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March 14, 2008

Obama: Wright Is Wrong

Barack Obama writes today about the inflammatory remarks of his pastor, Jeremiah Wright, in The Huffington Post:

The pastor of my church, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who recently preached his last sermon and is in the process of retiring, has touched off a firestorm over the last few days. He's drawn attention as the result of some inflammatory and appalling remarks he made about our country, our politics, and my political opponents.

Let me say at the outset that I vehemently disagree and strongly condemn the statements that have been the subject of this controversy. I categorically denounce any statement that disparages our great country or serves to divide us from our allies. I also believe that words that degrade individuals have no place in our public dialogue, whether it's on the campaign stump or in the pulpit. In sum, I reject outright the statements by Rev. Wright that are at issue.

Because these particular statements by Rev. Wright are so contrary to my own life and beliefs, a number of people have legitimately raised questions about the nature of my relationship with Rev. Wright and my membership in the church. Let me therefore provide some context.

As I have written about in my books, I first joined Trinity United Church of Christ nearly twenty years ago. I knew Rev. Wright as someone who served this nation with honor as a United States Marine, as a respected biblical scholar, and as someone who taught or lectured at seminaries across the country, from Union Theological Seminary to the University of Chicago. He also led a diverse congregation that was and still is a pillar of the South Side and the entire city of Chicago. It's a congregation that does not merely preach social justice but acts it out each day, through ministries ranging from housing the homeless to reaching out to those with HIV/AIDS.

Most importantly, Rev. Wright preached the gospel of Jesus, a gospel on which I base my life. In other words, he has never been my political advisor; he's been my pastor. And the sermons I heard him preach always related to our obligation to love God and one another, to work on behalf of the poor, and to seek justice at every turn.

The statements that Rev. Wright made that are the cause of this controversy were not statements I personally heard him preach while I sat in the pews of Trinity or heard him utter in private conversation. When these statements first came to my attention, it was at the beginning of my presidential campaign. I made it clear at the time that I strongly condemned his comments. But because Rev. Wright was on the verge of retirement, and because of my strong links to the Trinity faith community, where I married my wife and where my daughters were baptized, I did not think it appropriate to leave the church.

Let me repeat what I've said earlier. All of the statements that have been the subject of controversy are ones that I vehemently condemn. They in no way reflect my attitudes and directly contradict my profound love for this country.

With Rev. Wright's retirement and the ascension of my new pastor, Rev. Otis Moss, III, Michelle and I look forward to continuing a relationship with a church that has done so much good. And while Rev. Wright's statements have pained and angered me, I believe that Americans will judge me not on the basis of what someone else said, but on the basis of who I am and what I believe in; on my values, judgment and experience to be President of the United States.

Posted at 04:56 PM

Comments

Obama, THIS STATEMENT IS 20 YEARS TOO LATE. I understand now why Mrs. Obama stated for the first time in her life she is PROUD OF HER COUNTRY. Not all Proud Americans are STUPID!!!!!!!!

The Truth | 03.14.08 05:32 PM

OBAMA must do better than that. We can't pick our family members, but we can pick our Pastors and friends. This is a question of Barack Obama's judgment that he would remain in Pastor Wright's church for 20 years where most people hope to receive spiritual guidance and keep their moral compass on the right path. OBAMA MUST FACE THE CAMERAS ON EVERY TV CHANNEL AND ANSWER QUESTIONS AS TO HOW MUCH HE BELIEVES AND IS INFLUENCED BY WHAT HE HAS FOLLOWED IN HIS CHURCH FOR TWENTY YEARS. SO MUST MICHELLE OBAMA BE QUESTIONED AS SHE HAS BEEN A MEMBER FOR TWENTY YEARS. THIS PASTOR HAS BEEN PREACHING ANTI-AMERICA, ANTI-WHITE AMERICANS, ANTI-GOVERNMENT, HATE-FILLED SPEECHES, ANTI-CLINTON (POLITICAL SPEECHES) FOR YEARS. OBAMA'S COMMENTS, AFTER COVERING THIS UP WHILE GATHERING UP DELEGATES IN CAUCUSES, IS TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE. WE ARE JUDGED BY THE COMPANY WE KEEP, ESPECIALLY OVER TWENTY YEARS.
THIS IS TOO MUCH FOR ANY AMERICAN TO SWALLOW. IT IS INSULTING AND DEGRADING TO WATCH THESE VIDEOS AND IF OBAMA CLAIMS THAT HE WAS NOT IN CHURCH WHEN THESE SPEECHES WERE MADE, THAT'S EVEN MORE BONEHEADED.
HE CIRITZED BUSH FOR NOT KNOWING THAT GAS WAS ALMOST $4.00 A GAL. GET REAL PEOPLE, THE DENIALS, LACK OF TRANSPARENCY, AND GOING ON THE ATTACK AGAINST CLINTON WHEN HE SHOULD BE GIVING ANSWERS AND DETAILS ABOUT HIS OWN BEHAVIOR AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND EXAMPLES OF GOOD JUDGMENT ARE WHAT'S EXPECTED IF YOU WANT TO BE A CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNTIED STATES.

HILLARY CLINTON TOOK QUESTIONS FROM THE BLACK NEWSPAPER EDITORS ABOUT FERRARO'S COMMENTS AND OTHER QUESTIONS. SHE FACED THE CAMERAS AND ANSWERED ALL OF THEIR QUESTIONS HONESTLY. YET, THIS IS NOT EVEN EXPECTED OF OBAMA. HE WALKS OUT ON REPORTERS IF THE QUESTIONS GET TOUGH. I AM SEEING A FAKE APEARING BEFOR OUR EYES AMERICAN. WAKE UP.

(submitted at 100 pm pacific time when you say there are no comments yet to your newest article...I will check to see if you post this.)

Concerned Voter | 03.14.08 05:54 PM

Sorry Obama, its too late now. You've known about this for a long time and just hoped the press would be too lazy to bring it up. This reflects on your judgment. You also showed bad judgment cozying up to Rezko and I don't think we've heard the last of that one (today it has been reported he raised even more money than you told us). Whether the phone rings, at three o'clock in the morning or at lunch time, here are the important words to remember, "its your decision, Mr. President." You just voted to raise taxes on the middle class and you think the fact that you screwed the rich will make us feel better about paying it? These examples of your bad judgment will induce enough of the middle to question if you are capable to serve as president. If it takes you 20 years to figure out your preacher is a racist, how long will it take you to figure out major international problems?

flyover | 03.14.08 07:34 PM

First of all, on behalf of internet users everywhere, can we please keep the yelling / caps to a minimum? It really does not help you get your point across any better and it does turn off those of that are sensitive to these things.

As to the content of Concerned Voter's comment, I find it hard to understand what it is that some believe Obama is trying to hide. Do you think that Obama, and his wife, secretly hate America and are only on this campaign in order to help bring about its downfall? (The point might be made that Bush seems to be accomplishing this quite well, without any hidden motives.) While I have seen some videos of Wright's speeches that I found troubling, I have not attended his church for the past 20 years and so I do not know what he actually has been saying all these years. I do, however, know a little more about what Obama himself has said and the things that he has done and, besides some actions which I disapprove of, there is nothing there that I found very troubling, nor particularly anti-American / hate-filled. He has chosen to live in this country, he has gotten his degree here, and spent much of his life working for this country's legal and political systems. In all of that, I have not heard of any act that for which he was been accused of acting out of hate for America or for whites. Besides condemning these statements, what more can he be expected to do?

Concerned Voter2 | 03.14.08 07:54 PM

I've never really bought the whole Obama thing. I'd vote for him to stop McCain, but I've been waiting to see him live down to his claim that he's a "Chicago Pol".
That time has come: Who can believe that he was unaware of the rantings of his 20+ year pastor?

Truth? | 03.14.08 08:44 PM

Concerned Voter2 | 03.14.08 07:54 PM

I find it hard to understand what it is that some believe Obama is trying to hide.

I think the point was that the Obamas have been members of Trinity UCC for 20 years and if they are just now getting around to repudiating what Wright is saying, they must have tolerated his hateful comments long before now.

corinne | 03.14.08 09:03 PM

Obama is a complete fake, shallow man and will say anything to become President. Of course he knew what this man was saying and he listened to him for twenty years. Obama is a very dangerous man and his wife raises suspicions as well. The MSM have made this little man the messiah. Hope you like what you have created out of thin air. If Senator Clinton is not the nominee of my party, I will vote for Senator McCain. Obama is shameless in his arrogance in running for the highest office in this country with absolutely so little accomplished and to compare him to RFK sickens me. What a Sham and when will the voters of this country realize what they are voting for.

Judith | 03.14.08 09:12 PM

What Wright said was the truth, and the truth from the perspective of the oppressed. im sorry it hurts. the only people who don't want to acknowledge it are the privileged. it's time for change.

ks | 03.14.08 09:24 PM

What an obvious liar. Obama is a fraud.

Roy Mustang | 03.14.08 10:11 PM

I can NOT support Senator Obama now. How can anyone? Now we are beginning to understand more about the "no lapel pin" and his wife's statements about finaly being proud of America. Scary. Scary. Scary! About the pin--He reportedly stopped wearing it after 911 because the burst of patriotism seemed false to him. I always felt that the flags and all the other public shows of patriotism were the one good thing that came out of the terrible events of 911. Can't imagine choosing that time to remove my american flag. Making more and more sense to me--this Obama!

carol | 03.14.08 10:56 PM

ok people, turn off your CAPSLOCK key and take a deep breath.

_don't_ worry about barack. (or hillary.)

please convince me with _positive_ reasons why you think john is the better candidate and explain specifically why the country will be better by voting for him over barack. also, if you're concerned about where the country is headed now, how will john be different than george w with the economy, foreign relations, technology, infrastructure, environment, etc.

so. please go positive. america is going to get better by doing good things, not by stopping "bad things", or cutting down people we don't like.

take care, my friends.
pax

pax | 03.14.08 11:46 PM

Pax,

We'll turn off our caps if you promise to use caps where appropriate. Oh, hope as you might, Obama doesn't have a chance in hell now. Don't mean to burst the bubble, just the facts.

Adios',
Jim

Jim | 03.15.08 01:38 AM

Pax,

We'll turn off our caps if you promise to use caps where appropriate. Oh, hope as you might, Obama doesn't have a chance in hell now. Don't mean to burst the bubble, just the facts.

Adios',
Jim

Jim | 03.15.08 01:39 AM

Your being and character is defined by the people you associate with and keep company. Obama has kept company with:

- Radical Wright
- Weatherman founder, Ayers "did not do enough to bomb America"
- Tony Rezko -- a corrupt syrian man with worldwide ties to radical Muslims.

Your associations clearly demonstrate basic and fundamental judgment.

Obama claims he did not know, was not aware, has never seen Wright's radical sermons and views.

That, Mr. Obama is an insult to every American's intelligence!!! You've sold us your "Yes we can, fake bridge" long enough. Democrats should ban this man from their party.

Jenna | 03.15.08 06:13 AM

How can you vote for this guy after finding out whats been going on at his church. Now that it's public, he disagrees with it. BULL!

Toney Stevens | 03.15.08 08:38 AM

How can you vote for this guy after finding out whats been going on at his church. Now that it's public, he disagrees with it. BULL!

Toney Stevens | 03.15.08 08:39 AM

All should read an aritcle by Jim Davis of Newsmax, written on August 9, 2007. He is a journalist who attended services at Trinity Church when Obama was present. He first hand heard the racist rant of Rev. Wright on the United States Of White American and observed Obama and other congregants nodding approvingly. When confronted with the problem faced by the Obama campaign because of Wright's racist positions, Rev Wright stated the following:

"If Barack gets past the primary, he might have to publicly distance himself from me," Wright told The New York Times with a shrug. "I said it to Barack personally, and he said 'yeah, that might have to happen.'"

Marie | 03.15.08 10:30 AM

If the article Marie cites is accurate, Obama is done. He said yesterday that he was never present when these rantings occured. Anyone who would disavow his pastor to be elected to a political office must have some very ulterior motives for wanting to be elected. Either you believe in your church, or you should leave it. I would also like some color on how long Wright's retirement had been in the works. Is it possible that his retirement was planned so this would all go away before people understood it? I don't know. One thing is certain, Wright will join Spitzer's Ho on the gravy train and will cash in on the lecture circuit. He may well be the accidental beneficiary of the American Dream he so despises. I don't like McCain either. But, at least there isn't a question of his patriotism. I don't like Hillary, but at least I survived living through two Clinton administrations, so if I had a choice, I'd like to see a Hillary/McCain match-up. The stakes are too high for the many question marks about Obama's judgment.

flyover | 03.15.08 12:33 PM

WOW!What stands out about the Barack candidancy is the fact that we know so little about this man.What organizations has he belonged to? What affiliations did he have or serve while in college? What agenda has he served while in public office? WHAT STANDS OUT IS THE FACT THE FACT THAT HE DID NOTHING WHILE "WRIGHT" POISONED THE MINDS OF THOUSANDS OF BLACKS.WHERE WERE/ARE HIS LEADERSHIP SKILLS AS YOUNG BLACKS ARE BEING BRAINWASHED WITH 'BLACK SUPREMACY' PROPAGANDA ON A WEEKLY BASIS BY WRIGHT AND HIS KLAN? Barack either agrees or is gutless in the face of this BLACK SUPREMIST.One thing stands out clearly is that Ms.Obama clearly bought 'Wrights' rhetoric!

concernedinSA | 03.16.08 05:54 AM

This is a wake up call for the media and America.

The media can NOT ignore this whole issue about Obama.

For any candidate just to say "I denounce" someone is rediculous.

Obama knew his pastor for 20 years. We can't listen to Obama that he didn't know the pastor's beliefs.

Obama is laughing at the Media. He can't believe he got away with his pastor's story.

He denounce and rejected Farrakhan a radical Islamic leader that held a rally for Obama in Chicago with 20,000 people attending. Farrakhan told his followers to continue to support Obama because Obama didn't mean what he said.

Obama got off the hook with his ties with a criminal Rezko a "slumlord" from Chicago. At one of the presidential debates he said he only worked for Rezko for a few hours.
Obama is laughing at that too.

Obama is laughing about how he got off from his wife's statement about her just now after 40 some years she is proud to be American.

How many more things is Obama going to denounce.

Please.
Wake up America. If the media isn't going to make an issue about all of this deception, the American voters need to. Write the media and make our voices heard.

This is scary.

America the Beautiful | 03.16.08 07:28 AM

This is a wake up call for the media and America.

The media can NOT ignore this whole issue about Obama.

For any candidate just to say "I denounce" someone is rediculous.

Obama knew his pastor for 20 years. We can't listen to Obama that he didn't know the pastor's beliefs.

Obama is laughing at the Media. He can't believe he got away with his pastor's story.

Obama is laughing about how he got off from his wife's statement about her just now after 40 some years she is proud to be American.

How many more things is Obama going to denounce.

Please.
Wake up America. If the media isn't going to make an issue about all of this deception, the American voters need to. Write the media and make our voices heard.

This is scary.

America the Beautiful | 03.16.08 07:29 AM

This is a wake up call for the media and America.

The media can NOT ignore this whole issue about Obama.

For any candidate just to say "I denounce" someone is rediculous.

Obama knew his pastor for 20 years. We can't listen to Obama that he didn't know the pastor's beliefs.

Obama is laughing at the Media. He can't believe he got away with his pastor's story.

Obama is laughing about how he got off from his wife's statement about her just now after 40 some years she is proud to be American.

How many more things is Obama going to denounce.

Please.
Wake up America. If the media isn't going to make an issue about all of this deception, the American voters need to. Write the media and make our voices heard.

This is scary.

America the Beautiful | 03.16.08 07:29 AM

I can not believe the news people and some dems, and rep, are dismissing the fact that he and she obama have listened to this remarks against our country and the american people for 20years and now he dissmisses his pastors remarks Wake Up News Media we are being Snowed. The World is big enough for Red Yellow,black and White,They are precious in his site . we can`t be blamed for the past let it go we should be judge for now with more than ever we need to come together. resign Mr Obama prove you don`t feel like your pastor and come back in 4 years we will welcome you then in a race against the next person running for president!this is respect for our Country and the American people I post this note news people cover this story about this pastor more ! this is not ment to harras or be defamatory,or obsene . respectfully submitted Mary

mary | 03.16.08 07:54 AM

Obama needs to stand with Rev. Wright. Michele Obama was right to say she was never proud of this county as an adult. She obviously listened to, and agreed with, Wright. We can only hope that behind Obama's sweet-sounding words is a will of steel and that he will do what is Wright for America once elected.

Wayne | 03.16.08 11:36 AM

This lie Obama is saying about never being there when the Reverend was giving any of these explosive sermons is a lie, is a lie, is a lie!!
With a preacher as full of hate as Wright apparently is, in 20 years of attendance, the law of averages says he HAD to catch a few. If not, why was he worried ahead of time that their association might cause trouble if it came out? Must have been SOME reason he was afraid. The reason probably he was afraid of just what is happening. If he so disagreed with the Reverend, WHY did he put him on his staff? What plans did Obama have for Wright in his cabinet as president? I'll wager he had him picked for a nice juicy spot. Instead of most of our money going to Iraq, it would be going to Africa. That is probably the "Change" Obama plans.

Bess Cannon | 03.16.08 01:00 PM

No! I will not do all that typing again to repost. I think I am getting the business because I might have brought up a few things you don't want read.

Bess Cannon | 03.16.08 01:03 PM

So sad Barak, I truly believed you were better than that... What attracted many people to you was the fact that you were not the typical black (or white, brown or yellow-whatever) man with all those ingrained racist misconceptions. Your Mother was white, your father from Africa and you yourself lived in Hawaii and abroad... Your background, above average education and exposure to well informed and intelligent people makes it all harder to understand.
How did you end up with narrow-minded, racist, religious fanatics, gospel preachers? What a waste of a fine man, of so much opportunity, a waste of a brilliant speaker. Just like the rest of 'em, joined a religious sect to have a religious leader tell you what to think and do. Somehow they got you just out of college, still unsure. You have spent 20 years being brainwashed, listening and absorbing this BS. Yup, now I get what Michelle meant and the thought that you knew Rev. Wright said these things and you still had him as a spiritual leader in your campaign is another true signal of VERY shady intentions or total lack of intelligence.
TO MAKE A CHANGE and go forward is to be a true leader. You are NOT A LEADER, you are a follower - this is not change, you are NOT PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL. Ever noticed that one surrounds oneself with people at our comfort level, common interests, common thoughts. Didn't Mum ever tell you "when you chose to bed or live among dogs with fleas,why would you surprised that you too now have fleas?"

So sad this great country cannot come up with just at least ONE decent candidate... Not extremists, no a religious freak, not a warmonger, not a politician who owes their soul to lobbyists and interest groups. Come on America, maybe we need to put an ad in the NY TIMES, under HELP WANTED.

Nancy | 03.16.08 08:14 PM

Who cares what the church says? Who cares what Jeremiah Wright says. That's not the point of all this. The point is Obama knew of Wright's remarks. He admitted that he took him off the invocation of his announcement of the presidential bid in 2007. He knew and that's why he took him off. THe problem is, this candidate has been saying that he deserves to be in the whitehouse because of his judgement. What kind of judgement is it to not strongly come out and distance himself from the beginning? What does that show about his judgement when linked with hanging out with the known domestic terrorist and felon, William Ayers. What kind of judgement is it when you look at his dealings with Rezko which news comes out little by little about his ties. It also goes to show you that he says one thing and does another. There's been a pattern lately like the NAFTA issue and Austan Goolsbee and the Canadian government and Samantha Power and the British media. Now we have this man, who says he's above racial divide. This man is one who is above corrupt politics and yet he appointed Jeremiah Wright a leadership role in his campaign. He's swimming in shady business deals with corrupt Chicago fundraisers. There is just so much about this man that we dont know, and the stuff we do know, just paints Obama as a liar and just another politician in a costume.

Billy Jergens | 03.16.08 09:09 PM

ELECT OBAMA AND HE WILL MAKE THE "W R I G H T"
CHOICE...... NO THANKS!

IF THERE WAS ONLY ONE OR TWO PUFFS OF SMOKE, IT COULD BE OVERLOOKED BUT TO CAPTION:
OBAMA..RELATIONSHIP WITH WILLIAM AYERS, SELF PROCLAIMED TERRORIST, OBAMA RELATIONSHIP WITH REZKO, ALLEGED RACKETEER, TIES TO PLO..OBAMA MARRIES WOMAN WHO HAS DISTASTE FOR AMERICA AND SAID SO...RELATIONSHIP WITH RADICAL PASTOR (FEELS AS CLOSE AS UNCLE AND IS MENTOR FOR 20 YEARS.... HAS ANYONE ASKED OBAMA IF HE SIGNED THE 'BLACK PLEDGE' AT HIS CHURCH AND ON AN ON.
THERE ARE ARTICLES IN THE PALM BEACH POST IN FLORIDA MANY TIMES IN MARCH REGARDING HOW SOME OF THE SUPER DELEGATES (BLACK), WERE SO OSTERSIZED
BY THEIR COMMUNITIES THAT THEY FELT THEY HAD TO
DEFER TO OBAMA AND NOW THEY FEEL LOVED AGAIN!
..(THEIR WORDS)... THERE IS SIMPLY TOO MANY
INSTANCES WHERE THIS IS A DELIBERATE ATTEMPT TO MAKE IT A RACIAL RACE ...BY BLACKS... I HAVE BLACK FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES AND WHITE OF THE SAME, BUT MANY OF BOTH SAY AMERICA WILL GET WHAT THEY DESERVE IF THEY ELECT OBAMA... HE WILL DO THE 'WRIGHT' THING LIKE HIS PASTOR MAYBE. IT IS TRUE WHAT THE BLOGGER SAID PREVIOUSLY: LIE WITH DOGS, GET FLEAS! I'M A BELIEVER, BUT I SURE DO NOT WANT OBAMA OR HIS WIFE TO LIVE IN OUR BELOVED AMERICAN WHITEHOUSE. MAYBE THERE IS AN ULTERIOR MOTIVE AND MAYBE NOT, BUT DO WE REALLY WANT TO TAKE A CHANCE WITH OUR FUTURE SAFETY
JR 03.16.08 8:30P

jr | 03.16.08 11:31 PM

ELECT OBAMA AND HE WILL MAKE THE "W R I G H T"
CHOICE...... NO THANKS!

jr | 03.16.08 11:32 PM

ELECT OBAMA AND HE WILL MAKE THE "W R I G H T"
CHOICE...... NO THANKS!

jr | 03.16.08 11:33 PM

Wright's strong sentiments were echoed in the Sunday morning service attended by NewsMax.

Wright laced into America's establishment, blaming the "white arrogance" of America's Caucasian majority for the woes of the world, especially the oppression suffered by blacks. To underscore the point he refers to the country as the "United States of White America." Many in the congregation, including Obama, nodded in apparent agreement as these statements were made.

john | 03.17.08 07:42 AM

He has simply been exposed, and it's over. Too bad, I was hoping we might have a real change in America. I don't think we want the "Change" that Barack endorses.

BTW, Barack, Michele and Rev. Wright; Residency in the U.S.A. is completely voluntary. If you don't love our country, leave it, it's a simple as that. This country was born of privleged Anglo-Saxons who wanted to escape religious tyranny. As white as we are, it was our forefathers who sacrificed their lives in order to make it possible for you to live and speak in public. A little appreciation would be in order. For those blacks who consider me racist and ae looking for an apology; you won't get one. Consider what your standard of living would have been had your ancestors not been sold into slavery. Would YOU be better off? I truly do feel remorse for what happened to those that were sold into slavery, but that wasn't YOU>

Rob | 03.17.08 12:32 PM

I am embarrassed by the comments made by rev. wright. I denouce them for myself, because they would produce no positive action in my life's journey. Although raised catholic, because of my marriage to a baptist woman (daughter of preacher, no less) I have visted many black churces and often hear preachers attempt to take world events mix them with local sentiments of a disenfranchised people and craft social commentary, underscored by their intrepretation of biblical truths. most miss the mark for me. I have experienced racism firsthand, 1 of 1.8% of the population in orange county california, who identified as black(that's what we were back then), but never stopped believing in America. I lost a lot faith in Americans along the way, but never lost respect for what America stands for. this election has given me a sense of pride in Americans (I have always been proud of America), because the willingness of people to seriously consider a black person or female as president. in all fairness (its the American way), I'd like to see his (wrights) body of work (20 years is a long time), because people change, even pastors. my father in-law thinks well of him, doesn't agree with his approach, but respects his biblical knowledge. I would even like to see the whole sermon related to his much cited remarks for context, although it is difficult to imagine what possibly could have been said before or after the excerpts to make them easier to take. and as for comments by rob (3.17.08 12:32); it's that kind of paternalistic sentiment that underscores our inability to finally end rascism. black folks and other minorities have contributed as much or collectively more to building of this great country as white anglo-saxons. your comment that rationalizes the horror of slavery is arrogant and historically unsound...how would the world be without the slave trade and economies that thrived (America included) because of it. lastly, if obama did take in the messages of wright and still believes in hope and change and inclusion then he has all the vetting neccessary to deal with our diverese country.

oward | 03.17.08 05:08 PM

As a European I am very concerned about this Obama character, and that the fact that the Americans could vote him to the Presidency in a kind of crazy hype. Please take a better look at this guy! He is very leftist, radical and will leave the Mid East in a big mess, i'm afraid with hasty, ideological driven decisions. And that where there is such a good, stable candidate in Hillary. I just cannot believe it.

Don | 03.17.08 08:52 PM

Don | 03.17.08 08:53 PM

Shouldn't someone ask Obama if Michelle heard any of Wright's messages? I imagine he will deny Michelle witnessing any either.
Shoudn't someone ask Obama if Wright is going to remain active within the church after"retirement" and do "guest" speeches?
Shouldn't someone ask if the new pastor is going to continue with Wright's message and if Wright will be an advisor to the pastor?
Obama has said he will remain active in the church, will the new pastor change the mission statement of the church?
Exactly how much money has Obama contributed to the church under Wright's leadership? I have heard over $20,000 last year.Shame someone would donate that much money and not "hear" the message.
Obama knew Wright gave Louis Farrakhan high honors from the church,did obama support this decesion?

DFH | 03.17.08 10:21 PM

Obama apparently was very comfortable listening to 20 years of rehtoric about how violent and evil America is. Now he promises to surrender all of the progress and sacrifice we've made in Iraq. Is it because he thinks doing so will be good for America? Or is it what he thinks America deserves in the way of punishment?

scott | 03.18.08 01:50 AM

In reading the speech of Obama I think he has answered many of the questions and I like many others do not understand why he stayed in a church so full of hate toward white people. My pastor nor has any pastor I have ever heard spoke about the blacks or whites for we believe in the what has happened in the past is over and done with and the bible says we are to forgive. If you are preaching it then you are still angry and my feelings is that Pastor Wright was sooooooooo wrong.

I do have some questions as to why Barack did not put his hand over his heart when everyone else did during the National Anthem. Also why has he decided to no longer wear our lapel pin? We are all equal and we have different beliefs to some extent I guess but if you are going to represent the United States of America then you must feel the need (but believe) in these things.

I am not judging anyone for that is not my job here on earth and it is for a much better person than myself and will be done at the end of time.

I do not care if Jesus was black or white he is the one in charge. He gives us wisdom and expects us to use it wisely.

I think Obama has much Charisma and is conducting himself very well but he has admitted that at time the Pastor did these things but when he slanders innocent people that did not live in the times when slavery was going on I think Obama was agreeing with some of the minister's sermons or he would have walked out I believe he said if he had heard this and if he had disagreed. This is confusing to me and I am not discriminating for I was raised poor and we did not use bad words in speaking of blacks. I still like Obama and have not dismissed him in my consideration of the next President but I want to know will he use the Bible and put his hand on it when sworn in or do we have to change the way it has always been. I believe they also use the Koran. Is this important to me? Yes it is for he did not put his hand to his heart, he quit wearing the lapel pin and there has to be a reason.

edfrienz | 03.18.08 01:00 PM

In reading the speech of Obama I think he has answered many of the questions and I, like many others, do not understand why he stayed in a church so full of hate toward white people, our government and everything that we stand for.

My pastor nor has any pastor I have ever heard spoke about the blacks or whites for we believe in the what has happened in the past is over and done with and the bible says we are to forgive. If you are preaching it then you are still angry and my feelings is that Pastor Wright was sooooooooo wrong. He is a very angry man preaching trying to have the rest of the congregation angry with him.

I do have some questions as to why Barack did not put his hand over his heart when everyone else did during the National Anthem. Also why has he decided to no longer wear our lapel pin?

We are all equal and we have different beliefs to some extent I guess but if you are going to represent the United States of America then you must feel the need (but believe) in these things.

I am not judging anyone for that is not my job here on earth and it is for a much better person than myself and will be done at the end of time.

I do not care if Jesus was black or white he is the one in charge. He gives us wisdom and expects us to use it wisely.

I think Obama has much charisma and is conducting himself very well but he has admitted that at times but previously said had the pastor done that he would have left the church. The Pastor did these things but when he slanders innocent people that did not live in the times when slavery was going on I think Obama must have agreed with some of the minister's sermons or he would have walked out I believe he said if he had heard this and if he had disagreed. Now he does say that at times he disagreed but he did not leave and why did he not talk to his Pastor then. When I go to church if my pastor did one sermon like Pastor Wright I would be gone.

This is confusing to me and I am not discriminating for I was raised poor and we did not use bad words in speaking of blacks. I still like Obama and have not dismissed him in my consideration of the next President but I want to know will he use the Bible and put his hand on it when sworn in or do we have to change the way it has always been. I believe they also use the Koran. Is this important to me? Yes it is for he did not put his hand to his heart, he quit wearing the lapel pin and there has to be a reason. ec

edfrienz | 03.18.08 01:07 PM

I do have some questions as to why Barack did not put his hand over his heart when everyone else did during the National Anthem. Also why has he decided to no longer wear our lapel pin?

We are all equal and we have different beliefs to some extent I guess but if you are going to represent the United States of America then you must feel the need (but believe) in these things.

I am not judging anyone for that is not my job here on earth and it is for a much better person than myself and will be done at the end of time.

I do not care if Jesus was black or white he is the one in charge. He gives us wisdom and expects us to use it wisely.

I think Obama has much charisma and is conducting himself very well but he had said that if Pastor had preached those things he would have left the church. Now he does say he did do this at times. The Pastor things but slandered innocent people that did not live in the times when slavery was going on I think Obama must have agreed with some of the text of Pastor Wrights sermons or he would have walked out I believe he said if he had heard this and if he had disagreed and would have left the church. Now he does say that at times he disagreed but he did not leave and why did he not talk to his Pastor then? When I go to church if my pastor did one sermon like Pastor Wright I would be gone.

edfrienz | 03.18.08 01:15 PM

I do have some questions as to why Barack did not put his hand over his heart when everyone else did during the National Anthem. Also why has he decided to no longer wear our lapel pin?

We are all equal and we have different beliefs to some extent I guess but if you are going to represent the United States of America then you must feel the need (but believe) in these things.

I am not judging anyone for that is not my job here on earth and it is for a much better person than myself and will be done at the end of time.

I do not care if Jesus was black or white he is the one in charge. He gives us wisdom and expects us to use it wisely.

edfrienz | 03.18.08 01:16 PM

If any preacher said those things in my church, I would get up and walk out. Wright is certainly not a man of God and neither is Obama.

sara | 03.18.08 05:46 PM

Clearly what we have here is a case of individuals who never had support for Obama speaking up and venting. Just say that.

As a black man, I am highly embarrassed by the statements that the pastor made, but I can put this whole mess in context and place all blame on the pastor. As to Obama, his membership in such a "seperatist" church should have been public knowledge when he was running for the senate. I'd be concerned about someone with an attachment to a church that endorses hatred having any political representation at any level -- community, state, or national.

What I do find even more disappointing is that many individuals are screaming about Obama being racist and a proponent of hatred more on emotion than anything else. Value judgments made based on comments made by a third party individual. Sounds exactly like what his pastor was doing. Sound sounds like a school of thought that the pastor would be proud of.

Linus | 03.19.08 02:47 PM

Someone actually had the audacity to say Obama's said "Sorry", and asked What else can he do?.

How about quit politics in "AmeriKKKa" (as his friend and mentor calls it) entirely and move to Nazi Germany, where thoughts like this are encouraged (he got the "Jew" part right, but erred on the races - minor error there)? We don't need him here - we already have Farakkhan et al. to smile blandly as such hatred is spewed.

Jon Hausman | 03.19.08 10:39 PM

I planned on voting democract this election and wanted Hillery but was willing to settle for Obama if he was nominated. This last event caused me to look deeper into Obama and I agree with what is written here and this is just way to much and I beleive he has been very deceptive all along and it is over. He stands no chance to win if nominated. I think the democrats once again screwed up the porocess, divided the party and McCain will be our next president after the worst president in the history of our country. Howard Dean has to go. The Florida and Michigan mess shows how bad they organized. I never thought the republicans had a chance and now they are going to win.

David | 03.21.08 01:04 AM

I'm a reasonable person, I'm willing to beieve obama is as he claims. I just need someone to prove it to me. explain to me, just what are these great changes he plans on bringing about. Don't even try the make our country safe bull though because guess what: If your living in America, You're in the safest place in the world. Want proof. look up the statistics on terrorist activities in other countries. Now, whens the last time we were attacked in America? I don't know about you, but I feel no fear of eminent danger. I wouldn't suggest trying the. save the economy that was ruined by this illegal war in iraq. Guess what we manufactor almost nothing in America, everyone was enjoying an overabundance of everything, for years. How it didn't fall sooner baffles me. Inflated salaries, Inflated house prices, A multitude of government programs, helping those in need, snd those who just wanted a free ride. This war is a drop in the bucket compared to that, and compared to the alternative. Which is the one great change Obama has mentioned. I'll bring home the troops. Good Idea give them an opportunity to rebuild, then attack us over here, Brilliant. but then again this is coming from the same man that will gladly meet with the Irainian president. Oh wait, sorry. Almost forgot. He decided after hearing the other candidates that he wouldn't meet with him. Lets see, he promised many great changes, I just can't recall any others that he's mentioned. Oh that's right Unite us bringing forth a colorblind society. reminds me of a coworker I once had. it was just because he was black that he couldn't get ahead in life. made sure to tell everyone, everyday. Then oneday, his cousin, who interestingly enough, also happened to be black said."Shut up!!! I'm just as black as you. I've got a good job, nice car, home, and a good life. And that is america. The only one that can stop you from achiving your dreams is you. regardless of your ethnic background. Obama's a good speaker, and ever-ready to play the race card. his whole campain is based on it. Question anything be labled a racist, by the likes of an Antiamerican, antiwhite church??? By " I have no comment there's much more important things we're focusing on" the reverend jesse "the biggest racist of all time " jackson. What's more important jesse?? oh yea that don imus thing. good thing you got that one taken care of. anyway, ive comepletely lost track of where I am in this rant, so I'll just end with this. Puting this man in charge of our country. having him make the decisions that need to be made makes about as much sense as saying "abolishing affermative action lessens the number of qualified candidates for each posistion" another intellegent jesse quote. anyway prove me wrong.

Rick | 03.23.08 02:12 AM

FLORIDA DEMANDS REPRESENTATION (FDR)

1.7 million Florida Democrats voted on January 29th, 2008 and we need to get our delegates seated based on the outcome of our votes.
We have set up a petition and our goal is to get 1.5 million signatures.

Please attend one of FDR's Statewide rallies on April 26, 2008.

You can download our petition and monitor for all rally location announcements

here: www.fldeservesrecognition.com

Required petitions fields are just Name, signature, city, and state.

(Note: You do NOT have to be a Florida resident to sign)

Thanks!

John | 04.15.08 08:34 PM

John | 04.15.08 08:36 PM

I wish the ignorant would quit repeating the lies they hear on Fox News. I'll tell you one more time for those of you that are slow:
- you are not supposed to cover your heart during the national anthem. That's the pledge. For the anthem you face the flag with respect.
- obama covers his heart during the pledge as you are supposed to.
- Obama NEVER suggested he would have Rev Wright on his cabinet.

You have been told again. If you repeat these lies again then YOU are the liar!!!

jim w | 05.24.08 12:46 AM

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March 14, 2008

Obama: Wright Is Wrong

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