of Wright's latest remarks, Obama said he had not seen the widely televised event.

He probably should have. But for his political hopes, better a day late than never.

Two questions immediately loom: How will Wright respond? And, more importantly, to what degree will the Wright controversy, given Obama's link to him, undercut his presidential bid?

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[Mike G]

I don't know how this will all play out, but, I know how it *should* all play out.

Obama should be judged by his own actions first, and his own words second. He should not be judged by the words of his pastor.

For example, Nancy Pelosi and Newt Gingrich are teaming up to talk about the environment. Do we judge Gingrigh by all the words Pelosi has ever said? No. They are temporarily united on an issue of mutual importance.

Similarly Obama and Wright. Both care passionately about the plight of the inner city.

[Dr. Dave]

WAY too little & WAY too late. Rev. Wright said it best. Obama's a two bit Chicago politician and just does what he has to do to get elected. So much for being a breath of fresh air...a new kind of candidate...above the political fray...

[Mike Long Beach]

Obama must cut ties with Wright or face certain defeat.

[hee noh]

I am a born-again christian,and I have an AIDS.

I have seen enough of extreme christians who abuse Bible and bully on other religions,and Catholic Clerks are the examples of all: pandemic sex scandals, pandemic corruptions,preaching mainly hatred to other people who are under terminal illness/life-disasters.

this proves one size doesnt fit all.
Rev.Wright never scolded of Ted Haggard,Jimmy Baker...

My bible is good for my own betterness, not for preaching to others.

ceo/inventor
Next Generation of Email System,
Home Land Security Passport (in microchip format)
Instant murder scene locator,
free Website for all business
Email-on-demand.

Christians must stop preaching Hatred!

[jodi]

Rev. Wright did not say in the past few days nearly as much as Obama has heard him say in the past 20 years. Obama had no choice but to distance himself from Wright now because he thinks that by claiming to cut out Wright the Americans will vote for him.....but most of us are wise enough to know that this is a political move and nothing has changed.....Obama did sit and listen to these sermons with his 2 young daughters for years and only now that white folk will not vote for him has he realized that Wright was wrong......Oh come on!!!!!!!! VOTE HILLARY 08

PS..........Obama did not stand up for the 3 black men shot by police on their way out of Sean Bell's bachlor party. None of the 3 black men had a gun and the police shot more than 50 shots wounding 2 of them and killing Sean Bell just hours before his wedding. Obama said the court has ruled and don't get violent. That is about what he will do for the 90% black people voting for him.....nothing!!!!!!!!!!!

[Quark]

Well, Wright did have one thing right. Obama is a politician so he will "say" whatever he needs to say to win. Regardless of what he "did" for 20 years (attended the Wright's church). My momma taught me that when what you "say" and what you "do" don't match, you are lying.

[peg]

That person Senator Obama met "20 years ago" traveled to Libya with Louis Farrakhan for an audience with Quadaffi. At the time Libya was branded a terrorist state.

[Andrew Austin]

"Obama began his response today by saying that a belief in racial reconciliation 'is in my DNA' (and given his biracial bloodlines, of course, that resonates as more more than just a symbolic phrase)."

The parenthetical remark is racist. There is no such thing as race in human biology. Blood is blood. There are no racially-differentiated blood lines to mix. Obama being the product of white woman from Kansas and a black man from Africa gives him no intrinsic insight on racial reconciliation.

Indeed, reconciliation only comes after confrontation with reality. Obama doesn't want to confront the racial conflict in America; he wants to gloss over it, to dissimulate it. His purpose is to make white people believe that our racist past is behind us.

[John Adams]

Rev Wright is nothing but a "SHAME." While I may not know what Rev Wright has done [ the good stuff] he was like a lunatic and mad person, that deserve no respect and he should be ASHAMED. I'm a Republican but gave Rev Wright a pass for not knowing the good stuff he has done, but after watching him yesterday, I felt he was crazy and stupid. Obama should further dennounce and cut ties with this mad man.

[Karl]

Too late, Obama.
Thanks god, too late!

[Ed Weirdness]

Senator Obama should have thrown the Reverend under the bus the first time. Now it just makes Mr. Obama seem silly and ineffectual. Certainly, voters are no better off than they were previously as regards Obama's positions on the Reverend's "goofy" assertions. I just hope that Senator Obama can hang in there and drag this out as long as possible. The more broke all the candidates are, the less apt the are to carry this crap into the general election.

[latinovoter]

Thank God he threw him under the bus - The Rev is just shopping a Book deal, and he will get it.

[John Sobieski]

Will this mean Barak will stop going to that Kill Whitey church he has been going to for 20 years?

[Hillary All the Way!!!]

Hi, My name is Barack Obama, I strongly denounce my mentor of 20 long years and the man I consider my spiritual adviser of 20 long years, Reverend Wright..... I make the right choices.... because I know what I am doing..... oh and it's not my fault, Hillary is a racist too........ Reverend Wright was going to be my running mate, I guess I will just choose Louis Farrakhan now instead for VP....... GD America!!!

[Luedna Reynolds]

Let's turn the spotlight off Rev Wright and onto the candidates who aspire to lead this nation for the next four years. A LA Times editorial suggested some questions that should be put to all three candidates; rather than continuing to give Rev Wright his 2-minutes of fame, let's find out how the candidates would respond to those questions. Their responses are relevant - what Rev Wright says is not.

[Joy]

Is he going to disown his grandmother next?

[whynotnow]

Only in our country with our 24/7 news hysteria cycle would this statement by Obama be necessary. In the civilized and reason-based world, nobody would try to hold Obama responsible for the showmanship and bombast of his former pastor. Anyway, this should end it. Can we now move on from "guilt by association" to something that matters to saving our country?

[Steve]

"Hillary Clinton can't be sorry to have Jeremiah Wright back in the news. So it’s interesting that the pastor’s defiant speech and press conference yesterday was scheduled and organized by Barbara Reynolds, an ordained minister, ex-USA Today editor, and ardent Clinton supporter. Reynolds wrote on her blog that by voting for Clinton she was “saying thank you” for her husband's administration." from Newser 04/29/2008

[John]

I think he's cleared it up.

There was a time when I thought the Catholic school that I grew up in as a child was the finest school, that the Priests that I knew in suburban New York were the very best men of God in the entire world.

That is, of course, until I became an adult, took off the shades, and realized that many of my classmates had been sodomized by the very men I greatly revered and tried to emulate in my life.

Always know, no matter how much good religious men do, that they are still just men with all of the faults and failings of those that go to the tavern on Sunday instead of the church.

I've learned, in my middle age, that one is no more holy than the other.

Thank GOD I was not one of my classmates. Little did I know that as I was sneeking into an Irish pub as a young kid that I was actually making myself much safer than being on school grounds in the late afternoon!

Obama is learning the same lesson I did. God is GREAT. Religious people, even when they help you to find God, may not be at all!

[MissClarity]

Saw it happen at Compton Sr. High School in Compton, California in 1959. Everyone got along great, no mention of racist beliefs not ever in my white homelife, lots of team spirit at school, leading CIF and supporting our teams in a more innocent time. And then it happened. We, and I mean all the blacks, whites, hespanics, asians, jewish peps pratically unanimously voted in a homecoming queen, she was Phillipino/Black mix and we all loved her! The blacks went out of control and our school became a quiet war zone with the blacks doing alot of aggressive things against the white girls and the age of innocents lost its veil. Instead of being happy and excited the racist issue (I guess it was under the surface all the time - I really don't know) became ugly. I guess "they" couldn't handle a success because all that happened was a "chip-on-the shoulder attitude" which brings me to the narcissistic chip on the shoulder Rev. Wright. I hate to think that one black reverened can jealously bring down the vote of millions of people that support Obama. Wright needs to check his bible in James about murdering with his tongue. He has a choice to preach the love, forgiveness and reconcilliation of the Word but instead his words are terriost in nature in that his words are not the words of God Word but from the dark places where dwelleth unspeakable things. Righteous indignation is one thing but Wrights paycheck getss bigger with the hate messages of self-righteousness and true Christians know the difference. So journalist publications have a field day with the Wright circus. I rebuke him for the murderer he is born out of jealousy and scorn. He fools himself into thinking he's really something based on the number of his congregation which must be very angry, mad twisted sistas and bros. Shame on Wright for not nourishing his congregation to health and shame on Wright for keeping his church patrons in slavery, slavery to him and is murderous words, shame on Wright for puting Jesus back up on the cross everytime he teaches unforgiveness and there is no help for narsisstic people like Wright. in fact the law says if a shrink detects he/she is counselling with a narsisstic tthe shrink cannot continue therapy and cannot collect any more money from them because there is no help for them and its against the lawto counsel further.Mighty is the fall of the prideful. Timberrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, is coming soon.

[mcnorman]

Too little and far too late!!!

[Dante]

I think Senator Obama's denunciation of Reverend Wright is more for the benefit of his presidential campaign. There's not much of a difference between the Reverend Wright of today and the Reverend Wright of several weeks ago that he could not denounce or disown then. Now that his campaign is slowing down and threatened by a backlash against his preference to stand by his pastor even as he disagreed with his words, it seems convenient that Reverend Wright appears again so Senator Obama can re-position himself. What I see is that his campaign needs to regain the lustre of a tarnished character, since without this, it is clear that he has nothing to offer the American public to justify his quest for the presidency. He neither has the experience, the political fortitude and concern for middle America that Senator Clinton clearly possesses. Senator Obama's "denunciation" is not too little too late. It is another ploy to hoodwink the American people that he is better than the other presidential candidates.

[Jeanie Elliott]

Thank you Obama for finally setting the record straight. I am the grandmother of 5 beautiful grandsons that happen to be both black and white, same as Obama. For their sake and the sake of our country, it's time to put our differences aside and get on about our "Father's business" which is to love one another. Pray for the country of Zimbabwe, bless those that curse us and let God be God. Stand up for the truth, know that we are not a perfect country, but realize that our nation is founded on Godly principals and have corrected many of the injustices in our Nation...together. Why do people ship themselves in crates, cross our boarders and long for the American dream? Let's be a thankful people and praise the Most High God for the foundation of this blessed country.

[David]

It will hurt him alot in North Carolina !

[Anonymous]

You are kidding, right? Obama's been one of his flock for 20 years, heard numerous sermons by the Rev. preaching this same message, married his wife by a ceremony officiated by Rev. Wright, AND his children were baptized by Jeremiah Wright and NOW he's distancing himself from the preacher? Either he doesn't know the Rev. Wright very well after 20 years or he's trying to hide the fact that he does indeed believe in the teachings of the pastor but knows he cannot be the President in doing so.

[Andy Capaloff]

I am not one of Obama's supporters, but he cannot control what anyone else says and his reaction was exactly what it should have been. I will be very disappointed if anyone in the Clinton camp tries to use Wright's recent publicity campaign in any way against Obama. Unfortunately, I don't feel I can expect such scruples from the Republican side if Obama goes on to be the Democratic candidate.

[Joe]

Umm isnt he like his uncle and he can no more disown him then he could the black people?
Obama knew all along this guys views and now that he knows it will hurt him he is distancing him self.
I dont mind having Hillary or McCain but Obama would be a disaster.

[Santa Fitstein]

Obama scares me. He should scare American Jews everywhere. His agenda is hidden, just like he tried to keep the true views of Wright hidden.

[Trudy Gibbs]

The press needs to let this story go. Rev. Wright does not represent or speak for Barak Obama. Senator Obama has never spoken like Rev Wright...the outrageous statements by a inflammatory paster are not part of the Obama message. It is a sad day when the press misses all the good qualities of this presidential candidate and has to wallow in inflammatory side issues. Shame on you.

[Keith Bowling]

I am so happy about Barack responding in such a straight line! It must be hard for him to have to say such things about a man that used to mean so much to him. And even though I feel like Barack had to distance himself away from this radical man, I'm sorry for Barack and his family. They are really trying to do the right thing!

[John Douglas]

A little bit late in the day. You had all those years to decide we was offensive. Now your nomination is on the line, you cut him off.

I question your judgment. You are not fit to be president.

[douglas schott]

...it would have been better if he had let it lie for a while after the new interviews, by using terms i like "i gave him the benefit of the doubt", after wright was in front of him by choice for all those years, mr obama's spiritual leader...kind of spooked me...Aloha

[Victor Williams]

This is amazing. He's known the man for two decades, and only NOW does he find Wright's remarks horrifying? When he sat week after week in the pews hearing this, and never objected before? When he knew for a year that this would be a problem (in April 2007 having the conversation with Wright himself about how he might have to "distance" himself? When he was confronted in November 2007 about Wright, his mentor and friend? This looks like nothing more than Obama's desire that no-one would notice, that this would all blow over, and that this is a political last-ditch effort to save himself from a long-running spate of extremely poor judgement.

[kaye-s]

Good for Obama. I hope we can all now leave this stupid Wright business behind us once and for all and get on to what really matters--which is undoing the damage that the current administration has done to this country both at home and abroad.

[Jim Jones]

Now that Obama has officially denounced Rev Wright, what ever will the Clinton campaign have to keep harping on now?

Everytime she's pressed with something negative she used to be able to redirect it back to the issue of Obama's pastor.

Can we start talking about the real issues now?

[DJ123]

I am so saddened by how the so called pastor acted. I agree with Obama to cut his ties with him. Shame on you Rev. Jeremiah Wright Shame on you..

[freemarketer]

A day late and a Dollar short Obama, you have been with him for TWENTY years. You claim you were not present when he made the most ugly comments, even though you were a member of the church, you broke bread with the man who baptized your kids, was your"spiritual" adviser. Now all the sudden the great Obama, the great uniter, has an epiphany!?! Yeah right.

The Rev. made a joke of himself yesterday along with his hooting and hollering fan base. Auditioning for a yet to be disclosed TV show, book, or radio gig. no doubt.

You're a joke Obama, and all of you friggin apologists or reverse racists (you know who you are) can go crawl back in the hole from which you came. This campaign is over.

Pity, I was actually looking forward to a black man in office. It would finally put to bed all this victim hood and cries of unfairness so we can move on to the more important issues. But leave it to you crybaby whining victims to shoot yourselves in the foot. Hmmm, perhaps that's why the good Rev. is throwing Obama under the bus. Rather than emphasizing keys to success, men like him like to use a ready excuse for failure – racism – even as this racism seems not to affect his own life's success.

Why ?? First, he obviously understands the power of playing the race card. He can see that most Americans despise being accused of racism...Simply put, charges of racism create fear that keep a power play in his favor..Especially to the hooting and Hollering flock who pays tithing to the ringleader, er, um Reverend.

Second, being a victim, even to those who seem successful, is a difficult temptation to pass up. Being a victim is not only an ego-boosting badge of honor, it also supplies a ready excuse whenever one fails. Even if he has to be a victim against a man of his own skin color like Obama..

what a joke..

[Daniel Millet]

I've had several bishop's help lead and shape my spiritual beliefs. I never agreed 100% with any of them, and we are talking 10+ people here. In fact I'd say I disagree with them more then I agree with them, yet we all get along and have incredibly deep conversations. I only wish the media could engage every American in these conversations.

Frankly I don't care about Rev. Wright anymore. I do care about Barack Obama, though, and I would like to know more about his actual policies....

Young people like me, under 30, care more about policies then "GOTCHA!" politics. I think it's because I've been on the Internet since age 8 and am well aware that the MSM loves GOTCHA! while they ignore anything of real substance.

[SEAN L]

Twenty years of not knowing who or what Rev Wright was talking about; give me a break!

[George]

I thnk this RECENT apperence of Mr. Wright and today's "cut bait" is all staged. He is trying pull fast one on us.

[Matt]

Finally, now maybe the pundits who have made this non-issue into an issue will enable the Obama campaign to focus on the issues that voters really care about.

[Santa Fitstein]

Obama scares me. He should scare American Jews everywhere. His agenda is hidden, just like he tried to keep the true views of Wright hidden.

[Candi]

This whole episode really puts the question of Obama's judgement into serious question. We don't have another 20 years to wait for him to realize that there are people in this world who, given the chance, would cause us harm.

[Pozer]

How could Obama possibly condemn Wright since most everyone has been taking everything he's said out of context. This is a beauty.

[Victor Williams]

This is amazing. He's known the man for two decades, and only NOW does he find Wright's remarks horrifying? When he sat week after week in the pews hearing this, and never objected before? When he knew for a year that this would be a problem (in April 2007 having the conversation with Wright himself about how he might have to "distance" himself? When he was confronted in November 2007 about Wright, his mentor and friend? This looks like nothing more than Obama's desire that no-one would notice, that this would all blow over, and that this is a political last-ditch effort to save himself from a long-running spate of extremely poor judgement.

[BZ]

Too late.

He is done. Period. End of report.

Obama will not be able to recover from this, it is too deep within the fabric of his core values. This statement comes too late, and sounds way too political.

[Big D]

Don,

You said Obama "...could hardly have distanced himself further..." WHAT?

Oh, perhaps any SANE human, let alone American, would not only denounce the "AIDS" and "Calipso-Loui" comments by wright... but would simply say anyone who believes that conspiricy theory BS is either mildly retarded or NUTS!

You also say "...he should have." with regards to Obama "...not have seen the WIDLY TELEVISED EVENT." Do you believe that for one minute given the 24/7 media outlets and that he at all times has access to newspapers, tv's, blackberry's, radio, Obama never saw the "event" visa vie Wrights "sermons?"

No... the kitchen just got HOT....!

Wright is a wack job nut and that is what Obama must admit!

[BZ]

Too late.

He is done. Period. End of report.

Obama will not be able to recover from this, it is too deep within the fabric of his core values. This statement comes too late, and sounds way too political.

[Dee Garcia]

I am a blind Christian who was planning to vote for Obama until my pastor told me he actually not a Christian but a Muslim. When I found out the entire Rev Wright church was defending Obama, I asked my pastor what to do, he told me to pray to God that Hillary does not get elected, or that Obama does not do something extreme when he is not choosen. Now I am home alone and I don't know what to think. I can not watch TV, only listen to it. I need MacinTalk to use a computer, and God is not answering my prayers for Obama to drop out and for something bad to come to light about Hillary. I wish President Bush would tell me what to do.

This is the end times. We are living in the rapture.

[jwalker]

I hear squeaking bus brakes! Obama is absolutely pathetic. If he acts this way as President we are in real trouble. While I understand he felt he had to have this news conference today to save what's left of his campaign of yada yada, yada I was a little put off by the harshness of his remarks. I wonder how other black people will feel. By now his modus operandi should be clear; every time he gets into trouble he gives a speech on race or tolerance or whatever to calm the liberals who adore him. I don't think this is the end of the Wright business because now Wright will have to respond and so on and on. Not good for Wright, Obama or the country.

[Bob Houser]

That is what you needed to do. I'm an old f---, but really like what you say and do. Don't let the bastards get you down. Go after them. You will win out in the finals. I am a registered Independent, one of those people not counted in but a few polls. There are many of us out here, backing you but no one is countung us. Keep a sharp eye on the super delegates - you don't want what happened to Al Gore, to happen to you. Just look at what has happened to our country in the last 7+ years.
Bob Houser

[jwalker]

I hear squeaking bus brakes! Obama is absolutely pathetic. If he acts this way as President we are in real trouble. While I understand he felt he had to have this news conference today to save what's left of his campaign of yada yada, yada I was a little put off by the harshness of his remarks. I wonder how other black people will feel. By now his modus operandi should be clear; every time he gets into trouble he gives a speech on race or tolerance or whatever to calm the liberals who adore him. I don't think this is the end of the Wright business because now Wright will have to respond and so on and on. Not good for Wright, Obama or the country.

[Mitchel]

Let's judge Obama by his own words and actions, not by Rev Wright's. If the worst that can be said about this man is that his pastor is a nut, that says something for Obama.

Better him than Hillary or McCain, who are both partly responsible for the war in Iraq.

OBAMA '08!

[Tim]

I truely believe that Mr.Obama has a sincere heart and wants to do good for our country. As an independant voter, I am hopeful that he is a man of his word. I feel that by putting Rev.Wright behind him is a wise decision and definately will help him in the polls. I am still undecided but am interested in learning more about him. Hopeful in Michigan

[betsy]

Oh, really, I saw part of what Wright said on PBS last night and his interview with Moyers -- it wasn't so bad, he was talking about what many think and it was what he has been saying for years, years when Obama attended the church. (Btw, when did Obama stop attending church, when did Rev. Wright become his "former pastor"?)

He/Wright is not saying anything different -- it's Obama who is now denying him.

[Deward Bowles]

Senator Obama has run a campaign unmatched in modern American politics. Senator Obama's ideas and dreams for America are what every American hopes will be our future.

Rather than focus on the issues that really matter like the wars, the economy, health care or illegal immigration we are inundated with distractions.

Distractions designed to keep us from discussing the real issues that we are all concerned about. Same old politics, wake up America.

Senator Obama has my vote.

[Kenneth Jones]

All of you Hillary supporters that denounce Obama should really get your head out of your a--, otherwise it's 4 more years of Republican bullsh--, war profiteering, RECESSION, etc...

[Rebecca]

O-M-G people. It's really NOT that big of a deal. Calm down. Take a deep breathe. And recognize that this is the only controversy against Obama! Reverend Wright could be doing this for his own 15min of fame. People are malicious when it comes to the spotlight. Since when are people ignorant enough to believe that who know defines who you are??? I have plenty of friends that believe things I definitely do not. So what? Doesn't mean I therefore believe it as well. Let's be smarter than a 5th grader here and use some logic and reasoning. Focus on his political strategies, debates and educational history. Slander is NOT a promising factor for judging a canidate.

[Chess Grogan]

If Obama can't do any better than this picking a preacher, how can we trust him to pick a cabinet? If he's elected there will be literally thousands of government "officials" for him to appoint. Is this the kind of selection you want for the next secretary of defense? For the next secretary of anything?

[Greg]

I feel sorry for Hlilary , she is traying everything to win this election. Typical way for all loosers. I rather vote for McCain than Hillary. Obama is a great leader and Washington is afraid of him.
Go Obama ! I belive in You

[betsy]

Oh, really, I saw part of what Wright said on PBS last night and his interview with Moyers -- it wasn't so bad, he was talking about what many think and it was what he has been saying for years, years when Obama attended the church. (Btw, when did Obama stop attending church, when did Rev. Wright become his "former pastor"?)

He/Wright is not saying anything different -- it's Obama who is now denying him.

[Ellison]

I'm very sorry Barack Obama is dumping Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Now I'm questioning if I care to vote for Obama. Too bad.

[Mohammad Rocka]

Title is misleading
to "cut bait with someone" is ambigeous, not clearly conveying or summarizing the meaning of the blog/article. I would suggest that "cuts ties" would clearer and more consise

[Julie]

Can anyone answer this? When exactly did Rev. Wright become Obama's former minister? Was it before all of this came to light or after?

As for the election, I have a son in Iraq, and I promised him that I would NOT vote for a person born of a muslim. So, if Hillary's not on the ticket, then McCain, you have my vote.

[SpaceTraveler]

Let's give Rev. Wright the "benefit of the doubt" - He's a bonafide jackass and paranoid, self agrandizing, self righteous,pathetic, parenthical, schizophrenic, pychotic jackass, who represents only himself and his demented, diseased mind.

Who cares? "How will Wright respond?" Hopefully with a bullet shot to his own brain

As an African American, I never want to see or hear from the irreverent J (jerkface) Wright again. And, I hope Obama will find the moral and personal strength to "wright" this guy off and recognize that he his now (if not before) growingly mentally ill and has set his anger and jealousy sites on Barack himself, to prove a convuluted "point" that America would never vote for a Black man to be its president and achieve what he never could.

Stop giving this sick jerk any press, which is only fulling his sick mind into thinking that he is important and has legitimacy.
Go Away, Wright, you sick prick, get help!

[Christine]

This is a interview with Barack Obama 13 yrs ago.
Listen to it and make your decision
http://eyeonbooks.com/ibp_obama.php

[Irritated]

What is so interesting is that people actually believe a Democrat will take the election. It really doesn't matter who gets the nomination, because neither will take it. Hillary is a sure loss just like Obama. Obama has spent the begging of his campaign inciting hope and the latter part defending accusations brought by someone in his own party. Does that represent a united front? This party has been destroyed and will not recover for at least another 4 years. I actually hope Hillary does win the nomination. It's going to be great to see her lose in November. I'm going to have a party just so everyone can watch. The whole thing is pathetic. Congratulations John McCain!!! Don't forget to thank Hillary and Obama in your speech

[Matt]

Obama should be judged by his own actions, not the words of Wright...SO WHY DID HE ATTEND THE CHURCH FOR 20 YEARS??? It's Obama's judgement and actions that we should be concerned with. Anyone who believes Obama never heard this side of Wright before is just living in their own political lie. Most people who have attended the church said that Wright's press conference sounded more like his sermons than a press conference. Obama tried to get his street cred and it came back to bite him in the ass big time. Then he threw his grandmother under the bus as a 'raciist' and considered Wright like 'an uncle'. Wow...some judgement. Now because of political expediency, he HAD to denounce the man once and for all. Wright didn't change, Obama's political calculation changed.

[NK]

Rev. Wright's appearance on Bill Moyer's show was calm, collected and educational. His appearance at the National Press Club...was much different. Reverend Wright seemed to feel the need to respond to harsh criticisms from across the country and the media. Given that he and other church members have been getting death threats, it's hard to critcize him for coming out while Senator Obama is in the midst of a tough campaign. This will likely and unfairly hurt Senator Obama however, Reverend Wright's Q&A and speech at the National Press Club is something that a lot of people will take offense to, taken in context and watched end to end. Senator Obama had to dismiss the press club performance...I'm not sure how many people, even within the black church, would firmly stand by it? Overall it was a sad display from Reverend Wright, who is well educated, has a strong background but unfortunately seemed overwhelmed with irrational emotion at this meeting.

[edge.]

Obama has NO resume for us to consider!

When he was just in Illinois and a tough vote came up, he voted "Present", he has not given us any record to consider!

This is NOT Hillary or McCain, people with long resumes.

What CAN he be judged on? Rev Wright, Farrakhan, and his associations with past terrorists!

If these were Hillary's, or McCain's or John Conyers, or Charlie Rangels friends I do not think that it would be an issue because they all have long careers that we can point to.

IMO, he is not electable!

[amariah]

I will continue to vote for Obama merely because the Republican candidate will do nothing to help this country but further endow it to another Depression.

Hillary is a liar 59% of the voters say they don't trust her. I know I don't she lied about being shot at, for what reason. She was bought to stop talking about Healthcare for all when she was first lady in the movie SiCKO.

Obama is a christian man and he knows where the real threat is to America Iran. He will be the one to lead this country out of recession by merely campaining like he is doing now.

[Clb]

Well, I guess the honeymoon is over--the courting period has ended. We no longer see the representative, because that is the person that we always see at the beginning of a relationship, once the the courting peirod is over we see the true person with all their faults. We are now seeing the real Obama. He no longer walks on water. Too bad.

[Omida]

More than once I have heard from clergies such as Robertson, Fallwell, and Haggi, that G_d will punish America for its acts of immorality, such as abortion.

So the anger is not over the America may be condemned by G_d , but for what reason she be condemned!

If America being condemned for allowing abortion, it is just a sermon as usual. But if you say she may be condemned because of attacking another country and killing innocent people.. then it is unpatriotic and loony.

I see double standard!

[Gromit]

"better a day late than never."

A DAY late? More like 15-20 years.

Perhaps Obama nevertheless has saved his campaign, but no one seriously can disagree that he'd've been much better off had he left that racist church (and its pastor) years ago, or at least denounced him at the outset of this campaign. As things are, it appears that he's only doing what's politically expedient.

[Futurist]

It takes alot of courage to support the one you love when they are down infront of the world. Only to have that person betray your trust in front of the world. Correct that error infornt of the world and still move forward. Are you man/woman enough to do that? Casting stones ... are we. hmmm?

[MPG]

This is for jodi...the press lied when they said Sean Bell was not armed...he was armed, with his car. Sean Bell rammed the police officer's vehicle not once, but TWICE. He ignored their repeated warnings to stop his car. I guess that would be ok with you though if he just ran down the detectives huh? He paid the ultimate price for an extremely tragic, yet stupid move. It had absolutlely nothing to do about race! It had everything to do about someone who did not think before he acted. All he had to do was stop his car and the situation would never have escalated to the level it did. People like you unfortunately fuel the race issue in this country and until people that are not victims stop acting like victims, the issue of race will always be there.

[Chris]

Andrew Austin:

What Barack Obama said is actually scientifically true, and in no way is it racist. The color of our skin is determined by the genetic code in our DNA. Which means that an African's blood is different from a Caucasian's. Not only is skin color part of the genetic code of DNA, so it eye color, hair texture, hair color, and any other unique physical characteristics of Africans. So, Obama's biraciality is displayed in his DNA, i.e. his blood.

Also, it is clear what he meant by racial reconciliation being in his blood. His very birth symbolizes racial reconciliation. I don't think neither Obama nor the author meant to say that Obama has been given some divine insight regarding racial reconciliation.

Please don't make an argument in which you have absolutely no information regarding your statements. It is clear that not only did you misinterpret Obama and the author's words, but it is clearer that you didn't really pay any attention in Biology class.

[Cynthia M]

Obama is a grown man and knew what his pastor preached for over 20 years. He was not a young man who was wearing rose colored glasses. If my pastor spoke racially defaming sermons, or denounced my country, he would not be my pastor any further. I doubt this was the first time Mr. Wright (he is not reverant at all) has spoken in this manner. Therefore, Obama must be in agreement and sees himself not half white but all black. Does he hate his white half? Does Mr. Wright hate Obama's white half? Don't vote for Obama unless you want Faracan dining in the White House.

[Emil Collias]

Give Barak a break. I can't remember one sermon from another. The people in the church are a community. The pastor is one person.To elevate this ya-hoo to the level that our media has and his opponents have is comical. It seems the only people it would affect are the same ones that watch Jerry Springer. Let's let it lie and get back to the real issues. If this is the only thing that they have to say, he has my vote.

[elena]

Preachers exhibit many qualities that would be an asset to actors or comedians. Unfortunately, Reverend Wright's most recent actions demonstrate that he has chosen to be more of a performer than a man of the cloth. His narcissism is greater than any desire to help his former parishoner and has consequently made him more of a liability than an asset. Despite the requests of many who know him personally, Reverent Wright insisted on his fifteen minutes of fame, not recognizing that he does not speak for all black churches or clergy.

Obama will move forward without him.

[Anthony Shin]

I hope that one of Rev. Wright's intents was to enable Barack Obama to have occasion to denounce him more forcefully.

I hope people will keep in mind that Rev. Wright in some ways may have filled in as a father-figure to Sen. Obama (who lost his father at an early age). Like the senator I am from Hawaii, and in Hawaii we are often somewhat disconnected from our biological relatives. Because of this, our biologically unrelated mentors, friends, and friends of the family often step into roles that would otherwise be fulfilled by our kin. Consequently our connections to them are not simplistically reducible to "choice," and so cutting ties with them can be difficult. I think that what we are seeing in Senator Obama is a very human response to what has turned out to be a moral dilemma. If he had cut his ties to Rev. Wright immediately, it would have been politically expedient, but inhumane and demeaning. From Rev. Wright's perspective, he may have decided that one sure way to provoke a more decisive response from Barack Obama would be to speak out as he has. So we will see how things play out. Let us try not to dehumanize those we disagree with.

[Tom F.]

I think that if Mr. Obama became the president of the United States, it could be very good for the Black community in this country. I think that he would provide a wonderful role model for all the young black kids in the country. I think it would say to everyone, once and for all... if you work hard, and do your best, you can achieve anything in this country in spite of where you come from or the color of your skin. I think that most people still believe this. But I don't think Rev. Wright believes this. I think that he has made it his business to preach to his church that it CAN'T BE DONE..ESPECIALLY IF YOUR BLACK ! I think Mr Obama's success so far, puts a lie to Rev. Wrights whole message. This is a great country. Mr. Obama's success is a testament to what's RIGHT about this country. If he were really, truly interested in advancing the hopes for the Black community, instead of his own... he would best serve it with his silence at this point.

[lemj]

Rev. Wright is a good man, and not wrong about most of the things he has commented on (save the AIDS conspiracy). The moronic response to this non issue only highlights the depths to which the american discourse has sunk. Shallow and hateful are the only terms that fit. One day this country will have no choice but to look reality in the eye, I for one hope to be there to see it. And yes, I am Native American.

[Jeff Jones]

I'm appalled by the unrealistic expectations we levy on anyone running for political office. Could anyone of us pass the test if we judged ourselves by the same standards. Who hasn't had people in their lives who have said things or done things that have embrassed them. If we had known at the time that they would have said or done what they did, we wouldn't have stood for it. But then that's the point, we didn't know.
Who hasn't chosen the wrong words at times or responded too slowly when we look at our actions through the wisdom of hindsight.
Let's be real. We are still voting for humans! Let's ask can the candidate lead us. Are they honest and trust worthy. Do they have what it takes to build coalitions that work to make Amercia a better place? If we continue to scrutinze every minute action and parse every word as though we are going to find the most perfect candidate, we are doomed for disappointment.

[N.E. BodybutHillary]

Rev. Wright must be a clinton supporter. Nobody could be such an egomaniac that they would jeopardize their candidates chances of winning just to continue seeing teir own name in headlines. well ok, a moron might.

[Web Smith]

You can feel sympathy but you do not know what it's really like to lose a child until you loose a child. You can read all the stories and talk to all the Vets but, you do not know what it was like to have served in Viet Nam unless you served there. You can read all of the books and articles but, do you do not know what it's like to be black in America unless you are black. You can get all of the Phd's but, you are not an expert on these things, and other things, unless you have experienced them.

It would be much better to try to understand why Rev. Wright is so angry than to denounce him. All black people in America have felt the things that he is trying to express. You can get on your high horse and scream racist, anti-semitic, or homophobic every time some one criticizes some one else but, you are not not-racist if you don't want to understand why.

One thing is certain. Rev. Wright is not going to hurt anyone in any way and he has nothing to do with this election. Attempts to label Obama as an angry black man because of the MSM special interest groups' portrayal of Rev. Wright is a veiled racist attack.

[Melody Wilson]

WAKE UP AMERICA AND BE FAIR!!! Each man and woman should be held responsible for his or her own words and actions. No person should be made to feel 'guilty by association' or 'knowledge of' another individuals shortcomings. Where would that leave any of us in terms of our associations? And what if those [our] associations came out of the closet and made their presence known? I've had associations with people and/or knowledge of people who play a strong role in my life and some who play a minor role in my life who have said or done things that I find disgusting and reprehensible, however, I shouldn't be held responsible for the actions and/or words of those individuals? Should you? You can love and respect someone and not agree with or accept everything about him or her or everything that he or she has to say. We all do it all the time… Also, if we were held responsible and/or made ‘guilty by association’, where would that leave any of us?

Melody W.
Corona, California

[Ellen]

Obama is just poliically posturing? You've gotta be kidding me. I bet most of the negative remarks on this blog are from people who are supporting Clinton. Who's posturing for political reasons now?

[Michael]

It appears that once Rev. Wright was sucked into the conversation about race and the tactics of those he would call racists; he decided to demonstrate how it works and has always worked in our community. I supported Mr. Obama well in advance of his declaration for the candidacy for the nominee of the Democratic Party. I think it was a political decision by Mr. Obama to disassociate himself from his pastor of 20 years as such he fell into a trap that posits the old tactic of divide and conquer is still in play.

The Democratic Party has a history of throwing aside those who may bring some controversy to the table. Bill Clinton demonstrated his loyalty to Lani Granier, Ron Brown, Ron Espy, and Jocelyn Elders (interesting that all of these individuals are Black. It is unfortunate that as much as Mr. Obama claims that things will change –the more they stay the same.

[I_Slay_The_Dragon]

John, your tired, played-out, cliche-filled, and thinly-veiled attack on Catholicism is not only unappreciated, it's borderline irrelevant. Truly: All glory to The Most High Lord.

[Nikos Retsos]

Baraq Obama cannot wipe out his past now that the going of his political future has gotten tough. It is, therefore quite hypocritical to say now: "That's not who I am," on quote. At least Mr. Wright is not a hypocrite, and he says it straight "that's who I am"
and make no apologies to anybody. And he, at least, deserves credit for being honest, and for not flip-flopping
to please his critics or anybody.

Mr. Wright said about 9/11 that "the chickens had come home to roost." I think that applies to Obama today: "The chickens had come home to roost," Mr.
Obama. You soaked in Mr. Wright's guidance for almost
a generation, your marriage and the christening of your
children were officiated by him, and now that you are wearing a presidential candidate's hat you say "That's not me?" Well, if that's not really you, then those who vote for you will certainly get a pig in a poke! Nikos Retsos, retired academic, and Chicagoan for 40 years!

[FreeMarketer]

A day late and a Dollar short Obama, you have been with him for TWENTY years. You claim you were not present when he made the most ugly comments, even though you were a member of the church, you broke bread with the man who baptized your kids, was your"spiritual" adviser. Now all the sudden the great Obama, the great uniter, has an epiphany!?! Yeah right.

The Rev. made a joke of himself yesterday along with his hooting and hollering fan base. Auditioning for a yet to be disclosed TV show, book, or radio gig. no doubt.

You're a joke Obama, and all of you friggin apologists or reverse racists (you know who you are) can go crawl back in the hole from which you came. This campaign is over. The man is not the man that was sold to us way back in Iowa.

Pity, I was actually looking forward to a black man in office. It would finally put to bed all this victim hood and cries of unfairness so we can move on to the more important issues. But leave it to you crybaby whining victims to shoot yourselves in the foot.

Hmmm, perhaps that's why the good Rev. is throwing Obama under the bus. Rather than emphasizing keys to success, men like him like to use a ready excuse for failure – racism – even as this racism seems not to affect his own life's success.

Why ?? First, he obviously understands the power of playing the race card. He can see that most Americans despise being accused of racism...Simply put, charges of racism create fear that keep a power play in his favor..Especially to the hooting and Hollering flock who pays tithing to the ringleader, er, um Reverend.

Second, being a victim, even to those who seem successful, is a difficult temptation to pass up. Being a victim is not only an ego-boosting badge of honor, it also supplies a ready excuse whenever one fails. Even if he has to be a victim against a man of his own skin color like Obama..

what a joke..what a waste of time.

[mike]

At the most basic level, the real problem is religiosity itself. Mysticism never has and never will be good for the human condition. Politicians in this country cannot get elected without joining some church and going through the motions of believing in magic, invisible friends in the sky, and all the other hogwash that goes along with such nonsense.

[Nikos Retsos]

Baraq Obama cannot wipe out his past now that the going of his political future has gotten tough. It is, therefore quite hypocritical to say now: "That's not who I am," on quote. At least Mr. Wright is not a hypocrite, and he says it straight "that's who I am"
and make no apologies to anybody. And he, at least, deserves credit for being honest, and for not flip-flopping
to please his critics or anybody.

Mr. Wright said about 9/11 that "the chickens had come home to roost." I think that applies to Obama today: "The chickens had come home to roost," Mr.
Obama. You soaked in Mr. Wright's guidance for almost
a generation, your marriage and the christening of your
children were officiated by him, and now that you are wearing a presidential candidate's hat you say "That's not me?" Well, if that's not really you, then those who vote for you will certainly get a pig in a poke! Nikos Retsos, retired academic, and Chicagoan for 40 years!

[cal]

People we are talking about electing the president of our us of america, what is wrong with you people that are supporting Obama? Obama has sat in this church for 20 years listening to this kind of stuff. He is all about this type of raciest believiing. Why would we as people even consider having a person of his background as our president??? Come on wake up. This man is Rev Wright. Obama has nothing in his back ground that says he is a true american. Flush this ---- down the toilet now.

[isome truman]

regardless of anything, two things are clear: rev wright is a narcissist, and america is pathetically racist. someone need to pray for both.

[Michele Lee]

It's going to be a sad day for everyone who hopes for
change in our country if any Obama supporters are influenced by the hyperbole created by Reverend Wright. Please believe what you see and hear from Barack Obama, not from anyone else. People and words are being used in horrible, hateful ways to divide those of us who want change. Please do not allow this or anything else to take away our chance for the United States to be the world leader it once was. Remember our last eight years. no one want to repeat them, do we? Be proud, be strong, and do not be misled again.

[Bridget McLaughlin]

Any American that believes Obama does not know and has not known EXACTLY what Wright stands for, preaches, believes and spews is just ignorant and frankly it scares the heck out of me to think that people who are that gullible are going to vote for the next President of the United States. And by the way - even if he didn't know - if he's going to defend him - he should know. Obama keeps saying "I'm not familiar with the facts..." on this and that - if you plan on being the next President - get familiar - it's your job. God Help America!

[Southoc]

Liar

[Nick]

Originally posted by Mike G:
"Obama should be judged by his own actions first, and his own words second. He should not be judged by the words of his pastor.

For example, Nancy Pelosi and Newt Gingrich are teaming up to talk about the environment. Do we judge Gingrigh by all the words Pelosi has ever said? No. They are temporarily united on an issue of mutual importance.

Similarly Obama and Wright. Both care passionately about the plight of the inner city."

That is a terrible comparison. Gingrich and Pelosi are teaming up on an issue they both feel strongly about. It's not like Pelosi was Gingrich's mentor/pastor over the last 20 years...she wasn't the one who married him, and baptized his children. Gingrich didn't sit in on Pelosi's sermons for 20 years...And the biggest difference would be that neither Gingrich or Pelosi have made such reprehensible comments before, so this comparison is way off.

Why shouldn't Obama be judged with whom he chooses to associate with for 20 years? Are we supposed to overlook the fact that this has been his paster, mentor, and friend with whom he listens to and respects. Would you stay in a church where the Pastor says such terrible things? Why didn't Obama come out and do this when the major outlets were first getting hold of this? In my eyes it's too little too late...I can't get past the fact that Obama was caught with his hand in the cookie jar so now he's sorry, but would he be sorry if he wasn't caught? I don't think so.

[sag]

This is so sad. Rev Wright needs to shut up and grow up in his old age. Yes he will be writing a book and no I will not read it. His opinion is just that and not the Senator's. Why are we focusing on him and if he is a man of the BIG G he would not be carrying on as he is. Now this should be a lessen for all of us that no matter how long we dine with someone that they will still turn their back on us. Rev Wright, go ahead and retire because it is likely you do not serve a purpose any longer to those in need. What you are doing is wrong and a SHAME.

[BJ]

It's OVER for OBAMA.

He may be a good man, and whatever his true beliefs are, this denunciation is CLEARLY a fight for the survival of his political life.

He needs to quit while he's ahead... step back, and re-evaluate his political future. IF he keeps on, he may have NO political future.

I am not elated by this revelation. I am accepting a fact.

[Seni]

Obama's judgment is the worst I have ever heard of. Nothing is cleared up. He's speaking as a politician trying to be elected. Birds of a feather flock together. So goes Obama and Rev Wright. He's speaking out against Rev. Wright now because he think he might lose some votes. Remember, 20 years in that church with Rev. Wright and his racist, anti-american speeches must have given Obama and his family similar negative views about this country.

[ck]

There it is. This is so utterly calculated it’s ludicrous. The only plausible explanation for the Obama campaign having allowed Wright to sound off so brazenly these past few days was that the campaign strategy, yet again, was to have Rev. Wright inflame the race issue during the run-up to an important state primary election (Indiana), then have Obama step forth at exactly the opportune moment to deliver yet another of his carefully crafted speeches about how he (by virtue of his half-black/half-white DNA) is the only one who can possibly ‘save’ America from the so-called ‘original sin’ of racism. That’s exactly what they planned before the Pennsylvania primary, and that’s exactly what Obama and his strategists are up to now. Aren’t the media and Obama’s delusional supporters tired of this blatant manipulation? Obama’s remarks further distancing himself from Wright have no meaning whatsoever, since he and his ‘spiritual mentor’ had already known it would be necessary and had agreed on it up front, as Wright has even admitted. Condemning some of Wright’s more incendiary comments doesn’t erase the fact that Obama knew of, then lied about ever hearing, such views expressed by Wright. It doesn’t erase the fact that, even though he was fully aware of Wright’s views, he continued to attend Wright’s church for 20 years, donated more than $25K to Wright's church, had his marriage performed by Wright, had his daughters baptized by Wright and brought them to hear Wright’s hate-filled, radical black ideology masquerading as Christian religion Sunday after Sunday. If Obama were truly a man of strong character, integrity and judgment, he would’ve withdrawn from Wright’s church in protest at the mere idea of considering Africa, not America, as the ‘motherland,’ or when the church bestowed its highest social achievment award last year on Louis Farrahkan, the notoriously racist, anti-Semitic, anti-American, homophobic, sexist head of the Nation of Islam. Obama is not fit to be President, either by virtue of experience, temperament or core beliefs. He is simply nothing more than a politician (in the worst sense of that word) with a talent for oratory, a ‘pied piper,’ saying whatever the polls show audiences want to hear at any given moment, so long as it serves his personal agenda, (which could be far more sinister than even the Rev. Wright and Tony Rezko connections might imply). He’s done it before; he’ll do it again. Rev. Wright has even said so. The Rev. must be very grateful indeed that Obama gave him an extra day to seal more multi-million-dollar book deals before throwing him under the bus. (By the way, to those who’ve been guilted into considering Rev. Wright’s radical black ideology as in any way justifiable and acceptable, you've been doubly duped by Obama, who has deliberately misled the public about Wright’s background in an effort to try to excuse his “God damn America” and other incendiary remarks as being those of a man who lived through discrimination, segregation and violence and now harbors understandable anger and bitterness. In fact, Wright grew up in a nice, middle-class, multi-ethnic neighborhood in Philadelphia. His father was a pastor and his mother was a high school vice principal. Wright attended an exclusive high school that accepted only the most highly qualified students, where 90 percent of the enrollment then was white, and where he was highly regarded by his classmates. That’s hardly the picture of an upbringing that was beset by discrimination.)

[nj]

Jodi:

Two of the three police officers who shot Sean Bell were also Black.

This happened in Hillary's state; why isn't she taking responsibility to respond? Because the police/victims are Black, this is somehow Obama's responsibility? Come on.

And do you really expect a presidential candidate to tell people to riot based upon a decision by the courts of this country? That's a disingenuous expectation.

I am not saying I agree with the court's decision; it was a tragedy. But for you to pin this on Obama is reprehensible.

Too many folks are criticizing Obama for situations that neither of the other candidates are being asked to answer for, and I for one am sick of it.

Because Sean Bell was Black and Obama is Black, you're unfairly throwing a responsibility upon his shoulders that doesn't belong there.

If you don't support Obama, fine, but stop the ridiculous criticisms please.

[Gerald]

I'm going to say this straight: Obama shouldn't be punished for this man's actions. From the very beginning, he has campaigned on the ability to bring people together to resolve issues from both and other sides of the divide. While it's sad to be reminded that there are some who want to keep us divided for whatever motivations, we shouldn't take those frustrations out on the ones who are trying to make things right.

Remember, this nation is in a recession, we are fighting a war in Iraq that should have never been waged and there are food shortages throughout the world, but somehow, we continue to be focused on irreverent issues such as this. It reminds me a political cartoon that came out shortly after Obama's "A More Perfect Union" speech. It depicted Obama saying "Time to put down your security blankets!" to white couple and a black couple holding blankets, ala Linus Van Pelt with the labels White Resentment and Black Anger on the blankets.

Sadly, that cartoon gave the more perfect assessment of race relations in America. We are simply being hijacked by the past and were being hoodwinked by the people who want to keep it that way. They want all of us to keep those “security blankets” of division and to suck our thumbs while we’re at it! And we, the people, are all too glad to keep clutching those blankets.

[veracitanical]

The mixed bag of responses to the latest twist in the Wright rollercoaster indicates what we already knew. Those who were looking for reasons NOT to vote for Obama are still saying "too little, too late" , those who were ardent Obama supporters are saying this is irrelevant , lets focus on the candidates not side characters and the many people in the middle are still some what confused. I have been an Obama supporter from the start, I actually made a bold prediction over a year and a half ago that if "he runs, he wins" and I still stand by that prediction. The facts are this, compared to McCain or Hillary, Obama is way better for us, he has admitted and shown to us he is not perfect, he makes mistakes...but as long as those mistakes are not blunders he has shown the judgement necessary to lead our country to a better path than the one it is currently in or on the one that Hillary or McCain would take us.

Facts are simple, Hillary has engaged scorched earth against Obama, attacking and obfuscating on points like a Republican...for those reasons alone she deserves no chance in the White House IMO, but then we look at her proposed policy ideas...she voted for the debacle in Iran at a time when the American people were against it, she stated she would attack Iran (how naive), she claims she can pass a national Health care mandate with a strong Republican Minority (she must be smoking something) and half a dozen other promises she hopes to do but can't and won't if given the chance.

Obama comes to us with his flaws exposed, he tells us things won't be easy to change, and the proper road is one of moderation with the Republicans not "my way or highway" ...guess what folks Hillary is very much like Bush in this way and McCain promises to be a carbon copy of Bush...so still you have doubts? I don't want to bring out the race card but it seems to me, the microscope examining the minutia of Obama's actions is finely tuned yet for Hillary and John (I can't tell Al Quaida from Iranians) McCain the ocean of similarly insignificant character flaws is left uncharted. Why? Why focus so much on Obama's failings (and relative to what McCain and Hillary have on board they are down right virtues!) the stink of a reason NOT to vote for him to veil something else is thick in the air. We have seen in many of the primaries that many Americans claim that "race" is important to them, this literally means that these Americans are living in a deluded existence...as "race" doesn't exist. These are probably the same Americans that want to push ID in schools in opposition to the FACT of evolution, or claim there is a controversy in global warming (only if you watch Faux News) or wish to restrict research in stem cells because they believe without any evidence that an invisible ghost inhabits our cells at conception....enough is enough. The reasonable and objective American populace must act to educate their brethren..but it is not going to be easy. Yes, the candidates we have are not perfect, but which do you prefer, the ones that will maintain the status quo or the ONE who truly will try to do something different for us and for our planet.

That admittedly imperfect choice is clear, it is Barak Obama.

[Rocky]

Reading some of the posts here is disheartening. How about talking about some actual issues instead of re-hashing this Rev Wright madness. If this is what American politics has become, I'll tell you this, God Damn America!

Rev Wright said nothing yesterday or the day before that was anything new. The message, that black people are just different, not deficient; was totally lost to almost all of you.

It's just sad that things are going down the way they are. Barack Obama now has to denounce his own pastor in order to stay politically relevant when it should not even be an issue. It shouldn't be an issue no more than President Bush supporting Pat Robertson's or Jerry Falwells bigoted views. Bush has never had to denounce Pat Robertson or Falwell, why should Obama have to denounce Rev Wright?

What has this country become when political candidates have to denounce their pastor's views in the public eye to stay relevant politically? It sounds like something that a political candidate in Iran or the Taliban would have to do. I'd like to think that we are above religious fundamentalism, but the way this country is reacting to what Rev Wright said shows that some of us are just as fundamentally religious as those in the Taliban or in Iran.

What Rev Wright said was nothing new. All he did was speak the truth, the truth has been around a long time and it's about time we accept it. Instead of picking little sound bites about an AIDS conspiracy and Farrakhan to focus on. The focus needs to be on the message, not these little tidbits of sound.

I hope some of you realize how ignorant and stupid all of this is. Think about the massive problems we are facing in almost every domestic issue you can think of. If you think about that, and still want to focus on this, you've got some major personal issues that you need to deal with.

Barack Obama is still the best candidate to be President of the United States of America. Hillary doesn't have the judgement, McCain is too old and he wants to continue these same failed policies. Obama is the best candidate hands down. It's up to the American people to realize when they are being 'swiftboated' with some nonsense.

All I'm saying is think about it before you let the words of a pastor determine who you vote for. Nothing will change if we continue to fall for this manufactured BS.

[doug neumann]

I don't read a lot of news, but I do watch the news on television. I've noticed a conspicuous absence of Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson with all this Wright/Obama hullabaloo. Sharpton usually is the first to respond, so I'm especially surprised that we haven't heard much from him. I'm not surprised that Jackson hasn't been on the networks, because he usually likes to see which way the wind blows before he raises his sails.

[boomerang]

I don't agree with Rev Wright's timing in speaking out, but I dont disagree with much that he said. These are conversations that Black folks have all of the time. We have always have a mistrust of the government and its policies for justified reasons. It would not surprise me or anyone I know to learn that the USA created AIDS just as much as it is not surprising that U.S. government conducted a 40-year experiment on black men with syphilis. This country and many people want to ignore the plight and damage that slavery, jim crow and unfair treatment that has come from this government. This oh so great constitution it not oh so great to me. It's foundation is rooted in bigotry and hatred. Now that someone speaks about it and it's impact people call it hatred. He is not the origin of this hate....he is simply acknowledging its present day damage....I sure most white folks won't get this because you don't live it day to day....you don't see and experience thing through my lens and that ok, but please don't minimize my experiences and my ancestors experiences....That is rude and disrespectful.

[Seni]

Obama's judgment is the worst I have ever heard of. Nothing is cleared up. He's speaking as a politician trying to be elected. Birds of a feather flock together. So goes Obama and Rev Wright. He's speaking out against Rev. Wright now because he think he might lose some votes. Remember, 20 years in that church with Rev. Wright and his racist, anti-american speeches must have given Obama and his family similar negative views about this country.

[adriana]

Dee Garcia: "This is the end times. We are living in the rapture."

We need to stop preaching the "end times." Seriously, people have been worrying about the end of the world since the beginning of time.

As for the notion that Obama is a Muslim, he's not. He had a secular upbringing. From what I have read about his mom and grandparents who helped raise him, they were not particularly religious one way or the other.

I don't know how bad Rev. Wright is going to hurt Obama. Many Republican politicians go and speak at Bob Jones University, which promotes certain right wing beliefs. Hillary Clinton belongs to an exclusive prayer group with Senators Brownback and Rick Santorum. But if a black pastor espouses some non-mainstream ideas, he gets thrown up against the wall and crucified.

This is precisely why we have a separation of church and state and need to learn how to put religious propaganda (from any faith) into perspective.

[Jet]

Obama is really scary. You don't really know what you're gonna get. What he is doing is just political posturing.

When Rev.Wright made his remarks before and there was outrage on it. Obama says he cannot take him out of his life.

Here's what I think what might have happened:

Obama called Rev.Wright to stop making comments that can ruin his chances of being the democratic nominee.

And most probably Rev.Wright says...NO. Rev.Wright might be wrong with his views but you can respect his word.Why? Becoz he doesn't change it. Whatever he believes, he goes by it. And that's cool. We're all free to do that.

BUT NOW...Rev.Wright is getting popular(with a book deal). The fact that he will not change his tune then it would be up to Obama to change his.

At least Rev.Wright has a word that he keeps and he doesn't change...BUT OBAMA???

I DONT THINK SO...He's a politician just like everyone else...

[Fred]

"You are judged by the company you keep."

20 years later, when it has all of a sudden become politically unpalatable, he checks out. Pitiful. A couple of other phrases also come to mind:

1. "Too little, Too Late" &
2. "Liar Liar pants on fire"

Take your pick.

Also, for guy who claims to have this great "judgement" ....... he sure whiffed on judgement here.

At the end of the day, he has proved himself to be every bit the regular two bit ambitous, slimey politician that all the rest of em are. No big deal here except for the fact that it undermines BO's central premise that he is a different kind of politician.

Be careful of the change you wish for..... you just might get it and it could be this nightmarish vision of America that BO, his anti-American wife, and his pastor have shared for 20+ years. No thanks

[Fox Rosenbloom]

Well, this Obama-Wright issue is just a nosense, because many of us have been raised by parents or are descendents of parents who did either support racial secregation and racism, Holocaust and aparteid, or even slavery. None of us is being held liable for these disgusting actions of our parents or grand-parents. We have in this country millions of believers who follow religion creeds based on racism( Mormon theology e.g) and we still have people in this country who are openly racist. This said, I can't understand why the media is still nourrishing a controversy about Obama's pastor and still trying to suggest that Obama would be liable for his pastor's conduct and words...
No, let's come back to good sense and judge the guy for his own doing and saying.

[Sarah]

Jeremiah was really enjoying his fifteen minutes of fame, wasn't he? Now all we have to wait for is the hellfire and damnation which are sure to rain down.

[Fred Jones]

About twenty years too late. So, Obama throws his 20 year "mentor and spiritual adviser" under the bus, in hopes that we will be stupid enough to believe he was unaware of Wright's controversial views. He is either extremely dense, or extremely dishonest. Neither one is good for this country.

[Aldrahn]

It smells like a backdoor deal between the two. It will give Obama a new chance for his rhetoric.

He can't denounce half of his existence and his family, can he?

[Zod]

As much hate speech that has been conveniently ignored by the white community for years, distancing themselves with “I do not agree” has been the staple that has worked. But, the dynamics have suddenly changed. A Black man, “coddled” by the press (according to unnamed others) has withstood more mud than any white candidate in recent history. And you can’t have it both ways. I’d like to take ANY candidate and a transcript of all sermons delivered by their pastor and ask them point by point:
“Do you agree with all that?” Then rake them over the coals for going to that freaking church.

Condemn Obama, and condemn any candidate supported by the likes Pat Robinson, David Duke, Haggi, and the numerous other hate-mongers. And there are plenty. But let’s get down to it and call a spade a spade. The word is “hypocrisy”. Remember the fury just four years ago when Kerry was Swiftboated, called less than a hero…and refused to defend himself. 8 years ago when Gore was saddled with the ridiculous over-statement and made to appear as if he invented the internet. Clinton saying, “I did not have sex with that woman,” and out-right lying, then Hillary’s blaming the “vast right-wing conspiracy” before the blue dressed showed up with the President’s DNA? Do you remember all that?

Remember the outrage? Now this same “Party” has fractured to the point of a “BLACK” man, (who’s been coddled by the press, right?) is crucified not for the words he spoke or misspoke, but for the words of another. According to Bill Clinton, the first Black President, Obama is no better than Sharpton or Jackson. Water under the bridge. But Obama’s singular comments are dissected ad nausem and this is considered “fair”, whereas falsely asserting “running under fire” across a tarmac is considered what…Alzheimer’s? If you weight the top ten biggest lies ever communicated to the American people, after the dust clears from the Bush Administration, the Clintons fill out the rest of the list. But, all is forgotten because they enjoy the privilege that Obama doesn’t have…something called “White Man’s Amnesty.”

I defy anyone to show where Obama is one iota “worst” than any other smuck running at this moment. It’s like everyone woke up in Oz, suddenly believing politicians are saints. We all know better. But what IS being demonstrated here is the penalty for not being perfect is fifty lashes more for a Black man, the Judas Goat of a flawed system with imperfect people running it. But you can’t call it “racism”, it’s just politics. Why? Because it makes liberal white people feel bad. Conservatives don’t give a crap…look what Bush did to McCain in 2000 with the black baby rumor. Not that a black baby is worst than a white baby…or is it?

Obama can rise or fall on his own words and deeds, win or lose on his own merits. He doesn’t need my defending. But, I’ll be damned if I listen to this gaggle of geese push this double-standard of expectations down my throat any further. One word to the Democrats and the Hillary camp: It has been said that many of you would vote for McCain if Hillary doesn’t win the nomination. I say to you…please do. We always knew that about you. You truly stand for nothing. You talk the good game, court the right votes, but when it comes down to the nut cutting, you’re just not team players. That’s why I’m a Republican. And no matter who the nominee is…so long and thanks for all the cannonballs

[danderso]

"Rev." Wright is as much a pastor of a "Christian" church as Barak Obama is a Christian. I heard Obama talk about his faith on the radio a few weeks ago. When asked directly how a person gets to heaven, Barak stated that his way to heaven was through the Christian church and belief in Jesus, but that others could get to God via other religions. However, the Bible quotes Jesus as saying: "I am THE way, THE truth, and THE life. No one comes to the Father except through me." The Bible couldn't be clearer on this point -- there is only ONE way to God, and that is through His Son, Jesus; and yet Barak, who claims to be a Christian believes there are many ways to God. So, if his understanding of salvation and the Christian faith is flawed, it's no wonder that he could sit under the flawed teaching of Jeremiah Wright for so long and not see the error.

"Obama should be judged by his own actions first, and his own words second. He should not be judged by the words of his pastor.

For example, Nancy Pelosi and Newt Gingrich are teaming up to talk about the environment. Do we judge Gingrigh by all the words Pelosi has ever said? No. They are temporarily united on an issue of mutual importance.

Similarly Obama and Wright. Both care passionately about the plight of the inner city.

Posted by: Mike G"

NO

Obama will be judged on the close associations he has formed with soomeone like Wright - and it went on for TWENTY yeaars!

The fact that he became developed oinvovled with someone like Wright for 20 YEARS speaks volumes about hhis judgement - most particualarly, the LACK of judgement.

We lived in Chicago and 30 years ago anyone who wasn't comatose knew who and what Wirght is - a rabble rousing radcial fringe minister who was assocaited with Louis Farrahkan (very scary and very dangerous.)

Now Wright is going about with bodyguards provided by Farrahkan. (WaPo reported that yesterday.)

And THESE are the people closely associated with and having had substantial influence on Obama?

A MAJOR issue is always the candidate's character and judgement. The 20 year close relationship with Wright shows that Obama's judgement is questionable and