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Cliff's Notes for Obama's Race Speech
March 18, 2008 2:04 PM
My the full dot-com write-up is HERE.
Or, if you prefer, here are some excerpts, organized as a narrative.
1. How we got here to this speech today
"On one end of the spectrum, we’ve heard the implication that my candidacy is somehow an exercise in affirmative action; that it’s based solely on the desire of wild and wide-eyed liberals to purchase racial reconciliation on the cheap. On the other end, we’ve heard my former pastor, Jeremiah Wright, use incendiary language to express views that have the potential not only to widen the racial divide, but views that denigrate both the greatness and the goodness of our nation; and that rightly offend white and black alike."
2. Wright is Wrong (and I'm Not Anti-Israel)
"But the remarks that have caused this recent firestorm weren’t simply controversial. They weren’t simply a religious leader’s effort to speak out against perceived injustice. Instead, they expressed a profoundly distorted view of this country – a view that sees white racism as endemic, and that elevates what is wrong with America above all that we know is right with America; a view that sees the conflicts in the Middle East as rooted primarily in the actions of stalwart allies like Israel, instead of emanating from the perverse and hateful ideologies of radical Islam."
3. Yes, I've Heard Some Controversial Stuff in the Pews
"For some, nagging questions remain. Did I know him to be an occasionally fierce critic of American domestic and foreign policy? Of course. Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered controversial while I sat in church? Yes. Did I strongly disagree with many of his political views? Absolutely."
4. But Disowning Him Would Be Like Disowning the Black Church Itself…or My Grandma
"The church contains in full the kindness and cruelty, the fierce intelligence and the shocking ignorance, the struggles and successes, the love and yes, the bitterness and biases that make up the black experience in America. And this helps explain, perhaps, my relationship with Reverend Wright. As imperfect as he may be, he has been like family to me. He strengthened my faith, officiated my wedding, and baptized my children. Not once in my conversations with him have I heard him talk about any ethnic group in derogatory terms, or treat whites with whom he interacted with anything but courtesy and respect. He contains within him the contradictions – the good and the bad – of the community that he has served diligently for so many years. I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community.
"I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother – a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed her by on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe. These people are part of me. And they are a part of America, this country that I love."
5. We Need to Talk About The "Racial Stalemate We’ve Been Stuck in for Years"
"Race is an issue that I believe this nation cannot afford to ignore right now. We would be making the same mistake that Reverend Wright made in his offending sermons about America – to simplify and stereotype and amplify the negative to the point that it distorts reality."
6. Why Wright and Blacks Are Angry
"For the men and women of Reverend Wright’s generation, the memories of humiliation and doubt and fear have not gone away; nor has the anger and the bitterness of those years. That anger may not get expressed in public, in front of white co-workers or white friends. But it does find voice in the barbershop or around the kitchen table. At times, that anger is exploited by politicians, to gin up votes along racial lines, or to make up for a politician’s own failings. And occasionally it finds voice in the church on Sunday morning, in the pulpit and in the pews. That anger is not always productive; indeed, all too often it distracts attention from solving real problems; it keeps us from squarely facing our own complicity in our condition."
7. Why Whites Are Angry
"A similar anger exists within segments of the white community. Most working- and middle-class white Americans don’t feel that they have been particularly privileged by their race. Their experience is the immigrant experience – as far as they’re concerned, no one handed them anything, they’ve built it from scratch. They worked hard all their lives, many times only to see their jobs shipped overseas or their pension dumped after a lifetime of labor. //when they hear an African American is getting an advantage in landing a good job or a spot in a good college because of an injustice that they themselves never committed; when they’re told that their fears about crime in urban neighborhoods are somehow prejudiced, resentment builds over time. Like the anger within the black community, these resentments aren’t always expressed in polite company. But they have helped shape the political landscape for at least a generation. Anger over welfare and affirmative action helped forge the Reagan Coalition."
8. I = America
"I am the son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas. //I have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins, of every race and every hue, scattered across three continents, and for as long as I live, I will never forget that in no other country on Earth is my story even possible. //it is a story that has seared into my genetic makeup the idea that this nation is more than the sum of its parts – that out of many, we are truly one."
9. America Can Change
"The profound mistake of Reverend Wright’s sermons is not that he spoke about racism in our society. It’s that he spoke as if our society was static; as if no progress had been made; as if this country – a country that has made it possible for one of his own members to run for the highest office in the land and build a coalition of white and black (APPLAUSE) Latino and Asian, rich, poor, young, old -- is still irrevocably bound to a tragic past. But what we know -- what we have seen – is that America can change. That is true genius of this nation. What we have already achieved gives us hope – the audacity to hope – for what we can and must achieve tomorrow."
10. What Blacks Can Do to Fix This Mess
"For the African-American community, that path means embracing the burdens of our past without becoming victims of our past. It means continuing to insist on a full measure of justice in every aspect of American life. But it also means binding our particular grievances – for better health care, and better schools, and better jobs - to the larger aspirations of all Americans -- the white woman struggling to break the glass ceiling, the white man whose been laid off, the immigrant trying to feed his family. And it means also taking full responsibility for own lives
11. What Whites Can Do to Fix This Mess
"In the white community, the path to a more perfect union means acknowledging that what ails the African-American community does not just exist in the minds of black people; that the legacy of discrimination - and current incidents of discrimination, while less overt than in the past – that these things are real and must be addressed. Not just with words, but with deeds."
12. Stop Covering the Wright Controversy and Talk About Race and My Platform Instead
"We can play Reverend Wright’s sermons on every channel, every day and talk about them from now until the election, and make the only question in this campaign whether or not the American people think that I somehow believe or sympathize with his most offensive words. We can pounce on some gaffe by a Hillary supporter as evidence that she’s playing the race card, or we can speculate on whether white men will all flock to John McCain in the general election regardless of his policies. We can do that.
"But if we do, I can tell you that in the next election, we’ll be talking about some other distraction. And then another one. And then another one. And nothing will change. That is one option. Or, at this moment, in this election, we can come together and say, 'Not this time.'...This time we want to talk about the fact that the real problem is not that someone who doesn’t look like you might take your job; it’s that the corporation you work for will ship it overseas for nothing more than a profit."
- jpt
March 18, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (172)
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How many people close to Bill and Hillary went to jail?
Why is Sandy Berger Hillary's foreign policy adviser? He was caught stealing government papers.
Why is Maggie Smith running Hillary's campaign? She removed papers from Vince Fosters office...then lied.
Ask youself why the media want the Clintons back in the Whitehouse.
They can't wait for all the juicy stories.
We'll go thru one disgrace after another...just like before. Bill has not changed. Hillary is still an enabler.
A common President for a common American people.
Posted by: JB | Mar 19, 2008 9:51:35 AM
He could have made a difference. He could have stood up and been a leader and caused real change by standing up many years ago and saying what he said yesterday, but he chose to be silent and to not challenge an older man he clearly admires and loves as family even when that man was clearly wrong.
His speech was a good one to have been given many years ago. Instead, he sat and listened in this church and did nothing and let those words of his church and his pastor stand unchallenged until it was politically necessary for him to take action. Obama has been a member of this church for over 20 years; he contributed over $20,000 to the church; he was married in the church; the minister baptized his children and he has referred to the minister often as his inspiration. If he missed what was happening, what does that say about his perception, his awareness and his JUDGMENT!
He now eloquently “explains” with great understanding and compassion the basis of this hate speech that he originally said he didn’t hear. His conduct is characteristic with his absence from the senate during the “Iran Vote”; characteristic of his “missing in action” in the Illinois legislature; characteristic of voting present 130 times; characteristic of his “agreeing with Senator Clinton” after she has answered a complex question. How does Obama represent a strong leader when he failed to confront his own minister about his “hate language”; when he fails be present for the Iran vote; when under pressure he reveals bit by bit new information about his relationship with Rezko or his relationship with Rev. Wright? Following, not leading.
Should he be the President, he will always have the “first question” and he will have to stand up and be present and say what the country stands for. He didn’t have the right stuff in years past as he attended this church for 20 years and allowed these issues to brew and did not speak up. He doesn’t have the right stuff now to stand up and make difficult decisions on complex matters that may have devastating consequences and face those consequences, and yes, sometimes failures.
Posted by: AmazonTraveler | Mar 19, 2008 9:50:18 AM
Can't blame him for trying to gloss over his relationship with Rev. Wright but his speech didn't upgrade his credibility with me in the least. However, his lame excuses may have caused many to pause from other serious questions about who the man really is and I give him credit for that.
Obama is the least qualified of any candidate or prior president I can remember. (Hillary also fits into that measurement.) Obama has never held an executive position in either business or public service, never authored or succeeded in adopting significant legislation, never served in the military and has no record of significant achievements in his life.
He has only visited 4 foreign countries in his lifetime, including trips to Africa to see his black grandmother. He wants us to rely on this depth of foreign policy experience? He says he is as qualified to be president as was Abraham Lincoln. EXCUSE ME! I knew Abraham Lincoln and Mr. Obama, you are no Abe Lincoln! (At least I am old enough to FEEL like I knew Lincoln.)
Barack Obama is no more than an eloquent, charismatic paper-hanger and we should think beyond what he says and look into what he is. Kinda empty in there isn't it.
Posted by: doofus | Mar 19, 2008 7:18:00 AM
Another speech?
Obama's speech is happening because of one thing only - the truth about his pastor and his church, the truth that Obama has been trying to suppress since before the campaign started, has been exposed. Thankfully, some real reporting has started and his free pass days are over. His speech, just as his panicked rush of interviews last Friday, is a reaction to his attempt to keep the ugly racist and anti-American underbelly of people who he has been extremely close to for over 20 years (8,000 church members go a long way in a state senatorial district election) under wraps has failed.
It's the result of
Obama's own very poor judgment.
If the speech was so important, why did it take days of playing his pastor's hateful rants on TV to get him to give it? It's political desperation as he sees his image begin to crumble as he finds himself running against two strong candidates who never give up and are unwavering in their love for country and disdain for racism. His candidacy is based on transcending these race issues and on being different and transparent. Yet he has attempted to hide this from us and has (badly) attempted to brush it away as and then to talk his way out of it. He's failed us and himself at every turn.
He's just another highly ambitious politician who's quite good at reading a scripted speech. No doubt, some adoring admirers will be bamboozled by yet another speech from the speech candidate.
Let's see him answer questions.
Posted by: Alicia | Mar 19, 2008 6:34:15 AM
Let's compare what Obama has said in the past with what he said today. Several things do not match and others, taken together, cause even more questions than answers. Obama's statement today did not satisfactorily address his relationship to Wright. Whatever his grandmother might have said, I doubt it could rise to the level of "God damn America" or "We asked for 9/11" as shouted from the pulpit by Rev. Wright. Nor can Grand-Ma's racist statements to a few people compare to the hundreds, possibly thousands of people over the years in Wright's congregation who were subjected to his racist/hateful sermons. In the background of those recordings were the loud "amens" of his congregation; apparently in support of Wright's ideology. While a member of that congregation Obama must have stood-up and cheered "Amen!" along with the rest of the congregation every week. It is a statistical marvel that over 20 years Obama has managed to never be present when any hateful/racist statements were made by Wright. Would Wright, with his strong unabashed "public" statements, not mention nor discuss any of them with Obama at the "personal" level, one-on-one? Obama likened Wright to be as close as a "family member." He can't have it both ways: Either he was "close" and so, had to have known of Wright's ideology, or their friendship was so "distant" that he could not have recognized Wright's ideology? It's difficult to fathom how he could have made Wright the "religious compass" of his campaign without knowing of Wright's statements. Most people change churches when the Pastor preaches the opposite of what they believe. Obama had to at some level agreed with the Pastor's vile ideology, AND accepted it--otherwise, such a hateful/racist person as Wright would have repulsed any true "non-racist" person. We need a more complete understanding of Obama's "real" core beliefs before we make him our President.
Posted by: SolidSkeptic | Mar 19, 2008 3:46:19 AM
I am glad for Obama's Christian faith; will he now idenitfy the Islamic/Enlightenment sorcery of color and eliminate color racial references in the nations laws that continue to establish these toxic constructs in our society?
Posted by: Malulani | Mar 19, 2008 2:11:52 AM
I'm in my 70's now but in earlier times I spent 30+ years of my life as a contractor to the government living and working overseas, trying to promote America while at the same time working to thwart the designs of the USSR. I left when my daughter was 5, her mother was killed when she was 7 and I only found out about it long after she was buried and even then could not return home for almost 2 years. I only saw my daughter every year or two and sometimes 3 for the next 30 years. I spent 6 years in Southeast Asia and 25 in Africa, I retired and returned to the U.S. in 1998. I mention this so you have some idea of the commitment it took to do my job. I'm not looking for accolades, thank you's or pity. This is the work I chose of my own free will and I accept the many short comings and negatives that went with it.
I can't tell you how offended I was to hear and see Obama's wife make the statement she made about being proud of America for the first time in her adult life. While this spoiled brat and her husband were enjoying the good life in the U.S. it was people like myself and thousands of others better than me that made it all possible.
It's hard for me to believe that some one like Obama, a man who as a boy, while living in Hawaii and who had a friendship with and was indoctrinated by a man known to be a member of the Communist Party, is now running for president of the U.S. I believe this is possible because America's youth have been conditioned to accept the Democrats and their preaching by the left, teaching in our schools that has taken place over the last 50 or so years. Obama refers to this association in his first book when he relates his intimate friendship with a man he identifies only as Frank, who in actuality was Frank Marshall Davis a journalist with far left tendencies. As I listened to Obama's speech today it was reminiscent of the speeches I heard made by any number of Socialist, Communist or Marxist despots around the world who were always read to blame any one except themselves or their cohorts for the troubles that the country was in. And who always promised to change every thing if only they were elected
Posted by: Fred | Mar 19, 2008 12:18:13 AM
Oh the irony is killing me!
Geraldine Ferraro was right all along.
If a white man would have been associated with an anti-American, racist, hate filled preacher for 20 YEARS, they would have been ousted IMMEDIATELY. No questions asked! Give an apology and see you in 4 to 8 years.
However, Senator Obama LIED (again) to the American people about what he knew and when he knew it. Back peddled for a minute and then is allowed to give a speech where he doesn't even disavow this man?!?
He admits to lying a couple of days before and throws his Grandmother under the bus to boot!
It's as if I'm in some bizarro world where everything Wright is right instead of wrong.
Mark my words, GOP 527 groups will destroy him if he takes the nomination. All you are going to see from convention to election are constant loops of
No, no, no, G*d D**m America! Among other things
P.S. If the Reverend gets a pass, why did he speak out against Don Imus?
Is reverse racism ok?
Posted by: Real_Talk | Mar 18, 2008 8:53:26 PM
VFJ I don't usually point the finger. But, I will at anyone who will have the position of making choices that effect my world. Everyone rip Bush apart (including me)when he made choices that we were not particularly in agreement about. The WORLD/OVERSEAS grouped us all as the cope rates. I had at that time and now have nothing to do with any of it. But, because Bush is the commander and chief when he makes those choices I then without any say became part of it. So, I will point the finger at Obama and anyone else that will have the job of making decisions on behalf of my life. This job isn't one to be taken lightly, it controls all of our fates. Whether we are black, brown, blue,or green. I want to make sure the person going in understands that so they can put their personal views and opinions in their pockets.
Posted by: Mgck59 | Mar 18, 2008 7:47:19 PM
For every finger you point at someone...three comes back at you! I'm for Obama!
Posted by: VFJ | Mar 18, 2008 7:29:48 PM
Don't really care who wins: I agree with you 100%. I could care less what color, gender, nationally you were just be for ALL the people. Don't talk out both sides of your mouth. Talk one way for black folks, and another way for white folks..... Talk to the PEOPLE what is the agenda that you can't be straight in the very beginning. Someone didn't do their homework if they had it would have been realized that Pastor Wright was going to be a liability. If they didn't that says a lot about whoever is running his campaign.
Posted by: Mgck59 | Mar 18, 2008 6:02:30 PM
How was this different from his other stump speeches? It addressed a new topic in the same way he's draped everything he discusses, in generalities and hyperbole. Nowhere did I hear a suggestion of taking responsibility for supporting and even exposing his children to the divisive beliefs of Rev. Wright for 20 years. In a campaign he himself has framed around judgement he refuses to acknowledge how bad a decision it has been for him to stand by those who propagate radical racial views.
Sen Obama can preach about ending divisiveness all he likes now but his failure to address it in his life and with the congregation he spent most of his adult life in speaks volumes about how deep his convictions are. If he refused to tackle the very issue he claims to hold paramount to all others in his community why would anyone believe his speech today?
Sen Obama simply uses race and high ideals as tools to serve his political interests. This speech was just another creative use of playing the race card to meet the ends that benefit him.
Posted by: Bateman | Mar 18, 2008 5:44:18 PM
What We’ve Noticed About the Speech
By SusanUnPC
www.noquarterusa.net
Everything I wrote earlier today holds (here, here, and here) — a long speech notwithstanding. But there is more. Much more. (A NoQuarter regular sent me a terrific “rant” that I’ve added at the end — do not miss it!)
Obama LIED repeatedly in the weeks before today’s confession. Today, he said, “Did I know him to be an occasionally fierce critic of American domestic and foreign policy? Of course. Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered controversial while I sat in church? Yes. Did I strongly disagree with many of his political views? Absolutely …”
Obama told the Chicago Sun-Times on March 15, 2008, “But the sermons I’ve always hear were no different than the sermons you hear in many African-American churches. I had not heard him make such, what I consider to be objectionable remarks from the pulpit. Had I heard them while I was in church, I would have objected. Had that been the tenor of the church generally, I probably wouldn’t be a member of the church.”
On March 14, when CNN’s Anderson Cooper asked Obama if he ever heard from others about Rev. Wright’s controverisal remarks, Obama replied with a flat “No.”
Obama had the audacity to say this today: “….And the lack of basic services in so many urban black neighborhoods – parks for kids to play in, police walking the beat, regular garbage pick-up and building code enforcement – all helped create a cycle of violence, blight and neglect that continue to haunt us. This is the reality in which Reverend Wright and other African-Americans of his generation grew up.”
How dare he? With the hundreds of thousands of poor people (including thousands of black people) he ignored in Chicago — whose plight he claimed to be unaware of — while he cozied up with his pal Rezko? Read about The Forgotten People, whose stories will sicken you.
OBAMA LIED!
Posted by: USVet | Mar 18, 2008 5:35:39 PM
I persoannly would LOVE to elect a President that truly unifies the country and helps us meet the challenges of the future.
I don't care if Obama is Purple, Pink or Green (well I'm not sure about Green - experience does count).
As for UNITY: he is attacking groups to win votes (slicing and dicing). He is attacking old people (agism) and wealthier people (not really "populism")
As for CHANGE: he wants to move BACK to old policies. Ones that do not work.
Actually, I think it is rather sad who we have to selcted from (probably our own fault). What have any of the three really accomplished in the world: McCaim was a POW, H. Clinton was the wife of a Governor and President, and Obama was a community activist.
Posted by: Don't really care who wins | Mar 18, 2008 5:15:49 PM
Did he or did he not lie about him hearing those Pastor Wright's sermon for the first time?
Did I also understand that to achieve a perfect union, eventually eliminating racism, America will have to elect him as president?
Eloquent but wrong speech. The question is why did Obama tolerate his pastor's sermon and still does? Is it because Pastor Wright is bitter about America's attitude towards race? So this is understandable and acceptable behavior?
What did Obama say that we don't already know about race?
He is addressing the issue now because he was exposed. He is a politician after all.
Posted by: Sam1 | Mar 18, 2008 5:10:18 PM
I meant let's the blame rest on his minister.
Posted by: irma | Mar 18, 2008 5:01:13 PM
we all know the skeletons of McCain and Hillary.
You Obama lovers just can't accept that many people now wouldn't vote for him.
Posted by: Lexi | Mar 18, 2008 4:58:23 PM
Obama wrote about what is wrong with his minister. Excuse me, but we don't really care what and how the minister thinks. We care about the guy who wants to be President. For example; It bothers me that YOU OBAMA chose the church, YOU are behaving like it's all about the minister. YOUR CHOICES/JUDGEMENT AND YOUR DESIRE TO BE PRESIDENT. It really bothers me that you may have chosen this church for political reasons, I'm sure rubbing elbows with Oprah showed you possibilities there as well and now you are allowing anger to be aimed at your minister. You gave an entire speech where you blame your grandma and your minister. What about YOU?
Posted by: irma | Mar 18, 2008 4:52:16 PM
There seemed to be a lot of flags around Mr. Obama strange for a man who refuses to wear one on his lapel. It appears that since Rev Wrights sermons hit the airwaves he has found an elusive concept, patriotism! Yesterday he end his rally by saying God Bless You and God Bless America! Maybe his wife and Rev Wright will be his converts too!
Posted by: russell | Mar 18, 2008 4:47:17 PM
Unifying the country on race is Obama's day job. In the evenings and weekends he can let his hair down and hang with his separatist mentor and friends.
Posted by: no pasaran | Mar 18, 2008 4:40:40 PM
Every politician and religious figure that puts themselves above others falls.
Posted by: mimi5 | Mar 18, 2008 4:40:30 PM
As an African American woman it wasn't enough for me. Oh his words are pretty, very well scripted. I was told today by my peers that I am too hard on Obama. I should demonstrate forgiveness. I am not perfect. No, I'm not! But, I also am not running for the position of President of the United States either. The highest position in the NATION representing ALL AMERICANS! Not just the ones you choose to represent. He should be scrutinized, raked over the coals, and whatever else it takes to fill that position. The position he is applying for is not an easy one, and he better suck it up if he plans to fill it. Because if he gets elected you can guarantee it will get a whole lot harder than this. Not just from America but around the world. Don't think the Whole world is watching and making it's own conclusions. What are we going to do than run to his defense, tell the world STOP IT he's Obama our first black president don't be so hard on him. HE SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE for what his pastor. His pastor is the herder of the sheep the congregation. I grew up in a Christian household regardless of whatever the pastor was doing. Mama always said Pastor said this, Pastor said that. So don't tell me not to hold him accountable! HE WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE WHOLE NATION if he should happen to fill the presidential position. Yeah and they all lie but, he himself presents this I'm the new change coming. I don't see it!
Posted by: Mgck59 | Mar 18, 2008 4:40:07 PM
What was his side of the story? I didn't get answers about why he is so close to this man. Okay maybe 30 years ago his preachings were different but its not like Obama didn't see the change. He still calls the man uncle, he still had him baptize his child and he still financially supported the church in which this pastor spewed his hate. He never explained why he kept this relationship with this man, as an American and a registered voter thats what I wanted to know. I didn't want to hear what he disagrees with, I wanted to hear what this man preaches now that he does agree with.
Posted by: just an average joe | Mar 18, 2008 4:39:15 PM
Martin DeLorean,
Great speech! Very powerful!
While he denounced Rev.Wrights anti-American sermons. I still have questions.
How may men, women and children were in attendence and unlike Obama believe every word. I still feel Rev. Wright's semons were dangerous and anyone who sit though them has to believe some of what he's saying.
I know I would never sit and listen to these anti-American, Hate, Conspiracy sermons. God Forbid never would I want my Children or Grandchildren to hear such HATE.
Today he claimed he was in attendence at some of these sermons. Were his children also in attendence and if so how do you explain to you children some of the terrible things that GODS MINISTER has just said. I find so much of this very troubling.
I wonder what kind of a President Obama would be if for 20 years he said nothing sat back and listened. Yet now he speaks out about all the wrongs in politics.
Posted by: concerned | Mar 18, 2008 4:36:19 PM
I dont think the President or any politian can EVER solve racism in this country. I dont think they could even make a dent. They have way too many political allies etc to keep an eye out on. Politics, by design is even dirtier than racism!
The ONLY viable thing politians can do is to ensure the laws we have stay intact, and possible set some new ones.
I know we will have a better chance with Hillary, especially with our current economy. If the economy gets worse, racisim will get worse. I know she has a much better grasp on the economy.
Racism will not be solved in our lifetime. But I do believe that Religious leaders, teachers and even so much Hollywood products (movies/tv) can enlighten us and relieve the racial tension. This is one of those "Time will heal all wounds" kind of thing!
Posted by: Uniter not a Divider | Mar 18, 2008 4:31:23 PM
Dogsoldier:
Some examples of poor American foriegn policy? OK, you brought it up. Let's start with the U.S. funding the rebels in Afghanistan to fight the Russian occupation. How much money and weapons did the U.S. dump into funding and even training a "radical" group, whose leader, coincidentally, ended up being the leader of the group that caused 9-11? And when the Taliban took over, where was the U.S. then? We just left them high and dry. This is not Saudi Arabia, but events that occured there did have a major influence in shaping Arab opinions of America. I could go on with example after example, but I will give you a chance to concede the point gracefully.
Posted by: Geekmoid | Mar 18, 2008 4:27:41 PM
geewil, who can disown his mother, his father, his brother, his sister, his uncle, etc. Having a crazy uncle home has never disqualified somebody to be president. OBAMA08
Posted by: BKMC | Mar 18, 2008 4:27:14 PM
Obama’s association with Wright, who officiated his wedding, baptized his children and served as his spiritual adviser, is developing a potential damaging credibility problem for his campaign of hope and change. The direct political effects of the relationship remain unclear, but some telling clues showed Obama had a pastor problem.
Posted by: Lexi | Mar 18, 2008 4:24:56 PM
Past: After listening to Rev. Wright's sermons it is you conclusion that it is Clinton supporters who are devisive. Maybe you did not hear the same sermons that I heard. Then again are you going to beleive me or your lying eyes?
Posted by: russell | Mar 18, 2008 4:23:10 PM
Obama did not address the “judgment and character” issues that he’s running on.
Posted by: Lexi | Mar 18, 2008 4:22:12 PM
In Obama's 20 years at his church he hasn't changed the "tone". How is he going to change the tone in Washington?
Posted by: mimi5 | Mar 18, 2008 4:20:24 PM
I believe to various degrees We ALL have racist qualities. Obama is great at pointing out what the problems are in his speach....but he didnt mention that he had any of these qualities. And as always he tells us what the problems are in this country. I didnt learn anything I didnt already know. (except for his grandmother).
He has supported a racist (wright) spirtually, personally and finacially all these years! WHOM as of Friday HE DENIED that he ever heard any of this stuff until he started to run for President. Now today ...OH YEAH he knew.
As far as comparing seperating himself from Wright is the same as seperating from his grandmother.....To me that is sad. His grandmother raised him under great duress to herself, and her love knew no bounds. Yet he sees the two as the same.
All very sad.
Posted by: mickeyfan | Mar 18, 2008 4:19:56 PM
Nice speech --- I'll go as far to say very good speech
But Obama still hasn't won me back to his side. He will not get this Democrat's vote in November if he is the Nomination.
I really don't know what Obama can say or do to 'win' my support back. I am not really sure if he can do anything to tell you the truth.
I just don't trust him.
Posted by: chobie | Mar 18, 2008 4:17:28 PM
Obama says he cannot "disown" Wright. So be it. Obama is admitting he is unfit to be President.
Posted by: geevill | Mar 18, 2008 4:16:25 PM
Alison-
Of course Obama wrote the book himself but it was inspired by his ANTI-AMERICAN racial spiritual mentor pastor Rev. Wright.
Posted by: Lexi | Mar 18, 2008 4:15:13 PM
On face value a nice speech.
But as someone who opposes Obama, I still do.
Typical Obama, he himself is ABOVE IT ALL! He mentioned EVERYBODY ELSES racist qualities, except himself.
But being the nice guy he is, he did out his White grandmother as a racist! She raised him and loved him and he just (figuratively) threw her under the bus for political considerations.
Posted by: hurricanefan | Mar 18, 2008 4:15:10 PM
If people are looking for truth, or even journalist accuracy, find a copy of Obama's speech. It's all over the internet and it's quite different than the soundbites offered by Political Punch. It is exactly the opposite of most of these postings - it is an attempt at honesty, empathy and reconciliation. Political Punch has a political agenda - and it is not to help elect Barack Obama.
He might not make it to the Presidency - which given the press bias, the lobby-which-cannot-be-mentioned-by-name, and the ruthless tactics of the Clintons, is likely. But it was a powerful and hopeful speech and I find it remarkable that Political Punch portrayed the speech as divisive and racist. Read the speech. The entire thing.
Posted by: Mara | Mar 18, 2008 4:14:28 PM
Geekmoid-Perhaps you can name the "bad American policy" that caused Saudi Arabians to kill themselves on 9/11. What bad American policy did America do to Saudi Arabia?
Posted by: Dogsoldier | Mar 18, 2008 4:13:41 PM
Basically, all I got out of it is that it is everyone elses fault that they think the preacher is an anti-American racist. It is not the preacher's fault that he is an anti-American racist. And even more important, it is not Obama's fault that he bought into this preacher.
It is just silly to me that Obama claims he never knew of this venom spewed from the mouth of that ignorant fool.
I dont think the preacher's comments reflect upon Obama's personal beliefs, but I do believe he lies about not knowing the preachers reputation. ("I did not hear racist comments from that preacher.")
Politics as usual. So much for change.
Posted by: Wright or right? | Mar 18, 2008 4:13:25 PM
For the love of God Obama is not dividing this country, you ignorant Clinton people are just listen to yourselves! You are so blind but you choose not to see which is the shame in itself! Instead of continuing this negative commentary, why don't you get off your lazy behinds and do something positive that really makes a difference! Oops, I am sooo sorry, I forgot you support Hillary, you know nothing of positivity. If anything, you are the divisive force of America! But don't forget, she will need Obama supports to win in a general election!
Posted by: Past | Mar 18, 2008 4:12:40 PM
Ok Obama is now tied closely to an Anti-American Spewing Minister (if you can call him that), a terrorist, A slumlord, and just think this was all found out with the liberal media protecting him, so I wonder what else there is!
It explains why he does not wear the flag.
Why on Friday did he say he never heard the pastor speak like this? and know he is trying to tell everyone to stop reporting it, uh NO, Barrack Hussein Obama EXPLAIN YOURSELF or PULL OUT OF THE RACE!!!!
Posted by: Stopthe Libs | Mar 18, 2008 4:11:12 PM
Commander Guy
Glad you can offer some advice and glad to use it.....
But the irony is in Obama saying he is the embodiment of transparency, but in the same breath say he got money from Rezko.
The irony is Obama saying on Friday 03/14 that he dint hear Wright's comments in church, but reversing today on 03/18 and saying that he did hear comments while in church.....It is called the credibility problem....he doesnt have any.
Sorry ....but you got ripped off!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: MattOhio | Mar 18, 2008 4:10:54 PM
Jon, America is about one man one vote, you can keep your vote for Hillary but millions are out there with their vote for Obama. OBAMA08.
Posted by: BKMC | Mar 18, 2008 4:10:24 PM
Moe:
Actually, Mr. Wright's pronouncements about 9/11 and American foreign policy in many ways were correct. 9/11 was partially a result of bad American foriegn policy. And before you go and wrap yourself in a flag and call me a "blame America first liberal America hater," get one thing straight: I love this country. I think it is the greatest country in the world, and I will do everything I can to defend it. That includes defending it from idiots like yourself, who seem to think that patriotism is blindly following everything that your leaders say and tell you. I love this country enough to admit that, while we have done a lot of good in this world, we have also done some bad. I love this country so much that I want to admit to our past mistakes, so that we can fix them in the future, and hopefully do even more good in the world, so that we can again be placed in a position of respect and reverence, and have it be well deserved.
Posted by: Geekmoid | Mar 18, 2008 4:09:54 PM
Well, Obama sounded pretty presidential this morning.
He lied. That's what they do, right?
Posted by: Belle | Mar 18, 2008 4:08:47 PM
Throughout Obama’s campaign he has been accused of style without sustenance, and this speech is probably an example of that. I think if he was sincerely interested in the topic he would have made it an issue from the beginning, but you got to give Obama credit for his ability to address the situation in way that in intelligent and non-divisive while still bringing attention to the matter and not sweeping the issue “under the rug”. That Obama is able to pull off this save, I believe, is a good indicator of his ability to navigate tricky situations – an invaluable asset for the political arena.
Posted by: matt | Mar 18, 2008 4:07:56 PM
Perhaps Obama could have listened to Robert Kennedy and learned something. Robert Kennedy said: "I have not come here to propose a set of specific remedies nor is there a single set. For a broad and adequate outline we know what must be done. When you teach a man to hate and fear his brother, when you teach that he is a lesser man because of his color or his beliefs or the policies he pursues, when you teach that those who differ from you threaten your freedom or your job or your family, then you also learn to confront others not as fellow citizens but as enemies, to be met not with cooperation but with conquest; to be subjugated and mastered."
Posted by: Dogsoldier | Mar 18, 2008 4:01:34 PM
Obama may jave a cute smile a look younger than he is but he still voted to extend the war without strings.
He is just as self serivng a politician as Mitt Romney. Just cuter.
Posted by: hhkeller | Mar 18, 2008 4:01:12 PM
This is *not* change we can believe in. For the first time since the 60's, we now have the most explosive race controversy and commentary in decades. This is not unity, this is division. To use Obama's words, this is the old okey doke.
For the sake of our party, drop out of the race now Obama.
Mr. Obama is arrogant and lacks the judgment and character to be POTUS.
Obama's many speeches, books, and online posts reference and in many ocassions duplicate sermons, words, or books by the Rev. Wright.
Rev. Wright specifically endorses black theology and regularly quotes and/or references persons who are historical figures in black theology (this includes, James Cone).
As Rev. Wright has said on many ocassions, you should read James Cone. That is what Obama believes in (black theology). In Cone's words, he believes that the only God that should be worshiped is the one who will empower the AA community and *destroy* the white community. If you think I am making this up, go read for yourself.
Posted by: kaffeen | Mar 18, 2008 4:00:59 PM
Can someone tell me with this speech he gave this morning, what did he do in Illinois to further the cause of resolving this racial divide. He doesn't have to wait to be president of the U.S. to start uniting everyone. What did he do to unite Illinois? I think its a very valid question. If an Obama supporter can respond that would be helpful.
Posted by: mona | Mar 18, 2008 4:00:56 PM
Just one more note for now:
Bill Clinton is not a candidate in case you have been living in the past and are obviously not up to date. Even Obama said this race should be about the future... but oh he lapses into the past too so I guess it is not your fault since you are following your leader.
Posted by: DCVoter | Mar 18, 2008 4:00:15 PM
What about Obama's ageism? He touts his ability to get the vote of young people as if their vote is more important. All votes are equal.
Posted by: mimi5 | Mar 18, 2008 3:59:47 PM
Moe - I didn't think of it that way. Yes, you choose your friends not your family.
Point well taken
Posted by: mona | Mar 18, 2008 3:59:32 PM
Bess Cannon:
So, I suppose you think Hillary writes all of her own speeches? Wow, you are deluded! I'd be really interested to see just how much of each candidates speeches they actually write themselves. I'll wager a bet that Obama has a lot more control and influence over his speeches than Hillary. Obama '08
Posted by: Geekmoid | Mar 18, 2008 3:59:10 PM
BKMC - the proof is in an interview Michelle had last year where she said "Black America will wake up". Search for it... check the dates.
Time for work.
It is a sad day in the world when a candidate for the most diverse nation in the country uses his own race to divide it further even after admitting to being dishonorable.
"The race for President is all about character." - JFK
Posted by: DCVoter | Mar 18, 2008 3:57:47 PM
Why is it "black anger" and "white racism"? Racism is racism is racism.
Posted by: mimi5 | Mar 18, 2008 3:55:33 PM
It is interesting that Obama refused to answer press questions on this matter yesterday deferring to his upcoming speach. He knows that his only chance to survive is to give another speach and again swoon the audience. He is very scarey. If you have been mentored by someone from your young adult age, you have acquired their values and worldview. Fancy speaches and words do not change who you are.
Posted by: Laurie | Mar 18, 2008 3:54:26 PM
Enough of speeches! He will say anything and everything to get elected!
It is clear that the speech was well written by someone else.
Comparing Geraldine Ferraro to his pastor? Ferraro made racist remarks, but his pastor is beyond that.. his pastor is a racist, provocative, divisive and anti american.
There is no comparision.
I am surprised that obama still belives that he americans will vote for him. This shows how much he loves to grab the white house and the power so that he can execute what his pastor was screeming out in the church.
Think twice before you vote for this liar.
He lied about NAFTA, lied about Hillary, lied about McCain, about His religion, lied about his pastor's remark and more lies yet to come.
Not so proud comments of his wife..
What does all this tells us! It tells us he is not a straight talker..
You can see his paid campaign is shouting out in the blogs portrait them as intelligent trying to be positive.. but my friends, its over for Obama!
God bless america and save americans from these kind of racists
Posted by: Jon | Mar 18, 2008 3:54:06 PM
Obama created this issue that wasn''t there 6 months ago. Obamas quest to solidify a monolithic African American vote in the South has come back to sting him and America. The man is dumber than Bush.
Now he wants to lecture the country about race so that he somehow looks presidential when in fact he created the issue during his campaign. Obama is worse than Bush. Shame!
Posted by: hhkeller | Mar 18, 2008 3:53:46 PM
one just can't serve both God and the devil... speaking out of both sides of the mouth is not going to unify this country... the junior senator from illinois stated last week that if he had heard these incendiary remarks he would have quit the church... today he states that he has heard the pastors so called controversy remarks but didn't agree with them, begs the question, at what point of the 20 plus years is/was obama going to quit the church and reject the hate and anti-american theme his church stands for??? not to mention the state of mind of his wife, michelle, stating that this is a mean country and for once in her adult life she is proud of this country, which alludes to the same mentality of this anti-american themed church... i like obama and have given obama the benefit of the doubt time and again, but i have more questions than answers... and a leader of this country should not be a part of an organization and/or religion that spews hate with anti-american views by any means... just doesn't add up
Posted by: Cyclops | Mar 18, 2008 3:52:46 PM
Nice try, but Obama's magic tongue has lost it's magic. And he refuses to "disown" Wright. That makes everything he said in the rest of the speech hypocrisy and therefore meaningless. You can't continue to embrace the same things you denounce.
Posted by: KDH55 | Mar 18, 2008 3:52:43 PM
Obama did not "give" a speech, he "read" a speech written for him and transferred to cue cards he kept watching. He wouldn't make any comments last night because his speech wasn't written yet and he might have contradicted something the "writer" put in it. Obama has proven he is a hollow empty suit full of hot air. I hope everyone now votes for anyone BUT Barack Obama.
Posted by: Bess Cannon | Mar 18, 2008 3:52:25 PM
How does claiming Geraldine Ferraro harbors "deep-seated racial bias" unite people?
Posted by: geevill | Mar 18, 2008 3:50:15 PM
This was one of the most candid, beautiful, and bravest speeches I've ever seen in my life. I want Obama as our President.
Posted by: Stephanie Dray | Mar 18, 2008 3:48:25 PM
BKMC - I did not say it was black people's fault. In case you dont remember, I have a international family of many races including AA - so please dont call me a racist.
I said Michelle started the divisiveness and his campaign has been ill-advised in their strategy. I blame Axelrod, Michelle, and Obama for opening the old wounds which opened the racial divide that was almost healed from within. Axelrod has always had a strategy to: grow the electorate by getting more young voters, lock in the black vote, and use the liberal dems' money. The payback is obviously to the Kennedy Kerry clan.
Obama and Michelle both stated early on that if they can show Black America they can get whites, then they can get all the black support. In doing that, Obama then attempted to cut in to the democratic core supporters. It looked like it was working UNTIL he started being vetted, the Rezko trial began, and he dropped the race card a few times or got caught lying about campaign contributions and his involvement with Rezko. With this fiasco, we shall see if the tide has shifted permanently now that he admits to lying and refuses to remove his daughters from a separatist church with inappropriate hate speech in its sermons. I think he drove the wedge deeper with the racial statements against white voters today. It is unfortunate that he did not do the right thing and atone. He did not put his country before himself as any leader should have done. Spitzer is a more honorable man than he is.
Posted by: DCVoter | Mar 18, 2008 3:46:36 PM
I am sorry but why is Obama bringing this up now? My feeling is that he thinks it will help him in someway win the election. Why didn't you bring that up when you found out about your pastor's inflammatory remarks? And please we are smarter than what you think Obama, so no more lies, you knew before hand that Wright was rough on the edges but played it off as if we would never find out. The lies and the arrogance will sink you Obama. Either now or later. I rather it be now so we don't go thru another 4 years of having an inexperienced president trying to figure what to do in the White House.
Posted by: PB | Mar 18, 2008 3:45:32 PM
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