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March 17, 2008

Obama: "Caricature" Of The Rev. Wright "Not Accurate"

Barack Obama side-stepped six questions today about his relationship with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, repeatedly telling reporters that he will address his relationship with the pastor tomorrow during his Philly speech.

Wright, the former minister of Trinity United Church of Christ and Obama's long-time spiritual advisor, stepped down Friday evening from a committee of religious advisors to the campaign after inflammatory speeches made by the minister were widely publicized.

Aides said today that Obama is scripting his upcoming speech on race, religion and Wright.

Here's a sampling of reporters' attempts today to engage Obama about Wright:

New York Times' Jeff Zeleny: " Do you believe that Rev. Wright has been unfairly characterized in this controversy? And what question do you have to answer to the people tomorrow?"

Obama: "Well, I am going to be talking about, not just Rev. Wright, but just the larger issue of race in this campaign, which has ramped up over the last couple of weeks. So I don't want to give a full preview – you might not come to the speech. But the – as I said in my statement, I think the statements that were the source of controversy from Rev. Wright were wrong, and I strongly condemn them. I think the caricature that's been painted of him is not accurate. And so part of what I'll do tomorrow is just to talk a little bit about how some of these issues are perceived from within the black church community, for example, which I think views this very differently."

ABC News' Sunlen Miller: "What's your relationship with Rev Wright?"

Obama: "Sunlen, as I said, I'm gonna give a speech tomorrow so I'm not gonna –"

Miller: "You said you knew about some of his statements prior to this latest news?"

Obama: "Sunlen, I'll address this tomorrow."

NBC News' Lee Cowan: "How much of an impact do you think this story has had on your campaign?"

Obama: "Well, I think that's gonna be – you guys are in a better position to assess that than I am."

Chicago Tribune's Mike Dorning: "You know Rev. Wright more than just a 20-second sound bite, based on your experience going to church there, what do you think is the way Rev. Wright characterizes white America? Why did you chose this particular church with this particular pastor to help lay the moral foundation for raising your kids?"

Obama: "Mike, I mean I know you guys are curious about this. This is why I'm giving a speech about this tomorrow, that will be a lot more wholesome than a press conference. Does that make sense?"

Stay tuned ...

(NBC/NJ's ASWINI ANBURAJAN)

Posted at 05:28 PM

Comments

Why does the media attact a Church and Pastor that has nothing to do with Mr. Obama campain. As an Black American, my exsperance as an American from the 1960s have not been agreat one. I must confest, that thing have gotten better over the years, but we yet have along way to go as a nation concerning racism.

land | 03.17.08 07:14 PM

Obama's pastor, and church were financed in part by Obama and his family for twenty or so years.
Obama was very close to his pastor over the period of twenty years. Clearly, Obama had intimate knowledge of the pastor's beliefs. Why didn't Obama distance himself and his family from such vile thinking? Why did he for years expose his impressionable children to these concepts of hate?

Obama's affiliation to his "troubled" pastor is a poor reflection of his judgment.

Obama's pastor said: "God damn America"

John McCain spilled blood for America, was tortured and held in captivity for nearly five years for America.

Who do you think American voters should elect President? The answer is obvious!

Just the facts | 03.17.08 07:58 PM

Rev. Wright is NOT running for president!!!

BLKPRESIDENT | 03.17.08 09:37 PM

Rev. Wright is NOT running for president!!!

BLKPRESIDENT | 03.17.08 09:37 PM

Rev. Wright is NOT running for president!!!

BLKPRESIDENT | 03.17.08 09:38 PM

I guess reporters didn't realize Obama has a question limit on any controversial topic.

Why does the media attact a Church and Pastor that has nothing to do with Mr. Obama campain.

Because Obama has been very specific in describing how his religious beliefs have informed his political beliefs. And since Rev. Wright delivered inflammatory sermons, then it does raise the question of his influence over Obama's politics.

corinne | 03.17.08 09:45 PM

Reverend Wright is, indeed, not running for President. However, Senator Obama is running on honesty, on judgement, and on being a different kind of candidate. Now, with an opportunity to show true leadership and help a nation understand the great divide still present in America, he chooses "politics as usual" as a response. These are complex times, and they require complex answers delivered in ways we can understand them. We do not need a pretense of surprise at his pastor's words And nothing he can come up with a week later will help. The issues of our country often can't take a week. I hope we don't villanize Mr. Obama, as we already have done with Ms. Clinton. I hope as a nation we start living, however, in reality. You can not govern until you are prepared for what comes, and have the confidence in leadership to face down your opponents and your own demons.

Gail | 03.17.08 10:32 PM

I will tell you what the Presidental Election has to do with Obama's Reverend. He is his mentor and advisor so when he is elected that means the things the Reverend has been saying will be on paper and his hatred toward other races will prevail. Do you want the Reverend telling your children they are worthless because they are white, hispanic, or asian? What about his ties to Lewis Farakhan does that not bother you at all? This is a man who denouces all races but one. We as a Country are not allowed to speak against race without losing a job, or being belittled so why should OBama and his Reverend not have to stand up to the same standards. It kind of goes to the old saying you are what you eat well in this case it says you live for what you are taught by your reverend and mentor. I am not racist and have not ever been being the mother of bi racial children so I do not think race should be used as any kind of backlash but I am against a man running my Country who has been taught that one race is better than another. I believe when Jesus comes there is no race in heaven and that hatred of ANY KIND will not be allowed. So if we can not get along now then what is going to happen then. We need to go back and see what John F Kennedy and Martin Luther King died for and that was racial freedom of all kinds. People of other ethnics come here everyday to have a better life and they would not do this if there was not something here.

Lisa | 03.17.08 10:41 PM

Though it comes as no surprise, it pains me to see how oblivious white America is to black concerns and psychology. Rev. Wright's point is more profound than it appears. His message, simply put, is "self-evaluation." He is urging America to look historically at some of her harsh and inexplicable domestic and foreign policies and actions. In our self-righteousness, we fail to see the negative repercussion of some of our policies. Most white Americans myopically call this unpatriotic, but this isn't the case. I'll point out a fact: historically, patriotism was one of the major platforms for overt racial segregation and racism. So, when we use the word "patriotism," understand that the point of reference for black America differs considerably from that of white America. Rev. Wright was not being unpatriotic; he was mainly shedding light on a different point of view. As for tone, his wasn’t different from most vibrant black Baptist church ministers.

Gestalt | 03.17.08 10:49 PM

Every single religion has had a spiritual leader make the exact same comments about the atrocities of man since the dawn of time. Some religious groups even promote hatred! Hillary has done just that the entire campaign Let's try focusing on the fact's. 1.) If Hilary Clinton was not good enough for one man (Bill)... What exactly makes her good enough for an entire Nation? 2.) Although a woman as President could help the African nation's, the rest of the world leaders will ultimately define the U.S. as a dependent superpower (Ameri-who?). 3.) One word: "WaterGate". 4.) She stole the White House furniture! 5.) America needs a fresh set of eyes on our future. 6.) Right now, America requires a leader with the cunning of Ronald Reagan, the ambition on Foreign and Domestic policies as John F. Kennedy and the reserve of Gerald Ford as we go into the future; if we are to remain "A GREAT NATION".

A.J. | 03.17.08 11:30 PM

I'm sorry but this has everything to do with Obama's campaign and personal views. This is a minister and I'm shocked that other ministers are saying that it is all taken out of context. It really makes the "Black Church" as they put it, look bad. Obama for 20 years attended and didn't have any idea that this was going on? Look at the frenzy the congregation had, it's not an uncommon behavior but appears to be one the is nourtured by his congregation. It all fits together Obama's message of change--change to carry out the statements expressed by his pastor, family ("uncle"), mentor, spiritual leader...In a sence Obama's retoric of change can't be about old school Washington boys because he's playing the same game and has brought in old school boys to campaign for him, Kennedys, Bill Clinton's ex-presidency workers etc. These people are rooting for Obama to make the changes that biased prejudice black desire to have done to the white man in this world. It's totally unacceptable for this man to even motion the moves when he said that Bill was doing to this Country what Luensky (whatever) did to Bill--to actually go through the motions of getting a ...... job. This is outrageous in itself! And if this man is so misunderstood, he's nowhere to be found and will not come forth to defend Obama and/or explain himself he's hiding under a rock. I tell you all keep in mind the man's message and listen to Obama speak and you'll see how Obama uses the skill of words to frenzy you up just as his ministor effects his congregation. 20 YEARS? I hope I'm wrong in all of this but this is terrible. Hillary has nothing to do with this, this has to do with Obama and his connections, in addition, read the information on People's magazine!! WOW!. There is not one black commentator on TV that sticks up for the black people/citizens that do not have the same message and/or spirit of Obama, his wife (for the first time is proud of her Country), his pastor or congregation--come on someone in this community must come forth and denounce this behavior behind the pulpit--it's a church and why is not the IRS doing something about his because even the new pastor has the same sentiments!

JJ | 03.17.08 11:47 PM

I think the media needs to show the video when this man is actually going through the motion of getting a ...... job! There is nobody in this world that can justify this act behind the pulpit, this shows how perverted his message is. I predict that Obama is going to attempt to justify this man's behavior and attempt to educate the people of this Country why this behavior is not as you see it, not connected to him, and not about his message in running for President of this Country. Where are all of the Christian leaders who are sitting on the sidelines hearing these people say that this type of behavior/acts behind the pulpit are what Jesus, the Son of God, the one that hung on the cross to bring salvation to all would want preached in a church, behind a pulpit in His name--we are talking about church and the one that attended this church for 20 years and at this time wants to be President of this Country to bring solutions to the needs of this Country and use good judgement towards a world in need.

JJ | 03.17.08 11:58 PM

I don't understand what people are all upset about!! Are you serious? Obama's pastor wasn't being racist! Do your history people! The black church was built on OPRESSION. It was the Root of the Civil Rights Movement. Unlike predominantly white churches we have throughout history have been more than a church of scriptures. The black church has been the home to just about all of our social issues. further more he was Tell the TRUTH.. Hillary can't claim that her rode the the presidency is harder than Obama's.. Any feminist in her right mind can't come close to making that argument..If she was just an nobody on the scene, running for president. Then yeah. But she's not! Her name is a house hold name. As the rev. said she never been perceived as a non-person. No body's ever called her the N- word. You mean to tell me that's racist?? His statements about 9/11? I think you should really listen to what he is saying.. As whites I think people that are appalled by his remarks, are caught up in the tone. Though he may be colorful in his delivery. He is saying that as Americans we need not be so SELF RIGHTOUS. If anything 9/11 should have opened our eyes to why this happen. As Americans we need to realize that our foreign policy has alienated us from the rest of the world. 9/11, although it was tragic, was a product of the sins WE AS AMERICANS HAVE COMMITTED AS ACROSS THE WORLD. Wake Up. We have sabotaged elections, killed leaders, all in the interest of our beliefs of what that particular situation called for. Even though 9/11 was a tragedy, in the eyes of the WORLD IT WAS BOUND TO HAPPEN.

tremell | 03.18.08 12:04 AM

It is refreshing to see the pastors comments being introduced to the greater nation. You are living in a closet or you need have a more thoughtful and diverse group of friends if you've never heard any of the ideas or philosophies that the Reverend speaks of. It's important to respect the opinions of others and if you are so defensive listening to the comments Reverend Wright has, maybe you should listen to more of his sermons to better understand people different from you.

selfproclaimedpundit | 03.18.08 12:18 AM

How quick and easy it is to judge the unrighteousness of a person's character and extend that judgement to a person's entire life on the basis of a limited number of spoken snippets strung together, broadcast, heard, and opinionated on without any context provided within which these words were being spoken by the person one has subsequently judged.

Unless one has actually heard Rev. Wright's entire sermon(s) in which these words were spoken from beginning to end sufficient to draw an unbiased conclusion on their own, one must logically realize that one is passing pre-judgement on the basis of limited information. Information that one has been provided by someone else whose primary objective may not necessarily be to inform but rather to inflame by limiting the words heard to only those likely to provoke an intended bias against the speaker. Or in this particular case, provided to provoke a bias against someone else who was not speaking at all but is of course now presumed to be guilty by association if nothing else.

It is called information manipulation and I suggest one takes the time to gather all the information themselves before allowing oneself to be so easily manipulated on the basis of the limited spoken snippets provided. And for certain, one should do so before one so easily cast a negative judgement on the value of a person's entire life solely on the basis of the limited words one has intentionally been provided by someone other than that person him or herself.

To a great extent, this is representative of the sad old game of politics that has kept us focused on the wannabe perceived worst of people rather than on the actual best of people and thus keeps us divided from working with each other in the best interest of all of us.

A representation and sad old political game that I believe Senator Barack Obama will turn on its head once and for all time come Tuesday morning.

Snippets Without Context Does No One Any Good!

Caryl S. Foster | 03.18.08 01:16 AM

In front of me are 4 replies to this blog, JJ's,
tremell's, selfproclaimedpundit's and Caryl S.
Foster's. Basically they all said the same but
Foster said it outloud.....:- The lot of us are
"guilty by association" thru "information
manipularion".... Will the Senator Obama turn
his head "once and for all time" today Tuesday
Mar 18 ??... Who knows...!! Donah//// P/S:-
I found him a profound twister of words and
I am not indoctrinated by any means....

Donah | 03.18.08 05:24 AM

Donah | 03.18.08 05:25 AM

I find it two- faced and objectionable that the news media would jump on the Clintons and Ferraro for a couple of minor references to race which were not racist and then cover Obamas behind by putting out their"best political team on tv" to say that Wright's words are in no way racist or meant to slur anyone including whites and women. (ie--filthy comments about Hilary and Monica L) I suspect Wright 's message of hate and filthy "just words" are indicative of a good share of his sermons.

jan | 03.18.08 09:08 AM

WHY DON'T PEOPLE STOP JUDGING OBAMA BASED ON WHO SAID WHAT....WHO CARES WHAT REV. WRIGHT SAID. MY SISTERS ARE RESISTS AND WE DON'T AGREE IN MANY ISSUES BUT I LOVE AND RESPECT THEM JUST THE SAME.

elt | 03.18.08 09:27 AM

I can understand the frustration of some Obama supporters as I also have some concerns about Senator Obama's relationship with Rev. Wright. However, I honestly believe we cannot judge one man by another man's actions or simply by their association. We should try to judge all people by the totality of their own actions and relationships.

Perhaps it is a poor analogy but ask yourself this. Have you ever had a close friend or family member say or do something that was reprehensible, yet you still have a relationship with them? Speaking from personal experience, I have had friends and family make comments about race and other issues that I thought were way out of line. While disappointed, I was able to engage them in dialogue to get a sense of where they are coming from and perhaps give them a different perspective. If we all ended relationships because we didn’t agree 100% with what friends or family say, how many relationships -meaningful anyway - would we have?

It seems to me that there is no conflict in noting that you profoundly disagree with something a friend or family member has said or done, yet still recognize and appreciate the ways in which they have enriched your life. Obviously I don't know Senator Obama personally but he strikes me as a man that has a sincere desire - and more importantly the intellect, personality and character - to bring about real change in the way we relate to each other the way we engage in politics.

James | 03.18.08 09:30 AM

Shall we look at the churches of all candidates present and past?

How many of those churches preach a separatist message? I know many churches in this country where you will not be even allowed through the front door unless you are white. Perhaps we should see if McCain's church is like that (if he even has one).

juan | 03.18.08 09:34 AM

All that I would like answered is this what would America and more importantly the Al Sharptin and Jesse Jacksons of the country say if these kind of statements were made by a white candidates spiritual advisor. We all know the answer condemnation. If this happened to any of the white candidates they would be finished, but not Obama. People are acting like this man is not a racist and he is. Obama was a member for over 20 years if this is from a sermon I would imagine he has heard this from his pastor before. He knew what this man was about and that is exactly why he took him off the innvocation speech recently. Obama and his Preacher are nothing more than non-patriotic raist biggets. I guess though we will all listen to his speech and forgive him because we know we cannot come down on an African American without fear of being persecuted, but it is OK for others to say things like the pastor said. Once again going to show there is a double standard in this country. Maybe if Obama is elected we can have lack Panther parties in the white house what a joke this has turned into. Anyone who defends these statements or Obama is nothing more than a hate filled racist themselves.

TYance | 03.18.08 09:39 AM

It has been a truism since biblical times: You are known by the company you keep. If Obama is so naive that he didn't know the true Jeramiah Wright after twenty years, how can we trust him to lead this country? I believe Michelle Obama made the first slip of their true personalities when she said she had never been proud of this country. They scare me.

shay | 03.18.08 09:42 AM

I wonder what Martin Luther King would say to Reverend Wright? I doubt that he would approve. King, Ghandi, the Dalai Lama, all are spiritual leaders who have denounced violence and speak in language that doesen't build division. Wright builds divisions, as does the church he has led for more than twenty years. Its mission and his words are segregationist in the extreme. The problem for Obama is that he attended and made this church the center of his spiritual development for the last twenty years. The problem for Obama is that his wife has said much the same as Wright in that she hasn't been able to feel proud of her country until her husband has been doing well in primaries. The problem for the Democrats is that if Obama becomes the candidate, the Republicans will have a field day [they already are] with Obama's connection to Wright [who was part of his campaign until this week after all]. Obama is just like any other politician...if he gets caught at something try to rationalize it away and dump anyone who becomes an embarrassment to his ambition. The problem is that he doesn't have the depth of experience to withstand attacks on the negatives in his background.

Robert Wiseman | 03.18.08 09:51 AM

Amen, Jan. I was wondering when someone would bring up the Geraldine comments. Ferraro simply brings up the question, are we elevating Obama to such heights because he's black, and she is instantly labeled a racist. Rev. Wright inflames his congregation with words of hatred against the rich white man and he's lauded as a man of vision?

Obama claims that he was not at that particular service, but is he also trying to say that Wright has not spouted this type of venom in his other sermons? Just look at the church's website and you see a church that embraces its blackness and mandates that each member of the church pledge allegiance to the mother continent of Africa. My concern with that is what mess will Obama lead us into in Africa because of his allegiance to his mother continent?

The bottom line is that Rev. Wright's comments are not only important, but crucial to understand the true Obama. This is the man that has led him spiritually for 20-years. Are we supposed to think that in those 20-years Wright never talked to Obama about the unjustices of whites against blacks? Are we supposed to think that Obama is now discarding 20-years of spiritual advise and mentoring just because he's running for President?

No, folks. The real Obama is now coming out. It's been there all along, but he's shrouded it in the smooth talk of inclusion and leading America to some promised land. Ask yourself the same question Mrs. Ferraro asked.... if Obama were not black, would he still be such a key player in this run for President based on his age, his experience, his background, his works in Congress? The answer, in my opinion, is no he would not.

Who's a racist? | 03.18.08 09:54 AM

Barack Obama can make a pretty little speech this morning and put a bow on top it won't change the facts. The facts are for 20 years he has been a member of this hate mongering church. He takes his children to this Hate mongering church. He's had an extremely close relationship with this pastor. It's a fact he knew about his hate mongering sermons from the pulpit. Even if he wasn't in the pews there were alot of young people and children in those pews listening to these messages of hate. You become a member of a church because you believe in the message that church represents. Barack Obama try and make it sound however he wants today but the facts are the facts!

Vicky | 03.18.08 09:57 AM

Senator Obama sat and listened for twenty years…and he said nothing. Some equate that with agreement or the inability to stand up against something that is wrong.
I’ve heard Senator Obama and others note that rhetoric in black churches is often “inciteful”…it’s what all black churches do. Well does that make it right? Seems to me that it’s an excuse for something that shouldn’t be going on. Many whites used to treat blacks poorly, because “that’s the way it was.” Parents used to use a belt or switch to punish their children. Teachers used to be able to slap children. It’s the way it was, but it’s not OK today.

I am white. Whenever I’ve been in a church, I’ve never heard my priests’ rail against blacks, rich, or anyone. When I was married, I attended my husband’s church, whose pastor railed against his parishioners. I didn’t return. Putting people down, isn’t uplifting!

Do black preachers incite black parishioners in a negative way, allowing many blacks to hold on to the past forever. Are preachers passing on anger? Are they keeping anger alive for the wrong reasons?

I thought that words are important? But now everyone in the Obama camp is going to discount his pastor’s words, even though he’s seen him as his mentor at each Sunday service?

karen | 03.18.08 10:11 AM

Do black preachers incite black parishioners in a negative way, allowing many blacks to hold on to the past forever? Are preachers passing on anger? Are they keeping anger alive for the wrong reasons?

I thought that words are important? But now everyone in the Obama camp is going to discount his pastor’s words, even though he’s seen him as his mentor at each Sunday service?

karen | 03.18.08 10:14 AM

First of all, I voted for Obama in my state's primary because I agreed with his message and his beliefs. To say that the beliefs of his long-time friend and pastor have nothing to do with his campaign is a little ridiculous to say the least. Obama's religion has continuously been under scrutiny because of his suspected Muslim background with him voicing back that he is a devoted Christian and avid church-goer, etc. To NOW denouce his pastor's comments seems very ingenuine and hard to take seriously. I just picture Obama sitting in this congregation for 20 years and, lets get real this pastor most likely didn't just start preaching these types of topics a week ago, and him being one of the church-goers praising the sermon and what it stood for. It just doesn't sit well with me. I am tired of candidates blaming racism, gender, whatever on their shortcomings. Own up and take responsibility for your actions! I'm starting to like McCain more and more.

Marilyn | 03.18.08 10:20 AM

Senator Obama sat and listened for twenty years…and he said nothing. Some equate that with agreement or the inability to stand up against something that is wrong.

I’ve heard Senator Obama and others note that rhetoric in black churches is often “inciteful”…it’s what all black churches do. Well does that make it right? Seems to me that it’s an excuse for something that shouldn’t be going on. Many whites used to treat blacks poorly, because “that’s the way it was.” Parents used to use a belt or switch to punish their children. Teachers used to be able to slap children. It’s the way it was, but it’s not OK today.

I thought that words are important? But now everyone in the Obama camp is going to discount his pastor’s words, even though he’s seen him as his mentor at each Sunday service?

Our nation has come along way in the past 50 years...against racism, against sexism, against ethnicity prejudices. People should work to fix the remaining problems. Instead, too often people play the victim card or encourage rage to bring attention to a problem.

I was hoping that we'd get past the "church" influence in politics, as some of it can go away with Bush going away. But now, with Obama potentially in office, it just comes back in another way!

karen | 03.18.08 10:26 AM

The audacity of poor Judgment...

The poor judgment to attend a church with an outright racist for twenty years will not go away no matter how Obama tries to spin this today. His personal judgment made to have Wright as a spiritual will have devastating effects on his campaign. There will be no free passes given to Obama by the public on this issue of poor judgment. The public would not accept Hillary Clinton or John McCain attending a church that had a spiritual advisor that was an outright racist and this is why the public will not whole heartily buy Obama’s defense today. Twenty years of poor judgments writes you off as legitimate candidate.

Josh | 03.18.08 10:34 AM

When this first 'broke', I was angry. Now, I'm just profoundly saddened. Apparently, 'black' America finds this hate completely acceptable.
Because of that, this racial divide will remain, and widen. Obama has opened this pandora's box, exposed the blatent hypocrsy and blind hatred that is the norm in black churches.
Words that would bring the downfall of any white American are welcomed when spoken by blacks against whites. Even the most insane of charges, such as HIV/AIDS being created by whites to wipe out blacks, is applauded by blacks.
How can that be overcome? The truth is immaterial to blacks.
The church was born in oppression, that's true. But is was Jews oppressing the Gospel of Christ, then the Romans, then other nations, now it's blacks. Paul was beaten numerous times, jailed several times, shipwrecked, and endured many rebukes and tauts. He was finally crucified in Rome.
What this church, and all the other black churches have done is to elevate themselves above Christ, and His message of grace.

mISeLAINEOUS | 03.18.08 10:36 AM

Stick a fork in him, he's done.......

Obama is about to make a "It's a Black Thing, you wouldn't Understand" type of speech.

No reasonable person of ANY race can get behind that.

If the Democrats are stupid enough to nominate this black racist apologist as a presidential candidate then you can stick a fork in the general election this fall, that will be done too.

You can bet your bottom dollar the Republican plutocracy will make great gains by simply showing Barak Obama next to his church.

Why no mention in the press re. Obama's and Trinity Church's award and support of Louis Farrakan, who Obama refers to as "Minister Farrakan". Even more ammunition for the Republican filth....

Phil | 03.18.08 10:44 AM

I now believe Clinton is correct... Obama does think you can fix everything with a speech. She had him pegged from the start.

Now we can see why Obama's wife hates America and calls Americans "sloths" and says we are all "mean". They are disgusting and he should never be President of a country he apparently has so much disdain for.

If he didn't pick up something from his insipid preacher over 20 years of going to that church it is apparent his wife did.

To bad we had the media pushing their own agaenda for so long and only now are we finding this out.
The democrats will never win the white house back now.

Nobama 08!

Michelle | 03.18.08 10:54 AM

What a shame...OB almost had me believing.

But, like most other pols he will say anything (however eloquently) to get elected. Truth becomes a casualty. The depth of racial hatred for whites and our country is distressing. OB could not possibly have listened to his pastor for years and not absorbed the message of hatred. The message certainly was absorbed by his privileged wife. The shameless hypocrisy that crucifies a Ferraro and blithely disregards hardcore racist comments from the Black community is breathtaking.
Am I painting with a brush too broadly? I think not.

Roger | 03.18.08 11:10 AM

The fact of the matter is that we do live in a racist country. Hello, wake up where have you'll been for the past 4 to 500 years. I believe the the pastor's comments were taken out of context. Why hasn't the whole sermon been released.Its time for us to discuss race issues on a national platform. Should this be the focal point of his campaign NO. However, should we address the issue and move on yes. Rev. Wright only said what millions of people say during Sunday dinner be it anti-white or anti-black. The white church promoted hatred and racism for hundreds of years and that a fact nt an obilivious statement.

dede | 03.18.08 11:34 AM

The day that we, as a race of people and not of color, come together as a nation to protect this land from tyranny foreign or domestic is the day we will all be truly free.

Keith | 03.18.08 01:12 PM

Finally, finally, finally!
I am finally happy and relieved to hear an unbiased, and incisive voice on CNN --- Heidi Collins.
Way to go Heidi!!
Thanks for keeping them straight and cutting to the chase on what the real issue Obama has on the race situation. Yes, he can't choose who his family members are, but he CAN choose who is to be his pastor of 20 years -- and he chose to have an UN-American pastor for the last 20 years feeding him this poison.
I only happened to catch Heidi Collins's unbiased voice and questions because I am home during the day today.
Usually, I have to endure the Obama grovelers on the CNN evening political shows.
Let's invite and see more of Heidi Collins on the political shows so we can balance things up a bit.

Sheikh | 03.18.08 01:27 PM

Their are too many examples in our society today that illustrates transparency when it comes to race. Anyone born in this country has opportunities based on their own initiatives. We as a society do not need to address what our great, great, great grandparents did or believed. We only need to address what we currently do, and believe. I see no hate between myself and my neighbors as Wright and his followers seem to still believe is a reality. Just as I do not need to be constantly reminded of the plight of the Irish when they first came to America, I also do not need to be reminded of the plight of black America.

dave | 03.18.08 01:48 PM

It is important for the next president to excesrise the right judgement. His judgement has been on hold for 20 years!!!!!!!!

Parumph | 03.18.08 03:00 PM

It is important for the next president to excesrise the right judgement. His judgement has been on hold for 20 years!!!!!!!!

Parumph | 03.18.08 03:00 PM

let us overlook the hatred and give this man a hand. While cnn and msnbc will scrutinize everything Hillary does, I'm yet to see the same scrutiny for a person with no record and with skeletons in the dark that stink of hate. But lets overlook and explain away everything. EVIL is the hardest thing to confron!!!!!!!!!!

Parumph | 03.18.08 03:06 PM

IT SEEMS THAT EveRY NEWS MEDIA IN THE US IS UPSET ABOUT PASTOR WRIGHT'S WORDS ( Wrights words, not sen. obama) i wonder how many americans would be upset if wright said the same thing about GOD Almighty? just wondering, they always say God BLESS America, but you can't say the our father prayer in AMERICAS SCHOOLS. JUST FOOD FOR THROUGHT CNN, FOX NEWS AND ALL THE OTHER RIGHT WING SHOWS THATS BEATING UP ON Obama.

DARRYL MCDOUGLE | 03.19.08 09:01 PM

DARRYL MCDOUGLE | 03.19.08 09:02 PM

God Bless America for Slavery, God Bless America for slaughtering the Indians, God Bless America for making Jesus a white man even when it says what he really looked like in your own white King James version. It takes a racist to know a racist. Oh by the way God Bless America for the picnics at the lynchings of Black people.God Bless America for hding Nazi war criminals. God Bless the American troops (white) who fired on the 369th regiment of Black GIs in a segregated army doing ww1 when they landed in St. L'Zaire, France.

Ras Charles Jones | 03.20.08 04:22 PM

Obama's radio talk-- says typical white person.
tell me--> (what is a typical white person?)hummm
is a race typical? Come on folks, we have to move beyond this type of stero typing in order to have change!

A. Sawyer | 03.21.08 07:35 AM

I don't understand. Where were the outraged voices of people when Bush stole the election? Where are the people marching in the streets decrying this war with the venom they are spouting toward Obama? Are you people serious? Have we found and destroyed Bin Laden yet? A segregationist, Strom Thurman, served in Congress until he died and not 1 peep out of this new vocal America. Wow. It's so obvious and so obvious to the rest of the world! Everyone except us...

People have amnesia or something, like they haven't been living in America. Obama wasn't going to win the nomination anyway! So why do "white folks" have their collective panties in a bunch.

AmericanCynic | 03.22.08 06:22 PM

I think that everyone has forgotten the 10 commandments. We are to love one another as he (God) has loved us. And for the rest of yall God says VENGENCE IS MINE

bhenry | 03.27.08 05:08 PM

REV WRIGHT IS NOT RUNNING GRANTED. HOWEVER OBAMA HAS CONTINUED TO USE POOR JUDGEMENT ...LOOK AT HIS REZKO CONNECTION..AND HIS AFFILIATION WITH FARRAKHAN...HE STATED IN HIS BOOK THAT WRIGHT WAS HIS MENTOR, NOW HE HAS RETRACTED THAT STORY.... FROM WHAT I CAN SEE HE CONTINUOUSLY LIES ABOUT HIS PAST... I FEEL HE IS UNWORTHY OF HIS SENATE SEAT NEVER MIND THE PRESIDECY

FRANK KRUEGER | 03.29.08 08:17 AM

FRANK KRUEGER | 03.29.08 08:18 AM

Being racist means you believe one race is better than another and none of you bastards have ever heard Rev. Wright say that. When my mother taught me that iyt is wrong to kill steal cheat lie etc your telling me that she said this to me because she hated me. NO people pastor Wright loves America, he served America. Trying to c"orrect wrong thinking is not hate it is love. YOu perverse nation how much longer shall I have to endure you ".Jesus Christ.

Ronny | 03.29.08 11:17 AM

Being racist means you believe one race is better than another and none of you knuckle headshave ever heard Rev. Wright say that. When my mother taught me that iyt is wrong to kill steal cheat lie etc your telling me that she said this to me because she hated me. NO people pastor Wright loves America, he served America. Trying to c"orrect wrong thinking is not hate it is love. YOu perverse nation how much longer shall I have to endure you ".Jesus Christ.

Ronny | 03.29.08 11:23 AM

Being a racist means that you believe that your race is better than anothers. Rev .Wright has never said this in any of his sermon check I dare you to refute what I am saying. Secondly in that same speech he also stated that America treats it women wrong Fact women were not allowed to vote the consitution had to be ammended to allow them to do so. Third he is not the only pastor to say America is damned for its actions. Fourth even members of own congress have said our foriegn policy has contributed to 9/11. Lastly we people quote their reasons for thie constitutional right to bear arms in America the number one reason cited is in case the AMERICAN government decided to take away our rights. Think ! Why do they need weapons to prevent our rights from being taken away. Surely they are not implying that they would fire upon our government. That would be unpatriotic if not traitorous. Yet these comments come from flag waving, redblooded Americans. GOD Bless America NRA card carrying Americans. Why arent they considered un-american for believeing that our great nation would try and enslave its own people.
Since when is it un-america to point out social injustice isnt that why we liberated the people of Iraq ? So let me get this right ! We can send our young men a women overseas to get their legs and arm blown off to liberate another country but let a (american vetran)pastor preach agaisnt the injustices in our own country and he gets branded un-american ,a former marine who should have the freedom of speech. No he doesnt hate america or he would have known that those other pastors that have open criticized America are white. A Black man can't say RICH white people rule America even if it is true. Because the media(RICH WHITE PEOPLES ENFORCERS) will cleverly leave out the word "rich" and make it seem as if he were saying white people rule the country. White people dont rule the country ask any white man whose job just got shipped over seas, Ask any white women not being paid the same salary as a man black or white. even when she has the same education and experience. People Rich White People is code my ingornant people for the 1 percent of americans that contrl more than 75% of our wealth. They want us to think that Mexicans are the problem, black wefare queens are the problem,think who sent those jobs overseas. Whose benefiting from the housing crisis and predatory lending practice not white people. But rich white people are !!! To sum it up our rich white vice president said it better than I ever could. When asked about America being upset over 4000 americans that have died in the war on terror(oil) he very compassionately and patriotically said SO! Let me tranlate shut up i am gettin paid you worthless bi@#ches. I'm rich b#$ch..

Ronny | 03.29.08 01:00 PM

It not hate to say your country to change its eways its love. He never said he hated white and you never hear him say it so why is he racist. I just heard a story reported on a so-called news agency (FOX)that was unverfied they didnt verify the source and they reported it. Basically a guy said that he was reporting what he was told. It was about a web site of REV Wright where he said some rcist things but here is the twist. He never got to see it for himself because it was taken down WHF? So how does he know it existed in the first place. Well like my grand dad always said if it said it must be truth. WE are going to hell in a hand basket.That not reporting that gossip.

ronny | 03.29.08 01:11 PM

Just stop MASQUERADE and negative comments against obama, this BS about the "racist pastor" the "unproud wife" all baloney, a smokescreen to coverup the truth: THE BOTTOM LINE IS AMERICA CANNOT STAND TO SEE A BLACK MAN IN SUCH A POWERFUL POSITION AS PRESIDENT! It is not racist to cry racism! THE PAST DID HAPPEN, TALKING ABOUT IT IS NOT RACISM, IT'S CALLED HISTORICAL TRUTH, UNLESS YOU ARE IN DENIAL AND WANT TO PRETEND SLAVERY DID NOT EXIST.

president barack is my dream | 03.30.08 10:26 PM

ASK REV WRIGHT THE SAME QUESTIONS YOU ASK OBAMA. GET ANSWER FROM HIS AUDIENCE. CONTACT THE BIBLEBELT COUNTRY AND SEE WHAT THE WHITE PASTORS ARE PREACHING. IN NATCHEZ, MS. SOM WHITE MEMBERS HAVE JOIN THE BLACK CHURCHES BECAUSE THEY ARE TIRED OR THE POLITICAL PREACHING IN THE WHITE CHURCHES......

LEOLA | 04.01.08 03:00 PM

Obama and the Trinity United Church of Christ issue has much in common with the Rodney King incident. In Obama’s case, he wants to say that the public is not getting the whole picture because all it has seen is a 60-second soundbyte. All the media presented to us about Rodney King’s scuffle with the law back in the early 90’s was a 60-second soundbyte. The Left says, “You aren’t getting the complete picture about Reverend Wright.” And their attitude toward the Rodney King video snippet was the opposite or, “that’s all anyone needs to know.” King’s detractors on the Right said, “You aren’t getting the full story unless you see the rest of the police video,” which was self-evident. It seems in light of the disappearance of several components of the Trinity United Church’s website, that the supporters of Obama and Wright, despite all the rhetoric about not getting the whole picture, want actually to suppress our familiarity with the Reverend and his political stance and his relevance to Obama’s campaign. Likewise, at the time, the liberal news media didn’t want us to view the Rodney King episode in its entirety. For 40 years it has been easy to find all the material anyone would desire to see from the radical side of black politics; but only those interested paid any attention, except to say, “isn’t it wonderful we have such a free society.” As is the case with radical Islam we may now see radical black rhetoric go underground as far as is possible in the age of the internet.Will it emerge again if Obama becomes President? Most likely. In any case, the suppression of the truth by the Left is evident in 2 cases here. Show us the positive videos of Reverend Wright, please, Mr. Obama. We’re waiting because you seem to imply they exist.

Ed Davidson | 04.03.08 02:07 PM

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March 17, 2008

Obama: "Caricature" Of The Rev. Wright "Not Accurate"

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