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

[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?